LS in French, signed “Nap,” one page, 7 x 9, Viazma, November 2, 1812. Letter to Clarke, his Minister of War. In full (translated): “You announced the departure of only 200 mills to me. I asked you for 500. How come the 300 others didn’t leave? Have them sent by post as promptly as possible. In an affair of such importance how could there be any hesitation between a saving of a few hundred Francs and the service of the Army? This time lost is quite deplorable.” A note attached by a pin at lower left reads, “Copy transmitted to Mr. Becaus Nov. 16.” In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds, with the vertical fold passing though small portion of first name of signature. The next day, Napoleon lost the battle of Viazma, the last great battle of the Russian campaign. The Grande Army’s defeat was no doubt due in part to a shortage of mills for grinding gunpodwer. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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