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Post by perogo on Jul 10, 2014 17:36:38 GMT -5
Here
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Post by perogo on Jul 10, 2014 21:03:38 GMT -5
Monsieur Jean-Paul Marat,
I do not know if you would remember me, but we met briefly in the parlor of Mme. Anne Beaupre some time in the Summer of 1781. I must admit I have remained transfixed by our discussion that evening ever since. I found great resonance in the way you have pursued your goals in the intellectual and philosophical communities. As you may remember, I am a man born to modest means, and now find myself in a land of great opportunity. I finished my education in law 5 years after we spoke, and I still have the copy of your Plan de législation criminelle. I hope in my current position that I may have some effect on matters of the judiciary system. Indeed it seems to be the branch that has received the least attention in our Constitution, and as you know can wield spectacular power.
The great conflict between the institutions of power and the will of the masses will be the struggle of our time now, if not forever. And your tongue pierces further than any we have on this side of the seas. The mechanisms for change are often as violent and revolting as their impetus. And in the end nothing is as it was planned, at least not for all. Those who remain pick up the pieces and build. I can say that we have created for ourselves a perfect merchant republic, one that has successfully separated nobility and the church from their former wealth and power. Instead, it is the merchants and traders who wield it. And we shall see how we do.
We had the advantage of an ocean's distance from our enemy, while you were (and still) are fighting enemies within. If there is anything at all I can do to aid your cause, let it be known. We are of the same cause. Though the streets and trails we walk are very different, we both find ourselves with an opportunity to affect whatever change is within our power. My best wishes, then, go with a certain selfish aspect. Nonetheless, I wish you the very best.
Warmly,
Richard Pierre Bessett
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Post by perogo on Jul 10, 2014 21:35:11 GMT -5
July 29, 1792
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
To Mme. Constanze Mozart,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your husband. We were never acquainted, for in my journeys through Europe I was never of the privileged class that doted upon your genius husband. I only heard legend of his great gregarious nature, and of course I heard the music, which took the continent like a wave. It was in Zurich that I remember first hearing his 9th piano concerto, K. 271--the drama and the passion! Never had music told such a story, let alone with such wit and delight. It was your husband's compositions that turned me into a connoisseur of the musical arts, and I now take any opportunity to take in such as my current locale has to offer.
My apologies for the late hour at which this note of condolences may reach you. Word travels slow, and in our burgeoning nation there is so much new every day one feels lost in the deluge. It was only at a concert for a selection from The Marriage of Figaro, which as you know is divine, that I was informed of your husband's so untimely death and I knew I must write you personally to express the depth of my sorrow for the loss. All the notes we shall never hear! If you ever find yourself in the United States, you have a friend and host.
Best regards,
Richard Pierre Bessett
United States Congressman for Pennsylvania
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