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CHAMPIONNET JEAN-ETIENNE: (1762-1800) French General of the Revolutionary Wars. Commander in Chief of the Army of Italy. Championnet died of typhus at the early age of 37. A good A.L.S., `Championnet´, two pages, folio, Vetzland, 23rd October 1797, to General Lefevre, in French. A lengthy and carefully written autograph letter by Championnet, referring to the letters received from Lefevre from Strasbourg, referring also to General Augereau, and sending a detailed list of concerns and comments related to the North Army and his own troops, stating in part `These troops wear perfect uniforms, fully equipped, are well paid, while our own ones are almost naked, and they have not been paid for the last four months..´ further adding a long list of needs, and forwarding his own thoughts about forming troops. Blank address leaf, with small area of paper loss and a red wax seal in fine condition. A letter of very good content. G £120-200François Joseph Lefebvre (1755-1820) Marshal of France, Duc de Dantzig and Prince d´Essling.Charles Pierre Augereau (1757-1816) Marshal of France, Duc de Castiglione.

GRENIER PAUL: (1768-1927) French General during revolution and under the Empire, an excellent tactician credited with many battle victories. A.L.S., Grenier, one page, folio, Mülheim, 10th February 1798, to the Ministry of war. Grenier reports on the use of the funds received to pay spies and secret missions, stating `..1200 francs which I received from General Hoche to attend the secret and extraordinary expenses..´ With watermark. Together with the report list of such expenses, one page, folio, also signed by Grenier. Folded. G, 2 £60-90

ROCHAMBEAU COUNT OF: (1725-1807) Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur. Count of Rochambeau. French Marshal and Nobleman. Rochambeau played a major role as Commander in Chief of the French Expeditionary Forces, helping the American Continental Army to win independence against British forces during the American Revolution. A good and clean L.S., `le Cte de Rochambeau´, two pages, folio, also dated in his hand `Brest, 25th June 1775´, in French. The carefully written document being a lengthy and detailed report entitled `Regiment de Beaujoloies´, and relates to the regiment situation stating `The Officers are all perfectly trained, wearing impeccable uniforms.. 213 men having been at war remain in this regiment.., further listing the number of soldiers, the new ones arrived, dead ones, deserters, etc.. Left edge very slightly irregularly trimmed, otherwise about VG £300-400

MALET CLAUDE FRANÇOIS DE: (1754-1812) French General. Executed by firing squad after a failed coup d´état when Napoleon I returned from the Russian campaign in 1812. L.S., Malet, one page, folio, Besançon, 9th February 1797, in French. The document bears the written heading of the Rhin and Moselle Army, and is signed by Malet in his capacity as General Adjutant and Chief of Staff of the 6th military division headquarters. Malet grants a leave permit in favour of Pierre Patares, rifleman of the light infantry regiment. Countersigned by several additional officers. Overall age wear with few repairs to the edges and verso. G £80-100

GREZIEU PIERRE BERARDIER: (1755-1799) French General of the French Revolution. Appointed vice-Chief of Staff under General Bonaparte, he was present at the Battle of the Pyramides and Commander during de besiege of Jaffa where he died of plague few weeks after victory. A rare D.S., `Grezieu´, being a printed military day order, two pages, folio, Cairo, 30th August 1798, in French. The printed document is issued by Alexandre Berthier, in his capacity as General and Chief of Staff, and was printed at Cairo. Signed in bold black ink at the base of the document. Left edge very slightly trimmed, otherwise VG £120-200

DUFOUR FRANÇOIS BERTRAND : (1765-1832) French General of the revolution and first Empire. A very interesting L.S., Dufour, two pages, folio, n.p., May 1807, in French. The document bears the heading of the 10th Corps of the Grande Armée, is entitled `Report of the trenches General Officer during the attack to Hagelberg on 7th and 8th May 1807´, and reports on the Siege of Dantzig in May 1807, and the sappers works stating `The troops in charge of protecting the workers have shown an admirable behaviour, they remained defending the palisades while suffering strong artillery fire, musketry attacks and repeated efforts to defeat them..´ further giving details about dead and wounded soldiers. Folded, with edges slightly trimmed. G £80-100

JUNOT JEAN ANDOCHE: (1771-1813) Duke of Abrantes. French Hussard General who leaded troops in the Smolensk and Borodino battles. Mentally instable in his last years; Louis Dulong de Rosnay (1780-1828) French General and Jean François Dejean (1749-1824) French general and Minister of war. A very interesting multiple signed document, one page, folio, Paris, 10th August 1807, to the Minister of war. The document includes a nine lines A.N.S., `Junot´ by Junot in his capacity as Governor of Paris and Chief of the Gironde Observation army supporting General Dulong´s request. Also bearing two four lines A.Ns.S., `Dulong´ and `Dejean´, the last requesting his move to Junot´s regiment. Small area of paper loss to the left border, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise G £100-150

DESVAUX DE SAINT MAURICE JEAN KACQUES: (1775-1815) French Division General. Commandant of artillery at Waterloo. Killed by a cannonball. L.S., Desvaux, two pages, folio, Douai, 30th November 1810. The document with the written heading of the Artillery Imperial Corps, is a report on Silvain Gauthier´s services, stating `Having been wounded, with scar close to the upper part of the sternum..This wound is the result of a strong hit, perforating his breast, making difficult his breathing and making impossible his services..´ further listing his campaigns in Egypt, Ocean coasts, Grande Armée, Germany, etc.. Also including at the bottom of the document a health report, countersigned by members of the committee. Right edge and bottom right corner very slightly damaged, otherwise, VG £80-100

NEY MICHEL: (1769-1815) Marshal of France, Duc d´Elchingen and Prince de la Moskowa. Executed. An interesting L.S., `Ney´, with flourish, one page, folio, Gleiberg, Germany, 14th September 1796, to General Grenier, in French. The document shows to the upper left corner the written heading "Army of Sambre and Muse, 4th Division, Avant-Garde", and Ney in his capacity as General of Brigade sends a military report referring to the locations he has occupied with his troops, stating in part `I have just occupied Launsbach with part of my light infantry.. I keep also under control the village of Wisemar.´ Ney further refers to several strategic positions he has occupied, explains that part of his troops have crossed the river Lahn, a tributary of the Rhine, and suggests to General Grenier to move towards Stauffenberg. Before concluding Ney states `I have made a cavalryman prisoner and several have been sabred.´ Very small overall minor age wear and staining, otherwise G to VG £300-400

GROUCHY EMMANUEL DE: (1766-1847) Marshal of France. Marquis de Grouchy. A.L.S., `Emml Grouchy´, one page, folio, Turin, 15th December 1798, to Colonel Joseph Vara, in French. Grouchy informs his correspondent that he has received his few letters and states `Do not disregard any means to stop desertions. The officers care and zeal will always, if not fully stopping, diminish them infinitely.´ With blank integral leaf. Overall age wear and staining, with few tears to the trimmed edges. About F £200-300

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. Extremely rare L.S., `Bonaparte´, twice, with two lines annotation in his hand, one page, folio, n.p. [Cairo, Egypt], 20th November 1798, in French and Arabic. Napoleon, in his capacity as chief General, signs twice and adds a two lines autograph annotation text to be forwarded to Commissair Poussielgue, stating `The Commander of the place will let go the said man and release him´. Signed to a letter received, both in French and Arabic, from Sheikh Muhammad el-Mahdi, who advocates in favour of Sheikh Ahmed ben Uleich who has been imprisoned by mistake as a result of a dispute between Abdullah Bacha and Muhammad Quinou, stating in part `..several trustworthy witnesses have testified that Sheikh Ahmed ben Uleich, arrested, is not associated, nor representing or legally related to any of them..´ The text in Arabic bears at the bottom of the document the Sheikh´s seal. Folded. Small overall, minor age wear, with creases and slightly trimmed edges. G £6000-9000 Sheikh Mohammed El-Mahdi (1737-1814) Secretary General of the Great Diwan in Cairo. Jean-Baptiste Etienne Poussielgue (1764-1851) General Intendant and Administrator of the finance during the Egypt campaign.

