First wife of Napoleon and thus the first empress of the French (1763 - 1814). Scarce LS in French, signed “Josephine,” one page, 8.75 x 14.5, March 3, 1805. Letter to Cardinal Charles Erskine, in full (translated): "Nothing could be more agreeable to me than the latest testimony of your sentiments for me, on the occasion of the renewal of the year; I don't doubt their sincerity, and I can assure you of my constant desire to find occasions to prove my benevolence. On this point I pray that God, my Cousin, keeps you in his holy and worthy care." In very good to fine condition, with four slices along the right edge, and translucent residue over much of the letter.Format: LS