Description

HAND-WRITTEN LETTERdated 20 August 1712 [at Fontainebleau], addressed to Madame Glapion at Saint-Cyr.

I beg you, my mother, the first time one of your people goes to Paris, to have me buy an ivory spoon and fork and to have them sent to me by Mr Blouin. [1] who has opportunities twice a week.

Madame is doing well, she knew how to visit a poor sick woman to whom she brought bread, wine, meat, hare etc... She made her drink wine with hare that she brought herself and stirred with her pencil as she had nothing else; the poor woman drank little by little and said at all times, oh this is good, her heart came back a little and that was it. The only things where it seems to me that Madame takes real pleasure.

My brother received a slight injury, which forced him to leave the seat. [2] which he and I are very angry about. I must be as convinced as I am of your kindness to me in order to ask you about Marochée. [3]

D'Aumale.

When our little Norman girl comes.

This missive was written from Fontainebleau during the King's and the Court's annual visits there, during which Mme de Maintenon visited the surrounding villages and helped the needy.

[1] Mr Blouin was the King's first valet.
[2] The Siege of Douai was taking place at the time and it was during this siege that Mlle d'Aumale's brother was wounded.
[3] Marochée is Mlle d'Aumale's nickname in memory of the role she played at Saint-Cyr during the performances of Esther.