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FOUCHÉ JOSEPH: (1759-1820) Convention Deputy and Minister of Police. L.S., Fouché, two pages, 4to, 12th June 1802, on the Republic Police Minister stationery, to the Prefect of Ourthe, in French. The partially printed document bears a very attractive vignette of the police Minister to the heading. Fouché reminds his correspondent that although he approves his report, he must keep on informing him about any new decisions. With blank integral leaf bearing a watermark. Very small overall minor age wear. VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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LACUÉE MARC ANTOINE: (1773-1807) French well remembered Colonel, killed in the battle of Eylau at the early age of 33. Nephew of Count of Cessac. A very interesting A.L.S., Col. Lacuée, two pages, 4to, Rochefort, 20th January 1804, to the Minister of war. Lacuée refers to the England desembarkment, reporting that 294 men of his regiment have embarked to Boulogne, mentioning that their only compass is the French and the regiment honour, and states ‘As I thought that the first battalion was the stronger considering their forces, I have entrusted to them the flag. I informed General Chabran who has approved such decision..’ Cervoni further refers to the rest of regiments going to embark in Boulogne and to General Soult in charge of the military manoeuvres. VG £60 - 90 €70 - 100
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LIGURIAN REPUBLIC: A short-lived republic formed by Napoleon I in 1797, consisting of the former Republic of Genoa and small Imperial fiefs owned by the House of Savoy. On 4th June 1805 Genoa was annexed by the French. Very attractive D.S. by four administrators, one page, large 23 x 17 (58 x 43 cm) certificate, Genoa, 6th June 1805, to Anton Giulio Venturini, in Italian. The partially printed document, bearing an attractive vignette to the heading, being a Patriotism Certificate given to Anton Venturini, an officer born in Corsica serving since 1790. The present document was given two days after the Lugarian Republic was annexed by France. Signed by the Prefect of police Antonio Maghella. Bearing a red wax seal in very fine condition alongside two signatures. Small overall minor age wear and foxing. Folded with centre fold small repair to the verso. G to VG £80 - 100 €90 - 110
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DUFOUR FRANÇOIS BERTRAND: (1765-1832) French General of the revolution and first Empire. A very interesting L.S., Dufour, two pages, folio, n.p., May 1807, in French. The document bears the heading of the 10th Corps of the Grande Armée, is entitled ‘Report of the trenches General Officer during the attack to Hagelberg on 7th and 8th May 1807’, and reports on the Siege of Dantzig in May 1807, and the sappers works stating ‘The troops in charge of protecting the workers have shown an admirable behaviour, they remained defending the palisades while suffering strong artillery fire, musketry attacks and repeated efforts to defeat them..’ further giving details about dead and wounded soldiers. Folded, with edges slightly trimmed. G £80 - 100 €90 - 110
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JUNOT JEAN ANDOCHE: (1771-1813) Duke of Abrantes. French Hussard General who leaded troops in the Smolensk and Borodino battles. Mentally instable in his last years; Louis Dulong de Rosnay (1780-1828) French General and Jean François Dejean (1749-1824) French general and Minister of war. A very interesting multiple signed document, one page, folio, Paris, 10th August 1807, to the Minister of war. The document includes a nine lines A.N.S., ‘Junot’ by Junot in his capacity as Governor of Paris and Chief of the Gironde Observation army supporting General Dulong’s request. Also bearing two four lines A.Ns.S., ‘Dulong’ and ‘Dejean’, the last requesting his move to Junot’s regiment. Small area of paper loss to the left border, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise G £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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DESVAUX DE SAINT MAURICE JEAN KACQUES: (1775-1815) French Division General. Commandant of artillery at Waterloo. Killed by a cannonball. L.S., Desvaux, two pages, folio, Douai, 30th November 1810. The document with the written heading of the Artillery Imperial Corps, is a report on Silvain Gauthier’s services, stating ‘Having been wounded, with scar close to the upper part of the sternum..This wound is the result of a strong hit, perforating his breast, making difficult his breathing and making impossible his services..’ further listing his campaigns in Egypt, Ocean coasts, Grande Armée, Germany, etc.. Also including at the bottom of the document a health report, countersigned by members of the committee. Right edge and bottom right corner very slightly damaged, otherwise, VG £80 - 100 €90 - 110
‘Lord Wellington is very fair wanting to make us responsible…’
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PEREIRA FORJAZ MIQUEL: (1769-1827) Portuguese General, 9th Count of Feira. A good A.L.S., ‘Forjaz’ two pages, 4to, Portugal, 18th March 1811, to British Ambassador, Charles Stuart, in French. Pereira refers to Lord Wellington and states in part ‘I have not received yet my dear Sir the dispatch from Lord Wellington,..’ further saying ‘..It is natural that the lack of food affected on such occasion. You know what I think about that, but Lord Wellington is very fair wanting to make us responsible… But no goodwill.. It will be easy to prove..’ Bearing an embossed blind seal to the upper left corner. Two very small holes due to ink stains. Small overall age wear and crease to the upper right corner. G £80 - 100 €90 - 110
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DUMOURIEZ CHARLES FRANÇOIS: (1739-1823) Charles François du Périer Dumouriez. French General, victorious at Valmy, who would later desert the Revolutionary army and join the Royalists. Dumouriez was accused of treason and went into exile. An excellent A.L.S., ‘Gen. Dumouriez’, one page, 8vo, n.p., [London], 4th April 1811, to Monsieur Peele, vice-secretary of State, war department, in French. A carefully written letter by Dumouriez, during his exile in England, where he died, addressed to future British Prime Minister Robert Peel. Dumouriez explains that he has tried to meet him, got an appointment and waited for long without success, and states in part ‘..I send to you my quittance and I wait for your response at the Parlour; if you find time to meet me I’ll be glad, if not send me as response your order to be paid my 150..’ With blank address leaf. With remnants of a former seal. VG £200 - 300 €230 - 340
Robert Peel (1788- 1850) British Prime Minister 1834- 35 & 1841- 46.
