EUGÉNIE (1826-1920) Empress. L.A.S., Camden Place, Chislehurst June 19 [1874], to Hortense thayer (daughter of General Bertrand); 11pages in-8 (mourning). Long political letter. Eugénie was pleased to receive a visit from Hortense's brother, General Henry Bertrand... "My son was very happy with the precious memory the general gave him, for he has been brought up in the cult of the past". Eugenie explained her reservations about the Bonapartist proposals: "Impatience has no voice [...] we spare and help Evil [Mac-Mahon, President of the Republic] as soon as it is not a question of Principle for us. [...] We have to be frank with the country so that it can make an informed judgement. [...] on the subject of universal suffrage, I believe it should be directed, but to mutilate it seems to me an impossible task that would give results contrary to those expected. The worst thing in France is the petty bourgeoisie, a rancorous atheist, constantly embittered, who wants to be everything, without having a single virtue. Whatever mutilation you want to make, you'll cut the knot underneath it, and thus preserve the dangerous and evil part. [...] It is not we who can wish to create difficulties for the Marshal, on the contrary; in spite of the fact that he has often fulfilled the Orleans Pces and has been a little hard on us, but we know his loyal nature too well not to know that if he allows himself to be led astray by those around him, the spirit of justice takes its course after reflection. My son works as hard as he can, and is keen to finish his studies at Woolwich, where he is doing well, proving to you that neither impatience nor adventures are on his agenda"...