On offer is a collection of 8 letters written to a French nobleman, Marquis de Beaumont of Paris, between 1852 and 1886. Our research points to this being André Jacques Leopold Bonnin de la Bonninière de Beaumont. The Beaumont family is an old, tiled family in France whose roots for back to the 11th century in southeastern France. Over the centuries, the Beaumont family evolved along 4 main lines or branches. Throughout their history, the Beaumonts played central roles in France’s public life, most often in the military. The list of accomplishments and honours that members of the family have earned in the service of France are extensive. The letters were written by a variety of people and offer an interesting look at some of the relationships the Marquis had with others and things that attracted his interest, as illustrated in this excerpts: Je ont empresse de mettre totes vos yeux un feuilleton de Musee des Sciences traitant de la formation de houilles comme devant attirer toute notre attention...[1856, Godefray] [Translation: I have hastened to put in front of your eyes an article from the Museum of Science dealing with the formation of hard coal as if it should attract our full attention…] Je te remercie mon cher de la confiance que tu as en moi. Je t'en remercie du fait du coeur et voudrais pouvoir t'eu temoingnir ma gratitude autrement que par de remerciements bien sincere…[Undated] [Translation: I thank you, my dear, for the trust you have in me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I would like to be able to show my gratitude to you other than with sincere thanks…] Most of these letters bear an embossed coat of arms, including that of the prestigious Jockey Club de Paris. Obviously, this is a man who is well-connected and also held in high esteem. For a social historian, these letters offer a glimpse into the life of a French nobleman in the last half of the 19th century. Letters were written between 1852 and 1886, and there is one undated letter. All letters are in good condition, showing normal signs of age. All letters in this collection measure 8.25” x 5.25”.
