65 - CÉLINE (Louis-Ferdinand Destouches, known as Louis-Ferdinand). Autograph letter signed “LFCéline” [to Jean Delalande]. Paris, “the 16th” [May 1937]. 1 p. 2/3 folio.

CÉLINE (Louis-Ferdinand Destouches, known as Louis-Ferdinand). Autograph letter signed “LFCéline” [to Jean Delalande]. Paris, “the 16th” [May 1937]. 1 p. 2/3 folio. “Dear friend, here is a letter from my publisher that will amuse you; you’ll see that everything necessary has been done—beyond my expectations! I found the city in an uproar. That’s enough, I think—we’ve had a good laugh. A thousand thanks again for your wonderful hospitality and all the kindness you showed during this delicate and ridiculous interlude! But I deeply regret, on the other hand, having been a nuisance and a burden. I hope we’ll see each other again soon, in Guernsey. Under your guidance, this stay was, despite everything, a delight! To the refined scholar! To the historian! TO THE DEFENDER OF THE PERSECUTED! To the artist! To my colleague! ALL MY GRATITUDE AND FRIENDSHIP! [...]” CÉLINE PLACED UNDER HOUSE ARREST IN JERSEY BY THE BRITISH POLICE. Busy writing *Bagatelles pour un massacre*, literally obsessed with the idea of a Jewish and communist threat against him, Céline had traveled to the island of Jersey in early May to explore the possibility of buying a house that could serve as a refuge should he find himself forced to leave France. In the context of the coronation of George VI (May 12, 1937), British authorities were paying particular attention to foreigners on their territory, and Céline, whose reputation was controversial, was confined to his hotel and had his passport confiscated on May 14. The French consul in Jersey, Jean Delalande—who had apparently already met Céline in Brittany—came to put an end to this situation. To thank him, Céline gave him part of the manuscript of *Casse-pipe*. They remained on excellent terms, met again in Saint-Malo, and Jean Delalande later married a friend of Céline’s as his second wife. Louis-Ferdinand Céline, *Lettres*, Paris, Gallimard (NRF, *La Pléiade* collection), 2009, no. 37-21.