HÉBRARD (Adrien). - Lot 140

HÉBRARD (Adrien). Born in Grisolles, 1833—died in Paris, 1914. French journalist and politician. Director of the newspaper *Le Temps*, then senator from Haute-Garonne. Autograph letter signed “A. Hébrard,” addressed to a friend. Paris, February 2, 1911. 1 page, in-12 format. Printed letterhead of the newspaper Le Temps. A charming, informal letter in which Hébrard confirms an upcoming meeting scheduled for February 10, while expressing his appreciation for his correspondent’s “affectionate insistence.” He adds, not without wit, that “in the old days” he would not have dared to break his word “to a pretty woman,” thus slipping in a touch of his characteristic social humor. Short but lively, this letter exemplifies the elegant and witty tone of one of the leading figures in the Parisian press of the late 19th century, then at the helm of the prestigious daily newspaper Le Temps, an influential voice in French political and intellectual life.