MASSENA, André, Duc de Rivoli and Prince d'Essling (1758-1817). French Marshal.
Letter Signed ("Massena") to Commissioner General Villemaury, asking his help in clearing encumbrances to a ditch which are causing great problems to his property in Hanover, entailing loss of revenue.
2 pages folio in French, Löbau, 4 June 1809.
André Massena was known as a brave and tenacious soldier. He was unfortunately also reputed to be the most grasping and rapacious of the French marshals. A few weeks before this letter, Massena had distinguished himself at the battle of Essling, which earned him his title of Prince d'Essling. A month after this letter, he was again cast in heroic mode at Wagram. But between the two battles, he evidently found time to look after his financial concerns.
Trans: "You must have received . . . the request I made for the clearing of a ditch which was filled during the demolition of the fortifications of Nieubourg, which obstruction increases the damage which the Weser causes to my endowment in Hanover. The Counsellor of State has told me that this request is currently with you and that you might be good enough to give or to prompt a decision on this matter. . . The damage caused by the river is so great that it diminishes my revenue by nearly one-eighth and, in order to avoid this decrease I have had to request a supplement . . . You will understand how justified I am in making this request, and how keen I am that it be accepted, when you know that the estimate which has just been made comes to 20,083.92. Instead of 80,000 I will only have 60,000 in revenue, from which the cost of ordinary repairs and administrative costs have to be deducted, if the Government does not decide to do for the current year as it has for 1808, and accord me compensation . . ."
A few minor stains at the edges, but otherwise in very good condition.
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