LS in Italian, signed “dal suo carmo (carissimo) figlio sono la vostra aftisma Madre,” (Of her most dear son I am your most affectionate Mother), three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.75 x 7.5, January 25, 1822. Letter to her oldest son Jospeh, former King of Spain. In part (translated): “Your last letter was dated September 30 but Julie [his wife Julie nee Clary] gave me news of you at the end of October…The Cardinal [her half-brother Joseph Cardinal Fesch] has also written you several times, even after the horrible news which still causes us consternation. [Her son Napoleon died May 5, 1820; her daughter Elisa, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, died on August 7, 1820]. I still have the same courage and I endured this new trial with resignation. Yes religion strengthens my character. God who is great, and who is the consoler of the afflicted, will know how to console us on earth and protect us against the fury of our enemies.
By now you will have embraced Charlotte [Joseph’s daughter]. She is probably a great consolation to you. You were right to decide to unite her in marriage with Jerome’s son [Joseph’s brother Jerome Bonapart, King of Westphalia. He had a son, Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte II, with his American wife Elizabeth Patterson]. That young man has been here for two months. I am delighted with him; it’s not possible to find his self-assurance and good sense at his age and undoubtedly Charlotte will be happy.
Enclosed you will find copies of letters of his father and Catherine [Princess Catherine of Wurttemberg whom Jerome married after Napoleon forced his brother’s divorce from Elizebeth Patterson]. I’ve sent you the originals by an other channel…I also wrote you that Pauline [her daughter, Napoleon’s most loyal sister] promised 300,000 francs for this union upon her death. Therefore if you are of the same opinion, all that would be necessary is for him to leave immediately for America. The illness you suffered was an additional great sorrow for me in this year…Yes I plan to stay in Rome and I even hope that Divine Providence will so dispose matters that I will be able to see my whole family reunited once again. Pauline is still sick. At present she has obstructions which shouldn’t be alarming if she’s willing to take the suitable remedies. The Cardinal asks you not to make public what he wrote you…He urges you to do nothing that might be incompatible with this undertaking which will have its full effect in 18 months at the latest. Lucien [her son, Prince Canino] has received his passport to go to America therefore he can undertake this major trip, but I don’t think that it would be suitable at this time because he might ruin his domestic affairs.
Bacciocchi [husband of her daughter Elisa, Grand Duchess of Tuscany] has obtained permission to spend six months of the year in Bologna. They say that he still has an income 300,000 livres. Give me your news often and also news of my dear Charlotte and be convinced of the tender attachment with which I embrace both of you. Louis and his son [Louis, King of Holland, and his son Louis II] are here and are doing very well.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, a couple lightl passing through signature, a bit of scattered light toning, and some light show-through of text on first page. RR Auction COA.
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.