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BAILLY DE MONTHION FRANÇOIS: (1776-1850) French General of first Empire. A good A.L., two pages, 4to, Königsburg, 5th April 1813, in French. The letter being a report to Marshal Berthier, stating ‘Today, towards three in the afternoon, the enemy attacked our positions in Gommery, Möchern and Zedenick with several infantry battalionsand fifteen to twenty cavalry regiments. Our troops gave good response..’ further saying ‘Prince Eugene has given the order to retreat to the army, with the exception of the 11th corps which will defend the area and which will march with His Higness at the head.’ further again saying ‘General Grenier has received a bullet in his cheek, and we have been obliged to leave a cannon which was destroyed and with the horses killed..’ Bailly de Monthion also refers to the Duke of Bellune (Marshal Victor), and the Prince of Eckmühl (Marshal Davout) and comments the news received regarding General Morand’s capitulation. General Morand died the day the present letter was written. VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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BLUCHER GEBHARD VON: (1742-1819) Prince von Wahlstatt. Prussian field Marshal. Von Blucher leaded the Prussian army against Napoleon At the battles of Leipzig and Waterloo playing a decisive role in the allied victory. He is the highest-decrated Prussian soldier in history. Rare L.S., ‘G. Blucher’, one page, 4to, Berlin, 19th October 1814, in German. Blucher states in part ‘I have seen throughout the Prussian provinces so much misery and suffering as a result of the last war, that the most effective and greatest help is needed everywhere….Whole areas are devastated, everywhere widows and orphans of fallen soldiers are calling out for help…’ further saying ‘I write to you with the request that, when distributing the £100.000 allocated by the English Parliament for the German war victims, you particularly provide well for victims of all kinds in all areas of the Prussian State.’ A letter of very good content. The letter has been lightly affixed to the corners to a larger sheet. G £800 - 1200 €900 - 1400
NAPOLEON & HIS MARSHALS
‘I have made a cavalryman prisoner and several have been sabred.’
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NEY MICHEL: (1769-1815) Marshal of France, Duc d’Elchingen and Prince de la Moskowa. Executed. An interesting L.S., ‘Ney’, with flourish, one page, folio, Gleiberg, Germany, 14th September 1796, to General Grenier, in French. The document shows to the upper left corner the written heading “Army of Sambre and Muse, 4th Division, Avant-Garde”, and Ney in his capacity as General of Brigade sends a military report referring to the locations he has occupied with his troops, stating in part ‘I have just occupied Launsbach with part of my light infantry.. I keep also under control the village of Wisemar.’ Ney further refers to several strategic positions he has occupied, explains that part of his troops have crossed the river Lahn, a tributary of the Rhine, and suggests to General Grenier to move towards Stauffenberg. Before concluding Ney states ‘I have made a cavalryman prisoner and several have been sabred.’ Very small overall minor age wear and staining, otherwise G to VG £300 - 400 €340 - 450
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JOURDAN JEAN BAPTISTE: (1762-1833) Marshal of France. A good multiple L.S., Paris, 5th January 1798, to the Executive Directory of Paris, to war Commissair Hourier, in French. Signed by Jourdan, Henry Frégeville, Convention deputies Jean Joseph Debry, Louis Jacques Savary, Henry Joseph Cochet, also signed by administrators Albert Joseph Duhot and Jean François Woussen, with apostille A.S., by Merlin de Douai forwarding for report to the war ministry. They state ‘We give justice to Republic, recognizing the talent and services given by Commissair Hourier, and recommend him for national interest reasons to the executive directory..’ Folded. G £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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GROUCHY EMMANUEL DE: (1766-1847) Marshal of France. Marquis de Grouchy. A.L.S., ‘Emml Grouchy’, one page, folio, Turin, 15th December 1798, to Colonel Joseph Vara, in French. Grouchy informs his correspondent that he has received his few letters and states ‘Do not disregard any means to stop desertions. The officers care and zeal will always, if not fully stopping, diminish them infinitely.’ With blank integral leaf. Overall age wear and staining, with few tears to the trimmed edges. About F £200 - 300 €230 - 340
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NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. Extremely rare L.S., ‘Bonaparte’, twice, with two lines annotation in his hand, one page, folio, n.p. [Cairo, Egypt], 20th November 1798, in French and Arabic. Napoleon, in his capacity as chief General, signs twice and adds a two lines autograph annotation text to be forwarded to Commissair Poussielgue, stating ‘The Commander of the place will let go the said man and release him’. Signed to a letter received, both in French and Arabic, from Sheikh Muhammad el-Mahdi, who advocates in favour of Sheikh Ahmed ben Uleich who has been imprisoned by mistake as a result of a dispute between Abdullah Bacha and Muhammad Quinou, stating in part ‘..several trustworthy witnesses have testified that Sheikh Ahmed ben Uleich, arrested, is not associated, nor representing or legally related to any of them..’ The text in Arabic bears at the bottom of the document the Sheikh’s seal. Folded. Small overall, minor age wear, with creases and slightly trimmed edges. G £6000 - 9000 €6800 - 10000
Sheikh Mohammed El-Mahdi (1737-1814) Secretary General of the Great Diwan in Cairo.
