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an old handwritten letter is open on a piece of paper
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362 - Alphonse de LAMARTINE. Autograph letter, Florence, 3 Decembe…
See original version (French)

Estimate €500 - €700
Sale commission
Description
Alphonse de LAMARTINE. Autograph letter, Florence, 3 December 1826, to the Marquise de Montcalm; 4 pages, in-4. A long letter on his diplomatic situation in Florence and his desire to travel to the East. He does not deserve the Marquise’s reproaches, to whom he is sending a ‘small gift’; he hopes she will come to Italy, where he will look after her as best he can: ‘I know how to care for the sick and the unfortunate, because I have been both, and there is no hidden wound of the soul or the body that I do not understand’… He does not know whether his minister [Lamaisonfort] will return to Florence: ‘I do not intend to stay after his return or after he is replaced; I shall ask for a promotion or a leave of absence if I am still kept in the lower ranks; people seem, however, to be pleased with me, I take great care in my duties, and I doubt whether anyone here has a more agreeable manner—and I would almost say a more cordial rapport—with the prince and the court; for my part, I am running myself ragged in receiving the vast number of foreigners who crowd us and in acting as minister in the hope of one day becoming one ’... He would like to be appointed First Secretary in Constantinople: ‘To further my poetic career, I need to travel for three years in the East; which would provide me with the means whilst also allowing me to gain the experience needed to attain a minor ministerial post; whereas, if on the contrary, they are well-disposed and satisfied with my service, I would wish, should Marcellus move to Florence, to succeed him in Lucca—a sort of junior ministerial post commensurate with my standing’… He is, however, happy in Florence, and would ‘gladly remain there forever in the same position’…
See original version (French)
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About the sale Letters and Autograph Manuscripts – Part II
Auction location
Auction time 10/14/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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