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LETTERS from NANY to his son JEAN HAUSERMANN,1936, extracts
For the record: 1 franc of 1936 was worth around 4 F or 0.61 Eurode2004. Inflation resumed at the end of 1936: +7.7% for the year
Paris7January1936Tuesday
....Simon tells me that the Great Count will be coming tomorrow for BA, I will not fail to entrust him with words that will arrive soon enough...
...Here our Mich is better, he had even stayed 2 whole days without any fever, this evening 37°9, it's not much but it's too much. Artaud who treats him with the dedication you know, is not surprised, but not worried, these things are long, long, and depriving the sick one a lot; so we feed Mich, and we make him swallow lots of drugs to support him. Therefore he keeps good mine and brain. The glands under maxillary have diminished a lot; as soon as it is completely finished we will change him, perhaps even we will go to Vierville because the air of the sea is a little bright is all indicated; But it would have to be better. It's a real flood here and elsewhere.
I went to Vierville for two days with Suzon and the five boys.,
And could not put the nose out! Boys, equipped like sewerers, were in bad weather, in fact the 5 children returned in excellent condition. Good Suzon, she, spent funny parties alone with them, because I came back to spend the day of the year here; and it was not cheerful for Simon and Jean, near the bed of their little sick person who was oscillating with 39 and even 40 fever some nights (Ms. Cordelle had gone to spend 8 days in Besançon!!) Suzon came back here on the 2nd, she had spent the day of the year in Louvières, among the Pierres, the Marquis had been found dead in his bed, the two poor women (Ms. de Pierres and Guillemette) We were alone in the castle with a servant, their farmers, neighbours, are ugly people that everyone fears. With this our parish priest was heinous, refusing to bury him on the pretext of certain rent left by the grandparents of Peters, not paid to the cure, it took orders from the bishopric to execute. This makes him very bad press in the country, and there is something to do. Send a few words of condolences, remember! I don't know what will become of these poor women, whose fortune is well diminished. Poor Guillemette was sorry, because she had to fight and run here and there to order all this. Suzon I was surrounded by the best she could. ...
... The old Lebastard died on 31 December almost at the same time as his old friend Pierres, he was very diminished in his daughter who told me about the news with a hearty letter. All these deaths changed the atmosphere of our little corner. I reported an extinction of voices from my trip to Vierville and... also a huge turkey weighing 16 pounds, gift from the Laterrier, and 2 rabbits from the park, it made us an exquisite lunch that we shared on Sunday, in the dining room of Suzon, because mine (!) We could not have a taboo of 10 people, we took advantage of it to pull the kings, and as by chance the beans were found in the plates of Brigitte and d-Yves!era at the table for 3 weeks; it was good to have a little joy!
Jean is about to leave on the 20th by Campana and Marseilles, Simon remaining with Yves until the end of March. He will tell you that he spoke to Gilbert about his possible departure and that of Drillon in 1937. He did not seem to oppose that you take the direction of the works....You probably have to wait for Jean Cordelle to go to be sure of what will happen; if here you had something interesting to take... but it is probable that given the current crisis, nothing will come. Jean Cordelle claims that if you go from the house, the Hersent will be furious; I believe that, but they will not be able to say that they have done everything for this. In short, you make a good living and yours, I think you will have a little reward again this year, I don't think many projects could say the same.
Hebert, who came with his wife yesterday, told us that in Persia it worked more or less well and that Sagne was below his task (which does not surprise me; provided that George is not sent to take a tour).ir post office, and it takes 1 1⁄2 months to ask for and receive the goods we need, sweet country!- In Tenerife they are in a thousand troubles. Hébert arrives from Oran where the Navy will do 100 million jobs, but the house Sainrapt and Brice is very attached to it and has already made it for 300 million. There is also talk of a big job in Cairo, but it would be surprising if the English did not do that. Hebert still doesn't seem to appreciate Chalon in the least; This one is X until the end of the hair. He said he'd get your brother-in-law and Simon after dinner for tea! I think he's the only engineer in the house that's received. It seems like he's a wonderful mess at home and a wonderful bad taste. John and Simon had lunch with the Gilberts and lunch with the Georges on Thursday. (Hersent) with the Gilberts (Hersent) Mrs. Jean
(Hersent) is a little better, we've called each other our wishes, the good Yvonne of Brichambaut has come and Juliette
(Batifol) and Mr. Abbé Jean B. (Batifol) We have tea at the Marchands' house on Saturday and lunch at the Bousquets' house on Friday...
In Vierville we had a visit, with a beating rain, from Béquignon this faculty teacher, friend of your elders,... he was accompanied by his sisters, one lawyer, the other professor of law (the only woman in France having this title) and her husband, also a law teacher, came from Caen in car; all as simple as interesting; we took tea in Father's office, very cozy, thanks to his stove locks that you know...
...Jean Cordelle sees Artaud for him at this moment, he would like his opinion about his stomach, he will be x-rayed; I understand that he wants a opinion other than that of his usual doctor; he does not suffer, but really his diet is not that of a man who would have much to do....
...I don't know if I told you we just renewed our lease. Suzon got 3500F down and I 2000F that is very interesting. That makes me 12,000F rent all inclusive, it's welcome. I hit this year 15,000F of rents less than last year!! With that old tonton m的 already cost nearly 8,000F. All this will be down, but it's a pill to swallow. Dubois has re-done, but instead of 7000F c − 4000F per year; you have to wait for a decrease of Laterrier next year....
Paris Friday, January 17, 1936
...this letter will leave by the Campana that Jean was to take on Monday, and that he will not take; he has been sleeping since Monday with a fairly strong flu which has determined an acute, very painful cystitis attack. After believing that he only delayed his departure until 24 by taking the Asturias in Cherbourg, Dr. said this morning that it would be impossible, with this cystitis affair; one can fear kidney complications by taking cold, so we must take precautions, and the remaining time is insufficient. The poor boy was well incompressed by this malaise, he urinated blood several times; and he had a big fever for 2 days, it's better today...Dr.N'a never had any worries, this form is quite common, it seems.
....all the rest of our house is fine, my Jean, including your old mother still active but who doesn't forget her 62 years, and who is obliged to take the usual precautions as soon as it rains or it gets cold, it's very boring! And I envy our good aunt whose 84 years did not scare from the snow that falls this afternoon then that she arrived just an hour, pink and fresh to give a piano lesson to the Bison. Here's one, your goddaughter, who doesn't pity! She has cheeks like apples and solid legs....Michel goes well and has more of a fever... ...the little one recovers very well...he starts to get bored and asks for his school, that's good sign. ...
...I had yesterday a good letter from Maine dated 9 (as it goes fast!) and we were happy to read how satisfied the 2 little ones were with their stay on the beach...it's a shame that the circumstances did not allow you to go straight to Mar Del Plata instead of losing a whole day to cook at BA!
Good news of Georges who is still beginning to seriously consider his return to France, provided that it is the same at the Paris office!(Benezeth) and will not do anything to remind him in Paris; his apologies in Athens were "in participation" (This means that the costs are borne in part by other than Hersent, those associated with them in the Greek case...) I would still like to see this separation end, two years ago.
...and I think that my priest's letter was quite penaud, for having entrusted me with her difficulties with Madame de Pierres, it was very awkward! By a phone call from the Collières near whom we were hearing from Madame de Mons... we learned that our parish priest had received Order of Bishop Bayeux d'entrer first Mr de Pierres religiously; he apparently made it very bad heart, forbidding the sacristan of Louvières to tender the church with the black hangings once offered by the parents of Mr de Pierres. Our good people were outraged by this intransigence and the country is on fire.......I did not answer his letter, and when he will speak about it, for he will speak about it, I will say to him about this "Do not force me M. the Curé to give you my opinion which might be disrespectful of you".
Also attached is the announcement of the new meeting of the RPD (Société du Port du Rosario)So that's what the great conferences of the RPD magnates have to do, and they're not having to account for it and share the Society's money and reserves in 1942. They were supposed to be sick of it, it's such a source of revenue for any! And since they hold all or part of the shares, it's likely that the extraordinary assembly planned will give them all the rights. So we're far from sharing the profits, we'll probably arrange for the expenses without us. The division of shares into fifths will allow a larger activity on the stock exchange, not everyone can buy a share at their current price: 16.500F. I have not seen Flondrois for several weeks, he wrote from Stang Ar Lin where he must be yet.
And your TSF job? Do you hear any good things? Simon tells me that the positions of BAne don't give much, do you hear NY?
We will go Monday, Suzon and I, to hear "Prince Igor" by the Russian troupe, with the Polish dances danced by the Russian ballet....
....I saw this week Master Lot who I was reminding Robert's case (ton)He said he always had the assurance that we would pull 150,000 to 200,000 francs for Robert's share who would receive the rents. The curator was appointed by the court and it will last a few months...he says! I don't believe it, but it will be very nice if all this really happens...even later than he says. The interested person always goes well and likes Sarcelles, so much the better. The apartments that are part of the estate will be put on sale, and it is possible that Bousquet buys one...
Friday, January 24, 1936
...I will be in Vierville, I will indeed leave tomorrow morning with Michou – and Yves naturally) and Martha, Dr. Arar is very interested in our former malady changing air before allowing him to return to his classes. Adenite fevers are very depressing and despite the flourishing state of our man, Artaud claims that he would have done quickly, at the slightest fatigue to fall down again. So we're leaving for 5 or 6 days, hoping the sun will be on the game, but this one is so capricious....It seems that France is under this regime in all regions, your mom writes us from Toulon that it's a shame, from Savoie skiers come back in bad shape, etc., etc.
...Jean Cordelle who slowly recovers from his flu will not regret when he leaves France winter, he spent another rather painful week, cystitis slowly recedes and he suffered a lot from the kidneys; finally appetite is better since yesterday and as he has only qq degrees of fever, and in the evening only he gets up a little morning and evening; I hope therefore to find him in much better shape when I return, probably Thursday. Gilbert Hersent kindly informed him by calling him 2 or 3 times, and recommended that he take all necessary precautions before embarking, that nothing urged Rosario. Artaud who had first given hope that he would embark today by Cherbourg, dare not speak of a precise date and it is now certain that it will not be until the 1st days of February.
......The 3 big ones and the girl work with courage; the good Michou would like to do the same, he bores himself and without much occupation at home. He leaves the rest morning and evening, starting to get well in the woods, in Paris; moreover we are very well served in our neighborhood, in the western suburbs, in 12 , we are in the woods of St Cloud, in 20 in Versailles, or Meudon; we use it as much as possible. Our boys also have tennis on Thursday in a very airy corner of Boulogne Auteuil, it is a pleasant goal that they do not want to miss...
