This day, the 14th of June, being the anniversary of the Battle of Marengo, from which engagement a certain white-haired pony-chan of Egyptian extraction derived her appellation, affords a pleasing occasion for reflection. From Austerlitz to Jena-Auerstedt, from Wagram unto e Emperor's most faithful and stalwart Soldier; and upon this auspicious day she appears to smile with particular satisfaction, in commemoration of my having now assembled 5000 followers to my cause. It seemeth but yesterday, though in truth it was scarce the conclusion of April, that I had the honour of surpassing 4000. Yet, with a celerity not wholly unlike that by which Bonaparte himself ascended the heights of fortune, another thousand have since joined my audience. Such an increase exceeds all reasonable expectation, and cannot but inspire gratitude.
The favourable approbation with which you have regarded my artistic endeavours, together with your constant and generous support, furnishes the strongest encouragement to persevere. So long as there shall remain persons disposed to take pleasure in the productions of my fancy, I shall continue, with unabated zeal, to express and render those conceptions which arise within my imagination, and to share, as best I am able, the delights which attend them.
