[Napoleon I] Marshal Charles Pierre Augereau, 1st Duc de Castiglione (1757-1816) General and Marshal of France. Manuscript Letter Signed ("Augereau"), with a 4½ line Autograph Postscript, as General Commanding, on his official letterhead, one page, 11 x 8½ inches, Paris, 16 floreal an 12 de la République (May 6, 1804). To General Donzelet, chef de l'Etat Major Général de l'Armée, accompanied by a two-page draft speech from the generals, officers, and soldliers at Brest (Brittany) urging Napoleon to become their Emperor.
On May 18, 1803, The Senatus Consultum awarded Napoleon the title of Emperor. This action was preceded by messages of support from across the nation. Augereau's letter to General Donzelet says, in part, "You will find attached, my dear General, a speech that we have to have signed by the Army….I would like General Lamarque to take charge of bringing it to Paris…it must be presented next Sunday…it is necessary to have it transcribed on fine paper…." In a holograph postscript, Augereau writes, "General Lamarque and Albert and Jouque can all three leave…My brother has just been named Genéral de Brigade…."
The draft speech pays florid compliments to Napoleon, appreciating "the power of your genius" and stating that "A great state needs an irremovable leader; it needs an invariable order of succession. This order is…not at all incompatible with liberty. Be then, Comrade First Consul, be our Emperor, without ceasing to be the father of the country…."
On May 18, Napoleon proclaimed himself Emperor. On May 19, Augereau received a Marshal's baton. After Napoleon's first exile, Augereau served Louis XVIII. Upon Napoleon's escape from Elba in 1814, he went over to Napoleon, who wanted nothing to do with him and charged him with being a traitor. When Napoleon was exiled again, Augereau tried once more to serve Louis XVIII but Louis took away his military title and pension. Thus, a sad end to the military career of a soldier who had once fought with great distinction.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500
Royalty & Foreign Leaders
