Autographed letter signed to his friend Justin Maurice.
A remarkable letter from the French academician, seemingly the last of his life, mentioning Madame Récamier, Chateaubriand, Ampère, and Lamartine, then mentioning his fears of a Revolution (which would occur eight months later).
Sold
Pierre-Simon BALLANCHE (1776.1847)
Autographed letter signed to his friend Justin Maurice.
One and a half pages in-8°. Autograph address and postal cancellations on the 4th leaf .
(Paris). June 2, 1847.
A remarkable letter from the French academician, seemingly the last of his life, mentioning Madame Récamier, Chateaubriand, Ampère, and Lamartine, then mentioning 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 dearest friend, let's begin with our health. Madame Récamier has been very unwell these past few days. Her eyes are as good as can be expected. I believe the intermittent bouts of discouragement are over, and that we will soon see a noticeable improvement. Monsieur de Chateaubriand has left for Malesherbes , where he will stay for a very short time with his nephew, Monsieur Louis de Chateaubriand. Malesherbes is seven leagues beyond Fontainebleau. Ampère is still suffering from a throat ailment; he has been urged to go to the Pyrenees to visit the Eaux-Bonnes springs. Cousin is also going. Perhaps you would do well to go and take a trip there as well, for your throat. I am delighted that you are returning to work; but a short trip doesn't prevent one from working. Ampère and Cousin certainly hope to make good use of their time. I believe we must prepare for the possibilities of winter.” Little Louise de Fanny could not recover. Her mother sent her to her wet nurse in Montmirail; Hortense accompanied her. Monsieur de Hautefeuille can hardly walk anymore, which is very sad. My health is very good. I am working, but moderately. I will not be able to publish anything before winter, and I don't know how I will manage it. God will provide. It's not so bad to be the poorest in the family. At least one only has to think of oneself when it comes to making a living. I believe, however, that you still have expenses you haven't mentioned to me. Are your returns from Russia assured? As for politics, I know nothing specific. Our situation seems very bleak to me, and it is only a matter of time before it becomes alarming throughout Europe. It would be a great blessing, in the meantime, if Providence would deign to promise us a good harvest. It seems to me that we are not showing ourselves to be entirely worthy of its mercy. However, the number of good souls is increasing, and this is what brings us divine mercy. The book about the Girondins (published in 1847 by Lamartine) is gaining 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 make something of one's life. I embrace you tenderly. Ballanche. June 2nd. Everyone thanks you for your kind regards. Please give me your news, and allow me to write you only short letters. I have sent your letter, stamping it as you wished.
Justin Maurice, the recipient of this letter, wrote 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 3rd and died on the 12th at 3:30 PM. Since my mother's death, he was the earthly creature I loved most. To whom shall I go now? Whom shall I love? For whom and why shall I live? Woe to those who remain when all those they loved are gone. O my God, my God, come to my aid and grant that I may love you enough to live without any other love. Passing through Agen, Wednesday, June 16, 1847. JM"