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198 - DAVOUT (LOUIS-NICOLAS). "A LIVELY AND BLOODY BATTLE...".
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Estimate €1,500 - €2,000
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Description
DAVOUT (LOUIS-NICOLAS). "A LIVELY AND BLOODY BATTLE...". Autograph letter signed "Louis" to his wife Aimée Leclerc. "PRES D'ECKMÜHL" [today Eggmühl south of Ratisbonne], 22 April 1809. One p. 2/3 in-4, addressed on spine with remnants of red wax seal with his initials and field marshal insignia; long split on address leaf, with 2 small paper tears, due to opening. LETTER WRITTEN ON THE EVENING OF THE VICTORY OF ECKMÜHL (21-22 April 1809), won by Napoleon I over the troops of Archduke Charles. Marshal Davout played a decisive role and was awarded the title of Prince of Eckmühl. This first major success of the campaign separated the Austrian armies and, with the capture of Regensburg the following day, opened the road to Vienna for the Grand Army. "For three days... it has been impossible for me to give you any news... This campaign began with a lively and bloody battle, especially for the Austrians. Prince Charles with 80,000 men wanted to oppose the reunion of my army corps with the other corps, he had placed himself between them and me, which gave rise to THE BATTLE WHICH EMBRACED THE ENEMY. THE EMPEROR HAS ALMOST COMPLETED IT TODAY, and in a few days this campaign will be decided... MONTMORENCY HAS BEEN WOUNDED, but only slightly. Compliments to his mother on the bravery and calm of her son, who has the strongest desire to bear his name well...". This was his aide-de-camp, the future Duke Raoul de Montmorency, who would become an officer and chamberlain to Napoleon I. He was the son of Mathieu de Montmorency. He was the son of Mathieu de Montmorency (Chateaubriand's friend) and Anne-Louise-Caroline de Goyon de Matignon, Countess of Gacé.
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About the sale The Empire at Fontainebleau - Second day
Auction location
Auction time 06/21/2026 at 10:30 AM
Pictures credits:
Michel Bury and Henri du Cray
See original version (French)
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