Letter from Ribadieu's uncle... (1859)

NRA-L-000039 / 1859

Letter from Ribadieu's uncle concerning his suffering father, Mardi Gras gifts and Benjamin in Oran, 1859-03-03

French family correspondence from Vic-Fezensac to Bordeaux, dated 3 March 1859. The letter reports on the recipient's father and other relatives, mentions gifts for Mardi Gras, news from Oran, health, travel leave and local acquaintances.

Neruda Archives
NRA-L-000039

NRA-L-000039 image 1 showing address to Monsieur Ribadieu in Bordeaux, with filing note and postal evidence. — **Image 1**Address panel, filing note and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000039 image 2 showing unfolded interior showing the family letter from Vic-Fezensac dated 3 March 1859. — **Image 2**Unfolded letter text.

Archive Record

Identifier: NRA-L-000039
Date: 1859-03-03
Original date: Vic-Fezensac, 3 March 1859
Type: Family correspondence
Language: French / fr
Sender: Ribadieu's uncle [name unidentified]
Recipient: Monsieur Ribadieu, Bordeaux
Places: Vic-Fezensac, France / Bordeaux, France / Oran, Algeria / Larroque, France / Gasques, France
Extent: 2 web-resolution images
Signature: Unidentified
Citation: Neruda Archives, NRA-L-000039.

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Transcript and English translation

working scholarly aid

Address Panel

Original transcript

Monsieur
Ribadieu rentier
rue St Joseph
à Bordeaux

Address Panel

English translation

Monsieur
Ribadieu, gentleman of independent means
rue St Joseph
Bordeaux

Letter Text - Page 1

Original transcript

Vic Fezensac le 3 Mars 1859
Monsieur Ribadieu
Mr votre père est constament dans
de très grandes souffrances il faudroit
etre près de lui pour croire tout ce
qu'il souffre. Il vous envoit une
dinde et deux Chapons pour les
servir au festin de mardi gras, il
est Bien aise d'être encore en vie
pour vous faire ce petit envoi.
Il ne se passe pas de jour qu'il
ne pense a vous touts en priant
Dieu qu'il vous conserve en bonne
santé.
Il vous embrasse du profond de
Cœur, il embrasse de meme madame votre
épouse et votre aimable famille, et
n'oubliant jamais les demoiselles de
Larroque.
Il a reçu une lettre de Mr
Benjamin son filleul il y a environ
deux mois datée d'Oran. il lui
marque qu'il désire beaucoup voir
ses chers parens il seroit dja venu
s'il avait pu avoir un permis ou congé,
mais on est très avare pour en accorder
aux medecins et prodigue pour les
autres officiers, il espère cependant
l'obtenir pendans le cours de cette année,
et lors qu'il sera de retour il recommande
à son père de ne pas le laisser revenir
dans un pays qui pourroit lui être
nuisible.
Magdelaine souffre toujours de sa
jambe au point qu'elle ne peut rien
faire, ni marcher qu'apuyée sur un
Bâton pour passer d'une chambre a
l'autre.
Mr Pandelé acquereur du chateau
de Gasques, lui a [biffé] de votre

Letter Text - Page 1

English translation

Vic-Fezensac, 3 March 1859
Monsieur Ribadieu,
Your father is constantly suffering very severe pain; one would have to be near him to believe all that he endures.
He is sending you a turkey and two capons to be served at the Mardi Gras feast. He is very glad still to be alive to send you this little gift.
Not a day passes without his thinking of you all and praying that God may keep you in good health. He embraces you from the bottom of his heart; he likewise embraces your wife and your dear family, never forgetting the demoiselles de Larroque.
About two months ago he received a letter from Mr Benjamin, his godson, written from Oran. Benjamin says that he longs to see his dear parents and would already have come if he had been able to obtain a permit or leave; but they are very sparing in granting leave to doctors and lavish in granting it to other officers.
He nevertheless hopes to obtain it during this year and asks his father, once he is back, not to let him return to a country that could be harmful to him.
Magdelaine still suffers so badly from her leg that she can do nothing and can walk from one room to another only by leaning on a stick.

Letter Text - Page 2

Original transcript

part, il ne peut que bien vous
remercier de vos Bontés et attentions
que vous avais pour lui.

Notes

A word immediately before this continuation is heavily cancelled and illegible.

Letter Text - Page 2

English translation

Mr Pandelé, purchaser of the Château de Gasques, [crossed out, illegible] your father on your behalf. Your father can only thank you warmly for the kindness and attention you show him.

Notes

A word immediately before this continuation is heavily cancelled and illegible.

Discovery Terms

Historical correspondence
Family news
Illness
Mardi Gras
Food gifts
Medical officers
Military leave
Oran
Vic-Fezensac
Bordeaux
French language

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