DS, in French, signed “Buonaparte,” one page, 6.75 x 5.75, October 21, 1793. Early military document sent to the Chief of Transport. Napoleon, as Battalion Commander of the Second Artillery Regiment orders that the conductor Friant be sent immediately with the troop carrier, fitted with an extension to carry a goat and twenty horses. He requires the municipalities of La Cadiere to assist citizen Friant in every way possible and to provide lodging for his horses and men. Boldly signed at the bottom “Buonaparte,” the earlier form of his signature, which he used until changing to Bonaparte in February of 1796. Until 1793, Napoleon had not made a strong commitment to the French Army, as he had been preoccupied with events on his home island of Corsica. In April of 1793, the situation there erupted into civil war; the Buonaparte family was forced to seek refuge in France, where the revolution was in progress. Napoleon returned to the army, which was in actuality the Jacobin, anti–loyalist Convention Army. On September 29, the Battalion Commander at Toulon was wounded and Napoleon replaced him, taking charge of the bombardment of British positions, and on December 17, the British troops evacuated. Five days later, Napoleon was promoted to Brigadier General in recognition of his role in the taking of the town. Document is also signed on the reverse by the War Commissioner, Bachelard le Jeune. In very good condition, with multiple repairs to separated folds on reverse, scattered foxing and soiling, minor edge wear and chipping, and all writing clear and legible. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
