165 CHAUMONT (Alexandre de). Relation de l'ambassade de Mr l - Lot 165

165 CHAUMONT (Alexandre de). Relation de l'ambassade de Mr le chevalier de Chaumont à la Cour du Roi de Siam, avec ce qui s'est passé de plus remarquable durant son voiage. Paris, A. Seneuse & D. Horthemels, 1686. In-12, 231 p., 29 p., [2] p. (privilege), pl., half-basin with smooth spine (19th century binding). First edition containing the list of presents made by the King of Siam and brought by Chaumont to Louis XIV, illustrated with 6 plates (out of 9), 2 of which are folded. Alexandre de Chaumont (1632-1710) was appointed ambassador extraordinary to the King of Siam by Louis XIV in December 1684. He left Brest in March 1685 and arrived in Siam on September 24. Chaumont's mission had both religious and economic objectives: to obtain, if possible, the conversion of King Narai to Catholicism, to negotiate guarantees for missionaries in Siam and to obtain commercial advantages for the French East India Company. However, the choice of Chaumont as ambassador turned out to be ill-advised. He spoke no foreign language, lacked diplomatic tact and got bogged down in trivial details of protocol. Although Chaumont obtained certain commitments from King Narai, he was largely manipulated by the Greek minister Constantin Phaulkon, who endeavored to water down the promises made. The treaties were only signed at the last moment, without Chaumont having been able to really negotiate. The religious protocol was never implemented, and the commercial treaty was deemed disappointing. Despite its limited results, this embassy was part of Louis XIV's strategy to counter Dutch influence in Southeast Asia. Three plates missing, small lack on one folded plate, light angular wetness on several leaves without affecting the text, some foxing and other minor defects. (Cordier, Indosinica, 935).