Books and Manuscripts

(Italy, likely near Cairo Montenotte) April, 10, 1796. One sheet, approximately 8 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (216 x 190 mm). Partially-printed document on French Republic stationery, signed by Napoleon Bonaparte as Commander of the Army of Italy, to Benoit Georges de Najac, marine ordnance commissioner in Toulon, expressing his confidence that Najac will be able to acquire supplies needed by the Army, and stating that "it is very important that the work be done without the least delay." Creasing from contemporary folds; a few scattered spots; ink smudge in date line. In mat with an engraved portrait of Napoleon; unexamined out of frame, 17 x 23 1/2 in. (432 x 597 mm).

Two days before the Battle of Montenotte Napoleon writes to his marine ordnance commissioner in Toulon regarding a shipment of supplies for his army. The Battle of Montenotte was the first major battle of Napoleon's Italian Campaign, and pitched 14,000 French soldiers against the 25,000-strong coalition army of the Kingdom of Sardinia and Austria. The resulting French victory was Napoleon's first as Commander of the Army of Italy, and the first of a string of French victories over that April that resulted in an armistice with Sardinia and their exit from the First Coalition.