LA SAUSSAYE (Louis de). - Lot 156

LA SAUSSAYE (Louis de). Born in Blois in 1801—died in 1878. Historian, archaeologist, and numismatist. Rector of the Academy of Lyon. Member of the National Assembly and General Councilor for Loir-et-Cher. Autograph letter signed “L. de la Saussaye,” addressed to “Sir and dear colleague” [Eugène Duchâteau]. Lyon, January 15, 1862. 3 pages, in-8 format, on letterhead from the Office of the Rector of the Academy of Lyon. An important scholarly letter devoted to genealogical and historical research, particularly concerning the Papin family and various lineages from Orléans. La Saussaye refers to the documents he gathered in Germany, which he makes available to his correspondent to supplement an already advanced study on the genealogy of Denis Papin. He expands his investigations to other families, notably the Brillons and the Du Prats, and discusses the hypothesis of a connection to the poet Alain Chartier. The letter also contains an interesting discussion of the Sainte-Croix Cathedral in Orléans, particularly the Saint-Charles-Borromée Chapel and a stained-glass window project inspired by the *Annales ecclésiastiques d’Orléans* (late 16th century), revealing the author’s interest in architectural history and local heritage. It continues with practical considerations regarding the Blois Library: shipments of crates of books, binding invoices (from the Gardien firm, successor to Ottmann-Duplani), and volumes awaiting processing—all of which attest to the physical circulation of books and the care taken in building public collections in the 19th century. This comprehensive document is representative of La Saussaye’s scholarly work, blending genealogical scholarship, local history, and the practical management of libraries.