^#145 ^Lot 153 Napoleon Eugene Bonaparte (Prince Imperial)

Prince Imperial of the French Bonaparte dynasty (1856–1879), and the only child of Napoleon III. His early death in Africa, at the hands of Zulu warriors, sent shock waves throughout Europe. ALS in French, signed “Napoleon,” one page both sides, 3.5 x 5.5, gold embossed personal letterhead, no date. Letter to Cardinal Bonaparte. In part (translated): “Tenderly I thank you for the superb book…your letter also went to my heart; I beg your Highness to place my respectful hommage at the feet of the Very Holy Father.” He goes on to ask the cardinal to coney his thanks to his aunt Constance, and his cousins Boccagiovine and Primoli. In fine condition, with a bit of trivial foxing. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Also accompanied by a 6.5 x 4 card bearing an image of Bonaparte, as well as a transcript of a speech he gave on March 16, 1874, in which he announces his readiness to assume the throne of France, and bearing a printed signature at the bottom.