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Austrian archduchess (1791-1847) who was Napoleon Bonaparte's second wife and, as such, Empress of the French from 1810 to 1814; she then reigned as Duchess of Parma from 1814 until her death. ALS in French, signed “Louise,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 6.75, November 19, 1812. Addressed from St. Cloud, a lengthy handwritten letter to Princess Augusta of Bavaria, daughter of the King of Bavaria, and wife of Eugene Beauharnais, formally adopted by Napoleon and made heir apparent to the crown of Italy. The letter reports in detail on Viceroy Eugène de Beauharnais’ victory over the Russians at the Battle of Maloyaroslavets on October 24, 1812. Marie, as empress, congratulates Princess Amelia Augusta and reports Napoleon as being highly pleased with Beauharnais’ conduct. She then launches into personal matters (translated): “I hasten to attend today to your commission for the Emperor. He writes me almost every day, and gives me excellent news of his health…in all his letters he gives me hope that I shall rejoin him soon, this hope makes me very happy and I would wish for you the same hope which would make my happiness complete.” She promises to send regular news of the Emperor and of the Viceroy, and inquires after Amelia’s children and wishes to know, even though she has not met them, full details about them. About her young son Napoleon II she writes: “My son is charming and develops every day and has rare intelligence for his age. Nevertheless I would not wish you to see him at this moment as my mother’s self-love would suffer. He is just now producing four teeth which cause him to look thin and pale, to such an astonishing extent that he is no longer the beautiful and strong child which at eight months one would wish. One can only hope when these nasty teeth will have come out he will recover completely.” She does not expect to leave St. Cloud until the eve of the anniversary of the coronation, as it is her secret hope that the Emperor will call her to him and that in that manner she might be spared an unnecessary move. In fine condition, with an "Autograph Collection of Dr. Max Thorek" stamp to last page.
Originally purchased from Walter R. Benjamin Autographs, Inc., and accompanied by its folder.
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