HUGO, Victor (1802–1885).

To the mother of a young Communard sentenced to deportation. ‘Colonel Langlois has just left my house. He remains very hopeful; he is counting on Mr Batbie, who sits on the Pardon Commission and seems to wield influence in that dreadful place. In short, madam, if we succeed, we shall have scored a point against those wicked men. I have pressed hard for exile, which would return your poor child to your arms. You are a wonderful mother, and I would be very happy not to have been of no use to you’… He reopens his letter after the arrival of a letter from his correspondent’s husband: ‘Tell him that I shall redouble my efforts. Mr THIERS himself claims he can do nothing, and I believe that everything does indeed depend on the men on the commission. It is with them that we must act. We shall act […] My heart goes out to your poor child.”