HITLER ADOLF: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45. T.L.S., A Hitler, one page, 8vo, Berlin, 13th February 1933, to Oberst von Baligand, on personal printed stationery, in German. Hitler writes, in full, 'Congratulations coming from the revered commander of my old Regiment afforded me particular pleasure. Rest assured that the struggle will continue to be waged in the spirit of our List Regiment'. With blank integral leaf. One very small, neat split to the right edge of a central fold, and a couple of extremely light creases, not affecting the text or signature, VG Maximilian von Baligand (1869-1945) German Oberleutnant whom Hitler served under in the Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment 16 (1st Company of the List Regiment) during World War I. Adolf Hitler's service during World War I with the List Regiment, which he described as 'the greatest of all experiences' and resulted in him being present at the First Battle of Ypres and the Battle of the Somme, changed the directionless youth into a fanatical German nationalist. Before the outbreak of war, Hitler had failed in his attempt to study art in Vienna and was reduced to begging in the streets of the Austrian capital. He managed to support himself by selling painted postcards, but his life was purposeless until he moved to Munich and petitioned King Ludwig III of Bavaria to allow him to join the Bavarian Army. Hitler's almost suicidal daring during the war won him many decorations for valour, but his spirits sank as Germany's fortunes waned. He had, however, already begun to formulate his ideas for a Germany of the future, ideas which he eventually expressed in Mein Kampf. The present letter was signed by Hitler just two weeks after having assumed power as Chancellor of Germany on 30th January 1933.
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DANTON GEORGES: (1759-1794) Leading figure of the French Revolution and first President of the Committee of Public Safety. Danton voted for the death of Louis XVI in 1793. Guillotined by the advocates of revolutionary terror. An exceptional and rare multiple D.S., Danton, three pages, large folio, Paris, 15th September 1792, in French. The hand written decree states to the heading "Au Nom de la Nation - Le Comité Exécutif Provisoire" ("In the name of the Nation - the Provisional Executive Committee") and is signed by Danton in his capacity as President of the recently created committee, stating in part `Considering that some locations have been given after treason to the enemies of the homeland, who distress and devastate our boundary and with numerous armies threaten the inside of the Kingdom. Considering that in a time when the danger to our Homeland is imminent, no extraordinary decision has to be avoided..´ Danton further appoints citizen François Joseph Westermann as commissar and assistant to the head-quarters of the Ardennes army under Commandant Dumouriez, expecting a daily report and the execution of the decrees issued by the Executive Committee.Also signed by several members of the Provisional Executive Committee, including GASPARD MONGE (1746-1818) Count de Péluse. French Mathematician, credited as the inventor of the descriptive geometry. Monge served as Minister of the Marine from August 1792 to April 1793. The present letter is signed during this short period of eight months; ETIENNE CLAVIERE (1735-1793) Genevan-French Financier and Politician. Minister of Finance in 1792. In August 1792 he was given charge of the finances in the provisional Executive Committee. Arrested in June 1793 for unknown reasons, he remained in Prison until December, when he committed suicide the day before appearing before the Revolutionary Tribunal; PIERRE-HENRI LEBRUN-TONDU (1754-1793) French Foreign Minister in 1792, and same year and temporarily of the Minister of war. A strong advocate of the immediate peace with Prussia and of the annexation of Belgium and the Netherlands. Lebrun-Tondu signed the execution of King Louis XVI. Arrested and executed in 1793; JOSEPH MARIE SERVAN DE GERBEY (1741-1808) French General. He served twice as Minister of War. The letter bears an attractive Pro Patria watermark. Folded. Small repair to the verso to the union of the two pages, otherwise G On 10th August 1792, only a month before the present letter was signed, the popular forces marched on the Tuileries ending with the French monarchy the day after. With the fall of the King, the six existing ministers created the 12th August 1792 the Provisional Executive Committee in charge of converting into law the decrees approved by the citizens representatives.Danton was also appointed Minister of Justice on 10th August 1792, holding the post only until 9th October same year. The present document was signed by Danton during that very short period of two months.
CAMBON PIERRE JOSEPH: (1756-1820) French Statesman, member of the National Convention, and a talented financial advisor. Cambon drew up the first petition to proclaim a Republic in France in 1791. A good L.S., `Cambon l´ainé´, (`Cambon the elder´), one page, 4to, Paris, 22nd March 1792, to Monsieur Avenard, in French. Cambon thanks his correspondent for his remarks referring to `..the gold and silver derived from the suppressed churches. I will mention it when the National assembly will consider this.´ With blank address leaf, addressed to `Monsieur Avenard artiste au Bon Pasteur´. Bearing a red ink countersignature of the National Assembly, a paper seal affixed and remnants of a red wax seal to the address leaf. The letter bears an attractive watermark. Small overall age wear with area of paper loss to the address leaf. G
BRUNE GUILLAUME MARIE ANNE: (1763-1815) Marshal of France. A good A.N.S., `Le G.al Brune´, four lines in his hand, at the base of a L.S., `Auguste Berger´, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d. [1793-94], in French. Brune annotates `Certified that Auguste Berger has not received any payment since he has been appointed as my aide-de-camp´ at the base of Berger´s letter, saying `Citizen Auguste Berger, first aide-de-camp to General Brune, declares that since he was appointed on 22nd July 1793 he has not received any payment for this reason..´ Edges very slightly trimmed, otherwise about VG Aimé-Jean Auguste Berger de Castellan (1774-1853) Aide-de-camp to General Brune.
BERTHIER LOUIS ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. A very interesting D.S., Alex Berthier, a large and good signature example, one page, folio, Milan, 9th December 1796, to General Dumas, in French. The partially printed document bears the heading of the General Chief of Staff, Milan Head-Quarters, and states in part `The General in Chief orders General Dumas to consider as null and void the order he was given to replace General Dallemagne, commander of one of the divisions of the siege of Mantua..´ With blank integral leaf. Three pinholes not affecting the text or signature. VG Thomas Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie (1762-1806) French General during revolutionary wars. Father of Alexandre Dumas the Author. Dumas was one of the highest-ranking men of African descent ever to lead a European army, and the first person of color in the French military to become General.Claude Dallemagne (1754-1813) French General who fought in the American Revolutionary War and later in the French revolutionary wars, and took part in the 1796 Italian campaign under Napoleon Bonaparte. The Siege of Mantua lasted from July 1796 to February 1797. French forces under Napoleon Bonaparte besieged and blockaded a large Austrian garrison at Mantua until it surrendered. This surrender, together with the heavy losses incurred, led the Austrians suing for peace in 1797.
BERNADOTTE JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1763-1844) Marshal of France, Prince de Pontecorvo and King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway 1818-44. L.S., J.B. Bernadotte, with large flourish underneath, with holograph sentence, two pages, folio, Hanover, 3rd September 1804, to General Rivaud, in French. Bernadotte announces that `The Bremen Senate has accepted to make a loan of one million to the Hanover States..´ further saying `..please inform that I wish to have the first five hundred thousand paid in three weeks time... Because we need money to grant the troops salaries..´ The document bears a watermark dated 1801. With blank integral leaf, folded. With two small tears to the lower edge and fold, otherwise VG Olivier Rivaud (1766-1839) served the Hanover States since 1803, and was later appointed commandant of the 2nd division in the Grande Armée under Bernadotte.
BERTHIER LOUIS-ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. Very attractive D.S., `Ml. Berthier´, one page, large oblong 18 x 14, vellum, Paris & St. Germain, 22nd March 1805, in French. Berthier, in his capacity as Royal Master of Hound, appoints Paul Chatenay as Guard of the Imperial Captaincy of the St. Germain Vésinet forest. Bearing to the front an attractive Emperor´s coat of arms vignette, and an eagle red wax seal, partially clipped. Also bearing several attractive ink stamps to front and verso. Countersigned by Girardin and Claret de Fleurieu at the base and to the verso by Perache Franqueville. Folded. Overall minor age wear and creasing, mostly to borders. G Alexandre Girardin d´Emmenonville (1776-1855) French General under Napoleon who would become first huntsman to Louis XVIII and later to Charles X.Pierre Claret de Fleurieu (1738-1810) French Explorer and general intendant of the House of the Emperor.Pascal Pierre Pérache de Franqueville (1748-1809) Lieutenant of the King´s Guards and responsible of the forests department under the Empire.
LANNES JEAN: (1769-1809) Marshal of France. Duc de Montebello. One of Napoleon's most daring and talented generals and personal friend of the Emperor. A rare letter of historical content, L.S., `Lannes´, two pages, 4to, Tudela, 25th November 1808, to his wife Louise Guéhenneuc, in French. Lannes is exultant and lengthy reports on his victory at the Battle of Tudela in Spain two days earlier, stating in part `I had written to you from Burgos that I intended to remain close to the Emperor, but I received the order on that same day to take the command of the army corps under Marshal Moncey and the division under General Lagrange. I marched to Logrono in order to attack the enemy who was here, fifty thousand men commanded by Catagnos. He was in a dreadful position, and has been tumbled from all flancs by six thousand men. Judge the valor of that scoundrel. I hope all will be under control before four days. We have chased them everywhere. He has not a single cannon now, we have taken all his artillery and made till now six thousand prisoners. There you have his formidable armies fully destroyed.´, Lannes further refers to his wife´s brother who is his aide-de-camp, stating `Louis had a horse killed under him and got his teeth hit, nothing important.. I am a bit tired, and intend to leave in two days to return alongside His Majesty. General Lagrange had his arm shot through, he is here with me, but nothing broken, it will be fine in a month time. Please tell Madame Lagrange to be calm, she will meet her husband in a month, he is departing to France. And you too, be secure, we will not have troubles, there is no more enemy, no army.´, and Lannes concludes with an unusual remark saying `The Battle of Tudela is the finest one we have ever had´. Further again referring to his wife´s health, to the difficulties of sending letters when he is far from the Emperor head-quarters, and asking for detailed information on his children. Lannes also asks his wife to forward his best regards to Corvisart `..tell him that I won´t forget his advice about the English..´ A letter of excellent content. With address leaf, postmarked. Small area of paper loss to the address leaf as a result of the letter opening, not affecting the text. Overall minor age wear, creasing and small tear to the bottom edge, only affecting partially the flourish of the signature. Together with an A.L.S. by Joseph-César Saint-Mars, aide-de-camp to Marshal Lannes, one page, 4to, [Head Quarters at Aranda del Duero], 26th November [1808], to Lannes´ wife, Louise Guéhenneuc, in French. Saint-Mars reports on similar topics, the Battle of Tudela, about his correspondent´s brother Louis, and states in part `Marshal Lannes is keeping well and should not take long to return to the Emperor Head-Quarters where I have been ordered to return to announce this victory..´ G, 2 The Battle of Tudela, near Navarre, in Spain, took place on 23rd November 1808. French army led by Marshal Lannes attacked a Spanish army leaded by General Castanos. It resulted in a full victory of Napoleon´s forces.Louise Antoinette de Guéhéneuc (1782-1856) Duchess of Montebello. Second wife of Marshal Lannes. Louise was a French "dame d´honneur", being the Mistrss of the Robes to Empress Marie Louise of France. Bon Adrien Jeannot de Moncey (1754-1842) Marshal of France, Duc de Conegliano. A prominent soldier in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Joseph Lagrange (1763-1836) French General and Count. A distinguished officer who fought at the Peninsula wars, Battle of Dresden, Leipzig, among many others.Charles-Louis Guéhéneuc (1783-1849) Frenc. Lannes´ brother-in law and his aide de camp since 1805. In 1809, and after Lannes´ death, he became aide-de-camp to the Emperor Napoleon I. Francisco Javier Castaños (1758-1852) Spanish General and Politician. One of the most important Spanish military officers during the Napoleonic Wars. He also served as the first President of the Senate of Spain in 1834. Appointed by the Spanish Queen Duke of Bailen for his heroic actions in the Battle of Bailen, the first defeat of the Napoleonic armies at open field which caused the flight of Spain of King Joseph Bonaparte. Jean Nicolas Corvisart-Desmarets (1755-1821) French Physician. In 1804 Corvisart became the primary physician of Napoleon Bonaparte, attending him until Bonaparte´s exile to St. Helena in 1815.
