PERRAUD, Adolphe - Lot 163

PERRAUD, Adolphe Adolphe Perraud Very interesting L.A.S. signed "Ad. Perraud", Paris, January 5, 1864, 4 pages in-8, on printed letterhead of "OEuvre du Catholicisme en Pologne", 11 rue du Regard. Beautiful letter concerning the situation in Catholic Poland, religious persecutions and contemporary ecclesiastical debates, written in the context of the aftermath of the Polish uprising of 1863. Perraud thanks his correspondent for his "sympathies for our Polish work" and emotionally celebrates "the Polish soul" and "its indomitable vitality", despite "the dead or the exiles in Siberia". The tone is both spiritual and political, deeply marked by the defense of oppressed Catholic peoples. The future cardinal also refers to the recently published "Pontifical Act", which has given rise to much comment and controversy: "some indulge in unmeasured joy [...] others [...] allow themselves to become too depressed". He deplores the fact that the "doctors of the Church" are being silenced, while "miserable theories" flourish in the press. Finally, the text takes on an almost prophetic significance when he affirms: "The Church has been through more formidable times. I have no less confidence in the future", before condemning "the modern error" and calling for a restoration of "justice and equity". A fine testimony to the religious and political concerns of French liberal Catholicism under the Second Empire, combining defense of Catholic Poland, moderate ultramontanism and reflection on the modern crisis. Beautifully preserved. Particularly decorative and sought-after letterhead.