LS in French, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.25 x 8, June 19, 1805. Boldly signed “Napoleon,” with at least one small textual correction in his hand, the letter reads in full: “I just received your memorandum to the Minister of the Interior. There is no need to mention France. This can be done in conversation; but the circumstances being different, it is neither good sense or good politics to mention France or any other nation for that matter.” The memorandum is too long; authority argues less and explains more succinctly.
You would have done a better job writing in six lines: ‘Mister Felici, Minister of the Interior, (with regard to the preceding, it is necessary for you to decide on a proper protocol to begin and end your letters, so you can maintain consistency and dignity, His Majesty’s intention is that the judicial branch for censorship be eliminated, and that no matter of censorship be imposed on the press; and that, if the author is not known, the bookseller be responsible for what the book sale contains that is contrary to public order or to individual values. His Majesty nevertheless expects that seven days before putting a book on the market, a copy should be forwarded to the Minister of the Interior, so that, should it contain something contrary to public order, publication could be stopped. Publication could also be stopped for books contrary to the government or to the public good. Please submit a draft legislation to that end.’
Your memorandum had the inconvenience of containing in four pages a number of prescribed legislative directions. The only purpose of a letter to a minister should be to enable him to present to you a draft legislation or discuss certain facts about the enforcement of a pre-existing law or decree; but when the purpose is to sanction only a law, an order or a decree can be used.” Suede matted and framed, so that both sides are visible, along with two engraved portrait, to an overall size of 23 x 25.5. In fine condition.
As Napoleon assumed the title of king of Italy in May 1805, just a month before sending this letter, he had annexed Genoa to France, and appointed the son of his first wife, Josephine, the viceroy of Italy. His claims on “freedom of the press” are interesting to note, as by 1800 in France, all new books were examined by the police before publication, while five dramatic censors reported on the moral and political content of new plays to the minister of the interior. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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