ALS in French, signed with a pseudonym, "Gal. Terre," one page, 7.25 x 9.25, April 1, [1814]. Letter to his sister Pauline Perier, in full (translated): "I am doing really well. There was a fine battle the day before yesterday in Pantin and in Montmartre. I saw this mountain being captured. Everybody acted rightfully not the slightest disorder. (Marshals have done wonders). I would love to have news from you and Mr. de St. V. The whole family is doing well. I am at home." In fine condition, with a thin mounting remnant along the hinge, and expert repair to a small seal-related area of paper loss. The decisive conflict of the War of the Sixth Coalition, the Battle of Paris took place on March 30–31 and resulted in the ultimate defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was forced to abdicate and go into exile. Stendhal himself had served in Napoleon's army during the 1812 invasion of Russia, a period of his life which he looked upon fondly. It was not until well after the fall of Napoleon that Stendhal began writing novels, yet he reflected in his autobiographical work The Life of Henry Brulard, 'I fell when Napoleon did in April 1814.' Stendhal's autograph is quite rare in any form, and this example holds exceptional historical significance.
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