Draft of announcement to Governor Lowe of Napoleon’s death made a few days earlier

A few days before he died, Napoleon dicated the terms with which he wanted his death to be announced to Sir Hudson Lowe. This draft written by Charles Tristan de Montholon, mentions his wish to be repatriated to Europe, as well as his title “Emperor” (a title Hudson Lowe refusde to recognise, considering him a mere “general”). The space for a date and time of death was left blank.

On 25th April 1821, the Emperor dictated a letter to General de Montholon. It was to be given to the governor immediately after his death: “Your Excellency, The Emperor Napoleon died this day  _______   after a long and painful illness. I have the honour to announce it to you. He has authorised me to communicate to you, if you desire it, his last will. I beg of you to let me know what are the directions prescribed by your Government for the conveyance of his body to Europe, as well as those relative to the persons of his suite.”