December 2023 Auction Ends Thursday, December 14th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2023
Napoleon Bonaparte autograph letter signed, dated 21 August 1811 to his Minister of War, Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke, the 1st Duke of Feltre. Letter shows Napoleon's exacting detail to military operations, with specific instructions on defense of the French Empire, including artillery support and ammunition for cannons. He also tells the Duke where the cannons should be built and placed for defense, mentioning Flushing, Cadzand, Antwerp, Danzig and The Hague. French letter reads in part,
''Monsieur le Duc de Feltre, I am responding to your report of August 20 on the pieces of 48. The important thing is to know when these pieces will be in battery. I see that there is not a single mortar on the islands of Hyeres to prevent the enemy from anchoring in this harbor, despite the orders I gave six months ago...but do not ask me for money for cannonballs or for foundries: that is a transfer that must be made by the artillery office, reducing spending on less pressing items...St. Cloud 21 August 1811. / Napoleon''.
Three-page letter on bifolium stationery measures 7.25'' x 9'' as folded. With two large watermarks: one with a portrait of Napoleon encircled by ''Napoleon the Great Emperor and King 1811'' in French; the second an imperial eagle encircled by ''God Protects His Empire'' in French. Staple puncture to lower left, overall in exceptional, near fine condition.
Napoleon Bonaparte Autograph Letter Signed with His Full Signature of "Napoleon" -- Napoleon Writes a Detailed Letter to His Minister of War Regarding Defense of the French Empire
Click above for larger image.