MONTHOLON (Charles-Tristan de). Set of 6 autograph... Lot 47

MONTHOLON (Charles-Tristan de). Set of 6 autograph letters to his wife Albine de Vassal. Vienna, June 6-14, 1809. Approx. 10 pp. in-4 and 11 pp. in-8. Beautiful letters written while Montholon, aide-de-camp to Marshal Berthier, was taking part in the Austrian campaign, shortly after the battle of Essling (May 21-22), and a month before that of Wagram (July 5-6): "... My soul is very sad, very sad. My soul is very sad, very sad. I can't get used to the idea of spending my days without you: your green salon, witness to my happiness, and the delicious solitude of the rue Hauteville are the constant object of my regrets, I'd like to see them again, these places where for the first time I knew true happiness. May Heaven grant the wishes I address to it every day, and bring us together again soon, never to part... Farewell, beloved friend, I send you a thousand and one kisses, I love you with all my soul. I live only to adore you. Yours always, all yours for life...". (June 6, 1809). - " ... Since yesterday, nothing can take me away from the idea that all this will be over in a very short time, WE HAVE SUCH STRENGTH THAT GOOD GREAT UNLESS AUSTRIA COMES TO JUBE [i.e. submits to constraint]. Our friends the Russians will be here in eight days, as will the Poles, and we could form a contingent of 10,000... When we're all together, let's judge if we're sure of success. WHAT A GREAT BATTLE AND HOW UNHAPPY I'D BE NOT TO BE THERE! You will curse me, but I love you no less...". (June 7, 1809). - Etc. It was because of his affair with Albine de Vassal, then wife of Baron Roger, that Charles-Tristan de Montholon was disgraced in 1813: he would have a child out of wedlock with her, while holding an official position as diplomat to Empress Marie-Louise's uncle, which led Napoleon I to recall him. Back in grace, he would be among those exiled to St. Helena, where his wife would probably become the emperor's mistress.