Napoleon, Marengo, and the July 14 Celebrations — French Historical Draft with Pencil Revisions
Marengo, the Bastille Anniversary, and the Celebrations of July 14, 1800
A French historical working manuscript bearing pencil revisions in Napoleon Bonaparte’s own hand, recounting the national celebrations held on July 14, 1800, one month after his victory at Marengo.
The sheet presents a narrative in the right-hand column with extensive, fainter pencil passages to the left, preserving the process of revising an account of the early Consulate. Headings appear to identify “Chapter VIII” and a section devoted to the July 14 festival.
The text describes the Fête de la Concorde, the anniversary of the Bastille’s capture, and ceremonies linking the French Revolution’s legacy with the military achievements of the new government. It references Lucien Bonaparte, Minister of the Interior; the laying of a commemorative column’s foundation stone; ceremonies at the Invalides, then known as the Temple of Mars; and the presentation of captured flags.
The historical setting is significant. Following Marengo, public celebrations helped consolidate the authority of the First Consul. Here, Napoleon’s handwritten revisions offer a tangible connection to his involvement in shaping the narrative of that period.
The manuscript’s chapter structure and corrections suggest preparation for a longer historical work, possibly connected with his memoirs from St. Helena. Its precise relationship to a published text and its place of composition have not been established.
Description: One sheet, French text principally on the front, with pencil revisions and additions. Undated; recounting events of July 1800. The reverse bears the identifying inscription “Napoléon Bonaparte / Crayon.” Unsigned.
Attribution: Napoleon’s pencil handwriting is confirmed according to the present owner. The main narrative hand is not identified here.
Condition: Significant age and handling wear, horizontal and vertical folds, edge wear and small losses. Extensive browned tape or adhesive residue affects the upper and lower margins and central fold. Pencil passages are faint in places, and some text is obscured. Offered in its present, unrestored condition; professional paper-conservation assessment is recommended.
Marengo, the Bastille Anniversary, and the Celebrations of July 14, 1800
A French historical working manuscript bearing pencil revisions in Napoleon Bonaparte’s own hand, recounting the national celebrations held on July 14, 1800, one month after his victory at Marengo.
The sheet presents a narrative in the right-hand column with extensive, fainter pencil passages to the left, preserving the process of revising an account of the early Consulate. Headings appear to identify “Chapter VIII” and a section devoted to the July 14 festival.
The text describes the Fête de la Concorde, the anniversary of the Bastille’s capture, and ceremonies linking the French Revolution’s legacy with the military achievements of the new government. It references Lucien Bonaparte, Minister of the Interior; the laying of a commemorative column’s foundation stone; ceremonies at the Invalides, then known as the Temple of Mars; and the presentation of captured flags.
The historical setting is significant. Following Marengo, public celebrations helped consolidate the authority of the First Consul. Here, Napoleon’s handwritten revisions offer a tangible connection to his involvement in shaping the narrative of that period.
The manuscript’s chapter structure and corrections suggest preparation for a longer historical work, possibly connected with his memoirs from St. Helena. Its precise relationship to a published text and its place of composition have not been established.
Description: One sheet, French text principally on the front, with pencil revisions and additions. Undated; recounting events of July 1800. The reverse bears the identifying inscription “Napoléon Bonaparte / Crayon.” Unsigned.
Attribution: Napoleon’s pencil handwriting is confirmed according to the present owner. The main narrative hand is not identified here.
Condition: Significant age and handling wear, horizontal and vertical folds, edge wear and small losses. Extensive browned tape or adhesive residue affects the upper and lower margins and central fold. Pencil passages are faint in places, and some text is obscured. Offered in its present, unrestored condition; professional paper-conservation assessment is recommended.
