French woman (1816–1852) convicted of murdering her husband by arsenic poisoning; her trial was one of the first closely followed by the public through newspapers. ALS in French, signed “M. C.,” one page both sides, 4 x 5.25, May 23, 1845. In full (translated): "Because Sunday is the day of the procession at the general hospital that my aunt and my cousin must attend, would you be kind enough to change the visiting day from this Sunday to either Saturday or Monday. I would be happy, sir, if you agreed to my request and responded however briefly.” A notation below in another hand reads, “Marie Capelle,—Mme. Lafarge—this letter was given to me the very day it was written (23 May 1845) by Mr. Chapus, director of the jail.” Affixed by the second integral page to a same-size sheet. In fine condition, with show-through from writing to opposing sides. The interest in Lafarge’s murder trial elevated it to a cause celebre that divided European society over the question of her guilt. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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