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The January 2013 Collector’s Series Sale
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552 Napoleon I - Interesting Manuscript Document Signed “Nap” as Emperor, 1 page, 4to, Paris, November
20, 1810. He writes to his Minister of War, Henri Clarke, the duc de Feltre, about a letter Clarke
had forwarded from General Charles Louis Grandjean. Grandjean had suggested extraordinary maneuvers
of infantry, cannon, and mortars, also involving the navy. In very good condition and deserving of
further research. General Grandjean had risen through the ranks steadily from the revolutionary period
through Napoleon’s reign, serving with distinction in Pomerania and Spain, including at the Siege of
Saragossa in 1808-9. He had two horses shot from under him at the Battle of Wagram, and would later
command a division in the Russian Campaign, where he held the garrison at Danzig that was compelled
to surrender. He is among the generals immortalized on the Arc de Triomphe. Another desirable onepage
order, ready for display. (photo) Est. 1,000-1,500
553 Napoleon I - Letter Signed “Nap” as Emperor, 1 page, 4to, St. Cloud, June 18, 1811. He writes to Minister
of War Henri Clarke, duc de Feltre, “On July 1st I should be able to dispose of the 5th and 6th Companies
of Engineers...” He goes on to give instructions on the disposition of horses, tools, and transports.
Follow-up note pinned at lower left. In VG/F condition. 1811 was a time of relative quiet for Napoleon
after his victory in the War of the Fifth Coalition in 1809. However, the seeds of his first great failure
were already beginning to sprout, as his supposed supporter, Tsar Alexander I, abandoned Napoleon’s
continent-wide blockade of British shipping. Before long, a complete rupture between France and Russia
would lead to Napoleon’s disastrous attempt to conquer his erstwhile ally, ending in the emperor’s
exile to Elba. A one-page letter ideal for display. (photo) Est. 1,000-1,500
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