DUROC GÉRAUD: (1772-1813) French Diplomat and General of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. First Duke of Frioul. A close friend of Napoleon Bonaparte who appointed Duroc as first Grand Marshal of the Palace and Head of the Emperor´s Military Household. A very important content L.S., `Le Duc de Frioul´, one page, folio, Compiegne, 24th March 1810, to H.E. the Count of Montesquiou, in French. Duroc states in full `Monsieur le Comte, His Majesty wishes that Your Excellence come to Compiegne and that you bring with you… with all the Diamonds prepared and with the Crown of the Empress, in case there are changes to be made. His Majesty wishes that Your Excellence arrive here during the day of tomorrow, and that you also bring with you the seal which has been done for the Empress.´ Paper with an attractive Pro Patria watermark.Very small overallminor age wear, otherwise G to VG Pierre de Montesquiou-Fezensac (1764-1834) French Politician and Soldier. Montesquiou was appointed Grand Chamberlain of the Empire in 1809, replacing Talleyrand.
LARREY DOMINIQUE JEAN: (1766-1842) French Surgeon of Napoleon´s Grande Armée. Larrey was the Emperor´s favourite surgeon, an innovator in the battlefield medicine and widely considered one of the first modern military surgeons. Rare and extremely interesting lengthy A.L.S., `D.J. Larrey´, four pages, 8vo, Dresden, 7th July 1813, to his wife, in French. Larrey first reports on his recent conversation with the Emperor stating in part `I was waiting for the right moment to talk to H[is] M[ajesty] about this friend and for this reason I was keeping all the time the paper in my pocket. That morning at dawn…the Emperor asked me few graceful questions regarding my wounded soldiers with mutilated fingers, and I responded to all of them. Then he told me "Seems like you have had a great success as I have been told that they were all recovering", Yes Sir, we have only lost a very small number. "That is good, I am satisfied". Because Your Majesty is satisfied with my behaviour, would you allow me to ask for a favour? "Yes, What do you want?"..´ Larrey reports the full sentences exchanged with the Emperor, who finally had to refuse to Larrey´s request, further saying `..everybody was astonished, and were commenting the great influence I was having on the Emperor, because he gave to me many details and explanations regarding my request and the reasons for denying it..´ Larrey refers to the difficulty in finding the right moment and having the opportunity to talk to the Emperor, also saying `..in case the Emperor doesn´t change his mind, your sister and family should be happy as they have fortune, while we do not have a sol. I will not complain. I will have so many good souvenirs of my medical career, that as long as you have enough to live when I will die, that my soul will leave satisfied.´ Further on Larrey says `..Everything makes me fear a new war… I hope I will be able to see you before the 19th of November, because if I had to do another winter campaign I would for sure die. I hardly can warm up now.´ Before concluding Larrey refers to the news received from his friend Pelletan who is still at Wilna. A letter of very interesting content. Provenance, Crawford collection. Very small overall, minor age wear. VG Marie Elisabeth Laville-Leroux (1770-1842) French Painter and wife of Larrey. She was pupil of David, and used to sign her paintings "Larrey" when accompanying her husband during Napoleon´s campaigns. Larrey was right when he writes "Everything makes me fear a new war". Only a month later, 11th August, Austria would put an end to the armistice, and few weeks later took place the last major victory of Napoleon at the battle of Dresden. Philippe Jean Pelletan (1747-1829) French Surgeon. One of Napoleon´s consultant-surgeon from 1804. Pelletan was present at the crime scene of Marat and signed the minutes on the death certificate and was also responsible of the controversial autopsy of the 10 years older Louis XVII, younger son of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, both executed. It has been reported that during the autopsy, Pelletan was shocked to see the countless scars which covered the body of Louis XVII as a result of the physical abuse the child suffered while imprisoned in the Temple. Napoleon would say about Larrey `If the army ever erects a monument to express its gratitude, it should do so in honour of Larrey.´At Waterloo in 1815 his bravery under fire was noticed by the Duke of Wellington who saluted his courage and ordered not to fire in his direction so as to "give the brave man time to gather up the wounded". When the battle was lost, Larrey was taken prisoner by the Prussians when he was trying to escape. They were about to execute him on the spot but was recognized by one of the German surgeons because he had saved the life of Blucher´s son when he was wounded and taken prisoner by the French. He was pardoned, invited as a guest to Blucher's dinner table and authorized to go back to France with money and proper clothes.
BONAPARTE JEROME: (1784-1860) King of Westphalia 1807-13. Younger brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. An extremely interesting and important A.L.S. `Jerome´, signed twice, two pages, 8vo, Florence, 26th July 1846, to his daughter Princess Mathilde, in French. Jerome Bonaparte reports on the death of his brother Louis Bonaparte the day after he passed away, and states in part `I have to give you a sad new, your uncle Louis has succumbed yesterday at 10h after suffering a stroke in Livorno.. when I learned this he was dying, I had no opportunity to go and close his eyes...´, further referring to the inheritance, Jerome says `..Louis inherites a fortune of nearly twelve hundred thousand francs, despite the 150,000 francs he leaves to his godson, and the Mantua villa which he bequeaths (according to what am told) to Don Louis, Lucien's son...". Further again, Jerome refers to his brother´s wishes explained in his will, and states `I will get a copy of the will tomorrow.. he wants to be buried at St-Leu, next to his son and to my father, Will he be able ???´, and makes a prediction about his own fate` saying `If so, I am the only one remaining alive of all the Emperor's brothers and sisters, and I shall probably die, like the others, on the land of exile !!´ Jerome Bonaparte adds a postscriptum at the base of the front page, instructing his daughter `You have to mourn for two months.´ To the second page, most probably written the day after, Jerome states in part `We have just received your uncle´s will, and he has donated a souvenir to each of us; to me the lodge at the Pergola! to you the set with diamonds and ruby..´, and after a short list, adds a thought `I have to admit that I was not expecting anything, having being all through his life so cold and distant with all of us.´ Before concluding, Jerome adds one more donation referred on his brother´s will `He has bequeathed to the Grand Duke and to the Grand Duchess his large porcelaine vase and the large bust of the Emperor by Canova.´ Louis Bonaparte ((1778-1846) King of Holland 1806-10. Younger brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. Louis had three children with Hortense de Beauharnais, the first, Napoleon Charles (1802-1807) who died at the age of 4; the second, Napoleon Louis (1804-1831) King of Holland as Louis II. Died at the early age of 26 from Measles ; and the third and last Charles-Louis Napoleon (1808-1873) President of France 1848-52, and last French Monarch 1852-70, as Napoleon III. He is the inheritor Jerome Bonaparte refers to in the present letter.Princess Mathilde Bonaparte (1820-1904) Daughter of Jerome Bonaparte. Antonio Canova (1757-1822) Italian Sculptor. Best known for his marble sculptures, he is widely regarded as the greatest Neoclassical artist.
BONAPARTE ELISA: (1777-1820) Grand Duchess of Tuscany 1809-14. Younger sister of Napoleon Bonaparte. Wife of Felix Baciocchi. A good L.S., 'Elisa', one page, small 4to, 15th December 1812, to the Minister of War, in French. Elisa gives him the information he needed 'about the alleged engaging attempts with the enemy on the Island of Elba…' It seems that there is no evidence to confirm General Duval's opinion. She further states 'General Duval's assumptions seem to be contradicted by some circumstances recalled in the attached report…'. And before concluding she states that if this would have happened 'the culprits would be immediately brought before a military commission…' Overall creasing with repair to verso. Together with Felix Baciocchi (1762-1841) General of the First French Empire, Prince of Lucca and Piombino. L.S., 'Félix', one page, folio, Massa, 20th January 1808, to the Crown treasurer of Westphalia, Monsieur Duchambon, in French. Félix regrets to see him leaving his post as Head Intendant of his House, and states 'moving to the service of the beloved Monarch to whom I am linked by the ties of blood, you remain close to me…' Folded. With blank integral leaf. Small overall age wear. About G, 2 Henri Jacques Clarke (1765-1818) Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24. Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon.
BEAUHARNAIS EUGENE DE: (1781-1824) French Prince, son of Josephine de Beauharnais, Viceroy of Italy 1805-14 and Grand Duke of Frankfurt. A.L.S., `Eugene´, with flourish, one page, 8vo, Paris, 14th December 1809, to Marshal Clarke, in French. Beauharnais sends a request to the Minister of war, referring to him in the third person, stating in part `I suppose that he will share the interest I have in the person who has addressed it to me, he is the brother of one of my father´s aide-de-camp. This officer must have served under Monsieur the Duke de Feltre..´ The letter bears at the base a few lines in the hand of Clarke, forwarding the letter to M. Tabarié. With blank integral leaf, bearing a 12mo receipt by Tabarié pinned to the verso. Very small overall age wear, otherwise G Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke (1765-1818) Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24. Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon.Eugene de Beauharnais refers to his father Alexandre de Beauharnais (1760-1794) Viscount of Beauharnais. French political figure and General during the French Revolution. First husband of Josephine Tascher de la Pagerie, who would later become Empress of the First French Empire as spouse of Napoleon Bonaparte. Alexandre de Beauharnais was executed at the early age of 34 during the Reign of Terror.
![JOSEPHINE DE BEAUHARNAIS: (1763-1814) Empress of the French 1804-14, as first wife of Napoleon I. Unusual A.L.S., `C[itoy]enn](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/237112ec-3304-4c3b-b6e6-ad4e00c5adfa/9434e2fe-c6bd-41e8-8cd3-ad4e00e245dc/468x382.jpg)
JOSEPHINE DE BEAUHARNAIS: (1763-1814) Empress of the French 1804-14, as first wife of Napoleon I. Unusual A.L.S., `C[itoy]enne Beauharnais´, to the heading, very rare in this form, in the third person, signed twice, one page, 12mo, n.p., n.d., to Citizen Pelet, in French. Josephine, in the third person states `The Citizen Beauharnais kindly asks Citizen Pelet to give to the bearer of the present letter the “dejeuner en vermeil” that he was kind enough to keep for her.´, further, and again referring to her in the third person, says `The Citizen Beauharnais complains about not seeing any more Citizen Pelai, and invites him to come and have lunch with her one of these mornings to come.´ With address leaf, in Josephine´s hand `Citizen Pelée, at the Palace, opposite to..´. Joséphine writes her correspondent´s name on three occasions, each of them in a different spelling way. To the inside back page bearing a small ink collection stamp of Dr. Max Thorek, Chicago. Overall age wear and creasing, otherwise about G
MARIE LOUISE DUCHESS OF PARMA: (1791-1847) Austrian Archduchess, the second wife of Napoleon I. Empress of the French 1810-14. A fine A.L.S., Louise, two pages, 8vo, Persenburg, 1st of September 1826, to her son Guillaume, in French. Marie Louise sends a very warm and delightful message to her seven years old son, stating in part `I have learned with great pleasure from Miss Marianne and Mr. Zoche that you have had two teeth pulled out with the courage of a little hero which proves to me my dear child that you have become much more sensible in the last year and gives me much consolation…I received by the last post a scrap of paper which must have slid by mistake among the pages, not having been able to decipher it I suppose it was a piece you were amusing yourself by scribbling on during your playtime..´, and before concluding adds `I am very well and spend half of my days outdoors which is rather tiring because of the awful heat. I certainly hope to see you at the beginning of October, goodbye my dear Guillaume, I embrace and love you with all my heart.´ Small and professional repair to the left edge. Very small minor age wear, otherwise G William Albert (1819-1895) 1st Prince of Montenuovo. Austrian field-Marshal. Son of Empress Marie Louise and Count Adam Neipperg (1775-1829). He was born only three months after Napoleon´s death. The fact that he was conceived in Napoleon´s lifetime meant that certain discretion was maintained about the Empress´ pregnancy.Marie Louise and Count Adam de Neipperg started their relationship shortly after Napoleon´s first abdication in 1814 and it has been reported that this was the real reason for her refusal to join him on the Elba island.
