Commander Pierre Loti pulls out the cannon! Autographed letter signed Regattas

  

September 9, 1896, two pages on a double sheet with the letterhead of “Commander” of the “Gunboat Le Javelot. On mission in the “Bidassoa.” Size: 21 x 13.5 cm. In 1896, Pierre Loti, already elected to the Académie française since 1891, commands the Javelot, a ship based in Hendaye whose mission is to monitor the Franco-Spanish maritime border. The Nautile, mentioned in the letter, is a small steam launch attached to the Javelot.

The letter, signed with his real name, Julien Viaud, reminds us that for the National Navy, he remains above all a servant of the State. A second very amusing letter from another commander of the Javelot, André-François-Joseph Coffinières de Nordeck (Letter dated November 12, 1893, small tear in the center) addressed to the same president is enclosed. A lively letter embellished with a drawing of a development of the port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz to better accommodate yachts near the “Siboure” bridge [Ciboure]. A magnetic frame in plexiglass for displaying the drawing is also included.

I have the honor to inform you that my orders have been given to the Nautile to assist at the regattas of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and to signal the start and finish with a cannon shot as you expressed your desire. President, the assurance of my perfect consideration. You will excuse me for not having shaken your hand before your departure; I had developed a pain in my back while taking a drive with a summer overcoat! As for the Luzette, we have had bad luck. Today the weather is truly splendid; we could have used that!

- After all, I think that if you are moored in the basin you mentioned, you won't be too uncomfortable. Saint-Jean-de-Luz could become a real center for yachtmen if we wanted to facilitate their work. You will say that I want to build ports everywhere, but it is necessary! I would like one for yachts near the bridge of Siboure [Ciboure], for protection against the surf.

The surf is the enemy. It is what I am fighting at Socoa! Thank you for your obliging offers. Here, there is enough to drive one to suicide or to marriage!

My family attacks me every week. If it rained too much, I would let myself go, but as I do not know the object of family presumptions and I know the value of freedom. I am waiting for nice weather! Perhaps that is a fault.

Below Pierre Loti in the uniform of a ship lieutenant, by Paul Nadar in 1893.