Description:

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. Manuscript L.S. "Napole", 1p. 4to., Alecon, June 1, 1811, to his Minister of War, Henry Clarke, Duc de Feltre. At this time, Napoleon was on a tour with the Empress following the birth of his son Napoleon II, future King of Rome. In the midst of familial obligations, Napoleon remains preoccupied with the military matters of the disastrous Peninsular War, and sends a recriminating preemptive order. In part: "...Send me a report on the status of the troops in numeric order as of the 15th of May. I beg you to prepare this report with greater care than the last one, which was full of errors. The orders which are given should not be listed as having been carried out. For each regiment, the date of the status report which is being rendered will be entered. The orders which have been given are to be entered in red ink, mentioning the time at which they will be carried out. Under remarks, the number of men which the corps receives through conscription will be entered and the Deparment which furnished them designated...". While the Bonpartes rejoiced in France, after weeks of threats Ferdinand of Spain relinquished his throne on May 10, spurring a wave of popular resistance. Just one week prior to this letter, on May 24 the province of the Asturias declared war on the French. Despite being quickly quashed by the French government, other areas of Spain followed suit, with more success. By June 15, the French only held those parts of Spain directly occupied by their garrisons, and Joseph Bonaparte, newly crowned King of Spain, ruled only the area around Barcelona along with several other inconsequential regions. Staple holes to bottom left corner, otherwise very good condition. Floated on a mat and set into a carved gilt frame with a portrait engraving.

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January 21, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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