Horace de CHOISEUL (1837-1915). Set of two autograph letters signed to an ambassador. 1 p. in-8 and 3 pp. in-12 on headed paper of the Chambre des Députés and the Affaires Étrangères. Paris. 30 December 1880 and 29 October 1892. "Thank you for your kind note. I believe that there are many of us who think that the government, in opening the doors of the Panthéon, should admit those whose names France preserves with such respect - and also pride. You are aware of my old feelings of respectful friendship, and I am happy to express them to you today". "...] Not only do we wish to ensure that the crosses we award to diplomats are well placed, but by having them accepted by eminent representatives of the Republic, we wish to prove that they are in great honour. It is for these two reasons that I ask you to allow us to include your name among the knights of the Legion of Honour. If the statutes had not been so formal, it is certain that you would not have been offered any rank other than the highest, but you must pass each rank, as you know. Send me a telegram saying yes, for which I shall be grateful.