THOMAS Antoine-Léonard (1732-1785) poète et critique [AF 1766, 30e f]. L.A., July 30 [1766], to CHAMFORT; 2 1/2 pages in-4, address with fragment of black wax seal (some stains). Very beautiful letter about Chamfort's literary beginnings. "Do not be discouraged my dear friend for an accident which in itself is very little. You had done a good work and your work remains to you. Have it printed, it will do you honor and public esteem will be your price. It is well worth the other one. Consider that Voltaire and Fontenelle missed these prizes; and they were not less great men. [...] Don't be discouraged my friend; and start working seriously. I fear that in the last two years you have given yourself up a little too much to the world. It amuses, but it leaves nothing. At your age the time is precious, it is the time of work, of strength and ardent imagination, and of deep sensibility. You have all this, collect it, make use of it and you will go where you want. [...] I would much rather see you apply yourself entirely to the theater, as you yourself seem to desire. It is the first of all careers, it is there that one creates oneself in an instant. [...] However, if you feel brave enough to deal with this speech, it will only take you three or four months. [But before you decide, you must calculate all the readings you have to do, all the extent of your subject, if you do not want to make a commonplace of it"... Etc.