PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) - Lot 139

PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) Lyon, February 7, 1828 - Autun, February 10, 1906. Oratorian, bishop of Autun, cardinal and French historian. L.A.S. "Card. Perraud, év. d'A.", Autun, April 3, 1898; 3 pages in-8. Touching letter of condolence and friendship addressed to a close correspondent following a mutual death. Perraud thanks his correspondent for sending him a newspaper, and recalls with emotion the words spoken at the cemetery by "M. Paul Fauré": "I received from Étienne a few lines to M. Paul Fauré to congratulate him on the words he spoke at the cemetery". The letter quickly takes on a meditative, intimate tone. The author reflects on the death of a dear friend: "The dear departed [...] had linked our souls very strongly". Perraud then develops a reflection imbued with Christian spirituality on old age, death and human destiny: "The years accumulated in Angers in 1850 form a closed chapter in the book of life". There are also several allusions to his ecclesiastical and academic occupations, including the "academic elections" to be held in Paris, as well as the dispatch of his own pastoral publications: "I am sending you the edition of my Lenten Pastoral Instruction". A very fine letter from a great prelate of the late 19th century, combining personal recollection, religious meditation and intellectual activity. Good condition. Some light marginal foxing.