Henri BERGSON defends himself against any plot Autographed letter signed 1884

  
3 pages in-12 on a double sheet. Autograph envelope and stamp preserved. Size: 16 x 10.5 cm (16 x 21 cm unfolded). Rare correspondence from the young Bergson, who was appointed professor at the lycée David d'Angers in 1881.

Two years later, he was transferred to the lycée Blaise-Pascal in Clermont-Ferrand. Henri Bergson regarded his years in Angers and Clermont as the seven happiest and most fruitful years of his life. (Jacques Chevalier, Conversations with Bergson, Plon, 1959). Amusing letter reflecting the intrigues and squabbles surrounding the election to the Academic Council. I had informed you that Roy was running for the Academic Council.

Now Nebout is accusing us, Roy and me, of failing in our duty of camaraderie by not foreseeing that he, Nebout, would present himself; and of having hidden our game; and this and that; - whereas, to tell you the truth, I didn't even remember, at the moment I was writing you this letter, that there was a Nebout on earth. The said Nebout will send you, or has already sent you, a letter in which he develops the accusation, and which will undoubtedly amuse you quite a bit. I must tell you that poor Roy cares very little, in essence, about being elected; but he would be distressed if, in seriousness, people took Nebout's accusations seriously and believed him capable of such indecency. He asks me to write to you in this sense.

I add that all the arch-cubes and agrégés of the lycée, who know the details of the matter, condemn Nebout's incredible conduct outright, and that he will certainly not receive any voices other than his own in Clermont. When will you give me news of you, old friend? Léon Sautreaux graduated from the École Normale Supérieure at the same time as Bergson in the letters section in 1878. He will lead a discreet career as a philosophy professor at the Lycée de Grenoble. Bergson will intervene on his behalf in 1924 with the Grand Chancellor so that he may be awarded the Legion of Honor: "I believe, for my part, that this life of work, effort, and dedication to the University deserves to be rewarded with the cross of the Legion of Honor." École Normale Supérieure, class of 1881 - Science - Léon Sautreaux, profile in the second row starting from the right. Source: Lucienne, Digital Library of ENS-PSL.