LS in French, signed “Np,” one page, 7.25 x 9, February 20, 1809. Letter to his adopted son Eugene, Viceroy of Italy. In part (translated): “My son…the Istrian affair seems very extraordinary to me. The properties of those implicated in it must be confiscated. If you think the presence of the Royal Istrian Batallion is dangerous in Istria, it will have to be sent to Italy, but not to Dalmatia. It would be preferable to issue orders sending it first to Venice, then to Italy. Your affectionate father.” Central horizontal and vertical folds, with horizontal fold passing through signature, a couple small ink and pencil remnants, and a few wrinkles, otherwise fine condition.
When Napoleon defeated the Third Coalition in 1806, the Treaty of Pressburg gave him the remaining Venetian territories, including Istria and Dalmatia. He established the Royal Istrian Battalion for coastal garrison duty, but with no allegiance to the Kingdom and little incentive to support their new ruler, the officers frequently deserted or committed acts of sabotage under encouragement from the British. Offering advice to his adopted son Eugene, Viceroy of the area, the “affectionate father” and extraordinary military mind suggests moving the regiment to Italy, rather than the similarly defiant Dalmatia. Eugene tried this approach, but quickly decided to disband the battalion in 1810. An interesting letter from the powerful leader to his son, offering tactful advice for a difficult situation in the disobedient new territories. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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