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Auction: 326 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1337

Ney, Michel - Marshal Ney (1769-1815). First Duc d'Elchingen, military commander during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, one of the original 18 Marshals of France created by Napoleon, who called Ney "Brave des Braves" (Bravest of the Brave). Initially loyal to Louis XVIII, Ney rejoined Napoleon during the Hundred Days. After Napoleon's defeat, dethronement and exile in the summer of 1815, Ney was arrested and charged with treason. Seeking to save his client, Ney's lawyer Dupin argued that Ney was now Prussian and could not be tried by a French court for treason. Ney confounded his lawyer's argument in mid-stream, declaring "I am French and I will remain French". He was condemned and executed by firing squad on December 15, 1815 - an act that deeply divided the French public. Ney refused a blindfold and was allowed to give the order to fire. He was reported to have said to the firing squad: "Soldiers, when I give the command to fire, fire straight at my heart. Wait for the order. It will be my last to you. I protest against my condemnation. I have fought a hundred battles for France, and not one against her…Soldiers, Fire". Document Signed "Ney". Military Memo from the Army of the Rhine, 2nd Regiment, dated Sept. 13, 1800. One page, folio. Also signed at bottom left by General François-Antoine Louis Bourcier. Fine. Accompanied by 19th Century engraving of Ney. [2]

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