Charles MORNET (1863–1942), sailor and explorer. Letter from the ship (L.A.S.), aboard the Salazie, November 2, 1901, to a friend who was a colonel; 12 pages, in-12 format, on letterhead from the gunboat “La Surprise,” signed “The Former Commander.” At the time of his departure from China, after Émile Hourst had been chosen in his place to lead the great expedition up the upper Yangtze River and travel 3,200 km up the Blue River to Chongqing... “Do you also remember our conversations about the Yangtze? At the time, it was all just a plan, but it has now become a reality, since, according to the news I received just as I was leaving Shanghai, my friend Hourst has reportedly successfully navigated the rapids.” He recounts how he had unsuccessfully volunteered “to carry out this mission […]. I had thought I might be chosen and had informed my family, who had accepted the sacrifice”…