Army of the Midi, Battle of Orthez. SIGNED LETTER FROM SOLDIER JEAN BLACHÈRE, sapper in the 118th regiment, 2nd Division, ADDRESSED TO HIS UNCLE JOSEPH DUPUY residing in Joyeuse (Ardèche), June 10, 1814. 18856-4

Army of the Midi, Battle of Orthez. SIGNED LETTER FROM SOLDIER JEAN BLACHÈRE, sapper in the 118th regiment, 2nd Division, ADDRESSED TO HIS UNCLE JOSEPH DUPUY residing in Joyeuse (Ardèche), June 10, 1814. 18856-4

Letter with address "Monsieur / Monsieur Joseph Dupuy de la Muscade à Joyeuse / Département de l'Ardèche / A Joseuse". Postmark "77 CASTRES".
Soldier Blachère writes to his uncle after the Battle of Orthez against Wellington's army:
"CASTRES, JUNE 10, 1814.
... Monsieur Dussère de l'Argentier, about whom you asked for news, was wounded at Orthez and remained a prisoner there. He died in the hands of the enemy from his wound. You tell me that I could withdraw! It is impossible for me! Those who are withdrawing now are soldiers abandoning their Corps; without leave or permission, and as my intention is not to abandon my Colours without having proper papers and finding myself safe from Gendarme pursuits that will keep you arrested ... and judged according to the laws ... so those who risk desertion do not know the troubles they are getting themselves into ...".
"My address is Jean Blachère sapper in the 118th regiment 2nd division in Castres of the Army of the Midi or with the regiment".
"I also ask you to send me immediately upon receiving this, the sum of one hundred francs which I am in great need of ..".

Double sheet, 3 1/2 pages. H 23.7 cm x 18.4 cm.
Poor condition, foxing and damp stains, frayed edges with tears and losses not affecting the text, folds.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
The Battle of Orthez is one of the last battles of the Spanish War of Independence. It took place on February 27, 1814, on French soil, between the French army led by Marshal Jean-de-Dieu Soult and the English and Portuguese forces led by the Duke of Wellington. The confrontation ended in a victory for the Allies.