SOULT NICOLAS JEAN DE DIEU: (1769-1851) Marshal of France, Duc de Dalmatie. An excellent set of two documents signed by Marshal Soult and one by his spouse. Attractive A.L.S., `M.al Duc de Dalmatie´, one page, 4to, St. Amand, 28th January 1816, to George Schumacker, in French. The autograph letter being a certificate in favour of his valet Schumacker, stating in part `..a good man of honour, and therefore I ask that everyone protect him if necessary and help him in any way to join me..´ Bearing an excellent red wax seal in very fine condition. Together with D.S., `Soult´, one page, large folio, Lena, 26th August 1801, on the infantry war department printed stationery, to Jean Baptiste Joubert, in French. The partially printed document is signed by Soult, in his capacity as Lieutenant General commandant of the avant-garde, approving the retirement of Caporal Joubert, listing his services and war campaigns, because of `..as a result of two fire shots to his left arm..´. Bearing three ink stamps, and multiple countersignatures. Also including A.L.S., `L. de Dalmatie´, by Jeanne Louise Berg (1771-1852) two pages, 4to, Paris 14th September 1808, to a state counselor, in French. Soult´s wife sends a request in favour of a Captain, stating in part `..under the service of H.M. the King of Bavaria, he was wounded, and obtained a pension which has now been cancelled since the country of Cleves is part of France..´ Very small overall minor age wear, two are folded, otherwise VG, 3 £150-200

BRUNE GUILLAUME: (1763-1815) Marshal of France. Murdered. L.S., `Brune´, one page, folio, Paris, 3rd November 1801, to General Chabot, in French. The partially printed document bears an attractive coat of arms to the heading, and Brune´s printed name, in his capacity as State Concilor and Chief General. Brune congratulates his correspondent for his new posting, stating in part `..I learn with pleasure that you have been appointed to the [republic] Cisalpine, …You are right thinking that you can count on me and trust me in case you ever need my help.. ´ Large light stain over a large part of the document, although remaining the text and signature very clear and legible. F to G £200-300

BERTHIER LOUIS ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. L.S., Ml. Berthier, one page, folio, Paris, 7th May 1803, on the printed stationery of the War Minister, to the Prefect of La Lys, in French. Berthier states `Citizen Prefect, I have informed the General Commandant of the 16th military division that the order I have given to replace Captain Mazure was not subject to any revocation. This officer will not be ever again employed in the recruitment department whichever will be the decision of the martial court he will have to face...´ With blank address leaf. Two small staple holes not affecting the text or signature, otherwise about VG £150-200

BERTHIER & MARET: Louis Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon, & Hugues Bernard Maret (1763-1839) Duke of Bassano. French Statesman and Prime Minister 1834. D.S., `Alex Berthier´, `Hugues B. Maret´, also signed `Bonaparte´ in another hand on behalf of the Emperor, one page, folio, St. Cloud, 16th June 1803, in French. The partially printed document issued by the war department, being a certificate appointing Guillaume Despie as Chief of Battalion, bears an attractive vignette to the heading. Signed by Berthier in his capacity as Minister of war and by Maret in his capacity as First Consul and Secretary of State. The document lists the services given, campaigns attended, actions and wounds. Berthier´s signature is partially affected by a stain. Professionally repaired to the edges. Overall creasing and folded to the centre. F to G £250-350

[TRAFALGAR]: Rare A.L. by HUGHES-BERNARD MARET (1763-1839) Duc de Bassano, French Statesman and Diplomat, four pages, folio, n.p., 6th May 1806, to `H[is] M[ajesty] the Emperor´, in French. The document being a draft letter in the hand of Maret, to be addressed to the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, which he entitles `Y[our] M[ajesty] ordered a report on the Commanders´ behaviour in the Trafalgar affair.´ A lengthy and extremely interesting draft letter with detailed information related to the Trafalgar battle. Maret reports having met several officers and concludes stating in part `It seems like the following list of Commanders did fulfill their duty. Captains Baudoin of the Fougueux - killed; Gourrege of the Aigle - killed; Denieport of the Achille - killed; Camas of the Berwick - killed; Le Tourneur of the Algesiras - C[apturé] A.; Infernet of the Intrepide; Cosmao of the Pluton; Lucas of the Redoutable; Magendie of the Bucentaure; Villemadrin of the Swiftsure.´ Maret further lists three Commanders whose behaviour should be subject of examination, stating in part `1º- The Heros, Captain Poulain, killed, had a correct attitude at the beginning of the battle. But apparently… 2º- The Neptune Captain Maistral. His position was backward the Admiral.. Captain Maistral attribute to several reasons the misfortune he had not being able to be at this honour position.. 3º- The Indomptable Captain Hubert, dead. This ship sank. The Commander died with ¾ of his crew. It looks like he did not fulfill his duty and proceeded wrongly during the struggle. They say that Captain Hubert´s mind was stray..4º- The Argonaute, Captain Epron. Few Captains report and accuse him of having badly fought..´ Furthermore Maret sets few main questions related to Captains reactions, decisions and time taken in some precise moments of the battle and if strategic orders were fulfilled or not. An excellent content letter with lengthy military and detailed report. Folded. Overall minor age wear with very slightly trimmed right edges, otherwise G £300-400 Louis Alexis Baudoin (1776-1805) French Captain of French ship Fougueux at the battle of Trafalgar. Pierre-Paulin Gourrege (1749-1805) Captain of the Aigle. Louis-Gabriel Denieport (1765-1805) Captain of the Achille. Jean-Gilles Filhol de Camas (1758-1805) Captain of the Berwick. Laurent Le Tourneur (1762-?) Captain of the Algesiras; Louis-Antoine-Cyprien Infernet (1757-1815) Captain of the Intrepide; Julien-Marie Cosmao -Kerjulien (1761-1825) Captain of the Pluton; Jean Jacques Etienne Lucas (1764-1819) Captain of the Redoutable; Jean-Jacques Magendie (1766-1835) Captain of the Bucentaure; Charles Eusebe l´Hospitalier de la Villemadrin (1756-1812) Captain of the Swiftsure; Jean-Baptiste-Joseph-René Poulain (?-1805) Captain of the Heros; Esprit-Tranquille Maistral (1763-1815) Captain of the Neptune; Jean Joseph Hubert (1765-1805) Captain of the Indomptable; Jacques Epron-Desjardins (1766-1837) Captain of the Argonaute.

