[ 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'.

Author: 
Captain J. Thompson, 'late Capt. 4th East York L[ocal]. M[ilitia].' [ John Crossley of Scaitcliffe, near Rochdale, Lancashire; Napoleon Bonaparte ]
Publication details: 
Manchester. 12 December 1822.
£220.00
SKU: 18628

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.'