Lot 179
Napoleon I (1769-1821) Brilliant general known as the "Little Corporal"; self-crowned emperor of the French.
Letter signed ("Np"), 1½pp, in French, 9 x 7¼", Paris, Jan. 24, 1812. Napoleon writes to General Lacuée, Count of Cessac, who was the Minister of War Administration, informing him of the Emperor's intentions regarding the horses and supplies for the Grand Army. He describes in detail the equipment and food that will furnish enough rations for an army of 200,000 men for nearly two months. He writes that he had decreed that day the formation of the 14th, 15th, 20th, and 21st battalions and that conscription would furnish enough men to fill all of the battalions. Those battalions which remained behind, if the army made a move, would be able to carry the clothing effects of the convoys scheduled to leave the 15th of March and the 1st of April.
Napoleon writes 16 days after the surrender of Valencia, the high-point of French success in Spain. Ten days earlier, on Jan. 14, 1812, Napoleon decided to withdraw the Infantry of the Guard and all Polish troops from Spain, in preparation for the invasion of Russia, just as Wellington was going on the offensive.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
The Arden Family Holdings of Beverly Hills.
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| Realized $1,620 |
