EBLÉ JEAN BAPTISTE: (1758-1812) French general in charge of bridge equipment in the Grande Armée. Credited with ...

EBLÉ JEAN BAPTISTE: (1758-1812) French general in charge of bridge equipment in the Grande Armée. Credited with saving Napoleon´s Grande Armée from destruction in 1812. Eblé leaded the building of two of the three bridges built over the Berezina river in November 1812. He waited as long as he could before burning them, allowing the maximum number of troops crossing. Appointed General for his behaviour and achievements, he died of exhaustion thirteen days after. An excellent and attractive L.S., Eblé, one page, folio, Cassel, 8th January 1809, in French. The document bears to the heading a rare and attractive vignette of the Westphalia Kingdom, Ministry of war. Eblé, in his capacity as Minister of war of the Kingdom of Westphalia, under King Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, orders `Monsieur Gerard, aide de camp, must reach Amsterdam to deliver dispatches, one to H.E. the Minister of war of H.M. the King of Holland, the other one to H.E. Baron of Munchausen, Plenipotentiary Minister and Envoy Extraordinary of H.M. the Kink of Westphalia. Military and civil authorities will give assistance..´ At the base of the document, Baron of Munchausen has annotated three lengthy lines in his hand, acknowledging receipt and returning response. Bearing to the front two red wax seals in fine condition. Small overall minor age wear, mostly to upper edge, slightly trimmed. G £200-300 Louis Bonaparte (1778-1846) King of Holland 1806-10. Younger brother of Napoleon Bonaparte.