Maria Theresa to Marie Antoinette, 1 November 1770

My dear daughter! Tomorrow is a great day of consolation for me, a day, which for fifteen years, has given me nothing but satisfaction. May God keep you for many long years, for my happiness and that of your family and people. Mercy writes me that you spent the morning of the fifteenth* in prayers and adds that you thought it the best way of celebrating the day. You can imagine how deeply that charming thought has touched me; you are capable of these good actions, but you didn’t write me about it in your last letter; I kiss you tenderly and give you my blessing, my dear daughter. I am always your faithful mother.

*Maria Theresa’s name-day