Boston, Mass.

1. S. A.

            Feb. 27, 98

My dear Mr Zola,

            Allow me to call you by the endearing name of friend & to draw your attention to a little itme recently published in the “Boston Herald” stating ;

            “Just now Emile Zola is the most unpopular Frenchman in France & the most popular Frenchman outside of France”

            This ought to be compensation[1] indeed for a man placed in your position & it goes to show that not only the eyes of France but that the eyes of the whole world are upon you é that your effort to establish justice challenges[2] the admiration of all true lovers of mankind.   

            The outcome of your trial reminds me forcibly of a poem by Charles Maxay a copy of which I hereby enclose.

            Cordially yours,

Signature : Se. H. A. Meyer

[1]   Le destinateur a barré le mot « consolation » et écrit « compensation » au dessus.

[2]   Le destinateur a barré le mot « excites » et écrit « challenges » au dessus.