...Good news from Georges who claims in vain that Marcel comes to the final decisions to be made. L'arbitrage is closed, there are now the different payment dates to be fixed, there are about twenty million to touch. That done, nothing would hold Georges at Piraeus anymore, but...... Georges's supplements are in participation ..at Piraeus....
.....visit of ...Bacer who learned that his sister Henriette was sewn with very painful drop-in rheumatism, which kept her at 1ir The villa of the Maurel, the result, he said, laughs, of the good wines and liquors she loved. I was able to see more than once that she needed a whole bottle of wine at her meal, without water! and that she enjoyed 2 or 3 drinks of alcohol. Poor girl, she pays for it.
The Verdon is still quiet, it docks about one boat a month, it's a success.
The old uncle had lunch with us on Wednesday, he was fine, the tax officer paid for his taxes last year. He can ... search himself, he can't grasp anything near Robert, but I will refuse to give him a penny. Do you think that I have no right to declare on my tax sheet the charge which is imbued by Robert! A brother-in-law? It doesn't count; still happens to be a father, a mother, a child... infirm! but a brother-in-law can be left begging. It's a shame.
The current policy is another, here Laval on the ground, his common sense made our left-wingers see red; they are now a little penaud and not very eager to take responsibility for the government. Fortunately – if I dare say so – the English are busy burying their king, he died as a brave man as he had lived.
We were visiting the Flemish art exhibition at the Museum of Orangery, it's a wonder......and I haven't said yet what brings me. Well, it's the 2 years of our Chucho; that God sent on February 5th so that the birthday of the next day is less cruelly painful, that the dear little one be blessed....
PS. Jean-Pierre sold some of his boats to an amateur. He's in the middle of a game. He pulled 400F, the animal.
ParisFriday, February 7, 1936
....healthy is restored (we touch wood), since the 15 Xbre we lived in the middle of pharmacy vials, pills and bulbs. Jean is well-refined and was able to embark yesterday on the Augustus...... these 15 days of high seas will be excellent to sick ex who still needs to rise. Artaud ordered him grilled meat, and he ate it here every day without damage, I am very comfortable. The food he took was better for an old man than for a 37-year-old man, and I had clearly noticed a very great nonchalance and a lack of spirit that I attributed to this eternal regime debilitating in the long run.
only after the formal opinion of Dr. Artaud and two other doctors who have radiographed it. His stomach looks quite normal now.
The poor boy was very moved by separating himself from his two sons, and there is something to do! Poor Simon has already had a taste of what is waiting for her and she has spent some bad hours. We will also go back to her, to start with I will have her have a glass of good wine at every meal, we will vary the menus, which was quite difficult with Jean Cordelle who condemns all the culinary variety so often necessary for appetite. But don't talk about it to your brother-in-law who would cry out loud. The 2 boys are delighted to taste so many things...defensible! They work well (Mich has taken over with pleasure) and our other two great boys too. The girl takes the lead of her class with ease, which does not surprise, she is very It is a pleasure to have her work. Her greatest joy is to visit qq monument or qq museum. Yesterday while the 4 boys were at tennis and Simon at her mother-in-law with Yves, we went to Suzon, she and I to the Malmaison. She was delighted, following with the greatest interest....
Good news of Georges who is waiting impatiently for Marcel (Hersent) But this one is too busy to think of Piraeus. We have to deliver the projects within the first days of March. The work is interesting to me, Hebert, it is even so surprising that I would be able to give it to a French house. Pass for Persia where they have a thousand worries. I will send in a letter by boat the one that an employee wrote to Georges, the staff is installed in a sordid way, there are fevers.... and the precautions were taken so badly for the work in a country which is extremely difficult, that we are at 39nd died by accident. (I didn't tell Suzon, because she's always afraid that George would be sent there) ....
....Our Vierville depopulates after the disappearance of the Marquis de Pierres, good Father Lebastard, here we announce that the old Dagubert, husband and wife, are at the most evil; and that our friend Mme de Mons is terrified by a terrible disease which is announced as a general cancer...... Nothing It's only a matter of weeks, maybe days. J-a-a-bout is still a good friend who goes... nothing would ever allow us to predict this catastrophe, we had seen it so much that last year......This will change the face of this old house so welcoming in its rural solitude....
- Tantine left for Menton with her daughter for a month.
...we had the surprise of seeing Vauterin arrive loaded with packages by the Blue Villa that should have been slipped into Jean's trunks; but Simon did not have time, we came to pick up the luggage, it will be for the next time. Vauterin will come to lunch with us on his next trip to Paris, around the 18th for the Navy Ball at the Opera......nd I'm going to the Marcs on Wednesday. (Sighs) And you know that Longchamp is absolutely opposed to Paulette going down into the south to make her diapers, and that she will have to separate her baby completely from her mother for at least two months; then re-doing a pneumon to Paulette, the child during the pregnancy, it seems. Vauterin said all this.
Parissaturday22/236
...I suppose my Jean is on his way with a good heat – to get his world from Mar del Plata. Do you probably have met the great John at BA?...
...Here the two mothers are valiant; the 5 flourishing boys, Michou is pink like an apple, like her younger one. The little one had a little twitch that makes fear for later an appendicitis operation, but it does not appear anymore.
....I didn't write to you last week and for a very sad reason: we buried our poor friend from Mons in Vierville on Friday. J-y was with Simon (Suzon was horribly buried) ....I was moved by this coffin that we brought back the day before in our little church all tense of black...... Poor Denis was struggling, "all the collides" she said to me by sobbing on my shoulder. In fact this death poses a famous question point for St Sever, the property of Jacques now, ......our parish priest has aged 10 years, I suppose it very affected by what happened with Mrs. de Pierres. He must have apologized, the bishop's order!
The week is sad, the good aunt, gone to Menton with her daughter for 1 month, has a broken rib, her ice cabinet, badly fixed on the wall having fallen on her back. It's a miracle that she wasn't killed, but this accident, at her age, could have the worst consequences, I am well tormented; my grandfather, (his father), died of the same accident, the broken rib having scratched the pleura, it resulted in pulmonary congestion, he was 78 years old, was as strong as l'ami Flondrois, and tantine at 84 years!
To end with all the misery, I will tell you that we have been seeing Gourcuff's Choute lying down for 5 weeks with a bad flu complicated of heart accidents. I found it well-died, rather poorly treated by her husband's tonic, more gnome than ever, dirty to scare and who does everything in the house. Seeing itself, the house looks like her, she is sordid, with a repulsive unproperty.... and Choute rests in her old bed, surrounded by beautiful portraits that smile on her, but that her husband has further diminished (it's a mania) .........
Let's talk about more laughing things, we saw again, and with what pleasure this charming Vauterin came back here for the Navy Ball with 140 sailors.........and also your sister and brother Rousseau whom I had invited to dinner by letter to Reims, but who did not have time to accept; they had come for the Navy Ball, as run as last year's.......we saw the Rousseaus the next day, they were completely...clashed! There was something. I let myself say that several women found themselves wrong. Your sister, little Maine was pretty like a heart in a new, black and white dress, but Simon will give you verbal news, they're all fine...
.......Last Sunday, Suzon gave asylum during the dance of which his sons are part, about fifteen couples between 14 and 18 years – family friends or known, Gaby Dessus' daughter-in-law (Nicole Le Mée, future wife of François Cordelle) The teacher (of the Opera please!) has a lot to do to discipline such a cohort, each one draws with boo and dia, too concerned, all of them, from their complicated steps, to follow the measure or guide their dancers, these following to the little happiness. It made us, my faith, have a good time of .. .laugh. There was there qq mothers, of which Mrs. Dessus came to search. Mari and wife went this morning to winter sports and will only come back Wednesday – every 15 days! Happy house this CPDE.
......Come on, darlings, I've been leaving you for a long time since we know nothing about you and I wonder if there was a letter for me about the city of BA – lost!
ParisWednesday, March 4, 1936
... There was no need for me to know, no mail for BA last week; this week's one is not famous: Mendoza ! it's for at least 24 days of sea, but I'm still very comfortable finding it... ...I'll write you a word by plane Saturday, to be there, it's a way to speak! on the day I want to wish my Jean-Paul's feast whose 6 years will make the childhood comrade dream.Dear little boy! he's already a great boy; reasonable; God preserve his protection, our helping Daddy; hope that life won't be overtly true to him, and that he will give you all satisfaction....
...only the (postcard) of the City of BA, this great and beautiful bird wounded to death is leaving in the middle of the ocean. May God have the brave ones who piloted it in his Holy Guard!...
...the 2 elders give it a shot because the baphot (This is the firstir bac, which was at the end of class of 1era, and was much more important than the current French pre-test) Jean Cordelle must have told you the project formed by your elders about their two sons who would probably pass their baccalaureate in Athens. This may not be very "fair play" but it does not harm anyone, and I admit that I understand the concern of the parents to pass this rubicon. That at least the separation of Georges d'auf with Suzon serves at what .......This fact Suzon would leave in mid-May, the baccalaureate took place in the 1st days of June there, it took a little boost to the regulation which requires 2 or 3 months of presence before the examination. To God vat! The Puybaudet, the friends of your elders in Athens, have proceeded in the same way for one of their son, pupil and now professed of the Jesuits of Toulouse, and Baron Peyronnet, military attaché to the Legion whose son is studying in Algiers will bring this one for Easter for the same reason... I would not like the holidays of our two boys to be poisoned by an examination to be provided in October.
.... François and Michel work very well, the girl does little for a more than excellent result, it's a kind of Jean-Pierre in petticoats, Yves is content to take grams, he has fattened a good kilo in 7 to 8 weeks, it's a success. Simon takes a bite and reaps with a preparation for the Cacodylate that has been very successful, I would like her to fatten, but she is in any case very much, not at all tired, absorbs visits, races and cinemas even without complaining, on the contrary, you have to admit that your elder is a real host, and I will not be able to congratulate her....
...the old uncle had a rheumatism attack, and the heart was a little tired, I saw him in Sarcelles where he was wonderfully treated by dedicated staff, and this absolutely free of charge. I am delighted to see him entering this house every day, his room is stylish, meticulous clean, very sunny, heated at will.
…(Tantine) had a broken rib, which is very fortunate! but we were afraid, given his age....
...I see that in Mar del Plata you have been very affectionately surrounded by your two darlings, little Maine and that the owners of beautiful cars have made you enjoy it. I thank them, and I regret not having been able to sit on the sand near you with my knitting.
I am running away, I was interrupted by my "head of section" of the Fire Cross, in this case a charming woman who came to our work. We all work for this. These are the two sisters who are joining our movement, your uncle Marc – a hundred-man leader – will serve as their godfather with me. ...
