Anne-Robert-Jacques Turgot (1727–1781). Autograph letter, Li - Lot 152

Anne-Robert-Jacques Turgot (1727–1781). Autograph letter, Limoges, January 12, 1770, to Mr. Quinque, a sophomore at the Collège de Sainte-Barbe in Paris; 2 pages, folio size, addressed, red wax seal (slightly cracked). A lovely letter from the Intendant of Limoges to the young man who would later become his secretary. He is pleased to learn that Quinque is satisfied with his progress and his studies. “Do not think that I wish for you to devote more effort to poetry than to any other field of study. On the contrary, I will urge you to pursue the one that, in accordance with your talents—which are essential for success—may prove to be the most useful. It will probably not be poetry, and unless you possess a very distinct talent and superiority, I will dissuade you from writing verse. It is a poor profession when one does not excel at it, and even when one writes very good verse, the profession still has many drawbacks. In any case, you should think now only of cultivating your mind, enriching it with knowledge, and putting yourself in a position to choose the field to which it is best suited"... Certificate of cultural heritage attached.