232 - MERMOZ, Jean

MERMOZ, Jean 3 letters “Jean,” [1931], to his “Dearest Mom”; 4 pages, in-8 format, hotel letterheads, one address. Marseille, Hôtel de Noailles. – February 23. He’s going to make a quick stop in Paris, “since the President of the Republic is to present me, as well as Costes, Bellonte, and Challes, with some kind of trophy or medal”… – He returned from Oran on Tuesday: “The weather there was awful! And it looked like it was going to drag on. Since I have little time left to prepare for my crossing, and since I also have an aircraft to take delivery of in St. Raphaël, I couldn’t stay in Oran any longer. We’re shuttling back and forth between St. Raphaël—with Martinoff—either by plane or by car, and Marseille”… He asks for news of Kessel… He expresses his deep love for his mother, urging her to banish her dark thoughts… Toulouse, Saturday [March 21]. “We’re leaving for Oran tomorrow; we’re boarding with Saint-Pierre at Port-Vendres. I expect we’ll be gone for about ten days. Martinoff is returning to Paris tomorrow. I’ve entrusted him with 1,000 francs, which he’ll give to you. […] I’m a bit troubled right now. I’m trying to salvage the money I had in Buenos Aires—which I was quite afraid of losing—and I’ve only received half of my monthly pay. In eight days, I’ll be at ease, and the Aeropostale’s affairs will certainly be settled”… Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family