LS in French, signed “Nap,” one page both sides, 7 x 8.5, October 21, 1808. Excellent letter addressed to General Henry-Jacques-Guillaume Clarke boasting military content concerning cavalry maneuvers from Naples to Rome. The letter, in part (translated): “The two battalions from the 52nd regiment of the Neapolitan army, the three battalions from the 102nd regiment of this same army, which make a total of 3500 men, will leave Naples and will arrive in Rome, where they will at the service of the viceroy. On the other hand, the 4th battalion of the 20th, a light infantry of 800 men; the 4th battalion of the 10th, a light infantry of 800 men, a detachment of 350 men taken from the 4th battalion of the 62nd; a detachment taken from the 101st, 500 men strong; a detachment of 300 men taken from the 22nd light infantry; a detachment of 400 men from the 23rd light infantry. These 4 detachments make a total of 3,150 men, with the 1600 men from the two 4th battalions from the 20th and the 10th light infantries, will arrive in Naples to bring the 10th and 20th up to 4 battalions each, and to fill up the 3 battalions from the 62nd and 10th [which are] in Naples, and the two battalions from the 22nd and 23rd light infantries. These maneuvers should be completed before the 1st of December.
Order the 1st and 2nd squadrons from the 25th cavalry in Naples to go to Rome, where they will be part of the Italian army. Also, order the 1st and 2nd squadrons of the 28th dragoon squad to go to Rome. This will reduce the Neapolitan army cavalry by 900 horses. They will be replaced in part by the 3rd squadron of the 4th cavalry, and rounded out by 250 horses and by the 3rd squadron of the 9th cavalry, 250 men strong, who will leave for Italy to join the first two squadrons, which will be in the Kingdom of Naples. In consideration of this change, the Neapolitan army will not lose any infantry, and the Italian army will gain two regiments.” Regally matted and framed with a biographical plaque and portrait to an overall size of 27.75 x 27; a window to frame backing reveals the first page of the letter. In fine condition, with some brushing to the signature.
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