NAPOLEON I. Letter signed "Napol" to Jean-Jacques... Lot 15

NAPOLEON I. Letter signed "Napol" to Jean-Jacques Régis CAMBACERES. Schönbrunn Palace, July 15, 1809. One p. in-4. CONCERNING THE SUCCESSION OF MARECHAL LANNES, Duc de Montebello, who died of wounds received at the battle of Essling, leaving a widow, Louise Guéheneuc, and five children. "My cousin, I learn that there are discussions in the family of Marshal Lannes. A PRIEST, A BAD SUBJECT, WOULD LIKE TO STRIP HIS CHILDREN. I want you to take steps to prevent this scandal, and to make it known that I wish to intervene in these matters. My intention is to appoint a guardian ex officio. I have confidence in the mother; I have none in the uncles. I want them to have nothing to do with the Marshal's affairs. Speak to s[ieu]r Guéheneuc [Marshal Lannes' father-in-law] and to the Marshal's brothers about this, and make the appropriate arrangements to reconcile this with judicial forms. YOU KNOW THAT BY THE FAMILY STATUTES THE DUKES HAVE BEEN PLACED IN A KIND OF EXCEPTION. It would be very unpleasant for me to see these children robbed by bad subjects...". Letter written three days after the Znaim victory.