Correspondance à Louis Fuzelier
Very rare set of 24 autograph letters from the first valet of King Louis XV, filled with anecdotes about Versailles and Compiègne.
François Bachelier was the king's confidant, often involved in his romantic intrigues.
24 l. a. on approx. 40 pp. 4to, address on verso on most.
Collection gathered on sheets and bound in one folio vol., half red morocco, raised bands (late 19th-century binding).
Bachelier, François-Gabriel (1689-1754). First Valet de Chambre to the King. Correspondence to Louis Fuzelier.
Versailles, Fontainebleau, (Paris), 1735-1740.
Fascinating correspondence from the First Valet de Chambre of Louis XV, filled with anecdotes about Versailles and Compiègne.
Bachelier was the king's close confidant, often involved in his love intrigues.
In a light, sometimes bawdy tone, he describes in this correspondence addressed to playwright Louis Fuzelier, life at Court, castigating courtiers (“toutouts” or “bordés et brodés”), giving some details about actresses and personalities of the time.
“The latest news from the C** indicates that the Shepherdess wishes the same for her Shepherd and that if he has nothing warmer than the 11 kisses he expects from her, he need not trouble himself (...)”.
Advising Fuzelier to come show himself at Court: So you take (...) the inhabitants of Versailles for Boulogne herrings, which are only used during Lent. Make no mistake, this sending away so far in advance pleases no one here, not even the “brodés” and “surbrodés.” So, believe me, if you want to be well treated during this Holy Time, you must come spend Advent and Carnival here, otherwise you risk being shunned, even excommunicated ipso facto (...). The Gazettin of Versailles, St Germain and La Celle will be neither satirical nor false, as for insipid and tedious, that's another matter for which we cannot vouch (...).
On the subject of the fire at the Hôtel of the Marshal of Villeroy, about the Duke of Rochechouard, the performances at the Opera, and some actresses housed at the Hôtel de Gondrin...
Lord Guezou (...) is making fun of us. The best the castellan could do was to imitate Mr. de Guise’s parrot; the “toutous” did not follow suit for never have they gossiped so much and will not stop until the said lord arrives with arms and baggage (...). To an unfortunate outcast: Those who plan to marry would do well to follow the example set for the ceremony by Mr. de La Poplinière, it's not at all complicated (...). The new opera seems to the ignorant like a good friend but a bit of gibberish; surely the music will mend many things (...). Etc.
Very beautiful and rare set.
