Prince Jerome Bonaparte. Youngest brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. c1854

by The Illustrated London News

The Illustrated London News Supplement original engraving c1854.

The youngest brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, Jerome Bonaparte (1784-1860), began naval training when 15, after his brother became First Consul of France. At 17 Jerome was commander of a corvette and sailed to St. Domingo under the command of General Le Clerc who was married to their youngest sister, Pauline. In America Jerome married a beautiful talented protestant daughter of a Baltimore merchant of Scottish descent, but Napoleon prevented her from entering France, so Jerome's new son was born in England, and she returned with him to America. Emperor Napoleon refuse to acknowledg the marriage and declared it null and void.
After leading several successful naval expeditions Jerome was awarded the Legion of Honour, was promoted to Admiral of the Navy, and created Prince of the Empire. Preferring the army he successfully commanded Bavarian and Wirtemburg troops and was made General of Division in the Imperial Army. He married Princess Frederica Caroline, daughter of the King of Wirtemburg, he was proclaimed King of Westphalia at the age of 22.
The Napoleonic Empire ended after the French defeat at the Battle of Waterloo (where Jerome had led 6,000 French troops). Jerome also lost his royal position in Westphalia. Having proved his ability in running the government Jerome was appointed President of the French Senate.                            

Page size 395 x 275mm (15.5 x 10.75 inches.) Slight soiling, and damage to page extremities.