Antoine-Laurent de Jussieu Signed autograph letter (1833)

  
Antoine-Laurent de JUSSIEU (1748 - 1836) - Botanist. Autograph letter signed addressed to Mr. Papillon, chief surgeon of the battalions of the 7th Line Regiment in Valenciennes. 14.5 x 19 cm.

Request in favor of the return of a soldier, the son of his farmer neighbor.

“An honest farmer from the commune of Jouarre in Brie, my country neighbor whom I know and esteem, informs me that his son named Ferlin, a new conscript, is a soldier in the 7th Line Regiment, to which you are attached as chief surgeon. This son lets him know that I have the advantage of being known to you, probably as a former professor at the Faculty of Medicine and at the Jardin du Roi. It therefore appears that a word of recommendation from me would incline you in his favor, and that with your help he could have this son back near him, as his absence is keenly felt both for the work in the fields and to help supervise several other children of a suitable age.

I am all the more willing to comply with this father’s request because, in this period of leave and reform, when certainly many soldiers are less needed, it would be useful to return to agriculture those who have not yet acquired the habit of it. This young man, in his strong and lively condition, made a very good prospect, and it would be unfortunate if he changed his course.

His father has sent him the certificates requested; he will give them to you if you can be of help to him, and I would ask you to do so. It will be a true satisfaction for me to see the joy restored to this family, whose gratitude I shall share. I ask you to accept the assurance of the perfect esteem with which I remain, your very humble servant, De Jussieu, of the Academy of Sciences, honorary professor at the Faculty of Medicine and at the Jardin du Roi.”

Small tears in the margin, see photos.