CHATEAUBRIAND writes to Baron de Vitrolles for some explanations.

François-René de CHATEAUBRIAND (1768.1848)

Autograph letter signed to Eugène François d'Arnauld, Baron de Vitrolles.

Three pages in-12°. Ink corrosion on the first leaf.

[Paris] January 4, 1823. Fragility at the folds.

“You know how much I respect the independence of opinions, so I do not pretend to enter into the discussion of a principle or a doctrine with you. »

Having just been appointed Minister of the Interior, Chateaubriand questions his friend for some explanations regarding incriminating articles published in the royalist press. We attach the draft response from Baron de Vitrolles denying any link with this company and proclaiming his friendship with Chateaubriand.

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“ Will you forgive, Monsieur le Baron, the solicitude of an old friendship? I have particular reasons for quickly wanting to know if you would be the author of some articles inserted in the white flag and in the daily newspaper. You know how much I respect the independence of opinions, so I do not pretend to enter into the discussion of a principle or a doctrine with you ; I am only taking the liberty of asking you to enlighten me on one fact. I have no other interest in daring to ask you a question which may seem indiscreet to you than to contribute, as much as possible, to the repair of an injustice about which I have never ceased to complain. Please accept, Mr. Baron, the assurance of a devotion known to you, and my most eager compliments. Chateaubriand. »

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Baron de Vitrolles (1774.1854) – Autograph draft signed in Chateaubriand. (Two pages in-4°). Paris. January 4, 1823.

“ I am very touched, Sir, Viscount, by the noble frankness with which you have the kindness to question me about a fact which seems to have been rather odiously attributed to me ; and I attach even more value to this approach which good old friendship dictated to you than to the benevolent intentions which are its motive. No, Monsieur le Viscount, as a gentleman, I did not write any article which was or which should have been inserted in the Drapeau blanc , I had no relationship with the editors of this newspaper, except an approach on their part to ask me for general directions, which I have  refused until this moment.

I have not sent any article to La Quotidienne , but very usual relations with Mr. Michaud, which date from the chamber of 1815, have given rise to the opportunity, particularly in the last two weeks, to discuss with him the royalist opinions that I found in the provinces and on the interest of supporting them in his newspaper and I recognized in some articles which were inserted there thoughts and even sentences which would be mine. This is the whole truth.

I would like to add just one word: I understand that it would be quite convenient to blame me today to explain the behavior that has been shown towards me for a year; but the faults of today, even if I had any, would serve little to excuse the forgetting, the disdain and the rejection of those whom I had the right to count as intimate friends in the ministry. […] You are the first, Mr. Viscount, who spoke to me in a language that I can understand. My gratitude will not wait for the success of your noble approach. The feelings which attached me in bad fortune will follow you with my wishes in that to which you are called …”