Napoleon Bonaparte signed military orders

In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of the French in a lavish ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. As emperor, he waged war against multiple coalitions of European nations, expanding his empire across much of the continent.

Despite his early successes, Napoleon’s 1812 invasion of Russia proved disastrous. He abdicated the throne in 1814, returned briefly during the Hundred Days in 1815, and abdicated again after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. He was exiled to Saint Helena, where he died at the age of 51.

This document, signed by Napoleon, contains detailed instructions for the defense of the French Empire, including artillery placement and ammunition for cannons in locations such as Flushing, Cadzand, Antwerp, Danzig, and The Hague. In it, Napoleon writes:

"I see that there is not a single mortar on the islands of Hyères to prevent the enemy from anchoring in this harbor, despite the orders I gave six months ago."

Regarded as one of history’s greatest military leaders, Napoleon’s signed military orders from his reign continue to be rare and historically significant artifacts.