41 - TOCQUEVILLE (Alexis Clérel de). Signed autograph letter. No place, no date. 1 p. in-8, water stains.

TOCQUEVILLE (Alexis Clérel de). Signed autograph letter. No place, no date. 1 p. in-8, water stains. “I have received and read the document you sent me. I see from it that almost all of my colleagues who have joined the Oriental Society have done so as honorary members. That is the same status I wish to hold for the time being. Having never made the Orient a special field of study, and having never traveled to the Orient proper, the role of a full member would not suit me well; it would impose obligations of active participation that I would find difficult to fulfill. Therefore, if the Oriental Society is willing to admit me into its ranks, it is as an honorary member that I would wish to belong to it...” Founded in 1841, the Paris Oriental Society became truly active in 1843: it brought together travelers, artists, and men of letters, including Abel Hugo, who served as its vice president. As a member of the National Assembly, Tocqueville would take a particular interest in colonization in Algeria.