Summary

Medal Bonaparte's Return to Frejus, Issued by France, 1799
Artist: Andre Galle
Minted by Paris Mint

Obverse Description

Naked Roman minor deity Bonus Eventus (God of Good Fortune); around, BONUS EVENTUS; in exergue, GALLE F.

Reverse Description

Two French frigates carrying Napoleon from Egypt under full sail; in the background, British cruisers; in exergue, ARRIVEE A FREJUS / XVII. VENDRE. / AN. VIII.; in small lettering near edge of medal, DENON D. GALLE F.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

"Head Quarters, Alexandria, August 23, 1799.
BONAPARTE, Commander in Chief, to the ARMY.
IN consequence of the news from Europe, I have determined to return immediately to France. I leave the command of the army to General Kleber: they shall hear from me speedily: this is all I can say to them at present. It grieves me to the heart to part from the brave men whom I am so tenderly attached; but it will be only for an instant; and the General I leave at their head is in full possession of the confidence of the Government and of mine.
BONAPARTE.
By order of the Commander in Chief, and of the General of Division, Chief of the Staff,
ALEX BERTHIER."

Source: Copies of original letters from the army of General Bonaparte in Egypt, intercepted by the fleet under the command of Admiral Lord Nelson. With an English translation (London, J. Wright, 1798-1800, 3 vols.), vol. 3, pp. 5-6.

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