This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/26/2026
Napoleon Bonaparte letter signed from 12 April 1813, just days before the start of the War of the Sixth Coalition and exactly one week after issuing his famous Decree of 5 April 1813, intended to rebuild his Grand Army after facing severe losses following his Russian campaign. Napoleon discusses his 5 April decree in this letter, which was notorious for conscription of the ''Marie-Louises'', boys as young as 14-years-old who fought and mostly died in the War of the Sixth Coalition after having as little as two weeks of training. The War of the Sixth Coalition would be the last major conflict fought by Napoleon, with his ultimate defeat there leading to his exile on Elba Island. Writing to his Minister of War Henri-Jacques-Guillaume Clarke, the 1st duc de Feltre, letter from the French translates in full,
"Monsieur le Duc de Feltre, Pursuant to Articles 9 and 11 of my decree of 5 April, the first battalions of the Grande Armee must assemble at Wesel, complemented by what they had of 1813 conscripts and 4th-year 1 [soldiers], and by what will be provided to them of the 6th-year [soldiers]. If this is not sufficient, you will order that they be complemented by the very best of their 1814 conscription. These first battalions that make up the 3rd and 6th divisions of the Grande Armee will be incorporated into the active army immediately. On the other hand, the 3rd battalions that form the 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th provisional demi-brigades are assembling at Utrecht; those making up the 2nd, 10th, 11th and 12th demi-brigades are assembling at Louvain; which makes it quite clear that it is my reserve for the interior. The men destined for this 3rd battalion can be sent as soon as they have their breeches, jackets, and greatcoats, except for finishing arming and clothing them before the month of September, when they will be at Utrecht and Louvain - With this, I ask God to keep you under His holy protection - Saint-Cloud, April 12, 1813.'' Signed by Napoleon at the conclusion.
Two-page letter on a single sheet measures 7.25'' x 9''. Folds and staple puncture at lower left. Near fine condition.