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1796 Letter Initialed By Napoleon.
Letter 8 x 9 1/4 inches
Folded
Excellent condition
Frame measures 22 x 17
Descriptive provenance on back.
This is a letter signed by French commander Laurent de Gouvion Saint-Cyr, dated January 11, 1796, and addressed to "Majesty the Emperor". It is a military report regarding troop deployments and logistical requests during the French Revolutionary Wars.
Initialed by Napoleon at upper left.
* Sender: Gouvion Saint-Cyr, a future Marshal of France.
* Recipient: The Emperor [Napoleon Bonaparte, though the title was not formally used until later].
* Date: January 11, 1796.
* Content: The letter discusses the positioning of two Corsican companies and a request for additional chasseurs [light infantry].
Translation
Report for Majesty the Emperor
January 11, 1796
Following Your Majesty's orders, I ordered Mr. Gianus [?] to gather 80 men present in their arms from two Corsican companies. These orders came to me to be brought back to the point, but I refuse to bring people from Langnau as instructed, and I think it is not convenient to have more chasseurs. I ask you to have them come from Langnau rather than have them employed as chasseurs.
[Signed] Gouvion Saint-Cyr
