[ Napoleon Bonaparte. ] Autograph Letter Signed from 'J Thompson | late Capt. 4th East York L[ocal]. M[ilitia].', presenting John Crossley of Scaitcliffe with 'Bonaparte's Star of the Legion of Honour'.

1p., 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. The reverse of the second leaf, with seal in black wax, is addressed to 'Capt Crossley | &c &c &c | O L M', and the foot of the letter to 'John Crossley Esqre | Capt: Oldham L: M:' (Crossley, the commanding officer of the Oldham Regiment of Local Militia, built up a notable collection of military memorabilia, which was dispersed after his death.) The letter begins: 'With this you will receive the interesting little "Bijou" - Bonaparte's Star of the Legion of Honour for which I beg a place in your curious Collection. - Though it came to me by purchase I cannot reconcile it to myself to part with it to you upon any other terms than to request your acceptance of it as a mark of my esteem for many acts of private friendship during our several years of acquaintance and not as in the least degree connected with affairs of a public nature which sometimes bring us together.' The letter is tipped in onto a leaf used as the envelope for another letter from Thompson, again with his seal in black wax, and this time addressed 'To | John Crossley Esqre | &c &c &c | Rochdale.' Written on this leaf is '237. | Shirt, belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte | vide 235.'