René CAILLIÉ (1799-1838). L.A.S., Beurlay (Charente-Maritime - Lot 282

René CAILLIÉ (1799-1838). L.A.S., Beurlay (Charente-Maritime) January 28, 1835, to Edme François Jomard, member of the Institut; 1page in-4, address with postmarks. Very rare letter from the explorer of Timbuktu, about his miserable situation and his plan to leave for America. [In 1833, the Ministry of the Navy abolished the salary that had been granted to the famous explorer; he now received only an annual allowance of 3,000 francs from the Ministry of Public Instruction, but this too could be withdrawn at any time. Feeling his situation precarious, René Caillié considered leaving for America]. He thanked the Orientalist for his good feelings... "my resolution is made and my emigration stopped [...] You know as well as I do that I must give up the idea of having my position consolidated by the Chambers, the salary I am allotted depends on the whim of a Minister, and if it were only altered I would find myself in a state of extreme discomfort in relation to my family. It is not possible for me to occupy myself in France; my health is so bad that I am obliged to keep my room three months of the year to avoid colds and chest fluxes, the inactivity in which I am here makes my position even more unbearable, and in America under a warm climate I will be able to use my industry and devote myself to the happiness of my children"... He accepts the offer to recommend him to M Roux de Rochelle, "and if the information he deigns to give me supports my plans, then I will leave with more confidence, it is only uncertainty that worries me. Before my departure, I intend to obtain from the Minister a permit to stay abroad until my home is created and can reasonably replace the salary which my emigration will force me to give up"... Provenance: Grandidier library (small stamp in red ink).