In 1894, Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish captain in the French army, was tried and convicted for treason on evidence that turned out to be inconclusive at best. One of the key pieces of evidence was a “bordereau,” a list containing French military secrets, that Dreyfus was accused of passing on to the Germans. It was later proven that the actual author of the list was a French infantry major, Ferdinand Walsin-Esterhazy (1847–1923), who, despite the damning evidence against him, was allowed to retire to England while Dreyfus languished on Devil’s Island. Discovering the murky circumstances of the case—the recklessness of the French government in pursuing a speedy conviction against Dreyfus, the sloppy procedure of the court-martial—author Emile Zola wrote his famous open letter, “J’Accuse!,” laying bare the entire disgraceful affair. ANS signed “Es.,” one page on the correspondence side of a 4.5 x 3.5 postcard, May 31, 1900. Esterhazy writes to M. Morin. In part: “I have an appointment Sunday in Chelsea, and I am absolutely obliged to meet my friend…. On the other hand, I will be engaged perhaps Saturday evening, but I will call you surely Saturday afternoon. Please wait for me from two o’clock.” Accompanied by a mailing envelope (from a different letter) addressed to Morin in Esterhazy’s hand. In fine condition, with light soiling, and postal ink traces to blank portions. R&R COA.
