GODOÏ (Manuel, Prince of LA PAZ). Autographed letter signed

  

GODOY (Manuel, Prince of LA PAZ). Autographed letter in Spanish signed El Principe de La Paz, to "Senior Ambassador," Badajoz 14th of May 1801. General Saint Cyr has handed me this letter, which I am addressing to Your Excellency without the slightest delay. When I wrote it, I was not aware of the orders given to me for the Spanish troops, retreating with those from Galicia, to free up accommodations for the French troops; it has also been mentioned that supplies will be covered, as exchanges do not cease.

I continue the regrouping of divisions to take control of the enemy country, just like the Duke of [Lafcena], in response to the forty-eight-hour ultimatum you provided. I await glorious days, and that a general peace will be the conclusion of so many enormous efforts; this is what I wish for, and that Your Excellency tells me with the frankness that constitutes our friendship, when we will particularly see the Parliamentarians of Europe, and what our relations will be with France and the First Consul in particular. I renew to Your Excellency the assurance of my constant affection and remain your true devotee. El Principe de la PAZ.

Manuel Godoy, returning to power in 1792, attempts to save Louis XVI, which triggers the war with revolutionary France. The Treaty of Basel ends hostilities, and subsequently, Godoy receives the title of Prince of Peace. After resigning in 1798 following the naval defeat at Cape Saint Vincent, he returns to power in 1801 and allies with France to invade Portugal.

Gouvion Saint Cyr is tasked with commanding the Franco-Spanish armies during the war in Portugal in 1801. Extraordinary ambassador in Madrid alongside Lucien Bonaparte, then ambassador in place of the latter.

Seal from the prestigious Crawford collection (Bibliotheca Linderiana). GODOÏ Manuel, El Principe de la Paz. Cyr me ha remitido esa carta q. Sin el menor retardo; quando la ha escrito no sabia las ordenes q. Yo tenia dadas, para q las tropas espanolas repligandose sobre las q estzn en Galiciadesaxen libres los alojamientos à las francesas; tambien ablara de los amiios no cesan.

Sigo renniendo las divisiones para apoderarme del pais enemigo tan luego como el Duque de Lafcens, respondi al ultimatum en q. Le dava el termino de quarenta y ocho oras.

Espero dias gloriosos y q. Una paz gral sea el termino de tantas enormes travaxos; esto doseo y q. Me diga con la franqueza q.

Constituye nuestra amistad, quanto vuerra de particular entre los varios Potentados de la Europa y q. Aga relacion à la Fran a o al Primer Consul en particular, Renuevo à V. Las seguridades de mi constante afecto y quedo auver do.

El Principe de la Paz.