Letizia Bonaparte Autograph Letter Signed

Mother of Napoleon Bonaparte (1750–1836) who shared her son's exile in Elba during 1814. Scarce ALS in French and Italian, signed “Mama,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, February 1, 1820. Addressed from Rome, a handwritten letter to one of her granddaughters, which reads, in full: “It is your own heart that has put your hand on the pen and has dictated to you the dear wishes that you send me on the occasion of the new year. I thank you tenderly and I regret very much the distance between us. Please always work to make your dear mother happy. In this way you will also contribute to my happiness because it is made of the happiness of all my children. Adieu, I would love to tell you personally this year how much I love you as well as your little brother. For the time being I kiss you through this letter, both of you, very affectionately.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing, a stain to the upper right corner, and a tear to a blank area. Letizia gave birth to thirteen children between 1768 and 1784; five of them died, two at birth and three in their infancy. Eight children survived, the most famous of which being her son, the fabled military commander and French Emperor, Napoleon, who would die a year later on May 5, 1821.