Anne Louise Germaine de Stael-Holstein (1766-1817), known as Madame de Stael, was a Swiss author who played an integral part in directing the literary tastes of Europeans at the turn of the 19th century. ALS in French, signed “Necker Stael de Holstein,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.5 x 8.25, October 2, 1805. Lengthy handwritten letter from Coppet, Vaud, Switzerland, commenting on affairs in Europe. In part (translated): "I felt from afar, Monsieur, the sorrow which you must have suffered from the loss and the wrongs of a friend. I do not know whether Madam Gemtier expressed to you my heartfelt feelings, alas! I have suffered so much since I saw you that I have new ideas of, and new sympathies with, sorrow. You have perhaps read in the papers that I had been paid and recalled, neither one thing nor the other is true. As I was received in Italy with singular enthusiasm because of my father's name, it was thought well to publish facts, which one would not bring about. I am therefore still ready to bring my son to Edinburgh University next year, will the road be opened to me by the war or by the peace? Old Europe has revived like a fallen animal which by dint of kicks is forced to raise itself, whatever happens it cannot repent losing by war what it was losing by peace…England herself is the party in opposition to Europe, and one would like to see her wholly united if unanimity can coincide with liberty. The English who were in Geneva have received orders to leave for Moulins. I greatly miss Lady Beverley one of the noblest types of a mother of a family that I have ever met in my whole life. Here the neutrality of Switzerland is hoped for, I believe it will be so for a time, but the French are the conquerors, the Emperor of the West at his coronation at Frankfurt will protect this country in his own manner…I do not believe that any year has ever so held the fate of the world. Whatever happens there will remain to me a tender interest in your fate and a fervent admiration for your mind." In fine condition.
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