Brother of Napoleon (1778–1846) made King of Holland by Napoleon on June 5, 1806. Louis took his duties seriously, adopting the Dutch form of his name, learning the language, and making a concerted effort to be a responsible, independent ruler. ALS in French, one page, 7 x 9, November 15, 1801. Letter to General Gouvion de Saint-Cyr, commander of French forces in the 1801 War of the Oranges against Spain and Portugal. In part (translated): “The Regiment is still in Spain. The army still hasn’t received the order to return after their late skirmish. It is quite simply what you thought thanks to your knowledge of that nasty country.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, scattered creases, and light repaired paper loss to the lower right, slightly affecting part of the signature. RR Auction COA.
