Lot 335

Charles de Gaulle ALS With Memoirs Association: "I thank you in advance for loaning me the collection … the liberation and the end of 1946"

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Charles de Gaulle ALS With Memoirs Association: "I thank you in advance for loaning me the collection … the liberation and the end of 1946"

Estimate: $400 - $500

Starting Bid: $140

(0 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Charles de Gaulle
n.p., September 13, 1957
Charles de Gaulle ALS With Memoirs Association: "I thank you in advance for loaning me the collection … the liberation and the end of 1946"
ALS

A 2pp autograph letter in French signed by former Free French commander Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970), as "C. de Gaulle" at the conclusion on the second page. September 13, 1957. N.p. Inscribed on both sides of watermarked customized stationery with "Le Général de Gaulle" letterhead. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds and a few ghost ink impressions, else near fine. 5.25" x 8.25".

De Gaulle refers to the letter recipient as "President," leaving room for ambiguity. The correspondent has been previously identified as Francisque Gay (1885-1963), founder of "L'Aube" ["The Dawn"], the daily newspaper mentioned in this letter; "L'Aube" was an anti-fascist Christian Democratic-leaning newspaper published between 1932-1940, and later from 1944-1951. We propose another candidate, however, which not only maintains the necessary connection to "L'Aube" but also explains de Gaulle's usage of "President": Georges Bidault (1899-1983). Bidault was editor-in-chief of "L'Aube" after 1934, and he also served as President of the French provisional government from June-December 1946, and as President of the Council of French Ministers from 1949-1950.

In 1957, General de Gaulle was no longer in public office and had retreated to his country residence, La Boisserie, in Colombey les Deux Églises, in northeastern France. There, he concentrated on writing his memoirs; they would eventually be published in a 3-volume series: Vol. 1, "L'Appel" ["The Call"] (1954); Vol. 2, "L'Unité" ["Unity"] (1956); and Vol. 3, "Le Salut" ["Salvation"] (1959). The collection of "L'Aube" back issues mentioned in this letter were probably loaned to de Gaulle to assist him in writing his memoirs.

Translated in full:

"13 September 1957

My dear President,

I thank you in advance for loaning me the collection of l'Aube between the liberation and the end of 1946. If, moreover, it is without having the opportunity for me to see you again, I shall request it all the more. Since you are able to easily travel, let me tell you that we will certainly see you, my wife and me, at Colombey Thursday 19 in the afternoon.

Believe, my dear President, in my faithfully devoted sentiments.

C. de Gaulle."

De Gaulle would return to public office within one year's time to serve as French Premier between June 1958 and January 1959. After that, he would serve as President of France until 1969. He was a strong leader with decisive domestic and foreign policies that set the stage for the so-called Trente Glorieuses of stability and growth.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.25" x 8.25"
  • Medium: ALS

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