COGNAC. Martell Family. 2 letters from Louis-Gabriel Lallemand, Bordeaux, June 15, 1776, and October 9, 1779, to “Messrs. Veuve Martell Lallemand & Co.” (his nephews Jean and Frédéric Martell) in Cognac; 9 pages, quarto size, addressed envelopes, one bearing a red wax seal (slightly dampened). Louis-Gabriel Lallemand was the business partner and brother-in-law of Jean Martell (1694–1753), founder of the famous Cognac trading house. June 15, 1776: “The persistent bad weather—always rainy and cool for the season—is consequently detrimental to the flowering of the vines; we will soon know the outcome, as we are moving forward and will soon reach St. John’s Day. Despite this, there are still sellers offering brandy at 130, as well as buyers”... He is referring to the coopers of Mortagne, whose craftsmanship he does not yet fully understand... “Always send, on the first boat from St. Savinien or Rochefort, an English-style planer attached to the barrel for planing the bottom, along with a dozen wicks”…