![[LOWE HUDSON]: (1769-1844) Anglo-Irish Soldier and Colonial Administrator, Governor of St Helena where he was the 'gaoler' of](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/237112ec-3304-4c3b-b6e6-ad4e00c5adfa/156bda92-8b11-40c7-a37e-ad4e00e249ee/468x382.jpg)
[LOWE HUDSON]: (1769-1844) Anglo-Irish Soldier and Colonial Administrator, Governor of St Helena where he was the 'gaoler' of Napoleon Bonaparte. Contemporary Manuscript copy of an autograph letter by Lowe, in an unidentified clerk's hand, two pages, 4to, London, 19th October 1822, to the Duke of Wellington. The letter states, in part, 'I hope your Grace will excuse the liberty I take of addressing you, upon the following subject, which I cannot better explain than by inclosing copy of a letter (no longer present) I had before written to Earl Bathurst and also of his Lordship's reply (no longer present) suggesting the reference to your Grace. The object, as it will appear, is to obtain for the sisters of the late Colonel Sir William De Lancey the pensions which had been granted, in the first instance to his mother and sisters & afterwards given to his widow who having since died leaves the pension disposeable……since receiving Lord Bathurst's reply to my first application in their behalf Lady Lowe who is also a sister of the late Sir William De Lancey has received a letter from the eldest sister which places the claim in a much stronger point of view than I was aware of……' With blank integral leaf. Together with a contemporary manuscript copy of Wellington's letter of reply, one page, 4to, Verona, 10th November 1822, to Hudson Lowe ('My dear Sir Hudson'), stating, in full, 'I have received your application in favour of the sisters of the late Sir W. De Lancey and I have applied to Lord Liverpool that the pension enjoyed by his widow may be given to them'. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, minor age wear, otherwise VG, 2William Howe De Lancey (1778-1815) English Colonel who served during the Napoleonic Wars and died of wounds he received at the Battle of Waterloo. De Lancey and the Duke of Wellington were close allies and on the return of Napoleon Bonaparte from Elba, De Lancey was appointed deputy quartermaster-general of the army in Belgium, replacing Sir Hudson Lowe, whom Wellington disliked. Wellington was engaged in conversation with De Lancey on the battlefield when the Colonel received the wounds which ultimately led to his death. The Duke of Wellington described the events to Samuel Rogers such - 'De Lancey was with me and speaking to me when he was struck. We were on a point of land that overlooked the plain. I had just been warned off by some soldiers (but as I saw well from it, and two divisions were engaging below, I said "Never mind"), when a ball came bounding along en ricochet, as it is called, and, striking him on the back, sent him many yards over the head of his horse. He fell on his face, and bounded upwards and fell again. All the staff dismounted and ran to him, and when I came up he said, "Pray tell them to leave me and let me die in peace." I had him conveyed to the rear, and two days after, on my return from Brussels, I saw him in a barn, and he spoke with such strength that I said (for I had reported him killed), "Why! De Lancey, you will have the advantage of Sir Condy in 'Castle Rackrent'--you will know what your friends said of you after you were dead." "I hope I shall," he replied. Poor fellow! We knew each other ever since we were boys. But I had no time to be sorry. I went on with the army, and never saw him again' (from The Recollections of Samuel Rogers, 1856) One of De Lancey's two sisters, Susan, married Sir Hudson Lowe in December 1815.
![[NAPOLEON BONAPARTE – THE LITTLE KNOWN FIRST WILL OF THE EMPEROR]: BERTRAND HENRI GATIEN (1773-1844) French General. Count Be](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/237112ec-3304-4c3b-b6e6-ad4e00c5adfa/41a86adf-7376-47fc-a32e-ad4e00e24ab2/468x382.jpg)
[NAPOLEON BONAPARTE – THE LITTLE KNOWN FIRST WILL OF THE EMPEROR]: BERTRAND HENRI GATIEN (1773-1844) French General. Count Bertrand and Grand Marshal of the Palace. Bertrand was aide-de-camp to Napoleon I and the closest officer to the Emperor, who had full confidence in him. He served during the expedition to Egypt and the Battles of Austerlitz, Wagram, Leipzig and Waterloo and accompanied Napoleon I to Elba in 1814 and to St. Helena in 1815. Bertrand was condemned to death in 1816 but did not return to France until Napoleon´s death when King Louis XVIII granted his amnesty. In 1840 Bertrand went to St. Helena to bring Napoleon´s remains to France. An extremely rare and interesting Autograph Manuscript signed `C[om]te Bertrand´, two pages, 4to, Longwood, St. Helena, 2nd August 1819 and 12th December 1820, in French. Bertrand, the closest General to Napoleon in his last years, copies in full the letter he received from Napoleon I in 1819 with the Emperor´s first draft of his Last Will and Testament (predating his ultimate Will of 1821) and his instructions regarding his belongings. The autograph manuscript states, in part, loyally copying Napoleon´s letter, `My dear B[ertran]d, I send to you my codicil written in my hand in order that after my death you could claim everything that belongs to me here at St. Helene. You will dispose of it as follows. You will give half of my diamonds to Madame Bertrand and the other half to Madame de Montholon…´ Napoleon further asks Bertrand to give differing amounts of money to various individuals including Montholon, Marchand, St. Denis, Bertrand (receiving the greatest amount) and a few others, all of them the closest allies to Napoleon in his final years. The Emperor further states `You will keep my silverware, my weapons, my porcelain, my books…..for my son…´ further instructing `I will give you a letter this evening…with my instructions for the fund investment of a sum of 6.000.000, keep all this in order to be able to return them to me if it is convenient to me.´ Bertrand adds `2nd August Signed Nap. Written to the envelope To Count Bertrand, my grand Marshal…. Attached to a parcel stamped with 2 seals with coat of arms of the Emperor with the written text This is my will, written in my hand signed Napoleon…´ Marshal Bertrand adds `The Emperor gave me in the evening a parcel…. on which was written.. Bertrand will keep at my disposal or will open after my death.´ To the second page Bertrand adds an annotation, dated 12th December 1820, giving some more details about the instructions received from the Emperor. An extremely interesting historical document in the hand of Napoleon´s closest General in his last years at St Helena. Very small overall minor age wear with one crease to bottom left corner, otherwise VG The original copy of this first draft of Napoleon’s Last Will and Testament was burned, together with other documents, by Bertrand and Marchand in the afternoon of 19th April 1821 following Napoleon´s orders as his final, and more commonly quoted, Last Will and Testament had been completed. Charles Tristan, Marquis de Montholon (1783-1853) French General during the Napoleonic Wars. He chose to go into exile on St. Helena with Napoleon I after the Emperor´s second abdication. Louis Joseph Narcisse Marchand (1791-1876) Count of the first Empire. Marchand was “Valet de chambre”of the Emperor, also during his captivity in St. Helena. Alongside Bertrand and Montholon, he was one of the three executors of Napoleon’s Last Will and Testament. Louis Etienne Saint-Denis (1788-1856) called by Napoleon Mameluke Ali his “French-born servant”. Napoleon required him to dress in the style of the Mamelukes. Saint-Denis went to Russia with Napoleon, joined Napoleon on Elba, returned to France for the “Hundred Days,” and accompanied Napoleon into exile on St. Helena, where he served as second valet and as Napoleon’s librarian. Saint-Denis was born at Versailles, where his father served King Louis XVI as an overseer of the royal stables. The Mamelukes were the slave horsemen of the Ottoman Empire. They became the rulers of Egypt. Napoleon was impressed by the Mamelukes’ courage and fighting skills. He formed a special Mameluke corps in the French army.
CATHOLIC MONARCHS: ISABELLA I OF CASTILE (1451-1504) Queen of Castile 1474-1504 & FERDINAND II OF ARAGON (1452-1516) King of Aragon 1479-1516 & as Ferdinand V King of Castile 1475-1504. Known as the Catholic Monarchs, they ruled jointly over the Kingdoms of Castile, Leon, Aragon and Sicily 1475-1504. They are recognized for laying the foundations for the political unification of Spain, and also for completing the Reconquista as well as their support and financing of Christopher Columbus´ voyage of 1492 which led to the opening of the New World. Very rare set of thirty manuscript pages of historical interest for the city of Madrid, including two Ls.S., the first signed by the Queen `Yo la Reyna´, one page, oblong small 4to, Valladolid, 29th December 1476, to Juan de Lujan; and the second individually signed by the Queen and the King `Yo la Reyna´ and `Yo el Rey´, one page, oblong 4to, Madrid, 9th April 1477, in old Castilian. In the first letter, signed by Isabella I of Castile, the Queen orders Juan de Lujan to meet Diego de Villa Nuño who will inform him about the good services he will be requested to achieve. In the second letter, the Catholic Monarchs appoint Juan de Lujan Knight of their Royal order with a very important anual allowance of 40.000 maravedis, and a reward of 15.000 maravedis of perpetual income, and in both cases for the important services to the Crown. The letters refer to the very important historical events occured in Madrid, when Joanna la Beltraneja, claimant to the throne of Castile, disputed Madrid to Isabella of Castile. The Catholic Monarchs paid Juan de Lujan and appointed him Knight when he betrayed Joanna la Beltraneja, leaving her military forces and joining the Duke of the Infantado who was commanding the Catholic Monarchs troops. After such betrayal, Madrid falled and was taken by Isabella and Fernando. The set includes documents related to the genealogical tree of the Lujan family of Madrid. Also including an autograph letter by Diego de Villa Nuño addressed to Juan de Lujan, requesting him on behalf of His Majesties to put himself at the orders of the Duke of the Infantado, who will explain to him what Good services he is expected to achieve. Also including copies of the wills of Juan de Lujan dated 1495, Rodrigo de Lujan 1546, Catalina de Lujan 1568, Maria de Lujan 1563 and Catalina de Lujan 1593. A set of exceptionally interesting historical content. The two main documents neatly stitched to the page and the entire contents stitched together at the left edge and the whole bound in vellum (largely detached at the spine). Some overall age wear, a few neat splits to the edges of some pages, and old water staining affecting the majority of the pages to varying degrees, the text however remaining completely legible. The vellum covers a little warped and the front with heavy staining, largely obscuring the original manuscript title, and with remnants of the original burgundy ribbons. GDiego Hurtado de Mendoza y Figueroa (1417-1479) Spanish Noble. 1st Duke of the Infantado. The title was awarded to him by the Catholic Monarchs, Fernando II de Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, on 22 July 1475. This was one of the most important duchies in Spain Joanna la Beltraneja (1462.1530) Queen of Portugal 1475-81 as spouse of King Alfonso V, who was her uncle. Claimant to the throne of Castile. When her father Henry IV of Castile, although disputed, died, began the four-year War of the Castilian Succession. Joanna was supported by the King of Portugal and by the high Castilian nobility, and by descendants of Portugueses, including Archbishops and Dukes. On the other side Isabella was supported by Derdinand of Aragon, whom she married, and by mosto f Castilian nobility and clergy. In 1478 the marriage of Joanna and Afonso V was annulled by Pope Sixtus IV on grounds of consanguinity, ending her tenure as Queen of Portugal. She was also forced to renounce the title of Queen of Castile.In 1479, Alfonso renounced his pretension to the Castilian Crown and signed a treaty with Isabella and Ferdinand. Joanna was given a choice, either enter a convent, or marry Isabella's one-year-old son Juan when he came of age and if he then consented. Joanna chose to enter the Convent of Santa Clara in Coimbra, and the ceremony was witnessed by Isabella, who praised her decision. The present historical events are referred to in the work “La conquista de Madrid por el Duque del Infantado en 1476” by Carlos Saez and Salvador Cortes, volume II, pages 339 to 342, published by Al-Hayara editors.The Palace of Lujan still exists in the old Madrid and is a historical location that can be visited.
