Empress of France, born Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763–1814). Married Napolean in 1796 and divorced in 1810, unable to produce an heir. LS in French, signed “Josephine,” one page, 7.5 x 9, July 28, 1806. Letter to her riding master, Colonel Corbineau. In full: “Frenchman, Colonel Corbineau my horseman wishes to obtain for his brother-in-law Mr. Jacques Bourdon the position of Tax Collector for navigation rights in Condé, or another position of the same type, should this one be vacant any longer. I have all the more pleasure to recommend this request to you for it gives me the opportunity to attest that I am taking an interest in Mr. Corbineau, not only because of the duties that he carries out next to me, but also for a brave serviceman who has constantly distinguished himself, and still recently at Austerlitz’s day. These are rights for your favorable consideration of his brother-in-law and I would be delighted with what would be possible for you to do in his favor.” The letter is housed in a Sidney Reilly Collection folder and accompanied by a catalog entry by Emily Driscoll of New York, paraphrasing the letter, with a typed notation at the bottom reading, “Sidney Reilly, the spy of World War I, had a collection of Napoleonic material, of which this piece forms a part. He disappeared under mysterious circumstances.” In fine condition, with light intersecting folds, a couple light pencil notations, and some mild edge toning.
Josephine was married to Napoleon for fourteen years. During that time she made good use of her power, although her hold over Napoleon’s affections had waned even before their coronation. The polite tone of this request is superfluous; it’s unlikely that the recipient would fail to comply. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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