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French Letter Writing Guide (view source)

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=== BEFORE YOU WRITE ===
== Before You Write ==


Before you write a letter in French to obtain family history information, you should do these things:  
Before you write a letter in French to obtain family history information, you should do these things:  


*Determine exactly where your ancestor was born, married, or died. Because most genealogical records were kept locally, you will need to know the specific town where your ancestor's records were kept. See the [[Tracing Immigrant Origins|Tracing Immigrant Origins]] FamilySearch Wiki article for help in finding hometowns.  
*Determine exactly where your ancestor was born, married, or died. Because most genealogical records were kept locally, you will need to know the specific town where your ancestor's records were kept. See the [[France Finding Town of Origin|'''France Finding Town of Origin''']] and [[Tracing Immigrant Origins|'''Tracing Immigrant Origins''']] FamilySearch Wiki article for help in finding hometowns.  
*Determine if the Family History Library has records from the area where your relative lived. The best sources of information in French-speaking areas are records of births, marriages, and deaths kept by civil registration offices (or parishes in Quebec). The library has microfilmed these records for many localities, but not all. Use the FamilySearch Catalog to determine what records are available through the Family History Library and Family History Centers. If records are available from the library or Family History Centers, it is usually faster and more productive to search these records first. The [[France Genealogy|France]], [[Canada Genealogy|Canada]], and [[Quebec Genealogy|Quebec]] Wiki articles explain how to research records at the library or at Family History Centers. If the records you want are not available at these locations, you can use Wiki articles to help you decide what records to search.<br>
*Use a gazetteer to determine which community serves your ancestor's locality. Your town might be a village too small to have its own civil registration office or parish church.  Gazetteers can tell you the larger town which holds jurisdiction over that village.
*Determine where records from your ancestor's hometown are stored today. Records for smaller localities may be kept with records of a nearby larger community. You can use a gazetteer to determine which community serves your ancestor's locality in France, Belgium, or Luxembourg. For help locating records, see [[France Genealogy|France]]. For help locating parish records in Quebec, see the [[Canada Genealogy|Canada]] and [[Quebec Church Records|Quebec Church Records]] Wiki articles.
*Many records for French-speaking countries are now online. For Wiki articles with direct links to online records, click on the [[France Genealogy#Jurisdictions|'''France department''',]] [[Belgium Genealogy#Jurisdictions|'''Belgium province''',]] [[Luxembourg Genealogy#Jurisdictions|'''Luxembourg province''',]]  or [[Quebec, Canada Genealogy#Historic Counties|'''Quebec county'''.]]
*If you have access to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, determine if it has records from the area where your relative lived. The best sources of information in French-speaking areas are records of births, marriages, and deaths kept by civil registration offices or parishes. The library has microfilmed these records for many localities, but not all. They are currently being digitized with hopes of having everything digitized by 2020. Use the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/search '''FamilySearch Catalog'''] to determine what records are available through the Family History Library.


=== RESEARCH BY MAIL ===
== Research by Mail ==


Write only when you cannot find the information any other way. The following list shows the kind of information you may be able to obtain through correspondence from several kinds of organizations in French-speaking nations:  
Write only when you cannot find the information any other way. The following list shows the kind of information you may be able to obtain through correspondence from several kinds of organizations in French-speaking nations:  
 
===Genealogical Societies===
In all French-speaking nations you can write to:
 
'''Genealogical societies'''.
 
Request that the letter be forwarded to a member interested in the same family, locality, or group of people.  
Request that the letter be forwarded to a member interested in the same family, locality, or group of people.  


Request a list of people who might consider making a short search of records in a nearby repository for pay.  
Request a list of people who might consider making a short search of records in a nearby repository for pay.  


'''Professional researchers'''.
===Professional Researchers===
 
Offer to pay a researcher for a search of records in a nearby repository.
 
<br>


In France and Belgium you can also write to:
Offer to pay a researcher for a search of records in a nearby repository. 


'''Civil registration offices'''.
===Civil Registration Offices===


Request a birth, marriage, or death certificate to verify the place of origin of a direct ancestor.  
Request a birth, marriage, or death certificate for a direct ancestor.  


'''Departmental or provincial archives'''.
===Departmental or Provincial Archives===


Ask where the records of a specific town are kept and what dates the records cover.  
Ask where the records of a specific town are kept and what dates the records cover.  
Line 37: Line 30:
Ask when their archives are open to the public.  
Ask when their archives are open to the public.  


<br>
===Local Parishes===
 
In Luxembourg you can write to:
 
'''Civil registration offices'''.


Request a certificate to verify the birth place of a direct ancestor born within the last hundred years. The Family History Library has filmed most earlier records from Luxembourg.  
Request transcripts of baptism, marriage, or burial records.


<br>
== Addressing the Envelope  ==
 
===Genealogical Societies===
In Quebec you can write to:
*The book Genealogical Research Directory: National and International by Keith A. Johnson and Malcolm R. Sainty lists the addresses of most genealogical societies in French-speaking nations (Sydney: Johnson and Sainty, 1993; Family History Library book {{FHL|929.1025 G286grd |disp=929.1025 G286grd }}1993).  
 
'''Roman Catholic parishes.&nbsp;'''
 
Request transcripts of baptism, marriage, or burial records from 1877 to the present. The Family History Library has filmed most earlier Catholic records from Quebec.
 
