Mother of Napoleon (1750–1836). LS in French, signed in Italian (as was her custom), “Vostra aftisma Madre,” one page both sides, 4.75 x 7.5, December 5, 1821. Letter to her eldest son Joseph, former king of Spain. In part (translated): “I wrote to you…about Princess Pauloine's plans to marry Charlotte to Lucien, Carolines [Napoleon's sister, former Queen of Naples] second son. For this union the Princess [Pauline Bonaparte Borghese] offers capital of 400,000 francs upon her death. But today she saw Jerome Napoleon, Jerome's son, who has been here with his mother for the last 2 weeks. Pauline has given up on the earlier projected marriage and she has asked me to write you…after writing to you herself, to propose to you the union of Charlotte with Jerome. She promised to settle the sum of 300,000 francs on the couple at the time of her death. I met the young man and see him from time to time. I like him very much, and according to what you yourself wrote to Pauline, I think this union should suit you. But it is also my opinion that it will be necessary to take steps to make sure the Princess keeps her Word, and to protect the financial capital from her crazy expenses which keep right on. I would also like you to summon this young man to you, where he could finish his education and remove him thus from the dangers of the world and his youth. He is still in a state in which you could form him according to your fashion. Louis [former King of Holland] and his son are doing very well, the same is true of the Cardinal [her step-brother Cardinal Fesch]. He has written you recently…addressing his letter to the Archbishop of Baltimore [Leonard Neale, successor to Archbishop John Carroll who married Jerome Bonaparte and Elizabeth Patterson]. He has not changed his opinion on the subject...Pauline is often indisposed and I think her health isn’t good. As to me, sometimes I suffer from headaches and colds; but I still hope in Divine Providence that I will see you before I die.” Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, a small repaired separation through portion of signature, light show-through from writing on opposite side, and a bit of light toning, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.
