Distinguished French novelist (1802–1870) of such historical classics as The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers, and The Man in the Iron Mask. ALS in French signed “Alex. Dumas,” addressed to "Monseigneur le Duc de Montesquieu" ["Prince"]. 4 March, 1848. 2 pp. In full: “If I knew where to find your highness, it would be in living voice, in person that I would offer expression of my sorrow for the great catastrophe which has befallen you. I will never forget that - for three years, apart from all political sentiments and contrary to the wishes of the King, who knew my opinions, you have well received me and have done me the honor of treating me almost as a friend. This title of friend, Monseigneur - when you live in the Tuileries, I claim it; today, when you have left France, I reclaim it. This friendship with which you honor me - more than one time, you have said to me - is a heritage that you take from your brother, - from your brother whom providence has killed - because, it is without a doubt, - for the love one carried for him - an obstacle too great between that which was before and that which is today. I know that you Monseigneur, your Highness, of this I'm certain, don't have need of this letter to know that my heart is one of those who are anguished. May God protect me from not conserving in all its purity the religion of the tomb and that of the exile. I have the honor of being with respect, Monseigneur, your Highness, the very humble and obedient servant.” Mounting stain along left margin, slight paper loss at a few points, mostly not affecting text. A remarkable letter, certainly worthy of further research!
Distinguished French novelist (1802–1870) of such historical classics as The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers, and The Man in the Iron Mask. ALS in French signed “Alex. Dumas,” addressed to "Monseigneur le Duc de Montesquieu" ["Prince"]. 4 March, 1848. 2 pp. In full: “If I knew where to find your highness, it would be in living voice, in person that I would offer expression of my sorrow for the great catastrophe which has befallen you. I will never forget that - for three years, apart from all political sentiments and contrary to the wishes of the King, who knew my opinions, you have well received me and have done me the honor of treating me almost as a friend. This title of friend, Monseigneur - when you live in the Tuileries, I claim it; today, when you have left France, I reclaim it. This friendship with which you honor me - more than one time, you have said to me - is a heritage that you take from your brother, - from your brother whom providence has killed - because, it is without a doubt, - for the love one carried for him - an obstacle too great between that which was before and that which is today. I know that you Monseigneur, your Highness, of this I'm certain, don't have need of this letter to know that my heart is one of those who are anguished. May God protect me from not conserving in all its purity the religion of the tomb and that of the exile. I have the honor of being with respect, Monseigneur, your Highness, the very humble and obedient servant.” Mounting stain along left margin, slight paper loss at a few points, mostly not affecting text. A remarkable letter, certainly worthy of further research!