French diplomat and promoter of the Suez Canal. ALS signed 'Ferd de Lesseps,' one page, 5.5 x 8.25, December 22, 1882. Letter of recommendation, in French, to Monsieur Prefet. In part, 'Please allow me to recommend to you the man named Valin, a former serviceman who lives in Guilly, and ask you to give favorable consideration to his solicitation for the tobacco shop of this village, which is presently vacant...I shall thus be grateful to you for what you will be kind enough to do to improve his financial situation, which is quite precarious.' In fine condition, with light toning and a few spots. Accompanied by a full translation. RRAuction COA.
