MARECHAL LANNES. Autograph letter signed to his wife, Louise Guéheneuc. Vienne, 16 May 1809. 1 p. in-4. Address on verso. Framed. A tiny worm gallery. Framed. Important letter from Jean Lannes: the crossing of the Danube, the wound of St Mars, the good health of Napoleon I, etc. He was killed 6 days later at the Battle of Essling. About Louis Guéheneuc, brother of the marshal, aide-de-camp to Lannes; future aide-de-camp to the Emperor and general. The archchancellor: "You must be very happy, my good friend, of what Louis was charged to bring the edition to the empress and the archchancellor [Cambaceres assisted the Empress during the absences of Napoleon]. His Majesty has made the choice in a most gracious manner. It seems that the enemy withdraws in Moravia, we hope to cross the Danube and to march to him in two or three days. One more battle and the House of Lorraine is done for. You can tell Louis that he is staying in Paris for ten days or so, and he will have a suit made for me and bring it to me. I believe, my dear Louise, that you must be at Maison, and that you are busy arranging the château [bought in 1804 and which Louise sold to the banker Jacques Laffitte, hence its present name of Maisons-Laffitte]. The gl Frère [Bernard Georges François Frère] has arrived, and he gave me your letter. I have also received the report on the land that you sent me, I think it is much too expensive, besides, my dear Louise, you will see, and if you think it is a good deal, buy it. I had sent St Mars to Vienne to warn the town, he received a terrible sabre blow from the hussars who were making a sortie on our troops at that moment [colonel Joseph-Michault de Saint-Mars, aide-de-camp to Lannes]. Adieu, my very good friend, I love you with all my heart and soul. Give my love to our little children and the whole family [...]". Jean Lannes added: "His majesty couldn't be in better health, that's what we need. Born Louise Guéheneuc (1782-1856), Marshal Lannes was Lannes' second wife. She was the senator's daughter and became Josephine's lady of the palace and then Marie-Louise's lady-in-waiting. Expert : Mathilde Lalin-Leprevost