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Lot #466
Napoleon

Napoleon writes imploring on behalf of an ailing veteran of the first Italian campaign who suffered “three saber blows to the skull of the head”

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Description

Napoleon writes imploring on behalf of an ailing veteran of the first Italian campaign who suffered “three saber blows to the skull of the head”

Endorsement signed “Bonaparte,” on a one-page manuscript document in French, 9.5 x 11, Paris, December 12, 1799. Regarding a military matter, the document reads (translated): “The undersigned has the honor to inform citizen council that having served by your orders, all the campaign from Italy in the 28th Division of Police having escorted General Servoni from Milan to go to Corsica where he was wounded in Pizza in Toscany on 29 Germinal [the 7th month of the Republican calendar approximately March 21-April 19], year 5 by three saber blows to the skull of the head, epileptic seizures resulted from his wounds for which he was treated in this hospital by your orders and while being [the undersigned] in Paris to request his pension, but he has to provide a certificate from General Servoni; being in the saddest situation with nothing left, he kneels down to implore your humane help unto bring him back to life. Therefore Citizen Council, it is with a complete trust in that he requests your compassion and it would bring in his soul the deepest gratitude.”

Endorsed in the upper left, “Inform Commandant…to admit him temporarily…for 15 days to the Invalides…remove the deads,” and signed by an unknown official, underneath which is endorsed in another hand, “To Ministry of the War to be sent The Council of the Republic,” and signed underneath, “Bonaparte.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered toning, foxing, and wrinkling, small pinholes to blank lower left area, a light pencil notation, and a few small edge separations. An incredibly humbling plea from the calculating military mastermind. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #380 - Ended December 07, 2011





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