=== Addressing the Envelope  ===
 
The book Genealogical Research Directory: National and International by Keith A. Johnson and Malcolm R. Sainty lists the addresses of most genealogical societies in French-speaking nations (Sydney: Johnson and Sainty, 1993; Family History Library book {{FHL|929.1025 G286grd |disp=929.1025 G286grd }}1993).  


Address the envelope to:  
Address the envelope to:  
Line 63: Line 44:
Names and addresses of researchers for hire can be found in genealogical periodicals.  
Names and addresses of researchers for hire can be found in genealogical periodicals.  


Civil registration offices. (France, Belgium, and Luxembourg only.) Address the envelope to:  
===Civil registration offices===
(France, Belgium, and Luxembourg only.) Address the envelope to: <br>


Monsieur l'officier de l'état-civil <br>Mairie de (Town) <br>(Postal code) (Town)  
Monsieur l'officier de l'état-civil <br>Mairie de (Town) <br>(Postal code) (Town)  


'''FRANCE, BELGIUM, or LUXEMBOURG'''
===France, Belgium Archives===


Find archive addresses with the help of the [http://www.familysearchwiki.org/resolveuid/5c88dff7c1e3927d2e0e8bd4e46782d6 France Research Topics], the International Council on Archives' International Directory of Archives (Archivum Series, vol. 38 [Munich: Saur, 1992]; Family History Library book {{FHL|844784|title-id|disp=020.5 Ar25}} v. 38), or call the Family History Library at 801-240-3433.  
Find archive addresses with the help of the [https://dcms.lds.org/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE11145282 '''International Council on Archives' International Directory of Archives'''] (Archivum Series, vol. 38 [Munich: Saur, 1992].<br>


Address the envelope to:  
Address the envelope to:


=== France  ===
==== France  ====


Monsieur le Directeur <br>Archives départementales <br>(Postal code) (Town) <br>FRANCE  
Monsieur le Directeur <br>Archives départementales <br>(Postal code) (Town) <br>FRANCE


=== Belgium  ===
==== Belgium  ====


Monsieur le Directeur<br>Archives de la Province<br>(Postal code) (Town)  
Monsieur le Directeur<br>Archives de la Province<br>(Postal code) (Town)


'''CANADA'''
===Local Parishes===
====Canada====
Address the envelope to<br>Monsieur le Curé <br>(Town), Québec


Catholic parishes (Quebec only)
====Catholic Parishes====
 
Monsieur l'Abbé <br>
Address the envelope to<br>Monsieur le Curé <br>(Town), Québec
(Parish) see, [http://www.thecatholicdirectory.com/index.cfm?worldmap=true&MapVersion=World '''see Catholic Directory''']<br>
 
(Postal Code) (Town)<br>
'''CANADA''' (Postal code)  
France (or Luxembourg or Belgium)


=== Postal Codes  ===
=== Postal Codes  ===


When addressing your letter, you will need to write the postal (zip) code before the name of the town when writing to France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Write the postal code after the word "Canada" when writing to Quebec. For help finding postal codes, use the postal gazetteer for the country, or call the Family History Library at 801-240-3433.  
When addressing your letter, you will need to write the postal (zip) code before the name of the town when writing to France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Write the postal code after the word "Canada" when writing to Quebec. <br>
*[http://code.postal.fr/ '''Postal Codes France''']
*[http://www.gpspostcode.com/zip-code/belgium/ '''Postal Codes Belgium''']
*[https://postalcode.globefeed.com/Luxembourg_Postal_Code.asp '''Postal Codes Luxembourg''']
*[https://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/postalcode/fpc.jsf?LOCALE=fr '''Postal Codes Quebec''']


How to Send Return Postage and Money
===How to Send Money===
*You can arrange to have an international bank order through [https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/send-money/app/start '''Western Union'''.]
*When writing to a parish it is also a good idea to send a donation of $15 as a courtesy. Do not send a personal check, which is difficult and expensive to exchange. Cash is most easily converted to foreign currency, but there are always risks in sending cash. Consider using the international bank draft also for that purpose.
*Some researchers do not send money when writing to a civil registration office, archive, researcher, or genealogical society for the first time. These organizations may prefer to bill you for their services. Some may ask you to make the check payable to their account number. If you want, you may write an institution to determine their fees before making a request. However, this will significantly increase the time it takes to get information.


The first time you write someone in Europe or Quebec, formerly you would have sent three international reply coupons (formerly available at most large post offices) to pay for return postage. However, as of January 27, 2013, the U.S. Postal Service no longer sells international reply coupons." (See section 381.1 on page 163 of "Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (May 7, 2018)," available at <nowiki>https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/imm/full/imm.pdf</nowiki>.)
== Checklist for Mailing Your Letter  ==
 
Consider using, instead, an international bank draft, which is an easy and inexpensive way to send money to Europe or Quebec from the United States. Simply telephone Ruesch International Financial Services at 800-424-2923. Ask for an international bank draft for the equivalent of $10 (or another amount) in either Canadian dollars or Belgian, Luxembourg, Swiss, or French francs. There is a $2 service charge. Have the check made payable to the organization you are contacting (the paroisse [parish] in Quebec). Ruesch will give you a transaction number to write on your payment check. Send the payment to:
 
Ruesch International Financial Services <br>International Division, 10th floor <br>1350 Eye Street N.W. <br>Washington, DC 20005
 
When they receive your payment, Ruesch will promptly send you a foreign currency draft (check) you can mail to Europe or Quebec.
 
