Gouraud, Francois Fauvel (1808-1847) Letter Signed, 29 November 1839.

Gouraud, Francois Fauvel (1808-1847) Letter Signed, 29 November 1839. Single sheet of wove paper with a period photo-mechanically reproduced letter in Gouraud's hand of self-introduction and an invitation to a private showing of daguerreotypes in New York, scheduled for Wednesday, December 4th, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Hotel Francais at 57 Broadway, with day of the week, date, and hour of commencement added by hand and signed by Gouraud; at least two other copies of similar letters have surfaced, old folds, 9 3/4 x 7 3/4 in.

"Dear Sir, As the friend and pupil of Mr. Gaguerre, I came from Paris by the British Queen, with the charge of introducing to the new world, the perfect knowledge of the marvellous process of drawing, which fame has already made known to you under the name of the Daguerreotype. Having the good fortune to possess a collection of the finest proofs which have yet been made either by the most talented pupils of Mr. Daguerre, or by that great artist himself, I have thought it my duty, before showing them to the public to give the most eminent men, and distinguished artists of this City, the satisfaction of having the first view of perhaps the most interesting object which has ever been exposed to the curiosity of a man of taste, and therefore if agreeable to you, I shall have the honor of receiving you on Wednesday next the 4th Dec. from the hours of 11 to one o'clock inclusive at the Hotel Francais No. 57 Broadway, where this invitation will admit you. I remain Sir Your mo: obedt servant, Francois Gouraud, New York, 29th Nov. 1839."