LS in French, boldly signed in full, “Napoleon,” one page, 8 x 12.25, January 1, 1806. Letter to Cardinal Pacca. In full (translated): “My Cousin, Your feeling and wishes for the new year expressed toward me in your letter of October … 25 could not please me more. It is a real pleasure to assure you of the interest that I will take to keep everything to your satisfaction, and of the special esteem that I have for you. And now, My Cousin may God be with you.” Matted and framed with a color portrait of Napoleon, to an overall size of 21.25 x 21. In fine condition, with two horizontal folds and a bit of scattered light toning and foxing.
The Kingdom of Italy was established in March 1805, installing Napoleon as the nation’s king and preparing the stage for a showdown between the famed general and Pope Pius VII. Although he had pledged not to interfere with papal affairs after conquering Italy, circumstances eventually changed. At Napoleon’s insistence, Pius dismissed several of his faithful subordinates and, in 1808, appointed Pacca as his pro-secretary. In his new position Pacca carefully avoided everything that might provoke the emperor's anger, even ignoring the excesses of the French soldiery in and about Rome. But in August he felt obliged to publish in every province a decree forbidding subjects of the Holy See to enlist in the new ‘Civic Guard’ with the pope excommunicating Napoleon in 1809 for ordering the annexation of Rome following a long period of anti-Papal orders. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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