586. MARIA LETIZIA BONAPARTE (1750 - 1836) "Madame Mere," the mother of Napoleon Bonaparte who supplied the vessels making possible Napoleon's escape from Elba. Rare, fine content L.S. "Letizia Bonaparte" 1p. 4to., Paris, Jan. 16, 1800, in Italian to Francesco Braccini, in part: "...Not knowing the amounts which are in the hands of our friends Po, Conti and Levie, credited to me, I have sent instructions to Citizen Salicetti for each of them to remit here the balances on deposit...I pray you therefore to close out at once whatever credits remain in my account, as soon as you receive instructions from the aforementioned Citizen Salicetti...In case that you have less than the requisite sum, having deducted the expenses you have incurred upon the order of my son Napoleon, you are not expected to complete the necessary credit...". By February 1800, Napoleon had established himself as First Counsul and set himself to the task of reforming the economy, legal system, church as so forth, instituting the durable Code Napoleon. Less than two years later, he was elected Consulate for Life. Boldly penned, presented in dark green mat with a portrait engraving of Letizia at left, and set into a silver and wood frame. One small rust hole at top left well clear of text, very good condition. Ideal for display. $1,200 - 1,500