Xavier FORNERET.

Letter to the Committee of censorship. Paris, November 18, 1854. Autograph letter signed "Xavier Forneret," 1 ½ page folio. "The black man" in the grip of the censorship. Very amusing letter addressed to the censorship committee to which Xavier Forneret (1809-1884) submits scenes from his play Mother and Daughter. (The drama was performed in January 1855 and published on author's account.) The ceremonious tone of the letter has a highly comic aspect. Gentlemen of the Committee of Censors, Prior to the modifications or observations that you will be pleased to make in my dramatic work - Mother and Daughter, and according to the accuracy of your wise appreciations, I have the honor of submitting to you, as to the substance of this play, those that follow, and which, although brief, are of no less importance in the eyes of the much less outraged Morality. Sophie Leval only becoming the mother of Augusta will therefore not be pregnant in the presence of the public. Moreover, Serpillard will repeat everywhere that Dervil is Sophie's only lover, and that he has never had any expectations of this woman. I would like to believe, gentlemen, that you will grant me your benevolent approval in this matter, and that you will deign to accept, I pray you, the homage of my profound respect. Xavier Forneret (Hôtel de Dunkerque rue Laffitte) PS. Excuse me, Gentlemen, if I take the liberty of telling you that I await your decisions as soon as it is convenient for you to make them. I am at your orders.