France and French Colonies Admiral Nelson Signed Letters & Documents
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 551
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Attack on Tenerife. 1797 (July 30) Handwritten order "By Horatio Nelson Esq., Rear Admiral of the Blue, Lieutenant John Weatherhead of His Majesty's Ship Theseus being killed, you are hereby required and directed to act as Lieutenant of the said ship until further orders, and for so doing this shall be your order, Given on board His Majestys Ship Theseus at sea, 30th July 1797" and directed "To Mr William Hoste hereby appointed to act as Lieut of H.M.S Theseus until further orders, By Command of the Rear Adml J. Hooper", signed "Horatio Nelson" using Nelson's left hand just five days after he had his right arm amputated after being shot during the attack on Tenerife. The "Theseus" was one of seven vessels involved in the unsuccessful attempt to capture the Spanish fortress at Santa Cruz, in which Weatherhead was one of over 100 men killed, and Nelson was wounded; the Spanish treated the wounded and allowed the British to reboard their ships, with all prisoners being exchanged, in return for the British promising to withdraw and not to fire on the town. William Hoste became a Captain in 1802 and captured or destroyed over 300 enemy ships in the Mediterranean during a successful career, that saw him created a Baronet in 1814. A remarkable early left hand Nelson signature, not recorded in "The Despatches and Letters of Lord Nelson" by Nicolas, who only records one Nelson letter signed with his left hand prior to this item. Photo on Page 111. (Image1)
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 552
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Minorca/Naples. 1798 (Dec 6) Four page letter from Lord Nelson at Naples to Sir Charles Stuart, written entirely in Nelson's hand, "My Dear Sir, Allow me to congratulate you on the conquest of Minorca - an acquisition of a seaport invaluable to our country. I hurried from Egypt early in August, as, by Earl St Vincent's orders, I was in expectation of being summoned to attend you. However, I am sure my place was much better filled by Commodore Duckworth. The new war commenced here, is yet impossible to say how it may turn - whether it really hastens the ruin, or saves the Monarchy. At all events, if the King had not begun the war, he would have soon been kicked out of his Kingdom. The King is at Rome, but five hundred French still hold possession of St. Angelo. General Mack is gone to Civita Castellana, where thirteen thousand French have taken post. Mack's force with him is twenty thousand fine young men, but with some few exceptions wretchedly officered. If the French are not soon driven from their post, which is very strong by nature, Mack must fall back to the frontier on the side of Ancona - the French have drove back, to say no worse, the right wing of the Kings army, and taken all their baggage and artillery. The Emperor has not yet moved, and his Minister, Thugut, is not very anxious to begin a new war, but if he does not, Naples and Tuscany will fall in two months. I shall be happy if you will honour me at any time with your commands here or elsewhere, being with the highest respect, Your most obedient servant, Nelson. Commodore Duckworth's letters have not yet reached me". An interesting letter concerning the military situation in Europe, to Sir Charles Stuart who was promoted and knighted for the capture of Minorca. Written from Naples where Nelson was Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean overseeing the blockade of Malta, four months after his triumph in Egypt for which he was raised to the peerage with the title Baron Nelson of the Nile; Nelson learnt of his honour on November 17th 1798 when he began signing letters "Nelson". This form of signature was only used for 91/2 months, until the end of August 1799, when he was created Duke of Bronte and so signed letters "Nelson + Bronte". At the time of writing Nelson was also conducting his affair with Lady Hamilton, wife of the British Ambassador at the Neapolitan Court. An unusually long and interesting letter, entirely in Nelson's own hand, listed by Nicolas. Photo on Page 108. (Image1)
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 553
