French soldier and political figure who rose to Marshal of France (1763–1815). LS in French, signed “Brune,” one page, 8 x 12, Republique Francaise letterhead, February 10, 1801. Letter to Citizen Bonaparte, Minister Plenipotentiary to the Congress of Luneville. In part (translated): “Your courrier returned…to headquarters in Udinem without having been able to transmit to Bellegarde [Austrian general, later marshal] Count Cobentzl’s dispatch and the dispatch in which I gave formal notice of the cession of Mantua… An aide-de-camp brings Bellegarde’s reply (dated Feb. 7) to me today. He says he replied on Feb. 5 and declares that he will delay the cession of Mantua until an officer of his general staff makes a report to me. That officer hasn’t arrived yet and I don’t want to wait to announce to you that I am making all preparations to resume hostilities…Nevertheless it is difficult for me to believe that they would want to backtrack on such a solemn treaty which aims to prove Austria’s good intentions and which holds such glorious promise in the clauses for peace that you are negotiating.” In very good condition, with vertical creases, a few passing through signature, scattered light toning and creasing, and some light edge wear. RRAuction COA.
