PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) - Lot 128

PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) Lyon, February 7, 1828 - Autun, February 10, 1906. Oratorian, bishop of Autun, cardinal, ecclesiastical historian and member of the Académie française. Important L.A.S. "Adolphe Louis, évêque d'Autun", Autun, September 14, 1879, to a friend; 4 pages in-8 on embossed paper with his coat of arms. Very interesting letter concerning a planned trip to Italy and a proposed visit to Pope Leo XIII, mixed with practical considerations on international transport in the late 19th century. Perraud states that he "intends to go to Rome in October", but points out that various "administrative complications & very painful" are still delaying the trip. In particular, he mentions the difficulties associated with certain diocesan affairs that could "stop him in his tracks". The letter becomes particularly lively when he details the organization of the journey to Italy. The cardinal advises his correspondent to take the necessary time, so as not to turn the trip into a "too rapid journey" that would tire the travelers. He describes several possible rail routes to Rome, recalling that "last year, we went to Rome on an express train leaving Paris at 8pm", passing through Mâcon and Turin. He also mentions a more southerly route "via Florence", as well as the new high-speed lines recently put into service. Finally, Perraud gives specific advice on accommodation: "You would do well to stay first at the Hôtel de la Minerve - a very central hotel". The prelate also mentions a future visit to Pope Leo XIII: "I would like, however, not to delay too long in making a quick visit to Leo XIII". This long letter is a remarkable testimony to international ecclesiastical travel under the pontificate of Leo XIII, but also to European rail networks and the customs of cultured travel at the end of the 19th century. Beautiful and ample autograph signature: "† Adolphe Louis, évêque d'Autun". Very good condition.