[Napoleon I] An Appeal From Napoleon's Would-be Assassin, Autograph Document Signed "Ceracchi," five pages, 12 x 8 inches, n.p. (in police custody), n.d. (c. January 1801). In Italian. Roman citizen Giuseppe Ceracchi makes an appeal to the president of the "Giuri d'Accusazione." In brief, Ceracchi demands an interpreter because his French is not good enough to defend himself in court. He bitterly complains of the denigrating treatment he has received from the authorities both during and after his arrest. He states that he was arrested at the Theatre of the Opera and treated like the vilest thief. He had been assured of pardon in the name of the First Consul, with the guarantee of the Police Chief, because he had denounced his accomplices. He accuses the police of using illegal methods of interrogation. Now he finds himself before a court and feels sure that he will be vindicated.
Ceracchi, an Italian sculptor, was part of the "conspiration des poignards,"(the "dagger conspiracy"), a Jacobin plot to assassinate Napoleon at the opera house. He was arrested on October 10, 1800, along with François Tobino-Librun, Joseph Diana, and Dominique Demerville. The evidence was questionable and the inclination was to pardon but on December 24, 1800, another attempt on Napoleon's life (the rue Saint-Nicaise plot, or the "infernal machine") came close to succeeding and all thought of leniency was abandoned. On January 19, 1801, all four of the "dagger conspiracy" plotters were found guilty of trying to assassinate the First Consul and condemned to death. They were executed on January 31, 1801. The document is bound with string; a couple of old tape repairs, else fine.
Estimated Value $5,500-UP
Royalty & Foreign Leaders
