Lot 39

LETTER BY NAPOLEON I. BONAPARTE

A letter written by Napoleon about two months before the Battle of Austerlitz, addressed to Otto, Duke of Mosburg, envoy of the Elector of Bavaria.

"Monsieur Otto,

the aide de camp of the elector brought me your dispatch. It seems that more than six thousand men remained at Wurzburg - that is too many; I am leaving Ludwigsburg at this very moment. I will be at Nördlingen on Bavarian territory tomorrow, 14th. My army corps are in a very great march. The Bavarian corps, and those of the Generals Bernadotte and Marmont are supported by Generals Ney and Soult. The 15th and 16th we will all be from Donauwörth to Ingolstadt; never will such a large quantity of troups have occupied such a small space. Why wouldn't the Elector come in order to be present at the crossing of the Danube and our arrival? I attach no importance whatever to what I am saying to you there. I pray God that He keep you in His Holy care.

Ludwigsburg 13 vendemiaire, Napoleon year 14 (October 5, 1805)"