Paris Saturday, March 7, 1936
.....helas! the departure is approaching (Simon and Yves)I'm sorry to see the days that separate us from them; they're not even as numerous as the fingers of both hands! So when will we have finished with these so distressing separations?
I had your letters of February 28 arrived here on Thursday March 5th; as it is done now, it is difficult to believe in so much speed, in a few days now we can have an answer to our letters, thanks to our airmen.
...It's all good in Lamballe; the old uncle is back, and our aunt returns this evening almost as valiant as she left. Unfortunately, she had a terrible time during her stay in Cape Martin, even snow, but her accident will leave him no trace of it before she started. It's almost amazing at 83 years old.
....please note your impressions on GH (Gilbert Hersent) , my John, they are always the same and I would not know, alas ! not want it. You have a thousand reasons to be so severe towards him. To God will ! So ! Simon by calling Mrs. GH learned that her husband will probably leave for Rosario .. . .
....Good grade for the 15,000 francs you brought back (to Argentina it seems)We have a political situation that I can't blame, we really don't know where we're going. (Sighs) who has come to me duly signed the papers necessary for your sisters to enter the Fire Cross. This group grows every day, without distinction of opinions, is therefore not allowed to be only and above all: French always!.
(letter from Simone Cordelle, Paris, by plane) 14 March 1936
....our departure is always scheduled for Thursday night, but we are a little suspended from the events
(Germans have just remilitarized the left bank of the Rhine, thus violating the Treaty of Versailles) ..and you must know, my dear Maine, that anxiety reigns in France, to tell the truth, it calms down a little, but on Monday we saw the war very closely, I assure you. We were talking about this only in the streets, in the shops, and everyone was close to doing their duty, the sacred union reigned and it was very comforting in the midst of so much anguish. Finally, hope that all this will be arranged, we have the impression of it now. I thought about all your children, my little Maine, and all the worries you had to worry about there, your dear mother had to tremble for all her sons, what a horrible thing this war, and how can one still wish for one. My Jean's phone call was a huge pleasure, it was a bit of him who was getting to the end of the line and it was very comforting. (in Vierville, to escape the bombings in Paris...) At the first alert, Paris is hardly a safe place with 6 children, but I think that any fear is now ruled out and that I could leave without too much worry on Thursday.
...I saw from Seroux on Thursday, (as a family they had just returned from Argentina by boat) He has grown fat, the diet of the edge being very good, but he finds that the chops of the hotels in France have a little taste. They bought a car and intend to go back to Paris after Easter, to put their children in school. De Seroux does not seem very fixed about it, and is afraid that it will be catastrophic.
...your sister Paulette is very valiant, but she doesn't decide to go to a clinic in Nancy for her baby's arrival, yet it would be much wiser than staying in Lunaville where there are few resources. You should preach to her the benefits of the clinic and the simplicity of the thing, it might decide. ...
(letter from Nany, in the same envelope)Paris Saturday, March 14, 1936
My dear children, the phone call of the great John confirms what we already thought: your concern for the current situation. This was tragic at the beginning of the week and we lived for a long time. immediate It seems conjured, but everyone agrees that Germany will fall on our back as soon as it feels strong, which makes it regrettable that we do not seize the occasion now. Where is the truth?. God alone knows it!
For the moment Simon (who had almost hesitated to set his departure) works on the contrary to take his boat as it is agreed, she will therefore embark with Yves on 20....; poor Simon will not leave her boys without a big clasp of heart: the separation is doubled, because of the events, of undoubtedly exaggerated concerns. In case of conflict, it is of course that Suzon and I will leave – as we can – for Vierville with the 5 children, I have made for it the essence
(In the figurative, Nany and Suzon have, in fact, only a car from Pépita which is on hold in Vierville for all winter)..by withdrawing from the bank our availabilities that would allow us to live. I did not touch your deposit which has not yet been debited from the 15,000 francs you tell me to have sold, my John, and which went up to 18.104,87 (pesos?? I'm not sure if you're gonna be here.(Society of Nations, then UN) I would like to be sure, unfortunately, that it is not possible to have absolute certainty of this. All our posts in the East are alerted, our forts are on the foot of war, I think of my little country whose heart must beat!..We talked about, at a time of mobilizing 10 classes; we are not yet there. May God protect France, but after the hematoma of the last war we trembled at the idea of the coming one. ..
...the 4 boys are vibrating too much – fortunately! – we're talking nothing less than engaging, and Kayser's teachers have a lot to do to maintain the discipline at this time. It's true that in saying that the students are the teachers who are nervous..There is probably a little real. Fortunately, all health is good; we think we can leave – if everything goes well – in Vierville for Easter, which will not hurt our 2 – future (?) – bachelors who can but, they are in the middle of the revisions...
ParisTuesday, 23 March 1936
....I would like to enjoy the Augustus that leaves on Thursday, and as I want to write you at length, I take myself early...The departure of our Simon was very cruel...for the unfortunate Simon was half-fucked, with a formidable sore throat that she returned to Michou, which consequently could not to her great regret go with her mother to the station....The news I received from Barcelona told me that she was going better, the calm and rest she had to find on board is a famous physical and moral remedy.
...we are therefore taken over by the trantran of the usual life; the boys are installed in the back room, they are all comfortable, and are delighted. It is obvious that they are better than in the nearby apartment (in the Chedals, where they were during Simone's stay at Nany's) Where the installation could only be temporary, ...... and the work continues for our boys, sometimes excessive for the 2 elders who have not stolen to pass their examination. It is always a question of going to Athens, but the circumstances will allow it? The Boches have not yet said their last word and we wonder with anguish what is behind this stubborn front d'Hitler...I understand, my dear children, that you have already taken all the necessary resolutions for the time being....The old Nany will always be ready to welcome you one or another. It is of course that we will leave Paris if it is possible not too late, but in the opinion of many more authorized mouths than mine, there will be no declaration of war, but a bruised attack by enemy air forces on the capital..We will however arrange in Bayeux with the brave Halley so that at my call he can come to us as close to Paris as possible, we will go to meet him with immediate means found here. Gabriel Dessus promised to warn us of the danger; as soon as he is notified himself; He would take his family on foot, the exits from Paris will be bottled up quickly... Hopefully all these projects are in vain, but we intend to take our necessary clothes and linen to Vierville for the next day. We think that we will leave for Vierville the day before the Rameaux, which will allow us to witness the blessing of our little cemetery, the next day; and then our boys, especially Phil and JP, can no longer, they have a mâchée paper mine, we will have to let them live in small brutes during the 15 days off.
Georges himself is very concerned about his distance; he says that he is very worried about Athens.
...there's been nothing going on since he left. (Simon and Yves) .... we have curled up in our shell, for my part I stayed after Simon's departure as a beating – in the morale it was hardly more brilliant. I take back the hair of the beast, it must, for the little ones whom I entrusted to him. Yesterday I had the visit of your young friend Faure in beautiful S-Lieutenant of tanks...... his instruction ends in Versailles, he will be appointed, he knows where, ready to do his duty, all his duty. His weapon to say is not finished, it takes about six months for the new tanks to be in service.. Will they wait until then? The Senate voted the 2 year law (compulsory military service of 2 years) The House was separated to prepare the elections, what will this one give at such a time? (it will be the room that will install the Popular Front in May 36, and the same who will give Pétain full powers in July 40 after defeat... ) We are, however, suffering the backlash of others, a famous lesson.
...Yes! I am like you, my John, the sight of all these children who surround me often leaves me dreaming, what will happen to those little ones whom one chooses to raise as best as possible?.. May God protect them and your dear Father too!
... I'm waiting for Mrs. Kocheleff to visit, whose distress is hurting me. She's looking for a situation to live in, their business is very bad, and the parents are bothering each other most to give their children (the two sons are in the factory) and their little children what to live in. It's sad. We complain more and more here, German affairs have not arranged things, far from there. We learned yesterday evening at 10am by the TSF that the Führer was pushing back all Your position gives you better entertainment, and I understand your pleasure in enjoying good music. Here too we are spoiled by this, especially on the weekend with the beautiful concerts: Pasdeloup, Column or Lamoureux that are faithfully transmitted by the Eiffel Tower or PTT.
Friday, 17 April 1936(from Vierville, where they are for Easter)
...Simon seems very happy, she too to be at home and close to you. The trip must have seemed long and for reason! You must phone her very quickly to give him the best news of his Michou, Dr.nd The analysis was very happy, no more traces of albumin, so I had the permission to feed the man more seriously and in a more varied way, which makes him the greatest pleasure, he is hungry for wolf, he even came out a few moments today by a good sun that makes the green countryside laugh...... but all these fariboles did not interest the comrade, and the purpose of his walk was..the nigger village in the small cypress wood near the tennis where the 3 great boys have as I wrote it, built a new house on one floor! I don't hide it from you, it lacks comfort, but it seems to me to be a tough one; the terrace (!) would perhaps be charming if the means of accessing it were easier.
... So Michou is out of business, but the girl is still being treated as a pest. Dr. who came yesterday is not at all assertive about whooping cough, it takes a few days to be fixed. She is already taking oral vaccine (the bites have gone fashion) this may stop the cause in the egg, I would like to. But Suzon will stay with her and her cook for a few more days. I will leave with the 4 boys on Monday with Martha, the 3 seniors at least have to take over the necklace Tuesday, I will notify for Michel as soon as I have seen Artaud. It is important to be careful that it does not catch cold, the 2 Drs agree on this, but the days of spring in Paris are often chilly, - veremos - . It is to be hoped that this whooping cough, there is, will not be too bad. (to Athens) It's for the 11th of May, it's the last time. Suzon is already talking about letting her sons go alone, it can't be said, I don't see George alone with his sons for 36,000 reasons, so Suzanne will leave, and it will be easy to isolate the poor girl in the nearby apartment for the time needed.
....visit friends Collières in pain in their old house where they no longer feel at home (St Sever will return to Jacques de Mons), their sons are often here naturally ... . . ; visit also the Finocchi (the great shoe makers) we met last year at the house of Pierres, they live (the Touny will know where) the home where Mrs Steinhell was refugees, simple and well-bred people, 3 children from 11 to 14, an old mother of my age, we will see them again this summer.
The Than mansion is being rented for the summer, but not for last year's tenants.
Jacqueline de Bughas awaits his 4nd And her husband wins 800F in Paris, so she's here.
I don't know if I told you that I had a small, clear grass near my Vignets for 3000F, it's rented to Blin, my farmer for the other 2 plots, it's rounding up the property, but that's all I would do for now, as long as the old uncle didn't liquidate his business. A word from him tells me that the curator appointed in January, n'a again received None Public Assistance administration paper; it's a real scandal, because we can't do anything against this holy sacrosanct, I know what it is.
