LACARRIERE LATOUR, Arsène (1778-1837). A series of ten autograph manuscripts, Havana and Vera Cruz, 1820-1833.

In French and Spanish. 65 pages, 250 x 200 mm to 323 x 200 mm (occasional wormholes)

A series of reports on Havana and Vera Cruz, likely prepared for Don Alejandro Ramirez and the Spanish authorities, concerning the population, economy, fortification and other aspects of the two cities, 1820-1833. Lacarrire Latour, a trained engineer with experience in military fortification, was apparently employed by the Spanish government to survey and report on the status of several important colonial cities, especially Havana and Vera Cruz. The manuscripts include a lengthy report on the harbor and city of Havana, describing Havana's flourishing economy between 1815 and 1821, local agricultural products (sugar cane, coffee, tobacco), trade with Europe, the United States and South American colonies; with statistics, and a section discussing possible future expansion of the city and the growth of its economy (n.p. [probably Havana], n.d. 16 pages (incomplete at end). Other reports include: "Note sur les sucreries de l'le de Cuba." Autograph report giving extensive details on Cuba's sugar industry: "il y a environ 500 sucreries dans l'ile de Cuba..." (5 pages, folio). * "Note sur le Port et la ville de Vera Cruz." Autograph report on Vera Cruz, presenting a plan to develop and protect the harbor from winds (n.p., n.d. 5 pages). * "Note sur le Fondeadero de Anton Lizardo." Autograph report on plans to transform the Fondeadero de Anton Lizardo into a military harbor for Vera Cruz (n.p., n.d. [1826]. 3 pages). * "Apuntes sobre el castillo de St Juan de Ulua" [fortress of Vera Cruz]. Autograph report in Spanish on the fortress and its potential as a military base (n.p., 1826. 5 pages). * Autograph report on the bridge of Mariano (n.p., n.d. 4 pages). * Partly autograph report on public health in Havana (n.p., n.d. 4 pages). * "Notes sur la situation topographique, et sur les circonstances gologiques du sol de la ville de la Havana, de ses fauxbourgs et de ses environs." (n.p., n.d. July 1833. 5 pages).