When writing to a parish in Quebec, it is also a good idea to send a donation of $10 as a courtesy. Do not send a personal check, which is difficult and expensive to exchange. Cash is most easily converted to foreign currency, but there are always risks in sending cash. Consider using the international bank draft also for that purpose.
 
Some researchers do not send money when writing to a civil registration office, archive, researcher, or genealogical society for the first time. These organizations may prefer to bill you for their services. Some may ask you to make the check payable to their account number. If you want, you may write an institution to determine their fees before making a request. However, this will significantly increase the time it takes to get information.
 
=== Checklist for Mailing Your Letter  ===


*Keep a photocopy of your letter.  
*Keep a photocopy of your letter.  
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*Mark "Air Mail" on envelopes addressed overseas.
*Mark "Air Mail" on envelopes addressed overseas.


=== WHAT TO EXPECT  ===
== What to Expect ==


It may take six months or longer for you to receive a reply to your request for information (airmail improves the response time). The results of writing to civil registration offices (or parishes in Quebec) can vary greatly. You may get more information than requested, or you may get no answer at all. Some will not answer until money is sent. Some may be unable to provide information.  
It may take six months or longer for you to receive a reply to your request for information (airmail improves the response time). The results of writing to civil registration offices (or parishes in Quebec) can vary greatly. You may get more information than requested, or you may get no answer at all. Some will not answer until money is sent. Some may be unable to provide information.  
Line 124: Line 103:
Use French-English dictionaries to help you understand the reply. Sometimes you can hire accredited genealogists to translate for you.  
Use French-English dictionaries to help you understand the reply. Sometimes you can hire accredited genealogists to translate for you.  


If you do not receive an answer, write again sending a copy of your first letter. Do not send more money unless you verify that your first letter did not arrive.  
If you do not receive an answer, write again sending a copy of your first letter. Do not send more money unless you verify that your first letter did not arrive.


=== HOW TO WRITE A LETTER IN FRENCH  ===
== How to Write a Letter in French ==


Your letter should include the following:  
Your letter should include the following:  
Line 134: Line 113:
*a greeting  
*a greeting  
*a short, specific, genealogical request  
*a short, specific, genealogical request  
*identification details about the ancestor
*a comment about return postage (and sometimes reimbursement)  
*a comment about return postage (and sometimes reimbursement)  
*closing remarks  
*closing remarks  
Line 145: Line 125:
'''Gender'''. Three of the words in the French translations need to match your gender. The words are intéressé(e), obligé(e), and reconnaissant(e). The feminine ending is listed in parentheses. If you are a man, use intéressé, obligé, and reconnaissant. If you are a woman, use intéressée, obligée, and reconnaissante.  
'''Gender'''. Three of the words in the French translations need to match your gender. The words are intéressé(e), obligé(e), and reconnaissant(e). The feminine ending is listed in parentheses. If you are a man, use intéressé, obligé, and reconnaissant. If you are a woman, use intéressée, obligée, and reconnaissante.  


Do not use this guide as the letter itself! That might insult the recipient and lessen the chance of a reply.  
Do not use this guide as the letter itself! That might insult the recipient and lessen the chance of a reply.


=== Writing Dates  ===
=== Writing Dates  ===
Line 153: Line 133:
{| class="plain FCK__ShowTableBorders"
{| class="plain FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
|-
| January&nbsp; <br>  
| style="padding-right:50px"|
| janvier&nbsp; <br>
January <br>  
| July&nbsp; <br>
| janvier<br>  
| juillet&nbsp; <br>
|-
|-
| February  
| February  
| février  
| février  
|-
| March
| mars
|-
| April
| avril
|-
| May
| mai
|-
| June
| juin
|-
| July<br>
| juillet<br>
|-
| August  
| August  
| août
| août
|-
|-
| March
| mars
| September  
| September  
| septembre
| septembre
|-
|-
| April
| avril
| October  
| October  
| octobre
| octobre
|-
|-
| May
| mai
| November  
| November  
| novembre
| novembre
|-
|-
| June
| juin
| December  
| December  
| décembre
| décembre
Line 185: Line 172:


=== '''Letter to a Genealogical Society'''  ===
=== '''Letter to a Genealogical Society'''  ===
 
'''Many genealogical societies can be contacted by e-mail. This will save postage costs for both you and them.'''<br>
'''English'''  
{|
 
|-
'''French'''
!style="width:50%; padding-right:50px; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
 
English
!style="width:50%; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
French
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
1. Dear President:  
1. Dear President:  
 
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
1. Monsieur le Président,  
1. Monsieur le Président,  
 
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
2. My ancestor (fill in ancestor's name) emigrated from your region in (fill in year).  
2. My ancestor (fill in ancestor's name) emigrated from your region in (fill in year).  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|2. Mon ancêtre (fill in ancestor's name) a quitté votre région vers (fill in year).


2. Mon ancêtre (fill in ancestor's name) a quitté votre région vers (fill in year).  
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|3. (He) (She) was from (fill in the town).  


3. He «She» was from (fill in the town).  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|3. (ll) (Elle) venait de (fill in the town).
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. (He was born) (She was born) about (fill in date).  


3. ll «Elle» venait de (fill in the town).  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. (Il est né) (Elle est née) environ (fill in date).
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|5. I have not been able to identify this place which appears to be in your area. Perhaps I do not have the correct spelling. Do you have any suggestions?


