Archive of 12 items related to four French presidents from the mid-19th and early 20th century, consisting of letters, documents, calling cards, and photographs signed or initialed by Adolphe Thiers, Francois Sadi Carnot, Paul Deschanel, or Gaston Doumergue. Including (partially translated):
Two documents signed “A. Thiers,” both one page, 8 x 12, Minister of the Interior letterhead, dated September 9, 1834, and January 26, 1835, both addressed to “Counselor of the Prefecture of Bourbon Vendee M. Bonnin."
An ALS from Carnot signed “SC,” one page both sides, 4 x 6.25, Presidency of the Republicletterhead, October 16, 1890, in which he explains to“my dear friend”that“it is to me absolutely impossible to increase the annual contingent of ministers at this moment."
An ALS signed “Gaston Doumergue,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, President of the Republic letterhead, April 11, 1928, which is likely addressed to the caretaker of the president’s summer home, and relates mostly to home improvements there, with the president commenting on the expense of the project, and noting that he is hopeful that it will be completed before Bastille Day.
An assemblage of eight items signed, initialed, or annotated by Paul Deschanel, which includes: an ALS signed “Paul Deschanel,” one page, both sides, August 19, 1885, written from Calvados and conveying condolences to a friend; an undated ANS on “Chamber of Deputies” letterhead, also signed “Paul Deschanel”; and a set of six personal calling cards belonging to Deschanel, all annotated with personalized messages, with four initialed “P. d.,” and three surrounded by mourning borders. Also includes a carte-de-visite and book page print of Deschanel, as well as a modern biographical booklet. In overall very good to fine condition.
