He was an officer, travelled in America and emigrated to Condé's army. He returned to France after 18 Brumaire and entered the diplomatic service, then broke with Bonaparte and travelled to the Orient. On his return he published the Génie du Christianisme, which was a great success. Forcefully elected to the Académie, his acceptance speech led to his exile to Dieppe. Peer of France in 1815, he was ambassador to Berlin and London, then Minister of foreign affairs and finally ambassador to Rome. A political orator and publicist, he exerted a considerable influence on French literature. Autograph letter signed "Chateaubriand" to a poet. May 5, 1838, 1 p. in-8°. Beautiful piece, the ink faded. The note and the verses of its correspondent found the author of "Mémoires d'outre tombe" very unwell and he could not have the honor of responding immediately:"... J'ai lu ce charmant recueil: Heureux, Monsieur, qui comme vous peut se consoler avec les souvenirs du Printemps et pleurer sur les tristes jours de l'Automne. Malheureusement j'en suis à l’hiver...".