BERNHARDT. Autograph letter signed to her husband Jacques Damala.

S.d. [1882-1883]

In-12th. 128x98 mm. On headed notepaper, marked in mourning, with his historiated initials and the motto «Quand même» at the head. Text on 4 pages, cursive writing, sepia ink. Sign “Sarah” at the end. Good condition.

« Ta lettre Jacques m’a mise en désespérance et j’entrevois les tristes conséquences de ton refus» [Your letter Jacques has put me in despair and I see the sad consequences of your refusal]

The letter concerns the economic and existential problems of J. Damala, 1855 – 1889, plagued by debt and with a serious drug addiction. The actress tries to push him to accept a contract that was proposed to him and which could improve the economic condition: the relationship, however, had already deteriorated and Sarah concludes with bitterness: «Je ne trouve rien à te dire. Je suis triste Jacques, triste et désespérée ». [I can't find anything to say to you", "I'm sad Jacques, sad and desperate].  The marriage took place on 4 April 1882 in London and concluded in the first months of 1883. The dating of this letter can be obtained from the passage that alludes to their cohabitation: « … , et comme nous voyagerons pas mal les frais d’hotel seront diminués d’autant… vivant ensembles, nos frais seront moins lourds à tous deux» [and as we will be traveling quite a bit, hotel costs will be reduced accordingly. … living together, our costs will be less burdensome for both of us].