MARMONT AUGUSTE: (1767-1847) Marshal of France. Duc de Raguse. L.S., `M.al Duc de Raguse´, one page, folio, Paris, 15th October 1816, on his Royal Guard printed stationery, to H.E. Marshal Duc de Feltre, in French. Marmont strongly recommends officer Louis Bonnarde to his correspondent stating`in part `..after ten years serving in the infantry regiment.. he showed great interest to join the Guard.. I kindly ask your Excellence to authorize..´ Professionally repaired to the edges. With a partial area with light background due to sun exposure, otherwise G £100-150

KELLERMANN FRANÇOIS CHRISTOPHE: (1735-1820) Marshal of France, Duc de Valmy. A very interesting L.S., `Kellermann´, one page, folio, Mayence, 3rd of July 1807, to General of Division Desbureaux commander of the 5th division, in French. Kellermann responds to several requests received from his correspondent, stating in part `I have already written to the Minister of war for the flags matter, I wait for his answer. I am going to write to him requesting that all battalions troops, in full, are coiffed hair in the French style, and regarding the permission to wear the cockade and the French gorget it is permitted..´ The letter bears a watermark. Folded. VG £150-200

PERIGNON CATHERINE-DOMINIQUE DE: (1754-1818) 1st Marquis of Grenade. Marshal of France. An excellent A.L.S., `Perignon´, two pages, folio, Naples, 5th September 1808, to a Marquis, in French. Perignon, in his capacity as recently appointed Governor General of the Kingdom of Naples, reports on all the preparations for the King´s arrival to Naples, and states in part `I will eagerly wait for the letter that Minister Salicetti has to send to me after having met the King; it is only then that I will be able to focus on the arrival of H.M to His capital...´ Perignon further refers multiple times to His Majesty saying `You tell me that the Crown Ministers and grand-officers could travel to receive and meet H.M… they intended to make the encounter at the border.. They did not want to use the horses the King will need..´ Perignon concludes stating `All these inconveniences are the result of the late call, it was unavoidable. Considering the diligence shown by the King, we will have to hope that H.M. will judge us for our respect for him and our good intentions.´ A letter of interesting historic content. With blank integral leaf. Folded. VG £600-900 Joachim Murat (1767-1815) Marshal of France, brother-in-law of Napoleon Bonaparte. King of Naples 1808-15. Murat was appointed King of Naples on 1st August 1808, only few weeks before the present letter was written.

PONIATOWSKI JOZEF: (1763-1813) Polish General, Minister of War and Army Chief. Marshal of the Empire. An excellent L.S., `Joseph Prince Poniatowski´, one page, folio, Warsaw, 5th January 1810, to the Minister of War Duke de Feltre, in French. Poniatowski, in his capacity as General of division and Chief Commander of the Polish army, thanks his correspondent for the letter received last month of December and states in part `Your Excellency honoured me informing me about the replacement of Major Wierzbinski, now Colonel, and of Quatermaster Wasitemski accused of embezzlement. Having no doubt that Your Excellency has designated an officer who fulfills required qualifications and who will accomplish his functions properly, I consider superfluous to recommend somebody else for that post….´ Small overall, minor age wear, with small stains at the base of the document, otherwise G £2500-3500Henri 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.

BESSIERES JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1768-1813) Marshal of France, Duc d´Istria. Killed in the battle field in Rippach, the day before the battle of Lutzen. L.S., Le Ml duc d´istrie, two pages, large folio, La Fere, 26th January 1810, in French. The partially printed document being a pension proposal in favour of soldier Thuillier, an artillery soldier injured at the Battle of Wagram, bearing the heading "Garde Imperiale - Artillerie a pied". The document bears to the borders multiple autograph annotations signed by military and medical authorities, including Jean François Boulart (1776-1842) French General, Etienne Tripard, Marie-François Vergez, etc.. Folded. Very small overall age wear and two very small repairs to the edge and one corner, both to the verso. G £250-350

LACEPEDE BERNARD GERMAIN DE: (1756-1825) French Naturalist. L.S., Cte de Lacepede, one page, folio, Paris, 23rd February 1810, to Marshal Duc D´Istrie, in French. The printed heading shows the title “Legion D´Honneur” and is issued by Lacepede in his capacity as Grand-Chancelor and Minister of State, and states in part `I have the honour of sending to your Excellency the patents of appointment to the Legion d´Honneur given to eleven officers of the Imperial Guard. They will experience great satisfaction if they receive them from your Excellency..´ With blank integral leaf, bearing a very attractive waterprint of “Napoleon French Emperor and King of Italy”. VG £60-90Jean Baptiste Bessieres (1768-1813) Marshal of France, Duc d´Istria.

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. N.S., Napol, to the right margin of a D.S. by several officers, three pages, folio, Paris, 1st December 1810, in French. The partially printed document from the War Minister, provisions department, is a letter addressed to the Emperor referring to previous Napoleon´s orders related to a large purchase of wheat, with a lengthy explanation regarding the different prices options as well as the provenance and port where the wheat could be shipped. To the right margin, annotated in the Emperor´s secretary hand `Ancona is the most favourable place, unless we can make the purchase in Hungary and make them shipped through Trieste… because there is apparently no hostilities, we could get half of the supply now and the other half next year, and therefore by 1812 we would have received the whole requested.´ Small overall, minor age wear to the edges. Folded. VG £600-900 The day after the present letter was signed, Napoleon lost the Ile de France, today Mauritius, captured by the English, and few weeks after the alliance between France and Russia was broken.

DAVOUT LOUIS NICOLAS: (1770-1823) Marshal of France, Duc d´Auerstaedt and Prince of Eckmuhl. Known as the Iron Marshal, Davout was the only Napoleonic Marshal not to have been defeated in battle by 1815. L.S., `Amitié, Le Ministre de la Guerre, P[rince] d´Eckmul´, with a four lines annotation in his hand, one page, folio, Paris, 27th March 1815, to Lieutenant General Count Compans, in French. On the printed heading of the Minister of war, Davout in his capacity as Minister of war during the Hundred days, he has only been appointed a week earlier, states in part `My dear General, I have written to you telling you to join me in Paris, if you have not received my letters, depart when receiving this one to come to Paris where the Emperor will have the pleasure to see you.´ Davout adds a four lines annotation beneath his signature saying `Your wife is waiting for you quite impatient, she is keeping well as well as your children´ With blank integral leaf, bearing an attractive watermark. Very small overall, minor age wear and creasing mostly to the bottom right corner, not affecting the text or signature. Folded. G to VG £400-600 Davout was appointed Minister of war on 20th March 1815 immediately after Napoleon´s return from exile in the island of Elba. He reorganized the French army and he was so indispensable to the war department that Napoleon kept him in Paris during the Waterloo campaign. Napoleon was criticized for such decision regarding the best General he then possessed. Jean Dominique Compans (1769-1845) French General during French Revolution and First Empire. Compans was appointed by King Louis XVIII Knight of Saint-Louis and grand-cordon of the Legion d´Honneur on 14th February 1815, a month before the present letter date. During the Hundred Days Compans re-joined the Imperial army and was imprisoned at Waterloo.

