Manuscript DS in French, signed “Bonaparte,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 13.25, January 25, 1801. In full (translated): “Citizen Jeanbaptiste Voisins, former military school cadet, having served fifteen years in the Vintimiglia [Italy] infantry regiment, withdrew from service in 1787 after having wed my sister. In the year 4th they were reimbursed by assignat of all their fortune; I was in Paris then and able to obtain for Voisins, a position in forestry administration bringing him about fifteen hundred francs per year, at Stenay in the Meuse region.
When you called on all the former servicemen, Voisins asked for a leave to the Finance Minister to do the campaign. The Minister praising his zeal granted it to him, and let him know that he was giving orders so that his service in the forestry administration would not suffer during his absence. My son-in-law went to Dijon right away and was drafted into the chasseurs of Bonaparte, 6th company. While in Cremona [Italy] he fell ill, not able to use one arm anymore. Brune, the General-in-chief gave him a retirement leave to return to his employment in Stenay, he was able to.
There is at this time a considerable reform in the forestry administration, I beg of you, my General, to please say a word to the Finance Minister so that my brother-in-law, Jeanbaptiste Voisins be kept at the new work being made in this field. I would be forever grateful.” Signed at the conclusion by Gouvion, Major General, Commander-in-Chief, of the 9th Military Division. Intersecting folds and scattered toning, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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