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LS in French, signed “Napoleon,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 9, July 3, 1805. Letter reads, in full (translated): “My Cousin, I authorize you to order that the one hundred louis that have been spent in France for my Coronation are paid. There is no doubt that the great officers of the Crown have the right to be paid as consults - therefore the great officers have 1. the commandery for which I have ordered by decree that the revenue would be paid by …; 2. Salary for the law courts; 3. consult salary. - Officers always have to be at the parade in grand uniform. I am not considering this as a great expense. - I am sending you the decree signed by Mr. Martiscengo. - I am sending you Mr. Melzi’s letter. You will see that there is some pawing. In fact, it was difficult to think that Melzi who has such spirit and good manners can act so badly. The more reason this proves how much one has to be on his guards in that country. The dragoons cannot take Josephine’s name; it is more proper that they bear the name dragoons of the Queen. I am sending you the decree for it. It would be somewhat ridiculous to have military corps baring the name of a woman.- I am resending you the decree project on the uniform. I approve that the uniform be white, but the three national colors must be kept on the collar and cuff. And now I pray to God that he keeps you in his holy and worthy guard.” In fine condition, with mild intersecting folds, a bit of scattered light toning, and light show-through from writing on opposing sides.
This content-driven correspondence was written less than two months following his May 26 coronation as King of Italy, and among its varied topics bears an order from Napoleon to address the expenditures incurred at that event. “There is no doubt that the great officers of the Crown have the right to be paid as consults,” he notes, while referencing his Empress Josephine, the Italian government representative in Paris, Ferdinando Marescalchi, as well as the Italian vice president, Francesco Melzi. Bonaparte’s rule was so precise he even oversaw the design of the military uniform. Incredible content directly related to one of Napoleon’s many roles in history. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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