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H.M.S Victory. 1805 (Sep 26) Handwritten order on notepaper headed "By the Right Honble LORD VISCOUNT NELSON, KB" with honours and rank printed in seven lines below this, "Pursuant to Instruction from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, You are hereby required and directed to put your self under command and follow and obey all such signals, orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from me for His Majestys service. Given under my hand on board The Victory at sea the 26th day of September 1805" and directed to "Richard Thomas Esq., Commander of His Majestys Bomb Vessel Aetna, By Command of the Vice Admiral John Scott", signed "Nelson + Bronte". Overleaf is a memorandum also written and signed by Nelson's secretary John Scott giving additions to the signal book. H.M.S "Victory" sailed from Portsmouth on September 14th, joining the British fleet off Cadiz on the 28th; on October 21st Nelson led the British fleet to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, both Nelson and John Scott being killed on the "Victory" during the battle, whilst Richard Thomas, Commander of the "Aetna" in the Mediterranean, was given command of the "Bellorophon" the day after Trafalgar. A fine Nelson + Bronte document signed on H.M.S "Victory" just 25 days before Nelson's death at the Battle of Trafalgar, not recorded by Nicolas. Photo on Page 112. (Image1)
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 554
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1855 Letter written by R.H Hansett on H.M.S "Victory" at Portsmouth on notepaper headed with a fine engraving of "H.M.S Victory - 104 Guns lying off Portsmouth Dock Yard, The Ship in which Lord Nelson fell at the Battle of Trafalgar 21st Oct. 1805"; nineteenth century engravings of Nelson or the Battle of the Nile (3, one a plan of the battle) and other recent notes, copies etc.; and the seven volume paperback edition of "Despatches and Letters of Lord Nelson" by N. Nicolas (published 1997-98, original retail £126).
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Bonaparte Family Letters & Documents
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 514
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Eugene Napoleon, son of Josephine and Alexandre de Beauharnais. 1806 (June 20) Letter written from Milan to the Minister of War, "I send you some plans and notes dictated by His Majesty. You will please have one copy made for retention at the Ministry, and you will please have another copy made and send it back to me with the originals", unusually signed "Eugene Napoleon" (instead of his usual signature "Prince Eugene"). Eugene served as Viceroy in Italy, and led armies in the campaigns in Italy, Russia and the defence of France.
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 515
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Joseph Bonaparte, elder brother of Napoleon. 1808 (Apr 22) Letter written from Caserta to the Minister of War, signed Joseph, concerning a Colonel in the Second Regiment of Line. Joseph Bonaparte was King of Naples 1806-08 and King of Spain 1808-13.
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 516
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Cat No: Collection
Joseph Bonaparte, elder brother of Napoleon. 1818 (June 21) Letter written from Philadelphia to Mr Lewis Solomon in Washington, signed Joseph Ct de Survilliers. Joseph has no recollection of the item supposedly furnished by Solomon, but sends the 1100 francs claimed as he pleads the cause of the orphans with so true an accent. Joseph left Europe for the USA in 1815, living in Philadelphia as the Count de Survilliers until 1832.
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 517
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Louis Bonaparte, younger brother of Napoleon. 1806 (Jan 29) Letter written from Paris to General Coland approving the arrangements for the defence of Nijmegen, including the suspension of the works on the bridgehead and square, and the Generals departure for Utrecht, signed "Louis Bonaparte". Louis served in Italy, Malta, Egypt and Holland, was promoted to General and Constable of the Empire in 1804 and became King of Holland in 1806, but abdicated in 1810 after quarrelling with Napoleon.
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 518
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Louis Bonaparte, younger brother of Napoleon. 1809 (July 2) Letter to a Monsieur Van de Heim concerning two American sailors from the "Choloupes" which was captured by two French Privateers. The sailors, currently under the supervision of Admiral Lemmers, are to be given their liberty, and handed over to the Director of Customs. A fine letter written at Loo, signed "Louis".
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 519
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Joachim Murat (Napoleon), husband of Caroline Bonaparte. 1808 (Sep 28) Letter to the Minister of the Interior regarding recruits for the army, signed "Joachim Napoleon", upper portion cut away with no apparent loss to the letter content. Also three 1808-15 printed decrees from Naples all headed "Gioacchino Napoleone". Murat led armies in Italy, Egypt and Russia, married Caroline in 1800, became Marshal in 1804 and King of Naples in 1808 when he adopted the surname Bonaparte. In 1813 he abandoned Napoleon and made treaties with Austria and England, but again declared war against Austria in March 1815 after Napoleon's return from Elba. He was defeated in May 1815 and shot in October after trying to regain the Neapolitan throne. (4).
