In 1894, Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish captain in the French army, was tried and convicted for treason on evidence that turned out to be inconclusive at best. One of the key pieces of evidence was a “bordereau,” a list containing French military secrets, that Dreyfus was accused of passing on to the Germans. It was later proven that the actual author of the list was a French infantry major, Ferdinand Walsin Esterhazy (1847–1923), who, despite the damning evidence against him, was allowed to retire to England while Dreyfus languished on Devil’s Island. Discovering the murky circumstances of the case—the recklessness of the French government in pursuing a speedy conviction against Dreyfus, 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. Uncommon ALS signed “Esterhazy,” one page, 4.5 x 7, June 11, 1900. Esterhazy writes to Mr. Morin. In full: “I have just received yesterday evening an important letter, and perhaps I would be obliged to see the Irish people in a very short time. Will your engagements or your business allow you to be at home Saturday next afternoon? In which case, I will come and lunch with you at two o’clock.” The integral leaf bears a French translation of the letter in another hand. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In fine condition, with light scattered soiling, a few tiny spots of adhesive residue, and notation in another hand along left edge (well away from writing). R&R COA.
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