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$7,499.00
A manuscript letter [dictated and] signed "Bonaparte" by Napoleon Bonaparte. This beautiful letter is boldly signed with Napoleon's full "Bonaparte" signature - the scarcest, most desirable, and most valuable form of Napoleon's autograph.
Napoleon, the "enlightened conqueror" of Italy, intercedes on the behalf of three Venetian families who had been stripped of their belongings during the confusion of the war.
The one page (accomplished in manuscript) document is dated July 15, 1797, during the course of Napoleon's legendary Italian Campaign (1796-97). The letter is attached to an accompanying five page piece of correspondence (folio) from the three principals regarding a number of injustices incurred by the citizens of Verona, Italy.
The manuscript, which measures approximately 8.75" x 13", is in excellent condition, string-bound, with near-perfect corners and edges, and strong ink throughout.
The letter, translated from French, reads in full:
"Antonio Biovanelli
Guido Erizzo and
Contarini of Verona
request in their favor the fulfillment of the armistice [of Venic] which you accorded in the peace treaty and ask that you restore the safe return of their families and the enjoyment of their belongings to them.
This [document] was sent back to the General Baraguay d'Hilliers so that he could continue the proceedings in their favor while abiding the armistice and without interfering with the Interior government of the city of Milan. 27 Messidor.
The Commanding General,
Bonaparte"
The original letter from Biovanelli, Erizzo, and Contrarini to Napoleon is accompanied with the Citizen General's correspondence, and read (translated, in part):
"Citizen Commanding General
The Treaties of Peace and General Amnesty that you have established as organs for the direction of the Invincible French Republic with the Republic of Venice offer the tranquility and safety of all Venetians and among them the citizens Giovanelli, Erizzo, and Contrarini who support the regency of the government but who found themselves in the middle of the tempest in Verona.
When it was least expected, a death sentence was pronounced against them by the Consul of War of Verona without giving them the time to justify themselves... the properties of these three unhappy families, including the dowries of the unmarried girls, the goods of the uncles, of the brothers who hadn't yet divided their belongings, and caused desolation and disorder for all. The Municipality proceeded in Bergamo, in Treviso, in Vicenza, and in Padua to confiscate all their belongings in the name of the French Commissioner under the pretext of emigration, only the city of Venice refused to accept the Petition of Verona and of the Commissioner Bruet, who wanted to bring to these families the greatest miseries. Exiled from their country, these poor three citizens, their families oppressed by the universal plunder which stripped them of their goods, their money and accounts, have only one thing left to turn to: the great equity of your justice and your heart."
Beautiful museum-caliber frame.
Sold with Certificates of Authenticity from both The Autograph Source (Lifetime Guarantee) and independent third-party authenticator PSA/DNA.
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Two weeks after Napoleon Bonaparte's marriage to Josephine, Bonaparte left Paris to take command of the Army of Italy and led it on a successful invasion of Italy. This Italian Campaign was legendary. Everyone expected France to attack Austria on the German front. Napoleon had a different idea. He set about his conquest of Austria by entering Italy early in 1796, passing between the Alps and the Apennines. he boldly succeeded in dividing the Austrian and Piedmontese forces and attacked "in a fist" each division. First, he led the Austrian General Beaulieu astray, making him think he would attack via Genoa, and attacked his center instead. Two days later, at Millisemo, Napoleon concentrated on the Piedmontese, forcing their surrender. The enemy fled for their lives. Bonaparte continued his advance, giving the enemy no time to recover. Historians have referred to Napoleon's first victories as "six victories in six days".
One battle after another spelled victory for Napoleon: from Piedmont to Nice to Acqui to Verona and Milan. Then Bassano, San Giorgio, and the Battle of Arcola, where Napoleon flung himself at the head of his troops to inspire courage - and the decisive Battle of Rivo0li, where the entire Austrian army was force to retreat - followed by Napoleon's rapid advance into Vienna. This led finally to Peace negotiations (the Peace of Campo Formio) signed between France and the Austrian Empire in 1797.
In the course of 18 months, Napoleon made six successful campaigns, destroying five Austrian armies, and conquering nearly the whole of Italy. Napoleon returned to Paris a hero.
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