4. He was born «She was born» about (fill in date).  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|5. Il ne m'a pas été possible d'identifier ce lieu exact d'origine dans votre région. Peut-être que l'orthographe a été déformée. Auriez-vous quelque recommandation à ce sujet?
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|6. The spelling of the surname, (fill in surname), is not certain. What is the likely spelling in your area?


4. Il est né «Elle est née» environ (fill in date).
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|6. L'orthographe de ce patronyme, (fill in surname), n'est pas certaine. Pourriez-vous suggérer les orthographes possibles pour votre région?
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|7. Could you tell me if the surname (fill in the surname) is common in your area? Is there a member of your group who is studying that surname or the families in (fill in the town)? Would you kindly forward my letter to that person?


5. I have not been able to identify this place which appears to be in your area. Perhaps I do not have the correct spelling. Do you have any suggestions?  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|7. Pourriez-vous me dire si le nom de famille (fill in the surname) existe dans votre région? Y a-t-il un membre de votre groupe qui étudie ce nom ou les familles de (fill in the town)? Voudriez-vous être assez aimable pour lui acheminer ma lettre?
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|8. Do you have a list of people who are willing to do research for a fee?  


5. Il ne m'a pas été possible d'identifier ce lieu exact d'origine dans votre région. Peut-être que l'orthographe a été déformée. Auriez-vous quelque recommandation à ce sujet&nbsp;?  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|8. Avez-vous une liste de personnes qui se chargent de faire des recherches rémunérées?
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|9. Is there a periodical published by your association? Please tell me the conditions and benefits of subscription and how to run a genealogical query.


6. The spelling of the surname, (fill in surname), is not certain. What is the likely spelling in your area?
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|9. Est-ce que votre association publie une revue ? Quelles sont les conditions et les avantages de souscription et comment pourrais-je insérer une question dans la revue?  
 
|-
6. L'orthographe de ce patronyme, (fill in surname), n'est pas certaine. Pourriez-vous suggérer les orthographes possibles pour votre région&nbsp;?
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|10. With my greatest thanks, please accept my sincere greetings.  
 
7. Could you tell me if the surname (fill in the surname) is common in your area? Is there a member of your group who is studying that surname or the families in (fill in the town)? Would you kindly forward my letter to that person?
 
7. Pourriez-vous me dire si le nom de famille (fill in the surname) existe dans votre région&nbsp;? Y a-t-il un membre de votre groupe qui étudie ce nom ou les familles de (fill in the town)&nbsp;? Voudriez-vous être assez aimable pour lui acheminer ma lettre&nbsp;?
 
8. Do you have a list of people who are willing to do research for a fee?
 
8. Avez-vous une liste de personnes qui se chargent de faire des recherches rémunérées&nbsp;?
 
9. Is there a periodical published by your association? Please tell me the conditions and benefits of subscription and how to run a genealogical query.
 
9. Est-ce que votre association publie une revue ? Quelles sont les conditions et les avantages de souscription et comment pourrais-je insérer une question dans la revue&nbsp;?  
 
10. Please find enclosed three international reply coupons for return postage.
 
10. Veuillez trouver ci-joint trois coupons réponse internationaux pour couvrir les frais postaux.
 
11. With my greatest thanks, please accept my sincere greetings.  


(Your signature)  
(Your signature)  


(Fill in your name and address)  
(Fill in your name and address)  
 
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|10. Avec mes plus grands remerciements, je vous prie d'agréer, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.  
11. Avec mes plus grands remerciements, je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.  


(Your signature)  
(Your signature)  


(Fill in your name and address)  
(Fill in your name and address)
|}


=== Letter to&nbsp;Professional Researcher  ===
=== Letter to&nbsp;Professional Researcher  ===
{|
|-
!style="width:50%; padding-right:50px; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
English
!style="width:50%; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
French
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|1. Dear (Sir:) (Madam:)


'''English'''
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|1. (Monsieur,) (Madame,)
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|2. I need the help of a genealogist for some research. I would be very grateful if you would send me your rate and conditions, including traveling expenses if necessary.


'''French'''  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|2. J'ai besoin de l'aide d'un généalogiste pour quelques recherches. Je vous serais très obligé(e) de bien vouloir m'envoyer votre tarif et conditions, y compris bien entendu, frais de déplacements éventuels.
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|3. Can I write to you in English?


1. Dear Sir: «Madam:»
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|3. Puis-je vous écrire en anglais?
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. Please find enclosed a family group sheet with all the information I have.


1. Monsieur, «Madame,»
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. Veuillez trouver ci-joint une feuille de groupement de famille avec toutes les informations que je possède.
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|5. Would you be able to research the ancestors (of the husband)? (of the wife?) (of both spouses?)


2. I need the help of a genealogist for some research. I would be very grateful if you would send me your rate and conditions, including traveling expenses if necessary.  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|5. Pensez-vous que vous pourriez rechercher les ancêtres (de l'époux?) (de l'épouse?) (des époux?)
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|6. I would like to find all the children of each family as well as the children's death dates when they died under the age of eight years.  


2. J'ai besoin de l'aide d'un généalogiste pour quelques recherches. Je vous serais très obligé(e) de bien vouloir m'envoyer votre tarif et conditions, y compris bien entendu, frais de déplacements éventuels.  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|6. Je désire avoir tous les enfants de chaque famille trouvée, ainsi que les décès des enfants morts en dessous de huit ans.
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|7. The marriages of the children interest me also.  


