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Lot #467
Marquis de Sade Autograph Letter Signed on Napoleon

The Marquis de Sade on Napoleon Bonaparte: "The Emperor has never left in oblivion officers injured under his service"

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Estimate: $3500+
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Description

The Marquis de Sade on Napoleon Bonaparte: "The Emperor has never left in oblivion officers injured under his service"

Notorious French novelist and playwright (1740-1814) whose violent sexual escapades and depravity-infused works gave rise to the word 'sadism.' ALS in French, signed “Sade,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 6 x 7.75, December 23, 1806. Handwritten letter to his stage manager M. Ripert, opening with a note on his correspondent's son, a military officer in Napoleon´s troops (translated): "I assure you my dear and old friend that the news you give me of your son pains me infinitely, I don't know what fatal presentiment had presaged to me the misfortune that befell him, but in embracing him (and M. Quesnel noticed it), I felt an involuntary sadness movement, stronger than me, but fortunately he will be fine, and you must already have news of his convalescence…Besides, let us console ourselves for this accident by the certain thought that he will surely rise in rank; he will surely have a regiment and other favours; because you know like me that he serves a good master and that the Emperor has never left in oblivion officers injured under his service."

Sade then turns to his own matters: "A word about my affairs…I am obliged to you for what you have discovered in order to get me some funds which I find myself absolutely in need of at this moment…and here is how it could be arranged, the matter would be what is called 'by anticipation'; the new farmer by signing the deed would pay me a year in advance which he would be reimbursed for at the end of his lease, and this reimbursement made by the farmer who would then take the contract, that is to say at the end of the lease of the one whom you propose; no one by this means would be embarrassed. Plan well what I propose to you and if we agree to it, and that you find this plan be good for me. Send me immediately a power of attorney that I will send it back to you signed."

Before concluding, Sade insists on his need of money, saying: "With regard to the castle I hope that you will only rent it to someone reliable, and who does not let anything deteriorate, this clause is very important…I thank you for what you tell me regarding the Saumane wood, but extend your answer and tell me how I will get money from it." In fine condition, with some small areas of ink erosion affecting a few words of text.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Revolutionary War
  • Dates: #670 - Ended July 12, 2023





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