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Location: BC Misc letters (bound): OSBORNE

Note: The letter relates to the Battle of Camaret Bay. The original letter mounted and bound with a typed transcript. In June 1694 the Marquess of Carmarthen was serving as Rear-admiral of the blue squadron in the fleet under John, 3rd Lord Berkeley, and, as the junior, was placed in command of the squadron detached to cover the landing in Camaret Bay, which was attempted on the 8th of that month. A preliminary investigation had shown him that the strength of the defences had been much underestimated, and, on his suggestion, the covering force had been largely increased, Carmarthen hoisting his flag for the occasion on board the Monck, a 60-ton ship. The batteries and entrenchments, however, proved still more formidable than ever he had judged; one of his ships was sunk, and the other sustained severe damages, while the attempt to land was repulsed with great loss. This letter was written the day after the battle.

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Location: BC Misc. letters 2

Note: In French. Bears a seal. The writer is the author of 'Contes du temps passé' (Contes de ma mère l'Oye). He writes here in his capacity as administrator in charge of building projects, asking M. de la Planche, who is addressed as 'Tresorier...des bâtiments'to be at Versailles the following day to pay the workers. The letter having passed through various hands, notes have been added above and below the text. Above, it is stated that the writer is Claude, brother of Charles, who was an architect and protégé of Colbert, and that the seal is Colbert's. Below, this authorship is contradicted and it is stated that the writer is Charles, which seems more likely since the subject-matter is more relevant to the work of an administrator. Charles too was closely allied with Colbert.

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