53 - GAULLE (Charles de). Autograph letter signed “C. de Gaulle” to the widow of Pierre Agostini. No place, January 28, 1959. One 3/4 page, in-8 format, on printed letterhead “General de Gaulle.”

GAULLE (Charles de). Autograph letter signed “C. de Gaulle” to the widow of Pierre Agostini. No place, January 28, 1959. One 3/4 page, in-8 format, on printed letterhead “General de Gaulle.” “Madam, it was with great emotion that I learned of the profound grief that has befallen you, and I share in it wholeheartedly. I held General Agostini in the highest esteem, and I consider his death a grave loss to our army. My wife wishes to join me, Madam, in the sentiments I have the honor of expressing to you, to which I add the deepest respect and sorrow of my men...” GENERAL DE GAULLE HAD JUST ASSUMED HIS PRESIDENTIAL DUTIES on January 8, 1959, under the Fifth Republic, which had just been established. General Pierre Agostini (1903–1959) participated in the 1944 campaign in France as commander of the 3rd Regiment of Algerian Riflemen, and was subsequently appointed director of the Joint Military Academy at Coëtquidan in 1945. He served in Indochina from 1953 to 1954 and then in Algeria from 1955 to 1958.