Nicolas-Edme RÉTIF DE LA BRETONNE (1734-1806).... - Lot 162 - Ader

Lot 162
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Estimation :
2500 - 3000 EUR
Nicolas-Edme RÉTIF DE LA BRETONNE (1734-1806).... - Lot 162 - Ader
Nicolas-Edme RÉTIF DE LA BRETONNE (1734-1806). L.A.S., [Paris] 11 floréal V (April 30, 1797), to citizen Fontaine, in Grenoble; 3 pages in-4, address with red wax seal (the ink has run through the paper). Beautiful letter on women, announcing the publication of Monsieur Nicolas. The first part of the letter is addressed to the citizen Fontaine. He does not try to make compliments to her: "That is not in my character: I always say and write what I think. Each of your letters increases the feeling of esteem & friendship that you inspire; it is that they show the most beautiful, the most loving soul [...] I am accustomed to the friendship of the Women-of-Merit", like Mrs. Parangon whose memory lives in his heart... ". For you, responsible Citizen, who consoles a withered heart, I feel that I am going to love you, as one loves at 63 years & 130 leagues; but neither age nor space will weaken my feelings for my young & interesting Friend. It is because I feel that with her way of seeing, thinking, and expressing herself, it is impossible that she does not have all the moral virtues. And remember that it is your virtues that will make you happy, and that of your husband. The happiness of a home is in the heart of the Woman. The Home has another lot; & a house prospers, when both do their duty. Neither I, nor my wife have done it, & we have been miserable, without honor, without happiness, without fortune [...] But how many wrongs I have had too! you will see them: you will read my general confession [Mr. Nicolas], more sincere than all those that have been made "... Addressing then the citizen Fontaine (guard of the effects of the military equipment in Grenoble), he thanks him for having allowed him to enter in relation with his relative Mr. Restif... "... I feel very angry that he has a bad opinion of Delaharpe, whom all honest people despise here, as a Hypocrite & a Fake"... He adds: "You will see that I am a Republican, in spite of the wrongs of certain people. But I am not a Jacobin"...
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