A rare personal autograph letter written whilst in exile on Elba, demonstrating that Napoleon was as fastidious in his domestic arrangements as he was in his military campaigns.
He spent ten months on Elba, from May 1814 to March 1815. Here he learnt of Josephine's death at Malmaison and that his wife Marie Louise had returned to Austria with her lover, General Count Neipperg. He had many visitors including his mother and his sister Pauline. More interestingly he was also visited by his beloved Polish mistress Marie Walewska and their son Alexander. She spent an idyllic week with him on the island during which time he attended to her every need, including it is said, cooking for her. Although it does not mention her by name, it is evident from the date that the arrangements he is making here are for her departure.