NAPOLEON III: (1808-1873) Emperor of the French 1852-70, the nephew and heir of Napoleon I. First President of ...

NAPOLEON III: (1808-1873) Emperor of the French 1852-70, the nephew and heir of Napoleon I. First President of France 1848-52, therefore holding the distinction of being the first titular president and the last monarch of France. A.L.S., Napoleon, one page, 8vo, Wilhelmshöhe, 18th September 1870, to an unidentified lady, in French. Napoleon III thanks his correspondent for her letter and states ´I am very touched Madame by the feelings and words you express to me at this time of my misfortune…´ A touching message from Germany where Napoleon was just starting this captivity period. Accompanied by a 4 x 2.5 sepia cabinet photograph, by E. Flamant, Paris, the image showing the ''Death of Emperor Napoléon III'' photomontage. With blank integral leaf. Extremely small foxing stains, otherwise VG On 3rd September 1870, and as a result of the defeat of the French army at the battle of Sedan, Napoleon III and Bismarck agreed the terms of French surrender. From 5 September 1870 until 19 March 1871, an ill Napoleon III and his close entourage were held in captivity in a castle at Wilhelmshöhe near Kassel, where the present letter was written.