Napoleon | Letter signed, to a Bishop, justifying the resumption of war, 7 June 1803

Napoleon I.

Letter signed, as First Consul (“Bonaparte”), to an unnamed Bishop (“Monsieur l’Evéque”), justifying the resumption of war, which he blames on the bad faith of the British over the fate of Malta, and asking his blessing, with two countersignatures including Jean-Étienne-Marie Portalis, with the First Consul’s blind stamp, 1 page, folio (320 x 205 mm), integral blank, St Cloud, 18 Prairial An. 11 [7 June 1803], spotting

The 18-month Peace of Amiens had ended with Britain’s declaration of war on France on 18 May 1803. Although the complete lack of trust between Britain and France had always made the resumption of hostilities a likelihood, Malta had been the flashpoint. Britain was reluctant to return the island to the Order of St John, as required by the peace treaty, because Malta provided a bulwark that was needed to prevent further French advances into the Lavant.

PROVENANCE:

Christie's, London, 22 June 1988, lot 50