TAVIEL ALBERT LOUIS VALENTINE (1767-1831) Autograph letter signed. Mittau, 25 September 1812.

1 page, ¼ in-8. Letter written during Russian campaign, at the moment when Napoleon was preparing to leave Moscow. The general sends a dispatch from Courland to his compatriot, from Marshal Macdonald, asking him to forward two letters for General Augier and another for Maître Poiré: (...) Do not put the letter for Maître Poiré in the post, as this is the only way to ensure that he never receives it. He describes his situation: We are very well here compared to others. I am leaving tomorrow to join the Marshal, whom I have not yet seen (...). He asks his correspondent to request Saint-Cyr, his new chief of staff, to have his wine, tobacco, a ‘plisse’ (possibly a folding bed or personal item), and Mr. Bergue’s trunk sent from Königsberg; If he goes via Tilsit, he will have the artillery relays to take him there. He must always head for Mittau (...). Albert-Louis-Valentin Taviel (1767-1831), General of Artillery (1805), Baron of the Empire (1811).