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two old papers with writing on them sitting next to each other
Ader

545 - Honoré VIAL (1766–1813), general, Baron of the Empire, kille…
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Estimate €400 - €500
Sale commission
Description
Honoré VIAL (1766–1813), general, Baron of the Empire, killed at Leipzig. 3 letters from the author, written at the military hospital in Toulon (December 1800), addressed to General Vence, Maritime Prefect of Toulon; 6½ pages, quarto, one address label (showing heavy traces of disinfection). Interesting correspondence concerning the return of the Army of Egypt. ‘Off the Toulon military hospital, aboard the Lody’ 26 Frimaire IX (17 December)... ‘Let us at least hope that our quarantine will not be long; the public interest will benefit from it, and so will we. We are all in perfect health on board, but we need to be allowed ashore. [...] Is Bonaparte still in Paris? Has Murat left?”... – 27 Frimaire (18 December)... ‘Brigade Commander Lazowsky and I have been charged with presenting to the Government the seven tails of the Grand Vizier captured at the Battle of Helliopolis. These are large train fuses actually made from horse’s tails [...] These whips are fitted with a silver pommel attached to a ring; from this ring hangs a sheath of gold-embroidered cloth, which apparently serves to cover the tail when it is not in use for ceremonial purposes.” The staffs were broken; the whole lot was placed in a sack with large stones, ‘with orders to throw it all into the sea should we be captured’. These poles must therefore be made ‘about ten feet high, topped with a knob, and the knob with a crescent. The poles must be painted green, and the knobs and crescents gilded or silver-plated’... – 4 Nivôse (25 December).... “Our stay here is a very sad affair”. He has a ‘crate containing an antique torso intended for the First Consul’ sent to Vence. ‘I beg you to send it to him as soon as possible [...] Connoisseurs attach great value to this piece, however damaged it may be’...
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About the sale Letters and Autograph Manuscripts – Part II
Auction location
Auction time 10/14/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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