SHORTLY BEFORE THE DEATH OF THE PRINCE IMPÉRIAL (NAPOLÉON.) BONAPARTE, NAPOLÉON EUGÈNE LOUIS. Autograph Letter Signed, "Napoléon," to [Louis] Conneau ("My dear Conneau"), in French, reporting that he has begun serving as an officer, stating that he felt his position is better for learning how to make war than accepting the offer of Commandant of a squadron, wondering about the views people have concerning his departure from France, expecting Conneau to defend his motives, and promising to send details of his military operations. 5 1/2 pages, 8vo, written on two folded sheets; short separations at folds, faint scattered foxing, small hole in first page touching text. Pietermaritzburg, 20 April 1879