Highly skilled and influential diplomat (1754-1838) who served the French government from the reign of Louis XVI through that of Louis-Philippe, the last King of France. In the month-long period between the fall of Napoleon and the return of Louis XVIII in early 1814, Talleyrand headed the provisional government of France, making him, if only briefly, the most powerful man in the nation. LS in French, signed “Le p'ce de Talleyrand,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 9.75, August 8, 1831. Addressed from London as the ambassador of France, a letter to a caretaker of his large Valencay estate, in part (loosely translated): “I have just learned, my dear Dupertuis, of a letter that you wrote to Mr. Ribouet, dated Monday before last, I am in agreement with him on every point of this letter. I desire that there be no misunderstanding between the people who run my affairs in Valençay and the administrators of the country. The castle [estate] has to use its influence to raise the spirits. If there arise difficulties, on the other hand reconciliation must come. By the same token, when there may be sacrifices to make, the people that have my trust must never lose sight of my intentions in this regard. You must also make sure to give all the consideration possible to the sisters [nuns] who, by the services they have given, have obtained the people's esteem and trust. So, you have done well, if you've supported them in the difficulties they have had with the pharmacist of Valençay the country's poor will have won a decision that the courts have rendered in their favor. I am aware that poverty is extreme this year in the countryside; the painful situation in which the inhabitants find themselves demands that you act with kindness in the different relationships that you have with them. Let me know the state of the plantings that were made to cover the parts of the park that were cut down, against my will, two years ago. I renew to you, my dear Dupertuis, the assurance of my sincere attachment…Please give my compliments to Mr Lelour I hope your family is well.” In very good to fine condition, with light edge wear and overall light creasing.
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