[ELEPHANTS IN PARIS, 1798]:

[ELEPHANTS IN PARIS, 1798]: A very interesting A.L.S., `Letourneux´, by François Letourneux (1752-1814) French Minister of the Interior under the Directory, two pages, 4to, Paris, 11th March 1798, to the Minister of war, in French. A letter of rare content between ministers referring to an exceptional situation. Letourneux states having been informed at this precise moment that `the elephants of the Stathoulter [from Holland], which were since quite a while staying at Cambrai…will reach Paris this evening. Their arrival will take place at the Invalides and could take several days. Crowds won´t stop going to this location and will disturb and obstruct the process. This could even end up with accidents..´ further explaining what he considers should be done, saying `a troop detachment will accomplish this task better than the National Guard..´ Letourneux also recommends to inform Jussieu the director of the Natural History Museum. With blank address leaf. G £400-600 The two elephants Minister Letourneux refers to were belonging to William V of Orange.