ALS, Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), Emperor of France, 1804-1814 and 1815 (March 20-June 22) and French Military commander. Signed letter, in French, reading "Renvoye au ministre de la guerre pour faire un rapport." ("Send back to the Minister of War to make a report.") The sentence is followed by "Sire" and Napoleon's signature along with an illegible later inscription in a different pen. Faint, illegible red stamp in the lower right. On reverse of frame is Charles Hamilton Autographs Inc.'s red wax stamp and certificate of authenticity sticker. Note: Charles Hamilton was a well-known twentieth-century paleologist and handwriting expert/dealer. Housed together with an octagonally cut, hand-colored stipple engraved portrait of Napoleon after a painting by the miniaturist Alexandre Vigneux (French, fl. 1799 - 1814) in a gilt and black wood frame with green mat. Both items are early 19th century. Portrait: 3 9/16" H x 2 15/16" W. Letter (sight): 3 1/4" H x 6 1/2" W. Frame: 14 15/16" H x 12 5/16" W.

Overall good condition. Portrait has an 1" line to the right of Napoleon. Visible portion of the letter has foxing and throughout and a crease running through the center right side. Certificate of authenticity has a tear down the center with loss to text. Masking tape runs over the certificate and wax seal. Not examined outside of frame.