Hugo, Victor

Hugo stating he has received his correspondent's excellent letter, that he has already protested publicly and vigorously against the ignominious penalty of flogging, which dishonours the judge even more than the condemned, and that he will undoubtedly continue to do so, affirming that the Middle Ages must end, that [the revolution of] 1789 has sounded its death knell ("89 a sonné son hallali"), and giving his permission for the paper to publish this letter

dated "19 avril", no year [1869], written in brown ink, 1 page, large 8vo (c.21 x 13cms), framed and glazed, with a photographic portrait to the left of the letter, small tear to the head, slightly affecting text

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The letter was published in the Chronique de Jersey in 1869, responding to a request for the libertarian Hugo to support the abolition of flogging.