Description:

Bonaparte Napoleon 1769 - 1821 Napoleon during Napoleonic Wars : " 1000 men and 1500 horses"



Partly printed and handwritten document in French. Single sheet measuring 12.25" x 8", cream with elaborate watermark at center featuring bust profile of emperor wearing laurel wreath encircled by words "Napoleon, Roi et empereur". Document signed "Nap." in left margin, whereby emperor gave his approval, and also annotated with instructions. Also features signature of Minister of War, signed "Duc de Feltre" at bottom, and that of General Gassendi. Very fine condition with expected wear including central horizontal crease at middle and isolated mat burn.

This letter, penned during the height of the Napoleonic Wars, was addressed "to his Majesty the Emperor and King" Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), and sent by the Minister of War Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke (1765-1818). The memorandum concerns the nomination of artillery battalion officers, following a late June 1811 imperial edict that expanded their numbers. Specifically, the Minister of War asks Napoleon to clarify two points of procedure relating to the nomination of lieutenants and sub lieutenants. This missive demonstrates Napoleon's direct style of leadership, especially in matters relating to his impressive Grande Armͩe. This force of 685,000 soldiers would attempt to invade Russia just ten months later. Napoleon was greatly aided by his Minister of War, the Duc of Feltre, who handled among other things, military conscription. Jean Jacques Basilien Gassendi (1748-1828), another signee of this document, served in Napoleon's army and government.

Napoleon began and ended his life on islands, first Corsica and eventually St. Helena. Known as the "Little Corporal" by detractors who derided his diminutive statue (approximately 5'6"), Napoleon emerged as a political leader in post-Revolutionary France through his military achievements. While his leadership resembled authoritarian government in many respects, historians also acknowledge his contributions to standardizing and reforming state institutions.

Translation from French:

"Ministry of War, Artillery Office

His Majesty is requested to decide two points relative to the new organization of the new artillery battalion now brought to 1000 men [abbreviated] & 1500 horses ...

Make the decision yourself. Put 2 Lieutenants per battalion and 4 sous Lieutenants. Choose indifferently from the battalion's head among the train of officers [abbreviated] or among the artillery's officers. Saint [abbreviated] Cloud, July 10, 1811.

Napoleon

No. 2453.

July 12

Sent back to General Gassendi

[Signature] General Gassendi

REPORT

To His Majesty the Emperor and King

July 9, 1811.

Imperial decree dated 29 of last month relative to the ten trains of artillery battalions which, by execution of preceding decree, should have on the whole 1000 men and 1128 horses, stands that this corps will be commanded by a battalion's head, and that each of the companies will be commanded by a Lieutenant. I am asking His Majesty to let me know his intention concerning the two following points:

1. Should these ten battalion's heads be chosen among the present train of artillery's Captains, by giving the rank to ones who seem to have the most rights to obtain it?

2. According to the previous organization, there was per battalion three sous-lieutenants ...The decree dated June 29 accounting for one Lieutenant to command the company is going to result that all the sous Lieutenants are going to be promoted to Lieutenant rank.

The Minister of War,

Duke of Feltre"

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