Honoré VIAL (1766–1813), general, Baron of the Empire, kille - Lot 545

Lot n° 545
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400 - 500 EUR
Honoré VIAL (1766–1813), general, Baron of the Empire, kille - Lot 545
Honoré VIAL (1766–1813), general, Baron of the Empire, killed at Leipzig. 3 letters from the author, written at the Toulon military hospital (December 1800), addressed to General Vence, Maritime Prefect of Toulon; 6½ pages, quarto size, one address label (significant traces of disinfection). Interesting correspondence regarding the return of the Army of Egypt. “Off the Toulon Quarantine Hospital, aboard the Lody” 26 Frimaire IX (December 17)... “Let us at least hope that our quarantine will not be long; the public interest will benefit from it, and so will we. We are all in perfect health on board, but we need to be allowed ashore. [...] Is Bonaparte still in Paris? Has Murat left?”... – 27 Frimaire (December 18)... “Brigade Commander Lazowsky and I have been tasked with presenting to the Government the seven tails of the Grand Vizier captured at the Battle of Helliopolis. These are large train wicks actually made from horse tails [...] These staffs are fitted with a silver pommel attached to a ring; from this ring hangs a sheath of gold-embroidered cloth, which apparently serves to cover the tail when it is not in ceremonial use.” The staffs were broken; the whole lot was placed in a sack with large stones, “with orders to throw everything into the sea if we were to be captured.” These staffs must therefore be made “about ten feet high, topped with a knob, and the knob with a crescent. The staffs must be painted green, and the pommels and crescents gilded or silver-plated”... – 4 Nivôse (December 25)... “Our stay here is very sad.” He had “a crate containing an ancient torso intended for the First Consul” sent to Vence. “I ask you to have it sent to him as soon as possible [...] Connoisseurs attach great value to this piece, however damaged it may be”...
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