...... Our 2 students (future) work like forceful, every morning. It is because the date of their examination is due to their journey, advanced, and the review of the courses will not be completed at Kayser. The great Francis does not need to worry about it yet, he benefits, he is right, the Mich lets himself live, it is to be hoped that the months that will follow will be more favorable to health.
I have to tell Simon that I wrote him this week by the Condor (German Air Force). beautiful Aspiron (electric vacuum) is wonderful here on the carpets that had not had so much in years, the brave Tatou does not come back, and Jeanne in admiration "Ch! is bi-comode"...
ParisFriday1irMay36
....you're right, little Maine: it's the bad news! Two Boys at home for 10 days with the pertussis caught without a doubt from the Bison which we had severely isolated in Vierville since she had been suspect. But these two big boys so pushed by their age and very preserved by their life in Rosario are able to collect everything in this pestilence home that is Paris. François has this in the form of tracheitis, Mic gets closer to the usual pertussis but both are affected. They may be getting away faster than poor Bison who has a wheezing cough....she has been back from Vierville with Suzon since last Saturday, she is completely isolated in her room, even for her meals, because of her big brothers who obviously do not set foot at me, it is not that these are pinching the contagion, the departure for Greece is approaching and the baphot.........the departure is for the 11, from Marseilles,......the baphot is for June 8th... it is Georges who pays the trip of her 3 darlings (in 2nd
Class on board for boys, in 1era (He even took the tickets to Athens to be more sure of being obeyed!)
Suzon is fine, a little tired, nights are bad for Bison who coughs a lot, it won't last, here's our little sick guy who ends up in the 4th.nd I think it's a good thing that my two patients are spending good nights, and coughing little, they catch up with the poor, the dear ones. Artaud is consulting, treating them with the vaccine and given their age hopes that the whooping cough will be reduced, it's a disease of 6 to 10 years, rarer at their age. But here they are in the room, fortunately very sunny, it can't be said to come out for maybe 15 days, the complications, the horrific broncho pneumonia, are still to fear, it shouldn't be that Mich who has already been so tested with this nephrite attack is still doing something naughty to us, I am well tormented with all this good children, I confess, I don't want to write to Simon so she won't get too worried, but you could talk to Jean about it. It's certain that after such a winter Michel will need a famous whip. They both have a very good appetite, the good steaks are recommended, even to Mich; I do not deprive them, as you think well; but after 15 days or 3 weeks of whooping will it be the same? Will the seafront be good for them then?... Fortunately that we arrive at the right season, it would be much worse if we started winter. Naturally the studies are interrupted, access being forbidden for them for qq 5 to 6 weeks, I must see Kayser tomorrow to stop what we can do....
....the elections took place without noise, which is quite rare, they would be good without this ballot of a real hunt set by the reds, the communists have won votes, it is indisputable, but they do not yet represent such a majority; our Duke d'Harcourt (Mother for Bayeux) is elected from the outset, the Communist (whose profession I have sent you) the same throughout France was there to count the voices of the party; but there were disillusionments, our Herriot is very upset to be in a lot of trouble and so famous. We have to wait until Sunday to rejoice, or not! everywhere The first is to vote on their May, today, is quiet, everyone works, it looks like little to the effervescence of fifteen years ago, but there is still common sense in France; and as everything ends here with songs, I sent you the one that makes "Everything goes very well Mrs. Marquise" is quite stingy; it does well, it is said to dance, it is made on a fox-trot of Ray Ventura, the famous jazz driver; in any case, it is a satire not mean, and very typical of our French mentality. ...
Paris9 May1936
...it was necessary to avoid the contagion of the 2 young travelers who leave tomorrow night – unharmed – with their mother... It must be noted that the sashran spell on our little colony since Xbre last; Dr. Artaud spoke yesterday about taking a room to stay! My two sick also seem to be in a decreasing period...
...I was very proud to look at your beautiful car, it's a madness! but charming and the whole house offers you to exchange it for the faithful Pepita...No? It's not chic! It's still very good, so it's going to have to go straight back to our summer season, it's going to work, but the boys are a little offended to ride in this ancient car. She hasn't been aerodynamic, I agree. If Robert had yet been able to do without me ..and repay the qq 10,000F that I haven't been far from providing her for the past year! His case is not yet over, but I saw Lot these days, hope seems to be clear, and it counts for 125 to 150,000F for Robert. It's more than I dared to hope. He is at an age where the life expectancy is advantageous (14%) but I intend to ask him to repay me – it will be the first time that I have seen Lot.era And then it will be the great debauchery and a new little Pépita on the horizon. The Renault have at 13,900F–4-5 places, which are charming, and I will take back mine in good time as I buy one of the same brand....
.....superbite, decidedly the "Sisebuta" (name given to Totoni's new car)And as I understand the need for a matching toilet...
ParisSaturday, June 6, 1936
...we left ViervilleWednesday with regret, to find here the capital with all its agitations......My nest is in good condition, except François who still has a little tracheitis but without gravity...They had enough of this quarantine and their lonely work, I had the pleasure to see that thanks to the programs followed according to the weekly data of Kayser and the high school, they were able to resume the courses without harm....
...we fell here in the midst of the disturbances caused by the quasi-revolutionary strikes that broke out everywhere (we were better in Normandy), because, although TSF proclaims Comrade Jouhaux, of the CGT, occupation of factories, yards, trading houses by troops of strikers paved with red and screaming the International, are nothing good Republican. You surely know that every day we register new abandonments, it was yesterday the great stores, Spring, Good Market, Galleries (of which Blum himself is part of the Board of Directors), then those of the food, Potin, Luce, Conté, the employees, all men and women, camp night and day "on the job" as it has been agreed, all the factories are occupied, and I let myself say by Mrs Cordelle that in all the administrations of public interest, we watch over grain. Gabriel is more in his office than at home, his wife and daughter went to Crillon, but he did not leave Paris; naturally the popular front would like to state all the services of water, gas, electricity, and there is no proof that this will not be done. The milk is hard for us, the Grands Moulins are on strike, and the baker warned this morning that there are a few days of food supply flour, the slaughterhouses are closed, gasoline is scarce, the crates of fruit, butter and eggs are in pain in the stations..This is the result of the brilliant elections that have just taken place. The city is calm however, without any pressure being felt, but you know how easily the people of Paris are getting away. I have taken some provisions to satisfy the young appetites of my three little ones, if any, but I am sure that if there is worse the government will notify with more authority. I suspect Blum and Cie rather bored of this taking of power at such a moment, Sarraut and the others too happy to have cut him such croupières. But we are pretty little detailed, because no newspaper has appeared for 2 days, it is not told by TSF that what censorship wants to let us pass, and it is not much...
.... So Sisebuta rolls and the name Titi n-en wants to go down more; here's one whose two black eyes say all the bad things, next to the seriousness of Jean-Paul, and even d-Yves! ...they look so good, but Yves is so big that we explain the moments of fatigue he can have.. It's the same for my two boys that I kiss now by lifting me on the tip of my feet....the girl has everything from the round and red cheeks, matched with the calves...
....from Greece, it's Monday that we get into the furnace, I would like the two boys to be received, they deserve it, but do you know with the exams, Phil gets easily disassembled.nd part of the bac. It is even he who prepared math. I hope that he was not too..
...I had lots of shopping to do, I had to refuel my boys in summer business, but all that remained behind the closed gates of the galleries...
...I left everything there (in Vierville)In good condition, the work well advanced, the little communicators had to spend their recreations of 3 days retreating in the park, I know that it is always a joy for them. I have seen many good people from our home, there are always misery to relieve, sick to see.nd My friend Madeleine de Mons missed, as well as visits to St Sever, I could only flower her grave by going near your dear Father – as the little cemetery fills up!
It is said that the Than mansion rented to a confessed one in Bayeux, Collières almost wanted to rent it on lease, it is quite obvious that the arrangement of summer can only be temporary; ....... Poor Denise greatly fears the sharing of the trinkets and furniture that is to take place next September.
The de Pierres left for Paris, leaving a simple peasant to keep the property, with orders not to touch or do anything. It is Guillemette who inherited Louvières, from Loys having had his share greatly at the time of his bankruptcy, but Mme. de Pierres does not want to hear about the property she hates and which she advises to sell. I therefore do not know if Guillemette will be able to take care of such a house already badly disrepaired. All this is rather melancholy, and the vacuum is made around our old house. ...
Paris20June1936
...the plane letters certainly have the privilege of speed, but the price a little prohibitive (10F to 5 gr) from which they are overwhelmed does not allow long speeches, and God knows if the Nany is chattering when it comes to her children!
...it's been hot for two days. cold So far, I write you windows and shutters closed to keep the freshness of the night, which is a complete mess for all Parisians who come to see me...
... she's not a good situation ah! no, and we have been close to the revolution to a hair. Gabriel, who came last week with his wife a few moments after dinner, to take some news and give us her impressions; what better! to advise me to leave with the children. The situation was so delicate that evening, that we expected to stop all The unfortunate man spends his days talking with the delegates of the labor unions and the ministries, he eats when he can, at least not at all, lie down at 1 hour, rises at 6 o'clock, he has a dreadful look, but he really feels like he has all the stuff of an energetic leader. He is also very much assisted by his wife....
....The inner situation of our poor country is a pity; the strikes, true soviets, prevented the workers from working for weeks, it's just if they were not insulted by the sinister thugs who presented your charity with a tacked trunk of red destined certainly to their personal pocket than at the party's caisse. Blum and his friend Thorez left it to his president of the Council. (cad Blum) It is said, to finally see qq mobile guards and qq more agents by the streets. This has sufficed to bring back relative calm, and freedom of work is no longer hindered, but this attempt that the popular front is trying is heavy with dangers and all sensible people expect qq reactions when in qq 3 or 4 months the increased workers will also see life rise with tone. They are convinced and Blum I said in the middle room that one did not train the other, poor idiots! We pay the weakness of the different parties who have governed for 10 years; we need a Mussolini. I had founded more hope in the Colonel de la Roque and I am not the only one. The dissolution of the leagues decreed yesterday seems to be accepted by the interested ones. I no longer know; but this is our whole beautiful social movement with all its charitable works on the ground!
Don't tell Simon about these worries, keep my letter... ...and,if you need,we still have the old house where we can take refuge, unless some of the cities come to us, we'll be very quiet.
