Lot 693

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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. Important content early manuscript D.S. "Bonaparte" on engraved "Republique Francaise" letterhead also engraved: "Bonaparte General en Chef de L'Armee d'Italie", 3pp. sm. folio, "General Headquarters of Montebello after Milan", May 20, 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 remains in northern Italy following his defeat of the Austrians, revolts against French occupation had broken in the south, most notably the "Veronese Easters" three weeks earlier. At the same time, France remains at war with England. As d'Hilliers enters Venice, Napoleon counsels him on how to keep the vital port under French control. In part: "...I congratulate you, Citizen General, on your entrance into the city of Venice. I had recommended for you not to do anything...make sure that nothing leaves the port...I'm giving the order to Citizen Haller...to conciliate the confiscation from the English...lend him all needed assistance. I reiterate the order that nothing be printed in Venice and to not take any measure...in circumstances as complicated as these, where words themselves are passed to all corners of Europe...propose to me how to procure reforms for the Republic [of Venice]. Maintain a large diplomacy among your troops, study to be master of the area, and provision all the forts in order that under no circumstances can you be overpowered! Avail yourself of the arms and other means which are in Venice...Choose...the best three warships, and four frigates...You should have received the 5 1/2 Brigade...which will bring your division to 6,000 men, a force I think necessary for you to keep Venice. Assure yourself by all means to maintain a good police force and punish severely any Frenchmen who abuse the limits of decency and honesty. Make sure to seize all correspondence addressed to the old government. Exercise an influence on the new government and accustom it to not taking any steps without communicating with you and advise me every day...My secret intention is that the reason you should not grant an interview to anyone...is so that no change be seen in the administration of land, which I find isolated in terms of governors as well as cities: Thus if the municipalities of Venice want to take steps to centralize the government you should always oppose them saying that they have to send deputies to consult with me...". Fine condition, with a bold signature. A superb insight into the young general's methods of controlling those he had (and would) conquer.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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