This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/1/2025
Napoleon Bonaparte letter signed ''Napoleon'', an intriguing letter to French financier Count Mollein, Nicolas-Francois, datelined Bayonne 7 May 1808. This is the same day that Napoleon forced the abdications of Spanish King Charles IV and his son Ferdinand VII, installing his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, in their place. Enraged, the Spanish populace launched a campaign of guerilla warfare in retaliation, leading Napoleon to respond in kind, overextending his military forces in the process.
Intriguing letter to Count Mollein concerns unauthorized payments made by Auguste de Marmont, then Governor of Dalmatia, in lieu of payments to soldiers. Napoleon firmly tells Mollein that he must force Marmont to return the monies to the treasury, and that ''Disbursement of soldiers' pay must take priority.'' Letter reads in full,
''Monsieur Mollein. I am in receipt of your report of April 27. You must not turn over to the Paymaster of the Army of Dalmatia the 317,000 francs which he paid without authorization of the minister. You will order him to restore it immediately in the treasury, and it will be your responsibility to see that this is done without delay. You must come to an understanding with the Minister of War, and have him indicate any displeasure with General Marmont for having taken the liberty of changing the destination of the credits. Disbursement of soldiers' pay must take priority...Napoleon''. Single page letter measures 7.125'' x 9''. Folds and light foxing, overall very good to near fine condition. Accompanied by an engraving of Napoleon.
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