André MORELLET (1727–1819), abbot, writer, and economist; co - Lot 76

André MORELLET (1727–1819), abbot, writer, and economist; contributor to the *Encyclopédie*. L.A.S. Sunday at 2 o’clock [1788, to Suzanne Necker]; 3 pages, in-4. A fine letter to Madame Necker. He explains the reasons for declining her invitation: “I ceased seeing Monsieur Necker when Mr. Turgot was in office and when a too strong opposition between their principles had degenerated, at least on one side, into genuine animosity. The public would condemn me today for drawing closer to the man in office after having seen me distance myself from the private citizen. I might well say that I never shared the fervor of my friends, that while opposing his views, I never ceased to esteem and love a man who is admirable in so many ways and from whom I received tokens of friendship for ten years, I might well say that since my feelings have never wavered, even as circumstances changed, I could, without contradicting myself, resume with you and Mr. Necker the modest place I once held among your friends in a society where I found so much comfort for so long, I would not be understood, madam, by a public that is always unjust and quick to condemn […] It would seem, especially under the current circumstances—where I am awaiting Mr. Necker’s kindness in securing my brother’s reinstatement—that my request is motivated by self-interest.” He hopes she will forgive him “for making a sacrifice to public opinion that costs me so much, and that you will not add to such a painful deprivation the sorrow I would feel if my refusal were to seem to you like ingratitude for your past kindnesses, which I will always remember”…