165 - MERMOZ, Jean

MERMOZ, Jean L.A.S. “Jean,” Buenos Aires, September 20 [1928], to his “Dearest Mom”; 2 pages, in-4 format, on Via Aéropostal paper. New routes to Uruguay. He sent her money via telegraphic money orders, which are expensive but convenient: “I’ve put my money in a one-year account at 6% interest.” The Company withholds from my monthly salary in Rio the amount I’ve decided to set aside regularly. This saves me a lot of hassle with my frequent travels, but I can’t access this money until the end of the specified term. So I’m sending you this money from the amount I receive—which, incidentally, is rather irregular, since I’m rarely in Buenos Aires for more than fifteen days a month. As soon as I arrive, I’ll send you a telegraphic check”… He’s “waiting.” I have so much on my plate here that they keep delaying my departure. I’m about to begin my trips to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. And I’m also in charge of installing new lines in Uruguay. I have to give a presentation on the new 12-passenger Latécoère aircraft in various South American capitals. I’ll be conducting all the load tests on this aircraft here instead of in France, in preparation for the flight I plan to undertake. If the results are conclusive, as I expect, I’ll leave immediately once my task is complete. Count on me, but don’t count on me too soon. […] I’m a bit tired right now after two years of nonstop effort… but all in all, I’m holding up just fine. “I’m in good shape,” except for a tapeworm that’s wearing him out a bit… He hopes the stay in Royat was beneficial for his mother… “I’ll find out if the climate in Buenos Aires might be bad for you, because in any case I’d like you to come spend some time there—either this year (I hope so) or next year after my leave”… She’s going to have a visit from the grandfather of “my little Gilberte” [his fiancée Gilberte Chazottes]: “He’s actually a charming old man, you’ll see, and he’s very fond of me. So, he’ll tell you all about it—well… you’ll talk… All is for the best in the best of all possible worlds… her parents are lovely to me as well, and I’m happy”… She mustn’t be sad anymore: “Distance will never drive a wedge between us. […] I still love you just as much. No matter what life brings, nothing will ever separate us emotionally… never… It’s separating us temporarily, but later… even when I’m married… once I’ve settled down, I don’t want you to live so far away from me anymore… you’ll see… my little Mom. I love you very, very dearly, my dearest Mom, and I kiss you as much as I love you, with all my soul.” Correspondence, No. 147. Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family