Description:

Napoleon Bonaparte
Tilsit, Russia, July 5, 1807
Napoleon Letter Signed as Emperor Just Days Prior to Treaties of Tilsit
LS

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821). Letter signed, "Nap," as Emperor, 1p, 7.25" x 8.75", Tilsit, Russia, July 5, 1807. Written in French in a secretarial hand. Docketing penned diagonally at letter's conclusion. Expected transmittal folds and creases. Even block of toning. Minor scattered foxing. Light pencil notations from a former collector. Evidence of prior mounting at lower recto with remnants of adhesive at an otherwise blank verso. Else, in very good plus condition and boldly signed by Napoleon.

Writing from the Russian town of Tilsit just two days before the first Treaty of Tilsit was signed, Napoleon asks his minister of religious affairs Jean-Etienne-Marie Portalis (1746-1807) not to release an arrested priest under any circumstances. Portalis was one of the chief draftsmen of the Napoleonic Code, which serves as the foundational framework of the French legal system.

Translated to English, in full:

"Monsieur Portalis, I have received your letter of June 24. It is my strong desire that the priest Casimir Thouieur not be released, under any pretext whatsoever, without my express order. Until then, I pray that God may keep you in His holy care. Tilsit, July 5, 1807."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.25" x 8.75"
  • Medium: LS

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