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 520
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Caroline Bonaparte, youngest sister of Napoleon. c.1830 Letter (simply dated "30 July") from Florence, signed "C. di Lipona", addressed to "Monsieur le Chevalier de Girard a Varsovie" handstamped "FIRENZE" with red "KRAKOW" c.d.s on reverse. Caroline thanks Girard for his kind letter and congratulations, and tells of a recent visit to Paris. Caroline married Joachim Murat in 1800 and became Queen of Naples in 1808. After her husband's death in 1815 she retired to Vienna and took the name Contesse di Lipona (an anagram of "Napoli"). A fine postally used letter.
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Censored Mail
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 544
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1794 (Dec 28) Entire from Bourg Libre to Sarnen via Lucerne, with "67 / HAGUENAU" handstamp, the reverse with "CS" monogram censor cachet applied at Strasbourg, a rare early censor cachet. Photo on Page 116. (Image1)
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 545
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1815 (Apr 14) Entire letter from Hamburg to Bordeaux handstamped "R.4 HAMBURG", the reverse with circular "KOENIGL: PREUSS: / ARMEE - / POLIZEI" censor cachet depicting a Prussian Eagle. This rare censor cachet is recorded in April and May 1815 only. Photo on Page 96. (Image1)
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France & Colonies
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 862
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1860 Document appointing Baron Garat to the order of the Legion D'Honneur, signed by Emperor Napoleon III; and 1870 official letter signed by Marshal Le Boeuf, sent to the General Commanding the 3rd Army Corps at Nancy. (2).
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 864
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Cat No: Collection
Royalty. 1612-1805 Letters and documents signed by French Kings comprising 1612 warrant signed by Louis XIII; 1749 letter to the Governor of the Bastille ordering him to receive Abbe Bossincourt and hold him until further notice, signed by Louis XV; 1789 warrant signed by Louis XVI; and 1805 note written at Mittau in Latvia approving the financial report of the Bishop of Nancy, signed by Louis XVIII. An interesting group, ex Robson Lowe collection. (4).
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 865
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Siege of Paris - Ballon Montes. 1870 (Nov 2) Printed "Gazette des Absents" No 4 dated 1st Nov with the enclosed supplement, franked 20c (small corner fault), addressed to Gournay-en-Bray, arrival and transit datestamps, flown on the "Ferdinand Flocon"; Dec 5 "Par Ballon Monte" lettersheet franked 20c to Grand Hotel, Arcachon and redirected to Montpellier, transit and arrival backstamps and "ARCACHON / GRAND-HOTEL" cachet, flown on "Armee de Bretagne"; and 1871 (Jan 12) cover to England franked 10c + 20c (corner fault), Margate arrival backstamp, flown on the "General Faidherbe". The last cover with small piece torn away at upper left corner, otherwise fine. (3).
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French Colonies
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 866
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Cat No: Collection
Algeria. 1890-1992 Mint and used collection with some covers in an album, including 1926-41 mint corner blocks of four showing perforation errors due to the corners being folded prior to perforating (4 blocks), 1927 10f mint and used, wounded solders charity set mint, 1930 Occupation Centenary set mint (2 sets, also 5f + 5f used), 1939 1f on 90c surcharge inverted block of four mint (S.G. 164a, £400), 1939 N.Y World Fair "Epreuve de Luxe" set, etc. (100s).
