Josephine, first wife of Napoleon, Empress of France. 1812 (Nov 16) Two page letter written on notepaper with a fine embossed border, from "Mal Maison" to the Duke of Parma, signed "Josephine". She thanks him for the interest in her son Eugene de Beauharnais, Viceroy in Italy, and the kindness of the Empress Marie Louise to her daughter-in-law. Eugene had written and the Emperor is happy. Napoleon and Josephine divorced in December 1809 but remained friends. A fine and scarce letter from Josephine, ex Robson Lowe Collection. Photo on Page 89. (Image 1) (Image 2) (Image1)

Vicomte Alexandre de Beauharnais, first husband of Josephine. c.1793 Undated note to the Military Committee suggesting the Minister of Foreign Affairs should request the Swiss Cantons to supply 200 muskets for the National Guard, signed "Alexandre Beauharnais". Beauharnais married Josephine in 1779 and they had two children, Eugene and Hortense. He was an ardent revolutionary who became President of the National Assembly and later Commander of the Rhine Army but resigned when unable to relieve Metz. He was guillotined in June 1794 after being accused of doing too little in the attempt to relieve Metz, and of being a "suspect" aristocrat; his wife Josephine was imprisoned for several months.

Joseph Bonaparte, elder brother of Napoleon. 1805 (Aug 24) Letter proposing Jean Moussot, a Sergeant-Major in the 1st Company of the 2nd Battalion, be promoted to Second Lieutenant, listing his army service including wounds received, eight signatures including "Joseph Bonaparte" as Colonel of the Regiment. Joseph Bonaparte was King of Naples 1806-08 and King of Spain 1808-13.

Lucien Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon. 1800 (Feb 26) Letter on "Ministre de l'Interior" notepaper, sent to the Land Department at Carcassone ordering payment of 2000 francs to Citizen Corbigny, "agent extraordinaire charge de l'inspection des grandes routes", signed "Lucien Bonaparte". Lucien, Prince of Canino, was a disciple of Robespierre and supported Napoleon in 1790 when he overthrew the National Councils of France. Minor staining and a repaired tear but an uncommon autograph.

Louis Bonaparte, younger brother of Napoleon. 1800 (June 10) Letter on printed notepaper of "Le Chef de Brigade de 5 Regiment de Dragons" written at Paris to General Lacvée, Councillor of State, recommending Citizen Bigaud (who had served Minister Berthier as a Lieutenant) be employed on the expedition to Ireland, signed "Louis Bonaparte", very fine. Louis served in Italy, Malta, Egypt and Holland, was promoted General and Constable of the Empire in 1804 and named King of Holland in 1806, but abdicated in 1810. He married Hortense de Beauharnais (daughter of Josephine from her first marriage). The 1796 expedition to Ireland ended in disaster with five ships lost in storms, six more captured by the British and the remainder returning to France having been unable to land.

Joachim Murat (Napoleon), husband of Caroline Bonaparte. 1809 (March 2) Letter to the Secretary of the Council of State written from "Belvedere", "I would like you to make your way immediately to St. Lucia. Bring two or three of your secretaries with you. It is very important that you are sure of their trustworthiness", signed "Joachim Napoleon". Murat led armies in Italy, Egypt and Russia, he married Caroline in 1800 and 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.