Ambroise THOMAS. L.A.S., March 25, 1854, to a confrere [Antoine Clapisson]; 2 pages in-8. "I can't tell you how touched I am by the charming letter you've just written me! In calling you to the Academy, I was obeying my conscience first, as you know, and perhaps I was also yielding to an instinct that attracted me to you. Chance would have it that I was the first to offer you my hand, and you have just given me yours with a sympathy and affection for which I, in turn, am very happy and very grateful...".