Napoleon at St Helena. A contemporary hand-written inventory of the 'Schedule of the Allowance...

Napoleon at St Helena.

A contemporary hand-written inventory of the 'Schedule of the Allowance of Wines, Provisions, etc. forwarded to the Establishment at Longwood in the Island of St Helena together with the Names of the persons comprising the Establishment', signed Denzil Ibbetson ACG and dated 13th October 1820.

This fascinating document gives a detailed insight into the quality and quantity of wine, spirits and food that were enjoyed by Napoleon and his retinue during his exile on St Helena. Their daily allowance included over 50 bottles of wine as well as cyder (sic), malt liquor, champagne and other drinks. The daily food allowance was equally remarkable and included 50lbs of beef and veal, 68lbs of bread, 50lbs of mutton and pork, 1 roasting pig, 2 turkeys, 2 geese, 4 ducks, 9 fowls, 12 pigeon, 42 eggs, 15 bottles of milk and much else.

The list of personnel includes General Buonaparte, 7 members of the Bertrand family, and numerous staff including '32 Chinese'.

Denzil Ibbetson was commissary in St Helena from 1815-23. A talented artist he drew numerous sketches of Napoleon including on his death bed.

Provenance: Richard Booth, purser at St Helena and thence by family descent.