Astolphe de CUSTINE (1790-1857). Autograph letter signed. 1 in-8 on mourning paper. Rome. 20 October (1836) "The letter you did me the honour of writing, Madame, was sent back to me from Paris and I received it on my arrival in Rome; this alone can explain the delay in my reply. It is with great regret that I will be unable to come and give you the portrait you desire; but my uncle has disposed of it in his will in favour of Monsieur de Bouillé. You can have no doubt, madame, of the eagerness I will show to complete a portrait motivated by so many memories.