Nine manuscript business letters from the Melbourne merchants and importers Curcier & Adet to the French cognac house Messrs. Otard Dupuy & Co., reporting news of the Australian brandy trade, shipping and other matters.

The nine letters are in very good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Each is 1p., 4to., and all nine are bifoliums with the address and postmarks on the reverse of the second leaf. Each letter docketed by Otard Dupuy; one carries long notes in French by the house, and another calculations by them. The letter of 25 March 1874 gives a good indication of the tone of the correspondence: 'Dear Sirs | We confirm our list of the 25th ultimo and have yours of the 22nd. January per "Nubia" | A fair business has been done in Brandies during the past month, we have been successful to dispose of a few lines, but so much Brandy coming forward from Europe hinders large transactions or an increase of quotations. | We thank you for your kind assurances and you may rest assured we shall continue as we have always done to push forward the sale of your Brandies | The "Poonah" arrived on the 7th. February and discharged the 200 Qu. Casks in good order and condition | The "Aristide" arrived on the 21st. instant from Charente | Our Mr. Adet & family arrived safely by the last Mail Steamer from Europe'.