3. Can I write to you in English?
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|7. Les mariages des enfants m'intéressent aussi.
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|8. I am not interested in the marriages of the children except for the direct line.


3. Puis-je vous écrire en anglais&nbsp;?
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|8. Les mariages des enfants ne m'intéressent pas excepté la lignée directe.  
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|9. I do not need a complete transcription of each document but a short transcription of the genealogical information found in the documents and the source of information.


4. Please find enclosed a family group sheet with all the information I have.  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|9. Je n'ai pas besoin de transcription complète des documents mais simplement une transcription des informations généalogiques trouvées dans chaque document avec la source d'information.
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|10. Please complete the family group sheets and do not worry about transcribing the documents.  


4. Veuillez trouver ci-joint une feuille de groupement de famille avec toutes les informations que je possède.  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|10. Veuillez compléter des fiches familiales sans vous inquiéter de transcrire les documents.
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|11. If I use your services, it is my intention to pay you with a draft in converted currency. Please tell me the name to write on the draft.  


5. Would you be able to research the ancestors of the husband? «of the wife?» «of both spouses?»
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|11. Si je décide d'employer vos services, je compte vous payer par mandat international en monnaie de votre pays. Veuillez bien me dire le nom de la personne à qui le mandat doit être libellé.  
 
|-
5. Pensez-vous que vous pourriez rechercher les ancêtres de l'époux&nbsp;? «de l'épouse&nbsp;?» «des époux&nbsp;?»
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|12. Awaiting your answer, (Sir.) (Madam.) <br>
 
<br>
6. I would like to find all the children of each family as well as the children's death dates when they died under the age of eight years.
Sincerely,  
 
6. Je désire avoir tous les enfants de chaque famille trouvée, ainsi que les décès des enfants morts en dessous de huit ans.
 
7. The marriages of the children interest me also.
 
7. Les mariages des enfants m'intéressent aussi.
 
8. I am not interested in the marriages of the children except for the direct line.
 
8. Les mariages des enfants ne m'intéressent pas excepté la lignée directe.
 
9. I do not need a complete transcription of each document but a short transcription of the genealogical information found in the documents and the source of information.
 
9. Je n'ai pas besoin de transcription complète des documents mais simplement une transcription des informations généalogiques trouvées dans chaque document avec la source d'information.
 
10. Please complete the family group sheets and do not worry about transcribing the documents.
 
10. Veuillez compléter des fiches familiales sans vous inquiéter de transcrire les documents.
 
11. If I use your services, it is my intention to pay you with a draft in converted currency. Please tell me the name to write on the draft.
 
11. Si je décide d'employer vos services, je compte vous payer par mandat international en monnaie de votre pays. Veuillez bien me dire le nom de la personne à qui le mandat doit être libellé.  
 
12. Please find enclosed three international reply coupons for return postage.
 
12. Veuillez trouver ci-joint trois coupons réponse internationaux pour couvrir les frais postaux.
 
13. Awaiting your answer, Sir. «Madam.», Sincerely,  


(Your signature)  
(Your signature)  
Line 302: Line 290:
(Fill in your name and address)  
(Fill in your name and address)  


13. Dans l'attente de votre réponse, je vous prie de croire, Monsieur «Madame», à l'expression de mes sincères salutations.  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|12. Dans l'attente de votre réponse, je vous prie de croire, (Monsieur.) (Madame.), à l'expression de mes sincères salutations.  


(Your signature)  
(Your signature)  


(Fill in your name and address)  
(Fill in your name and address)  
|}


=== Letter to Civil Registration Office  ===
=== Letter to Civil Registration Office  ===
 
*Many records for French-speaking countries are now online. For Wiki articles with direct links to online records, click on the [[France Genealogy#Jurisdictions|'''France department''',]] [[Belgium Genealogy#Jurisdictions|'''Belgium province''',]] [[Luxembourg Genealogy#Jurisdictions|'''Luxembourg province''',]]  or [[Quebec, Canada Genealogy#Historic Counties|'''Quebec county'''.]]
'''English'''  
{|
 
'''French'''  
 
1. Dear Civil Registrar:
 
1. Monsieur l'officier de l'état-civil,
 
2. I would be very grateful if you would send me a complete copy of the «birth» «marriage» «death» certificate of (fill in relationship).
 
2. Je vous serais très obligé(e) de bien vouloir m'envoyer, si possible, la copie intégrale de l'acte de «naissance» «mariage» «décès» de (fill in relationship).  
 