... I have good news of Piraeus where the Philoua's failure was hard for all; he deserved the dear little one better; in time! it will have to be prepared for October and I work to avoid the setting up of a bacchot box in Philip. I don't forget everything you told me, my John, and that is the generality. Their return is advanced, they will be here on July 4, and Suzon will organize the time to come. We will leave together to Vierville as soon as possible. o 2 boys of vegetation, 1ir July, the surgeon (a Norman next to us) found a large pack of vegetation in the back of their noses that is enough to explain many of the misery of last winter.
....do not let yourself rust in the 1⁄2 laziness of your unactive yard, my Jean, works for you personally....
I hope you have good news of Toulon where, I read, they also have a thousand amenities, when do we go to Lunaville?
....not able to get the Crab (a satirical newspaper from the far right)I'm asking again.
Friday, July 10, 1936
...that they (François and Michel) It was a pleasure to see their good understanding, to hear their good laughs and the falling out of the stairs, the TSF stopped only while they were gone, and we were looking for the sons of the Touny antenna, and it seems that they were not going to be able to get away from the road. Unfortunately the departure of the 2 Chedal will cast a shadow, they will embark on the Queen Mary for Southampton on Monday ...... they will taste fully the charm of the English countryside. They will spend exactly 4 weeks, which will be excellent for their English, which is already very suitable....
....the Parisian atmosphere lacks charm more than ever, the worries of the hour make people harass, not to say more. . it is for example to put, in people like us, a tricolor flag constantly at its windows, and to wear a tricolor cocard to its buttonhole. Needless to say, if the young generation has joined this French brand, only a lot of bastards – pardon: Communists – do not hesitate to spit on the French emblem, and it happened to the 2 seniors the day before we left. I leave you to think their fury and the dispute that followed. I had several clashes, and I will not let myself be made by this peat. The last date of our journey by train, with the driver. I have complained, moreover, and asked that I should be well informed about the follow-up. If we let ourselves be done, these people will crush us. The Senate, for two days, seems to react..Veremos! But the situation is not funny. Our people here do not seem to want to be made, and God knows if I am not lacking in encouraging them....
... Already a lot of people at the beach, it is said, because I have not moved here yet only for my visit to the cemetery. The Jacques de Mons are there, the Collières are moving to Versailles, Gérald is re-scheduled – and 2! They are crowded, hela, poor kids, l'ami Marchand, Puyreux biting dust. Suzanne will probably put Phil in Paris, from August 17, in a course held by excellent teachers. The baphot takes place on September 25. Provided that Phil is received! We wait this month for Georges for 1 1⁄2, he must have returned on October 2.
Auntie arrives tomorrow for 5 days, from Ouistreham where she was at the Massart. She will then find her daughter, and they will end up near Concarneau where l'ami Flondrois métras is currently writing to see us all I see it badly, we are a real tribe, the 2 boys' cadets run on Wednesday 15 for Coutainville, by train, departure from Bayeux at 10:57, arriving at Coutances with only one change in Lison, it is more convenient than the bus. Mr Dupuis will take them on foot, and we will search for them the following Monday with Pépita. Always at his post the Pépita, although somewhat outdated, his young sister Sisebuta is more elegant.
... I learned without pleasure that certain values in my possession would cease serving their interests until 1944.. by then! As for the Franco-Moroccoan Society, whose office on the street of London just sent the RC of the general meeting, I have just read there 1° that the profits are allocated to reserves, to change, 2° that Mr Jean Hersent has given his resignation as administrator and would be replaced by the Société Anonyme Hersent.. white, white bont, but it is an elegant way to remove a burden of administrator, currently we pursue the happy beneficiaries of tanthirteens, who often accumulate their rents. The Senate also continues this abuse, and a speech by one of its members gave the details provided by the Crabouillot, which you have indicated, my Jean.
Not seen or heard of the Daumas, I regret it well, ...... Daumas was to send away travelers who have landed so hard in Bordeaux, because of the dockers, the Morning has spoken about it. Sad reputation to give to our maritime lines that can but.
I called Master Lot, who is in charge of the old Tonton affair, and the apartments will be sold on July 25, the values, at the last valuations are worth just 250.000F, they were valued more than 2 million at the death of Adolphe. The division will be made between the heirs, to the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations in proportion to their respective bequests.
The Batiffols will not be in Ste Honorine this summer, Mrs. de Niverlais will come to occupy her property, (perhaps it is the castle of St Honorine, which the Batifol used to rent) where his little daughter will be married, it has just been decided. I regret it and they too. They still don't know where to go, the young household returns from America in September, Father Jean (Batifol)
as a tutor in the Jura.
I don't know anything about the Papar. (Parmenter)
...I see that business is going wrong in Argentina, your friends Reed are victims.
About July 36 ??
...about your steps for your change of situation, Jean, I can only approve them and you will do well not to wait too long to put you in contact – without talking business – with the Barons who could help, I believe, to change your shoulder rifle. Argentina is still a country where one can think of doing something interesting. Same near Uncle Emile, if you think you have a chance of succeeding in Morocco in its affair; you are not likely to open up very frankly near him. He will certainly be heartened to give you the help that your dear Father has lent him so generously without counting! ....
Paris31 August 1936 (In fact, Nany was wrong, she wrote from Vierville on July 31, 1936)
...The 2 boys continue to make themselves healthy in the right air (perhaps a little too much!)...
... happy surprise of the visit of the Daumas, left and arrived from Paris without shouting station, and who, having discreetly lunch at Piprel, came to pull the big bell from the grid...... they will drop the phonograph at Mrs Cordelle whom I warned. So our boys will have something to entertain this winter, they are delighted, the beautiful cover will serve to trimming the instrument n+1 times no doubt!
(Phil and Jean-Pierre, August 12) The stearing Aquitania will put them in Cherbourg the same evening, where they will be welcomed by father and mother with Pépita, they will be here to sleep.......the poor Phil must be on the 17th in Paris. He will leave on the 16th with Suzon who will install Lamballe in the care of a brave woman whom we know and who will make his housekeeping and cooking....the bachota left a quantity of wounded on the tile. Laure de Lépinay is re-scheduled...idem the young man of Brunville, of the castle of Asnières, and also the son Leterrier – for his 2ndnd baccot - ....all this consoles the poor man who has been recalcitled.
...Georges are a little bit of a day long, making arrangements for many things that needed them, and with a lot of skill. The two very clever boys already follow the lessons carefully. You must know that Mich managed to set up the famous TSF post by adapting what they had done in Rosario, they are delighted, of course.
We have seen Denise, often concerned because she is currently sharing the furniture of St Sever with her brother-in-law. ......It's sad.
Guillemette de Pierres has a resident, an American between 2 ages that she walks along the roads
... received a card from Flondrois who would like to have us all in September, that is not said for me, at least, further Georges must join Athens in the first days of September, veremos....
...the great Georges .... makes beautiful pictures inside the house, to complete the collection you know, he brought – to join -3 enlargements of the door of the stake (a wonder), of the dining room and the bell tower of our little church...
Vierville13Aug.1936
...our boys came home last night (at midnight) with their parents... and it was a noisy joy, stairway falls when we saw the lights on. We were all lying down, sleeping with an eye...
....the showers seem to be breaking down; all the better, everything was falling, including the fruits and potatoes, which I had made a large plantation in anticipation of events that would have forced us to stay here longer. There is no proof that we will not be happy to find ourselves here.. The horizon is not so clear and no later than yesterday I had a letter from Truss (Bousquet)
I'm sorry, but I'm not going to go to the city. I'm not going to go to the town. I'm going to go to the town and I'm going to go to the town. I'm going to go to the town and I'm going to go to the town. I'm going to go to the town and I'm going to go to the town. I'm going to go to the town and I'm going to go to the town. must Have the courage to say what we think. Our old aunt in Paris did have the gesture of spit In the trunk of red that a striker was pointing at him, saying "this is what I am giving him." Denise Collières, in response to insults uttered in the middle of the day in Lisieux in front of the tricolor cocard that she is wearing at the buttonhole, did not fear to answer "your mouth" to the insulter who is astonishingly you; Guillemette de Pierres, the pretty, the delicious madman, also had her catch, and so many others.
We all wish for the Spanish insurgents (Franco had just launched his uprising against the Republican government, the Spanish war lasted 3 years)
...The old Flondrois writes that he is still in a bad position, still suffering on the right side, I'm sure he had to deluxe himself a rib, but he has to treat himself in his own way, which is not the right one. We are waiting for the charming Yo on Saturday....
...I write to Simon tomorrow by plane, the little ones are superb, François grew up 8 cm 1/2, and fattened 11 kilos. Mich stands at 561/2 and grew up 8 cm. It's fine...
Viervillece4Sept.1936 – 3hsoir – Friday
....we had a very nice week that closed Georges' stay here, .......This one takes up the path of Athens without much enthusiasm. However, he leaves with good hope of returning, having received at the last moment, in a letter from his lawyer, a proposal for the settlement of the miraculous debt, but I prefer not to tell you here the proposed way, it is honest but might compromise some Greeks. Of course Suzon writes that Marcel who had eclipsed from Paris for La Baule so as not to face Georges who had asked him for a special interview for his return! Marcel, I say, takes the thing much less than Gilbert that Georges saw at the office and who immediately walked in the..unhopeful water faucet. (Benezeth) But he is not – without George's regret – and he has not been able to put them down, but he knows so well how to speak of his dragging voice. I have good hope that Georges has the greatest desire to return, the current events are encouraging, he would feel more at ease with his own! His place is there; he has given us the assurance that at the end of the year, he will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to make a contribution to the success of the project.era He'd be flying. (this assumes some commercial or demand flight possibilities, which I did not know existed?) . It is to be hoped that he will not need it. I also had a special interview with him to take measures, if necessary, in case of war, arrive here as soon as possible, in case of revolution idem; but there our old house may be a less secure refuge, if bad people might occupy it... veremos! at the grace of God.
Our people here are on the right side, it is only to see the resistance that the "green shirts", that is our farmers are being called, to receive orders from the CGT. A new attempt at a strike at the d'Isigny dairy has caused a meeting of 300 farmers, who first wanted to storm the dairy where they were doing the strike on the job, and that their leader (also a farmer) had a great difficulty calming down; The sub-prefect, a terrible freemason, red to the end of his feet – warned immediately and who had gone to the scene, was more than molested, but severely shaken by the 300 peasants who were... pushed if it could be said to the town hall of Isigny, where they held him prisoner from 10am to 6am, until they got what they wanted. However, the newspapers, including Matin, will only say, by order of the Government without doubt, in a small entrefilet lost in the news "the strike of the Dairy d'Isigny ended with an agreement in the presence of the Sub-Préfet". And that's all. I had the details above by one of the protesters who was present.
In Trevières the famous speaker of the CGT did not appear again. J-d engages our old Dr. Bree to resistance, both and more, and does to the extent of my means proselytism near all our good people here.