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Guadeloupe
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 867
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1760-65 Letters and documents comprising 1760 letter of safe passage signed by Robert Melville, Lt. Governor General of Guadeloupe, allowing M. Antoine and his valet to go to Martinique in the cartel ship "The George" and to return again without let or molestation; 1762 entire letter from Guadeloupe signed by Governor Campbell Dalrymple to General Monkton (Governor of New York) introducing C. Garnier, son of the Procureur General of the colony and an officer in the late garrison of Martinique, asking that he may be sent to France by the first flag of truce; and 1765 leave certificate for a soldier in the Infanterie Regiment de Beauvoisis, a further note showing he died at sea in 1766 on the naval ship "St. Anne". Three interesting items, the first two from the first British occupation of the island which ended in 1763. (3).
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 869
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British Post Office. 1868 (Feb 25) Entire letter to St. Thomas bearing French Colonies "Eagle" issue 20c single + pair tied by retta of dots cancels, Basse-Terre datestamps on both sides, transferred to the British Post Office with red "4" and blue "PAID / AT / GUADELOUPE" crowned circle, reverse with matching blue "GUADELOUPE" double arc datestamp (Feb 27) and St Thomas arrival c.d.s. Fine and exceptionally scarce, just one other example of the crowned circle handstamp recorded in blue in March 1868. Photo on Page 160. (Image1)
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Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 870
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Sub-Offices. 1896-1983 Cover and cards from sub-offices (56) or from dependencies of St. Bartholomew (5, including two 1909 postcards to Denmark) or St. Martin (3), includes 25 items from 1896-1945 with 1900 stampless cover from St. Rose paid in cash handstamped boxed "P.P", registered mail, 1902 stampless official military cover from St. Claude, 1936 first flight by hydroplane from Les Saintes to mainland Guadeloupe, etc., a few faults but most fine and some very scarce cancels. (64).
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Marshals of France/Empire
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 524
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Louis-Alexandre Berthier, Prince of Neuchatel and Wagram, Marshal of the Empire 1804. 1812 (July 25) Letter written from Biechenkovski to General Gudin, ordering him to supply General Poiterin de Moreillan with 400 workers and carpenters and the necessary officers to manage them in order to build the bridge at Dwina, signed "Alexandre". A scarce letter from the Russian campaign, to General Gudin who was killed at the Battle of Valutino on August 22nd.
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 526
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Charles Gabuel, Marquess of Castries, Marshal of France 1783. 1783 (Dec 4) Letter from Versailles to M. de Tellecombe in Saint Domingue, approving his request to give two soldiers leave from their regiment at Port-au-Prince, signed "Le Mss de Castries". Gabuel led the 1756 expedition to St. Lucia (the town of Castries being named after him). In 1799 he left France and fought for the Prussians. An interesting letter to Haiti.
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 528
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Jacques Macdonald, Duke of Taranto, Marshal of the Empire 1809. 1800 (May 16) Letter from Paris written and signed by Macdonald, addressed to "Citoyen David, Rue Montmartre, Hotel de France No 39 a Paris" with red datestamp and "27" handstamp, charged "1". Macdonald served in the 1792-93 revolutionary wars and in the invasion of Holland, Germany and Italy, led the successful attack at Wagram for which he was made a Duke and Marshal, and in Spain and Russia. David was painter to Louis XVI, was elected to the 1792 Convention and voted for the Kings death; he supported Napoleon when he came to power and was exiled to Brussels in 1815. An interesting postally used letter sent between two historic figures.
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 529
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Michel Ney, Duke of Elchingen, Prince of Moscow, Marshal of the Empire 1804. 1806 (Oct 13) Handwritten and signed "Ordre au Marechal Ney" - "The enemy is with 40,000 men between Weimar and Jena, thrust with your Corps d"Armee as far as you can towards Jena in order to be at Jena early tomorrow. Collect all your light cavalry and return to the regiment all the artillery personnel. Drive the enemy back with your light cavalry to the gates of Jena, try to be yourself this evening at Jena in order to be present at the reconnaissance of the enemy which the Emperor will make this evening, Major General Berthier". Below this is written "My dear General, give the necessary orders to carry out the above instructions. I count on your zeal in this important matter. I am leaving at this moment to join the Emperor", signed Ney. The French shattered the main Prussian forces at the Battles of Jena and Auerstadt on this day, despite Ney launching an unauthorised attack which nearly ended in disaster. He later fought in the disastrous Russian campaign and at Quatre Bras where he failed to break the British lines or attack Blucher's forces.
