Lot #249

Napoleon Letter Signed Granting Forgiveness to a Double-Agent Spy in the French Republic: "He knows all the secrets"

Description

"He knows all the secrets and relations of the Republic"—unusual letter by "Bonaparte," granting forgiveness to a double-agent

LS in French, signed “Bonaparte,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 9.5 x 15, ornately engraved "Republique Francaise" letterhead, no date. Letter to his Foreign Minister, presumably the infamous Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754-1838), on the subject of dealings with sometimes-spy General Clarke (1765-1818). In part (translated): "I do not seek to learn whether it is true that this general was originally sent to spy on me: if that is indeed the case, I alone have the right to be offended, and I declare that I forgive him….He is entrusted with a very great mission; he knows all the secrets and relations of the Republic. It does not suit our dignity that he should fall into misery and feel persecuted and disgraced." In fine condition.

Henri-Jacques-Guillaume Clarke, comte d'Hunebourg, duc de Feltre, rose to Général de brigade after the Battle of Landau in 1793, but first faced trouble when he came under suspicion and was arrested in 1795. After his release, he was sent to Vienna and Italy as Général de division with secret assignments, and at the same time given the task of observing Napoléon Bonaparte. However, Clarke and Bonaparte reportedly had an understanding, and Clarke, acting as a double-agent, sent only reports that Bonaparte had read. From this perspective, Bonaparte’s sanguine reply to the allegations of espionage raised by his foreign minister makes perfect sense.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
• Dates: #674 - Ended September 13, 2023

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