Letter by Élisabeth Rocbert de la Morandière, dite Madame Bégon, on the subject of her slaves, 25 December 1748.

[...]our poor Pierre [slave] is once again in the hospital, where he goes every 3 months, always hoping that it is for the last time; he is little more than skin and bones. Jupitere [slave] is in similar shape and your horse is so-so. That is what I have to say, dear son, of the 3 useless pieces of furniture that you left us and that we love, having belonged to you. I know of nothing else to say, adieu.[...]