François MITTERRAND develops his sense of insurrection. 1939.

François Mitterrand (1916.1996)

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

Two pages in quarto. [Fort d'Ivry]. January 26, 1939.

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

Mitterrand runs away to be with his lover.

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"My darling Zou, I'm not in the depths of a prison, but in broad daylight : settled in the canteen, I'm writing to tell you once again, but not too often, that I love you. Everything went normally yesterday: a roll call was made, my precautions were taken; my escape went unnoticed. Well, I cherish such a precious memory of yesterday evening (hour) that the risk of dry bread and water doesn't frighten me in the slightest. For the same price, and for a harder one, I'm ready to do it all again."

This leads me to speak to you about the Normale Ball. What would be the sensible thing to do? Not to inconvenience Madame Robin, especially not on an evening when we aren't sure we'd gain anything from a meeting, since I'll still be under my orders. Against reason, and as is my habit, I feel myself rebelling : this Ball holds such a special memory for us. It would be so wonderful to spend another night together like the one that brought us together. And I would so love to dance with you. After all, you know how much joy I envision these moments spent together.

What to conclude? In principle: cancel this outing. However, if Claudie's sister is feeling better, and you can hardly refuse to go to the ball you've been wanting to attend, let me know, and I'll join you. Inform me tomorrow so I can decide on Saturday. Choose the solution that seems best to you and let me know. So, send a letter by post early tomorrow (before 11:00 PM) so that it reaches me Saturday morning and we know, without a doubt, what to do.

You know, my darling, how painful it is for me to think that we might miss this occasion that brought me so much joy. But I love you, and all of this is nothing compared to our love. Let's do our best. We'll have to organize another dance party, in any case. For example: the Catholic Ball on February 15th? We'll see. This winter mustn't pass without this plan coming to fruition.

This evening, I received your letter from Tuesday. It was indeed mailed Tuesday evening, but it must have remained permanently on the desk at the Fort! My darling little girl, I am still basking in your presence. What sweet moments we shared yesterday, with the rain, our constant 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 suggest that. What time? 10:10, like the other day, and at the same place? I will be there unless otherwise instructed. In any case, I will be at my brother's very early Sunday morning. A last-minute appointment might bring me there, I suppose, but I would prefer you let me know beforehand. And Sunday afternoon…

My beloved, see you soon. For Saturday evening (I'll come back to that), if all is well on your end (Claudie's sister's good or improved health), go ahead, let me know, 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'll obey, as always!). But it would be too silly not to go together. Otherwise, too bad, it will be for another time. Good evening, my Zou. I adore you. Write to me and tell me about your days. I love you—not too much—infinitely, my Beatrice. François

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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.