Jean-Baptiste Etienne Poussielgue (1764-1851) General Intendant and Administrator of the finance during the Egypt campaign.
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CLARY DÉSIRÉE: (1777-1860) Princess of Pontecorvo and Queen of Sweden and Norway as the consort of King Charles XIV, former Marshal of Napoleon Bernadotte. A lengthy A.L.S., ‘Désirée’, four pages, 8vo, n.p., 27th January [1830], to Baron St-Joseph, in French. Clary expresses her happiness for the news received, explains her day by day, reports on concerts she has sponsored and about young and talented singers, stating in part ‘I have given a superb concert on the occasion of the King’s birthday, tomorrow will take place a great ball for St-Charles..’ VG £400 - 600 €450 - 680
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BERNADOTTE JEAN BAPTISTE: (1763-1844) Marshal of France, Prince de Pontecorvo and King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway 1818-44. A rare and excellent A.L.S., ‘J. Bernadotte’, one page, 4to, Paris, 2nd May 1800, to Joseph Bonaparte, in French. Bernadotte sends a personal request to his brother in law Joseph Bonaparte, both being married to Désirée and Julie Clary respectively. Bernadotte states ‘Adjutant General Savary, your former colleague, wishes to leave the service my dear Joseph and be appointed to the forests department as curator. His taste, manners and former habits and most of all the disrepair of his health have pushed him to this decision. Savary is my friend and he has always shown great respect to you..’ further referring to the Emperor Napoleon I and concluding ‘I give him this recommendation to be given to you. I kindly ask you to support him near your brother.’ Left edge very slightly irregular, otherwise VG £800 - 1200 €900 - 1400
Joseph Bonaparte (1768-1844) King of Naples and Sicily (1806-08) and later King of Spain (1808-13, as Jose I). Elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte.
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SOULT NICOLAS JEAN DE DIEU: (1769-1851) Marshal of France, Duc de Dalmatie. An excellent set of two documents signed by Marshal Soult and one by his spouse. Attractive A.L.S., ‘M.al Duc de Dalmatie’, one page, 4to, St. Amand, 28th January 1816, to George Schumacker, in French. The autograph letter being a certificate in favour of his valet Schumacker, stating in part ‘..a good man of honour, and therefore I ask that everyone protect him if necessary and help him in any way to join me..’ Bearing an excellent red wax seal in very fine condition. Together with D.S., ‘Soult’, one page, large folio, Lena, 26th August 1801, on the infantry war department printed stationery, to Jean Baptiste Joubert, in French. The partially printed document is signed by Soult, in his capacity as Lieutenant General commandant of the avant-garde, approving the retirement of Caporal Joubert, listing his services and war campaigns, because of ‘..as a result of two fire shots to his left arm..’. Bearing three ink stamps, and multiple countersignatures. Also including A.L.S., ‘L. de Dalmatie’, by Jeanne Louise Berg (1771-1852) two pages, 4to, Paris 14th September 1808, to a state counselor, in French. Soult’s wife sends a request in favour of a Captain, stating in part ‘..under the service of H.M. the King of Bavaria, he was wounded, and obtained a pension which has now been cancelled since the country of Cleves is part of France..’ Very small overall minor age wear, two are folded, otherwise VG, 3 £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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[ALEXANDRIA - EGYPT EVACUATION]: An excellent A.L.S., ‘Augus[te] Guillaumier’, an attractive signature with flourish, one page, 4to, Alexandria, 3rd of September 1801, to his mother, in French. Guillaumier, secretary of the sanitary administration, reports about the French army evacuation of Egypt, stating in part ‘You must have been worried about me, watching the part of the Egypt army returning without any news from me..The position we were holding in Alexandria did not permit me to send through my letters to Rosette..’ further saying ‘..a General is taking back with him the capitulation.. we must evacuate before ten days these countries and return to France..’ The present letter was written only three days after the English and Turcs took control of Alexandria and the French evacuated Egypt. The sheet bears a watermark. Folded, with small overall age wear and edges very slightly trimmed, otherwise about VG £200 - 300 €230 - 340
On 21st March 1801 the French were defeated by the British and surrendered at Fort Julien. Cairo fell in June and Alexandria was besieged from August 17th till September 2nd, when French General in Egypt Jacques François Menou capitulated to the British.
