ROCH LEDRU DES ESSARTS FRANÇOIS: (1770-1844) French General, considered one of the most valorous Napoleon´s ...

ROCH LEDRU DES ESSARTS FRANÇOIS: (1770-1844) French General, considered one of the most valorous Napoleon´s Generals, notably in the Moskova battle. A good and lengthy A.L.S., `Ledru´ four pages, 4to, Ferrare, 20th April 1798, to his sister, in French. With the written heading of the Italy army, Ledru des Essarts before departing that same night with his battalion to control the Cisalpine-tartaro boundary, writes to his sister, stating in part `The Austrian regiment in charge of the other side of the boundary is precisely the same which I faced a year ago near Vienna… I hope being able to exchange some laughs together with the Colonel of that regiment who, let me tell you, is more French than Austrian, and who even was honest enough to send me some Italian brochures shipped to me from Frioul..´ further saying `..It is time now that the two councils are composed by pure patriots in order to consolidate the republic and make all those who intend to create trouble will lose any kind of hope..´ further again concluding `Italy is quite calm now, but some troop movements are announcing prompt changes..´ VG £150-200