To Citizen Sophie Boisson, Cahors

Tilh (Thursday) 26th June 1800

They say there is to be a 20-year truce, my dear Sophie!² I come to share my joy at this good news (provided it is reliable), to impress how hard it is for anyone to treasure it more dearly than I, and to charge that you forever be payed the interest from this disposition, which delights my heart. I want you to know how much I share in your joy at the reprieve of those who are dear to you. I believe this thing is over and assure you we all feel the gladness you feel.

I see, dear Sophie, you have formed a rather high opinion of my small talents. I can catch a likeness pretty well, and I think I would have great pleasure in painting my Sophie's interesting features—they are such natural expressions of the sensitivity of her soul and the goodness of her heart. As for the eyes, I shall have no difficulty in rendering faithfully their dear impression.

If you, my most kind friend, procure me this delight, oh! I assure you that, for such a favour, I shall, since you wish a copy of my sad face, paint you my portrait. There is nothing impossible about the scheme: your father may now be represented by your two friends and you could get him to bring you here with dear Fanny. An absence of a month would be enough; you see how considerate I am in not demanding a longer stay! It is a reward I have earned. Try my dear Sophie to persuade your father to oblige me. I do not have the benefit of knowing him, but little Tata has told me many times that the author of my Sophie's days is all charm and goodness, so, my good friend, I am persuaded he will willingly agree to my request if you ask him properly. Present our respects to him and tell him all my family joins me in urging this kindness. We do not promise much in the way of dazzling amusements, but rather the indulgence of a true and sincere friendship. 

Our position is still the same, my dearest: circumstances, as I have already said, have reduced us to a most onerous situation. We await peace with great impatience so we can return to Saint Domingue, and want to persuade Little Tata to come too. She has been with us ever since leaving Levignac. She sends you much love, also to dear Fanny.

Thank you, my dear, for your heartfelt concern regarding Mama's privations. I see you do not recall how she is built, imagining her to be of a delicate constitution. Throughout all our reverses her girth has been a constant and, thanks be to God! she and Papa are perfectly well. They both send their regards, to you and your family. Give Fanny a kiss from me.

Farewell, my dear friend, really I am ashamed to send you such a long letter, so badly written. Whenever I write to you, I go on for ages, forgive me, next time I will be less wearisome; but something I shall never try to correct is to keep on loving you, and with all my heart.

Mimi

Toulouse, 2 July!

I am spending the day here with Mama. I have your letter and congratulate you on your brothers' freedom.

I must confess, my dear friend, that it is only a lot of busyness and a little laziness which has prevented me from writing to you. My true heart must be my advocate and win me pardon. Goodbye. Kisses to you. Thank you.

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