JOANNA OF AUSTRIA: (1535-1573) Princess of Portugal. Daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and mother of King Sebastian of Portugal. She served as Regent of Spain to her brother King Philip II, during his trip to England to marry Mary I of England. Rare L.S., `Yo la Princessa´, one page, folio, Valladolid, 7th February 1559, in old Spanish. On behalf of her brother the King of Spain, Princess Joanne authorizes Don Rodrigo de Narvaez y Rojas, Mayor of Antequera, to bind his belongings for the purchase of a land property. A lengthy and carefully written text. Countersigned. Bearing to the verso a large royal paper seal affixed. A large water stain to the upper and lower borders, although not affecting the signature. Overall creasing and age wear, with few tears to the centre fold. F to G At the age of sixteen Joanna married the fourteen years old Prince John Manuel of Portugal, her double first cousin. Less than two years later, aged sixteen, Prince John Manuel died of tuberculosis, however Joanna was pregnant. Four months after giving birth to future King Sebastian, Princess Joanna aged nineteen, returned to Spain, leaving her new-born son with her mother-in-law and aunt Catherine of Austria, Queen of Portugal and younger sister of Charles V. Joanne died at the early age of 38, and few years later her son Sebastian, King of Portugal, aged 24, died at the Battle of the Three Kings in Morocco. As a result of his death, Philip II of Spain became King of Portugal.
SPANISH ROYALTY: A good selection of signed autographs, A.Ns.S., Ls.S., and signed photographs by various members of the Spanish Royal House, comprising Carlos de Borbon (1788-1855) Infante of Spain. Second surviving son of King Charles IV and brother of King Ferdinand VII. First Carlist claimant to the throne of Spain. His claims brought Spain to the Carlist wars. A good A.L.S., `Carlos´, one page, 8vo, Villa Rodrigo, 4th February 1834, in Spanish. A good content letter stating `Moreno, I send to you these five champions, they burn with the desire to defend my cause and put me on my throne.´ Don Carlos further reports on the skills of each of these man, and asks his correspondent to keep him fully informed, whether the news are good or bad. With blank integral leaf; Alfonso XIII (1886-1941) King of Spain 1886-31. Signed clipped 12mo piece, a bold black ink large signature; Infante Juan of Spain, Count of Barcelona (1913-1993) Son of King Alfonso XIII and father of King Juan Carlos I. Signed 4 x 6 photograph, showing Don Juan in a half length pose in uniform with decorations, signed and dated 1911. Together with a 12mo signed page, dated 1983; Alfonso, Prince of Asturias (1907-1938) Elder son of King Alfonso XIII and heir apparent to the Spanish throne. He renounced to his rights to the throne in 1933 to marry a Cuban commoner. Died at the early age of 31 as a result of a car accident. Signed 3.5 x 2.5 card `Alfonso de Borbon, Prince of Asturias, Count of Covadonga´; Infante Jaime of Spain, Duke of Segovia & Anjou (1908-1975) Second son of King Alfonso XIII and great-grandchild of Queen Victoria. Legitimist pretender to the French throne. Signed oblong 9.5 x 4.5 page `Jaime de Borbon´, dated beneath in Rome 1935. Jaime of Spain married in Rome, 1935, his spouse Emmanuelle de Dampierre; Infanta Maria Cristina of Spain (1911-1996) Countess Marone. Daughter of Alfonso XIII. Signed oblong 9.5 x 4 page `Maria Cristina de Borbon, Infanta de España - 1940´; Infanta Eulalia of Spain (1864-1958) Duchess of Galliera. Signed 5 x 8.5 attractive cabinet card photograph, the Debas image from Madrid depicting the Infanta in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold black ink `Eulalia - London 1887´. With clipped left bottom corner; Infante Carlos, Duke of Madrid (1848-1909) Carlist claimant to the throne of Spain under the name of Carlos VII and legitimist claimant to the throne of France under the name of Charles XI, & his spouse Princess Margherita of Bourbon-Parma (1847-1893) Eldest child of Charles III Duke of Parma, and granddaughter of Charles X of France. Two A.Ns.S., signed `Carlos´, and `Marguerite´, the second dated at Viareggio, 18th October 1887, both in French and affixed to a 4to card. Also including two unsigned engravings. G, 9
FRANÇOIS I: (1494-1547) King of France 1515-1547. First King of France from the Angouleme branch. He succeeded his cousin and father-in-law Louis XII. A Patron of the arts who initiated the French Renaissance and attracted Italian artists to France, including Leonardo da Vinci, whose Mona Lisa was bought by King Francis. A rare L.S. 'Francoys', a clean signature, one page, vellum, 4to, in French. The letter is clipped to the right edge, not affecting the signatures. Stating to the heading `Francois par la grace de Dieu, Roi de France, A nos amis et féaux..´, further referring to a payment order and to a quittance, stating in part `A tous mandons..a notre conseiller et receveur general de son office, du quartier d´octobre, novembre et décembre.. payer la somme de 6000 livres et de longtemps fait avant et depuis..´ Countersigned at the base by Robertet `Par le Roy - Robertet´. Accompanied by an engraving of François I.Overall age wear due to age, with few former traces of affixing to edges. Clipped right edge. F to G Florimond Robertet (1460-1527) the King´s secretary. A important and powerful figure and diplomat of his time, very well considered by the King
HENRY IV: (1553-1610) King of France 1589-1610 and King of Navarre 1572-1610. First French Monarch of the House of Bourbon. Assassinated. A good and clean D.S., `Henry', one page, vellum, oblong 4to, Fontainebleau, 20th November 1602, in French. The document being a Patent by which the King of France grants the widow of François de Mandelot the exemption of the tax payment, known as the « Droit de Marc d´Or », as a reward for the important and loyal services given by her husband to the Kingdom. Countersigned by his secretary of State Louis Potier. Extremely small hole at the base of the letter, not affecting the text or signature. Also including a complete transcription of the document. Very small overall minor age wear. VG François de Mandelot (1529-1588) Governor of Lyon and bailiff of Macon. He distinguished himself at the siege of Metz in 1552 and during the Italian wars against Charles V in 1555.
![[NAPOLEON III]: (1808-1873) Emperor of the French 1852-70, nephew of Napoleon I. WISEMAN NICHOLAS (1802-1865) English Cardina](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/237112ec-3304-4c3b-b6e6-ad4e00c5adfa/51a660b7-f6b8-45c4-958f-ad4e00e25e11/468x382.jpg)
[NAPOLEON III]: (1808-1873) Emperor of the French 1852-70, nephew of Napoleon I. WISEMAN NICHOLAS (1802-1865) English Cardinal of the Catholic Church, the first cardinal resident in England since the Reformation and first Archbishop of Westminster. A.L.S., Cardinal Wiseman, in the third person, two pages, 4to, Portman Square, London, 17th April 1855, to the French Ambassador [Count Alexandre Colonna-Walewski]. Wiseman enquires 'whether, during the sojourn of Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of the French in this country, there will be any opportunity for him to have the honour of presenting his respectful homage to Their Imperial Majesties, without inconvenience to them: as for example, should it be their intention any day to receive at the Embassy' and further adds that, should the Emperor and Empress's arrangements have already been made, Wiseman would 'feel extremely obliged to H.E. if he will respectfully convey to Their Imperial Majesties the expression of his profound veneration; with the assurance that however gratifying and flattering it might be to him to renew personally the declaration of these sentiments, it will be sufficient for him to know that this desire has been accepted and interpreted as an act of sincere and heartfelt homage'. With blank integral leaf. A few tears and some light creasing to the edges, only just affecting a few words of text, G Count Alexandre Colonna-Walewski (1810-1868) French Statesman and Minister of Foreign Affairs under Napoleon III. Illegitimate son of Napoleon I and Maria, Countess Walewska. Walewski served as an Envoy Extraordinary to London (1851-55), where he was charged with announcing the coup d'etat to Prime Minister Viscount Palmerston. In April 1855 Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie visited England where they were received by Queen Victoria.
NAPOLEON III: (1808-1873) Emperor of the French 1852-70 and first President of France 1848-52, the nephew of Napoleon I. A.L.S., Louis Napoleon B, one page, 8vo, Paris, 30th April n.y., to a Count, in French. Napoleon explains that he has been so busy that he has still not been able to answer his correspondent's letters, further remarking 'I thank you for everything you are doing for my candidacy and I hope that I will one day be able to give you evidence of all my gratitude' and in a postscript adding that he is sending some printed matter by stagecoach. With blank integral leaf. Some light overall age wear, light staining and a few minor, neat splits at the edges of some folds, G
LEOPOLD I: (1790-1865) First King of the Belgians 1831-65. Former German Prince. An intriguing A.L.S., `Leopold´, two pages, 8vo, Claremont, 24th July 1820, to Monsieur Favon, Councillor of the Legation of His Highness the Duke of Saxe Coburg, in Paris, in French. The King responds promptly to his correspondent´s letter stating `..Your information is fully new for me, and because I do not have time today to talk to you in person and in detail, I only tell you for now that I authorize you to take on my account at Lafitte & Co 30.000 francs which I put at your disposal in order to help Madame Alexandra and the difficulties she is experiencing…´, Prince Leopold further says `..not going through her claims now, which seem to me a little exaggerated, I put the condition that her memoirs are given to you, and if this is done so and her behaviour becomes wiser, I will then try to sort out this in a more permanent way for her…´ With blank integral leaf. Paper with a C. Wilmott 1816 watermark. Accompanied by the original opened paper envelope, bearing a black wax seal in very fine condition to the verso. A rare and carefully worded letter by the future sovereign on a delicate, but crucial, matter to preserve the good name of his dynasty, that would provide not only a King for Belgium, but also a Prince Consort, his nephew Albert, for England. VG‘Madame Alexandra’ was in fact the lover of Leopold’s brother and was menacing to make their liaison public by publishing her Memoirs, which Leopold seeks to prevent at all costs to avoid a royal scandal
LOUISE OF ORLEANS: (1812-1850) First Queen of the Belgians as second wife of King Leopold I. Daughter of King of the French Louis Philippe I. Attractive manuscript autograph signed `Louise´, one page, oblong 8vo, Joinville, 4th May 1831, in English. The manuscript document being a cleanly written poem by the young Princess who copies nine lines of a Samuel Rogers´ work Italy, stating in English `Health and Strength be thine - In thy long travel! May no Sun beam strike - ….. And there is one, or am much deceived - One thou hast named, who will not be the last.´ Given by the Princess as a present to the city of Joinville the day before leaving. Louise of Orleans died of tuberculosis at the early age of 38. About VG Samuel Rogers (1763-1855) English Poet. One of the most celebrated during his lifetime.
