BERTHIER, Louis-Alexandre (1753-1815), maréchal d'Empire. - Lot 138

Lot n° 138
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BERTHIER, Louis-Alexandre (1753-1815), maréchal d'Empire. - Lot 138
BERTHIER, Louis-Alexandre (1753-1815), maréchal d'Empire. L.A.S. "The Prince of Wagram Alexander", to the Duke of Feltre. Bamberg, May 22nd, 1815. 1 p. in-4. Moving letter from Berthier one week before his tragic death, June 1, 1815. "[...] I have received your letter and at the same time one from the King, the state of my health is still bad, my arm is almost lost and I am obliged to persist in withdrawing from all military duties and in accordance with what you prescribe in your letter, I officially address my resignation to the King under the terms of the letter, a copy of which is enclosed. You have known me for 30 years, my dear Duke, assuring the King of my fidelity in my retirement with my father-in-law, where I am busy looking after my health - continuing the sadness in which I am [...]". Berthier had joined the Bourbons during the first abdication of Napoleon (1814). Louis XVIII rewarded him in particular by appointing him commander of the Order of Saint Louis, peer of France and captain of a company of bodyguards. During the Hundred Days, he followed the King to Belgium and then retired on 29 March 1815 to Bamberg, Bavaria, to be with his wife. In April 1815, he tried to return to France, but Austria (Chancellor Metternich), opposed the issue of a passport, fearing that Napoleon would strengthen himself by regaining his right arm. Berthier, isolated in Bamberg in a profoundly depressed state, totally overwhelmed and demoralized, fell from a third-floor window and smashed his skull on June 1.
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