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NAPOLEON BONAPARTE letter signed as Emperor of France sent to his stepson dated March 30, 1807 with a fine, full signature and dramatic flourish as, "Napoleon". As was typical of Napoleon's official correspondence, the body of the letter was written by a secretary, but notably includes a handwritten military directive by Napoleon himself before his bold signature.
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE Letter Signed as Emperor MARCHING ORDERS From 1807 War * PSA
$4,995.00
Guaranteed Authentic
NAPOLEON FROM THE BATTLEFRONT ISSUES MARCHING ORDERS FOR A SPANISH DIVISION DURING HIS 1807 CAMPAIGN AGAINST RUSSIA
Issued during the War of the Fourth Coalition, this letter was written just weeks after Napoleon's costly but strategically important encounter with Russian forces at the Battle of Eylau in February 1807. As he prepared for the next phase of the campaign, Napoleon coordinated the movement of allied troops across Europe, including the Spanish division referenced here. The force was ordered toward Hanover to strengthen French control in northern Germany while Napoleon concentrated on operations against Russia. Less than three months later, he would secure a decisive victory at the Battle of Friedland, leading to the Treaties of Tilsit and the peak of his imperial power.
The Emperor instructs his stepson Prince Eugène – then viceroy of Italy – to convey his orders to the general commanding a Spanish contingent bound for Augsburg.
In full:
"My son, The Spanish division currently in Etruria is proceeding to Augsburg. Dispatch an envoy to the general in command and inform him that you have received orders to grant his troops passage, to provide them with provisions, and to ensure they are treated well throughout the journey; explain that the division is destined to form a corps of observation in Hanover, and that — should he have already received an order to that effect — he is to set out immediately, following the route itinerary you will forward to him." Then, in his own hand, Napoleon specifies the itinerary to be followed: "via Verona, Trent, Innsbruck, Augsburg" before closing with, "Your affectionate father, Napoleon".
Eugène de Beauharnais was a French statesman and military officer who served in both the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Through the second marriage of his mother, Joséphine de Beauharnais, he was the stepson of Napoleon, later becoming Napoleon's adopted son. Viceroy of the Kingdom of Italy under his stepfather, Eugène commanded the Army of Italy during the Napoleonic Wars.
The Napoleon letter 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 investment-quality acquisition for any collection.
Condition is as shown with expected wear, light wrinkles, stains, foxing and folds consistent with the age, use and handling of a 215+ year old document. Previous signs of matting / framing. Please review images carefully for exact condition. Document measures approximately 7.25" x 9" inside 10" x 13" encapsulate.
NOTE: several examples of "Newton's Ring" appear on the reverse side of the encapsulate (the rings that look like little air bubbles trapped inside) – a common, harmless byproduct of the slabbing process of larger items, not affecting the autograph.
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