[Two Autograph Letters Signed to Vice-Admiral Le Blanc and Admiral Guy-Victor Duperre discussing Colomb's Desire to be Sent to Serve France in the Marquesas Islands]. by COLOMB, Capitaine Joseph - 1829

Rochefort, 1829. Letter. Near Fine. No Binding. Both Rochefort, 27 and 28 December 1849. Each Large Octavo (ca. 25,5 x 19,5 cm). Each 2 pp. Brown ink on laid paper. Mild fold marks and creases, otherwise very good letters. Two interesting letters giving an early mention of the French rule on the Marquesas Islands. The author, most likely addressing Vice-Admiral Le Blanc, Maritime Prefect of the Rochefort's port, and Admiral Guy-Victor Duperré (1775-1846), tries to convince them to grant him an officer position in the French garrison on the Marquesas. "Out of three regiments, of all adjutant captains, who live in France, I am one of the most senior officers, who has never been in the service in the colonies. Admiral, possibilities to go at war are very rare in the naval infantry, you may let me at least expose myself to some perils once my turn has come, and as I am entitled to it by right." [from the letter to Le Blanc] "In 1839, when you were the Minister of the Navy, it was in the most favourable manner that you welcomed a request of mine about a transfer from infantry regiments to the navy regiments <...> Admiral, that notable preferential treatment of yours makes me look for any opportunity to bring out greater services. A battalion has just been assigned to garrison in the Marquesas Islands. For a reason I cannot fathom out and contrary to orders, a captain adjutant-major, whose departure should not precede mine, has been appointed to join that battalion. I hold the most senior-ranking position of all adjutant-majors living in France and who have never served in the colonies. Either that right has been forgotten or it is not very well known. Admiral, the kindness you expressed in 1839 lets me hope that still today relying on your benevolent protection, I might get from the ministry a right of recall. Admiral Le Blanc, Rochefort's port admiral, to whom I forwarded my complaint through official channels, has allowed me to have it recognized." [from the letter to Duperre]. "The American Maritime Fur Trader Joseph Ingraham first visited the northern Marquesas while commanding the brig Hope in 1791, giving them the name Washington Islands. In 1813, Commodore David Porter claimed Nuku Hiva for the United States, but the United States Congress never ratified that claim, and in 1842, France, following a successful military operation on behalf of a native chief (named Iotete) who claimed to be king of the whole of the island of Tahuata, took possession of the whole group, establishing a settlement (abandoned in 1859) on Nuku Hiva. French control over the group was re-established in 1870, and later incorporated into the territory of French Polynesia" (Wikipedia). .