Eminent French author (1804–1876), born Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dupin, better known by the masculine pen name she adopted early in her career. An early feminist, she also earned a footnote in musical history as the longtime romantic companion of pianist/composer Frédéric Chopin. ALS in French, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, personal letterhead, September 23, 1859. Letter to Jean-Baptiste Pégot-Ogier, former commissioner of the Republic and deputy from the Gers exiled for his opposition to Napoleon IlI’s coup d’état. In full (translated): “I think I would behave badly if I responded to the confidence you show me with a lie or an exaggeration. There is no political religion which takes precedence over or is outside of questions of honor. I therefore understand the duty which you impose on me and I’m answering you in the same way that I would reply to my own brother. Yes, you can have absolute confidence in Patureau’s probity, energy, great intelligence and tact. Yes he is my friend, and one of the best of them. I would long since have entrusted to him all my agricultural interests if he had not been the object of intense and infamous persecution which made life impossible for him in the Berry [district of France]. He is a superior man beneath the rough exterior of a poor peasant. He is also a wise and generous man. You will therefore find a treasure in him and he will do everything that can possibly be done at your place. Nobody else could do as well. His entire misfortune is that he lacks cash advances, because you undoubtedly know that he has a very fine land grant of 50 hectares and that if necessary this capital would be a guarantee for you. If you deem it suitable to make some funds available to him to start working at your place and at his own place at the same time, you will have made an excellent investment and I think that you will thank me some day for having guaranteed him to you. My duty towards you, Sir, is therefore easy and pleasant to do. If this had not been the case and if I would have had to sacrifice an unskillful or imprudent friend rather than to betray the truth I would not have hesitated. Be quite certain of that.” Central horizontal and vertical folds and some scattered light foxing, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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