LS in French, signed “Bonaparte,” one page both sides, 9 x 13.5, attractive partly printed “Bonaparte, Member of the Institut National, General in Chief of the Army of England” letterhead, May 18, 1798. Letter to “General Vence, Commander of the Armies.” In full (translated): “I have given orders, Citizen General, to the ordinance commissioner to equip twelve dispatch boats to maintain frequent contact between the army and the port. I should like to dispatch at least two every 10 days. You will send the first ones between the islands of Elba and Corsica. As the channel is extremely narrow they should be able to find out if the Iseadre can use this route. At the same time they will find out from Intelligence about the lower route she used. I have ordered the two best Venetian vessels to be armed for war and two frigates to be equipped as cargo boats.” Letter is nicely cloth matted and framed by Kenneth R. Laurence Galleries, so both sides may be read, to an overall size of 15.25 x 20. This frame is in turn affixed by hinges on the left side to a 28 x 44 frame, which holds two color portraits and a translation of the letter. Central horizontal and vertical fold, scattered creasing and toning, and light show-though from writing and signature on reverse, otherwise fine condition.
In March 1798, the French Directory approved Napoleon’s proposal to invade Egypt. The purpose of the military campaign was to threaten Britain’s Indian possessions, but the directors also sought to keep the military leader at a distance, and Napoleon desired to bolster his prestige with military victories. He and his troops departed from Toulon on May 9. He dictated this letter early in the expedition, near the islands of Elba and Corsica off of the Italian coast. In the coming months, he would capture Malta, win victories in Egypt against the Mamluks, and launch attacks on the Ottomans. Napoleon would return to France a hero in 1799, where he would stage a coup d’etat and install himself as First Consul. A visually striking letter written at the outset of a critical military campaign. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$50.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
