DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Pere (1802-1870) French novelist and playwright whose works include The Three Musketeers (1844). ...

DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Pere (1802-1870) French novelist and playwright whose works include The Three Musketeers (1844). A.L.S., Al. Dumas, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. (c.1858?). to [Felix-Sebastien] Feuillet de Conches, in French. Dumas informs his correspondent that his case has been postponed for a week and that he has come again to have recourse with Feuillet de Conches as 'il a ete fait grand bruit a l'audience d'hier du luxe au milieu duquel je vis et de mon mobilier somptueux dont on porte la valeur a dix mille francs' (Translation: 'a great noise was made at yesterday's hearing by the luxury in the midst of which I live and by my sumptuous furniture, the value of which is said to be ten thousand francs') and continues 'Venez me voir quand vous voudrez vous pourrez vous assurer de la verite et rendre temoignage a mes juges - a ceux que vous connaissez bien entendu. Je vous envoi d'autre part la note des conseillers - qui devront mercredi prochain donner leur avis dans cette affaire - faites pour moi tout ce que vous pourrez - et vous aurez fait beaucoup' (Translation: 'Come and see me whenever you want, you can be sure of the truth and bear witness to my judges - to those you know of course. I am also sending you the note from the advisers - who will have to give their opinion on this matter next Wednesday - do all you can for me - and you will have done a lot'). With integral address leaf in the hand of Dumas and bearing a red wax seal (small area of paper loss where originally broken). VG Felix-Sebastien Feuillet de Conches (1798-1887) French diplomat, journalist, writer and collector. Dumas's letter may well concern the court case he faced in 1858 when his unacknowledged collaborator, Auguste Maquet (1813-1888), attempted to sue the writer, demanding co-authorship and royalties. Dumas and Maquet collaborated on eighteen novels and many plays, including The Three Musketeers, and Maquet would outline the plot and characters in draft form, with Dumas adding colourful dialogue and details. At the insistence of and upon payment by the publisher, Maquet's name was left off the title page. At the conclusion of the trial the court found in favour of Dumas, remarking that 'Dumas without Maquet would have been Dumas: what would Maquet have been without Dumas?'