PRINCE CHARLES OF BELGIUM: (1903-1983) Count of Flanders, second son of Albert I, King of the Belgians. Prince Regent of Belgium 1944-50, serving in lieu of his older brother King Leopold III. A very early autograph document, two pages, 8vo, lined paper, Brussels, n.d., in French. Prince Charles, being a child, has very carefully penned a series of words, as part of his spelling school exercises. To the first page Prince Charles cleanly copies a number of personal pronouns `tu, je, il, tu, il, je, tu, je, il….´, and to the second page two words as part of his plural lesson `pluriel. Pluriel´. To the upper part of both pages, affixed by his teacher, a small clipped printed page being the grammatical lesson. With a purple ink stamp at the base of each page, stating “Comte de Flandre - Prince de Belgique”. VG, 2
CHARLES XV OF SWEDEN: (1826-1872) King of Sweden, and King of Norway as Charles IV, 1859-72. A good A.L.S., Charles, one page, small 8vo, n.p., 6th August [1870], to Monsieur Fournier, French Minister, in French. The King refers to the Wissenbourg affair stating `Here you have the telegram about the Weissebourg affair. The third Regiment division Douay and the first Brigadier Law forced back after several hours of fierce combats.. General Douay killed!..´ With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope bearing a fine red wax seal to the verso. Small overall minor age wear and creasing, otherwise G The Battle of Wissembourg, during the Franco-Prussian War, took place on 4th August 1870. The battle saw the unsupported division of General Douay of I Corps, which was posted to watch the border, attacked in overwhelming fashion by the German. Charles Abel Douay (1809-1870) French General during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III. During the Wissembourg battle Douay held a very strong position initially, but his force was too thinly stretched to hold it. Douay was killed in the late morning when a mitrailleuse battery exploded near him. The fighting within the town had become extremely intense, becoming a door to door battle of survival. The people of the town of Wissembourg finally surrendered to the Germans. The French troops who did not surrender retreated, leaving behind 1000 dead and wounded and another 1000 prisoners.
CATHARINA OF WURTTEMBERG: (1783-1835) Queen Consort of Westphalia 1807-13, wife of Jerome Bonaparte. A.L.S., with her initial C, two pages, 8vo, n.p., 25th August 1826, to Monsieur Girard, in French. The former Queen announces 'You probably thought for a long time that we are well settled in Porto-di-fermo, surrounded by the same people who had welcomed us so kindly last year; Oh well! Then, you are just dreaming and this new settlement was about to end the same way as the one in Eslau, you know how sad I was!' and continues to inform her correspondent 'Fortunately, the injustice of this misery was very obvious and we are now very positive about the near future. For the end of this summer, we will spend it in Mecerata, my children are now on their way over there and we will join them next Saturday', concluding 'I can not start telling you the pleasure I had of receiving your letters, and also the one for my daughter, she got shy because she ignores my maternal judgement upon these things, but after she remembered how good you are and always have been to us……it is of course redundant to assure you that everywhere I go, I never forget you'. In a postscript she further adds 'Jerome is staying in Rome until the end of the month, and then he will have 5 to 8 weeks vacation. You know what this separation means to me'. With blank integral leaf and a small typed caption neatly affixed at the base of the first page. Together with Duke Paul Wilhelm of Wurttemberg (1797-1860) German Naturalist & Explorer who discovered the sources of the Missouri River in 1829. Brief A.L.S., Paul William, Prince of Wurttemberg, one page, 8vo, Hoboken, 22nd June 1854, to Andrew Crosman, sending his autograph with pleasure for their collection. One lengthy tear to the upper left corner, slightly affecting a few words of text and a little crudely repaired with tape to the verso. G to VG, 2
WILHELM I: (1797-1888) King of Prussia 1861-88 and the first German Emperor 1871-88. D.S., Wilhelm, three pages, folio, Berlin, 14th March 1885, in German. The manuscript document relates to a Patent dated 5th October 1883 for Colonel Ernst v. Twardowski, Commander of the 1st Bodyguard Grenadier Regiment of Baden. Lightly tipped at the left edge to a card. Some light age wear, VG
WILHELM I: (1797-1888) King of Prussia 1861-88 and the first German Emperor 1871-88. An interesting A.L.S., Wilhelm, as Prince Regent, three pages, 8vo, Schloss Babelsberg, 15th August 1858, to [Pastor Emil Hering] the minister of the Garrison Church, in German. The Emperor informs his correspondent that the Queen of England will be attending the services at the Garrison Church today and continues to provide instructions to the Pastor, 'These services take their ordinary course in due form, also does the sermon, only the Litany Prayers after the Prayer for the Queen there is to be inserted a prayer in about the following form for the Queen of England, and that before the prayer for me, “Bless the illustrious Queen of England and her Prince-Consort, whom You have led to us in Your Grace and who are now present amidst us. Bless the beautiful and happiness-giving family union of both the Royal Houses, which you have shown to us, now and in all the future”'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by the Emperor. Also including an A.L.S., E. Hering, Pastor, by Emil Hering, two pages, 8vo, New York, 10th December 1891, to C. F. Gunther in Chicago, discussing the sale of the letter by Wilhelm I, and stating, in part, 'I am willing to sell it at a reasonable price. What such price is, is a little difficult to state. You are right: the Emperor wrote in his long life many letters. But my letter is of another character; it is not a private one, but official, written by him as Highest Bishop of the Prussian State Church; therefore a proof of his consciousness of this dignity and power, because only the Evangelical Oberkirchenrath has the right to change the official Liturgy; second: my letter is a valuable proof for his tender and fine regard for the Queen of England, third: a proof of his piety, which moved him to implore our Lord for his blessings for that most important marriage, and implore openly in the Holy Service of the congregation……These remarks, I suppose, will be valuable for your sale of the letter, and I would never sell it, but for my bitter want of help, as my mission work here gives me a trifling of income.' The integral leaf bears Hering's autograph statement of provenance, signed alongside a circular blind embossed seal, and stating, in part, 'I was at that time Assistant Preacher at the Imperial Court Chapel in Potsdam and had to preach Sunday, August 15th 1858, wherefore I received the letter directly from the Prince Regent by a mounted livery servant…..The genuineness of the above letter of William I cannot therefore be called into question'. Some light overall age wear, minor staining, and a few slight traces of former mounting, about VG, 2 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited their eldest daughter, Victoria, Princess Royal, in Germany in August 1858. It was the first time Queen Victoria had seen her daughter since her wedding and subsequent move to Germany earlier that year. The Queen and Prince Consort stayed with the pregnant Princess Royal at Babelsberg Palace in Potsdam until 28th August when they left for Cologne.
WILHELM II: (1859-1941) German Emperor & King of Prussia 1888- 1918. D.S 'Wilhelm II', one page, folio, Huis Doorn, Holland, 27th January 1936, to Professor Dr. Johann Plesch, London, in German. The partially printed document is a Royal telegram bearing the printed heading “His Majesty the Kaiser and King” beneath a Royal Coat of Arms. Wilhelm II states in full “Thank you very much for the good wishes for my birthday”. Signed at the base in purple pencil. With two binder holes to the left border, not affecting the signature. Small overall age wear, mosstly to edges and two minor tears to the right Edge. G Huis Doorn, was the final residence of Wilhelm II, the last German Kaiser. Exiled after the German defeat in the First World War, Wilhelm II fled to neutral Holland where he lived from 1920 until his death.
ROYALTY: A small good selection of four A.Ls.S., two of them by two European Queens, one in the hand of a Princess and the last by the Bishop of Bristol, all of them corresponding to the early beginning of the 19th century, addressed to Kings or members of the Royal European courts. Maria Amalia of Naples & Sicily (1782-1866) Queen consort of the French 1830-48 as spouse of Louis Philippe I. A.L.S., `Amalia´, two pages, 8vo, to a very attractive letter paper with embossed and decorated borders, Palermo, 23rd November 1807, to her brother the Heir Prince Francis, in Italian. The Princess asks her brother about his first part of the trip, and sends news to him reporting on each member of the family. With blank integral leaf; Maria Isabella of Spain (1789-1848) Queen consort of the Two Sicilies 1825-30 as spouse of Francis I, and Infanta of Spain as daughter of Charles IV of Spain. A.L.S., `Maria Isabella´, two pages, 4to, n.p., n.d., to her husband Francis I of the Two Sicilies, in Italian. The Queen responds to her husband´s letter, and congratulates for his safe arrival to Mondragone, further reporting on her day tasks; Marie-Caroline of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (1798-1870) Duchess of Berry. A.L.S., `Your affectionate and obedient daughter Carolina´, three pages, 4to, mourning paper, Paris, 15th May 1820, to her father Francis I King of the Two Sicilies, in Italian. The Duchess reports on the baby move she has felt on April 18th. She was at the time pregnant of her second child and first son, Prince Henri, Count of Chambord, the disputedly King of France Henry V. The last legitimate descendant of Louis XV of France. The Duchess also refers to her daughter´s first words, Louise Marie Duchess of Parma; and Frederick Augustus Hervey (1730-1803) 4th Earl of Bristol. Anglican prelate and Lord Bishop of Derry. Also known as the "Edifying Bishop" the "Earl-Bishop". A.L.S., `Bristol - Bishop of Derry´, one page, 4to, Rome, 2nd February 1800, to Ambrogio Uboldi & Brunati, in French. Earl Bishop states in part `..send to me the price paid by the Count Belgioioso for the bas-reliefs… my banker has written to me saying that he has shipped to you eight bottles of this gorodn wáter which has recovered my health… but please do not forget the Waters of Vadagno…´ Together with four envelopes, three of them addressed to the King of the Two Sicilies, all of them bearing wax seals to the verso. Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G to VG, 4
UMBERTO I: (1844-1900) King of Italy 1878-1900. Assassinated. D.S., Umberto, one page, folio, Monza, 21st October 1878, in Italian. The partially printed document is a decree approving a proposal by the Minister for war, relating to infantry second Lieutenant Carlo Bernacchino who has ceased serving the mobile militia as per his request. Signed by the King, on his first year of reign, at the foot. With countersignature. With blank integral leaf. Extremely small pinholes to the spine as a result of its detachment. G to VG
ELIZABETH OF WIED: (1843-1916) First Queen of Romania 1881-1914 as spouse of King Carol I. Best known by her literary name of Carmen Sylva. A very good literary content A.L.S., `Elisabeth´, signed twice, to the heading and at the conclusion, four pages, oblong 8vo, Cotroceni, Romania, 22nd October 1881, to Monsieur Nebach, in French. The very recently ascended to the throne Queen states in part `Despite the interest you have shown to me, despite all the good words you have written referring to me, it is only very timidly that I put before your eyes this collection of thoughts which you wished to get. There are many that I find too weak, but I do believe you are a much better judge than I am…´ The Queen further refers to her work in French language and to her writings, and before concluding states `I act like a young swimmer, I am scared to move away from the boat, but at the same time I am dying to go out to see.´ A carefully and cleanly written letter. G to VG
VASA ANNA CATHERINE CONSTANCE: (1619-1651) Polish Princess. Rare L.S., `Anna Catharina Constantia´, one page, 4to, Warsaw, 10th July 1637, to Apostolic Nuntio and Archbishop of Larissa Visconti, in Latin. Constance, in her capacity as Crown Princess of Poland and Sweden thanks her correspondent for his letter and Good wishes and referring to the recent wedding of her brother the King of Poland Wladyslaw IV, states in part `The wedding of the Serene and Illustrious Queen and our very dear brother, a so wise marriage with the august Austrian Royal House…´ Further referring to the meaning of this wedding for the Polish and saying `It is reasonable what makes the Kingdom happy, to worry about minions, and for this reason this holy wedding was necessary at this time..´, further again stating `Universal Christianity desires so much peace and tranquility, putting together the dissenting spirits of the presentiment in pristine friendship and mutual society, and uniting in growing in justice.´ Constance died childless at the early age of 32. With address leaf, bearing a paper seal affixed. Small overall age wear, otherwise G Wladyslaw IV Vasa (1595-1648) King of Poland 1632-48, married Cecilia Renata of Austria (1611-1644) daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II. Cecilia Renata died at the very early age of 32 after the childbirth of her stillborn daughter. Cecilia Renata was chosen as bride by the Polish nobility. She married Władysław on 9th August 1637 in Vienna by proxy, and then in Warsaw in person on 12th September 1637, and the same day was crowned at St. John´s Cathedral. This was the first royal coronation outside of Krakow, the historic, former capital of Poland. This greatly angered the Polish nobility. A law was instigated the year after to reserve coronations to Krakow.
