The Committee nominated at Bourdeaux by the Prefect of the Department, assert, positively:
“The detail which we have just given, on the objects prepared by Mr. Appert, will point out to you that they were in a state of perfect preservation; that the means made use of do not depend on the addition of extraneous substances, and that these means are founded on a process invented or improved by Mr. Appert, which do not destroy the perfume or flavour of the subjects submitted to their influence.”
Rear-Admiral Allemand wrote a letter to Mr. Appert, of which I subjoin a copy.
“I communicated your letter, Sir, to the Captains, under my orders, and they tasted the day before yesterday the vegetables I purchased of you fourteen months ago, one bottle of which my maître-d’hôtel had by accident left in the store-room. As green peas and beans are just beginning to be gathered, the officers actually believed your preserved vegetables to be fresh, so well had you succeeded; they wish to purchase a large quantity of them, as well as soup, fruit, and meat in bottles. I shall also take a considerable quantity for myself at the end of the season.
“I am so well persuaded, Sir, of the infinite advantage which would attend the providing a quantity of articles for the use of the sick on board, that if his Excellency, the Minister of the Marine and Colonies, should do me the honour to ask for my opinion, I shall not hesitate to confirm this my opinion, as well for the sake of the government and of the sick, as of yourself. I shall take the earliest opportunity to speak with him on the subject. Accept the assurance of my high consideration.
“On board the Imperial Ship le Majestueux, at anchor off the Ile d’Aix.
(Signed) “Allemand.”
“7th March, 1807.”
Copy of a Letter of Vice-Admiral Martin, Maritime Prefect, to Mr. Appert, at Brest.