45 - MERMOZ, Jean

MERMOZ, Jean 4 letters (L.A.S.) signed “Jean” (one signed “Jean Mermoz”), 1912–1913, to his “dear mother”; 10 pages, in-8 or in-12 format, one with a vignette of the Hirson (Aisne) Upper Elementary School (two letters damaged). Letters from the young schoolboy Mainbressy, October 1, 1912, to his mother and his “dear uncles and aunt.” He has “arrived safely […] I had a good trip; I was a little cramped, but the ladies who were in my compartment got off after Tournes, so I was more comfortable. I went back to school this morning […] When I get home from school tonight, I’ll play with my toy car. Grandpa and Grandma are picking fruit”… – October 20. “Today is a holiday—it’s Perpetual Adoration. […] I built a nice house out of moss and I’m having a lot of fun”… Hirson, January 23, 1913. He isn’t bored and had a good day with his grandmother… “I always try to work hard to make you happy. You can be sure I’m doing everything I can to make that happen. It’s very cold. The faucets aren’t running anymore. The water freezes in the basins in no time. […] I’m starting to get chapped hands […] But the cold doesn’t stop us from playing hard”; they went sledding on a pond: “I picked up more than ten shovels.” He’s eating well: “I’m getting plenty of omelet. I’m in trouble with the principal. Fortunately, it’s just a recitation […] I was a little too chatty”… – December 17, 1913. He’s looking forward to seeing his mother again “on New Year’s Day. […] As for New Year’s gifts, I won’t ask for anything. You know you aren’t very wealthy. I’ll make sure you spend as little money as possible. I’ll do just fine without gifts this year. I’ll always have the satisfaction of working hard and doing you proud. […] Our teacher is still mistreating us. He pulled me by the hair today. Some of it even came out in his hand. […] I’m going to work hard to try to pass the cantonal exam and earn an honorable mention in drawing”… A postcard is enclosed for his grandfather, Mr. Gillet, in Mainbressy, [Mézières, October 12, 1908]: “We’ll arrive on Thursday at 6 p.m. Big hugs from your little Jean.” Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down within the family