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 530
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Nicolas Jean-de-Dieu Soult, Duke of Dalmatia, Marshal of the Empire 1804, Marshal General of France 1847. 1815 (May 28) Letter written from Paris to Lieutenant General George Mouton, Comte de Loban, Commander in Chief of the 1st Division, regarding a report received from Comte d'Erlon of desertions from the 5th Batallion of the Oise and referring to the Provost Marshal General Radet, signed "Duc de Dalmatia". Soult distinguished himself at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805 and later in the Peninsular; after Napoleon's return from exile in 1815 he served as his Chief of Staff. A rare letter written during this "100 days" period from this famous Marshal.
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Martinique
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 871
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1816-75 Entire letter and covers (2) from France to Martinique comprising 1816 letter from Toulouse to Fort Royal handstamped "BORDEAUX" and "FRANCHE"; 1875 stampless cover from Hennebout to the Captain of the frigate "Penelope" with St. Pierre arrival backstamp, redirected back to L'Orient; and 1875 cover from Antibes to the Captain of the "Leonie" of Marseille at St. Pierre franked 25c pair, red "AFFRANCHISSEMENT / INSUFFISANT" and charged, vertical fold. (3).
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 872
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Sub-Offices. 1904-82 Covers and cards (25) with sub-office datestamps (sixteen from 1904-40), also various cancels on stamps or pieces. (25+).
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 873
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Picture Postcards. c.1900-35 Postcards including views of St. Pierre before or after the 1902 volcano, 28 cards postally used or C.T.O in Martinique, several with maritime cancels. Also a 1903 letter describing the St. Pierre volcano. (133).
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Military Letters & Documents
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 567
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1794 (June 9) Entire letter from Glasgow, prepaid 1/8 to "James Buchanan, Gunner fourth Battalion Royal Artillery, care of Lieutenant A.S Frayer, Ostend - Tourney - or elsewhere" with circular framed "GLAS / GOW" and red octagonal framed "POST / PAID" datestamp (Jay 97, only used April - July 1794). The 1d soldier's concession rate was not introduced until 1795. Tear at upper edge, otherwise fine and unusual.
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 568
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1794 (Feb 20) Entire letter to a solicitor in Yorkshire, which includes "My direction is this - William Norman soldier in the Duke of Argylls Company 3rd Regt of Foot Guards on Foreign Service. It must be post paid as usual to London", charged 1/6 + 1d ship letter fee with fine "LONDON / SHIP LRE". The letter originally included a power of attorney executed at Ghent and 'signed in the presence of Captain Dilkes adjutant of the 3rd Regiment of Foot Guards and Corporal McNichol of the said Regiment".
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 570
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Dutch Expedition - Army Bag / Soldiers Letter. 1799 (Sep 21) Entire letter from Charles Morris, soldier in the 79th Regt in Holland, to the Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh, regarding a lost deposit receipt for £50. The letter includes "direct to me in the 8th Company of the 79th Regt in Sir Ralph Abercrombie's Army and General Moore's Brigade Holland". The address panel is signed "Alan Cameron, Colonel 79th Regt Holland" to qualify for the soldiers concession rate, but the letter was posted unpaid so was charged the full rate of 1/2 (6d to London + 8d London to Edinburgh), with a reasonable strike of the scarce circular "(crown) / ARMY BAG", London and Edinburgh datestamps. Due to the difficulties in prepaying the penny postage duringthis campaign the Post Office permitted letters to be posted unpaid and the penny to be paid by the addressee from 9th October, this letter being sent 18 days before that concession was introduced for this campaign only. Morris and Col. Cameron were both wounded at the Battle of Alkmaar on October 2nd. A little minor staining and small tear at upper edge but a rare Army Bag handstamp, especially so on a soldiers letter. Photo onPage 116. (Image1)
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 572
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Peninsular Campaign. 1810 (July 19) Entire letter from Lt. Col. Henry MacKinnon (killed at the Battle of Ciudad Rodrigo in January 1812), written from Pinhel to his wife in Bath, which includes "expecting a visit from Bony but it will not be a visit of much ceremony. We are prepared to move at half an hours notice and as our magazines are well supplied in the rear we hope not to starve this campaign as we did during the last", splitting at folds; and an 1810 entire letter prepaid 2/7 from Edinburgh to "Capt. MacDougal 2nd Batt. 5th Regt of Infantry with Lord Visct Wellingtons Army in Portugal", received at Burjallal, fine. (2).