ISABEY JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1767-1855) French Painter. Isabey was patronized by Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine and was in charge of their ceremony of coronation. D.S., `Isabey´, one page, large folio, Paris, 16th December 1808, in French. The partially printed document refers to the expenses approved for works requested for the spectacles at the Tuileries theatre and is signed by Isabey in his capacity as painter and artist in charge of the theatres of his Majesty the Emperor and King at the service of the Grand Chamberlain. Showing two countersignatures at the base of the document. With blank integral leaf bearing a Vander Ley watermark. Folded. VG £100-150

[HOUSE OF EMPEROR - MARIE LOUISE]: A curious document issued by the Grand Chamberlain, at the service of the Emperor and King´s House, one page, folio, Paris, 10th October 1810, in French. The partially printed document reports Napoleon´s order related to the new Empress Marie-Louise, who would become Empress Consort in April 1810, and to her six Ladies-in-waiting. The Emperor approves an allocation of 3000 francs, a very high amount at that time, for `According to the Emperor and King´s decision.. His Majesty has granted three thousand francs to each of the six first ladies-in waiting of the Empress…Mad. Boisbrulé, Mad. Durant, Mad. Balant, Mad. Mallerot, Mad. Rabusson, etc..´, Madame Durant being the widow of General Durant. VG £100-120

O´MEARA BARRY EDWARD: (1786-1836) Irish Surgeon who accompanied Napoleon to Saint Helena and became his physician. An excellent content A.L.S., `Barry O´Meara Surgeon´, seven pages, folio, Longwood, 5th May 1817, to Lieutenant Colonel Reade. A very lengthy and extremely interesting autograph letter in which O´Meara complaints about his equivocal situation in Saint Helena, accuses Lowe of not receiving him, and states in part `..Our government had granted to Napoleon Bonaparte the privilege of taking with him to St. Helena three of his officers, twelve servants and his surgeon, and that I had been pointed out by Count Bertrand to replace the French surgeon; but that not being willing to relinquish in my will my character of as a British officer I had made conditions that I should be placed on the list as a surgeon on full play and that I should be paid by the English government and consequently should not ever be considered as out of the protection of the laws of my own country…´ further clarifying `I am not subordinate to any other than the Governor, not in a military point of view or as a naval officer, but by a civil title and as surgeon to Napoleon Bonaparte.. I know well, Sir, that military obedience is passive and does not admit of hesitation or objection but it is not so with civil obedience and still less so in a person charged with an employment of so delicate nature as I am..´ O´Meara protests against the calumnies said about his person and threatens with denouncing in tribunals the tyrannical behaviour of Lowe, and states `For the due performance of my medical functions until now I have considered myself as not having any explanation to render except to Napoleon Bonaparte himself. He has never made any complaint against the manner in which I have fulfilled them. Indeed on the contrary, I have frequently been applauded by him... I made an open engagement to attend Napoleon Bonaparte…independent of all hatred or national prejudice.. I deny the intentions which you attribute to me of desiring to quit Longwood..´ and before concluding O´Meara warns `I have always considered that St. Helena is not a man of war, that the Governor is not the Captain and that I am not the surgeon of it, but that St. Helena is a government of one of our possessions, that sir Hudson Lowe is the Governor and commands by virtue of a civil title and that I form one of Napoleon Bonaparte´s suite.. His Excellency may perhaps reflects upon the terrible responsibility which weight upon him if (as possible and very probable) Napoleon Bonaparte, deprived of assistance, has to die before the expiration of the five or six months required to obtain an answer from England.´ Professionally repaired to the centre folds. G £3000-4000Hudson Lowe (1769-1844) Anglo-Irish Officer and colonial Administrator. Best known for his time as Governor of St. Helena as gaoler of Napoleon Bonaparte.

BATHURST HENRY - [NAPOLEON I]: (1762-1834) 3rd Earl Bathurst. Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for War and the Colonies 1812-27, and President of the board of Trade. An extremely interesting historical letter with good association and excellent content. A.L.S., `Bathurst´, two pages, folio, Colonial Office, 18th September 1817, to General Sir Hudson Lowe H.C.B, at that time Governor of Saint Helena. Bathurst states `Having had under my review the instructions originally given to Sir Georg Cockburn with respect to the measures to be taken in the event of General Buonaparte´s death, it appears to me that it is no longer necessary to enforce an observance of that part of them which requires in the event of his death that the body of General Buonaparte should be sent to his Country for interment.´ and further sends the new instructions to the St. Helena Governor `You will therefore in case of such an event no longer consider this instruction as in force, but will take measures for burying General Buonaparte in St. Helena, with such military honours as would, under similar circumstances, be paid to a British General Officer.´ Bearing an attractive watermark. Accompanied by an A.L.S., by John R. Blakeney (1732-1832), two pages, 8vo, Longwood House, St. Helena, 7th February 1818, to Hudson Lowe. Blakeney refers to the day by day of the Emperor during that week, mentions the names of visitors, refers to general Bertrand, stating in part `Nothing extraordinary has occurred at Longwood.. on Sunday Gen.al Buonaparte dined with the family.. Gen.al Buonaparte was in the garden for about half an hour..´ Both letters with blank integral leaf and small professional repair to the inside centre fold. VG,2 £800-1200 Hudson Lowe (1769-1844) Anglo-Irish Officer and colonial Administrator. Best known for his time as Governor of St. Helena as gaoler of Napoleon Bonaparte. Lowe was appointed to the position of custodian of the Emperor of the French on 1st of August 1815. At the time of his appointment, Lord Bathurst, Secretary of State for War and Colonies wrote to Wellington "I do not believe we could have found a fitter person of his rank in the army willing to accept a situation of so much confinement, responsibility and exclusion from society.´George Cockburn (1772-1853) British Admiral of the Royal Navy Fleet. He directed the capture and burning of Washington in 1814. Cockburn was in charge of conveying Napoleon I in August 1815 to Saint Helena, on board of HMS Northumberland. Cockburn remained until 1816 as Governor of the island.

PERCY PIERRE-FRANÇOIS: (1754-1825) French Doctor and Chief Surgeon of the Grande Armée during the Napoleonic wars. He invented a new kind of ambulance usable on battlefield. A good set of three documents, including an A.L.S., `Percy´, two pages, folio, , n.p., 10th July 1818, to Saucerotte, in French. Percy tells his correspondent that he is still waiting for his visit which he promised to his father and sends a request `..please make [a visit] to chevalier de Lormerie, who is staying under the Royal Palace arcades. This gentleman wishes very much to meet you and talk to you..´ further saying `..when you will see me going to university, something that happens daily, come to see me..´ Together with A.L., in the hand of Percy, one page, 4to, in French. Percy refers to the Asian progress in the medical field, stating in part `..They had the first kind of hospitals that were named Marastins. Rhazes was leading the Bagdad hospital, he explains having seen the biggest successes and also the most terrible errors…Most of the times doctors were Israelite, like Debou-Gazazi, Izaac..´, Also including an A.L.S., by Percy´s widow, one page, 8vo, Paris, 13th February 1828, to Vicount Morel de Vindé, in French. VG, 3 £200-300 Victor-Joseph Saucerotte (1773-1845) Student of medicine at the time of the present letter. Son of Nicolas Saucerotte (1741-1841) Surgeon of the King of Poland. Abu Bakr Mohammad Ibn Zakariya al-Razi (865-925) also known as Razi or Rhazes. Iranian Scholar who contributed to achieve important progress in the fields of medicine, alchemy and philosophy. Charles-Gilbert Morel de Vindé (1759-1842) French literair and pair of France.

