Fleury

1772 · 5087 — Dechambault Quebec: 12 August 1772. Reference: Lande Political Economy of New France #245. Very Good/Poignant letter from Claire Gorgendière Louis Jolliet's daughter in a strong readable hand despite her advanced age at the time she lived to be 102 to her cousin François-Joseph Cugnet 1720-1789 a lawyer who floundered under the French Regime but thrived after 1760. The letter written 12 years after the fall of Quebec is still filled with a sense of regret for things lost in that cataclysmic event. It also discloses affection between the Gorgendieres and their Indian housekeepers. Translating from the French it reads in part ".I have heard M. de la Gorgendière her late husband mention that is was a company which they had formed together for the islands and that the papers had been lost at the siege of Quebec with many others. Concerning the parcel that Mr. Menage wants returned it contained a head-dress and one or two cotton dresses which M. de la Gorgendière had given to a girl who had served him for twenty five years. and there was also a little gold cross which he had given during the siege to Miss Guinette and a little virgin of ivory which he donated to a little chapel. She had part of what remained after the pillage." Information about this extraordinary woman whose life spanned Canada's formative years is scarce. 155 x 192 mm; 4 pages docketed on last page "Lettre de Mde. Veuve de la Gorgeniere à M. Cugnet. En explication du 12 Août 1772." Vertical folds a bit tender but very good condition over all. 12 August unknown books