LS in French, boldly signed “Np,” one 7.25 x 9 page and blank conjugate sheet with a dual “Napoleon le Grand Empereur et Roi 1811” portrait watermark, August 22, 1811. Napoleon writes from St. Cloud to the minister of war [General Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke, Duc de Feltre]. In full (translated): “1. The budget is 250,000 francs for the Croatians. The budget must not be exceeded. The Minister has not informed me if what he is asking for is included in the budget. 2. I see no necessity at all for spending so much money to clothe 14,000 men who can only serve in their country and who are sufficiently clothed for that. In effect, it is not possible to propose to have these 14,000 men leave Croatia. At most 4 battalions can leave—if they are accustomed to wearing [their own] boots, why not let them? I do not refuse giving them what Austria gave them, but it has to be included in the budget. They should be given what is owed them for 1810, but it must be included in the budget….” A slip originally pinned to the letter indicates that it was “received August 23 and sent at once to M. Barner for communication to M. Prévost.” The distinctive watermark on the blank leaf is quite evident under normal viewing conditions and could easily be separated from and displayed with the letter itself. A touch of mild wrinkling and handling wear, otherwise fine, bright condition. R&R COA.
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