Lot #257

Napoleon Letter Signed to Adopted Son, Eugene de Beauharnais, on "the importance of using ships to prevent the enemy from blocking the Gulf"

Description

Napoleon writes to his adopted son on the Italian Navy: "I am all the more aware of the importance of using ships to prevent the enemy from blocking the Gulf"

LS in French, signed “Nap,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 9.25, March 8, 1810. Letter to his adopted son Eugene, the son of Joséphine de Beauharnais. Eugene served as Viceroy of the Kingdom of Italy under Napoleon from 1805 to 1814, and commanded the Army of Italy during the Napoleonic Wars. In part (translated): “I have attentively read the account of the Italian Navy that you sent to me. I am all the more aware of the importance of using ships to prevent the enemy from blocking the Gulf with one or two frigates. I will wait for your report to know whether the ships of the line will be able to sail out. I see that the Rivoli and the Reginatore are not far from completion. The Favorite must be finished promptly. Once these frigates have been finished we can arm them with French crews from the three brigs that are in Venice. The frigate in Trieste could also join them which would make for a division of three frigates that could go to Ancona to join the frigate and brigs there and form a division capable of maintaining the mastery of the Gulf and which would oblige the enemy to keep warships there. I see Ancona not Venice, because Ancona has the advantage totally lacking to Venice, of our being able to enter or leave no matter what the winds...it is better to have brigs that can sail out and survey the Gulf without interruption." In fine condition. A choice piece of military correspondence between members of the Bonaparte family.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
• Dates: #685 - Ended January 10, 2024

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