1796 Letter Initialed By Napoleon

1796 Letter Initialed By Napoleon.

Letter 8 x 9 1/4 inches

Folded

Excellent condition

Frame measures 22 x 17

Descriptive provenance on back.

This is a letter signed by French commander Laurent de Gouvion Saint-Cyr, dated January 11, 1796, and addressed to "Majesty the Emperor". It is a military report regarding troop deployments and logistical requests during the French Revolutionary Wars. 

Initialed by Napoleon at upper left.

* Sender: Gouvion Saint-Cyr, a future Marshal of France. 

* Recipient: The Emperor [Napoleon Bonaparte, though the title was not formally used until later]. 

* Date: January 11, 1796.

* Content: The letter discusses the positioning of two Corsican companies and a request for additional chasseurs [light infantry]. 

Translation

Report for Majesty the Emperor

January 11, 1796

Following Your Majesty's orders, I ordered Mr. Gianus [?] to gather 80 men present in their arms from two Corsican companies. These orders came to me to be brought back to the point, but I refuse to bring people from Langnau as instructed, and I think it is not convenient to have more chasseurs. I ask you to have them come from Langnau rather than have them employed as chasseurs.

[Signed] Gouvion Saint-Cyr