259 - Facsimile of a confidential note from Emperor Napoleon on Saint Helena to his adopted son, Prince Eugène de Beauharnais

Facsimile of a confidential note from Emperor Napoleon on Saint Helena to his adopted son, Prince Eugène de Beauharnais “If he sees my dear Louise, I ask her to allow him to kiss her hand. Napole. July 25, 1818.” The facsimile, printed on tracing paper mounted on printed paper, includes an explanatory note by General Bertrand, dated January 12, 1841, in Paris, presented alongside an oval miniature portrait painted on porcelain of Emperor Napoleon in the uniform of a colonel of the Imperial Guard’s mounted chasseurs. Housed in a rectangular green morocco leather case, with a hinged lid marked “Napoleon to Doctor O’Meara,” framed in gilded fillets and stylized interlacing. Signs of wear. “Return of the Ashes” period. H. 6.5 x W. 5.2 cm (miniature). H. 11.8 x W. 9 cm (case). History The original letter, now preserved in the collections of the Musée de l’Armée, in Paris, was written on the reverse side of a letter from General Bertrand written on Saint Helena and addressed to Prince Eugene, which Dr. O’Meara (1786–1836) had smuggled in the sole of his shoe.