[CLUNY ABBEY]: Benedictine monastery in Cluny, France, dedicated to St. Peter. Its earliest basilica was the largest church one in the world until the St. Peter´s construction began in Rome. Rare 14th century parchment with an extremely attractive large wax seal, one page, oblong large folio, Cesena, 1358, given by Audrouin de la Roche, to Archbishop Petrignano, in Latin. De la Roche was a Benedictine abbot, who was in Cluny from 1351 to 1361, and who would be created Cardinal in Avignon by Pope Innocent VI. At the time of the present document, De la Roche was acting in his capacity as Apostolic Legate and General Governor of the Papal States in Italy. The document is an "Officium Capitaneatus" appointing several members of a diocese. Rare Cluny Abbey seal attached at the base of the document, in fine condition, showing a bishop figure and latin text around. Very carefully and neatly written with attractive calligraphy, and in very fine condition. VG £1500-2000In 1357 the Papal troops conquered the city of Cesena and in 1360 Abbot Audrouin participated in the Peace Treaty negotiations between France and England.

BORJA Y ARAGON FRANCISCO DE: (1581-1658) Spanish Writer, an official in the court of King Philip III of Spain. Viceroy of Peru 1615-21. L.S., don Francisco de Borjas, one page, folio, n.p. (Lima?), 13th September 1616. The manuscript letter makes reference to slaves employed to work in the salt mines, who were taken from the owner, Juan de Villa, and orders that they be replaced, and further detailing the various regulations that they must work under. Boldly signed by Borja y Aragaon at the foot in his capacity as Viceroy of Peru. Some extremely minor, light age wear to the edges, otherwise VG. £80-100

PHILIP III: (1578-1621) King of Spain 1598-1621. D.S., Yo el Rey, as King, a bold and large good youth signature example, one page, folio, Royal Palace of Valencia, 1st of February 1602, to Juan Alfonso Pimentel y de Herrera, Count of Benavente, Captain General of the Kingdom of Valencia, in Spanish and Valencian dialect. The King refers to a Royal Supreme Criminal Court decision regarding two sentenced prisonners accused of murder who were not given to the authorities as ordered, and requests the execution of the court decision. The document bears to the lower part of the document several countersignatures and to the verso a paper seal affixed. Folded, with several large tears to the folds and holes, affecting the text but none affecting the signature. Overall age wear. F £200-300

JUAN CARLOS I: (1938- ) King of Spain 1975-2014. D.S., J.Carlos Borbon R, one page, folio, Madrid, 6th March 2001, to President Hugo Banzer Suarez, in Spanish. On a partially printed document bearing at the heading a golden embossed Royal coat of arms, King Juan Carlos I informs President Banzer about the recent appointment of Victor Luis Fagilde Gonzalez as new Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Spain to the Republic of Bolivia. Signed by Juan Carlos I in bold blue ink. Countersigned by Josep Piqué. With a large blind embossed seal alongside the King´s signature. Two file holes to the left border not affecting the text or signature. An attractive document. EX £200-300 Hugo Banzer Suarez (1926-2002) Bolivian military General and President of Bolivia 1971-78 as a Dictator, and 1997-2001 as constitutional President. Josep Piqué Camps (1955- ) Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister 1996-2004.

CHARLES V: (1500-1558) Holy Roman Emperor 1519-56, and King Charles I of Spain 1516-56. Grandson of the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand & Isabella. He brought together such extensive territories in western, central and southern Europe, and the Spanish colonies in America and Asia. So large were his domains that they were described as 'The Empire on which the sun never sets'. A good L.S., Yo el Rey, one page, large 12 x 14 folio, Plasencia, 13th September 1529, to `Holy Father´, in old Castilian. Writing in his capacity as King of Spain, King of Germany and of the Two Sicilies, King Charles I states in part `Our chaplain Don Alonso de Luzon has been troubled by a cantor of Your Sanctity about the school of psalms chants belonging to the Osma church which he guides for the last three years..´ Addressed to the verso. Charles V would be crowned Emperor by his correspondent, Pope Clement VII, only five months after the present letter date. Folded. Overall age wear, with few very small tears to the edges and minor holes only affecting few words, and not the signature. Small remnants of a former red wax seal. G £1000-1500Clement VII (1478-1534) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1523-34. Born Giulio de´ Medici. Clement VII was a statesman, a leader with bright and open mind, but lived a difficult Papacy between two powerful Kings, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and Francis I of France, and forbidding the divorce of Henry VIII. Clement VII was imprisoned during the Sack of Rome, and after escaping confinement he compromised the Church and Italy´s independence by allying his former jailor Emperor Charles V, crowning him as Emperor in Bologna. Clement VII personally commissioned Michelangelo´s "The Last Judgement" for the Sistine Chapel, and Raphael´s "The Transfiguration". He also personally approved Copernicus´ theory that the Earth revolves around the sun, 99 years after Galileo Galilei was sentenced in trial for heresy.

FERDINAND II: (1578-1637) Holy Roman Emperor 1619-37, King of Bohemia and Hungary. L.S., `Ferdinandus´, one page, folio, Graz, 10th December 1606, to Cardinal Alfonso Visconti, in Italian. Ferdinand, in his capacity as Archduke of Austria, thanks his correspondent for his help with Pope Paul V, stating `..for the favour of sending to me the patent of the conventual minors of these states of mine..´ With blank address leaf, bearing remnants of a former seal. Overall minor age wear and creasing mostly to the edges. Folded and repaired to the inside fold. G £250-350 Cardinal Alfonso Visconti (1552-1608) Apostolic Nuncio in Austria and Hungary.

RUDOLF II: (1552-1612) Holy Roman Emperor 1576-1612. A good L.S., `Rudolphus´, two pages, folio, Prague, 25th April 1577, to `Dearest Princess Anita´, his own sister, in an affectionate way, in Latin. Rudolf II writes to his sister referring to their father´s early death, to the very little free time he has had since then, and states in part `Quanto dolore.. affecerit diui quondam Imperatoris Maximiliani, Domini genitoris nostri colendissimi augusta memoria immaturus obitus..´ further referring to the funeral homily by Tomás Marchionis Malaspina de Villafranca, saying `Magnifici nostri et Imperi sacri fidelis dilecti..Marchionis Malaspina de Villafranca sermone cognouimus..´. Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II passed away in October 1576 in Regensburg at the age of 49. Countersigned at the base of the letter. Folded, with small overall age wear and staining, otherwise G £300-400 Anna of Austria (1549-1580) Sister of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II. Queen of Spain 1570-80 as fourth spouse of King Philip II. Mother of future King of Spain Philip III her only child out of five to live adulthood. Anna was the eldest child of Maximilian II and was considered her father´s favourite child.Maximilian II (1527-1576) Holy Roman Emperor 1564-76. Father of Anna of Austria and Rudolf II.

