191 - CHATEAUBRIAND (François René, Viscount of), 1768–1848.

CHATEAUBRIAND (François René, Viscount of), 1768–1848. L.A., [Paris], 26 Rue de Rivoli, July 26, [1814], 4 pp., in-8 [to his friend Charles-Julien Lioult de Chênedollé]: A beautiful letter to his old friend Chênedollé, written in the aftermath of the First Restoration, in which Chateaubriand discusses his historical works, his diplomatic career, his correspondent’s future, and, with nostalgia, their years of youth and literary hardship. The letter, formerly dated 1820 by Sainte-Beuve, is now attributed to 1814: references to Chateaubriand’s diplomatic appointment allow it to be dated to the time when Louis XVIII had just named him France’s minister plenipotentiary to Sweden. In the end, he never actually took up his post and, in fact, had already left his residence at 26 Rue de Rivoli—which appears at the top of the letter—by the end of that same year. Chateaubriand responds to Chênedollé after a long hiatus in their correspondence: “'Friends who have forgotten me are no less alive in my memory.' Time is now running out for the writer, who is considering undertaking his history: “Ten years at my age is too long to wait for a history; I must begin it promptly, or give it up. I already have two volumes nearly completed.” The critical apparatus links this passage to his works on the history of France or to an early draft of the essays that would later form the *Études historiques*. But the letter is particularly valuable for its intimate nature. Chateaubriand inquires about the situation of Chênedollé (1769–1833), then an academic inspector and somewhat dissatisfied with his duties. Chênedollé usually resided at his estate in Le Coisel, near Vire, and was considering applying for a position as inspector of Water and Forests, which he felt would better suit his aspirations. Chateaubriand promises him his support: “Sooner or later, under our rightful princes, you will find a position more suited to your circumstances and your pursuits. If I were to remain in France, I would offer you all my influence—which is not great.” He also encouraged him to return to Paris and take up poetry again: “Your muse must be in need of revisiting the places that inspired Racine.” This phrase takes on its full meaning in the context of the long-standing literary friendship that bound the two men. The end of the letter is particularly touching. Chateaubriand imagines their reunion and their shared old age in Paris, that “great Babylon that one always loves while cursing it,” before tenderly recalling their difficult years: “‘We’ll remember the good old days of our hardships, when we used to drink Mme. Rousseau’s dreadful coffee.’” This refers to the café run by Mme. Rousseau on the Champs-Élysées around 1801, which Chateaubriand frequented at the time: a memory of the literary bohemian life of their youth, transformed in hindsight into a happy era. A beautiful letter of friendship and memories, straddling two eras: Chateaubriand, now established following the return of the Bourbons and called to diplomatic honors, looks back nostalgically on the years of poverty and literary ambition shared with Chênedollé. Published in: Chateaubriand, *Correspondance générale*, vol. II (1808–1814), texts edited and annotated by Pierre Riberette, Gallimard, 1979, no. 653 (which cites the Chênedollé archives and the copy prepared for Sainte-Beuve, Spoelberch Library of Lovenjoul, Chantilly, D 544, fol. 151. Letter published notably in Sainte-Beuve, *Poètes et romanciers modernes de la France*, II, “Chênedollé,” *Revue des Deux Mondes*, June 1, 1849, p. 761; and in *Correspondance générale de Chateaubriand*, ed. M. Thomas, vol. II, pp. 96–97, no. 405). Enclosed is a short autograph letter from his wife, Céleste de Châteaubriand, also addressed to Mr. de Chênedollé, 1 p., oblong in-12 (tear with no loss of text, trace of a stamp): “We no longer see you, nor do we hear anything about you. I am in Paris[...] until tomorrow; you would be doing a good deed if you would come to pick me up at the far end of the Faubourg Saint-Germain [...]” Also enclosed is an autograph letter from Delphine de Sabran, Marquise de CUSTINE (a friend of Chateaubriand), Fervaques, June 24 [1806], addressed to Chênedollé and concerning the Journey to the East: ""[...] the genius has been here for 15 days; he’s leaving in two; and this is no ordinary departure—nor is it an ordinary journey. This Greek pipe dream has finally come true. He’s setting out to fulfill everyone’s wishes and to shatter all of mine. He is finally going to accomplish what he has desired for so long. [...]” Accompanied by its original certificate of export for cultural property from the Ministry of Culture.