Cairo (Egypt), 23 Brumaire an 7 (November 13, 1798). One sheet, 12 5/8 x 8 1/8 in. (321 x 206 mm). Partially-printed MS. letter on Republique Francaise stationery, signed by Napoleon Bonaparte ("Bonaparte") to Brigadier-General Honoré Vial (1766-1813) during the campaigns in Egypt and Syria: "I have received today, citizen general, your letter from the 18th. Since the coach is leaving, I prefer to use it to answer you since it will arrive faster. I've learned from the letter from General Garbaud at headquaters of the accident that happened to you. I hope it will not be anything and I am awaiting with interest some news from you whether to send someone to Mansour, if it is necessary. Send to Cairo the Arab chief that you have arrested. I salute you, Bonaparte." Creasing from original folds; toning and soiling; armorial ink stamp "Bibliotheca Lindesiana" bottom right corner. Mounted and in frame with two small engraved portraits of Napoleon (20 x 19 3/4 in.; 508 x 502 mm).

James Ludovic Lindsay, 26th Earl of Crawford and 9th Earl of Balcarres (1847-1913), his armorial ink stamp, bottom right corner

Maggs Bros., London, 1926

Current owner, by descent in the family