{| class="plain FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
|-
| my father
!style="width:50%; padding-right:50px; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
| mon père
English
!style="width:50%; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
French
|-
|-
| my mother
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|1. Dear Civil Registrar:
| ma mère
 
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|1. Monsieur l'officier de l'état-civil,
|-
|-
| my grandfather  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|2. I would be very grateful if you would send me a complete copy of the (birth) (marriage) (death) certificate of (fill in relationship).
| mon grand-père
Relationship choices:
:my father
:my mother
:my grandfather
:my grandmother
:my great-grandfather  
:my great-grandmother
:my parents
:my grandparents
:my great-grandparents
:one of my male ancestors
:one of my female ancestors
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|2. Je vous serais très obligé(e) de bien vouloir m'envoyer, si possible, la copie intégrale de l'acte de (naissance) (mariage) (décès) de (fill in relationship).
Relationship choices in French:
:mon père
:ma mère
:mon grand-père
:ma grand-mère
:mon arrière grand-père
:mon arrière grand-mère
:mes parents
:mes grands-parents
:mes arrière grands-parents
:d'un de mes ancêtres
:d'une de mes ancêtres
|-
|-
| my grandmother
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|3. (Supply pertinent information)
| ma grand-mère
:a. Given name and surname:
:b. Date of birth:
:c. Place of birth:
:d. Father's given name and surname:
:e. Mother's given name and maiden surname:
:f. Husband's given name and surname:
:g. Wife's given name and maiden surname:
:h. Date of marriage:
:i. Place of marriage:
:j. Date of death:
:k. Place of death:
|style="border:1px solid black; vertical-align:top; padding-left:10px"|3. (French labels for information items)
:a. Prénom et nom:
:b. Date de naissance:
:c. Lieu de naissance:
:d. Prénom et nom de son père:
:e. Prénom et nom de jeune fille de sa mère:
:f. Prénom et nom de son mari:
:g. Prénom et nom de jeune fille de sa femme:
:h. Date de mariage:
:i. Lieu de mariage:
:j. Date de décès:
:k. Lieu de décès:
|-
|-
| my great-grandfather
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. With my greatest thanks, please accept my sincere greetings.  
| mon arrière grand-père
|-
| my great-grandmother
| mon arrière grand-mère
|-
| my parents
| mes parents
|-
| my grandparents
| mes grands-parents
|-
| my great-grandparents
| mes arrière grands-parents
|-
| one of my male ancestors
| d'un de mes ancêtres
|-
| one of my female ancestors
| d'une de mes ancêtres
|}
 
<br>3. (Supply pertinent information)
 
3. (Supply pertinent information)
 
a. Given name and surname:
 
a. Prénom et nom:
 
b. Date of birth:
 
b. Date de naissance:
 
c. Place of birth:
 
c. Lieu de naissance:
 
d. Father's given name and surname:
 
d. Prénom et nom de son père:
 
e. Mother's given name and maiden surname:
 
e. Prénom et nom de jeune fille de sa mère:
 
f. Husband's given name and surname: <br>
 
f. Prénom et nom de son mari:
 
g. Wife's given name and maiden surname:
 
g. Prénom et nom de jeune fille de sa femme:
 
h. Date of marriage:
 
h. Date de mariage:
 
i. Place of marriage:
 
i. Lieu de mariage:
 
j. Date of death:
 
j. Date de décès:
 
k. Place of death:
 
k. Lieu de décès:
 
4. Please find enclosed three international reply coupons for return postage.
 
4. Veuillez trouver ci-joint trois coupons réponse internationaux pour couvrir les frais postaux.
 
5. With my greatest thanks, please accept my sincere greetings.  


(Your signature)  
(Your signature)  
Line 416: Line 368:
(fill in your name and address)  
(fill in your name and address)  


5. Avec mes plus grands remerciements, je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. Avec mes plus grands remerciements, je vous prie d'agréer, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.  


(Your signature)  
(Your signature)  


(Fill in your name and address)  
(Fill in your name and address)
|}


=== Letter to a Departmental or Provincial Archive  ===
=== Letter to a Departmental or Provincial Archive  ===
*Many records for French-speaking countries are now online. For Wiki articles with direct links to online records, click on the [[France Genealogy#Jurisdictions|'''France department''',]] [[Belgium Genealogy#Jurisdictions|'''Belgium province''',]] [[Luxembourg Genealogy#Jurisdictions|'''Luxembourg province''',]]  or [[Quebec, Canada Genealogy#Historic Counties|'''Quebec county'''.]]
{|
|-
!style="width:50%; padding-right:50px; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
English
!style="width:50%; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
French
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|1. Dear Director:


'''English''' <br>
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|1. Monsieur le Directeur,
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|2. Do you have the civil and parish registers for the town of (fill in town name)? For which years?


'''French '''
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|2. Possédez-vous les registres d'état-civil et paroissiaux de (fill in town name)&nbsp;? Pour quelles années&nbsp;?
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|3. Are there other years available somewhere else?


1. Dear Director:  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|3. Existe-t-il d'autres années consultables en mairie?
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. Please tell me the days and hours that you will be open during the month of (fill in the month). (See page 3 for names of the months. Use d' in front of avril, août, and octobre.)


1. Monsieur le Directeur,  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. Voudriez-vous bien m'indiquer les heures et jours ouvrables pendant le mois (de) (d') (fill in the month). (Use d' in front of avril, août, and octobre; use de in front of the other months.)
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|5. Could you send me the name and address of a person who could do research for me?


2. Do you have the civil and parish registers for the town of (fill in town name)? For which years?  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|5. Pourriez-vous m'envoyer les nom et adresse d'une personne qui pourrait faire une recherche pour moi?
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|6. Could you send me the name and address of the genealogical association for your region?  


2. Possédez-vous les registres d'état-civil et paroissiaux de (fill in town name)&nbsp;? Pour quelles années&nbsp;?
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|6. Pourriez-vous m'envoyer le nom et l'adresse de l'Association généalogique de votre région?  
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|7. Please find enclosed three international reply coupons for return postage.


