CAILLIÉ (René).
CAILLIÉ (René).
Autograph letter.
Dated Paris, March 13, 1830, 1 f. in-4.
René Caillé (1799-1838) was the first western explorer to return from Timbuktu, Mali, which he had reached in 1828.
He published his famous "Voyage à Tombouctou" in 1830.
In this letter addressed to Prince de Polignac, Minister Secretary of State for External Relations, he requested an audience to offer him a copy: "My journey to Timbuktu has just been published, I had the honor to present a copy to the King. His Majesty deigned to receive it with great benevolence".
Attached the engraved portrait of Caillé - on strong vellum and before the letter (Couche fils sculp. - freckles). This portrait was used as a frontispiece of his work. Also attached a color engraving representing a Lady of Timbuktu (stains).
