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Auction: 313 - Numismatic Collector's Series - Ft. Worth, TX
Lot: 1479

Napoleon I Emperor of the French (1769-1821, ruled 1804-14, 1815); at his peak, controlled nearly all of continental Europe. Choice Manuscript Document Signed "Bonaparte" as First Consul, 2-1/3 pages, 4to, on stationery engraved with vignette of snake, fasces, book, etc, and the words "Liberte. Egalite," Paris, 26 pluviose, year 10 (February 18, 1802). He signs a brief note on a request from Senator Lamartilliere for the discharge of former artillery officer, Citizen Laporte-d´anglefort, who was previously referred to Napoleon by Vice Admiral Villaret, but has not received the discharge. Lamartilliere testifies to the officer´s "extreme honesty, his exemplary morality, especially the tenderness of his character...and...his inviolable attachment to the present government, and to you personally." Napoleon directs that the request be referred "to the Minister of Police to prepare a report for me." Seal hole at left fold repaired with opaque archival tape, a few original ink spots, otherwise VG. Senator Jean Fabre LaMartilliere had been commander-in-chief of the French artillery, and served as vice president of the Senate. A Count Laporte d´Anglefort had been among the first hot-air balloon enthusiasts in the 1780s, flying with and is described as a lieutenant-colonel. Possibly he is the old soldier discussed in this document, which would explain why LaMartilliere stresses the former noble´s loyalty to the revolutionary government, and why Napoleon´s refers the matter to the police rather than to the Minister of War. In 1802, an uneasy peace had settled over Europe, but it was just one of many pauses in the century-old power struggle between France and Britain, and war would resume in 1803.

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