JOURDAN JEAN BAPTISTE: (1762-1833)

JOURDAN JEAN BAPTISTE: (1762-1833) Marshal of France. An excellent and very interesting A.L.S., Jourdan, one page, folio, Coblenz, 5th August 1795, to General Kleber, in French. On a partially printed page bearing the heading of the French Republic army, Jourdan in his capacity as Chief Commandant of the Sambre & Meuse army, writes an interesting and lengthy military letter in his hand to General Kleber, stating in part `The report of the assistant to Adjutant General Ney has surprised and worried me. Your letter of the 17th [4th August], reassures me.´ further saying `I am determined to attempt the passage. I am prepared to do so, I am only waiting for the artillery and the moment when the bridge from Holland will arrive. Because I want to attack the same day as you. You will inform me as I have requested.´ and further again `If the Rhine does not get lower soon… Finally it is the case to say ''The more there are, the more we will kill''´ Jourdan concludes stating `I am authorized to bring up the expenses for the bridge coming from the Meuse up to twenty thousand pounds, you will inform General Bonnard about this, although I have to save as much as possible in order to pay another bridge coming from the Moselle.´ A letter of very interesting content. Folded, with very small creasing and two extremely small tears to the edges not affecting the text or signature. G to VG £500-600 Jean Baptiste Kleber (1753-1800) French General during the French Revolutionary wars and Architect. Kleber returned to military service to accompany Napoleon in the Egypt campaign in 1798-99. When Napoleon returned to France, he appointed Kleber as commander of the French forces. He was assassinated by a student in Cairo in 1800. Michel Ney (1769-1815) Marshal of Napoleon. Duc d´Elchingen and Prince de la Moskowa.