NAPOLEON BONAPARTE, Emperor of France, exceptional manuscript document signed and annotated by Napoleon dated November 3rd 1807 during the Napoleonic Wars and two weeks before the invasion of Portugal. In the document Major General Pierre Alexandre makes several requests for leaves of absence on behalf of his soldiers. Napoleon responds in his own hand with dark black annotations in the left margin.
The document gives insight into Napoleon's sometimes brutal leadership style, in particular a father requests his son return home after being both injured and captured during the war, Napoleon simply writes "refused" next to the request. Napoleon almost never handwrote any documents, finding manuscripts with his handwriting is near impossible.
Sale includes accompanying original LOA from the highly-respected James Spence Authentication (JSA) who have thoroughly examined the document and certify its authenticity. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE.
Translation of the document (all notes labeled [in margin:] are in Bonaparte's hand):
Report
To His Majesty the Emperor and King
Fontainebleau, November 3. 1807
Sire,
I am honored to give Your Majesty the following requests for leaves that were addressed to me:
1. for General Songis, who is called to Paris on personal matters. The General explains that Gal P??, his chief of staff, will be able to replace him perfectly in all matters related to the staff, and Gal St. Laurent for all that concerns equipment.
[in margin:] Refused
2. for General Laplace, at the head of the 6th Corps, who is called to Toulouse on family matters.
[in margin: ] Granted
3. For Colonel Vial, of the 16th Regiment of Dragoons, who is expected at home to be married. Mr. Marshall Massima forwarded the request on behalf of Colonel Vial.
[in margin:] Granted for 6 weeks
4. For Gendarmerie Squadron Chief Money; special and urgent matters demand his presence at home. Mr. Marshall Money, his brother, requests this leave.
[in margin:] Refused
5. For Mr. Pommereul, Sergeant Major in the 12th Regiment of Dragoons, who was wounded and captured and who is not fully recovered. His father, Prefect of the North region, asks for this favor.
[in margin:] Refused
6. For Deputy Commander de Courte, who has family business to attend to
[in margin:] Refused
Fontainebleau 5 Nov. 1807
I beseech Your Majesty to let me know your intentions with regards to these requests for leaves.
The Deputy Constable, Major General
Pierre Alexandre
[signed in margin:] Nap.
Document is in excellent condition for its near 215 years of age. Napoleon's handwriting looks like it was written in sharpie yesterday and still remains very bold. Paper-loss to edges, toning, and folds to document, as one would expect for a document of this age. Overall frame measures approx. 32"x17", document measures 12"x8". Framed with conservation in mind, this frame utilizes 98% UV-blocking TruVue glass.
Own a remarkable, original piece of history! The perfect gift for the collector, autograph enthusiast, Francophile or History buff. A must have addition to the Executive Office, den, or "Man Cave".
Sold as is, as shown.