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 573
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France. 1814 (Apr 24) Entire letter from Capt. John Mitchell, Royal Artillery, at Pompignan, who writes, "It was unfortunate for me that the Light Divn were not particularly engaged in the affair at Toulouse, but my guns were of some service, particularly at one time when the Spanish retired on them in great confusion closely pursued by the French who were within 250 yards of me when I first opened my fire and drove them back. Genl Alton who commands this Division was good enough to mention this to Lord Wellington". Allied armies occupied Toulouse on April 12th; shortly afterwards Paris was captured and Napoleon abdicated. A fine letter, with green circular "FALMOUTH PACKT LRE", charged 2/2.
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 574
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1814 Expedition to America. Entire letter written by Capt. John Mitchell from "H.M Ship Royal Oak, off Cape Finistere June 9th 1814", to Portsmouth with green dated "MALTA / F" handstamp of Falmouth, disinfected with two chisel slits, charged 3/2. Mitchell writes "a ship is in sight which will most probably be able to take my letters to England ..... I am on my way to America. I embarked on the Royal Oak commanded by Rear Admiral Malcolm a week ago at Bordeaux. Major Genl Ross and his staff are in the same ship. I have under my command Carmichael with the whole of his Brigade and more amounting to 450 men but without horses. Gen Ross has under his command 3,000 men, most of the troops are embarked on ships of war ..... This America affair cannot last long before it is settled, I fear there is a possibility of the Company being left in America"; a postscript states "The sealed orders have been opened and we are to go to Bermuda then to receive further directions". This force proceeded to America where Washington was sacked in August; Mitchell was promoted Brevet Major in September, having commanded three companies of artillery during the American campaign. Minor stain, otherwise fine.
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 575
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Preparations for Waterloo - 1d Rate. 1815 (May 20) Entire letter to Bristol headed "From Jas Strudwick, Sergt 2nd Dragoons" and countersigned by Lt. Col James Hamilton, prepaid at the 1d concession rate, London arrival datestamps. Written from Dundirhoutem, the letter includes "we have been lying at this place a fortnight, it is a very pleasant country village, we are about 16 miles from the Head Quarters of the French Army of which we understand Bonaparte in person has the command, and has formed his Head Quarter at Condu, a small frontier town very strongly fortified, the Duke of Wellington has his Head Quarters within 6 miles of that place ....... the army are all lying in Quarters. Fresh troops are arriving daily from England, the 1st Dragoons, 13th & 23rd are arrived as also the 32, 42 & 92 Regiments of foot. The Duke of Wellington has at this time from 90 to 100 thousand men under his command and Marshal Blucher lays on his left with from 80 to 90 thousand men chiefly Prussians". A postscript reads, "We have just heard that the whole of the British cavalry are to assemble on Wednesday next the 24th but we do not know for what purpose", and "Direct for me Jas. Strudwick Sergeant, Scotch Grays with the British army Netherlands". Both Strudwick and Col. Hamilton were killed at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18th. A fine and scarce soldiers rate letter from Holland. Photo on Page 116. (Image1)
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 576
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Army of Occupation. 1815 Entire letters from London to "Lieut J. J Douglas, 15th Hussars, with the Army of the Duke of Wellington in the Netherlands" prepaid 1/4, or similarly addressed to Lt. Douglas at Rouen, France, prepaid 1/2. (2).
