Alfred de la ROCHEFOUCAULD (1819-1883), known as "Duc de LA - Lot 531

Alfred de la ROCHEFOUCAULD (1819-1883), known as "Duc de LA ROCHE-GUYON". Autograph letter signed April 30, 1857, to Mr. HUGUENIN (His steward), at Château de LA ROCHE-GUYON (Val-d'Oise). 1 ½ page in-8°: "I received your letter Huguenin and I see that the painters will have finished their work much later than I thought... The Tapestry-maker will have had a lot of work. Don't forget to have him put some old tapestries in the Salle d'Henri 4. If I had been at La Roche-Guyon, I would not have agreed to sell the beautiful white cow for 455 F, being in foal...I fear that the very cold weather will harm the fruit and other crops. It happens every year. Appearances are splendid, the weather changes and everything inspires anxiety... I learned of Mme Dupin's death with great sorrow... I am told that the rats are reappearing. I particularly recommend that you do all you can to destroy them, as they are an animal I detest. Traps mean nothing, we must use arsenic and do this before we arrive; it would be good to have the holes plugged, if there were any in the attic above the stables..."