DUFOUR ...

DUFOUR GUILLAUME HENRI: (1787-1875) Swiss General, engineer and topographer who served under Napoleon I. Dufour presided over the First Geneva Convention in 1864 which established the International Red Cross. A charming A.L.S., Genl. G. H. Dufour, Philopoimen, two pages, 8vo, Geneva, 23^rd September 1862, to 'Mon cher Dupin', in French. Dufour states that his correspondent's letter 'm'a fait un sensible plaisir en me fournissant la preuve que ni la distance, ni les annees, n'avait efface de votre souvenir un vieux camarade de service' (Translation: 'gave me great pleasure by providing me with the proof that neither distance nor years had erased from your memory an old comrade in the service') and continues 'Je vous remercie des expressions bien veillantes dont vous vous etes servi a mon egard. Je voudrais les meriter en tout point, mais je sens, mieux que personne, tout ce qui me manque pour cela. Nous avons longuement parle de vous avec M. de Chabrier, et si vous reconnaissez les qualites solides de cet homme estoimable, de caractere antique, je puis vous assurer que, de son cote, il ne parle de vous que dans les termes de l'affection la plus vraie et la mieux sentie. Vous avez apprecie a leur juste valeur les paroles inconsiderees de Biscio et consors, et comme vous le dites, nous devon remercier les etourdis qui les ont prononces si legerement; car ces paroles ont donne lieu a des manifestations patriotiques, a d'energieques protestations, qui ne peuvent laisser aucun doute sur les vrais sentiments de nos population….' (Translation: 'I thank you for the benevolent expressions which you have used towards me. I would like to deserve them in every way, but I feel, better than anyone, how much I lack for that. We spoke at length about you with M. de Chabrier, and if you recognise the solid qualities of this estimable man, of ancient character, I can assure you that, on his side, he speaks of you only in terms of the truest and best felt affection. You have fully appreciated the inconsiderate words of Biscio et al., and as you say, we must thank the thoughtless people who spoke them so lightly; because these words gave rise to patriotic demonstrations, to energetic protests, which can leave no doubt about the true feelings of our people…..') before concluding 'vous travaillez toujours; je vous en fait mon compliment, et je felicite le public qui profitera de vous....Pour moi, je deviens de jour en jour plus paresseux, et ne conserve quelque verdeur que pour l'amitie' (Translation: 'you are still working; I pay you my compliment, and I congratulate the public who will take advantage of you…..For me, I become lazier day by day, and retain some greenness only for friendship'). With blank integral leaf. VG