In 1916, the Count of Eu suffers from old age, but continues to be curious and study Brazil.
- Handwritten letter from Gaston d'Orléans, the Count of Eu, to José Ribeiro Amaral.
- 1 folded sheet, 3 handwritten pages.
- In Portuguese.
- 12.4 cm x 17 cm.
- France, October 3, 1916.
- Excellent condition of conservation.
- Unique piece.
1st page
October 3, 1916
The Most Illustrious José Ribeiro do Amaral
I've wanted to have you for a long time
grateful for the kind shipment
from his remarkable pamphlet “The Foundation
of Belém” in which he notifies the
dates accepted in the pamphlet of
same title by the Venerable Candido Costa
hard-working researcher of
history homeland and extracted
of the narrative and somewhat incorrect,
by Bernardo Pereira de Berredo
Captain General of that State entered,
2nd page
in the 18th century.
Old age progresses
and it already makes it difficult for me
simpler things, the more
that there is no lack of concerns and
comings and goings.
The reason was also stated
that you prove to me until today
tell you how much they will seize me
your affectionate congratulations
on the date of my birthday.
My son Luiz who is not yet
completely restored and currently
is here with us while
3rd page
the approach of winter
does not force you to look for climate
more favorable, asks me to
also thank you for the
exemplary that to you kindly
destined for him.
Receive, Venerable Ribeiro do Amaral,
the fond memories
of this old friend,
Gaston of Orleans.
Gaston of Orléans, the Count of Eu (1842 - 1922) is best known for having been, from 1864, the husband of Princess Isabel, second daughter of Emperor Dom Pedro II and Empress Teresa Cristina. A soldier, already heir to the throne, he took over from the Duke of Caxias as Commander of the Brazilian Forces during the Paraguayan War, when he was only 28 years old. It was under his command that the war ended.
He wrote this letter from the Château d'Eu, which became the residence of the Brazilian Imperial Family in exile in the late 1870s. According to Alban Duparc, Director of the Château d'Eu, " The Count d'Eu, like his wife and stepfather, was interested in many areas (...), like all people in high society. He was also much sought after and his princely education made him respond personally and respectfully to everyone, even strangers."
But José Ribeiro do Amaral (1853 - 1927) was not unknown: an illustrious man from Maranhão, he was a professor and director of the Liceu Maranhense, reorganized and directed the Public Library, published several works on the History of Maranhão, presided over the Maranhão Academy of Letters and founded the Historical and Geographical Institute of Maranhão.
Princess Isabel's husband, Count d'Eu was French, but through his marriage he remained linked to Brazil his entire life, with countless personal and official trips between the two countries. It was during a final trip to Brazil that he died, in 1921.
This long letter, in excellent condition, with the heading EU, is striking because it shows the Count at the age of 74 - old age is progressing and the simplest things are becoming difficult for me - but still very active socially and eager to enrich his culture, especially Brazilian culture. A quality piece for a collector focused on the Brazilian imperial family.
