Donatien-Alphonse-François, marquis de SADE. L.A.S., [Charen - Lot 162

Donatien-Alphonse-François, marquis de SADE. L.A.S., [Charenton] 27 messidor XI (July 16, 1803), to François de Coulmier, "directeur de l'hospice de Charenton"; 2pages in-4, addressed. On his conditions of confinement at the Charenton hospice. "I am well aware Monsieur that I do not feed the servant, but I give him 6ll a month to look after me, and this slight gratification supported by your recommendation, had made me imagine that it should not be destroyed at least, and that from the very next day, by an overcharge to this servant which necessarily counters your honest recommendation". Sade having complained, Coumier made him "the very bitter and very unjust reproach of being very demanding". He demands only what is fair, and if he asks for "a little more care, it's because of the very rigorous treatment my health requires". He is surprised that people talk to him about money in such an unpleasant tone: "You have to get used to everything here, even insults and slander". He reminds us that it's his son who has to pay for the quarters when they fall due: "I'm here at my family's expense, so it's them you have to talk to". As for himself, his only wish is "to be as far away from Charenton as I am", and to have learned from his correspondent "that there are many people who don't think they're crazy, and who are. - Oh monsieur quelle verité"...