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LS in French, signed “Bonaparte,” one page both sides, 8.75 x 13.25, July 27, 1798. Official, certified copy of an order issued by Napoleon four days after the conquest of Cairo for the organization of the administration of Egypt. In part (translated): "In each province of Egypt, there shall be a Divan composed of 7 people, charged with safeguarding the interests of the province, reporting to me any complaints that may arise preventing wars between the villages, monitoring unruly individuals, punishing them by requesting force from the French commander, and enlightening the people whenever necessary…In each province, there shall be an Aga of the Janissaries who shall always remain with the French Commander. He shall have with him a company of 60 armed local men, with whom he shall go wherever necessary to maintain good order and restore obedience and tranquility." In very good to fine condition, with scattered toning and light staining, and small repairs to minor fold splits.
This significant document dates to Napoleon's campaign in Egypt and Syria, which he proclaimed to 'defend French trade interests' and to establish 'scientific enterprise' in the region. Although the expedition is best remembered in part for the discovery of the Rosetta Stone on July 15, 1799—an event that helped ignite Europe’s fascination with ancient Egypt—this order reflects the earliest administrative structures Napoleon imposed upon the conquered territory. Despite these efforts, tensions in Cairo soon escalated, culminating in a major uprising in October 1798 that the French Army quickly and forcefully suppressed. In its aftermath, Bonaparte punished the city with a substantial tax and dissolved its divan, replacing it with a military commission.
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