SADE MARQUIS DE: (1740-1814) French Writer, Nobleman and Revolutionary Politician. Best-known for his erotic works and sexual fantasies with violence and lack of morality. Author of The 120 Days of Sodom. Sade spent thirty-two years of his life imprisoned and most of his works were written while incarcerated. The word sadism was coined from his name. Rare A.L.S., `Sade´, three pages, 4to, Charenton, 23rd December 1806, to his stage manager M. Ripert, in French. Sade first refers to his correspondent´s son, a military officer in Napoleon´s troops, and states `Je vous assure mon cher et ancien ami que la nouvelle que vous me donnez de votre fils, me fait infiniment de peine, je ne sais quel funeste pressentiment m'avait présagé le malheur qui lui est arrivé mais en l'embrassant (et M. Quesnel s'en aperçut), je sentis un mouvement involontaire d'une tristesse plus forte que moi, mais heureusement qu'il s'en tirera bien, et vous devez avoir déjà des nouvelles de sa convalescence… Au reste consolons nous de cet accident par l'idée certaine qu'il va bien sûrement monter en grade ; il aura sûrement un régiment et d'autres  faveurs; car vous savez comme moi qu'il sert un bon maitre et que jamais l'Empereur n´a laissé dans l'oubli des officiers bléssés à son service…´ (“Translation: “I assure you my dear and old friend that the news you give me of your son pains me infinitely, I don't know what fatal presentiment had presaged to me the misfortune that befell him, but in embracing him (and M. Quesnel noticed it), I felt an involuntary sadness movement, stronger than me, but fortunately he will be fine, and you must already have news of his convalescence… Besides, let us console ourselves for this accident by the certain thought that he will surely rise in rank; he will surely have a regiment and other favours; because you know like me that he serves a good master and that the Emperor has never left in oblivion officers injured under his service...”) Sade further changes the topic and mentions his own affairs, stating `Un mot de mes affaires… je vous suis obligé de ce que vous avez decouvert pour me procurer quelques fonds dont je me trouve avoir absolument besoin dans ce moment-ci… et voici comme cela pourrait etre arrangé, l´affaire se fairait ce quon appelle par anticipation; le nouveau fermier en signant l'acte me payerait une année d'avance dont il se rembourserait a la fin de son bail, et ce remboursement fait par le fermier qui prendrait alors, c'est a dire a la fin du bail de celui que vous me proposez payerait cette année; personne par ce moyen ne se trouverait gené. Combinez bien, minutez bien ce que je vous propose et si l'on y consent, et que vous trouviez ce plan b bon pour moi. Envoyez moi de suite un modèle de procuration je vous le renverrai signé…´ (Translation: “A word about my affairs...I am obliged to you for what you have discovered in order to get me some funds which I find myself absolutely in need of at this moment...and here is how it could be arranged, the matter would be what is called “by anticipation”; the new farmer by signing the deed would pay me a year in advance which he would be reimbursed for at the end of his lease, and this reimbursement made by the farmer who would then take the contract, that is to say at the end of the lease of the one whom you propose; no one by this means would be embarrassed. Plan well what I propose to you and if we agree to it, and that you find this plan b good for me. Send me immediately a power of attorney that I will send it back to you signed…”) Before concluding, Sade insists on his need of money, saying `A l'égard du château j'espère que vous ne le louerai qu'à quelqu'un de sûr, et qui n'y laisse rien dégrader cette clause est très importante… je vous remercie de ce que vous me dites a l'occasion du bois de Saumane, mais étendez vous dans votre reponse et dites moi de quelle manière je vais en retirer de l'argent…´ (Translation: “With regard to the castle I hope that you will only rent it to someone reliable, and who does not let anything deteriorate, this clause is very important… I thank you for what you tell me regarding the Saumane wood, but extend your answer and tell me how I will get money from it…”) A lengthy letter of good content. With address leaf. Postmarked. One small hole to first sheet and few small ones to the second, only partially affecting one word, and not affecting the signature. Very small area of paper loss to the edge of the second sheet as a result of the letter opening. G

 

Sade refers to Napoleon I when mentioning the behaviour of the Emperor when relating to injured soldiers of his troops.