I had a visit to Truss and the good old friend Bousquet on Wednesday and Thursday. I had reported 2 houses in St Laurent and St Honorine, but they didn't like Truss, always too demanding and never decided, it is always the same. I would have volumes to write you that would make you laugh, on the details of his stay here. .
...the change of university is hardly agreed... for our Phil who will be forced to go back to Greece to try the bacchot again. This one takes place on October 5 in Athens....
...the Collières are talking about buying the Forester's house, where they will settle down in the summer. It's in very bad condition, they will gradually make repairs. Collières came running here, scares up sums to pay in all these successive moves. His business d-Orsay seems well-set, so much the better.
We have been doing with the Leons a tour of the VignetsThese are beautiful with their apple trees that are bowing under the apples; we will make 2 barrels of cider, one of which is a big beer; which will allow next year to make Calvados, in good account. A hedge of one of the vines is entirely lined with beautiful hazelnuts covered with fruit, my boys left there earlier.........there are also many blackberries and superb. J-a made 3 of these vines stand in place of the wood tips that served as fences, it's much better. The old house takes really good turn now that the repairs are done; it was necessary to re-grow the whole bottom of the Pompon stable, I still have to consolidate the roof bell whose stands are damaged, it will have to be scaffolded, it is a job annoying
I don't like to see the workers up there.
Georges started laying woodwork all around the boy's room, this will be completed by 2 cabinets ranging from the fireplace to the door and the fireplace to the window, up to the big olive, rather narrow wardrobes but which will not take place, it will be very good and will be very clear....
Vierville 87bre1936Tuesday
.....I thought that given the government's measures, it would be better and more prudent to send me by your care or those of Jean Cordelle (it is a transfer from Argentina to France of funds belonging to Nany and to send by Marcel Martin)......that Martin and Rodriguez do not write that by your hands or those of Jean Cordelle. Here, the government that needs money is very The situation here is very worrying, the metal trade union of Paris, composed of some 200,000 workers, claims to be calling the government to bear the burden of aid to the Spanish governments. (During the Spanish War, Franco was militarily supported by German and Italian aircraft) Blum answered courageously no and explained himself in a speech that had all the votes; it would be very soon the war with Germany. He was claimed to be overwhelmed by his troops of the Popular Front – very tired – he is 67 years old, and only wishing to fall his ministry. (who turned casaque and started in collaboration and the Antibolshevik Legion with Germany in 1940-44) I am sending you a package of newspapers, but I admit that it is too discouraging to read. Suzon returned yesterday from Paris, Georges went back to Athens rather bored to leave his family in these troubled times.
....the beach has resumed its tranquillity, all the unwanted Parisians have fled, good wind; we were imbued this summer, and we were able to enjoy the eyes of nudity, not all of which were pretty, pretty to look at!
...We must tell my three little ones that I would like them here; we will go to the hunt for blackberries and hazelnuts and even cider apples, of which some I know are excellent. It will come for them too! While waiting for the big ones give, in the meantime to prepare the new boat that Jean-Pierre is preparing for the next contest, but this one will have a hull and an engine!
What are you doing? Do the work work work normally? And do we finally talk about "ampliaciones"? Those of Tenerife must give us some concerns, I like not to see you there. Sagne has returned from Persia where he will only go from time to time; it is Dorier who replaces him....
Vierville, around Wednesday, September 16, 1939Nany had to write quickly because she did not date her letter
....Jean Cordelle is less categorical than you about our departures, and I think it's good to write before a firm decision, they alone can take the one to board their little ones. Here I will have time to make all the necessary arrangements as tickets, passports, etc. By the way, this is not such a bad operation that it, and it will calm you down. For you I decided to do the steps for my passport that I would have at the end of the week – because of the photos – Suzon of the rest ts written by exposing our ideas, it is quite obvious that Georges would be the 1stir
(He writes every day) to demand the departure of his own if he felt the need. He was here a dozen days ago and could judge for himself the exact situation of our poor country. Despite all the past mistakes I still trusted in his recovery, and I am not the only one.
The government reminds those who threaten to disturb peace, who have duties to fulfill, the Radicaux threaten to leave the Popular Front, on all sides we feel the resistance of honest people, and fortunately there are still many.
So I am well decided, my John, to go to Greece with Suzanne and the little ones, if necessary, also ready to take Fr. and Mich if we were taken by short, but I do not believe that this will be necessary, in all conscience.......Do not worry more than he does, and be sure that we will make any useful decision in his time, keeping us close to any eventuality, of course. ....
On the back of the paper, Suzon's letter:
My old Tony.
Until I write to you at a later stage, I am here to discuss the current situation, since in your long letter received this morning, you are instructing me to look out for our dear Nany in case of danger.
In fact, we were very surprised, Mom and I, with your good letters so scared; you really need to have very pessimistic newspapers, so that you can figure out the situation in France as seriously tense. It is certain that our current policy is below everything, and that the softness of our leaders could have very serious consequences, but I also think that you are exaggerating little. It's not a reproach I'm making you, I've felt too much anguish to be far away and not to be able to do anything for those I love, to make you feel sorry for it. I just want to reassure you all and tell you that there is not currently a immediate danger, and thank God, there is every reason to hope that things will be arranged. You know me enough to know that I am not particularly optimistic, you have been quite tidy and sluggish, some moments! j-en laughs, but it is to remind you that I am also always so easily ready to see things in the dark. I believe it is good to be ready at all at this moment, assured as well as in case of civil war, Vierville would not be a very safe haven; We are prepared to make arrangements for us to escape to Greece with our dear Nany, who finally agreed to get a passport. If things are spoiled, we can take the fast to Athens every night, so be assured, because it is not in the next few hours that events taking such a big step can prevent us from leaving, everything being ready for that. As soon as we arrive in Paris, I will even have Nany and Bison's passport for Serbia and Greece targeted, so everything will be arranged on this side.
What is most worrying to me is the decision to make about our little residents. I understand better than anyone, the concern of Simon and John, but it is serious for us to decide whether or not we should embark them, unfortunately, can't predict the future, and as optimistic as it is, it is impossible to say that it will happen or not. I would like to see the Cordelles being more categorical, because again there does not seem to be an immediate danger. So let us know what we need to do about it, I am naturally also ready to make them a visa for Greece, if Simon and Jean consider it appropriate, we could take them in case of danger in France.
Things are now taking another turn, as the Communists in Spain fail to do. (Franco had a lot of success in the first few months, and then the war broke down, with the governments being supported by the USSR and the International Brigades, and Franco by the German and Italian aviation, the war lasted until summer 39, with the victory of Franco's nationalists), Stalin's comrades felt that we would not be able to do the blow of Father Francis very easily! But this does not prevent us from living on a volcano. This is not done to be very reassuring. Calm, my dear old men, calm, it is panicked that begs you...
Around September 26, 1936, from Vierville
...I'm glad Simon's letter of the 18th shows you more reassured. I did everything you recommended to you, my John: I'll make a passport in books. (sterling ??) I have made arrangements that would allow me to move away for a few months without the property suffering – here you are reassured? – It is for your peace of mind that I have strongly refused your adults to take a passport as they had asked me, with the firm intention not to leave France. The stock exchange goes back up, the business having turned better, so I can sell the securities you want to sell as soon as I arrive in Paris, it would most likely be the National Credit 1924. I'll see them go with regret, your dear Father had bought them with such confidence.
.... Today we finish the repair of the bell of the dinner bell. We had to scaffold, replace a part of the carpentry, fill all the members, paint: but here will be done for a long time.
My dear, I kiss you all 4 very tenderly, and always Long live France!
ParisSaturday, October 3, 1936
...and we have been back in Paris since Tuesday night after leaving the old house more or less clean (rather than more) because it is impossible to clean when 10 people trample from above; I left the whole ground floor at the debandade. It's not an experience to start again if you want the old house to keep a little of its chandelier! but I wanted to go back here, I was without news from Mrs Cordelle and from above since the alarmed letter of your elders, and I needed to consult them. We will tell you what Dessus came to offer yesterday, and that he must communicate to Jean Cordelle. This solution can have good and would remove the concerns of John and Simon.
...The financial situation is not good, but the devaluation had good, to confuse the popular government of taxation. Many parties regimbed, and the Senate with Caillaux did a rough conduct to Blum and Auriol. They did not lead wide, and had to let go of the ballast to stay in power; unfortunately the moment was inappropriate to flank them on the ground, one has to wait. I really hope that everything will be arranged gradually, we must not want to rush things, we will probably get a burst, but resistance to the popular front is organised everywhere, our Norman or other peasants are loudly demonstrating their resolve to oppose any threat of strikes... political; last Sunday's meeting in Isigny was a triumph for green shirts coming nearly 7 to 800 to listen to Dorgères, it is this Dorgères who guided the protests of the marketers' strike in Paris, it is everywhere. Our Fire Crosses changed to the French Social Party are growing in number, they are feared by the Popular Front whose biggest insult is "Fire Cross". Fear is the beginning of wisdom, the Senate did not send it to Blum, that they have called on to take steps to avoid factory occupations. I am warning you of an article from Candida this week (1ir
October)d-Alain Lebeaux, entitled "The Communist Terror." The writer's appreciation of modern bosses is full of truth. It is not enough to be a remarkable engineer to lead men, your dear Father said well, he, who was loved by his staff, who feared him however; a little more simplicity would not harm anyone, and it is hardly appropriate to display beautiful cars in front of those who go to work in the rain. The old boss went with his umbrella and rubbers to the factory, the old Mr. Hersent knew it well, who went, despite his lame leg, on foot, from the old port of Bizerte to the House Hersent on the dock.
Not all of this is the fault of the often sour workers, whose approach we are not getting close enough; it is our duty to go to them, we are currently paying the morgue of more than one leader.
In any case, we have a little less than that, I've been half ill, where are my last rents going? I don't know anymore; fortunately there is compensation in the lands of Vierville, that's what I bought, the last pieces I bought were very The titles that the notary of Trevières gave me, they learned that the previous owners had paid more, it is necessary to go back to 1908 and 1903, to find the same sums that I paid them for, it is almost incredible. The stock exchange is closed, and not even so, I would not realize as you had advised me, Jean, this is no longer the time. My biggest regret is that I didn't have time to sell what you wanted, it would have been enough to take pesos, but it was too late, all external operations are required to be declared since the 20th of September and the exchange earnings recovered by the state funds. Let us wait a better time, the rents must normally rise, the atmosphere here is much less tense, it is also the opinion of all those who approach the workers world; this one begins to protest against the demands of the cegetist leaders. On the other hand, we have proof of this in meetings where CPDE sends delegates, unknown of course, to take the wind. We no longer see a red flag; our tricolor flag is the master, and Marseillaise has the step on the International.
