Napoleon I. Annotated list of nominations for the Legion d'honneur. 1811

Napoleon I
Les nominations sont faites par decret du 6 aout 1811",[Annotated list of nominations for the Legion d'honneur]
35pp.,manuscript, bound with blue ribbon,rough gilt edges, black with annotations and striking out in boldly Napoleon’s hand, each page each page divided into six columns giving the soldier's name, rank, proposed position within the legion, his war record, any particular observations on his character or merit, and the decision.
A document offering a remarkable record of key military figures in the Grande Armee. The Legion of Honour was established in 1802 by Napoleon and overhauled the old French order of chivalry, where only members of the nobility could be awarded.
First named is General Gazan, who had been wounded at the Battle of Albuera, in which the French were defeated by the combined British, Spanish and Portuguese forces, and whose nomination for the Grand Aigle is particularly desired by Marshal Soult, the French commander at that battle. Napoleon has crossed out this nomination and written beside it "Il faut qu'il gaigne une bataille."