MEHEMET ALI PASHA (1769-1849, Viceroy of Egypt, the Founder of Modern Egypt)

Fine Letter Signed in Persian and Italian with translation and transcription to Major General PONSONBY (Frederick Cavendish, 1783-1837, Governor of Malta) responding to Ponsonby's request to buy wheat from Egypt, through his representative Mr Calvert, he says that he "immediately gave Mr Bogho in charge of commercial affairs the order to deal with Mr. Calvert in accordance with the intentions of your Excellency, which was executed in March by this commercial house, Messrs. Briggs Comp. It was therefore established that what was needed between them, and the agreement will be communicated to Your Excellency both by Mr. Calvert and by Messrs Briggs ...", written on one sheet in Persian in an Arabic script and on the other leaf in Italian and signed, together with a lithographic print in poor condition, together 3 sides 4to., Alexandria, February

Mehemet Ali Pasha (1769-1849) was an Ottoman Albanian commander in the Ottoman army, who rose to the rank of Pasha, and became Wāli, and self-declared Khedive of Egypt and Sudan with the Ottomans' temporary approval. Though not a modern nationalist, he is regarded as the founder of modern Egypt because of the dramatic reforms in the military, economic and cultural spheres that he instituted. He also ruled Levantine territories outside Egypt. The dynasty that he established would rule Lower Egypt, Upper Egypt and Sudan until the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 led by Muhammad Naguib and Gamal Abdel Nasser. On the 1st March 1811 he massacred the Mamelukes in Cairo.
Ponsonby survived Waterloo despite severe wounds and being bled when he was finally being treated by a surgeon. He was nursed in his convalescence by Lady Caroline LAMB (1785-1828, Novelist and Lover of Byron). He went on half-pay in 1820, and was appointed "inspecting field officer" in the Ionian Islands in 1824. On 27th May 1825, he was promoted Major-General, commanding the troops in the Ionian Islands. The next year, on 22nd December 1826, he was appointed Governor of Malta, and remained there for eight and a half years.
Boghos Bey YUSUFIAN (1775-1844) was Egypt's Minister of Commerce and Foreign Affairs, he was Mehemet's Secretary.

Alessandria 25 Rajab 1243 Hegiro

Eccellenza

L'onorevolissima lettera che Vostra Eccellenza mi ha scritto il 10 gennaio anno 1828 mi fu presentata dal Signor Calvert, il quale si trova incumbenzato da Vostra Eccellenza per acquistare frumenti d'Egitto.
Ho dato subito al mis Bogho incaricato degli affari commerciali l'ordine di trattare col Signor Calvert conforme alle intenzioni di Vostra Eccellenza, il che fu eseguito per marzo di questa casa commerciale Signori Briggs Comp. Si è dunque stabilito l'occorrente fra di Essi Signori e il convenuto verra comunicato a Vostra Eccellenza tanto dal Signor Calvert, quanto dai Signori Briggs.
Somma a la soddisfazione mia, che siasi questa occasione presentata per darmi campo a provare lastima, che nutro per l'Eccellenza Vostra

Signé Mehemet Alÿ


Alexandria 25 Rajab 1243 Hijra

Eccellenza
The most honorable letter Your Excellency wrote to me on January 10th, 1828 was introduced to me by Mr. Calvert, who finds himself incumbent on Your Excellency to buy wheat from Egypt.
I immediately gave Mr Bogho in charge of commercial affairs the order to deal with Mr. Calvert in accordance with the intentions of your Excellency, which was executed in March by this commercial house, Messrs. Briggs Comp. It was therefore established what was needed between them and the agreement will be communicated to Your Excellency both by Mr. Calvert and by Messrs Briggs.
Joined to my satisfaction, let this given opportunity to prove the consideration, which I have for your Excellency

Signed Mehemet Alÿ

Item Date:  1828

Stock No:  40200