MARECHAL LANNES. Autograph letter signed to his wife, Louise - Lot 131

MARECHAL LANNES. Autograph letter signed to his wife, Louise Guéheneuc. Vienne, May 16, 1809. 1 p. in-4. Address on verso. Framed. Minimal worm gallery. Framed. Important letter from Jean Lannes: the crossing of the Danube, the wound at St Mars, Napoleon I's good health, etc. He was killed 6 days later at the Battle of Essling. About Louis Guéheneuc, brother of the marshal, aide-de-camp to Lannes; future aide-de-camp to the Emperor and general. The archchancellor: "You must be very pleased, my good friend, that Louis has been charged with bringing the reissue to the Empress and the archchancellor [Cambacérès assisted the Empress during Napoleon's absences]. His Majesty has made the choice in a most gracious manner. It seems that the enemy is retreating into Moravia, and we hope to cross the Danube and march towards him in two or three days. One more battle and the House of Lorraine is done for. You can tell Louis that he's staying in Paris for ten days or so, and he'll have a suit made and brought to me. I believe, my dear Louise, that you must be at Maison, and that you are busy arranging the château [bought in 1804 and sold by Louise to the banker Jacques Laffitte, hence its current name of Maisons-Laffitte]. Le gl Frère [Bernard Georges François Frère] has arrived, and he gave me your letter. I have also received the statement of the land you sent me, I think it is much too expensive, besides, my dear Louise, you'll see, and if you think it's a good deal, buy it. I had sent St Mars to Vienne to summon the city, he received a terrible saber blow from the hussars who are making a sortie on our troops at the moment [colonel Joseph-Michault de Saint-Mars, aide-de-camp to Lannes]. Adieu, ma bien bonne amie, je t'aime de cœur et d'âme. Kiss our little children and the whole family [...]". Jean Lannes adds, "His majesty couldn't be in better health, which is just what we need. Born Louise Guéheneuc (1782-1856), Maréchale Lannes was Lannes' second wife. She was the senator's daughter and became Joséphine's lady of the palace, then Marie-Louise's lady-in-waiting. Expert: Mathilde Lalin-Leprevost