Lot 74
Napoleon I, Manuscript Document Signed ("Bonaparte") on his stationery as Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Italy, two pages, 11½ x 7¾ inches, Headquarters at Verona, the 1st of Brumaire, year 4 of the Republic (Nov. 4, 1796). An inspiring speech to his soldiers during the Siege of Mantoua (July 4, 1796-Feb. 2, 1797), which was part of the War of the First Coalition.
"Soldiers! Mantoua is without food, without cheese, without wine, and is in dire extremity. [Austrian General] Wurmser, the remnants of the army which you destroyed at Roveredo, at Bassano, at St. Georgio, at Governolo, is ready to fall into your power. The liberty of Italy, the good fortune of France, rest with your courage. A collection of fugitives, of recruits, of battalions, of garrison troops, and several new corps which do not know you, dare to place themselves in your way. They make believe that they will deprive you of the rewards of six months of hardships [Napoleon substituted 'hardships' for 'glory' which he had originally written and then crossed out]. Your generals will do their duty, they will not overlook anything that can bring you a decisive success. You will make the advance under intelligent leadership. They forget nothing which will provide a brilliant victory.
But the time has come for the drum of battle to be sounded. The time has come when it is necessary to advance upon the enemy in this gloomy silence [of the enemy] which is your assurance of victory: Soldiers be worthy of yourselves. I speak only two words to you; they are enough for Frenchmen. Italy, Mantoua, the peace of Europe, the good fortune of your people will be the outcome of your courage. Let us do once again that which we have done so often and Europe will no longer deny us the title of the bravest army and of the most powerful nation in the world. Bonaparte."
Within days after this speech, the French suffered defeats at the Second Battle of Bassano (Nov. 6), at the Battle of Calliano (Nov. 7), and at the Battle of Caldiero (Nov. 12). While maintaining a brave front for his soldiers, Napoleon wrote to the Directory on Nov. 13th, "All our superior officers, all of our best generals are hors de combat. The Army of Italy, reduced to a handful of men, is exhausted….The Corps have remaining only their reputation and their pride….Perhaps the hour of the brave Augéreau, of the intrepid Masséna, of my own death is at hand…." Tempted to give up, Napoleon trusted in his genius and attacked the Austrians once again. The French victory at the Battle of Arcola, Nov. 15-17, was the decisive battle in Napoleon's defeat of the Austrians' third effort to raise the siege of Mantua. Mantoua would finally surrender on Feb. 2 and come under French administration until it was retaken by the Austrians in 1799.
Estimated Value $15,000-UP
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