[ Charles Forbes René de Montalembert, Comte de Montalembert. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'le Cte de Montalembert'), in French, to an unnamed recipient

Both in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: He thanks him for offering to translate his book ('The Political Future of England'), but considers his knowledge of English law too shaky to permit him to give any encouragement. He suggests that the recipient come to an arrangement with 'Mr. Abraham Hayward, Queen's Counsel, 1 King's Bench Walk, Temple', who is acting for de Montalembert in the matter. Should the recipient's meetings with Hayward encourage him to undertake a translation of the book, he will send him a copy of the third edition, which contains 30 to 40 pages not present 'dans la traduction publiée par Murray'. TWO: He is sorry that the recipient could not come to terms with Hayward, the impediments to an agreement being unclear to him. 'Mais mon éloignement de Londres, mon ignorance des lois et des usages d'Angleterre sur la propriété littéraire', together with the disinterested devotion Hayward has shown him since the publication of the book, compel him to entrust the matter to him 'sans reserve'. He again urges the recipient to apply to Hayward, before thanking him for drawing an article in Blackwood's Magazine to his attention. He ends by giving his opinion that the recipient is correct in his appreciation of the article, one in Frazer's Magazine being better. The original translation is said to have been by Henry Barrow. A new edition appeared later in 1856, with introduction and notes by John Wilson Croker.