Empress of the French (1763-1814). Autograph letter signed „veuve Beauharnais“. Paris. 8vo. 1 p. With address. Double sheet.
$ 7,087 / 6.500 €
(97451)
Joséphine and General Alexandre de Beauharnais, her first husband, were imprisoned in the Carmes prison. The general was guillotined on July 23, 1794. On July 27, Robespierre was overthrown. On August 6, Joséphine was released; she was left a widow with two children, a son, Eugène, and a daughter, Hortense. Burdened with debt but having escaped death in a time of scarcity, Joséphine was in desperate straits. "I counted on you all day, citizen, and did not go out so I could receive you. I also gave my word to someone to whom I am in debt, expecting to be able to settle it tomorrow morning.
This should tell you enough about how impatiently I am awaiting your kindness in fulfilling the service you offered me. Regarding my bracelets, I have found a good opportunity to part with them. It appears that I will be able to get in cash what they originally cost fifteen years ago. I do not want to miss this chance—it is a Dutch merchant who is leaving very soon. If you could give my servant, the bearer of this letter, one hundred pistoles, you would greatly oblige me. Believe, citizen, in my gratitude—it is as great as my devotion to you." After the execution of her former husband, Joséphine was also arrested and was due to appear before the Revolutionary Tribunal when, on 9 Thermidor (July 27, 1794), Robespierre and his regime were overthrown. Thanks to the intervention of Thérésia Cabarrus, later known as "Notre-Dame de Thermidor" and the future wife of Jean Lambert Tallien, whom Joséphine had met in prison, she was freed by Tallien. He also managed to restore to her a small portion of her confiscated property..
Empress of the French (1763-1814). Autograph letter signed ("Lapagerie Bonaparte"). N. p. Small 4to. 1p. with conjugate blank.
$ 7,087 / 6.500 €
(60912/BN44811)
To the "ministre de la guerre", writing on behalf of Cm. Maquin, asking for employment as he is in an ("unfortunate position") and has served Bonaparte well for three years, and with a manuscript note from the ?minister saying that there are no vacancies at this moment but he won't forget the recommendation. - Folds, browned, and some small damage to edges from breaking the seal.