Lot 692

Previous image preload Next image preload

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. Fine content early manuscript D.S. "Bonaparte" on engraved "Republique Francaise" letterhead also engraved: "Bonaparte General en Chef de L'Armee d'Italie", 2pp. sm. folio, "General Headquarters of Montebello after Milan", June 1, 1797 to Gen. Baraguay d'Hilliers (1764-1813), at this time serving with Bonaparte's Army of Italy during the Italian Campaign. D'Hilliers joined the army at the age of twenty and served as Custine's chief of staff, but unlike his senior, escaped the guillotine during the Revolution. After his arrest on suspicion of royalist sympathies, the young officer (later general) participated in the capture of Bergamo, led a brigade at the Battle of Rivoli, and was appointed governor of Venice. D'Hilliers would later fight under Bonaparte in Egypt, Germany, and in the disastrous Russian campaign where his division marched into the jaws of the advancing Russian army. While Napoleon remained in northern Italy following his defeat of the Austrians, he ordered the occupation of Corfu which had for the previous 400 years been under the protection of the Venetians. In this order, Napoleon seeks certainty that there will be no interference in his dispatch of vessels to that island. In part: "...I just received...your letter about the expedition to the island of Corfou, my intention is that you let no Venetian warship leave, only French frigates from Trieste...once outside of Venice the warships could give themselves to Austria or England or some other power. Thus bring back any Venetian warships at sea so that they cannot escape us. If the French frigates are too far away, don't delay the expedition...I don't see any problem in mounting a Venetian frigate with French officers and have half the equipment be French as well as the entire garrison. This frigate will fly the French flag. When I say not to let any Venetian warships leave, I mean the large frigates and vessels...I think one Venetian frigate, accompanied by small and poor frigates or gunboats manned by Venetians, and one French frigate will suffice for this expedition...". Fine condition, with a bold signature. Corfu became part of France, and its liberator Napoleon publicly burnt the "Libro d'Oro" ("Golden Book"), the book enumerating the privileges of the nobles. In 1799, the allied fleet of the Turks, Russians and the English disembarked on the island of Corfu. After killing the inhabitants of Mandouki in the port, they conquered the entire island, only to be again defeated by Napoleon in 1808.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. NOTE: large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer. Client is responsible for arranging shipping for these pieces. Please see "Bidding Procedures" for contact information of recommended shippers. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

July 21, 2011 11:30 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000