Brother-in-law of Napoleon (1767–1815) who was a marshal in Napoleon’s regime and who reigned as King of Naples from 1808 to 1815. LS in French, signed “Joachim Napoleon,” one page, 7.25 x 9, January 7, 1810. Letter to General Cavaignac. In part (translated): “I approve of the severe measures you took to suppress smuggling. I cannot urge you enough to be extremely watchful of the movements of the English in Sicily…Nothing will prevent Caroline’s [the legitimate Queen of Naples] Englishmen from taking advantage of my absence and of the death of Saliceti [Napoleon’s agent in Italy, died in mysterious circumstances Dec. 23, 1809] from undertaking a violent attack on my states…everything indicates that that’s what they’re planning. You should therefore carry out the preliminary measures which General Partonneaux is in charge of; you should rally all your forces and never permit a cutting of the retreat towards Lago Negro. You should leave a large garrison in Scilla after having provisioned it…Always make people believe that you’ll arrive in Naples soon. I’m planning to join you soon. Continue to pursue the smugglers relentlessly. You couldn’t do anything else that would please me and the Emperor more, I will give orders that you are to be the only one permitted to have a secret correspondence with Sicily. Consult Intendant Coletta concerning this.” Central horizontal and vertical fold, scattered toning, with a slightly heavier block to top, and a paperclip impression to left edge, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.
