Pierre-Samuel DU PONT DE NEMOURS (1739–1817). Letter, February 20, 1808, to Antoine-François Fourcroy, Lifetime Councilor of State, Director General of Public Instruction; 1 page, in-4. To his “dear colleague at the Institute”: “It is widely rumored that you are destined, or have even already been appointed, to the position of Grand Master or Grand Rector of the University, and that all other positions will be subject to your nomination.” He offers his compliments, expressing his delight “that Public Instruction will not change hands.” He asks if he might be “one of the thirty Councilors whom the law will allow you to appoint to serve with you?”…