^Lot 258 Napoleon

LS in French, signed “Nap,” one page, 7.25 x 9, May 9, 1806. Letter to Nicolas François, Count Mollien, in full (translated): “I am reading your report from the 7th on the Grand Army payment situation. I find that you are doing too many subtractions and additions in your statements which makes them complicated, instead of simplifying them. You analyze several times in this report, you have to analyze only once, and present one statement including receipt and expenditure, if not, it extraordinarily tires my memory. It results from your report that to pay January and April, February and May balance, 17 million would be needed, that there is only approximately 12 million in available funds, and that 3,069,000 were spent. I am requesting the spending statement of these 3,069,000.” Cloth matted and framed with a color portrait of Napoleon and a small name plaque to an overall size of 25 x 20.5. In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, with vertical fold passing through first letter of signature, a couple spots of light toning, and ink notations along bottom.

Napoleon addressed this letter to Nicolas Fracois, Count Mollien, a financier and a councillor of state. The emperor frequently consulted Mollien on financial matters, and the Count's expertise proved its worth during the financial crisis of 1805 and 1806. Returning from his victory at Austerlitz, Napoleon dismissed the minister of the treasury and gave his duties to Mollien. At the time of this letter, Napoleon's empire seemed secure, but another war was brewing: Prussia would soon lead the Fourth Coalition against France. Napoleon emerged victorious in the following year, becoming master of nearly all of Europe.