Jean-Baptiste SAY (1767–1832). Autograph letter signed, co-s - Lot 109

Jean-Baptiste SAY (1767–1832). Autograph letter signed, co-signed by Nicolas Clément (and on behalf of Charles Dupin, who was absent), Paris, August 5, 1820, to the Duke of La Rochefoucault-Liancourt; 2½ pages, in-4. The three professors at the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers write to their patron requesting that their full salaries be paid from January 1 through the current month: “It cannot be argued that we have not yet begun our work. Are we not preparing our lessons? Are we not treated as active-duty officers and constantly at the institution’s disposal? Must we not begin teaching after the summer break; and has the salaries of professors ever been reduced during the summer break? If there is a delay due to administrative red tape, are we to blame—we who are eagerly awaiting the moment when we can begin teaching?” They point out that “for two years, the teachers at the École Normale received their salaries even though they had not yet begun their classes, as the facilities were not ready,” and that the professors at the Law School “received theirs in the same manner from the moment of their appointment.” They hope that the duke will support their claim and that justice will be done for them…