[HENRI V]. Henri Charles Ferdinand d'Artois, Duke of Bordeau - Lot 2

[HENRI V]. Henri Charles Ferdinand d'Artois, Duke of Bordeaux, Count of Chambord. Born at the Tuileries. 1820–1883. Posthumous son of the Duke of Berry (assassinated in February 1820) and Marie Caroline of the Two Sicilies. He was called “the miracle child” by Lamartine. LAST HEIR OF THE BOURBON BRANCH. Autograph letter signed “Henri” to Baron Muller. Frohsdorf, September 16, 1847. 2½ pages, in-4. Enclosed: M.A.S. (initials) titled “Instructions for the Continuation of the Loan.” September 1846. 1 page, in-4 (left corner cut off). VERY IMPORTANT POLITICAL LETTER. Following the electoral defeat of his supporters in the French legislative elections of August 1, 1846, the Count of Chambord sought to mobilize his supporters in order to raise funds essential for future political battles. He explains his intentions to Baron Muller: ...I have resolved to call upon my loyal friends to help me, through voluntary contributions, to establish a reserve fund, the full importance and usefulness of which they must understand. I myself will set the example by contributing to this fund all the sums at my disposal. But the great sacrifices I am forced to make to aid so many unfortunate people have left my personal resources insufficient; the goal I have set for myself can only be achieved with the support of all my friends. I therefore hope that they will respond eagerly to my appeal... The Count of Chambord cautions his correspondent ...this mission requires a great deal of tact, discretion, and prudence. Should any difficulty arise in implementing the necessary measures, and should you require further instructions, please contact the person who will deliver this letter to you, whom I have specifically charged with handling this matter... In the attached document (dated September 1846), the Count of Chambord provides precise instructions on the steps to be taken ...There can be no question of a uniform system of contributions (...). It is important that all those who are able to contribute substantial sums do so as soon as possible. As for those whose wealth is more limited than their devotion, here is the procedure to follow: the person designated in each department will enlist ten, twenty royalists—or more or fewer, depending on the presumed resources of the localities—and will ask them to raise at least one thousand francs each (…). No portion of the sums thus obtained will be used for immediate needs; the entire amount will be devoted to the establishment of the reserve fund (…). These measures will be carried out with all due prudence and discretion: for the purer and more honorable our intentions are, the more we are committed to working, in the interest of our country, to establish a sincere harmony between monarchical principles and public liberties; the more important it is that our wishes not be misunderstood, our actions misinterpreted, and that we carefully avoid anything that might compromise the loyalty of those to whom we are now appealing... The Count of Chambord concludes his letter with words of thanks... This is an opportunity to tell those of our friends who have made significant sacrifices, just how much the royalist cause owes them, since their repeated efforts have made it possible to alleviate so much suffering arising from the events of 1830, and to cover the expenses necessitated by political circumstances and the defense of our principles...