10 July 1794

A Mother's Love During the French Revolution

In France, at the height of the Terror and a fortnight before the fall of Robespierre, a woman in childbed writes to her mother. This expression of mother-daughter love during the French Revolution, was in the archive of Yvan Craipeau, former secretary to Trotsky (1935), which was presented to the IISH in 2002. "Although I am a bit weak, Dear Mother, my health is fairly good [.] My assurances on this subject should put your mind at ease about my condition [.] My husband has undoubtedly informed you that my little girl was as fragile as her brother at birth [,] but although she is small, she is strong and nurses well [.] I am still good at nursing and will have even more milk once the intense heat we are suffering subsides a bit [.] It overwhelms me so much that I cannot eat in the evening, Since I have so little appetite, I expect to purge myself in a few days [.] This is the advice from the accoucheur (midwife), but we have delayed a bit, since I gave birth only three weeks ago, and it is too hot. Jules is doing well and sends you a tender kiss, his father sends his regards, and I, Mother, I embrace you with my little one [.] Sending you all our love [.] best wishes to your friend."

See also:

•  Letter 1794

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