Antique Signed Letter Prince Louis Duke Wurttemberg Waterloo 1773

"A complaint! My dear Chevalier, ordinarily a letter should begin otherwise... But blame only yourself if I write to you with commands or abuse your friendship. Indeed, it's your fault. Why, you ask? Because you do things so well! Why have you inspired me with such confidence—and why not? Your obliging ways, your noble manners! So, to the point. See, my dear Chevalier, how many demands fall upon someone as good, efficient, and eager to serve as you are for your friends.

Our departure for Paris is set for the 15th or 18th of May. My plan is to return to the department of the Hôtel d'Orléans, Rue de Bourbon; across from the place where I stayed last year. If I remain there again, I recall that there is a suitable apartment facing the garden. I prefer a room where the noise of carriages would not disturb sleep and potentially harm one’s health. The same number of rooms I had at the Hôtel de Beaulieu will suffice. Nothing more, my dear Chevalier: for even if our means extended far beyond what they are, I am never inclined to such expenses except when you handle them

I beg you, my dear Chevalier, to reserve this apartment for the 24th of May, at the same price as the one you kindly arranged for me last year. That is, nine louis per month, from the day it is secured until the day of our arrival—then by the day thereafter. This might still be decided in favor of the Hôtel d'Astragans, where I had a good stay. I do not yet know what is better—to make an arrangement with him for the whole time of our stay in Paris, or to pay as we go. I’m unsure. My dear Chevalier, you would do me a great kindness by advising me on this matter, and the zeal of your friendship will surely prompt you to note that if an even cheaper apartment is available, I would be all the happier.Sieur Lafond, who was lodging on Rue de Seine, once showed me a property which is said to be quite pleasant. If you would be so kind as to speak a word to Sieur Lafond, I am sure he would be eager to obey and provide the information you require. He has served me for more than twenty years and is an honest fellow. Monsieur Gilles, who arranges rentals, is a good man, but a heartless brute and boor nonetheless.Whether he remains what he was or becomes what he once was, I am growing weary of him—especially if you cannot find me a more faithful, discreet, and solid man. As for linen and lodging, we will bring what is needed for the first few days—that is, for our arrival day. 

You understand, I hope, dear Chevalier, that it is impossible for me to act further in advance. Many circumstances influence us, but I will be sure to inform you ahead of time. The servants will wait for us at the gate.Still, I will return ahead, in the most solemn way, just as you once did for Meaux and then for Saint-Denis. This thought holds me back, and politeness might take me too far—but if you believe that all the friendship your courteous heart holds might kindly heed our requests...I end here, ashamed to abuse your great kindness and generosity, my dear Chevalier. Please present my respects to your ladies. If my heart were capable of hatred, I swear I would be tempted—on her account—to hate Lorraine.Sir, please convey my esteem and friendship and believe me always, illustrious Chevalier, ever your humble and imperfect servant."

"This letter is entirely in the hand of the Duke of Wurttemberg, respected for his august birth as for his virtues and great piety"