That's a long time, my dear children, on this chapter, but it's got us all in the heart, isn't it?
…..(Photos received) The most successful is your titi in front of its old shiner, it's a real picture of the genre, that this face wrinkled close to those of your little ones....
...we left Normandy with great regret...... Until the last moment we had the 3 children Collières all day long, Denise was struggling in Lisieux and St Sever to park in his new acquisition the furniture that will furnish her. The Jacques made her swallow many snakes and the poor little girl had to close the door of St Sever behind her, having more bitterness of grief; she left 24 hours after us, having placed her things in the house that you know, which is in a state of repulsive dirt, but it is untoit, and she had no more. It's very sad and we surrounded it as best we could....... Revu Guillemette de Pierres who left with his nephew from Loÿs, but who has to come back to Louvières for winter. Her mother will come there in a month. She is afraid of it, there is a little bit of it. The farm is finally rented.
.... Life takes over in Paris however and women wear the first winter elegance. There is a series of hats that makes my joy...to look, because I don't see myself with one of them on the skull. I'll send catalogues to my daughters to make them enjoy.......The work of the 1937 exhibition progresses, our boys went to see this, our old Trocadéro is upset from top to bottom. Jean-Pierre returned yesterday to Janson, there are elementary mathematics classes (our terminal S) With an average of 50 students each, he has already been questioned...as long as it lasts. The Phil arrives this morning in Athens and starts the tests on Monday....
...Georges who finally got permission from his boss to act as he pleases to settle his case. It was not without difficulty, we can see that the lukewarm water tap had returned. Let's hope that it will work now and that George will finally return home for quite a while. 9 I hope you don't have the same for me, my dear children, and that you can raise your two sons!
about 10 October 1936, from Paris
....Nothing else here for the political situation, only that the Popular Front has increasingly bad press, everywhere in the province and among the peasants, we react violently, you will see that the Alsatians show their teeth in turn, the French Social Movement protested strongly on Sunday at the Princes' Park, and it must be believed that our good communists were not so proud that this to have been guarded by q2 25,000 troops or police. It is almost incredible! Let's hope, my Jean that we will not see the horrors of Spain.
You already know that the devaluation was surprised before I could sell your securities, you didn't seem to regret it, I'm glad. Besides, the stock exchange is not bad, and the values go back to life. Life hasn't had time to get more expensive, but it will come, it's forced.
I'm glad that the Sisebuta gives you some nice walks, it's not yet this year that I will change the Pépita. Master Lot wrote to Robert that he wouldn't have any money to give him before long... and six years ago that Adolphe died.
Friday, October 16, 1936 – Paris
...I come to take advantage of the Massilia that leaves tomorrow and knows how to do so well to go towards you, to send you a longer letter and also small photos...... these are those of our passports and Suzon claims that she is successful. I find that the photographer has swept my wrinkles with a little strong brush stroke, but it flatters me to see me younger than my ice cream claims; so I send you my face, warning you that you will have a disillusionment when you find me Of visu …
...So this is our Phil who is standing against a wall, George thinks he will keep him at Piraeus, where he will agree with the teachers to have him re-run his program, taking the Latin back to the base. I would like to believe that the result will be at the end, without being sure because Phil hates Latin......bref here our Phil with his dad for at least qq months, it will do him good; for this little one since his age of 9 has lived with women. When I cried out three years ago to your grown-ups, it wasn't so much for the little ones to be taken away from me that because these boys need a more virile orientation than ours, we do, we think like women, we need to be 2 for the education of the sons at least, you know my ideas on this, Jean, I think they are true...
...Jean-Pierre is now in Janson......he seems to be well placed there both in math and English......he takes German rehearsals that he would like to know; this little one is very hardworking – who would have said, who would have believed! With this very sporty, and very clever. He made himself enrolled in Janson's athletic society and under the guidance of a teacher – as – made dives at the Molitor pool and athletic exercises once or twice a week in Janson.
...I'm not talking about my 2 residents, who you have news of every week, they are doing very well and have resumed their work with courage and diligence...
... when my boys come back to me on Sunday night after a ride in the Dupuis car, it does them great and they have a good appetite on their way home. ..
....Here we had ice days and it was necessary to demand the ignition of the calorifers. Our company is, for this, understanding, it is not like the owner of the street of Longchamp (we said that he was dead). Now the temperature has returned to that of a sweet autumn, we must renegade the furs and knits that we had left, it was really early.
....Public opinion is certainly raised from the ever-increasing audacity of the Reds; my little homeland has just given them a blow; they have been received rather freshly and without the ban of their 52 meetings that have limited themselves to 10
There would have been some good fights where they wouldn't have had the upper hand. The government couldn't have kept them enough. The lawsuits against La Roque and Mermoz seem to take more time; I don't think we'll have to touch those two. You would have laughed at me yesterday in a group of 25 to 30 workers at the corner of Chopin Square, in which a man in a hat was going to be in the middle. I'm approaching to listen; immediately a big guy looking insolent: "Ma'am, what are you doing here? "I come to listen to you, I don't know that your meeting is secret since it happens on the street" and I looked at the guy in front of you, he didn't answer, he turned his head and I added: "I read a lot of newspapers from all parties, I think maybe otherwise than you, but it's possible that I'm wrong." I don't believe you don't have the job figure" another: "We're given the list to get our uniforms, we're going to march this afternoon – Oh, but then it's going to be very nice! I'll go see this – Yes, but it's for the civil war – Then I'm going to be a canister" another: "I'm the Chief, Madam, all my compliments!" and we left the best friends in the world ..without knowing why they were there...naturally! Most of these guys follow like sheep the bad leaders.
....I got a good access to malaria fever without recurrence, fortunately! This week. I was perfectly well until about 3am. where I was caught the characteristic chill..I passed the next one; at 6am I was flattened in my bed, and swimming. A little quinine and that's all, years ago I had not had, and I don't explain to me the cause of this one. Holy virus that doesn't give up those it holds.
...You will see, my John, that I saw a beautiful tree, an elm, which had to be cut down in the wood, so I had 13 beautiful boards that dry in the fenil, ready to be used, there are several thicknesses...
...Georges and Suzon are in talks for a Peugeot 402-6 seats, that Mrs Chedal offers them. It is obvious that we must expect the cars to increase, I would have willingly changed mine that Renault would like to take me back, but this is impossible at this moment, I can only do it when Robert will have reimbursed! .. when? Thank my children for your offer to help, I will try to arrange without it! Thanks, I tighten the belt by all the ends...
....Take patience, Jean, you must not pack up at this moment with the crisis, and if you have to do the pious of the Société des Travaux de Marseille, do them, it is not up to you to raise the reputation of the Maison Hersent. So much for them if they do not understand it. Does Drillon always intend to return in 37, and does Jean Cordelle also speak about his possible return? for him as for Georges, the problem will arise before long...
Saturday, 7 Nov. 1936Paris
...A few 15 years ago, I was on the train to Tours where we were born a little Francis, and it was a lot of joy in all our hearts, we celebrated this anniversary as it was appropriate, but I will not surprise you by telling you that Suzon and I were at the bottom very melancholy! Too much absent from this table where we were gathered for lunch, tomorrow it is the 18th anniversary of our Phil, I am sure that the good Georges will be in four to celebrate his elder, but they too will feel their almost solitude.
...grey times and a few rainy times, but quite sweet. I cannot however go to Vierville as I would have liked. I, with our Suzon and the little one, was blooming our missing in Orsay, Father Lachaise, Montparnasse. Apart from Orsay, the other graves were well abandoned, even that of Grandpa, no one had come there long ago, the dead are fast...These 3 days were very painful, I confess; I always get tired .. and then life resumes, it is necessary.
I was the trustee of Adolphe's estate this week, asking him to make a d-hoirie advance on Robert's estate. It is less than reassuring, claiming that the values will hardly be enough to pay the transfer fees and the heavy fine that the tax will not fail to claim since it has not been paid within 6 months. That is the peak. So stay the apartments, one has been sold with 2 garages for about 80.000F, the other 2 are not finished paying, there are 45,000F to pay these days, they will not be saleable for 1 or 2 years, and only in part, because property rights are not acquired completely before 7 to 8 years. It's a real ink bottle, and the curator summed up the situation, saying "This gentleman was a player, the composition of his wallet, his speculation on buying apartments is proof of it"C'est exacte, but what's unfortunate is that it would have been enough to send four months after Adolphe's death, an injunction (or summons by bailiff) to put Public Assistance in legal order to accept or not to accept the estate.– Cost 80F – the negligence comes as much from the notary as from heirs, m-a repeated the curator. I long ago knew it! In short, he will examine whether he can pay Robert a small sum. J-I saw Me Lotte the next day who promised to insist in these people near the curator....
.... Here are the back-door chambers, there are many questions, including those about the events that marked the visit to the Arsenals of the citizen Blancho, former boiler worker, now undersecretary of state to the Navy. I very much complain the Marine Officers who had to undergo such humiliation. We hope the fall of the Ministry, but it would probably be replaced by that of Caillaux... so we must expect to undergo the coupon book anyway (this is the treasure project of Caillaux) in a short time. You know that I do not declare what I have, to allow you to pay less for my death, so I see only one thing that will allow me to continue this way, it would be to put the supplement on your account. Do you see any drawback? There will certainly be arrangements for people living abroad; this is what I said of Courcelles to whom I had said that I had in my safe some values belonging to you. In case of your return to France, we would notify. ......There can be no inconvenience for you, since you are not subject to income tax, living abroad.
You can read in the Morning of a day of this week the very clear explanation given in 1era The page of the famous notebook. It's great! and what paperwork it will bring again, it's to be shuddered. ...
...did I say that to avoid the flight of capital in Greece all I'm sure you can think of what it's like for Georges and Suzon!! It's better, since Suzon is allowed to joke about this measure, the man who is responsible for the reading has had a great deal of emphasis on certain phrases and even put his word in them. Freedom, freedom!
....Our apples are picked in Vierville, there are 100 bars of back-to-home products that will be used to make 1 barrel of "big beer" and another of "middle" as our people say, and there are still many that are sold ahead, because our ownis appreciated in Vierville.
Guillemette wrote Suzon a very melancholy letter, she is alone in Louvières with her mother, and this large icy house, almost without light, because electricity does not go there, is attritant.
We await the visit of the Collières finally installed in Versailles, the bus that passes down our avenue, leads us to their home. ...
