Autograph letter from the important French composer to one of the leading violinists of the 19th century. 1 page, recto/verso. Undated, sending his strong regrets that because of a previous commitment he must decline the invitation of "M(onsieu)r et M(ADA)m(e) Joachim" noting that he regrets it all the more, as he gladly would have like to again meet great artist he experienced in Leipzig as a child (ie, Joachim) and that he most recently appauded at his concert at the Athenaeum. Fine.