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Lot #372
Napoleon Letter Signed to His Chief of Staff (1811)

In May 1811, Napoleon fortifies the port of Cherbourg and swaps marshals after the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro

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Description

In May 1811, Napoleon fortifies the port of Cherbourg and swaps marshals after the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro

LS in French, signed “Nap,” one page, 7.25 x 9, May 29, 1811. Addressed from Cherbourg, a letter to Major General Louis-Alexandre Berthier, in part (translated): “My Cousin, I am returning your correspondence from Portugal. Make known to the Duke of Ragusa [Auguste de Marmont] who I have named General …Tell him again that he is the master of sending back to France the Generals who do not suit him and of organizing his army in the manner that he will judge it most suitable.” In fine condition, with a clipped upper right corner.

On May 27, 1811, Napoleon visited Cherbourg to inspect the ongoing military and naval developments in the Normandy region, as the port city proved a strategically significant location and an ideal base for launching operations against Britain. Enhancing Cherbourg’s fortifications and infrastructure was part of Napoleon's broader strategy to counter the British Royal Navy and secure French interests in the English Channel. This letter also coincides with Napoleon’s replacement of Marshal André Masséna with the referenced Marshal Auguste Marmont after the former’s unfruitful efforts against the Duke of Wellington during the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro earlier that month.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Hollywood
  • Dates: #697 - Ended August 14, 2024





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