Vierville22 Nov. 19365h1/2
....I've been here since yesterday......and here I am coming to end with you a day well spent doing the traditional tour of the owner. I come back to see my parish priest, ...... it's dark, the little wood that I went through was very dark and the dead leaves that are littering him were screaming under my hoofs...... how easy it is here to live from this inner life so necessary for moral balance and how much the Parisian tohu-bohu is damaging to the peace of mind!
I left our whole house healthy, the good Suzon had to take care of my two little residents who had to spend the day at Mrs. Cordelle's, Suzon and her two little ones had to go to Versailles to taste at the Collières'.
...the apples re-entered for the cider that will piledin the first days of December. There is such a harvest that j-en makes 2 large barrels of which one pure juice to prepare for a deficit harvest next year, if need be and if not, we would boil I've already put a little barrel of calvados in the cellar, which we have distilled here, according to the rights that I have; in about 10 years it will be drinkable... but our people say it is already excellent, ..j-in doubt! ...
...boys work bravely, the girl without doing any;
politics is still so agitated; Salengro's suicide (he was the minister of the interior of the Popular Front) I fear that the left party is increasingly mad at the crisis and we wonder how long this ministry of unrest and hatred will last. Yet, we all want peace; peace between French people, as it should be, is the party to which we belong. Meanwhile, the Spanish affair is becoming more and more bloody and if success seems to crown the efforts of national troops, we must say that there are years before these people return to their prosperous country. What a sadness! God saves us such distress! The danger of the European war seems to be calming down; the speech of Eden (Prime Minister) has clearly pointed out that England would support an attacked France and Belgium, even a provoked Germany; that is to say, the USSR to stand still...
... I saw Guillemette de Pierres last night, it was dark, and I certainly waited for no one at that time. To live alone in his big house – her mother returned to Paris again – she hardly embarrassed the contingencies, she was riding a bicycle and, it seems, with cat eyes in the countryside darkness. She will only return to Paris after having installed the farmers who must soon occupy the farm behind the castle. It is equal, it is a certain cran de sa part de vivre de ces solitude ; Apart from a weekly visit to the Heudrieet from time to time at the Jacques de Mons when they are in St Sever, that's all she can pull out of here; it's a very charming girl...... she made me laugh by telling me the little pots d'Aq 60 to 80 years ago that she finds by searching and purifying a copious correspondence that she discovered in cabinets.
...the bus that brought m-a yesterday made pass through the "seashore" the damage of the last storm is barely repaired; the road was cut in several places, the walls of the villas overturned, the gardens invaded by the sea... but the Gallois house (This is the newly built bazaar hotel between the road and the sea, where the current monument of the National Guard is located)I'll end up believing that Mons was right and that he has a little bit of a grip on the devil.
Apart from that the village is quiet; j- brings a lot of knits that we have made for the Christmas tree that will take place as usual in its time...
...We reported from the sawmill in Longueville the beautiful boards drawn from 2 beech trees lying by a storm last winter and which I had to have fell. They dry in the big stable separated by tassots – waiting for the moment to be used. This cost me the modest sum of 96F of costs for qq 8 boards 6m long by 30 to 40 cm wide and 3 to 4 cm thick. Our people are precious for all these details, especially Jeanne, which is for me when I come here alone, filled with touching attention, making the house less empty and my stay more pleasant.
Wednesday 25 November in Paris
I did not finish my letter to Vierville because the Morning informed that due to the strikes, the departure of the Massilia was postponed to 26...
....I find the combination you propose to me in your letter plane of 13/11 very good, by having to put on your account in qq great bank the surplus of what you know. So I will actively occupy to organize this.....
...I have to see Flondrois today, he's having lunch with Suzon; I'm sending the boys next door, because with the old friend, we get up right away from the table at 2h1/2....
... I forgot, the apples set aside for the cider I want to do, in anticipation of a bad harvest next year, I sold 160 bars (1/2 hecto) at 2,25, which will pay the costs of pile This little vine is a source of profit.
...Be careful not to give your resignation before being sure of being placed elsewhere. Here the difficulties are terrible for young people, and places to take very little remuneration; your return to France seems quite random for now; Simone no longer speaks about her return in 1937. She had to come back for the baccalaureate of François and if she had left, it would have been only to move......Moreover, ..Mme Cordelle offered herself and offered her children, in case I felt tired of taking the two boys home. I don't know how she would do it, nor would she, but she would fix it, she said, the main thing will be to avoid the boarding school to the boys who would no doubt bear it. They have a beautiful mine, are cheerful, train...aside from that very prepared for their studies by those they did to Rosario; I won't be able to recommend you not neglect this for your sons. ....It is a justice to be done to our Simon who has been so well guided by his......The Hattemer course is perfect as a guide, Simon must have all the programs that served her sons...... It is possible that this arrangement with Mrs Cordelle will encourage less Jean Cordelle to return to France...
....I was surprised to receive a letter from Simon, followed by one from Jean to Madame Cordelle, which claimed against the days of leave only with the Dupuis family and insisted that Fr and Mich should see Jean-Pierre and Philippe at least once in 2.
...Flondrois gave some indication of the next dividends of the RPD; it seems that it is secret. But it is easy to guess that the profits which can't be kept under the new law, we will be distributed in the form of shares of new companies more or less interesting. Several directors have clearly expressed to the Council, which they would have preferred money, none even wrote to the Delegate Administrator. I would not be surprised that the resignation of Georges Hersent is a little caused by multiple troubles and the Responsibilities He's getting old and with that doesn't always agree with his nephew.(Marcel) His successor, chosen by him, is an emeritus financier, it is said, ....
ParisFriday11 Dec.36
...I come back from the Crédit Lyonnais where I was asking for the attached sheets, other similar ones with a long letter for you, and a letter for Simon, had gone by the South Cross and poor Mermoz...they will not arrive to you, and we all have a tight heart thinking about those 5 brave people who died for us, because of us, to allow us to be more ready for each other, the emotion has been very lively here, and obviously we followed the morning, noon and evening newspapers. (Of course, it's paper newspapers and not radio, which was a very early stage.) Even Edward VIII and her Mrs. Simpson, whose papers are filled, were wrong...
It is said here under the coat that the aircraft had been sabotaged before the departure of Dakar; that it was not the first time; we hardly want to believe such a thing, but we must not forget that Mermoz was the right arm of Colonel de la Roque, therefore very popular in one milieu, and strongly hated in another, the latter is a real mafia that does not retreat before NothingAnd who had cried out in the 4 corners of France that Salengro could be avenged!...
All this is full of sadness and would not ask to be repeated elsewhere than in France; where it is already quite sad to hear it. So you will not have news of us last week, ....
.... Simon's flight letter, received last night – without delay – tells us about the first tests of the 2 comrades at the pool......and it is likely that the Jean-Louis would like to do the same. Jean-Pierre always goes from time to time to the pool, where a Janson swimming teacher gives lessons on Thursday morning. Always fanatical sports, the young Chedal returns delighted. I did not dare to do the same for my two boys....
...the visit we made to Flondrois to see his last acquisition which he found superb, in this case a still life signed by a great name, which I find terrible, between us. He had come to get us by car, and we went to Neuilly passing through Versailles, all the way to Rome; cup of tea visiting all his pretty things; but they are too much and it is more than a hunch...
...In Vierville, the house of the Saillards burned down completely, damaging even Pohier's – one of my farmers – who had just bought all my apples; he had all his hay burned, his cart, a crew, etc. I was very afraid that my farm and payment of my apples would be delayed! The Saillards with their 8 children present were left homeless, she was Leon's sister; They have therefore taken refuge at home, it is very natural, several days, the aid has come from all sides, solidarity really exists in the country, on all sides, sending beds, wardrobes, tables, linen, more than 5,000F in cash, as they were insured for 20,000F, they will be richer than before this disaster. So everything is fine, Madame la Marquise, they are again installed in a house since yesterday.
If time permits, we will finish and start the year in Vierville to allow our quartet to get aired at satiety, which is difficult here....
....We celebrated Tuesday the 19 years of your elder's marriage, really she doesn't appear her 40th birthday, and we often call her Miss, which she did not like. ...
...our Suzon was a little melancholy, which is understandable, I took him to the cinema in the afternoon to see Le Roi – from the play by R. de Flers with an extraordinarily high performance, because everyone was there, Francen, Gaby Morlaix, but especially Raimu in the role of the deputy, then Minister Bourdier, are inextricable. It's a fine satyr of our time, our politicians are caught up in it, I recommend it to you if it ever happens to you.We also celebrated Michou, but I will tell Simon about it earlier....
...He was here to take tea with the Batifols. Henry is there for a few days with his wife, both very friendly. He will go to Berlin – with her – to finish the work he has to produce following his stay in the United States. Batifol has just finished a book on Richelieu and Cornelius, of which he did I'm not a man. , he has just organized an exhibition at the National Library for the tricentenary of Corneille, whose inauguration takes place on Tuesday; we have an invitation for the said one, and we will go; it is always interesting to meet the powerful or the literate of the day; we are about to come to history! ...
...I'm not talking about the abdication of Edward VIII, he has failed all his duties as king; he has a bad press here.
Tantine is fine, the old uncle too, Dauthy the curator of the estate, responded by refusing to ask in advance, implying that there will be little or nothing left to the heirs!
Parissaturday19 Dec 1936
...to bring you the wishes, the wishes of your old mother... ...I know how heavy the task is, in the times that go, but you are still privileged, by living one of the only countries where we can live without political or financial threats. Our old Europe would need a bar to get the ship back on the right track. It is not time to talk about actions of our government whose difficulties increase by the road they wanted to draw. The Senate is fortunately putting itself through ideologues from Blum and Cie. Let us hope in better times, and especially less filled with hatred, because by means of turning everything around, we can hate each other. Blum starts to feel it, who appeals for the calming of conflicts in the North, to the patriotism of all the French. Unfortunately, there are too many foreigners in our country, and they make fun of these recommendations.
So it's likely that this little word will find you at the Riachuelo...
...helasle brave Mermoz is definitely gone with his companions, may God have them in pity; but as I mourn all theirs!...
...Received Truss' visit, Bousquet returned to Tunisia, Yo and the darling saw each other every Sunday, and it was said that he would go to the end of March. Peta will go to the Tripolin and Egypt for the study of Muslim law – a mission paid by the Rockefeller Foundation – he will go to Syria and to India a little later...
...Seen the Héberts on Sunday; I found them in small outfits, which were used to detaching their silverware. Still nice, he didn't say much new; the works were slowing down, those of Oran were removed by Sairnapt and Brice, and he didn't seem convinced that the Grds Travaux de Marseille would have the lift of Rosario. Persia went rather badly, with very difficult work. At Piraeus, Georges gradually touched, it might be finished for the year, but unfortunately we didn't get permission to bring this back to France. Father and son are doing very well. ...