BONAPARTE JOSEPH: (1768-1844)

BONAPARTE JOSEPH: (1768-1844) French statesman, lawyer and diplomat, the elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. Joseph was made King of Naples (1806-08) and later King of Spain (1808-13) during the Napoleomic Wars. A.L.S., Joseph, Cte. de Survilliers, one page, 4to, Point Breeze (Bordentown, New Jersey), 18th June 1828, to a gentleman, in French. Bonaparte states that his correspondent´s letter has caused him great distress, and that he had been waiting for him at any moment, but has now learned of his misfortunes, remarking ´on ne peut compter sur Dieu dans ce monde; comptez cependant sur la part que je prends a tout ce qui vous arrive´ (Translation: ´you cannot count on God in this world; nevertheless count on the part I play in everything that happens to you´) and further writing ´Vous m´annoncez une lettre ou vous me parlevez de nos affaires, et des comissions que j´avais pris la liberte de vous donner: je l´attendrai donc, en vous assurant d´avance des dispositions ou je suis de me preter a tout les condescendences que votre position et l´amitie que je vous porte - doivent vous faire desirer´ (Translation: ´You are announcing a letter in which you tell me about our affairs, and about the commissions I had taken the liberty of giving you: I shall therefore wait for it, assuring you in advance of my willingness to lend myself to all the condescensions that your position and the friendship I bear you - must make you desire´)-With blank integral leaf. Very slightly irregularly trimmed to the lower edge, and with some light age wear and a couple of small, neat splits at the edges of folds. G