Louis Alexandre BERTHIER, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel (1753-1815)

Letter Signed (“alexandre”) an order to M. de Septeuil to remain on the staff of the duc d’Istrie [Marshal Bessières].

1 page 4to with integral blank leaf, Paris, 26 March 1811.                                                                 

Trans: “Monsieur de Septeuil is ordered to remain with the military staff of the Marshal Duc d’Istrie until he receives orders to the contrary. M. de Septeuil will make himself as useful as possible to the Duc d’Istrie . . . he will send me details twice weekly of what he is doing.”

M. de Septeuil, who had been on Berthier’s staff, was sent to Spain as a result of a direct order from Napoleon. Septeuil, a rather dashing young officer, was the lover of one of Pauline Bonaparte’s ladies in waiting and later, it is suspected, of Pauline herself. Napoleon ordered that he be sent away from Paris “where he was losing the good habits” formed while on campaign. Once on Bessière’s staff, Septeuil went with him to Fuentes de Onoro, where his horse was shot from under him and Septeuil himself lost a leg.

It was not unlike Napoleon to take a keen interest in the morals of those around him; Pauline proved particularly difficult in this respect. Septeuil’s fate was tied up with that of another of Pauline’s lovers, M. de Canouville, who had incurred the Emperor’s displeasure when seen wearing furs which Napoleon had given to his sister. Canouville suffered a harsher fate than Septeuil. He was sent east, and died during the disastrous Russian campaign.

The document is somewhat crumpled and slightly browned at the edges, with remains of mounting to the verso of the blank leaf, but remains in perfectly clear and legible condition.

Delivery

Autographs can be delivered worldwide. Delivery costs are calculated at the time of order and items will be sent by the most appropriate means, depending on your location and the value of the item. This will usually be by Royal Mail Special Delivery within the UK and Royal Mail Tracked outside the UK. 

The current delivery charges are:

• UK:

  Royal Mail Special Delivery £9.00

• Europe:

  Europe Royal Mail Tracked £15.00
  EU customers should note that, following brexit, local VAT and customs duties may apply to their purchases. 

   USA:

• Royal Mail Tracked £25.00

  Rest of the World:

• Rest of the World Tracked £20.00

   

Export Licensing

Customers should be aware that all letters and documents over 50 years old require an export licence, which may delay delivery by anything from one to three weeks. Signed photographs are not subject to export licence regulations, and can be sent immediately.

There is no charge for the export licence and I will take care of the application, the only inconvenience to you will be the delay.

Authenticity

The authenticity of the letters and documents offered is guaranteed.

Payment

Online sales orders

Payments made via the website are processed by Shopify Inc and can be made using Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Telephone sales orders

Items may be purchased by phone. Please contact me using the website Contact Form and I will call you within 48 hours to discuss your requirements. Payment for purchases ordered by phone can be paid upon receipt of the invoice and must be paid within 7 days. Phone orders can be paid by cheque (in pounds sterling only) or bank transfer.

Items will be reserved for one week following the order confirmation and will be dispatched either within 7 days after full payment has been received, or after any required export licenses have been granted.

Returns Policy

Should you be in any way dissatisfied with your purchase, items may be returned within six weeks of delivery and a full refund will be made upon receipt of the returned item. The item must be received by Richmond Autographs in the same condition as when dispatched.  For full details, please read our Terms and Conditions.