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BRUNE GUILLAUME: (1763-1815) Marshal of France. Murdered. L.S., ‘Brune’, one page, folio, Paris, 3rd November 1801, to General Chabot, in French. The partially printed document bears an attractive coat of arms to the heading, and Brune’s printed name, in his capacity as State Concilor and Chief General. Brune congratulates his correspondent for his new posting, stating in part ‘..I learn with pleasure that you have been appointed to the [republic] Cisalpine, …You are right thinking that you can count on me and trust me in case you ever need my help.. ‘ Large light stain over a large part of the document, although remaining the text and signature very clear and legible. F to G £200 - 300 €230 - 340
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BERTHIER LOUIS ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. L.S., Ml. Berthier, one page, folio, Paris, 7th May 1803, on the printed stationery of the War Minister, to the Prefect of La Lys, in French. Berthier states ‘Citizen Prefect, I have informed the General Commandant of the 16th military division that the order I have given to replace Captain Mazure was not subject to any revocation. This officer will not be ever again employed in the recruitment department whichever will be the decision of the martial court he will have to face...’ With blank address leaf. Two small staple holes not affecting the text or signature, otherwise about VG £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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BERTHIER & MARET: Louis Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon, & Hugues Bernard Maret (1763-1839) Duke of Bassano. French Statesman and Prime Minister 1834. D.S., ‘Alex Berthier’, ‘Hugues B. Maret’, also signed ‘Bonaparte’ in another hand on behalf of the Emperor, one page, folio, St. Cloud, 16th June 1803, in French. The partially printed document issued by the war department, being a certificate appointing Guillaume Despie as Chief of Battalion, bears an attractive vignette to the heading. Signed by Berthier in his capacity as Minister of war and by Maret in his capacity as First Consul and Secretary of State. The document lists the services given, campaigns attended, actions and wounds. Berthier’s signature is partially affected by a stain. Professionally repaired to the edges. Overall creasing and folded to the centre. F to G £250 - 350 €280 - 400
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AUGEREAU CHARLES PIERRE FRANÇOIS: (1757-1816) Marshal of France, Duc de Castiglione. L.S., Augereau, a large and bold example, one page, 4to, La Houssaye, 14th April 1805, to General Donzelot, in French. Augereau, in his capacity as Marshal of the Empire and Chief Commandant of the Brest camp states “The event you refer to in your letter, my dear General, must have caused a great harm to the navy indeed…please forward my testimony of satisfaction to the 105th regiment for their behaviour under such circumstances..” Small overall age wear with few foxing stains, about VG £200 - 300 €230 - 340
‘The Indomptable Captain Hubert, dead. This ship sank.
The Commander died with ¾ of his crew. It looks like he did not
fulfill his duty and proceeded wrongly during the struggle.’
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[TRAFALGAR]: Rare A.L. by HUGHES-BERNARD MARET (1763-1839) Duc de Bassano, French Statesman and Diplomat, four pages, folio, n.p., 6th May 1806, to ‘H[is] M[ajesty] the Emperor’, in French. The document being a draft letter in the hand of Maret, to be addressed to the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, which he entitles ‘Y[our] M[ajesty] ordered a report on the Commanders’ behaviour in the Trafalgar affair.’ A lengthy and extremely interesting draft letter with detailed information related to the Trafalgar battle. Maret reports having met several officers and concludes stating in part ‘It seems like the following list of Commanders did fulfill their duty. Captains Baudoin of the Fougueux - killed; Gourrege of the Aigle - killed; Denieport of the Achille - killed; Camas of the Berwick - killed; Le Tourneur of the Algesiras - C[apturé] A.; Infernet of the Intrepide; Cosmao of the Pluton; Lucas of the Redoutable; Magendie of the Bucentaure; Villemadrin of the Swiftsure.’ Maret further lists three Commanders whose behaviour should be subject of examination, stating in part ‘1º- The Heros, Captain Poulain, killed, had a correct attitude at the beginning of the battle. But apparently… 2º- The Neptune Captain Maistral. His position was backward the Admiral.. Captain Maistral attribute to several reasons the misfortune he had not being able to be at this honour position.. 3º- The Indomptable Captain Hubert, dead. This ship sank. The Commander died with ¾ of his crew. It looks like he did not fulfill his duty and proceeded wrongly during the struggle. They say that Captain Hubert’s mind was stray..4º- The Argonaute, Captain Epron. Few Captains report and accuse him of having badly fought..’ Furthermore Maret sets few main questions related to Captains reactions, decisions and time taken in some precise moments of the battle and if strategic orders were fulfilled or not. An excellent content letter with lengthy military and detailed report. Folded. Overall minor age wear with very slightly trimmed right edges, otherwise G £300 - 400 €340 - 450
Louis Alexis Baudoin (1776-1805) French Captain of French ship Fougueux at the battle of Trafalgar. Pierre-Paulin Gourrege (1749-1805) Captain of the Aigle. Louis-Gabriel Denieport (1765-1805) Captain of the Achille. Jean-Gilles Filhol de Camas (1758-1805) Captain of the Berwick. Laurent Le Tourneur (1762-?) Captain of the Algesiras; Louis-Antoine-Cyprien Infernet (1757-1815) Captain of the Intrepide; Julien-Marie Cosmao -Kerjulien (1761-1825) Captain of the Pluton; Jean Jacques Etienne Lucas (1764-1819) Captain of the Redoutable; Jean-Jacques Magendie (1766-1835) Captain of the Bucentaure; Charles Eusebe l’Hospitalier de la Villemadrin (1756-1812) Captain of the Swiftsure; Jean-Baptiste-Joseph-René Poulain (?-1805) Captain of the Heros; Esprit-Tranquille Maistral (1763-1815) Captain of the Neptune; Jean Joseph Hubert (1765-1805) Captain of the Indomptable; Jacques Epron-Desjardins (1766-1837) Captain of the Argonaute.
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MARMONT AUGUSTE: (1767-1847) Marshal of France. Duc de Raguse. L.S., ‘M.al Duc de Raguse’, one page, folio, Paris, 15th October 1816, on his Royal Guard printed stationery, to H.E. Marshal Duc de Feltre, in French. Marmont strongly recommends officer Louis Bonnarde to his correspondent stating’in part ‘..after ten years serving in the infantry regiment.. he showed great interest to join the Guard.. I kindly ask your Excellence to authorize..’ Professionally repaired to the edges. With a partial area with light background due to sun exposure, otherwise G £100 - 150 €110 - 170
‘..order to publish in the Berlin newspapers that Hameln has surrendered..’
