941 - MURAT, Achille (1801–1847), eldest son of Joachim Murat and Caroline Bonaparte. Autograph letter signed. London, October 18, 1832. 3 pp. 1/4 in-4.

MURAT, Achille (1801–1847), eldest son of Joachim Murat and Caroline Bonaparte. Autograph letter signed. London, October 18, 1832. 3 pp. 1/4 in-4. He fully shares his correspondent’s view of the French state and adds, “Napoleon should not be regarded as the founder of a family but rather of a sect. His successor need not be his heir […] I knew him in exile, where he lived with the utmost simplicity. It was there that he was truly great when he expounded on the glories and doctrines of the Empire before a circle of Americans, his eloquence of thought […] even […] shining through his poor English. He shares fascinating memories and reflections. “In whose hands will this imperial authority fall? In Joseph’s. Joseph is the only man who can […] carry on the empire.” He argues: Joseph is, first of all, first in line of succession; second, he has all the necessary qualities for the role; he has studied all the republics, from that of “Robespierre to the American system,” during his 17 years “in exile in the United States,” etc. Interesting.