NAPOLÉON Letter Signed Napoleon to the Viceroy [of Italy his

Sale 2686 - Lot 66

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BEAUHARNAIS IN ITALY: PREPARING FOR BATTLE OF SACILE NAPOLÉON. Letter Signed, "Napoleon," to the Viceroy [of Italy, his stepson, Prince Eugène de Beauharnais], in French, approving the arrangements he proposed, ordering that no advance be made concerning the Austrians during April, anticipating that Austria would not attack until May, requesting that he write General Marmont immediately, and announcing the nomination of two generals--Fontanelli and Bartoletti--and a colonel. 1 page, 4to, with integral blank; folds. Paris, 27 March 1809

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". . . I expect things to remain in the same state throughout the month of April. Although the Austrians are threatening a lot, they have not attacked . . . and I remain constant in my opinion that they cannot do so before the month of May. . . ."
In early April of 1809, despite Napoléon's expectations mentioned in the present letter, Archduke John of Austria led his army with a vastly greater number of cavalry into the Republic of Venice and, on the 15th, engaged Eugène's army at Pordenone resulting in significant losses. At the Battle of Sacile the following day, Eugène was forced to retreat after heavy losses, largely due to a failure to appreciate the opponent's superior cavalry.