LA HARPE Jean François de (1739-1803) poet, playwright and literary critic [AF 1776, 21e f]. L.A.S. "Laharpe," "Maison d'arrêt du Luxembourg," sextidi germinal II (April 5, 1794), to the Comité de Sûreté générale; 1 page in-4, addressed with red wax seal with his cipher (engraved portrait enclosed). Moving letter from prison, protesting against his conditions of detention. [He had been arrested on March 16, 1794, by order of Robespierre.] "Not having yet been able to obtain from your justice that you give back the freedom to a misunderstood and slandered patriot, I ask today to your humanity to make me at least transfer in a house of health. Three weeks of stay here have already altered mine []. My chest is getting hot from lack of sleep, and I coughed up blood last night. Another torment for me is the impossibility of occupying myself or even reading in the hustle and bustle of a room of 12 people. Accustomed as I am to writing for freedom every day, it is very hard for me not to be able to use it anymore, and it is very strange that I have been deprived of the use of my pen rather than using it. [I lack everything, and especially my dear books, the food and support of my life.