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an old document with a handwritten letter on it and a picture of a horse
Ader

109 - Jean-Baptiste SAY (1767–1832). Letter from the author, co-si…
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Estimate €400 - €500
Sale commission
Description
Jean-Baptiste SAY (1767–1832). Letter from the author, co-signed by Nicolas Clément (and on behalf of the absent Charles Dupin), Paris, 5 August 1820, to the Duke of La Rochefoucault-Liancourt; two and a half pages, quarto. The three professors at the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers write to their patron requesting that their full salary be paid to them from 1 January up to the current month: ‘It cannot be argued that we have not yet begun our work. Are we not preparing our lessons? Are we not treated as serving officers, constantly at the institution’s disposal? Must we not begin teaching after the holidays; and has the salaries of professors ever been reduced during the holidays? If there is a delay due to administrative sluggishness, are we to blame, we who are eagerly awaiting the moment when we can begin teaching?” They point out that ‘for two years, the teachers at the École normale have received their salaries even though they had not yet begun their lessons, as the premises were not ready’ and that the teachers at the École de droit ‘received theirs in the same way from the moment of their appointment ’. They hope that the Duke will support their claim and that justice will be done…
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About the sale Letters and Autograph Manuscripts – Part I
Auction location
Auction time 10/13/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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