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NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. An excellent content L.S., ‘Napoleon’, a good and in full bold ink signature example, one page, 4to, 28th November 1806, to General Clarke, in French. Napoleon has left Berlin few days before and is about to reach Warsaw with his army. Napoleon states in part ‘Monsieur le General Clarke, give the order to publish in the Berlin newspapers that Hameln has surrendered, General Savary has made 9000 prisoners, including four Generals, and among them General Lecoq..’ further saying ‘Send an officer with the plenipotentiary…they will follow the route that Mr. Talleyrand will inform you.’ Further again ordering to publish ‘Order to publish on newspapers in four days that a suspension of weapons was signed… that the king of Prussia has declared that he cannot ratify it being dependent of the Russians..’ With blank integral leaf, bearing a J. Honig & Zoonen watermark. £1200 - 2000 €1400 - 2300
Henri Jacques Clarke (1765-1818) Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24. Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon.
The Siege of Hamelin took place between 7th and 22nd November 1806. The French forces captured the fortress of Hamelin, close to Hanover, from the Prussian troops. General Anne Jean Marie Savary (1774-1883) leaded the negotiations with Prussian Commander Karl Ludwig von Lecoq (1754-1829) who surrendered.
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand (1754-1838) French Diplomat and Statesman. Prime Minister of France July-September 1815.
‘..all battalions troops, in full, are coiffed hair in the French style, and regarding the permission to wear the cockade and the French gorget it is permitted..’
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KELLERMANN FRANÇOIS CHRISTOPHE: (1735-1820) Marshal of France, Duc de Valmy. A very interesting L.S., ‘Kellermann’, one page, folio, Mayence, 3rd of July 1807, to General of Division Desbureaux commander of the 5th division, in French. Kellermann responds to several requests received from his correspondent, stating in part ‘I have already written to the Minister of war for the flags matter, I wait for his answer. I am going to write to him requesting that all battalions troops, in full, are coiffed hair in the French style, and regarding the permission to wear the cockade and the French gorget it is permitted..’ The letter bears a watermark. Folded. VG £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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KELLERMANN FRANÇOIS ETIENNE: (1770-1835) French General. Son of Marshal François Christophe Kellermann. Widely considered the ablest Napoleon’s cavalry commanders, he distinguished himself at the Battle of Austerlitz leading the light cavalry. A good A.L.S., ‘Le Gral Kellermann’, three pages, 4to, Valladolid, 9th October 1809, to General Thiebault, in French. A very interesting military content letter written during the Spanish campaign, related to French troops in the Burgos area and to revolts, insurgents and difficulties with provisions, horses, etc… Kellerman stating in part ‘I can’t conceive that nothing comes from France whereas I positively know that 50 horses from Hannover, 150 infantry men and 150 horses from Westphalia have departed, and on the other hand several convoys from here are going to open the road and make it practicable…’ further saying ‘I am of the opinion that it is of an absolute necessity to march towards Vitoria.. the column I sent on the 28th has encountered the brigands....’ The document bears a watermark. VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
‘Considering the diligence shown by the King, we will have to hope that H.M. will judge us for our respect for Him and
our good intentions.’
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PERIGNON CATHERINE-DOMINIQUE DE: (1754-1818) 1st Marquis of Grenade. Marshal of France. An excellent A.L.S., ‘Perignon’, two pages, folio, Naples, 5th September 1808, to a Marquis, in French. Perignon, in his capacity as recently appointed Governor General of the Kingdom of Naples, reports on all the preparations for the King’s arrival to Naples, and states in part ‘I will eagerly wait for the letter that Minister Salicetti has to send to me after having met the King; it is only then that I will be able to focus on the arrival of H.M to His capital...’ Perignon further refers multiple times to His Majesty saying ‘You tell me that the Crown Ministers and grand-officers could travel to receive and meet H.M… they intended to make the encounter at the border.. They did not want to use the horses the King will need..’ Perignon concludes stating ‘All these inconveniences are the result of the late call, it was unavoidable. Considering the diligence shown by the King, we will have to hope that H.M. will judge us for our respect for him and our good intentions.’ A letter of interesting historic content. With blank integral leaf. Folded. VG £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
Joachim Murat (1767-1815) Marshal of France, brother-in-law of Napoleon Bonaparte. King of Naples 1808-15. Murat was appointed King of Naples on 1st August 1808, only few weeks before the present letter was written.
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BESSIERES JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1768-1813) Marshal of France, Duc d’ Istria. Killed in the battle field in Rippach, the day before the battle of Lutzen. L.S., Bessieres, three pages, 4to, Valladolid, 11th February 1809, to a General [Thiebaut?]. Bessieres instructs very precisely his correspondent regarding the troops positions and number of men in several locations, stating in part ‘General, I read in your 9th February letter that you have a guard of 300 men in Burgos; it is far too much. During the greatest turmoil I have never had more than 60.. You can understand, General, that if we needed 300 garrison men in all towns of 8 to 10000 souls, it would be endless...’ Bessieres further says ‘..make all men belonging to the army corps stationed in that area leave for Madrid. What is the use of having a whole battalion in Sto Domingo de la Calzada?, this area has always been very quiet.’ Folded. G £200 - 300 €230 - 340
‘I announce the storming of Zaragoza. This city, after having been partially destroyed, has surrendered, the 24000 men who formed the garrison are now war prisoners.’
