Auguste, duc de MORNY (1811-1865). Lot n° 9

2 L.A.S. and 1 L.S., [1855]-1856, to Colonel, then General Henry FERAY; 8 pages and a half in-8, a Corps Législatif heading. Presidency. January 26th [1855]. He read interesting passages of his letter to the Emperor, who was pleased with his enthusiasm. "You were mistaken in my appreciation of the Crimean expedition. I have never opposed it, only I could not defend myself from a certain anxiety and I see that the event justifies it. To make a siege so far from home with inferior means a siege of such an importance without being able to reverse it with an army on its back, has always seemed to me the most gigantic undertaking, I would almost dare say the most imprudent one could attempt. Finally, the glory will be in proportion to the difficulties and the risks. But I have confidence in the value and intelligence of our troops and their leaders, [...] take Sebastopol, for in the spring you will have many people against you.... 16 March [1856?]. He had his letter copied for the Emperor to read. He thinks that we are finally entering a different path: "the Emperor places his trust qq. times in people who do not deserve it and [...] he does not dare to dismiss them and let the evil get worse. In the last two years the administration has become weaker and business in general has been spoiled. Perhaps the force of things and the interest of each one will put them back ".... And to conclude: "Do what you did in the Crimea in the truth with courage. That's what I keep doing in Paris"... Paris, July 10, 1856. Recommendation of M. de Chevarrié, captain in the 12th dragoon regiment that he was going to inspect in Colmar: "He voluntarily enlisted with fourteen years of service and earned his rank and position in Africa". And in the same regiment, Commander Nitot.