Charles MOUCHEZ. 53 L.A.S., 1892, to his family;... Lot 386

Charles MOUCHEZ. 53 L.A.S., 1892, to his family; 250 pages in-8. Chronicle of a navigation in the Mediterranean. Charles Mouchez, who joined the French Navy in 1885, was the son of Ernest Mouchez, director of the Paris Observatory. Promoted to ensign in 1891, the following year he sailed aboard the Richelieu, a twin-screw battleship belonging to the Mediterranean squadron (reserve squadron). She left Toulon on June 2, 1892 for the Salins d'Hyères roadstead, then headed for Golfe Juan on the 16th. Next stop was Ajaccio, where it was stationed from July 19 to 28, then Bastia on July 29, before returning to Les Salins d'Hyères on July 31. From August 9 onwards, maneuvers were carried out at Golfe Juan, before the squadron returned to Les Salins d'Hyères. On September 17, the squadron returned to Toulon for the winter. The present correspondence, from Toulon, Golfe Juan, Villefranche, Ajaccio and Bastia, runs from April 25 to October 29, 1892; it comprises 39 letters to his mother, 10 letters to his father (who died on June 25), and 4 letters to his sisters. He writes of his installation on board, the organization of the squadron under the command of Vice-Admiral Vignes, the staff of the Richelieu commanded by Captain Melchior, the positions assigned to Mouchez, departure trials, supplies, equipment to be taken on board, visits ashore, the arrival of warships, service on board, drills (cannon fire, signals), maneuvers, navigation, watch organization, inspections, the death of his father, his succession to the Observatory and the publication of his latest work on hydrography, family news, etc.