Victor de Riquetti, Marquis de MIRABEAU (1715–1789). Letter, Paris, August 18, 1784, to a count; 1½ pages, in-4 (a few small tears). He humorously congratulates the count on his decoration and encourages him to persevere in pursuing military honors until he becomes Marshal of France. He then discusses one of his many lawsuits: “I was supposed to receive the final ruling from this parliament; my foolish lawyer went to the rapporteur to berate him and ask him to recuse himself; he sent her and her briefcase to the devil, and consequently me as well, so I’ve been put off until next year. Patience and courage do not prevent harm and ruin, and yet one must maintain them”...