ALEXANDER II OF RUSSIA: (1818-1881) Emperor of Russia 1855-81. Assassinated. An excellent L.S., Alexander, a good and bold signature example, two pages, folio, Saint Petersburg, 30th April 1855, "On the first year of our reign", to King Ferdinand II, in Cyrillic. Alexander II as Emperor and Autocrat of all Russias congratulates his correspondent stating `We have received a letter from Your Majesty addressed to the Emperor Nicholas Pavlovich of blessed memory, our dear father, in which You inform that Your spouse gave birth to a Princess…´ Countersigned to the bottom of the second page, beneath the Tsar´s signature, by State Chancellor Nesselrode. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope, addressed to King Ferdinand II, with an extensive presentation in Cyrillic, and bearing a large paper seal affixed in very fine condition. EX Alexander II responds to a King Ferdinand II letter received, a letter which was sent to Emperor Nicholas I after the Italian Princess birth on 21st January, but in the meantime, in February 1855, Nicholas I passed away and Alexander II responds as heir and new Emperor of Russia, although his coronation would only take place few months later. Ferdinand II (1810-1859) King of the Two Sicilies 1830-59. He succeeded his father Francis I at the early age of twenty. Princess Maria Luisa of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (1855-1874) Youngest daughter of King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies and Maria Theresa of Austria. Princess Maria Luisa was known for her charity to the poor. The Princess died at the very early age of 19 shortly after her return from Egypt suffering high fever. Karl Nesselrode (1780-1862) Russian Count and Diplomat.
RUSSIAN ROYALTY: Selection of signed autograph, T.L.S., A.N.S., signed photograph by various members of the Romanov Royal House, comprising Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich (1827-1892) Son of Tsar Nicholas I. Viceroy of Poland 1862-63. Bold black fountain pen ink `Constantine Grand Duke of Russia´ to a 12mo page; Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich (1891-1942) Son of Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich, grandson of Tsar Alexander II and first cousin of Tsar Nicholas II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.Dimitri spent a great deal of his youth in the company of Tsar Nicholas II. Grand Duke Dmitri, together with his friend Felix Yusupov, took part in the assassination of the mystic Rasputin. Signed 3.5 x 5 paper photograph `Dmitri´, the image showing him in a half length youth pose, wearing his military uniform, also dated 22nd August-4th September in his hand. The photograph has been affixed to a 4to card, alongside a journal article reporting on Grand Duke Dmitri´s death; Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich (1917-1992) Head of the Imperial House of Russia from 1938 to his death. A.N.S., `Wladimir, Grand Duke of Russia´, to a postcard. Accompanied by the original envelope addressed in his hand. Together with a T.L.S., `A. Romanoff´, Paris, 25th August 1943, in German. A wartime letter on the "Association des Infirmieres de la Croix Rouge Russe" ("Nurses of the Russian Red Cross Association") printed stationery of Paris. Also including an engravement of Konstantin Romanov. G, 4
HENRIETTA ANNE OF ENGLAND: (1644-1670) Duchess of Orleans, the youngest daughter of King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland and Henrietta Maria of France. An exceptionally rare A.L.S., with her monogram, two pages, small 4to, Paris, 23rd June [1670], to Thomas Clifford. The Duchess writes her first letter in English, just seven days before her death, informing Clifford about her brother, King Charles II's, promise regarding Clifford and Lord Arlington, 'When i have write to the King from calais i praid him to tel milord Arlington an you what hi had promisd mi for bothe, his ansers was that hi gave mi againe his word that hee youl performe the thing bot that hi did not thing it fit to exequ[te] it nou, i tel you this souner then to Milord Arlington becase y know you ar not so hard to satisfie as hee, i should be so my self if y was not sure that the King would not promis my a thing to faille in the performance of it, this is the ferste letter y have ever write in inglis, you wil eselay see it……prai see in the same time…..hou much y am your frind'. With integral address leaf ('for Sr Thomas Clifort') bearing two black wax seals. A letter of excellent historical content and association. VG Thomas Clifford (1630-1673) 1st Baron Clifford of Chudleigh. English Statesman, Comptroller of the Household 1666-68, Treasurer of the Household 1668-72 and Lord High Treasurer 1672-73. Henry Bennet (1618-1685) 1st Earl of Arlington. English Statesman, Keeper of the Privy Purse 1661-62. Clifford and Arlington were the only two ministers to whom the first Secret Treaty of Dover, one clause of which provided for King Charles II's declaration of his conversion to Catholicism, was confided. Henrietta Anne was instrumental in diplomatic negotiations between her native England and adopted France which culminated in the Secret Treaty of Dover of June 1670 (the same month in which the present letter was written). King Charles II, who had always been close to his sister, nicknaming her Minette, had been trying to establish a closer relationship with France since 1663, but it was not until 1669 that he set the wheels in motion by openly admitting that he would become a Catholic and vowing to bring England back to Catholicism. Henrietta Anne was eager to visit her homeland and King Louis XIV encouraged her in order for the treaty to take place and she arrived in Dover on 26th May 1670, remaining there until 1st June, the day the treaty was signed. In 1667 Henrietta Anne began complaining of an intermittent, intense pain in her side and several years later, beginning in April 1670, she began having digestive problems so severe that she could only consume milk. On 29th June 1670, just a matter of days after writing the present letter, Henrietta Anne drank a glass of iced chicory water and immediately felt a pain in her side, leaving her to believe that she had been poisoned. Extreme Unction was administered, however Henrietta Anne died at 2 o'clock in the morning on the following day, 30th June 1670, aged just 26. The only letter of Henrietta Anne recorded as having been previously sold at auction. The present letter is listed by American Book Prices Current as having originally been sold by Sotheby's as part of the Clifford of Chudleigh Collection on 24th July 1987 (Lot 249, £2400).
MARGARET PRINCESS: (1930-2002) Countess of Snowdon, younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. A.L.S., Margaret, one page, 8vo, London, 19th March 1960, to Georgina Reinold (sic), on the printed stationery of Clarence House. The Princess writes, in full, 'I was most touched by your very kind letter of congratulations on my engagement. Thank you very much for your good wishes for my future happiness'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Princess Margaret and signed by her with her initial ('M') to the lower left corner. About EX Georgina Reinhold had been Princess Margaret's French tutor. Princess Margaret became engaged to the photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones (later Earl of Snowdon) in October 1959; however, the official announcement was not made until 26th February 1960. The marriage ceremony, the first royal wedding to be broadcast on television, took place at Westminster Abbey on 6th May 1960. The couple remained married until their divorce in 1978.
KHAN III AGA: (1877-1957) Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims 1885-1957. The Aga Khan was one of the founders and first President of the All-India Muslim League, served as President of the League of Nations from 1937-38 and was also instrumental in the creation of Pakistan. Dark fountain pen ink signature ('Yrs sincerely, Aga Khan') on a small oblong 12mo piece, neatly laid down to an 8vo sheet of paper alongside three related newspaper clippings. About VG
KHAN III AGA: (1877-1957) Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims 1885-1957. The Aga Khan was one of the founders and first President of the All-India Muslim League, served as President of the League of Nations from 1937-38 and was also instrumental in the creation of Pakistan. Black fountain pen ink signature ('Best wishes to you, Aga Khan') on a 12mo card. Together with Om Habibeh Aga Khan Begum (1906-2000) Yvette Blanche Labrousse. Fourth and last wife of Aga Khan III. A former Beauty Queen, Labrousse was named Miss France in 1930. Black ink signature ('Om Habibeh Aga Khan') on a small 12mo piece. Some slight traces of former mounting to the verso of the Aga Khan's card, otherwise VG, 2
AGA KHAN III: (1877-1957) Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Community and the first President of the All-India Muslim League. President of the League of Nations 1937-38. Signed postcard photograph `Aga Khan´, in bold blue fountain pen ink to the upper left clear corner of the image, Bayreuth 1956. The postcard has been neatly affixed to a larger 4to brown card. Together with a 3.5 x 5.5 photograph of the Begum, unsigned, affixed to the verso. Fourth and last wife of the Aga Khan. G
KHAN III AGA: (1877-1957) Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims 1885-1957. The Aga Khan was one of the founders and first President of the All-India Muslim League, served as President of the League of Nations from 1937-38 and was also instrumental in the creation of Pakistan. Fountain pen ink signature ('Aga Khan') and date, 4th July 1911, in his hand on a page removed from an autograph album. The page also bears three other fountain pen ink signatures including that of Albert I (1875-1934) King of the Belgians 1909-34, signed as Prince and dated July 1904 in his hand. Some light staining to the edges, only very slightly affecting the signatures, G
PROUDHON PIERRE-JOSEPH: (1809-1865) French Politician and Philosopher. An influential theorist, founder of Mutualist philosophy, and the first person to declare himself an anarchist, widely regarded as the “Father of Anarchism”. A good A.L.S. `P.J. Proudhon´, one page, small 4to, Paris, 18th April 1855, to Monsieur Boutteville, in French. Proudhon confirms a diner appointment, stating in part `..I know that this day is not easy for you, but it is impossible on my side to sort this out differently; and also I calculate that freeing you at 9h you will still have time to see your world.´ At the base and to a post-scriptum, Proudhon states `I hope that Ferrari will be with us´ With blank address leaf, bearing a stamp affixed. VG Marc-Lucien Boutteville (1808-1870) French teacher of German language. Close collaborator and the Proudhon´s will executor.