MARIA THERESA: (1717-1780) Holy Roman Empress as spouse of Francis I, Archduchess of Austria and Queen of Germany, Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia. She was the only female ruler and the last of the House of Habsburg. A good and lengthy A.N.S., `Maria Theresia´, two pages, folio, September 1766, in German. The Empress responds to her secretary at the end of a written text with a lengthy thirteen lines autograph annotation, the document referring to an inquiry received from the people of Szabatka requesting a moratorium of three months to postpone a payment due on 13th September. The Empress´ secretary advises to take away some privileges and suggests that the military pay a third or increase their military service as they also enjoy some privileges, and Maria Theresa orders and annotates in part `Get the commission´s opinion regarding these points, the catholic community of Szentmaria has to pay two thirds of the contribution and the remaining in three or four weeks; a resolution will have to be published properly so the involved debtors and military can decide to make this happen smoothly.´ Countersigned at the base. Small overall minor age wear, with small staining. Folded. G £200-300 The city of Szabatka was renamed Szentamaria in 1743 after the Empress. Known today as Subotica.

HENRY III OF FRANCE: (1551-1589) King of France 1574-89. Last French King of the House of Valois. Assassinated. A good L.S., `Henry´, one page, parchment, oblong folio, Paris, 12th April 1580, in old French. The document being a patent given by the King to Robert de la Vieuville, from the Comté of Rethélois, appointing him Councillor of the King´s private council. Countersigned by the Secretary of State Nicolas de Neufville de Villeroy. Folded. Overall age wear and creasing, with two very small holes not affecting the text or signature. G £400-600

HENRY IV OF FRANCE: (1553-1610) King of France 1589-1610 and King of Navarre 1572-1610. First French Monarch of the House of Bourbon. Assassinated. L.S., Henry, one page, folio, Paris, 23rd August 1601, to Cardinal Visconti, in old French. Henry IV says `My Cousin, you will receive the visit of Sieur Bethune, on my behalf, Counselor of my State Council, who I have appointed my Ambassador in Rome..´ further stating `..please accept this letter, coming from a Prince who likes and esteems you a lot and who keeps in mind good remembrances.. and believe in what Sieur de Béthune will tell you on my behalf..´ With a large and bold countersignature at the base of the document. Folded with edges slightly trimmed, otherwise G £800-1200The esteem King Henry IV has for his correspondent comes from few years earlier when Cardinal Visconti strongly supported King Henry IV and plaid in favour of the cancellation of his marriage with the Queen Margaret de Valois, also known as Queen Margot. In October 1599 Pope Clement VIII signed the cancellation bull and in December 1599 the Archbishop of Arles annulled the marriage. A year after King Henry IV married Marie de´ Medici, who in September 1601, only weeks before the present letter was written, gave birth to future King Louis XIII.

ANNE OF AUSTRIA: (1601-1666) Queen of France 1615-43 as spouse of King of France Louis XIII, and Regent of France during the minority of her son Louis XIV, 1643-51. During her regency Cardinal Mazarin served as France´s chief Minister. Anne of Austria was a Spanish Princess, daughter of King of Spain Philip III. Rare L.S., `Anne´, one page, folio, Paris, 6th August 1643, to Baron of Isle, in French. Less than three months before the present letter was written Louis XIII passed away, and Anne of Austria, in her capacity as Regent of France, informs her correspondent that her son The King Louis XIV, aged four, has granted Baron of Isle the patent of Senechal and of Governor of the Baron Noé. The document bears at the base a large and attractive countersignature. With few extremely small holes not affecting the signature. Very small area of paper loss, as a result of the opening of the letter where the former seal was. Small overall, minor age wear, otherwise G £600-900

[LOUIS XIII]: (1601-1643) King of France 1610-43 and King of Navarre 1610-20. L.S., `Louis´, by his secretary, one page, folio, Camp de D?, 27th October 1636, in old French. The cleanly written document being a pass in favour of the Ambassador appointed by the Mainz Elector, who is on his way to the Peace Congress which Pope Urban VIII convoked in October 1636 in Cologne, trying to reconcile the three crowns and bring back peace to Europe. Countersigned by Claude Bouthillier, a bold and large attractive signature. Bearing beneath the signatures a good paper seal affixed. With blank integral leaf. Folded, with small overall age wear and creasing, otherwise G £200-300 Claude Bouthillier (1581-1652) French Statesman and Diplomat, Secretary of State and Foreign Affairs Minister 1629-32. Sieur de Fouilletourte. Richelieu employed him on many diplomatic missions trusting Bouthillier's ability who negotiated the alliances which brought France into the Thirty Year´s War. Richelieu made him executor of his will, and King Louis XIII named him a member of the council of regency which should govern the kingdom after his death.

COLBERT JEAN BAPTISTE: (1619-1683) French Politician. Known as "Le Grand Colbert" ("The Great Colbert") For more than twenty years Minister of Finances 1661-83 under King Louis XIV and Minister of State and of the Royal House. Colbert was an esteemed and reputed statesman who had to balance the French economy close to bankruptcy because of the King´s excessive spending. An excellent and unusual multiple L.S., `Colbert´, four pages, large folio, parchment, St Germain-en-Laye, 9th September 1667, to Paul Barillon d´Amoncourt and to the administrators of Mantes, in old French. The document signed by the King´s Secretary states in part `When we are involved in wars it is quite common and necessary to have to increase taxation..´, further saying `Nevertheless, we have approved such order to our finance ministry, which we expect to attend not only with our State funds, but also with the results of the war initiated in the Netherlands to protect and maintain the legitimate rights of the Queen, our dear Spouse, but not harming our subjects who, on the contrary, we want to relieve by diminishing..´ Also signed by Louis Phelypeaux and by over fifteen administrators of the finances in the "Généralité de Paris". A letter of very interesting content signed on behalf of the King the 26th August 1667, only few weeks after the war was declared to the Kingdom of Spain. Area of paper loss to the last page, not affecting the text or signatures. Folded, with small overall age wear and small staining. G £400-600 Louis Phelypeaux (1643-1727) Marquis of Phelypeaux and Count of Maurepas and Pontchartrain. French Politician. General-Controller of State Finances and Navy Secretary.

[LOUIS XVI]: (1754-1793) King of France and Navarre 1774-1791, King of the French 1791-92. The only King of France to have been executed. Scarce D.S., Louis, signed by secretary, one page, vellum, large oblong 17 x 12 folio, Versailles, 22nd September 1788, in French. The attractive document being a Knight´s title given by the St. Louis military Order appointing Louis Charles, Viscount of Saint-Simon, Lieutenant-Colonel of the artillery regiment of La Fere. Countersigned by Louis-Marie Athanase de Loménie. Folded. In very fine condition. VG £150-200Louis-Marie Athanase de Lomenie (1730-1794) Count of Brienne. Minister and Lieutenant General of the armies under Louis XVI. Louis de Loménie was guillotined in Paris at the Place de la Révolution, together with four members of his family and with Elisabeth of France, the youngest sister of King Louis XVI.

