Empress of France, born Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de La Pagerie (1763–1814). Married Napoleon in 1796 and divorced in 1810, unable to produce an heir. LS in French, one page, 5.5 x 7, La Malmaison, 1 Germinal an 12 (which in the French Republican Calendar translates to March 22, 1804). Letter to an unidentified recipient. Loosely translated: “I ask you, Citizen Minister, to consider with sympathy and interest, the case of Mr. De Champigni, married in Martinique to one of my cousins. I wish very much that he obtain the justice that he asks, and you would greatly obligate me if the decision of his case is such as he desires, as I recommend.” A small handwritten “B” is in the lower right corner, possibly in Bonaparte’s hand. In very good condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, scattered toning and foxing, and light vertical wrinkling.
Josephine likely writes regarding Jean-Baptiste de Nompère de Champagny (1756-1834), a French noble, politician, and admiral. Champagny became ambassador to Vienna after the establishment of consular power, and Napoleon later made him minister of the interior and minister of foreign affairs. Champagny was devoted to Napoleon, once comparing the Emperor to “an angel sent from heaven to bless mankind.” Josephine wrote this letter from Malmaison, her estate near Paris. After her divorce from Napoléon in 1810, she received Malmaison and remained there until her death in 1814. An exceptional letter regarding one of Napoleon’s most loyal supporters. RRAuction COA.
