Lot n° 277
Estimation :
200 - 300
EUR
Result with fees
Result
: 390EUR
CLÉMENTINE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907) - Lot 277
CLÉMENTINE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907)
L.A.S.: "Cl", Sofia Palace, March 2, 1892, addressed to her son, 8 pages on headed paper with Saxe-Coburg and Orleans alliance arms under crown, mourning border, text in French, folds, good overall condition. Attached is a photographic portrait signed Ivan A. Karastojanow in Sofia, depicting the princess posing in full-length bust, in widow's attire. Period print mounted on cardboard, circa 1885, cabinet format, with the photographer's name at the bottom. See illustration on page 128. "Ash Wednesday, thank you for your kind letter of the 26th, my dear son, and for sending the curious ceremonial which I shall communicate to Ferdinand when I see him. He is quite unwell at the moment with rheumatism in his foot, which is causing him great pain and has even given him a bit of a fever. He nevertheless wanted to go to Philippopoli yesterday for the funeral of the unfortunate Voulkovitch, who died as a victim of his devotion to his country and his Prince, as it is certain that this was yet another political attack. Voulkovitch had been warned that one of the Emigrants fed and cared for by Russia had left Odessa after making threatening remarks. He warned the Turkish police minister. He should have guarded himself, but he didn't, and was stabbed in Pera at 7pm, at the door of his house. The dagger left in the rain by the assassin had pierced the entrails, was snatched up by Dr. Voulkovitz who threw it to the ground, barely home, he ordered to pick up the dagger. It had disappeared, so the murderer had complexes. How awful! When will the Powers succeed in destroying this hotbed of crime, where murder is preached! Ferdinand deeply misses Voukovitch, who was so devoted to him, rendering the most eminent services to Constantinople through his skill, intelligence and knowledge of business. I hear that the funeral ceremony in Constantinople was magnificent, with a huge crowd, the entire diplomatic corps in uniform, and a mass of flowers. Fortunately, Ferdinand was not too badly affected by his sad trip to Philippopoli. He's still in bed this morning. Since my letter of the 22nd, I have been very ill for two days with one of my violent stomach attacks, leaving me a little weakened. On the 25th I went with your brother to the ball for the Austro-Hungarian Society. The hall, lit by electricity, was well decorated. Mr. de Bunian and his pretty wife graciously did the honors. They gave me a beautiful Tony Andorming enclosed in a red Velvet case with my number and a beautiful Con... At midnight (26), a canvas went up, and one by one, Ferdinand's bust and his cipher were illuminated between two pretty ladies representing Austria and Hungary, all surrounded by flowers lit by green and white red lights. On the 26th, the day my dear son was born, may God protect him! At 8 a.m. mass at the Palais, offering from my very modest table. At 10 a.m. Te Deum on Place Alexandre, the troops forming the square, parade of the garrison. Then, superb weather. Dark blue skies, warm sunshine, superb troops, a much more enthusiastic welcome than in previous years. Your brother then received the Authorities and Officers. At 3 a.m. lunch was served with the entire civilian and military household, and C de Faras praised the Prince's health in a lovely speech in Bulgarian, to which your brother replied in the same language. In the evening there was to be a dance, which was cancelled on the sad news of Voulkovitch's death. Since then, the Sofia palace has been quiet and peaceful. I go out every day either on foot in the garden, where the flowers are beginning to grow, or in Victoria on the surrounding roads. Today I'm back from mass, the whole town is decked out for the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of S. Stefano, the weather is dreadful, rain and sleet; there was however a parade of the garrison, near the church, held by the Minister of War in view of Ferdinand's indisposition. Aunt Fernande has been dying. She's better, thank God, but still very weak. Isabelle has been telegraphing news to your brother every day. The latest, the day before yesterday, was reassuring. Have you heard that Margit denies having said anything against her mother, whom she cherishes and respects? She's going to Fiume with Albert, and from there probably to Ostia. The little ball on the 18th must have caused you some painful annoyances, all the more odious because you mustn't let anything show. M. Abeille's death is awful; but it's his fault and especially that of the beautiful American girl. M. Abeille was one of those professional seducers, those so-called irresistible men, whom I detest. The German Emperor's strange speech
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