Gabrielle Émilie Le Tonnelier de Breteuil, marquise du Châtelet (1706–1749)

Abstract

This is what Louis-Nicolas Le Tonnelier de Breteuil, Baron of Preuilly, and head of ceremonies at the French court wrote about her daughter Gabrielle Émilie. Her mother, Gabrielle-Anne de Froulay, who belonged to the ancient military aristocracy, gave her birth in Paris on December 17, 1706.

Judge me for my merits

My youngest daughter is a strange creature destined to become the most home-loving woman. If it were not for the low opinion I have of many bishops I would route her to a religious life and letting her hidden in a convent. She is twice the height of a girl of her age, with a prodigious force, like that of a lumberjack, and she is clumsy beyond any imagination. Her feet are huge, but they can be easily forgot as soon as you notice the huge hands.