NAPOLEON DISPATCHES SECRET ORDERS TO ANNOUNCE HIS SUCCESSFUL OVERTHROW OF THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT TO THE ARMY IN EGYPT
Legendary French Emperor and General NAPOLEON BONAPARTE Egyptian Military Campaign SECRET ORDER ["Ordre Secret"] signed on impressive BONAPARTE 1er CONSUL DE LA REPUBLIQUE letterhead, from France. This is Napoleon's original directive initiating a Top Secret documented historical mission. The letter is signed at the conclusion with a fine, early signature as, "Bonaparte". The body of the letter is in a secretarial hand, but authentically signed by Napoleon at conclusion.
In August 1799, Napoleon secretly slipped out of Egypt, leaving the Army of the Orient behind under General Kléber and successfully evading the British-controlled Mediterranean on his return to France. Within months, Napoleon helped overthrow the French government in the Coup of 18 Brumaire and emerged as First Consul of France.
Just 18 days into his role as Consulate, Napoleon issued this remarkable “Secret Order,” instructing Minister of War Louis-Alexandre Berthier to dispatch Victor de Fay de La Tour-Maubourg immediately to Brest and from there to Egypt. La Tour-Maubourg was sent back to the army Napoleon had left behind, carrying official news of the coup, the establishment of the Consulate, and France’s new Constitution.
La Tour-Maubourg sailed aboard the French vessel Osiris and reached Egypt in late February 1800, arriving in Cairo on March 5 as an official envoy of the Consuls. He personally delivered the new government’s dispatches to the Army of the Orient, reconnecting Napoleon’s isolated former army with a France now under the rule of its former commander. La Tour-Maubourg later enjoyed a distinguished military career and became French Minister of War in 1819.
Napoleon's Top Secret Order reads, in full:
"Dispatched
SECRET ORDER
Paris, 21 Nivôse, Year VIII of the Republic
[11 January 1800]
To the Minister of War
The Minister of War will give Citizen Victor La Tour-Maubourg positive orders to proceed to Brest as quickly as possible, and from there to Egypt. This officer shall be employed with the Army of the Orient in his present rank, or on the General Staff in the capacity of chef de brigade.
Bonaparte"
The Napoleon signature has been thoroughly reviewed and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION and encapsulated using PSA/DNA's proprietary sonically-sealed technology. GUARANTEED GENUINE – an exceptional, museum-quality acquisition for any collection.
In fine condition, as shown, with folds and expected wear consistent with the age, use and handling of a 225+ year old document. Please review images carefully for exact condition. Letter measures approximately 7.25" x 6" inside 13" x 10" encapsulate.
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