To Madame Grangié, née Boisson
Care of Monsieur Boisson Senior, Cahors.
Toulouse 18th September 1802
It is ages since we wrote to each other, my dear friend.
Admit you
are a big lazybones, me too. Truly I am ashamed to have gone
so long
without giving you my news [– two or three words crossed out –]. 
I
do
so today by finally announcing .. can you guess what? ...... I’m
sure you think it is my departure for the New World. Not at
all, my
dear Sophie, it is ..... my marriage, to a young man who combines
excellent qualities of heart and mind with the most beguiling
looks. So, no voyage to America, no dreaded separation from
my friends. Do not think, however, that I am staying in Toulouse.
I am leaving to go and live in Saverdun, the happy little town
that was the birthplace of my charming and amiable Auguste Labouïsse. I
imagine you are wondering if I shall be surrounded by beauties. No my
dear, I will just be with my husband (who is an only son), his mother,
and my mother, who will not leave my side. Papa is going to travel
alone, despite the pain such a separation will cause us. It has to
be, is absolutely necessary, as you can imagine, but if he goes alone
he will have a lot less bother and will return the quicker.2
Farewell, my dear friend. Think of me sometimes and send me your news soon. Does your husband still enjoy good health? Are you with your family? Are you happy and content? You should be, since you married for love. Let me know if this mail-borne blessing finds favour with you, and believe me for life your deeply devoted
Eleonore Muzard.
I shall not to be here when you reply (I’m
getting married in a week and leave for Saverdun immediately
afterwards), so this will be my new address:
Mme. Eleonore Labouisse, Saverdun, Department Ariege.
