STENDHAL (Henri Beyle, known as) - Lot 290

STENDHAL (Henri Beyle, known as) Born in Grenoble. 1783–1842. Writer. AUTOGRAPH LETTER to his SISTER PAULINE (1786–1857). No place, September 13, [1807]. 3 pages, in-8. Address on the envelope; remnants of a red wax seal. Ink stamp reading “No. 51 Grande Armée.” At the time this letter was written, the young Beyle, serving in the army under the command of his cousin Pierre Daru, was traveling through Germany in the wake of Napoleon I, for whom he felt deep admiration. The route from Berlin to Hanover passed through “Stendal.” Eleven years later, the name would come back to him as inspiration for his favorite literary persona. In July 1807, Beyle had been confirmed in his position and granted a permanent commission. As soon as Stendhal, at the age of seventeen, had left Grenoble and his hated father, he discovered the full strength of the affection that bound him to his sister Pauline (the eldest of his two sisters, born in 1786; he detested his second sister, Zénaïde, his father’s favorite). Henri made Pauline his confidante and began to maintain a close correspondence with her, which constitutes a veritable treasure trove of letters: ...So you’re finally writing to me; I find you charming. Please be patient a little longer until I arrive in Grenoble—I promise to save you from boredom. Swear to me that you’ll be patient for a little while longer... Stendhal continues his journey: ...I arrived from Halberstadt at 1 a.m., and I’m leaving again tomorrow at 6. Madame Alexandrine [Pierre Daru’s wife], who is in Berlin, stopped by here; she showed me great kindness. I’ve just arrived in Hanover—a lovely city—and had a charming journey; I’ll tell you all about it later. For now, I just want to let you know I’m still alive...V. [Victorine Mounier] has much more experience than you; become close enough friends with her to speak openly with her about your plans [In 1802, Beyle had fallen deeply in love with Victorine Mounier in Paris. Since the young woman had returned to Grenoble to get married, Stendhal asked his sister to get closer to her so she could provide him with information about her]...Then he asks Pauline to run several errands: the first: ...Ask my father to send me, by mail, the baptismal certificate proving that I was born on January 22, 1782—note the year; the minister requires it for the issuance of my certificate, 1782 and not 1783..., the second: ...Ask my grandfather to write to Mr. D. [Daru] as briefly as possible. Mr. Alex. in Berlin, who is well-disposed toward me, will ensure the letter reaches its destination successfully. Ask him not to mention Mr. Al., otherwise it would be obvious that he is writing at my request. This is something that must be avoided at all costs.... He adds affectionately: ...I love you more and more. Farewell, my dear friend; write to me—the letters you want to burn are always the best. I was on the verge of believing that you were in love and had forgotten me; write often.... His third request concerns sending … a clear impression of my father’s seal… He adds a P.S.: …A thousand and a thousand greetings to our dear aunt…