LS in French, signed “Bonaparte,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 1.25, engraved pictorial “Armée d’Italie” letterhead, [April 22, 1796]. Napoleon writes to the Chief Pay Commissioner at Legno. In part (translated): “It is imperative … that you give the most precise orders advising that within 24 hours it will not be possible to provide further aid, neither in Savona, nor Vado, nor Finale, except for the garrisons already there. Likewise, within three days, there must be no magazines [warehouses] … other than those necessary for a five-day supply for the small garrison. It is my intention to evacuate these two places very quickly…. You must have all the wounded who are in these various hospitals evacuated as soon as possible…. You will deliver the 50 cannons which are unloaded in Vado to be used by the various columns of the Army … you will use pack mules. I ask that you deliver to me, tomorrow morning, before eight o’clock, a detailed account of the material and provisions which the Republic would lose if the enemy seized Cairo, Carcare, Savona, and Vado within 48 hours….” A few small, unobtrusive smudges and stains, otherwise very fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
