LS in French, signed "Napol," six pages both sides, 7.25 x 9, April 9, 1811. During the disastrous Peninsular Campaign, Napoleon sends lengthy, important instructions to "My dear Cousin"-though possibly Louis Alexandre Berthier, Napoleon's chief of staff. In part: "You will send word to the Prince of Essling that since a dispatch rider has been captured, it is feared this will cause a delay…Send a duplicate of yesterday's with this…to the Prince…inform him that I have given the command of the First Division of the Sixth Corps to Gen. Foy…there is no need to reappoint Gen. Massena…he must hurry the arms to Alameda, since it seems that much time is needed to destroy the place…Order the major general to hasten the departure of Gen. Drouot with his corps to Andalusia…this is very important since it is feared that the British will try anything to raise the siege on Cadiz. He should take steps to protect Alameda and Ciudad Rodrigo, and on another front, make contact with Madrid and Seville…Write…to the Duc d'lstrie so he will hurry the departure of all provisional regiments, which should go to Andalusia…Inform Madrid that it is urgent that they contact the Prince of Essling…he needs powder, munitions, and supplies, and we must rry and get him some through Alcantrara and Plasencia…Inform Gen. Belliard that we are impatiently awaiting news from Andalusia, the third Corps under the orders of Suchet, was reinforced with 16,000 men and this coming May, this General intends to lay siege of Tarragona, a difficult undertaking given the lack of supplies…Write to the Duc de Dalmatie, send him the Moniteur, and inform him that Gen. Suchet…is going to lay siege to Tarragona…Tell him about the position of the Prince of Essling, the need to make contact with this army, whose primary goal is to contain Lord Wellington, and to combine his operation with the Middle Army…write to him in code that two French frigates and an 800-ton barge, loaded with war munitions and 600 landing troops, have left Toulon for Malaga." In very good condition, with intersecting folds, light toning and soiling, the first page detached, and small tape hinges at the right side of the last page. Napoleon's 1810 campaign in Portugal was repulsed by Wellington in late September, leading to the emperor's dismissal of General Andre Massena, as referenced in this letter. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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