176 - MERMOZ, Jean

MERMOZ, Jean L.A.S. “Ton Jean,” Buenos Aires [late December 1928], to his “Dearest Mom”; 2 pages, in-4 format, on Via Aeropostal paper. Frustration at having to give up his flight. He finally received his letters, “after a month and a half without any news… you understand that I can’t accept that. I’m starting to think I’m something special because here’s a series of three letters I’m sending you one after another, while you’re letting me down—and how! Especially since I’m feeling really down! Exchanging telegrams with the boss in Paris. In the end, they’ve denied me any authorization or funding for this year, claiming that it’s my duty to stay in South America right now, where they can’t do without me! They’re counting on me to have to go soon to Bolivia, the West Indies, and the southern part of North America—Florida—to study the routes for new lines connecting with the North American lines. Therefore, they say, I must give up my Paris-to-New York project for next spring; they assure me that this idea will certainly be pursued during my first leave in France. Despite everything, I’ve been promised a flight later this year, in one of the company’s seaplanes, from Marseille to Buenos Aires. I’ll go to France to spend a month there and then attempt the crossing. In short, I’m furious and am almost determined to go ahead with it anyway. My sponsor has left for France. If everything works out as I hope, I’ll hand in my resignation. Since they’ll refuse to accept it, I’ll have no choice but to do things my way. All this is just a delay. I should have left by now. Anyway, now I’m waiting for a telegram or a letter from my sponsor. If things go well, I’ll plan my trip in less than eight days and get out of here. I have a chance to attempt and achieve something unique. So, I won’t hesitate”… He thanks his mother for her good wishes. “It had to be you to remind me that I’m 27. It’s true—now I realize I’ve gotten a year older. It’s a shame, and it’s cool at the same time. A shame for aviation, but for me, so much the better. It’s good that life passes quickly without us even noticing, and since I’ll know how to age gracefully, then ???”… Correspondence, No. 156. Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family