LOUIS XVI: (1754-1793) King of France and Navarre 1774-1791, King of the French 1791-92. The only King of France to have been executed. Rare A.N., `Voucher for a hundred crowns to each of them´ by Louis XVI, at the base of a letter, one page, folio, n.p., 21st February 1790, in French. The document reports about a request presented by the ladies Fouquet, claiming money for an inheritance never received, and being the situation impossible to unblock legally, they suggest a provisional proposal. Written in another hand above the King´s annotation `We beg Your Majesty to kindly accept to give an order for this matter´. The document bears an attractive watermark. VG £400-600

CHARLES II of ENGLAND: (1630-1685) King of England, Scotland & Ireland 1660-85. He succeeded his father King Charles I, executed for high treason. Charles II went into exile to mainland Europe in 1651 and remained there during the Cromwell republic until his return to be crowned in 1660. A fine L.S., `Carolus R[ex]´, as King in exile, at the base, one page, oblong folio, Brussels, 4th July 1657, in Latin. The King also adds alongside the text `Jacobus´, in his hand. The manuscript document is a request to all countries authorities, `Emperors, Kings, Princes, nobles, military commanders.. to permit free transit, and to help if necessary, his loyal servant 3rd Count of Castlehaven as well as his entourage..´ The King further grants his gratitude to all those who will help this officer. Bearing an attractive paper seal affixed at the base. Countersigned to the right bottom corner by Edward Nicholas. Folded. Overall age wear with two small holes to the centre folds. About G £800-1200James Tuchet (1617-1684) 3rd Earl of Castlehaven. A prominent figure in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.Sir Edward Nicholas (1593-1669) English Secretary of State to Charles II, and previously to Charles I. Nicholas accompanied the court into exile.

GEORGE II: (1683-1760) King of Great Britain and Ireland 1727-60. Fine D.S., George R, as King, at the head, one page, folio, Court at St. James's, 21st March 1757. The attractively penned manuscript document is addressed to Thomas, Lord Viscount Dupplin and Thomas Potter, Paymaster General of Our Guards, Garrisons and Land Forces and authorises the payment of £20,000 to John Thomlinson and John Hanbury, merchants who 'have represented unto us that a further sum of Twenty thousand pounds is necessary to enable them to pay several Bills drawn before the expiration of their contracts by their agents in North America to answer the demands of the Deputy Paymasters there….' Countersigned at the foot by the Duke of Devonshire (1720-1764, British Prime Minister 1756-57), Henry Bilson-Legge (1708-1764, English Statesman, Chancellor of the Exchequer 1754-55, 1756-57 & 1757-61) and Viscount Duncannon. Also signed to the verso by both Thomlinson and Hanbury. An interesting document featuring the extremely rare signature of the Duke of Devonshire. Very slightly trimmed to the left edge and with minor overall age wear, about VG £150-200

GEORGE VI: (1895-1952) King of the United Kingdom 1936-52. D.S., George R, as King, at the head, one page, large oblong folio, Court of St. James, 30th August 1948. The partially printed document approves the appointment of Mr. G. T. MacEwan to be the Consul General in London for the Republic of San Marino. Countersigned at the foot by Ernest Bevin. With blind embossed seal. The manuscript text and signatures are just a touch faded, although perfectly legible. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, otherwise VG £100-150

CECILIA QUEEN OF POLAND: (1611-1644) Cecilia Renata of Austria. Queen consort of Poland 1637-44 as spouse of King Wladyslaw IV Vasa. An extremely rare L.S., `Cecilia Regina´, one page, folio, Warsaw, 10th January 1642, to Reverend Honorato Visconti, in Italian. The letter states to the heading `Cecilia Renata, by the Grace of God, Queen of Poland and Sweden, Princes of Hungary and Bohemia and Archduchess of Austria´, the Queen thanks her correspondent for the letter received and for the new year´s greetings and sends her best wishes. With blank address leaf bearing a paper seal affixed. With creasing to the central fold and some small staining. About G £800-1200 Nuncio Honorato Visconti (?-1645) Archbishop of Larissa.

WLADYSLAW IV VASA: (1595-1648) King of Poland 1632-48. A renowned Patron of the Arts. Wladyslaw gained fame when he defeated the Ottoman Empire and was elected Tsar of Russia by the Seven Boyars in 1610, although he did not accept the Russian throne. An extremely rare L.S., `Vladislaus Rex´, one page, folio, Royal Palace, 2nd March 1632, to archbishop of Larissa, in Italian. The king of Poland states in part `..I will be pleased that Your Santity instructs the payment of ten thousand florins to Bartholomeo Morichoni, my servant, to attend the supplement of the expenses for the war against the Turks…´ The document bears to the front a large paper seal affixed. With blank address leaf. Overall age wear and staining. Professionally repaired. F to G £600-900 Nuncio Honorato Visconti (?-1645) Archbishop of Larissa.

STANISLAW II: (1732-1798) Stanislaw August Poniatowski. Last King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania 1764-95. Lover of Catherine the Great, he was a great patron of the arts, but still remains a controversial figure in Polish history. An excellent L.S., `Stanislaus Augustus Rex´, beneath a holograph in his hand `Bonus Frater et Cognatus´, one page, folio, Warsaw, 20th September 1788, to King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, at the time of the present letter King of Naples and Sicily, in Latin. Stanislaw II refers to the letter received from King Ferdinand and congratulates him for the new born Prince Carlo Gennaro. Prince Carlo would die of Smallpox only few months later. With blank address leaf, bearing a very large and attractive blind embossed royal paper seal, stating “Stanislaus Augustus D.G.Rex Poloniae M.Dux Lith. Rus. Prus. Mas…”. Folded, with very small overall age wear, otherwise VG £600-900 Ferdinand I (1751-1825) King of the Two Sicilies 1816-25, after his restoration following victory in the Napoleonic Wars. Before that he had been, since 1759 Ferdinand III of the Kingdom of Sicily and Ferdinand IV of Naples.

SIGISMOND PRINCE OF TRANSYLVANIA: (1573-1613) Sigismund Bathory. As a child he succeeded his father as Voivode or ruler of Transylvania. Sigismond abdicated in favour of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, and although he returned to his pillaged territories in 1601 with a Polish army, he could not strengthen his position and settled in Poland. In 1605, Holy Roman Emperor and Spanish King tried to persuade him to return and claim Transylvania, but he refused. He would later be accused of conspiracy and imprisoned by Rudolf II. Rare L.S., `Sigismond Principe´, a bold and attractive signature with large flourish, one page, folio, Libochovice, Bohemia, 31st November 1607, in Latin. The letter is addressed to a Religious authority and states in part `I have not been able to respond earlier to you…and although haven´t had much time lately, I should not forget all I appreciate… we should walk together towards trust..like in former times. And therefore not renounce to all the matters which remain hidden because of the today´s date situation. I better do not say more.. ´ With left edge slightly trimmed and a stain to the upper left corner not affecting the text or signature. G £300-400

JOHN VI OF PORTUGAL: (1767-1826) King of Portugal and Brazil 1816-25. Nicknamed “The Clement”. After the Brazilian independence John VI became Emperor of Brazil for life. His death may have been caused by poisoning. A good L.S., `O Principe´, with large and artistic letters, and paraph, two pages, folio, Rio de Janeiro, 5th October 1810, to King Ferdinand I King of the Two Sicilies, in Potuguese. John VI, in his capacity as Regent, respond to the letter received from his correspondent King Ferdinand I announcing the birth of his son the heir and future King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, and sends him and to the new born Prince his best wishes. Countersigned `Conde de Linhares´ by Rodrigo de Sousa Coutinho. With blank address leaf, bearing a large paper seal affixed. Folded, with area of paper loss to the blank leaf. G £400-600 Ferdinand IV (1751-1825) King of Naples 1759-1806 & 1815-16. King of the Two Sicilies (as Ferdinand I) 1816-25. Ferdinand II (1810-1859) King of the Two Sicilies 1830-59. He succeeded his father Francis I at the early age of twenty. Rodrigo de Sousa Coutinho (1755-1812) 1st Count of Linhares, Minister of war and Foreign Affairs in the government in exile.

