NAPOLEON I (1769-1821)

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NAPOLEON I (1769-1821)
Letter in French on gilt-edged paper, signed 'Np' and with a one line amendment of 10 words in Napoleon's hand, from Mayence, 3 November 1813, 3½pp, 4°, to the Duc du Feltre, describing in detail the arrangements for the ceremonial procession and display of flags captured on his campaigns, noteably sixteen flags captured at the battles of Wachau, Leipzig and Hanau, to be presented to the Empress with a letter describing the bravery and success of the French army. The flags are then to be taken by cavalry officers to the Invalides where they will be displayed. One hundred further flags and six English flags taken at the battle of Albufera (from Wellington) must be also paraded with much pomp and music. At the mention of the English flags, Napoleon deletes the words 'recus avec pompe' and writes 'placé sans pompe dans un endroit ou ils soient vu'. Forty flags taken at the battle of Dresden have been lost. He mentions that he does not usually like 'pompes militaires' but feels it necessary at this time as morale is low. You must do the best you can, he ends (creased on folds).

Provenance

Ney/Murat collection.
Duc de Feltre collection.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Writing to the Duc de Feltre, the War Minister, Napoleon is feeling somewhat insecure in his position. Having suffered a massive defeat at the battle of Leipzig ('The Battle of Nations') in October 1813, he had been forced to retreat with the remnants of his army, effectively marking the end of the French Empire East of the Rhine. The procession of flags was therefore designed as a morale boost for the people of Paris and a reassertion of his dwindling power. Especially interesting is his insistance that the English flags in particular should be displayed.

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