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Sale No: 43
Lot No: 577
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Army of Occupation - 1d Rate. 1817 (June 24) Entire letter containing a copy of the proclamation of bans for the marriage of Corporal John Lyle to Ann Walker in 1808, and a declaration from the Minister that they were married, sent from Edinburgh to "John Lyle Sergt. 91st Regt, Valencienns in France" prepaid at the soldiers 1d rate, horizontal fold and light soiling and tear at upper edge but a scarce 1d rate to the Army of Occupation in France.
Opening GBP 100.00
Sold...GBP 200.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 200
Napoleon Bonaparte Signed Letters & Documents
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 501
Symbol:
c.1796 Unused notepaper for "Bonaparte General en Chef de l'Armee d'Italie" at "au Quartier General de Milan" with a fine large engraving of the seated figure of Liberty. Napoleon was Commander in Chief of the Army of Italy in 1796-97.
Opening GBP 100.00
Sold...GBP 90.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 90
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 502
Symbol:
Cat No: Collection
Egypt. 1798 (Dec 1) Letter on printed "BONAPARTE, General en Chef" notepaper written in Cairo to Admiral Ganteaume concerning armed feluccas for use in the Red Sea, signed "Bonaparte", some toning, a fine and rare Bonaparte signed letter written in Egypt. Also various associated nineteenth century prints. Ex John Firebrace collection, illustrated on page 9 of his book "Nineteenth Century Wars in Egypt and Sudan", sold for £3,200 in the 2001 auction of his collection. Photo on Page 98. (Image1)
Opening GBP 2,000.00
Sold...GBP 3,400.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 3400
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 504
Symbol:
1805 (Mar 8) Letter written from Turin by Prince Eugene de Beauharnais, Napoleon's son-in-law, to Marshal Berthier, Minister of War, informing him of various troop movements, initialled in the upper left corner by Napoleon. At this time Napoleon and Beauharnais were touring northern Italy; in May Napoleon crowned himself King of Italy and appointed his son-in-law Viceroy.
Opening GBP 500.00
Sold...GBP 280.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 280
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 505
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1805 (Nov 13) Printed notepaper "Extrait des Minutes de la Secretairerie d'etat, Napoleon, Empereur des Francaise" with "Roi d'Italie" written below, listing the names of the tribunal at Brunes (capital of Moravia and headquarters of Napoleon before the Battle of Austerlitz on December 2nd), initialled in the lower left corner by Napoleon.
Opening GBP 300.00
Sold...GBP 180.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 180
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 506
Symbol:
Cat No: Collection
1807 (Mar 28) Letter written and signed by Napoleon from Osterode in northern Poland to General Jean Dominique Compans at Liebstadt, telling him of the appointment of his brother as Subprefect of St. Gaudens in the Departement of Haute Garonne, and hopes he will do as well in the administration as the General has done in the army. A fine letter, ex Robson Lowe, sold for £650 in the 1998 auction of his collection. Photo on Page 100. (Image1)
Opening GBP 700.00
Sold...GBP 1,000.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1000
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 507
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1811 (May 7) Letter written and signed by Napoleon from St. Cloud to his Minister of War, the Duc de Feltre, concerning Italian and French troops to be sent to Ragusa and Cattaro. A fine handwritten signed Napoleon letter. Photo on Page 101. (Image1)
Opening GBP 1,000.00
Sold...GBP 1,100.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1100
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 508
Symbol:
1811 (May 11) Short letter written and signed by Napoleon from St. Cloud to his Minister of War, the Duc de Feltre, regarding his previous request for the total strength of the French armed forces as at 1st May 1811. A fine handwritten signed letter. Photo on Page 100. (Image1)
Opening GBP 700.00
Sold...GBP 1,000.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1000
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 509
Symbol:
