#gallaher

Letter from Vandamme to Napoleon, 1809.

Context: Vandamme wanted to become a Marshal of the Empire, and was unhappy due to the long-time lack of promotion. This was written after the end of the War of the 5th Coalition. During the war, Vandamme had fought at the battles of Donauwörth, Abensberg, Ratisbon, and Eckmühl.

I will not conceal, Sire, that for some time now I have been distressed. I have kept my sadness to myself so long as the resumption of hostilities was uncertain. But now that Your Majesty has again brought peace to France, I feel I can make known my chagrin. Sire, to remain profoundly forgotten as I am overwhelms me, while I see the entire French army receiving great benefits and favors, and right before my eyes my equals are gratified with rank, dignity [that is, the marshal’s baton] and immense fortunes.

What am I now to think, Sire? What will my family think and those who know me? Am I in disgrace or can I still count on the goodness of Your Majesty? Without doubt, if one looks at my conduct, one must believe that I deserve Your Majesty’s goodwill rather than the bitterness of disfavor.

People don't often look back on the early 1900's for advice, but what if we could actually learn something from the Lost Generation? The New York Public Library has digitized 100 "how to do it" cards found in cigarette boxes over 100 years ago, and the tips they give are so practical that millennials reading this might want to take notes.

Back in the day, cigarette cards were popular collectibles included in every pack, and displayed photos of celebrities, advertisements, and more. Gallaher cigarettes, a UK-founded tobacco company that was once the largest in the world, decided to print a series of helpful how-to's on their cards, which ranged from mundane tasks (boiling potatoes) to unlikely scenarios (stopping a runaway horse). Most of them are insanely clever, though, like how to make a fire extinguisher at home. Who even knew you could do that?

The entire set of life hacks is now part of the NYPL's George Arents Collection. Check out some of the cleverest ones we could find below. You never know when you'll have to clean real lace!

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