3. Are there other years available somewhere else?
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|7. Veuillez trouver ci-joint trois coupons réponse internationaux pour couvrir les frais postaux.  
 
|-
3. Existe-t-il d'autres années consultables en mairie&nbsp;?
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|8. With my greatest thanks, please accept my sincere greetings.  
 
4. Please tell me the days and hours that you will be open during the month of (fill in the month). (See page 3 for names of the months. Use d' in front of avril, août, and octobre.)
 
4. Voudriez-vous bien m'indiquer les heures et jours ouvrables pendant le mois de «d'» (fill in the month). (Use d' in front of avril, août, and octobre.)
 
5. Could you send me the name and address of a person who could do research for me?
 
5. Pourriez-vous m'envoyer les nom et adresse d'une personne qui pourrait faire une recherche pour moi&nbsp;?
 
6. Could you send me the name and address of the genealogical association for your region?
 
6. Pourriez-vous m'envoyer le nom et l'adresse de l'Association généalogique de votre région&nbsp;?
 
7. Please find enclosed three international reply coupons for return postage.
 
7. Veuillez trouver ci-joint trois coupons réponse internationaux pour couvrir les frais postaux.  
 
8. With my greatest thanks, please accept my sincere greetings.  


(Your signature)  
(Your signature)  
Line 462: Line 418:
(Fill in your name and address)  
(Fill in your name and address)  


8. Avec mes plus grands remerciements, je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur le directeur, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|8. Avec mes plus grands remerciements, je vous prie d'agréer, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.  


(Your signature)  
(Your signature)  


(Fill in your name and address)  
(Fill in your name and address)  
|}


=== Letter to a Catholic Priest in France or Quebec ===
=== Letter to a Local Priest===


'''English''' <br>
{|
|-
!style="width:50%; padding-right:50px; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
English
!style="width:50%; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
French
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|1. Dear Parish Priest:


'''French'''
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|1. Monsieur le Curé,
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|2. I am researching ancestors, and I would be very grateful for any information which you could find in your registers on my family.


1. Dear Parish Priest:  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|2. Je suis en train d'effectuer des recherches sur mes ancêtres et je vous serais très obligé(e) pour toute information que vous pourriez trouver dans vos registres sur ma famille.
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|3. (Supply pertinent information)
:a. Given name and surname:
:b. Date of birth:
:c. Place of birth:
:d. Father's given name and surname:  
:e. Mother's given name and maiden surname:
:f. Husband's given name and surname: <br>
:g. Wife's given name and maiden surname:
:h. Date of marriage:
:i. Place of marriage:
:j. Date of death:
:k. Place of death:
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|3. (French labels for pertinent information)
:a. Prénom et nom:
:b. Date de naissance:
:c. Lieu de naissance:
:d. Prénom et nom de son père:
:e. Prénom et nom de jeune fille de sa mère:
:f. Prénom et nom de son mari:
:g. Prénom et nom de jeune fille de sa femme:
:h. Date de mariage:
:i. Lieu de mariage:
:j. Date de décès:
:k. Lieu de décès:
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. Could you trace my ancestors back to the previous generation?


1. Monsieur le Curé,
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. Pourriez-vous remonter mes ancêtres à la génération précédente&nbsp;?
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|5. I would like more information on the family of (fill in the person's name). I would be very grateful if you could obtain the names and birth dates of his/her brothers and sisters as well as the marriage of their parents.  


2. I am researching ancestors, and I would be very grateful for any information which you could find in your registers on my family.  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|5. Je voudrais davantage d'information sur la famille de (fill in the person's name). Je vous serais très reconnaissant(e) si vous pouviez obtenir les noms et dates de naissance de ses frères et soeurs ainsi que le mariage des parents.
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|6. Please find enclosed $15 for reply postage and donation to your parish. Let me know the balance owed you.  


2. Je suis en train d'effectuer des recherches sur mes ancêtres et je vous serais très obligé(e) pour toute information que vous pourriez trouver dans vos registres sur ma famille.
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|6. Veuillez trouver ci-joint 15 dollars pour les frais de réponse et une donation à votre paroisse. S'il vous plaît, veuillez bien me dire la balance qui vous est due.  
 
|-
3. (Supply pertinent information)
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|7. With my greatest thanks, please accept my sincere greetings.  
 
3. (Supply pertinent information)
 
a. Given name and surname:  
 
a. Prénom et nom:
 
b. Date of birth:
 
b. Date de naissance:
 
c. Place of birth:
 
c. Lieu de naissance:
 
d. Father's given name and surname:
 
d. Prénom et nom de son père:
 
e. Mother's given name and maiden surname:
 
e. Prénom et nom de jeune fille de sa mère:
 
f. Husband's given name and surname: <br>
 
f. Prénom et nom de son mari:
 
g. Wife's given name and maiden surname:
 
g. Prénom et nom de jeune fille de sa femme:
 
h. Date of marriage:
 
h. Date de mariage:
 
i. Place of marriage:  
 
i. Lieu de mariage:
 
j. Date of death:
 
j. Date de décès:
 
k. Place of death:
 
k. Lieu de décès:
 
4. Could you trace my ancestors back to the previous generation?
 
4. Pourriez-vous remonter mes ancêtres à la génération précédente&nbsp;?
 
5. I would like more information on the family of (fill in the person's name). I would be very grateful if you could obtain the names and birth dates of his «her» brothers and sisters as well as the marriage of their parents.
 