METTERNICH KLEMENS VON: (1773-1859) Prince of Metternich. State Chancellor of the Austrian Empire 1821-48. A very fine A.L.S., Metternich, nine pages, 4to, Florence, 28th June 1819, to a Baron, in French. Metternich, in a letter marked Confidential, discusses at length Ioannis Kapodistrias as well the political climate in Germany and Europe, in part, ‘By the two letters that I am sending you herewith (no longer present) you will see the request I have made to meet M. de Capodistrias. I was sure in writing to him that he would shun an interview and the matter is quite simple. I know this Minister thoroughly; I know his character and his principles. As to character he is frank and fundamentally loyal. If he is fond of petty intrigue, this fact is directly linked with Greek habits. He is a Corfiot, and he does not have enough backbone to have been able to overcome a tendency common to all his compatriots. His principles are those of the fullest democracy. He lives only in his principles and for carrying them into effect. A great propensity to false philosophy; confusion in ideas as the necessary result of his favourite studies, form the most pronounced nuance of his democracy. He is at the same time, good natured as he is, a great ideologist, a protector of democracy, a philanthropist, Minister of an Autocracy, Poland’s Reformer, protector of the liberation of the Greeks and of the civilisation of Bessarabia. Not that much is needed to be exposed to a great derangement of the mind and especially to an endless war of ideas. I admit, less would drive me crazy. The present situation in Europe does not convince M. de C……he desires the emancipation of the peoples through gentleness and wisdom. He must criticise excessive disturbances for him to behave as a gentle and wise reformer. He wants, in short, the impossible. As a good servant of his Prince, he would never permit himself to go counter to the line of conduct which His Highness has laid down for his Minister…..But for this to be the case, he must find himself placed amidst of things; now, M. de C. is far from Saint Petersburg; he has hardly followed the events and developments these last six months; he must fear, therefore, that he does not find himself placed vis-à-vis myself on an equal footing. Besides, he hates Austria as an immense obstacle to the triumph of democracy in Europe; only England he hates more than Austria…..You can be sure that today he must find himself in opposition to all the views and ideas of M. de Pozzo. He finds no explanation for the situation in Paris, because his heart would carry him to Benjamin Constant and his feeling of duty keeps him on the line which His Highness sets for his Envoy to Paris…..Your Excellency is informed by my official communications about my travel plans. I am going to Carlsbad…..to meet some German businessmen with the intention of discussing with them means for saving this interesting part of Europe from a violent crisis. The evil is today more active in Germany than in France and you would not be surprised about it, if you admit that each German state – and there are 21 small and big ones – commits in turn the same mistakes and worse ones yet than the French government. I still hope that my stay in Carlsbad will be crowned with success; if that should not be the case, I do not see what can save Germany from a total upheaval. To facilitate things for the disturbers, the King of Wurttemburg has just convened his States for mid-July. I will try again for a pact, despite our most energetic remonstrances and the calculations which he is in a position to make with mathematical certainty that in his new assembly he can count on only a 12th of the votes. The world is crazy, my dear Baron, and the fate of the small number of individuals who are not to be envied. To put an end to sanity, a political imbroglio among the big power is all it takes. It would even suffice to lead to the explosion of simple appearances of a misunderstanding. So you see how reserved my route is; not that I do not feel the presence and the reality of the evils, but because I am convinced that with a single imprudence I would perhaps be the author of the greatest disasters. Do not believe, however, that I have the equally strong conviction that with all the wisdom in the conduct of Austria we will manage to prevent them; but since I find myself placed between two untoward alternatives, I consider it my duty to choose among them the one which offers me the least chance of misfortune and which permits reason to carry out on its part what can be subjected to its influence’. In concluding Metternich provides his correspondent with a last piece of advice on their meeting with Kapodistrias, ‘Tell him that you are informed by me directly about all the regrets I experienced in not having met him. Speak to him frankly the language of union and of the confidence between the two Courts, and conduct yourself toward him as if he were called to contribute immensely to the common good’. A letter of exceptional content vividly illustrating the main rivalry in European diplomacy following the Congress of Vienna. VG Ioannis Kapodistrias (1776-1831) Greek statesman who served as Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire 1816-22. Considered the founder of the modern Greek state, Kapodistrias was elected as the first head of state of independent Greece in 1827. During his tenure as Foreign Minister of Russia, Kapodistrias’s ideas came to represent a progressive alternative to Metternich’s aims of Austrian domination of European affairs. Metternich felt so threatened by Kapodistrias that he sought to undermine his position in the Russian court by rumour and innuendo, of which the present letter is a fine example.
KAPODISTRIAS IOANNIS: (1776-1831) Greek Count and Statesman. One of the most distinguished diplomats of Europe. First Head of State of independent Greece 1827-31. Widely considered the founder of the modern Greek state, Kapodistrias also served as the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Empire 1816-22 under Alexander I, and was succeeded by Count Nesselrode. A very good A.L.S. `I. Capodystrias´, one page, 4to, Geneva, 16th/28th March 1826, to Baron Paul de Krudener, Russian Ambassador, in French. Kapodistrias states in part `I congratulate you my dear Baron for the response you have received and which you have kindly shared with me… I think like you that other less frozen hands would have better expressed the feelings of benevolence with which you honour the Sovereign. As far as I am concerned, I have not been till now as joyful as you are, because with the exception of the letter which you have sent to me and which was written by H[is] I[mperial] H[ighness], the Tsarevich...´ further Kapodistrias states `In the meantime, what my colleague from Corfou reports to me in his letter dated 8th March proves to me and once again that the brave Greeks justify the opinion that I dared to express on their future since 1821...´ Kapodistrias further again refers to new Greek war tactics used against the Egyptians and expresses his very interesting thoughts on diplomacy. A letter of very interesting content. With blank integral leaf. Small overall age wear and creasing, otherwise GOn 1st December 1825 Tsar Alexander I died at the age of 47 without offspring. His younger brother, referred to as ''Tsarevich'' in the present letter, inherited the throne as Nicholas I and was crowned in September 1826.Kapodistrias’s declaration in the present letter ‘that the brave Greeks justify the opinion that I dared to express on their future since 1821’ is indeed a most desirable statement by ‘the father of Greek independence’.
KRUPSKAYA NADEZHDA: (1869-1939) Russian Bolshevik, wife of Vladimir Lenin. Following the 1917 Revolution Krupskaya was at the forefront of the political scene. She was appointed deputy education Commissar 1929-39 with strong influence over the Soviet educational system. Rare A.L.S., `N. Krupsk´, two pages, 4to, n.p., 1923, to Elizabeta Borisovna, in Cyrillic. Krupskaya states in part `I was very touched by all the letters received from…..Menzhinskaya, Lunacharsky, and by the fact that the fifth book has been published. Say hello to everybody. Also to Mikhail Nikolaevich, and to Blonsky. I send the programmes and corresponding materials. Everything is fine. Show Timiryasev´s note to Mikh. Nik. I kindly ask Blonsky and Mikh. Nik. to get the job done. Forward the attached letter from Grinberg to Blonsky and transmit my kind request to continue the work…´ Although she would later fell out with Stalin, at the time of the present letter, Krupskaya was aligned with Stalin, Zinoviev and Kamenev against Trotsky´s opposition. Folded. With blank integral leaf. G to VG Anatoly Lunacharsky (1875-1933) Russian Marxist revolutionary. After the 1917 October Revolution, he was appointed as People´s Commissar for Education in the first Soviet government 1917-29. Lunacharsky is associated with the establishment of the Bolshoi Theater in 1919 together with Maxim Gorky, Alexander Blok and Maria Andreieva.
KERENSKY ALEXANDER: (1881-1970) Russian Lawyer and key political figure in the Russian Revolution of 1917. Vintage bold blue ink signature (`Alexander Kerensky´) on an oblong small 8vo first day cover envelope, New York, 17th November 1961. The document being the commemorative presentation of an 8 cents U.S. postage stamp showing a portrait of John J. Pershing. The first day cover envelope shows the printed portrait of Pershing in uniform with the printed text beneath “American Military Leader”. Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G John J. Pershing (1860-1948) General of the United States Army. Nicknamed “Black Jack”. Pershing commanded the Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front during World War I.
HUSAK GUSTAV: (1913-1991) Slovak Communist Politician, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia 1969-87 and President of Czechoslovakia 1975-89. Signed 4 x 6 photograph of Husak in a formal head and shoulders pose. Signed in black ink with his name alone to the lower white border. VG
KHRUSHCHEV NIKITA: (1894-1971) First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union 1953-64. T.L.S., N. Khrushchev, in green ink, one page, 4to, Voroshilovograd, October 1947, to comrades Secretary and Chairman of the regional executive committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine, Gayev and Oreshko respectively, in Cyrillic. Khrushchev, in his capacity as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Ukranian Communist Party, states in part `..Your response telegram was received. The measures you have outlined to ensure the accomplishment of the task are insufficient.´, Khrushchev further says `In order to raise state grain procurements, you need to take more specific measures district by district, and collective farm one by one in each district. Pay special attention to the following districts: Evsugsky, Lozno-Aleksandrovsky, Novoaidarsky,…Svatovsky, Troitsky.´ And before concluding states `In this very last period of state grain procurements, do not let yourself and people be discouraged. Ensure a truly Bolshevistic behaviour in the struggle for a complete and successful completion of the state grain procurement plan by Ukraine.´ Also signed at the base by L. Kaganovich, in purple ink, Secretary of the Ukranian Communist party. Uneven left border not affecting the text or signatures. About VG
KHRUSHCHEV NIKITA: (1894-1971) First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union 1953-64. T.L.S., N. Khrushchev, in green ink, one page, 4to, 27th November 1948, to comrades Chairman and Secretary of the regional executive committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine, in Cyrillic. Annotated to the upper right corner also in green ink `Not for publication´. Khrushchev, in his capacity as Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ukranian Communist Party, doesn´t want that this plague and disease information is publicly known and states in part `According to the information received by the Council of Ministers of the Ukrainian SSR and CC CP(b)U, a large number of mous-like rodents appeared in Odessa, Izmail, Vinnytsia, Kiev, Chernigov Regions, and others. The lack of a proper struggle, as well as the presence of tularemia among rodents, have resulted in the spread of the disease among the population.´, Khrushchev further lists a series of orders intending to stop the plague, saying `Carry out mass events to destroy rodents in populated areas and fields, using pesticides and mousing tools; organize special teams to combat rodents in villages, collective farms and state farms; complete the threshing of the cereals, leguminous and seed plants, as well as to clear the threshing-floor from crop residues; carry out awareness-raising activities about the significance and methods to combat rodents.´ Also signed and dated at the base by D. Korotchenko, in purple ink, as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Ukranian Communist party. Two binder holes to the left border and few small areas of paper loss as a result of the detachment, none affecting the text or signatures. G
BEATON DAVID: (c.1494-1546) Scottish Cardinal who served as Archbishop of St. Andrews 1539-46. Beaton was the last Scottish Cardinal prior to the Reformation. An extremely rare L.S., d[avid] Card[ina]lis S[anc]ti Andree, one page, folio, Paris, 17th July 1542, to Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, in Latin. Beaton writes to Farnese in relation to Alfonso Salmeron and Paschase Broet, the Apostolic nuncios to Ireland and the disturbances they have witnessed there, commenting that there is 'still so much cruelty from the English and the barbarian people themselves, and fierceness, from whom I have saved [them] and they have escaped unscathed. [It is] astounding all that I have been able to see' and adding that he will continue to write with reports to Farnese. With integral address leaf. Some very light, minor water staining to the right edge, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, which remain perfectly legible. About VG Alessandro Farnese (1520-1589) Italian Cardinal and Diplomat. Grandson of Pope Paul III and appointed as his principal secretary in 1538, managing most of the papal business until 1549. Alfonso Salmeron (1515-1585) Spanish Biblical Scholar, a Catholic Priest, and one of the first Jesuits. Paschase Broet (1500?-1562) French Catholic Priest, one of the first Jesuits. In late 1538 King Henry VIII of England was excommunicated by Pope Paul III and the constitutional position of the lordship of Ireland remained uncertain. In the autumn of 1541 Pope Paul III sent Salmeron and Broet as Apostolic nuncios to Ireland. Before leaving they met with Cardinal Beaton at Lyon who discouraged them from going to Ireland with stories of the dire state of the Church there. After leaving France they reached Edinburgh on 3rd December 1541. Although warmly received by King James V, he, and everyone else they met agreed with Beaton and also discouraged them from going to Ireland. Nevertheless, Salmeron and Broet made the short crossing on 23rd February 1542. The title of King of Ireland had been re-created in 1542 by King Henry VIII and the English began establishing control over the island. The situation in Ireland proved to be worse than previously thought and Broet wrote 'in a short while we found matters just as we had been told, if not worse'. Bishops who remained faithful were turned out of their dioceses and went on the run. Monasteries and friaries were all in ruins. Pope Paul III's original instructions had stated that if their lives were in danger then they were return and therefore in the summer of 1542 they travelled back to Scotland where the people there were surprised to see them return alive.