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BESSIERES JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1768-1813) Marshal of France, Duc d’ Istria. Killed in the battle field in Rippach, the day before the battle of Lutzen. L.S., Bessieres, one page, 4to, Valladolid, 24th February 1809, to General Thiebaut, in French. Bessieres sends a short and victorious important message stating ‘General, I announce the storming of Zaragoza. This city, after having been partially destroyed, has surrendered, the 24000 men who formed the garrison are now war prisoners. Make circulate these news so that nobody ignore it.’ Small area of paper loss to the bottom left edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise G £400 - 600 €450 - 680
The second siege of Zaragoza lasted two months, from 20th December 1808 to 20th February 1809, and is remembered for its extreme ferocity. French forces were leaded by four Marshals, Moncey, Ney, Mortier and Lannes, and the Spanish by General Palafox. A street by street fighting, involving civilians, and over 15000 sick or wounded. Most of the city ended in ruins and around 54000 people died.
‘..Vincennes is reserved for the Emperor’s enjoyment..’
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BERTHIER LOUIS ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. L.S., Alexandre, two pages, 4to, Paris, 3rd of March 1809, to the General Director of Forests Monsieur Bergon, in French. Berthier, in his capacity as Master of Hound refers to the Emperor’s intention to hunt, and states in part ‘The Emperor, Sir, has the intention to hunt sometimes in the Vincennes park, and therefore H.M. has ordered me to make the necessary to bring some deers or does. I have ordered to take some from St. Maur and they have been brought to Vincennes this morning..’ Berthier further refers to a report received regarding the breaches existing in the Vincennes park walls and orders prompt repairs, complaining about guard’s carelessness, sending warnings to them and saying ‘Let them know that I will dismiss those who show negligence in their post, even more now when Vincennes is reserved for the Emperor’s enjoyment..’. With blank integral leaf. Small overall creasing. VG £300 - 400 €340 - 450
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NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. L.S., ‘Napol’, one page, 4to, Paris, 28th December 1809, to the Duc de Feltre, Minister of war, in French. Letter dictated to Baron Fain. The Emperor allocates four millions and states in part ‘..considering the accounts received, it has been established that 7 millions are due to the Guard for the various services of this year..’ Napoleon I further asks the Duc de Feltre to appoint Marshal Daru to a different post and to nominate a new inspector. A lengthy letter in fine condition. Very small repair to the verso. Very small overall foxing. G £1000 - 1500 €1100 - 1700
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PONIATOWSKI JOZEF: (1763-1813) Polish General, Minister of War and Army Chief. Marshal of the Empire. An excellent L.S., ‘Joseph Prince Poniatowski’, one page, folio, Warsaw, 5th January 1810, to the Minister of War Duke de Feltre, in French. Poniatowski, in his capacity as General of division and Chief Commander of the Polish army, thanks his correspondent for the letter received last month of December and states in part ‘Your Excellency honoured me informing me about the replacement of Major Wierzbinski, now Colonel, and of Quatermaster Wasitemski accused of embezzlement. Having no doubt that Your Excellency has designated an officer who fulfills required qualifications and who will accomplish his functions properly, I consider superfluous to recommend somebody else for that post….’ Small overall, minor age wear, with small stains at the base of the document, otherwise G £2500 - 3500 €2800 - 4000
Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke (1765-1818) Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24. Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon.
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BESSIERES JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1768-1813) Marshal of France, Duc d’Istria. Killed in the battle field in Rippach, the day before the battle of Lutzen. L.S., Le Ml duc d’istrie, two pages, large folio, La Fere, 26th January 1810, in French. The partially printed document being a pension proposal in favour of soldier Thuillier, an artillery soldier injured at the Battle of Wagram, bearing the heading “Garde Imperiale - Artillerie a pied”. The document bears to the borders multiple autograph annotations signed by military and medical authorities, including Jean François Boulart (1776-1842) French General, Etienne Tripard, Marie-François Vergez, etc.. Folded. Very small overall age wear and two very small repairs to the edge and one corner, both to the verso. G £250 - 350 €280 - 400
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LACEPEDE BERNARD GERMAIN DE: (1756-1825) French Naturalist. L.S., Cte de Lacepede, one page, folio, Paris, 23rd February 1810, to Marshal Duc D’Istrie, in French. The printed heading shows the title “Legion D’Honneur” and is issued by Lacepede in his capacity as Grand-Chancelor and Minister of State, and states in part ‘I have the honour of sending to your Excellency the patents of appointment to the Legion d’Honneur given to eleven officers of the Imperial Guard. They will experience great satisfaction if they receive them from your Excellency..’ With blank integral leaf, bearing a very attractive waterprint of “Napoleon French Emperor and King of Italy”. VG £60 - 90 €70 - 100
Jean Baptiste Bessieres (1768-1813) Marshal of France, Duc d’Istria.
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NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. N.S., Napol, to the right margin of a D.S. by several officers, three pages, folio, Paris, 1st December 1810, in French. The partially printed document from the War Minister, provisions department, is a letter addressed to the Emperor referring to previous Napoleon’s orders related to a large purchase of wheat, with a lengthy explanation regarding the different prices options as well as the provenance and port where the wheat could be shipped. To the right margin, annotated in the Emperor’s secretary hand ‘Ancona is the most favourable place, unless we can make the purchase in Hungary and make them shipped through Trieste… because there is apparently no hostilities, we could get half of the supply now and the other half next year, and therefore by 1812 we would have received the whole requested.’ Small overall, minor age wear to the edges. Folded. VG £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
The day after the present letter was signed, Napoleon lost the Ile de France, today Mauritius, captured by the English, and few weeks after the alliance between France and Russia was broken.
