Lot 202
Napoleon I. Letter endorsed ("Bonaparte") as General in Chief of the Army of England, 2pp, 12½" x 10", Toulon,Year VI 24 florial (1798 May 13). A retained copy of a letter sent by the Director of the Navy at Toulon to Napoleon as he prepares to invade Egypt (his army left Toulon on May 19, 1798). The Director gives a quick run-down of resources needed, with detailed instructions on needed changes to ships and the costs involved for them, as well as for food and munitions; the sum he needs for two months comes to 1,960,000. The writer fears desertion by the sailors ("The sailors, I foresee, will be the greatest obstacle to the projected armament,") and hopes that the executives of the Directory will ensure that the sailors stay at their posts from fear of punishment if not from love of duty. Very good; some paper replacement at upper and lower edges, affecting part of Bonaparte's signature, which is still legible. Excellent content.
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
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| Realized $990 |
