Count Antoine DROUOT, General of the Empire, Peer of France - Lot 596

Count Antoine DROUOT, General of the Empire, Peer of France (Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle, 1774 – Nancy, 1847). A beautiful private letter in which DROUOT provides news about the generals he knew and inquires of his friend, Battalion Commander Louis Évain, Baron of the Empire. Banished by Louis XVIII, he was then out of active service due to his loyalty to Emperor Napoleon I: Autograph letter signed from MAUBEUGE, January 25 (circa 1816): “I do not know how to respond, my dear Évain, to all the kind words contained in your previous letters… Always hold the same feelings for me; I will always have some claim to them through my unwavering and eternal friendship. I read the passage in General PERNETY’s letter with the greatest joy; you cannot imagine how proud I am of the esteem and affection shown by such a commendable leader; please convey to him my deepest gratitude and give me his address once he has returned to France. I received a letter from General GASSENDI that gave me immeasurable pleasure. There is nothing I would not do to continue to deserve the esteem of such a distinguished general… I thank you for thinking of my salary as Director; if I never receive it, along with my postage expenses, I shall be indebted to you. Will circumstances bring about any changes in the Corps? Are the garrisons being maintained as before? You had hinted to me that it might be possible, once peace is restored, for some regiments to make minor redeployments. Believe, my friend, in the strength of my eternal friendship. Please give my regards to Mr. PEYRARD and Mr. RICHARD. I wrote to General G. yesterday. Have you heard from General Éblé? 1 page, in-4° format.