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BERTHIER LOUIS ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. L.S., Alexandre, one page, 4to, Rambouillet, 8th August 1811, to General Thiebault, in French. Berthier states ‘The General of Brigade Rouyer having served under your command Monsieur the General Thiebault, I kindly request you to send me all the information you can about his behaviour while he commanded the town of Salamanque.’ VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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BADAJOZ POLICE COMMISSAR: A very interesting military A.L.S., two pages, 4to, Badajoz, 30th December 1811, to His Excellency Marshal Duc de Dalmatie in Seville, in Spanish. The Commissar reports in part ‘..the watch of all movements of the enemy troops.. Porto Alegre, Campo Mayor and Alburquerque have checked the movements of General Hill divisions. They departed from Porto Alegre on 26th, reaching Alburquerque on 28th.. they should rest at Montijo on the 30th..’ further saying ‘Nevertheless, it looks like other troops have marched on 26th or 7th..according to reports and opinions there are 12 to 15 thousand men .. who will join General Moriles.. I have sent tonight a report to Count of Erlon, informing him about all this so he can take the better decisions..’ Accompanied by a contemporary translation into French. With blank address leaf, bearing large remnants of a red wax seal. Small overall staining and tears to the address leaf, otherwise G £60 - 90 €70 - 100
Nicolas Jean de Dieu Soult (1769-1851) Marshal of France, Duc de Dalmatie.
Rowland Hill (1772-1842) 1st Viscount Hill. British Army officer. He served in the Napoleonic Wars as corps commander under the Duke of Wellington. He would become Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in 1828.
Jean Baptiste Drouet D’Erlon (1765-1844) Count of Erlon. Commander of the 1st Corps of the Armée du Nord at the battle of Waterloo. Drouet D’Erlon was present in the Battle of Austerlitz, at the siege of Danzig. He arrived in the Peninsular War as Commander. Drouet D’Erlon defeated British General Hill in the Pyrenees.
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BERTHIER LOUIS ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. L.S., Alexandre, one page, 4to, Smolensk, 24th August 1812, to Monsieur Bignon, Imperial Commissar to the provisional committee of the Lithuanian government, in French. Berthier states ‘I send to you Baron, the updated 3 orders received from the Emperor containing the dispositions related to the provisional Government of Lithuania...’ A fine letter signed during the Russian campaign. VG £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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SERURIER JEAN-MATHIEU PHILIBERT: (1742-1819) Marshal of France. D.S., Sérurier, one page, 4to, Hotel Imperial des Militaires Invalides, 23rd June 1813, in French. The partially printed document, bearing the heading of the “Hotel Imperial des Militaires Invalides”, the hospital and retirement home for the war veterans, and relates to the readmission of Gaspard Biet to the hospital, having been injured and suffered the amputation of one of his body members. Signed by Sérurier in his capacity as Marshal governor of the Invalides. Folded. EX £120 - 150 €140 - 170
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NEY MICHEL: (1769-1815) Marshal of France, Duc d’Elchingen and Prince de la Moskowa. Executed. A good date and message content L.S., ‘M[aréch]al P[rin]ce de la Moskowa’, one page, 4to, Nancy, 12th January 1814, to the Director of the Nancy post offices, in French. Ney states ‘Mr Director of the Nancy post offices will kindly make this attached telegram depart right away by dispatch rider to be delivered to M[arsh]al Duke of Valmy at Metz.’ Bearing at the base a contemporary receipt strikethrough annotation. A very important message sent by Ney to Marshal Kellermann only two days before Ney had to order the evacuation of Nancy. Professionally and very lightly affixed to a larger beige page. Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G £400 - 600 €450 - 680
François Christophe de Kellermann (1735-1820) Marshal of France, Duc de Valmy.
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DAVOUT LOUIS NICOLAS: (1770-1823) Marshal of France, Duc d’Auerstaedt and Prince of Eckmuhl. Known as the Iron Marshal, Davout was the only Napoleonic Marshal not to have been defeated in battle by 1815. L.S., ‘Amitié, Le Ministre de la Guerre, P[rince] d’Eckmul’, with a four lines annotation in his hand, one page, folio, Paris, 27th March 1815, to Lieutenant General Count Compans, in French. On the printed heading of the Minister of war, Davout in his capacity as Minister of war during the Hundred days, he has only been appointed a week earlier, states in part ‘My dear General, I have written to you telling you to join me in Paris, if you have not received my letters, depart when receiving this one to come to Paris where the Emperor will have the pleasure to see you.’ Davout adds a four lines annotation beneath his signature saying ‘Your wife is waiting for you quite impatient, she is keeping well as well as your children’ With blank integral leaf, bearing an attractive watermark. Very small overall, minor age wear and creasing mostly to the bottom right corner, not affecting the text or signature. Folded. G to VG £400 - 600 €450 - 680
Davout was appointed Minister of war on 20th March 1815 immediately after Napoleon’s return from exile in the island of Elba. He reorganized the French army and he was so indispensable to the war department that Napoleon kept him in Paris during the Waterloo campaign. Napoleon was criticized for such decision regarding the best General he then possessed.
Jean Dominique Compans (1769-1845) French General during French Revolution and First Empire. Compans was appointed by King Louis XVIII Knight of Saint-Louis and grand-cordon of the Legion d’Honneur on 14th February 1815, a month before the present letter date. During the Hundred Days Compans re-joined the Imperial army and was imprisoned at Waterloo.
