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Napoleon Bonaparte document signed from 28 August 1814 as Emperor of Elba, with exceptional content regarding the strategic killing and pardoning of deserters. Napoleon responds to Antoine Drouot, Military Governor of the Island, who asks Napoleon's preference regarding the fate of 16 deserters from the battalion of chasseurs.
Napoleon replies starkly that only one shall be executed, but that the others should ''suffer the fear of being condemned to death''. Note reads in full, ''It is appropriate that they all be court-martialed; they will probably be condemned to death since they fired at the [?] trying to arrest them.''
Napoleon then changes course, ''You will then suspend the sentence, and I will pardon them. I will have only the worst individual executed, but before that, let them suffer the fear of being condemned to death. [signed] Nap''.
Single page letter is datelined Porto ferrajo, Elba Island on 27 August 1814 by Drouot, with "Report / To His Majesty the Emperor" handwritten on top. Accompanied by translation. Single page measures approximately 8.5" x 11.25". Near fine condition. With PSA COA. An extraordinary letter revealing Napoleon's Machiavellian leadership in action as he strategically dispenses capital punishment and mercy.