Victor Hugo Autograph

Autograph letter signed, one page (addressed & postmarked on a conjoined sheet), 5,25 x 7,5 inch, Paris, 30.05.1843, in French, to Eugène Balleyguier (1818-1898, French writer, art critic and Journalist - born in Loudun) - concerning a misfortune* and his article on the Book of the Rhine**, written and signed in black ink "Victor Hugo", attractively mounted (removable) for fine display with a photograph of Hugo seated in a chair (altogether 11,75 x 8,25 inch), with intersecting letter folds and mild soiling - in fine condition. 

"Le malheur ne nous laisse respirer et entre à chaque instant dans notre maison; cependant, Monsieur, si douloureusement préoccupé que je sois, je veux vous envoyer un serrement de main. J`ai lu votre beau et bon article sur le livre du Rhin, et je veux que vous sachiez, à quel point les marques de votre cordiale sympathie me sont précieuses. 
   Agréez, Monsieur, avec tous mes remerciements, l`assurance de mes sentiments les plus distingués.
   Victor Hugo - 30 mai"

Translated:
"The Misfortune does not let us breathe and enters our house at every moment; However, Sir, as painfully concerned as I am, I want to send you a handshake. I read your beautiful and good article on the Book of the Rhine, and I want you to know how precious the marks of your cordial sympathy are to me. 
   Please accept, Sir, with all my thanks, the assurance of my most distinguished feelings.
      Victor Hugo - May 30"

* The Misfortune of which Hugo speaks refers to the death of Charles Isidore Vacquerie, father of Charles Vacquerie and son-in-law of Hugo since his marriage to Leopoldine on February 15, 1843.

** The first edition of `Le Rhin` is an 1842 travel guide written by Victor Hugo. Similar to Mark Twain's writings about the Mississippi, it includes many stories about the Rhine river. It ends with a political manifesto.