Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893). L.A.S., [mid-October 1854 ?], to the photographer Auguste Adolphe Bertsch; 1 page and a half in-8, address. A photograph (Bayard & Bertall), business card size, is attached. "I would have liked to find the time to go and tell you myself that we have all decided on the hand-held portrait as a publication; but the one in profile has found such sympathy in the family that I would ask you not to destroy the photograph without giving me a few copies if you don't mind. As for the one on the front, I shall ask you only three for the family. I am so crouched down on The Bloody Nun that Sebastopol is nothing compared to the fight I am in at the moment. Excuse, therefore, the sad reverence with which I respond to the so cordial and flattering welcome that you have been kind enough to give to my ignored head "...