Description

Description: In this three-page undated autograph letter signed to Mr. Samuelson, we gather that Jules Gérard is preparing for an expedition. He is pleased that His Excellency (Lord Russell) is gracious to grant him “support important” and in a postscript adds that Lord Russell also takes a keen interest in “la question Africaine” (“the Scramble for Africa”). Seems that Mr. Henry Watt abandons Gérard after he reads Mungo Park’s humane depictions in Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa. He also mentions several significant names such as Sir Rodericks (the preeminent geologist) and Sir Frances Seymour of the Scottish Guards. Signed/ “Votre Dévoué Serviteur / Jules Gérard”

Written in French (transcript included) on 7” x 4 ½” ivory paper. Item #A02035

Jules Gérard (1817-1864) or “Gérard le tueur de lions” was a French Officer  who gained notoriety as the greatest lion hunter after he killed 25 lions in 25 years in Algeria. He chronicled his exploits in many books. including La Chasse au Lion (1858) and La Chasses d’Africa (1863).

Condition: Mailing fold line, in another hand someone has written “Jules Gerard The Lion Killer” at the bottom of the letter, otherwise in very good condition.