Beschreibung:

NAPOLEON BONAPARTEDocument signed ("Bonaparte") as Générale en Chef d'Armée, enclosing three copies of orders [not present] for the setting up of boards of trade similar to the "tribunaux" in Alexandria, Rosette and elsewhere, with subscription in another hand dated the following day passing on the order; engraved heading 'Armée Liberté Egalité' with manuscript insertions, docketed "Commerce" top left, one page, light dust-staining and marks, edges frayed, folio (340 x 230mm.), mounted and framed, overall 440 x 320mm., unexamined out of frame, Cairo, "le 26 fructidor an 6" [12 September 1798]FootnotesThe purpose of Napoleon's campaign in Egypt from 1798-1801 was primarily to block Britain's trade route to India and re-establish French commerce with the Levant whilst, at the same time, establishing scientific enterprise in the region and join with the Indian ruler Tipu Sultan against the British in India. Whilst Napoleon was defeated by Nelson at sea at Aboukir in August 1798, the Battle of the Pyramids in July had been a resounding victory for the French and consolidated their position on land, thus allowing Napoleon to establish his own colonial administration in the country. As part of his campaign, he brought with him a group of scientists, mathematicians, naturalists and artists – the Commission des Sciences et des Arts d'Egypte – to provide comprehensive information on the country they had conquered, culminating in his monumental encyclopaedia Description de l'Egypte and creating a renewed interest in ancient Egyptian culture.