Letter, signed (“Le Gnl. Cmt. Dupont”) as Minister of War under the provisional government, to Maréchal Claude Victor-Perrin, duc de Bellune, acknowledging the latter’s acceptance of Napoleon’s abdication and the restoration of the Bourbons

N.p. [Paris], 1814. 1 p., on letterhead of “Ministère de la Guerre”. Folio. Some very slight waterstaining affecting a few letters, otherwise very good, handsomely mounted and framed. 1 p., on letterhead of “Ministère de la Guerre”. Folio. An extraordinary letter of historic significance, written a mere two days after the Treaty of Fontainebleau of April 11, 1814, which set the terms of Napoleon’s abdication, and ended an era. Dupont had been one of Napoleon’s most distinguished generals, but his surrender in the disastrous Spanish campaign led to disgrace and imprisonment. After the fall of Napoléon, Dupont became Minister of War for Louis XVIII, and, (truncated) in just such letters as this to Marshal Victor — one of Napoleon’s most trusted generals — negotiated the acquiescence of Napoléon’s military leaders: [in translation] “Monsieur le Maréchal; — The provisional government has read with intense interest the declaration in which your Excellency has announced his adherence to the act of the Senate pronouncing the abdication of Napoleon Buonaparte and the restoration of the Bourbons on the throne on their ancestors. By this declaration, taken in the interest of the country, your Excellency has established anew a claim to the gratitude of the French people as well as the respect and good will of His Majesty, Louis XVIII. Such is the opinion, sir, of the provisional government — and I am more than happy to be its messenger on this memorable occasion”. (Inventory #: 247420)