Handwritten endorsement, “Oui, Nap,” in the left border of a manuscript document titled “A Report to the Emperor,” in French, dated April 29, 1807, and signed by Jean-François-Aimé Dejean, head of the Council of Administration. Dejean writes to Napoleon, in full (translated): “I have the honor to represent to the Emperor that the Council of administration of the Chasseurs Cheval de la Garde [Cavalry of the Guard] have observed to me that the squadron of Velites offered an excess of completion and asked me if despite this surplus, it would admit young people who are sent every day. Keeping the Corps of the Chasseurs a Cheval [Cavalry] all the Velites sent up today, I thought it provisionally decided that the admissions would be suspended until the surplus had disappeared in full.
But knowing it may enter the intentions of His Majesty to prevent future losses by increasing the number of Velites à Cheval [Velites on Horseback], I beg to give me his orders. I have the honor to observe to His Majesty it is probable that many of the conscripts included in the final appeal arise for Velites à Cheval and this circumstance makes it necessary for the decision on the request I have the honor to submit.” Dejean has summarized his request in the left border, asking if the young people should continue to be admitted, signed “urgent / D” at the left, beneath which Napoleon pens his endorsement. In fine condition, with some minor edge creasing.
A “surplus” of troops is indeed what the French military had at this time, yet Napoleon still desired more. Prior to 1807, the Emperor had implemented a draft that swelled the ranks of the armed forces—filling the ranks with soldiers for which there was no need. Dejean, in his original message to Napoleon, states this case, inquiring whether the Cavalry of the Guard would continue to “admit young people who are sent every day” and maintaining that “I thought it provisionally decided that the admissions would be suspended until the surplus had disappeared in full.” However, Napoleon saw it as the duty of every Frenchman to serve his nation. Over time, this system began to fall apart as the draft appeared more and more arbitrary, with a disregard for other family obligations, thus spreading discontentment and resulting in a force of “boy soldiers.” An interesting look at reinforcing the ranks as endorsed by Napoleon. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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