Donatien-Alphonse-François, marquis de SADE. L.A., La Coste March 2, 1774, to François Ripert, his steward in Mazan; 4p. in-fol. (slight wetness with small lack). Important letter after his escape from the fort of Miolans (April 30, 1773), where Sade had been imprisoned following the Marseille affair. Sade was wanted by the police and went into hiding. He asked Ripert to provide him with 3500 livres in lods, silverware or banknotes, and announced his arrival that night... "I will arrive by the small garden gate [...] and I will spend a whole week hidden with you, that is, without anyone knowing or suspecting me". His wife will join him later in the day; Ripert will apologize to the ladies of the town for not making visits... "we ask you to keep your door hermetically sealed to everyone"... For her departure on the 11th "two mules or horses will be needed to take me to the Pont du St Esprit in one night [...] a carriage and two mules will be needed to bring Madame back to La Coste in one day. Please escort her because she will be alone". He asks him to mobilize craftsmen to make a wood bed and a travel mattress, "but it will have to be done in your house, and under my eyes since I am very picky about the choice of this merchandise [...] besides, a little fat because neither madame nor I are lean [....] a short absence is required of me, during which Md de Montreuil [his mother-in-law] has promised to arrange all affairs, both civil and criminal, so you can see that incognito and money are essential to satisfy her [....] all debts will generally be paid [...] the last outburst was only made to remove Md de Launai's letters, the family of M l'archeveque de Paris having demanded this ceremony before agreeing to give her the Marquis de Beaumont, her nephew, as her husband, you could spread this news and this development of the expedition that has caused so much gossip everywhere. You even had to do this to put an end to any bad rumors that might be circulating about me"...