WELLINGTON DUKE OF: (1769-1852) Anglo-Irish Field Marshal & British Prime Minister 1828-30, 1834. A fine A.L.S., `Wellington´, also signed with his initial to the envelope, three pages, Woodford, 10th September 1833, to Monsieur le Chevalier de Neuman, in French. Wellington responds to his correspondent´s letter in good French, referring first to a Marshal under the service of Portugal, stating in part `..I am sure that if we talked about him, I pronounced my disapproval (and not my approval), as I expressed so to other people…´ Wellington further refers to French Revolutions saying `There is nothing new in the World, and even more regarding Revolution. We have had a thousand examples of correspondence intercepted during the first [Revolution], about which not a single word had been written. But about Revolution, the future is for two days..´ A letter of good content with Wellington´s thoughts about revolutions. Accompanied by the original envelope addressed in Wellington´s hand, adding his signature with his initial `W´, and bearing a red wax seal in fine condition. Very small overall minor age wear, otherwise G to VG Philippe von Neumann (1781-1851) Austrian Diplomat.
GREY EARL: (1764-1845) British Prime Minister 1830-1834. A good, unusually lengthy A.L.S., Grey, four pages, 4to, Howick, 15th August 1836, to his son, Captain George Grey. Grey commences 'As you complain of not having received my letters, except from Charles & Bessy, tho' many have been written to you by your mother, I take advantage of an opportunity of writing to you by Captain Smart, which tho' it may be slow will, I trust, at least prove sure', and continues to inform him that they are all well and that they have only been at Howick for a week ('we are at present a very small party. Only your mother, Georgiana & myself'), further writing of other family members and remarking 'It is now just a year since you left us, & in two years more I hope, if we live so long, we may see you again, & that will be a joy, notwithstanding the dullness of our life which…..increases as I get older (my remaining time is now very short)', adding that Howick Hall is looking beautiful and improves every year. Grey further writes of his eldest son, 'Henry has been distinguishing himself very much, & is rising rapidly to be one of the first men in the House of Commons. I am only afraid from the excitement of the contest in which he is engaged that he may be inclined to go to lengths which the caution of age does not approve, & which I do not believe will be conducive either to his own interest & fame, or to the good of the country' and also refers to his son Charles, whom he hasn't heard from since he left to join his regiment in Ireland, remarking 'He seems at present to be very happy with his young & handsome wife, & I hope will continue so, notwithstanding the old proverb that when poverty comes in at the door, love flies out at the window', and also sends news of another son, Frederick, who has written from Calcutta and is due to sail home shortly, 'He brings home Sir. C. Metcalfe & more aide-de-camps, & the 99th Regt. which he is to take up at Ceylon, with a Lt. Col., his wife & six daughters, eight other married officers with their wives & 14 children…..what a cargo, & I should add what misery! It wanted nothing but Miss Emily E. to complete it, but of this, thank God, there appears to be no danger'. With address panel in Grey's hand, addressed to Captain The Honble. Geo: Grey on board H.M.S. Cleopatra in South America and further signed ('Grey') to the lower left corner. With remnants of a red wax seal (small area of paper loss where originally broken, just affecting a few words of text) and with a few neat splits and small, minor holes at a few folds. Generally about VG The Honourable George Grey (1809-1891) British Admiral, son of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey. Henry Grey (1802-1894) 3rd Earl Grey. English Statesman, eldest son of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey. At the time of the present letter Henry Grey was serving as Secretary at War (1835-39). Charles Grey (1804-1870) British General and Politician, son of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey. In later life he served as Private Secretary to Queen Victoria 1861-70. Frederick Grey (1805-1878) British Admiral who served in the Crimean War, son of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey.
GLADSTONE WILLIAM: (1809-1898) British Prime Minister 1868-74, 1880-85, 1886 and 1892-94. A.L.S., W E Gladstone, two pages, 8vo, Whitehall, 27th March 1843, to Baron Neumann ('My dear Baron'), marked Private. Gladstone commences his letter 'You will have wondered that the proofs of the Victoria Coins have not reached you' and continues to explain that some are ready to be sent at once, adding 'but unfortunately the die of the crown piece has been broken which has caused the delay that has occurred' and assuring Neumann that the completion will be made as expeditiously as possible. With blank integral leaf. With a Gloucestershire Records Office stamp and ink reference number to the head of the first page. VG Baron Philipp von Neumann (1781-1851) Austrian Diplomat who served as Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary for Austria to the Court of St. James's.
THATCHER MARGARET: (1925-2013) British Prime Minister 1979-90. Signed First Day Cover issued to commemorate the Direct Elections to European Parliament and featuring an attractive colour design incorporating the Palais de l'Europe in Strasbourg and the Houses of Parliament in London. Post marked at London, 9th May 1979. Signed ('Margaret Thatcher') by Thatcher in bold blue ink with her name alone to a clear area. VG
KENNEDY JOHN F.: (1917-1963) American President 1961-63. A rare, early World War II date T.L.S., John F Kennedy, one page, 4to, American Embassy, London, 15th September 1939, to Charles R. Nasmith, American Consul in Edinburgh, on the printed stationery of the Foreign Service of the United States of America. Kennedy thanks his correspondent for their kindness 'in sending the wreath out to Rosslyn Chapel', adding that he and his sister appreciated it very much and apologising for the short notice. In concluding Kennedy writes 'I am leaving next Friday for America, so if you could let me have the bill, I will send you up a check immediately. Thanks again'. Accompanied by an unsigned carbon typed copy of a letter from Nasmith, one page, slim 4to, Edinburgh, 15th September 1939, to Edward E. Moore, Private Secretary to the American Ambassador in London stating, in part, 'Referring to your telephone conversation with me about taking flowers to the Memorial Service at Rosslyn Chapel of Peter St. Clair Erskine, I am very glad to inform you that this was arranged through the kindness of a friend of mine, Miss Joan White…….Miss White promised me that she would take the flowers to Rosslyn Chapel in time and would have a card placed on the flowers with the inscription which you wished as coming from John Kennedy, son of the Ambassador, and his sister. So far I have not heard whether there was any expense involved…..Perhaps if he feels so inclined Mr. John Kennedy might write a note of thanks to Miss Joan White…..' Attached to the letter is a small newspaper clipping relating to the death of Peter St. Clair Erskine. Kennedy's letter bears an ink annotation in an unidentified hand to the upper edge. A few small staple holes to the upper left corner and some light creasing to the edges, about VG, 2 Charles R. Nasmith (1882-1954) American Diplomat who served as the US Consul in Belgium and Scotland. The Hon. Peter St. Clair-Erskine (1918-1939) British Pilot with 111 Squadron of the Royal Air Force. An early casualty of World War II who was killed on active service at the age of 20. Kennedy was a friend of his elder brother, Anthony St. Clair-Erskine (1917-1977) 6th Earl of Rosslyn. In 1939, in preparation for his Harvard senior honours thesis, Kennedy toured Europe, the Soviet Union, the Balkans and the Middle East. Whilst in Berlin the United States diplomatic representative gave Kennedy a secret message about war breaking out soon to pass on to his father, Joseph P. Kennedy, US Ambassador to the United Kingdom (1938-40), and to Czechoslovakia. Kennedy returned to London on 1st September 1939, the day that Germany invaded Poland to mark the beginning of World War II. He would later fly back to the United States from Foynes, Ireland, on his first transatlantic flight.
CESPEDES DEL CASTILLO CARLOS MANUEL: (1819-1874) Cuban Revolutionary. Known as the ''Father of the Motherland'', Cespedes is considered a Cuban hero who freed slaves and leaded the declaration of Cuban Independence in 1868. A good content D.S., `C.M. de Cespedes´, one page, 4to, Ojo de Agua, 14th December 1868, in Spanish. The document is a decree, bearing an attractive vignette of the Provisional Government to the heading with a large blind embossed seal. The decree, signed by Cespedes in his capacity of General in chief of the Liberation army of Cuba, contains two articles related to the salaries that will be paid to the citizens that will join the revolutionary troops, stating `First Article - All citizens that voluntarily and spontaneously will or have already accepted to take up arms to defend the holy cause of the Independence of Cuba, whatever their nationality is, will be paid since the day of their registration thirty four pesos per month.´ further, and to the second decree article, the document refers to the officers´ salaries. Overall age wear and heavy creasing, mostly to left border and to edges, with trimmed edges, not affecting the signature. About FR
MARTI JOSE & ESTRADA PALMA TOMAS: José Marti (1853-1895) Cuban Poet, Writer and Revolutionary Philosopher. Martí is considered a national hero as well as a leading figure in Latin American literature. He became a symbol for Cuba's fight for independence in the 19th century, and is referred to as the "Apostle of Cuban Independence"; & Tomas Estrada Palma (1835-1908) First President of Cuba 1902-1906, and previously during the Ten Year´s War. Remembered for allowing the Platt Amendment which ensured American dominance over Cuba. An excellent and attractive multiple D.S., `Jose Marti´, and `T. Estrada Palma´, four pages, folio, New York, 30th April 1893, to Jose Verdaguer Kierman, in Spanish. The partially printed document bears the printed heading of the New York delegation of the Cuban Revolutionary party, being a title given to contributors in favour of the cause, "Patriotic Assistance - Fundraising - To finance the war in favour of the Independence and for the Freedom of Cuba". The attractive partially printed document, bears four printed drawing portraits of Jose Marti, Tomas Estrada Palma, Gonzalo de Quesada and Benjamin Guerra, with their printed names beneath. The document is signed by Marti and Estrada Palma in their capacity as delegates and is also signed by Gonzalo de Quesada as Secretary of the delegation and Benjamin Guerra in his capacity as Treasurer, acknowledging the receipt of 25 pesos of gold from the contributor Jose Verdaguer. The lengthy written text in Marti´s hand, entitled "The Revolution", is a manifesto in favour of Cuban Independence and freedom, against the Spanish occupancy and slavery, and states in part `Today, the revolution cannot be threatened, blind of irresponsible disorder that augurs a regime of exclusion and supremacy…´, concluding with the motto `Patria y Libertad´, ("Homeland and Freedom"). The document bears beneath the signatures a large black paper seal affixed of the Delegation of the Cuban Revolutionary Party. Also bearing two blind embossed seals of same delegation. Overall age wear, few tears to the edges and one tear repair to the second page, not affecting the signatures. With small remnants of a former red wax seal to the upper edge of the second sheet. About G
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