Louis Godin (1704-1760)
Autograph document signed (‘Godin'), Quito, 23 July 1737
In French. One page, 223 x 188mm, co-signed by Charles de la Condamine (‘La Condamine’) and Pierre Bouguer (‘Bouguer’). Provenance: Robert B. Honeyman (1897–1987, American metallurgical engineer and book collector); his sale, part III, Sotheby’s, 2 May 1979, lot 1190.

An account of the expenses of Godin, Bouquer and La Condamine during their scientific expedition to South America. Formerly in the Honeyman collection. Godin provides an account of the funds that La Condamine has found thus far. They have received 7,988 Peruvian piastres out of a total of 12,000. The remainder will be paid in silver or as letters of exchange. Condamine has not been able to find a creditor in Lima who can offer more than 12,000, so the group will resort to French funds when they run out. However, they will wait to enquire until they understand ‘les intentions de Sa Majesté et celles de Monseigneur Le Comte de Maurepas.’

See lots 353 and 358 for letters about the expedition by d'Ortous de Mairan and la Condamine.