Juliette DROUET writes to Victor HUGO about Napoleon III.

Juliette DROUET (1806-1883).

Autograph letter to Victor Hugo.

Four small octavo pages on blue paper with frayed edges.

Brussels. Wednesday morning, August 31 [18]70.

« I would give anything in the world for our poor country to emerge from this with honor, which is becoming increasingly difficult as long as Bonaparte sits enthroned and reigns…»

Juliette expresses her sorrow to Hugo about the war of 1870 and the misdeeds of Napoleon III for France, and ends her letter by offering the great man all her love.

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" Good morning, my dear, sweet, beloved , how did you sleep last night and how is your cold this morning? I hope Mariette will bring me good news later, as well as news of Georges and Jeanne, whom I am growing increasingly fond of. As for me, I slept well. As for me, I slept well despite the incessant commotion of travelers begging for shelter at any cost, even in the hotel courtyard."

It seems the exodus from Paris is increasing by the hour, which doesn't exactly prove the level of security that those so-called " well-informed" . For my part, I would give anything for our poor country to emerge from this with honor, which is becoming increasingly difficult as long as Bonaparte sits enthroned and reigns with the red specter as his herald. I don't know if it's the effect of this morning's pale ray of sunshine, but I feel less discouraged than yesterday. How wonderful it would be if we could have less despairing news than yesterday's!

Meanwhile, I'm getting ready to have my molar extracted later. It's always an unpleasant job, even when it's no more secure than mine. Another problem is paying for it. I'll have to take it from your gold or mine. I'll see which is better, small or large coins. Now that I've finished my little rant, I give you my heart and soul, all together .