Rare letter from Louis GUIZOT to Napoleon I - August 22, 1814 L.A.S. by Louis Guizot, architect-auditor of the State Buildings of Piombino, addressed to "His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon", then in exile on the island of Elba, dated August 22, 1814. In this missive, Louis Guizot solicits employment from Napoleon, highlighting his expertise as an architect and contractor. He explains his precarious situation after the fall of the Empire, and expresses his wish to settle in Pianosa with his family, to exercise his skills and contribute to Napoleon's desired construction and development projects on the island. The letter is accompanied by an autograph apostille from Napoleon, signed with an "N", and an annotation from General Bertrand, grand marshal of the palace, stating that "M. Guizot asks to settle in Pianosa and appears intelligent / To write to him by the first mail to come here". This reference testifies to the special attention the Emperor paid to Guizot's skills and experience, despite his initial misgivings. This rare document illustrates the organization and administration of Napoleon's exile on Elba, as well as the Emperor's interest in the island's development projects. It highlights the impact of the fall of the Empire on many civil servants, who were forced to apply directly to the Emperor in exile to continue their work. It also bears witness to the relations between Napoleon and the technical and administrative figures of his regime. Light bending, staining and yellowing. 2 p., in-4° format. Historical background: After his abdication in April 1814, Napoleon settled on the island of Elba, where he attempted to reorganize his administration and modernize his territory. He welcomed former servants of the Empire, seeking to harness their skills for his projects. The letter from Louis Guizot, an architect from Piombino, is part of this context: he asked the Emperor for a job in Pianosa. This document bears witness to Napoleon's efforts to structure his exile, and to the fate of Empire men seeking to pursue their careers under his authority. Literature: This document is mentioned in Les souvenirs de l'île d'Elbe by Pons de l'Hérault (ed. Plon, 1907, pp. 223-225). The book recounts Napoleon's reaction on discovering Guizot's name. Initially fearing that he was a political agent, he realized after reading that this was not the case and declared: "I'd like to do something for him, although it's not one of our names. Let's not let it be said that we hold grudges".