1813 (Mar 17) Letter written from Trianon to Count Lauriston, "I am in receipt of your letter of 11 March. I do not understand what you say when you talk about taking a position of which the centre will be Brunswick and the right at Magdeberg. I understand nothing about that, I ordered you to pitch camp in front of Magdeberg, and not at Brunswick. For the rest, as formerly, you are going to be in direct communication with the Viceroy, and it is from the Viceroy that you must take your orders. I do not really know what orders you are giving to Hamburg, but you are making them lose their heads. Calm was re-established there when you warn them that people have got to be ready to evacuate the town; you make the remount depot leave there, and finally, instead of reassuring you give the alarm! I do not understand this conduct at all". Written the day after Prussia declared war on France, to Lauriston who commanded a Corps on the Elbe; he fought at Bauzen in May and Leipzig in October where he was taken prisoner. Lauriston became a Marquis in 1817 and Marshal in 1823. A fine and interesting letter written by Napoleon, signed "Nap". Photo on Page 102. (Image1)
Opening GBP 1,000.00
Sold...GBP 850.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 850
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 510
Symbol:
Cat No: Collection
1813 (June 14) Letter written and signed by Napoleon from Dresden, to his son-in-law and Viceroy of Italy Eugene de Beauharnais, "My Son, the 3rd Battalion of the 39th Legion should have left Ratisbonne. If this Battalion has passed Trentino let it continue on its way. If not, keep it back. You should join it to the first Battalion arriving from Augsburg which will give you two Battalions of this Regiment for arriving in Italy, Your affectionate father Napoleon". Beauharnais played an important part in the French victory at Lutzen on May 2nd and then left to organise an effective defence of Italy against the Austrians. Napoleon was at Dresden from June 10th until July 10th and met Matternich on June 26th; his last major victory was at Dresden on August 26th-27th. A fine handwritten signed letter to his son-in law, ex Robson Lowe, sold for £800 in the 1998 auction of his collection. Photo on Page 102. (Image1)
Opening GBP 900.00
Sold...GBP 2,000.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 2000
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 511
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1814 (June 30) Letter from Portoferrajo concerning the repair of a clock, signed "Drouot", with "approuve a depenser Portoferrajo le 30 Jun 1814 Nap" written in Napoleon's handwriting. A rare item signed by Napoleon during his exile on the Island of Elba.
Opening GBP 700.00
Sold...GBP 600.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 600
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 512
Symbol:
1814 (Apr 6) Five line letter on "Imperial Eagle" watermarked paper, written in Paris to Count Mollian asking him to pay 1,500,000 francs for arms, signed "Nap". A rare Napoleon signature during the "100 days" after his return from exile, which ended with his defeat at Waterloo.
Opening GBP 800.00
Sold...GBP 700.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 700
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 513
Symbol:
Cat No: Collection
1802 (Sep 9) Letter from Madame de Saint Laurent in Gibraltar to M. Pfeffel in Munich (no address panel) with interesting comments of Napoleon and his wife, and life with her lover the Duke of Kent, then the Governor of Gibraltar. An interesting long letter, with transcription, ex Robson Lowe collection.
Opening GBP 80.00
Sold...GBP 70.00
Closed..Feb-28-2019, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 70
Other French Napoleonic Letters & Documents
Sale No: 43
Lot No: 531
Symbol:
1796-1813 Letters and documents comprising 1789 entire letter posted from Dublin to Comte Antoine Andreossy in Milan; 1796 letter to General Hoche from his secretary discussing military matters, troop movements and the Bureau in Paris; 1800 report signed by Lazare Carnet, Minister of War, sent to Napoleon concerning an officer recommended by General Morand to command the artillery in Alexandria, inscribed with Napoleon's answer, to select another officer; 1808 letter from Stralsund reporting 28 officers in hospital and rapid repairs to the fort; 1809 Power of Attorney from the Imperial Notary in Paris conferring the title of Baron on Alexandre Digeon, Brigadier General in the Armee D'Espagne; 1813 letter from General Damas at Dusseldorf on headed notepaper, concerning the application of a customs officer. (6).
