1859 French Lawyer’s Letter Imploring a Client to Pay a Retainer

On offer is an interesting letter from a lawyer accredited to the French Imperial Court in 1859. The author is Maitre Laden. The title Maitre was used for lawyers and notaries. His letterhead notes that he is accredited to the Imperial Court of Napoleon III. His office was in the French city of Riom, about 460 km / 285 miles south of Paris.

An excerpt from the letter follows: 

Notre affaire ne voudra pas de fait longtemps. Comme vous n'etes pas presse, je l'ai laisse ayer de l'affiche. Quand on la retablirie je vous avertirer. Vous voudrera bien m'desiguer avocat et m'envoyer une provision pour hier.

[Translation: Our business will not last long. As you are not in a hurry, I let him have the poster. When we restore it I will notify you. You will want to designate me your lawyer and send me a retainer for yesterday]. 

For a historian, this simple letter is an excellent example of the day-today work carried out by lawyers in mid-19th century France. It would also be a nice addition to a lawyers private library, showing a continuity of purpose over a century and a half of representing clients.

This letter measures 8.0 inches by 5.25 inches and is a single sheet. The paper is in good condition and the handwriting is legible.