François MITTERRAND and his sense of insurrection.

François Mitterrand (1916.1996)

Autograph letter signed to Marie-Louise Terrasse, known as Catherine Langeais.

Two pages in 4°. [Fort d’Ivry]. January 26, 1939.

“Against reason, and according to habit, I feel myself rebelling 

Mitterrand runs away to find his lover.

“My darling Zou, I am not in the depths of a prison, but in full (electric) light: installed in the canteen, I am writing to you to tell you once again, but not too much, that I love you. Everything went normally yesterday: a call took place, my precautions were taken; my escape remained unnoticed. Well, I have such a fond memory of yesterday's evening (hour) that the risk of dry bread and water does not frighten me in the least. For the same price, and for a harder price, I'm willing to do it again.

This leads me to talk to you about the Bal de Normale. What would be reasonable to do? Do not embarrass Madame Robin, do not embarrass her especially on an evening when we are not sure of reaping the benefit of a meeting, since I will still be subject to my instructions. Against reason, and according to habit, I feel myself rebelling : this Ball brings us such a memory. It would be so good to experience together a night similar to the one that made us known. And I would love to dance with you. Finally, you know all the joy anticipated from these moments spent together.

What to conclude? In principle: give up this exit. However, if Claudie's sister is getting better, you could hardly refuse to go to a Ball that you wanted, tell me, and I will join you there. Let me know tomorrow so I can notify on Saturday. Choose the solution that seems good to you and let me know. So put a letter in the post tomorrow early enough (before 11 p.m.) so that it reaches me Saturday morning and we know, without doubt, what we are doing.

You know, my darling, how painful it is for me to think that perhaps we will miss this opportunity which brought me joy. But I love you, and all this is little compared to our love. Let's act for the best. In any case, we will have to organize another possibility of a dance evening. Example: Catholic Ball on February 15? We'll see. This winter must not pass without this project being realized.

This evening I received your letter from Tuesday. It was actually mailed Tuesday evening but it must have remained permanently on the Fort service desk! My darling little girl, I am still enlightened by your presence. What sweet minutes we experienced yesterday, with the rain, our perpetual companion. When will I see you? Depending on what you tell me: Saturday, at the Sorbonne (the principle being negative), otherwise Sunday morning, for mass. You were delightful, my beloved peach, to offer me this. Hour ? 10:10 a.m. like the other day, and in the same place? I will be there unless ordered. In any case, I will be at my brother's house very early on Sunday morning. A last-hour meeting could join me there, I suppose, but I prefer that you warn me beforehand. And Sunday afternoon...

My beloved, see you soon. For Saturday evening (I'll come back to that), if all goes well on your side (good or better health of Claudie's sister), go ahead, tell me, I'll be there (I can make arrangements, and a remission is possible. So, don't worry about me. Tell me what you think is most reasonable regarding Mrs. Robin. I will obey, as always!). But it would be too stupid not to go together. Otherwise, too bad, that will be for another time. Good evening, my Zou. I love you. Write to me and tell me about your days. I love you – not too much – infinitely, my Béatrice. Francis. »

Catherine Langeais (1923.1998), whose real name is Marie-Louise Terrasse, met François Mitterrand on January 28, 1938, during the École Normale Supérieure ball, with whom, although only 15 years old, she became engaged. Mitterrand wrote more than 300 letters to the woman he nicknamed Zou.