MAUPASSANT Guy de (1850-1893).
Autograph letter signed, Triel (s.d.) 3 pp. in-12.
He explains to his correspondent his difficulties "...Mr. Papin seems to me to be completely unaware of what it is to fit out a boat that has been laid up for 18 months. It took first 3 days to clean the bottom of the hull and then for the rigging and the sails..." he continues his explanation "...as for the trip from Antibes to Cannes it can take 10 days... unless there is exceptional weather. The boat can hardly sail at night and the crossing of the Esterel as well as the one of the Cap Camarat can only be done in safe weather. Add to this that the sailors of the south are the most polite and laziest of men...".