5. Je voudrais davantage d'information sur la famille de (fill in the person's name). Je vous serais très reconnaissant(e) si vous pouviez obtenir les noms et dates de naissance de ses frères et soeurs ainsi que le mariage des parents.
 
6. Please find enclosed $10 (Canadian) for reply postage and donation to your parish. Let me know the balance owed you.
 
6. Veuillez trouver ci-joint 10 dollars (canadien) pour les frais de réponse et une donation à votre paroisse. S'il vous plaît, veuillez bien me dire la balance qui vous est due.  
 
7. With my greatest thanks, please accept my sincere greetings.  


(Your signature)  
(Your signature)  
Line 548: Line 485:
(Fill in your name and address)  
(Fill in your name and address)  


7. Avec mes plus grands remerciements, je vous prie d'agréer, monsieur le curé, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|7. Avec mes plus grands remerciements, je vous prie d'agréer, monsieur le curé, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.  


(Your signature)  
(Your signature)  


(Fill in your name and address)
(Fill in your name and address)
|}


=== Follow-up  ===
=== Follow-up  ===
{|
|-
!style="width:50%; padding-right:50px; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
English
!style="width:50%; border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|
French
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|1. Thank you for the information you sent on (fill in date).


[Use these sentences in follow-up letters as needed.]
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|1. Je vous remercie pour les informations que vous m'avez fait parvenir (fill in date).
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|2. I need further information about one of the individuals you mentioned in your letter: (fill in name).  


'''English'''
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|2. J'ai besoin d'informations supplémentaires sur (fill in name) que vous mentionnez dans votre lettre.
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|3. I am very grateful for the information that you had the kindness to send me. I take the liberty to impose again on your kindness and ask you to please send me the complete copy of the (birth) (marriage) (death) certificate of (fill in name).


'''French'''  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|3. Je vous suis très reconnaissant(e) pour les informations que vous avez eu la gentillesse de m'envoyer. Je me permets d'abuser de nouveau de votre amabilité pour vous demander de bien vouloir m'envoyer la copie intégrale de l'acte de (naissance) (mariage) (décès) de (fill in name).
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. I requested a certificate from you on (fill in date). See the enclosed photocopy. Perhaps you did not receive the request. I am still interested in obtaining this certificate. Please inform me how much I should send you.


1. Thank you for the information you sent on (fill in date).  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|4. Je vous ai écrit le (fill in date) vous demandant de bien vouloir m'envoyer un acte d'état-civil. Veuillez trouver ci-joint la photocopie de ma lettre que vous semblez ne pas avoir reçue. Je suis toujours intéressé(e) à recevoir ce document. S'il vous plaît veuillez bien m'aviser de la somme à vous envoyer.
|-
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|5. I am enclosing a copy of a letter I sent you on (fill in date). Please write and tell me if you can do this research.  


1. Je vous remercie pour les informations que vous m'avez fait parvenir (fill in date).  
|style="border:1px solid black; padding-left:10px"|5. Je vous joins une copie de la lettre que je vous ai envoyée le (fill in date). Je vous serais reconnaissant(e) si vous pouviez me contacter et me faire savoir si vous pouvez faire cette recherche.  


2. I need further information about one of the individuals you mentioned in your letter: (fill in name).
|}
 
2. J'ai besoin d'informations supplémentaires sur (fill in name) que vous mentionnez dans votre lettre.
 
3. I am very grateful for the information that you had the kindness to send me. I take the liberty to impose again on your kindness and ask you to please send me the complete copy of the «birth» «marriage» «death» certificate of (fill in name).
 
3. Je vous suis très reconnaissant(e) pour les informations que vous avez eu la gentillesse de m'envoyer. Je me permets d'abuser de nouveau de votre amabilité pour vous demander de bien vouloir m'envoyer la copie intégrale de l'acte de «naissance» «mariage» «décès» de (fill in name).
 
4. I requested a certificate from you on (fill in date). See the enclosed photocopy. Perhaps you did not receive the request. I am still interested in obtaining this certificate. Please inform me how much I should send you.
 
4. Je vous ai écrit le (fill in date) vous demandant de bien vouloir m'envoyer un acte d'état-civil. Veuillez trouver ci-joint la photocopie de ma lettre que vous semblez ne pas avoir reçue. Je suis toujours intéressé(e) à recevoir ce document. S'il vous plaît veuillez bien m'aviser de la somme à vous envoyer.


5. I am enclosing a copy of a letter I sent you on (fill in date). Please write and tell me if you can do this research.
=== Example Letter ===
 
5. Je vous joins une copie de la lettre que je vous ai envoyée le (fill in date). Je vous serais reconnaissant(e) si vous pouviez me contacter et me faire savoir si vous pouvez faire cette recherche.
 
See below for an example of a letter using the sentences in this guide.
 
=== EXAMPLE LETTER ===


[Date] 20 juillet 1994  
[Date] 20 juillet 1994  
Line 605: Line 543:


Lieu de mariage: Fairbury, Livingston, Illinois, USA  
Lieu de mariage: Fairbury, Livingston, Illinois, USA  
[Comment on postage] Veuillez trouver ci-joint trois coupons réponse internationaux pour couvrir les frais postaux.


[Closing] Avec mes plus grands remerciements, je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.  
[Closing] Avec mes plus grands remerciements, je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.  
Hanna5974
318,531

edits

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