Description:

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Autographed Signed Letter, 17 Janvier, 1917

with 6 quill written pages in French on two folded leafs of Laurier House letter head responding to 'Cher Docteur Plouffe's request for assistance, and referencing Major-General Sir Marie-Joseph-Eugène Fiset in this regard
each sheet 8 x 10 in — 20.3 x 25.4 cm

Estimate: $500—700 CAD

  • Dimensions: each sheet 8 x 10 in — 20.3 x 25.4 cm
  • Literature:

    Transcription:
    17 Janvier 1917

    Cher Docteur Plouffe,

    Je viens de recevoir votre lettre. Tout ce que vous m’y dites de votre vie, et de l’interruption qui s’est produite, fait que je ne saurais vous refuser ce que vous me demandez.
    Je vais, à l’instant même, écrire au Général Fiset et solliciter pour vous le poste que vous ambitionnez en [Hanoï / Haïti / ?].
    Laissez-moi, en toute franchise, ajouter que je n’attends guère de résultat de cette démarche : un peu que Fiset soit mal disposé, mais il n’est plus le maître.
    Il peut bien tenter qu’il pourra, de cela je n’ai aucun doute; mais il se heurtera au mauvais vouloir de celui qui est le maître.
    Il est possible pourtant qu’une fois, le mauvais vouloir fasse place à un sentiment meilleur.
    Vous avez cette foi et surtout cette espérance; je me ferais un reproche de ne pas tout tenter pour que votre espérance se réalise.
    Si vous réussissez j’en serai pour le moins aussi heureux que vous.
    Et si vous ne réussissez pas? Vous avez vos talents, votre brevet de docteur en médecine, votre titre de professeur, une femme charmante et dévouée, n’est-ce pas là plus qu’il faut envisager l’avenir avec sérénité?
    Je sais qu’il est des blessures qui saignent toujours. Sachez bien qu’il est peu de vies qu'en soient exemptes, même parmi les plus heureuses.
    Fermez vos yeux sur le passé et ne songez qu'à l'avenir.
    Je vous tiendrai au courant de ma démarche auprès du Général Fiset.

    Votre bien devoué,
    Wilfred Laurier


    Translation:
    17 January 1917
    Dear Doctor Plouffe,
    I have just received your letter. Everything you tell me about your life, and the interruption that occurred, makes it such that I could not refuse you what you are asking of me.
    I am, at this very moment, writing to General Fiset and petitioning on your behalf for the position you aspire to in [Hanoi / Haiti / ?].
    Allow me, in all frankness, to add that I hardly expect any result from this effort: partly because Fiset is somewhat ill-disposed, but he is no longer in charge.
    He may well try — and that he will be able to, I have no doubt; but he comes up against the ill will of the one who is truly in power.
    It is possible, however, that one day ill will may give way to a better feeling.
    You have this faith — and above all, this hope; I would reproach myself if I did not do my utmost to see that your hope becomes reality.
    If you succeed, I shall be at least as happy as you.
    And if you do not succeed? You have your talents, your medical degree, your title as professor, a charming, devoted wife — is that not one more reason to look to the future with serenity?
    I know that some wounds will always bleed. Know that there are few lives untouched by them, even among the happiest.
    Close your eyes to the past and think only of the future.
    I will keep you informed of my approach to General Fiset.
    Yours most devotedly,
    Wilfrid Laurier


  • Notes: Major-General Sir Marie-Joseph-Eugène Fiset, KCMG, DSO, ED (1874-1951) was a Canadian physician, military officer, Deputy Minister of Militia and Defence, Member of Parliament, the 18th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, and the 3rd Canadian Surgeon General.
    -Wikipedia
  • Condition: Condition report available upon request

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June 12, 2025 2:00 PM EDT
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