French military officer (1859–1935) whose central role in the “Dreyfus Affair,” the most sensational cause célèbre in the final years of the nineteenth century, thrust him into the international spotlight. In 1894, Dreyfus, a Jewish captain in the French army, was tried and convicted for treason on evidence that turned out to be inconclusive at best. Discovering the murky circumstances—the recklessness of the French government in pursuing a speedy conviction, the sloppy procedure of the court-martial—author Emile Zola wrote his famous open letter, “J’Accuse!,” laying bare the entire disgraceful affair. Zola was convicted of libel and fled to England, though he returned to France in time to witness the fall of the government and Dreyfus’ release following an overturned second conviction. ALS in French, signed “Alfred,” two faintly-lined pages both sides, 5.25 x 8.25, July 17, 1892. Dreyfus writes from Nice to his parents-in-law, the Hadamards, in Paris, mentioning a long trip. Of particular interest is his explanation that he had hoped to travel to Germany to visit his family, but had been denied a passport. It is significant to note that evidence of direct anti-Semitism against Dreyfus can be traced to the same year. About to graduate from the Superior War College, where he had performed capably, Dreyfus was dismayed to learn that one member of his examination jury, General Bonneford, submitted a negative report under the pretext that Jews were undesirable to serve on the general staff. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Dreyfus’ hand. In very good condition, with a hint of subtle wrinkling and soiling, edge separations along mailing fold (touching a few words of text), and blue-pencil underlining to a few lines. The signature is unaffected, and the writing is dark and clear throughout. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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