Pierre-Simon BALLANCHE - His last letter.

Pierre-Simon BALLANCHE (1776.1847)

Autograph letter signed to his friend Justin Maurice.

One page ½ in-8°. Autograph address and postmarks on the 4th ^sheet .

(Paris). June 2, 1847.

Remarkable letter from the French academician, the last of his life it seems, evoking Madame Récamier, Chateaubriand, Ampère, and Lamartine, then evoking his fears of a Revolution (which would occur eight months later).

At the end of the letter, Ballanche praises the virtues of health, providence and life which will abandon him in the days following this letter.

“My dear friend, Let’s start with health. Madame Récamier has been very unwell these days. His eyes are as good as they come. I believe that the intermittent periods of discouragement are over, and that we will arrive, now in a few days, at a notable improvement. Mr. de Chateaubriand left for Malesherbes , where he will stay for a very short time, with his nephew Mr. Louis de Chateaubriand. Malesherbes is seven leagues beyond Fontainebleau. Ampère is always caught by the throat; he is encouraged to go to the Pyrenees and take the Eaux Bonnes. Cousin has to go. Perhaps you would do well to take a look there, also for your throat. I am delighted that you are getting back to work; but a short trip doesn't stop you from working. Ampère and Cousin hope to use their time well. I believe that we must protect ourselves against the eventualities of winter. Fanny's little Louise could not recover. Her mother sent her to her nurse in Montmirail; Hortense accompanies him. Mr. de Hautefeuille can hardly walk anymore, which is very sad. My health is very good. I work, but moderately. I won't be able to publish anything before winter, and I don't know how I will publish. Deus providabit. It's not very unfortunate to be the poorest in the family. At least we only have to think about ourselves when it comes to our means of existence. However, I believe that you still have charges that you are not telling me about. Are your returns from Russia assured? As for politics, I don't know anything in particular about it. Our situation seems very dull to me, while it is worrying throughout Europe. It is a great blessing in the meantime, that Providence deigns to promise us a good harvest. It seems to me that we do not prove ourselves too worthy of his leniency. However, the number of good souls is increasing and this is what attracts heavenly clemency to us. The Girondins book (published in 1847 by Lamartine) is increasing in popularity, which for me is not the best sign. A social revolution threatens us, we can postpone it but not avoid it . Take care of your health, health is good if only to do something with your life. I embrace you tenderly. Ballanche. June 2. Everyone thanks you for your good memories. Give me your news, and allow me to write you only short letters. I sent your letter, franking it according to your wishes. »

Justin Maurice, recipient of this letter, writes a few (ambiguous) lines, a historical note, following Ballanche's text:

“ This is the last letter from this excellent friend, who fell ill on June 3 and died on the 12th at 3:30 in the evening. Since my mother's death he was the earthly creature I loved the most. who will I go to now? who will I love? for whom and why will I live? woe to those who remain when everyone they loved is gone. O my God, my God come to my aid and make me love you enough to be able to live without other love. Passing Agen Wednesday June 16, 1847. JM »