64. Godard, Louis. Autograph letter signed (“Godard”), 2.5 pages (8.5 x 10.5 in.; 216 x 267 mm.), front and back on conjoined leaves of his extraordinarily decorative personal stationery engraved with balloons, in French, Paris, 15 March 1878, written to the Mayor of Avignon regarding the city’s commissioning him to perform ascensions. With integral autograph address overleaf. Slight toning; minor paper loss on margin of the second leaf, not affecting text.

French balloonist Louis Godard Aeronaut for the Government.

Godard writes in full: Mr. Mayor, The price quoted you by Montbrison for 800 f[rancs] is correct, but that was for an ascent in a Montgolfier in which a descent is made 5 minutes outside of town – which is of interest to no one – and in which an ascent is made to a height of 200 meters. If I have not asked for more, it is because it was Mr. [?] who pressed me not to charge more, but ordinarily these are not my prices.
A simple ascension in a 280 cubic meter balloon capable of carrying the aeronaut…100 F
The cost of gas and travel costs to be borne by the city.
Ascent with a trapeze exercise suspended by one hand…1,000 F
Ascent with a parachute descent…2,000 F
And the balloon containing 900 cubic meters of gas carrying 4 persons.
I would suggest to you also to take for a hundred francs, some balloons of 5 meters’ height containing [?] 4 meters of gas which will descend some fifteen or 20 leagues from the city, bearing the names of the cities which commissioned the flight [?], the letters 50 centimeters in height and each balloon carrying 5 parachutes dropping toys and hard candies – which are a very nice accompaniment to an ascent. I would make a dozen for you if you accept. So, Mr. Mayor, these are my prices. If by the end of the week I have not received your answer, I shall consider the matter closed. Likewise, sir, regarding the railway – it would be for only 3 persons. Were you to make a request to the administration, you would immediately be granted our passage. They never refuse the authorities, but I would be turned down. Please accept, sir, the expression of my deepest respect.
Godard Aeronaut for the Government
$4,000 - $6,000

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June 11, 2015 11:00 AM PDT
26662 Agoura Rd
Calabasas, CA, US 91302

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