990. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE (1769 - 1821) The "Little Corporal" whose brilliance in the field of battle and as Emperor of France has made him perhaps the most important figure of post-Renaissance Europe. Very rare manuscript D.S. "Ap[rouve] Np", 1p. Sm. Folio, Bureau of Cavalry, Ministry of War, [Paris], April 21, 1815, a manuscript letter to Emperor Napoleon from his Minster of War NICOLAS LOUIS DAVOUT (1770-1823), Napoleon's only marshal to never be defeated in battle. Davout apparently asks that Napoleon approve a table or listing of the forces then under the command of General Chevalier Victor Marion de Gaja, with additional mention of troops under the command of the Duke de Angouleme. At the center left margin, Napoleon approves Davout's request. Light, even toning, else very good, in a very early mat and gilt wood frame. Napoleon's "Hundred Days" followed his seizure of power after his daring escape from confinement on Elba. His brief return to power, marked by a daring surprise attack on British and Prussian forces gathered against him, culminated in his crushing defeat at Waterloo. Documents from his brief return to power are excessively rare! Chevalier de Gaja, as he is called, was one of the bravest officers in the French army. He had an adventurous career, especially during the Napoleonic Wars. He was taken prisoner at Corunna in 1808, but was subsequently exchanged and rejoined Napoleon, taking part in the retreat from Moscow. He was at the Battle of Leipzig in October 1813 when Napoleon narrowly escaped capture, attributing his escape to the prowess of de Gaja. Later, de Gaja was a French prisoner of war at Wantage. $2,000 - 3,000