MASSENA, André, later Duc de Rivoli and Prince d'Essling (1758-1817). French Marshal.
Letter Signed ("Massena") to the Minister of War, complaining of a lapse in communication. 1 page folio in French on paper headed "Armée du Danube, Massena General en Chef", with a vignette of the figure of liberty.
Zurich, 16 Brumaire an 8 [7 Nove
In the summer of 1799, France once again saw its borders threatened by Austria and Russia. Massena had been recalled from Italy a year earlier but was brought back into active service and in March 1799 was given the command of the French troops in Switzerland. On 25 September, he achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Zurich, an event which was acclaimed as having saved the Republic and the revolution.
Trans: "It has happened very often and it still happens, Citizen Minister, that some General officers who are called to a new desintation receive their orders to leave the army without my being informed of these movements; I think, however, that the military hierarchy demands that a General in Chief should be informed of the changes which are made to the army which he commands. As I am sure, Citizen Minister, that this can only be an omission on the part of the Office of War, I have not hesitated to tell you of my thoughts in this matter, quite certain that you think as I do."
Two days after Massena had written this letter, everything changed. The night of the 9 to 10 November saw a coup d'état which brought Napoleon to power as First Consul. Berthier was to be his new Minister of War and Massena himself was to be recalled from the now pacified Switzerland to deal with even more urgent matters in Italy.
Slight dust-staining at the top of the document does not detract from its overall attractiveness.
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