[ work in progress ]
Introduction
….
Compare Asselin’s letter to Dacier , the main body of which is, for the most part, identical.
[# 43a] Asselin to Minister of Foreign Affairs (Cairo, 1814.07.01)
English translation
[p. 55] To His Excellency,
Minister of Foreign Relations
[i.e., Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord]
Your Excellency,
The idea of tracing the origins of nations through the comparison and analysis of their languages is entirely attributable to modern European scholars. Yet, by no means are all spoken languages written down or recorded in works that would enable these scholars to conduct such a comparison accurately.
[…]
[p. 56] I also occupied myself extensively with the knowledge of the laws, customs, and especially the literature of the Arabs and Persians, and I succeeded in obtaining very satisfactory results in this field of study. In October 1811, I presented for the first time an outline of my work to the [Minister of Foreign Affairs at that time, Hugues-Bernard Maret,] Duke of Bassano, who received it with kindness and encouraged it with a pension of 1,500 francs. Since then, he has generously supported my efforts, inspiring well-founded hopes for the government’s continued generosity.
I am enclosing a copy of the documents he sent to Mr. Drovetti regarding my work, as well as the kind letter from His Excellency General [Antoine-François] Andréossy. These documents testify to the support granted to my work, which I am honored to present for your review. This work consists of:
[1] The translation of the entire Scriptures into the Abyssinian dialect spoken in Gondar [i.e., Amharic], as it is the most universally widespread in the eastern regions of Africa neighboring the Equator. This translation, begun seven years ago, is nearly completed, and I gave a detailed account of it last year in the journal Mines de l’Orient [vol. 3 (1813): 268–75]. This dialect can be compared with the ancient Ethiopic language [i.e., Ge’ez], which is the scholarly language of the country. It [Amharic] is the idiom used in the trade and exchanges that take place between the natives of Arabia and the Blacks of the interior.
[2] The fables of Lokman, Aesop, and Pilpay, a vocabulary, and dialogues in the same idiom.
[…]
[p. 57] It was on a portion of these works and on my services, as certified by Mr. Drovetti, in charge of the Consulate General of Egypt, that the request for a post as Secretary-Interpreter was based. I took the liberty of addressing this request, in 1811, to the Duke of Bassano.
I know the kindness with which Your Excellency welcomes and encourages the useful efforts of scholars and writers. I am also aware of the generosity with which You honor the servants of the State under your command. Therefore, I dare to request once more from You this favor. It is a distinction promised by the Regulations to active-service interpreters who have most distinguished themselves by their zeal and devotion.
It will be very gratifying and flattering for me to owe this mark of the [p. 58] government’s generosity, to which I attach the greatest value, to the protection and personal kindness of Your Excellency. You have long inspired in me the profound feelings of esteem and respect with which I have the honor to be, My Lord, Your Excellency’s most humble and most obedient servant,
Asselin de Cherville
P.S. The conquest of almost all the coasts of Arabia will naturally follow the occupation of the Holy Sites by the troops of the Pasha [Governor] of Cairo. From a commercial standpoint, France cannot ignore this occupation. It could allow France to introduce and distribute its manufactured goods throughout the peninsula by way of Egypt. In return, France could import Eastern products.
In this case, it will be essential to station a French agent in Jeddah or another Red Sea port. Through this agent, the government could obtain reliable data on the interests of Arab rulers. The agent could also gather information on the local population, products, and potential ties with Abyssinia and the eastern coasts of Africa.
Furthermore, the government would certainly benefit from advance information if the French fleet regains its former glory and sails freely again in Eastern waters. These major considerations prompted me to ask the Duke of Bassano for a transfer to Jeddah or Mocha [aka Mokha] as a vice-consul. I repeat them here only to prove my zeal and dedication to the service.
[# 43b] Letter of recommendation from Asselin’s superior, Drovetti
Alexandria, July 8, 1814
A civilized nation should be highly protective of its literary achievements. Citizens who bravely enter a difficult career to enhance this glory earn a clear right to the respect and gratitude of government leaders. I have witnessed the hard, late-night work that Mr. Asselin de Cherville constantly dedicates to his projects. His efforts will undoubtedly lead to great progress in the study of Middle Eastern literature.
Therefore, I make it my duty to praise the services of this administrative official whenever possible. I join him in asking His Excellency, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to grant him the support and rewards he requests. He fully deserves them.
[p. 59] I have the honor to be, with the deepest respect, Your Excellency’s very humble and obedient servant,
Drovetti
French text
…
Cross-reference
» Asselin de Cherville, Bibliography
» Asselin de Cherville, Letter to Dacier (1814.08.01)