French cardinal; archbishop of Bordeaux; author.
 
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed, two sides of folded sheet.  Dated 12 February 1852. Significant letter to an author who has sent him a book.  Bordeaux, February 12, 1852 Sir, I didn't want to answer you before reading you. I cannot thank you enough for your attention. The mere announcement of the work would have sufficed to arouse all my interest; but there was for me, in reading you, as much profit as pleasure. Your reasoning is as impeccable as your style; the most perfect clarity, the happiest method, the least questionable erudition, the most exquisite sentiment distinguish your work, which one cannot begin to read without being irresistibly led to finish it. The appearance of your book is a new and precious service rendered to Religion and to the strong studies that the Clergy especially must take up with ardor. Now that the scarcity of Priests is less felt, and that on the condition of obtaining from Providence a few years of calm and tranquility, it will be so easy to renew our most beautiful traditions, you are called to contribute powerfully to it, and it is a task that could not be placed in better hands. Accept, Sir, the assurance of my most devoted sentiments. + Ferdinand, Archbishop of Bordeaux
 
Letter images upon request.