ALS in French, signed “A. Dreyfus,” one page, 4.5 x 6, no date (but bearing a pencil notation of “May 1908” in an unknown hand). In full: “Dear Madame and friend [male], I am sorry to learn that Sunday’s ceremony in Suresnes [West of Paris] is postponed to April 12. We had delayed until April 5 our departure to Italy, precisely to be able to attend by your side, but we cannot delay any longer because what would be the point of leaving then since we have to be back when school starts. We are going to Rome and to Naples to get a little rest and sunshine, however, be assured that our thoughts and heart will be with you on April 12. With fond memories to you both.” In fine condition.
Written following the political drama that came to be known as the Dreyfus Affair, this note joyfully focuses on one of Dreyfus’s favorite pastimes—vacationing with his family. Dreyfus often took solace in the memory of family trips during his imprisonment following charges of treason. While in the French penal colony, Devil’s Island, Dreyfus would look out onto the sea and think of the summer days spent on similar shores with his wife and children. The stress of this false imprisonment greatly affected his health, and even after his pardon in 1906, his health had failed to the degree where he was allowed to retire from the French army in 1907. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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