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SOULT NICOLAS JEAN DE DIEU: (1769-1851) Marshal of France, Duc de Dalmatie. D.S., Mal Duc de Dalmatie, one page, folio, Paris, 17th May 1833, on the war ministry printed stationery, to Mr. La Canoigue, in French. Soult, in his capacity as Minister of war and Prime Minister, orders on behalf of the King that Lieutenant La Canoigue from the 9th artillery regiment is transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the African light artillery, further stating ‘He will immediately join his Battalion in Alger’. With blank integral leaf. Folded. VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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GROUCHY EMMANUEL DE: (1766-1847) Marshal of France. Marquis de Grouchy. An unusual and interesting A.L.S., ‘Le M[arech]al M[arqu]is de Grouchy’, a bold and good example signature, signed twice, one page, 4to, Paris, 20th May 1833, to Georges Cuvier, in French. De Grouchy explains to his naturalist correspondent that four months earlier he injured a bird of prey in his property in Normandy, and although he took good care of it and managed to recover the bird, ‘..on my vehicle, carefully protected, and carried in a sort of cage of birth similar to the ones used for parrots, the bird died during the trip. Even so I have instructed to send it to you, because if this bird which I have never seen is a rare specimen, you might kindly cover with stuff it for me…’ With blank address leaf, ‘To Monsieur Cuvier - at the King’s garden’, signed beneath by Grouchy, and bearing a red wax seal. Very small overall age wear, folded, otherwise VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
Georges Cuvier (1769-1832) French Naturalist and Zoologist. Widely considered a founding father of paleontology.
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BONAPARTE JOSEPH: (1768-1844) King of Naples and Sicily (1806-08) and later King of Spain (1808-13, as Jose I). Elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. unusual L.S., ‘Buonaparte P[resi]dente’, one page, oblong small 4to, Ajaccio, Corsica, 31st December 1790, in Italian. Bonaparte, in his capacity President of the Ajaccio district Directory, orders the payment of 6 francs and 14 sols to S. Prache, reimbursing the expenses he paid on behalf of the Directory. Bearing at the base five countersignatures by members of the Directory. Small overall minor age wear. VG £300 - 400 €340 - 450
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BONAPARTE LOUIS: (1778-1846) King of Holland 1806-10. Younger brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. A.L.S., Louis Bonaparte, one page, 4to, Paris, 15th November 1801, to General Gouvion Saint-Cyr, in French. Bonaparte responds to his correspondent’s letter and states ‘The Regiment is still in Spain. The army has still not received the order to return…. It is what you thought would happen, because of your knowledge of this nasty country..’ Folded. With very small, minor age wear. VG £150 - 200 €170 - 230
Laurent de Gouvion Saint-Cyr (1764-1830) Marshal of France, Marquis de Gouvion Saint-Cyr.
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BONAPARTE LUCIEN: (1775-1840) Younger brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. French Statesman, President of the Council of Five Hundred at the end of the French Revolution. L.S., ‘Lucien Bonaparte’, one page, 4to, Pesaro, 9th September 1803, to general Fiorella, in French. Bonaparte sends two letters to his correspondent, one opened and one sealed, to be forwarded to Madrid, stating in part ‘..in the opened letter, these gentlemen will write their banker’s name in Madrid to the blank space I have left; you will tell to them that their banker’s correspondent will never have to receive more than fifty thousand francs on each occasion..’, and before concluding ‘We are departing on our way to Rome..’ Small overall age wear and creasing, otherwise G £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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BONAPARTE CAROLINE: (1782-1839) Queen Consort of Naples 1808-15, wife of Joachim Murat. Younger sister of Napoleon Bonaparte. L.S., Caroline, one page, 4to, Portici, 21st September 1812, to General Count Grenier, in French. Bonaparte refers to the request she has received from a Savoy envoy regarding a Sergent in the Isembourg regiment, and asks the General to try to sort this out stating in part ‘I would be flattered if I could respond to the Savoy envoy giving him the response he is wishing to receive.’ Very small, minor age wear, otherwise VG £250 - 350 €280 - 400
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BEAUHARNAIS EUGENE DE: (1781-1824) French Prince, son of Josephine de Beauharnais, Viceroy of Italy 1805-14 and Grand Duke of Frankfurt. L.S., P[rin]ce Eugene, with flourish, one page, 4to, Bavaria, 24th July 1821, to an unidentified Baron, in French. Beauharnais states in part ‘I have received from Madame the Duchess of Raguse the stone that I asked you to place in Paris.. You did well approving a payment of a hundred francs to the house employees who peddled the stone to England.’ With blank integral leaf. Small overall age wear, otherwise about VG £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. Unedited excellent L.S., ‘Nap’, with holograph annotation in his hand ‘Renvoyez-moi ces états qui sont tous fauts’ (“Send me back these reports which are all wrong”), one page, 4to, St.Cloud, 28th July 1806, to Prince Eugene Beauharnais, in French. Napoleon states in part ‘My son, you will find here attached the status reports of the French artillery. Send them to my Minister of war in order to make him set up reports of the Italian artillery based on such example, and send them to me every month..’ The written text of the present letter is in the hand of Meneval. Left edge only very slightly trimmed, otherwised VG £2000 - 3000 €2300 - 3400
Eugene de Beauharnais (1781-1824) French Prince, son of Josephine de Beauharnais, Viceroy of Italy 1805-14 and Grand Duke of Frankfurt. Stepson and adopted child of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Claude François de Méneval (1778-1850) Baron of the Empire. Memoirist of the 19th century. Napoleon’s private secretary and his closest collaborator.
‘We must treat well the former King of Sardinia..’
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