Napoleon Bonaparte, letter signed "Buonaparte... - Lot 1066 - 68 Art auction

Napoleon Bonaparte, letter signed "Buonaparte artillery officer" June 24, 1790. Rare early letter from Napoleon addressed to Father Guillaume-Thomas Raynal (1713-1796), historian, writer, thinker and priest. On leave for 4 months since 15 June, Napoleon intends to finish his "letters on Corsica". Since his visit to Marseille and his presentation to Abbé Raynal, he wishes to present his work to the latter. Moreover, all Corsica awaits the return from exile from England of Pascal Paoli, recognised by all as the moral dictator of the Corsican nation. Napoleon, who could not miss the reception that his country was going to give to his hero, had obtained that a deputation be sent by the town of Ajaccio to meet Paoli and that his brother Joseph be part of it. While passing through Marseilles, Joseph was to give to the abbot Raynal with the first two "letters on Corsica" this missive: "Sir, It will be difficult for you to remember among the large number of people who bother you with their admiration of a person to whom you were kind enough to be honest last year, to talk with pleasure about Corsica. So please take a look at this sketch of his history. I'll send you the end of it. My brother to whom I recommended not to forget, in his commission of deputy to take Paoli back to his homeland, to come and receive a lesson of virtue of humanity, will give it to you. I respectfully follow your most humble and obedient servant. BUONAPARTE Artillery officer." It is not known if Joseph saw Father Raynal, nor what answer he received from him. Letter included in the book "Napoleon in his youth: 1769-1793" by Frédéric Masson, Ligaran edition. Framed, some tears. Size: 37 x 22 cm