Joachim MURAT (1771-1815)

Letter Signed (“Murat”) to the Municipal Officers of St. Maixent, thanking them for their congratulations.

1 page 4to in French, Paris, 19 ventose an XIII [10 March 1805].

Trans: “I received with pleasure the letter which you wrote me on the 30 pluviose. I am very touched by your congratulations and the kind things you are good enough to add to them. Receive my thanks together with the assurance of my consideration.”

Murat’s signature is preceded by his new titles “Prince Grand Admiral of the Empire”, a title bestowed on him a month earlier, as well as the Legion of Honour the following day. No doubt the congratulations relating to his new status were couched in flattering words, which Murat would always appreciate. Known as the best cavalry commander of the period, he was also one of the most vain. Facing a firing squad at the end of his life, he exhorted the soldiers to “aim for my heart, but spare my face”. In 1805, however, he was at the height of his success, which would see him take a leading part in Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz.

Some staining and a minor tear at the left margin, but the letter remains in clear and legible condition.

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