122. NAPOLEON III. 2 autograph letters signed... Lot 122

122. NAPOLEON III. 2 autograph letters signed "Napoleon". 1869 and 1870 - To Marshal Auguste Regnaud de Saint-Jean d'Angély. Palace of Saint-Cloud, 11 October 1869. "When last year you informed me of your desire or rather of THE NECESSITY WHERE YOU FIND YOURSELF TO LEAVE THE COMMAND OF THE GUARD. I HAVE EXPRESSED TO YOU ALL THE PRAISE I WOULD HAVE FOR YOUR RETIREMENT, BUT THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE STATE OF YOUR HEALTH REQUIRE ME TO ACCEPT today with regret what I would have refused last year. However, as I would not like to keep you away from me, I AM COMING TO OFFER YOU THE POSITION OF GRAND MASTER OF THE HOUSE OF THE IMPERATRESS with an apartment in the Tuileries. I beg you, my dear marshal, to see in this proposal only a new proof of my sincere friendship..." (1 p. 3/4 in-8, printed palace letterhead with his crowned initial, envelope preserved with autograph address and postal franchise "The Emperor"). - To the widow of Marshal Regnaud de Saint-Jean d'Angély, Anne-Angélique Ruby. Palais des Tuileries, 8 February 1870. CONDOLEANCES FOR THE DEATH OF HIS MARSHAL: "My dear marshal, I want to tell you how painfully I was affected by learning of the death of your excellent husband. FRANCE LOSES IN HIM ONE OF HER BEST SOLDIERS AND I A DEVOTED FRIEND WHO HAD PRESERVED THE GOOD TRADITIONS OF THE FIRST EMPIRE. The empress joins me in expressing to you all her regrets, we hope that you support with courage this painful separation... ". (1 p. 3/4 in-8, printed palace letterhead with its crowned initial, envelope preserved with autograph address and franking mark "Cabinet de l'empereur (2)").