RUSSELL JOHN: (1792-1878) Known as Lord John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1846-52 & 1865-66. A good L.S., `Russell´, three pages, folio, Foreign Office, 1st of March 1861, to Chevalier de Fortunato, in French. Russell, in his capacity as Foreign Secretary and referring to Garibaldi´s occupation of the Italian Kingdom, states in part `..the communication which I made to you on the 20th that under existing circumstances you could no longer be received as the Representative of the late government of King Francis II.´ further saying `..I should have been glad if my sense of public duty had permitted me to show more sympathy than I have been able to do for the misfortunes of the young King and Queen whom you have so faithfully served.´ Folded, with very small overall age wear. G to VG £150-200 Francis II (1836-1894) King of the Two Sicilies 1859-61 & Maria Sophie of Bavaria (1841-1925) Queen consort of the Two Sicilies 1859-61. Francis II was overthrown in February 1861, only few weeks before the present letter was written.

PALMERSTON VISCOUNT: (1784- 1865) British Prime Minister 1855- 58, 1859- 65. A good L.S., Palmerston, two pages, folio, Foreing Office, 6th October 1848, to the Prince de Castelcicala. Palmerston acknowledges receipt of his correspondent´s note `announcing the death of Her Majesty The Queen Dowager of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies´ on the 13th September and also confirms that he `has not failed to lay Prince Castelcicala´s note before the Queen [Victoria] who has received with the deepest regret the melancholy intelligence wich it communicates´. With blank integral leaf. One very small ink blot and an extremely minor tear to the centre of one fold, not affecting the text or signature, VG £ 100-120Prince de Castelcicala - envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.Maria Isabella of Spain ( 1789 - 1848) Infanta of Spain and Queen of the Two Sicilies. Consort of Francis I of the Two Sicilies. Viscount Palmerston served as Foreign Secretary from 1830 - 34, 1835- 41 and 1846- 51, the latter two periods during the reign of Queen Victoria.

MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II & VITTORIO EMANUELE III (1869-1947) King of Italy 1900-46. D.S., Mussolini, and Vittorio Emanuele, one page, folio, Rome, 10th February 1937, in Italian. The partially printed document being a decree according to which the King of Italy approves Colonel of infantry Felice Pellegrini move to the reserve corps. With one official contemporary red ink stamp of the war minister to the verso. The document bears a watermark. Folded, with extremely small pinholes from former staples to the left border, otherwise VG £100-150

HOOVER HERBERT: (1874-1964) American President 1929-33. A very interesting T.L., containing several annotations, corrections and insertions in Hoover´s hand, two pages, folio, Paris, 7th April 1919, the historical draft letter being the one sent by President Woodrow Wilson, together with the called "Big Four" to humanitarian Fridtjof Nansen. The "Big Four" being Wilson himself, David Lloyd George, Georges Clemenceau and Vittorio E. Orlando, contemporary leaders in England, France and Italy respectively. Hoover, in his capacity as Director of the United States Food Administration, tries to get the desperately needed food supplies to starving Russians after World War one and Russian revolution. The typed letter starts saying `Dear Sir, The misery and suffering in Russia described in your letter of April 3rd appeals to the sympathies of all peoples. It is shocking to humanity that millions of men, women and children lack the food and necessities, which may like endurable. The government and peoples whom we represent would be glad to cooperate, without thought of political, military or financial advantage, in any proposal which would relieve this situation in Russia.´ Hoover in one of his insertions adds `The problem of finance would seem to us to fall upon the Russian authorities whose interest should be as great as our own and whose losses have been far less.´ A historical letter and food supply attempt by Nansen and the Big Four, which was first boycotted by French authorities and later by the Bolsheviks´ refusal to stop fighting until they had achieved their objectives and therefore blocked the proposed plan. VG £600-900 Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930) Norwegian Explorer and Scientist. Nobel Peace Prize in 1922. Former champion Skier he led the team that made the first skiing crossing of the Greenland interior in 1888, and won international fame after reaching a record northern latitude during his North Pole expedition. His techniques of polar travel and his innovations influenced a generation of subsequent Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.

SAN MARTIN JOSE DE: (1778-1850) Argentine General, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Chile 1817-19 and President of Peru 1821-22. L.S., Jose de San Martin, one page, folio, General Headquarters, Santiago, Chile, 19th November 1820, to the Secretary of State in the Department of War, in Spanish. San Martin writes to fulfil the request of Captain Estevan of the 4th Regiment and concludes by stating ´I expect that you inform this to the Supreme Director of that State for its resolution´. A few very small areas of paper loss to the right edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £400-600

CHAVEZ HUGO: (1954-2013) President of Venezuela 1999-2013. An excellent T.L.S., `H. Chavez´, two pages, folio, Yare, 12th June 1992, to unidentified military authorities, in Spanish. The document is written during Chavez´ soft imprisonment time in Yare in 1992 and is signed at the base as "Commandant of MBR-200", his clandestine Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement. The present letter was sent to military authorities collaborating with Chavez in the preparation of a near future new coup d´état. Chavez establishes different working lines with six main aspects, and states in part `Considering that this is a very urgent matter, I dare requesting from you information regarding the emergency measures to be immediately established by a Transition Government..´ further saying in the fifth point `The Transition Government must be based on a Civil-Military Fusion…with an important popular participation in the decision making, civil participation in the administration, Military incorporations to the National and regional governments… we believe that such a government model has not been able to consolidate yet in Latin America…´ In his sixth section and before concluding Chavez states `..there is no other option than the civic-military insurrection. The last derision is the blockade to the referendum for the president´s revocation. We believe that a new uprising is imminent… Ready for the storm.´ A very good content historic letter. With few foxing stains to the edges and few very small pinholes, none affecting the text or signature. G £250-350 Chavez was arrested and imprisoned at the Yare prison after his coup attempt on 4th February 1992.

RADETZKY JOSEPH: (1766-1858) Czech Nobleman and Field-Marshal who served under the Austrian Habsburg Monarchy during the Napoleonic Wars and later. Radetzky was immortalized by Johann Strauss I with his Radetzky March always played as the last piece at the New Year´s Concert of the Vienna Philarmonic. A good L.S., `Radetzky´, a bold and good example signature, one page, folio, Verona, 7th January 1856, to His Excellency Field Marshal and fortress Commander, Baron of Culoz, in German. Radetzky approves the report received dated the day before. Small overall age wear to the borders, small creasing and a very small tear to the right edge, otherwise about VG £100-150

ELIZABETH I OF RUSSIA: (1709-1762) Empress of Russia 1741-62. L.S., Elizabeth, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 24th January 1737, in Cyrillic. The manuscript document is a Decree to the Patrimonial Chancery, instructing that attention to Piotr Novikov´s horses has to be maintained and that the same money he was receiving when he was working for the chancery as salary has to be paid in future. Further also instructing that the sum of 150 roubles has to be paid annually to the notary Bogdanov, as well as 800 kilos of flour and oat every four months, first the flour at the beginning of each period and after, at the end of each period, the money. Very small minor age wear, otherwise VG £1200-2000