CREUTZ, J.J.- ALS.- J.G. DE MEY VAN STREEFKERK.- [Recipient].- KIEV.- 1788
Fascinating account from J.J.Creutz, officer in what seems to be the Russian Army, grandson of J.G. de Mey, former Mayor of Leiden, the recipient, written from 'Kiew in de Ukraine, den 13/24 maart 1788'. Opening 'Zeer Waarde en Veel Geleerde Grootvader', officer Creutz starts his account with general inquiries after the health of his grandfather, followed by an account of his position in the Armee [Creutz is now the 2nd highest ranking officer in his 'Corps'] under the command of the brave Romantroff. The encampment is on the banks of the Dnieper and the army marches towards Poland heading for Turkish territory. Creutz discusses caviar, fish, wine and the richness of the land. His place at the table of General ['en Chef'] Muller. The final part discusses marching orders for Poland, his detachment to the troops of Count Soltkof. Creutz mentions that he will be brave and honour his repuatation, as did his great grandfather before him in the 'Brandenburgschen Armee'.
Kiev, autograph, 1788. Folio [Meas. appr. 37 x 22.5 cm] now 4to [18.5 x 22.5 cm] but w. 4 further folds down to lettersize 7.5 x 11 cm. 77 lines in autograph and 1 signature. (3 pp., 1 page w. address 'Wel Edel Gebooren Heer Den Heere J.G. de Mey Heer van Lekkerland, Streefkerk en Oost-Souburg op de Heerengracht bij de Utrechtse Straat Amsterdam'). (Address side w. a small part torn from the paper due to the broken seal opposite; remains of red lacquer seal.). (top left of first page '24 maart 1788' in dark ink, partially obscuring the first words of the beginning of the letter. Jean Gijsberto de Mey [1701 - 1788, died 27 May, some 8 weeks after receving his grandson's letter from Russia]. Biographically challengeing due to 'more famous' relatives in Van der Aa & NNBW such as in vol. 8, p. 1150: Jonkheer Meester J.G. [Jean Gijsberto] de Mey van Streefkerk [1754 - 1844], read law at Leiden and was promoted there 1775. Belonged to the 'Veertigraad' of Leiden from 1784 - 1788. Various positions and eventually Mayor of Leiden in 1820. Member of the Curatorium of Leiden University. And idem: Jean Gysberto de Mey [1754 - 18...], famous politician & personal adviser to Willem I. But in the end the 'age factor' was decisive. Officer Creutz on the banks of the River Dnjepr, writes '...dat Ued. bij aanhoudentheit eene volmaeckte gesontheit geniet...in uw hoogeklommen ouderdom, altoos vernieuwde kragten en rekken uw leevensdagen nog lange...'. De Mey was 88 when he received the letter.

Antiquariaat B.M.Israel B.V.
Professional sellerBook number: 13471
€ 650.00 [Appr.: US$ 750.3 | £UK 562.25 | JP¥ 111132]
Keywords: ordner Marriott2019 document letters autographs ordnerBrk