Letter from Ch. [Hetheril?], Consular agent for Austria-Hungary, Caen, France, to...

"I have been most pleased to receive the volume of extracts from your family Mss. I have read the pedigree showing how you represent the Oglander, and I have been surprised to see the number of Norman names which belong to your ancestors. The intercourse between the two nations and specially between Southern and Normans must have been very great; and I am persuaded that, although they could not use Railways, they knew how to travel, and they would do it often and cleverly. I have not had sufficient time to go completely through your charming book, but I shall do it, and already I have been asked to speak about it at our next meeting. The extract copied from the journal of 1632 is evidently most interesting for Caen citizens. The burial is quite a picture, rather gloomy of olden times, and the account of the death of that poor young man is most touching. I am perfectly certain I have seen a part of it related in the Protestant Register. But your name was mutilated, and when I saw it for the first time I could not make it out. But now I see plainly that it is Oglander. I must find it again and shall be happy if I can send it to you in the nearest future. I am rather astonished that Mr. Long, the editor of your fine book has not published that extract. But it is often so with journals and diaries. Publishers seem to appreciate only facts of general interest, and do not make use of special, personal facts which give the true colour to the writer's character and his contemporary habits. Some years ago, we have been obliged to publish a most precious journal, the journal of Gouberville, a gentleman of the XVIth century, of which most incomplete and uninteresting extracts had been given. The two big in 4° [sic] are now out of print, such was the interest people found in reading the price of game and vegetables in 1536, and how the good squire managed to travel from Cherbourg to Blois in quest of the King of France. This is the kind of details we look for when we open a book of memoirs. Philosophical considerations are common place and can be found anywhere, but the document is rare. I am glad you remember with pleasure your visit to Caen. It is quite reciprocal. It has been a great pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I hope I have not seen you for the last time. Whenever you come, let me know in order that I may show you more hospitality. With kindest regards and best wishes for 1898.

P.S. Strange to say! I know very well Mr. Blashford, "le Marchand Anglais" who was living in Caen and to whom the young Oglander had a letter of introduction. I have in my family papers a leaf from the banking ledger de Rucquigny who was in those times the refugees banker in London, and I see that he had a very active business with that firm. I shall return in a week your copy"

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