Collection of four items regarding the formation of a company for construction of railroads.
ADS, signed “Pecquet du Bellet," also signed "Beverley Tucker," "Cte de Barck," and "F. Carteret," three pages on two sheets, one 7.5 x 12, front and verso, with the lower blank half of the second page removed, and measuring 7.5 x 5, March 18, 1863. In part, "It is proposed by the Parties hereinafter mentioned that they form themselves into an agency to be called association agency for the transaction of business with the Confederate States Government, and the separate States Governments and Rail Road and other companies. The objects of this association are the following:
1. The negotiation of Bonds, obligations and all other business entrusted to their hands of the Confederate States Government, such as the purchase on commission of Ordnance Quartermaster and general Stores and supplies, for the several departments of said Government.
2. The negotiation of the Bonds of the several States, Cities, Corporations, and especially of the Rail Road Companies, within said States…
3. The negotiation for the procurement of charters on concessions to companies to be formed for the purpose of the construction of new Rail-Roads and the establishment of Lines of first class steamers which have become necessary for the development and increase of direct trade and travel between the Southern States and the great ports of Europe. Now Therefore it is agreed between M.M. Tucker and Pecquet du Bellet of the Confederate States of America and the Count de Barck and Mr. Carteret of Paris, that for the purposes herein above mentioned they do hereby form an association upon the following terms to wit:
1. That the said Tucker and Pecquet du Bellet contribute to the business, cash and all of the orders at present held by them from the Confederate States Government and any others hereafter directed to them and that the said Tucker will return forthwith to the Confederate States for the purpose of promoting the aforesaid objects and forwarding all papers and powers properly certified to M.M. Pecquet du Bellet, Count de Barck and Mr. Carteret, as soon as received."
A contemporary manuscript copy of a war-dated ALS, signed “Paul Pecquet du Bellet,” three sides on two pages, 7.25 x 12, April 2, 1863. Letter to Beverley Tucker, in part: “Since your departure, I have received several applications for C.S. cotton scrip from important manufacturers of Alsace…Mr. W. the English banker made a similar application for his Manchester friends who had no chance to subscribe to the Confederate Loan. Now should the the [sic] Government be willing to make the experiment could certainly sell for many millions of dollars worth of C.S. cotton scrip, said scrip to be convertible into C.S. Bonds bearing 7% at the option of the holders thereof…The fact that the loan has created a great appetite for this sort of speculation would render the task an easy one and the success certain…It would also realize a large portion of that which our Government will need after the restoration of peace. It would also create among the manufacturing classes–holders of these scrip, a powerful interest which would closely link their fortunes with the future destinies of our country. You have seen enough here to know that this French interest in our cotton crop would be the best mode, the most speedy one indeed to provoke on the part of the industrial [co]mmunity a call for recognition, to which the Emperor would be but too glad to respond."
ALS, signed “P. B.,” four sides on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, February 5, 1863. Letter to Tucker reads, in part: “Herlanger has recd a dispatch from his agent from Queenstown apprising him of the full success of their operation. De Barck told me so during the day and last evening the whole thing was confirmed to me by Sutter who held it a few minutes since from old S, own lips…By the Buy, it strikes me that now that the Herlangers are in full business operations with the C.S.A., we might succeed in carrying out our contracts with the Government through them, should you find any difficulty with them in England…The loan [James M.] Mason is engaged in raising must be the one for 2 million of dollars alluded to…Be this as it may De Bark is on D'Orignys track and will give him the chase until he finds him out…Welesly came to the Café last night enquiring again about the arrival of S. and declaring in the most emphatic way that his friends were ready as ever and getting very impatient for their capital is there down and waiting for this expedition.”
Autograph letter from Pecquet du Bellet, four sides of two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, February 13, 1863. Again to Tucker, letter reads, in part: “I have called to see our friend de Barck. He assures me that his interest will be clearly defines so soon as H agents who being the basis of the whole operation. He will at once get them to procure the necessary funds for your expenses and your trip to the C.S. It might be well, as a powerful inducement, to authorize me to include in the profits of this new partnership, those to result from your present contracts.”
In very good overall condition, with scattered toning, some fragile and slightly separated folds, and aforementioned trimmed page to document. A fascinating and highly-involved insight into the Confederate diplomatic effort in France during the Civil War. RR Auction COA.
