Captain DREYFUS Captivity at Devil’s Island. 2 signed autograph letters

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Captain DREYFUS Captivity at Devil’s Island. 2 signed autograph letters:
$10845.20

Document sheetAutographs des Siècles has specialized in selling autograph letters and manuscripts for many years.
On our shop, website, you will find autograph letters and manuscripts from those who made the glory of the Arts, Literature, History and Science during centuries past.

Captain Dreyfus’ captivity at Devil’s Island.

A direct testimony of Dreyfus’ daily life on Devil’s Island, told by one of his guardians.

"I am in the Salvation Islands guarding the famous Dreyfus. »

Extraordinary and poignant set of two signed autograph letters relating to the imprisonment of Captain Alfred Dreyfus deported to French Guiana’s prison.

Lawyer Henri Rollet sends his colleague Fernand Labori - lawyer for the Dreyfus family - a letter he sent to him from Cayenne on 1er March 1898 one of his former wards, became an infantryman and guardian of the prison where Dreyfus is captive."

Rollet offers Labori to forward to Mrs. Dreyfus "Fresh, though indirect, news from her unfortunate husband.""

We attach this precious letter from the guard, which details the vast guard system surrounding the prisoner and the convicts’ situation on the island.

___________________

Henri ROLLET (1860-1934)

Signed autograph letter to Fernand Labori.

One 1/2 in-8° page on letterhead of the Young People Workhouse.

Autograph envelope with stamp and postage marks.

Paris, March 24, 1898.

"My dear friend, I am giving you a letter I have just received from one of my former wards, a Marine, currently in the Salvation Islands." If you believe it can be pleasing to MmeDreyfus to have fresh albeit indirect news of her unfortunate husband, I authorize you to share with him. You will only want to return this letter to me when you no longer need it. Your devoted property. »

___________________

A. BLOR

Signed autograph letter to Henri Rollet.

Two pages in-8° (slight missing and restorations).

Ile Royale, undated [Handwritten top note: the cayenne stamp on the envelope was 1"er mars].

"Sir, I am writing you this little letter to let you know that I am healthy and I think you are the same.

I changed homes, I am in the Salvation Islands guarding the famous Dreyfus. I promise it is well kept, it’s not lost sight of a single minute; in addition a new 24 hour post has just been established, which we take; we mount 3-4 hours faction overnight, and we’re on duty every 2 days. 8 days ago a small sailboat [sic] approaching too ready [sic] from Devil’s Island, it was shot, the boat left and didn’t have a Flag.

At Devil’s Island, there are 14 guards guarding him; every day there is a guard watching him and locked up with him. Every day the penitentiary commander and medical major go to see him.

We bother quite a bit because there’s no fun, it’s what’s called the real prison, the incorrigibles have the chain; their job is to blow up rocks; it’s sad to see that. There are those who only have the skin on the bones.

Sir, I am finishing my letter because I would have too much to tell you about the lives of convicts, plus I feel my bowl coming. I am finishing the time of my colony, the 3 9re and hope to be in France by the end of 9re, and I will not forget to visit you. Waiting to see you, I want to tighten a good handle [sic]hands. Best wishes to Mrs. Rollet. Kiss your little boy for me. Your very dedicated servant. A. Blor. »

___________________

Dreyfus was deported to Devil’s Island - outbuilding of the prison of Cayenne - in March 1895 to carry out a life sentence. He did not leave until June 9, 1899.

Henri Rollet (1860-1934) had specialized in juvenile jurisdiction and was the architect of the Children’s Courts Act passed in 1912. Founder of works of patronage, he created the Maison de Travail in 1894, under François Coppée’s honorary presidency.

Check out our manuscripts
Galerie Autographs des Siècles specializes in the sale and expertise of autograph letters and manuscripts of great personalities of past centuries. Purchase / Payment Methods
We accept the following payment methods: Wire transfers and bank checks. Paypal. Prices quoted are in Euros and are net.Shipping
All our shipments are made by registered mail with insurance at a flat rate of €10 for France and €20 for the rest of the world. We may also ship by private carrier at your request.Terms of Sale
In accordance with the customs of the Ligue Internationale de la Librairie Ancienne, we accept a return guarantee within 14 days. Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility.About
All pieces offered are originals whose authenticity we guarantee." Our invoices take the place of proof of authenticity of the parts sold." However, at your request we can issue a certificate of authenticity, in addition.