Jean-Siffrein MAURY (1746-1817) priest, deputy of the clergy - Lot 181

Lot 181
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Jean-Siffrein MAURY (1746-1817) priest, deputy of the clergy - Lot 181
Jean-Siffrein MAURY (1746-1817) priest, deputy of the clergy of Péronne to the Estates General where he ardently defended the monarchy and religion; emigrated, went to Rome and became a cardinal; he rallied to Napoleon who made him archbishop of Paris. L.A.S, Rome April 15, 1794, to M. de Monthyon in London; 1 1/2 pages in-4, address (tears on address f.; portrait enclosed). Beautiful letter on the Emigration, to baron de Monthyon, state councilor attached to the count d'Artois and emigrated to England, whom Maury invites to join him in Rome where he himself has taken refuge: "If you had foreseen the duration of the emigration, I am convinced that you would have come to Italy. The climate alone would have deserved the preference, and the truly classical country for lovers of all the arts, would have infinitely embellished your exile. Although the doors of Rome are severely closed to the French, we would easily have them opened for you [...]. You can be sure of the joy I would have in seeing you again. Your spirit, your principles, your knowledge, and the old friendship with which you honor me will always make your company very valuable to me. I say nothing of public affairs, we are so backward, and the scene of events is so changeable, that all our dialogues from Rome to London would resemble the almanacs of last year. My moral thermometer is always fixed at hope. I do not know what it takes to open the eyes of the kings of the nations, if our example is not enough to remove the cataract. The most honest probity has become the universal interest and must be the general policy of all cabinets. I dare to look at myself in my new capacity of cardinal, as the precursor of the restoration of France", because he was always in the vanguard of the honest people during all "our infamous revolution", and his dearest wish is to bring happiness to all. He regrets the pleasant suppers of Monthyon, but does not hope any more that the counter-revolution gives them back to him; but "to see Paris again I do not have to pretend any more; this city makes me horror"... Former collection Patrice Hennessy (1858, n° 285). 2 letters dictated, in November 1806, to M. Marin are joined.
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