250 - MERMOZ, Jean

MERMOZ, Jean L.A.S. “Jean,” Sainte-Maxime-sur-Mer, July 11 [1932], to his grandparents, the GILLETs; 3¼ pages, in-8 format, on letterhead from the Nouvel Hôtel and Les Mimosas. Vacation with Gilberte in Sainte-Maxime “for about a dozen days. I managed to get this break. I really needed it, for one thing, and besides, I’ll soon have my hands full. My camera will be ready on August 1. I managed to secure two hundred thousand francs to finish it. In short, I need to stay focused so as not to give up on this project, which has cost me so much trouble of all kinds. Fortunately, ‘giving up’ isn’t a word in my vocabulary. I want to ignore its definition with all my might. We spend our days in the sun in our swimsuits. I go canoeing, work out, and above all, I don’t think—or at least I try not to. I’m simply afraid every day of being called back. The reorganization of the Aéropostale is currently underway. I’m constantly needed, especially since, as soon as my expedition is over, I’m to take up the post of Inspector General of the Aéropostale routes. Of course, that won’t stop me from flying… It is by leading by example that I will be able to command and offer constructive criticism. And besides, at thirty, I still have many wonderful years of hard work ahead of me, and the enthusiasm I feel for my work as a pilot would never allow me to slow down my momentum”… He will leave for Buenos Aires in mid-September. He outlines his plan to buy a house in Eaubonne for his mother and encourages his grandparents to leave Mainbressy to come live near her… Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family