A little request from me this time, the copy deadline for each issue of First Empire is the 14th day of the month of publication, and FE is published on the last weekend of every odd numbered moth, i.e., this one went to bed in March. I only mention this because many of you have written in or emailed me with very interesting letters or articles which have arrived just to late to be included.

Being bimonthly some subject may become out of date (for want of a better term) as they may discuss matters that arose in issue 33, but may remembered when published in issue 35. We love your letters, the readers love your letters, so keep ' em coming but try to get them in early! And now I must do my bit for the INS.

International Napoleonic Society (INS) Congress to be held in Italy

The INS will hold its first International Congress in Alessandria, Italy June 21 to June 26, 1997. The theme of the conference is "Europe Discovers Napoleon: 1793-1804." The Congress will be held in the Cittadella of Alessandria, a historic fortress with Napoleonic connections. A reception, hosted by the President of the Province, will be held in the historic Ghilini Palace, built in 1732. The Congress will feature over 40 scholars from around the world, including, Proctor Jones (USA), J. David Markham (USA), Lugi Mascilli Migliorini (Italy), Helmut Reinalter (Austria), Dr. David Chandler (UK), Ben Weider (Canada), Col. Prof. Joseph Zachar (Hungary), and Professor Zylberg (France). Some will present papers studying Napoleon's rise to power and his early career. Others will discuss what was going on in other countries during this time, and the impact that Napoleon began to have on Europe. Papers will consider social, political, economic, artistic, and military issues of the time period.

The Congress will offer participants the opportunity to visit important Napoleonic sites. A trip to Marengo will include the museum and a visit to the battlefield. Another visit will be to Milan, with a special tour of the Museo del Risorgimento, which houses many important Napoleonic items. This will be followed by an afternoon in Lodi, with a tour of the historic sites, a presentation of papers, and a gala dinner.

In addition to these events, there will be a Napoleonic exhibition, musical and theatrical events, a re-enactment, and other activities. In short, while this is primarily a scholarly event, there will be something to satisfy all Napoleonic tastes!

Two hotels will be used as the host hotels. Both are four star hotels with air conditioning and an included buffet breakfast. The prices for both are 140,000 lira for a double (approximately $85 USD) and 90,000 lira for a single (approximately $55 USD). Please contact the hotels directly. Alli Due Buoi Rossi, via Cavour 30, 15100 Alessandria, tel. 0039-131-44.52.52, fax 0039-131-44.52.55. Hotel Lux, via Piacenza 72, 15100 Alessandria, tel. 0039-131-251661 / 260610/260768, fax 0039-131-441091. Please note that for both hotels to get this rate you must use the code Alexcong when registering.

This promises to be an exciting Congress. For more information and a registration form, please contact David Markham, INS Executive Vice-President, 458 Sea Lavender Terrace, Wellington, Florida 33414-3942 (USA) Phone (561) 798-8351 Fax: (561) 798-6267 Email: markham@flinet.com

Finally, New Sharpe Competition

A new Sharpe competition courtesy of my good friend Richard Moore. On offer is a 10 x 8 still from the new series- "Sharpe's Waterloo" and the CD of the music of Sharpe. And the question is.... "Who or what at Waterloo, was "The Holy Hedge"? Answers on a postcard to the magazines address please. Winner to be announced next issue!