PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) - Lot 154

PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) Lyon, February 7, 1828 - Autun, February 10, 1906. Oratorian, future cardinal, bishop of Autun, religious historian and academician. L.A.S. "Adolphe Perraud", Paris, March 14, 1868; 4 pages in-8 on Oratoire embossed paper. Touching letter of condolence and friendship addressed to a recently married correspondent, combining personal considerations, funeral tribute and evocation of intellectual works. Perraud begins by evoking the death of Abbé Meyrière: "the death of this worthy man [...] leaves a very great void". He explains that he has already conveyed to the family "the sympathetic expression of your regrets", and emphasizes how much comfort a few lines from his correspondent would bring to the loved ones of the deceased. A very interesting passage on the obituary he had just written for Abbé Meyrière in the Revue de l'Instruction publique of February 6: In it, he wrote: "I spoke above all of his administration at the Lycée d'Angers". The letter thus provides a valuable insight into the intellectual and religious networks surrounding Catholic and public secondary education under the Second Empire. Perraud then evokes his correspondent's recent marriage with genuine human warmth: "You have found happiness in your home". He adds: "it will be no less satisfying for me to see you again when your business calls you to Paris". The end of the letter takes on an even more personal tone. Perraud describes himself absorbed in his occupations: "My little health is enough for so many things". Finally, he mentions a lecture or lesson recently published in the Correspondant, as well as a eulogy for General Lamoricière: "Although I do not have the honor of knowing Mr. de Vaux, I offer him, through you, my most respectful tributes". A fine letter revealing the human and intellectual dimension of the man who was to become one of the great French Catholic prelates and writers of the late 19th century. Autograph signature: "Adolphe Perraud. Very fine condition.