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BONAPARTE, NAPOLEON

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BONAPARTE, NAPOLEON
(1769 - 1821) The "Little Corporal" whose brilliance in the field of battle and as Emperor of France has made him perhaps the most important figure of post-Renaissance Europe. Good content L.S. "Nap" with two holograph emendations, 2pp. 4to., Paris, Mar. 8, 1811, in French to Gen. Alexandre Berthier, in part: "...There are three thousand men at Burgos and two thousand at Valladolio. The two thousand at Valladolio are destined for the Army of Portugal, also some of the three thousand at Burgos. Order [Marshal Jean-Baptiste] Duke d'Istrie to have ready three thousand for the army of Portugal, and to direct for this army right away that it will take a definitive position...I authorize the Duke d'Istrie to dispose of five hundred thousand francs to pay for...the army of Portugal...[in holograph] send the other...francs [in holograph] to Madrid for the army of the center...". Napoleon's 1810 campaign in Portugal, led by General Andre Massena, began optimistically, but his army was repulsed by Wellington at Bussaco in late September, and a winter of increasing frustration followed. By March 1811, the time of this letter, Massena was forced to retreat toward Spain, leaving, by April, Alameda as the only French stronghold. There, he once again met Wellington, only to once again be roundly defeated on April 4, 1811. Bold emendations and signature, very good condition.