The May 10, 1821, dated letter was sent by H Lowe of the government of St Helena to Major General Sir Thomas Munro, then Governor of Madras
CHENNAI: Does the city have any connect with French statesman and military leader Napoleon Bonaparte? It may not have a direct association but delve into the archives and historical research department of the state government in Chennai, and you will find a document that dates back to 1821, written from St Helena where Napoleon breathed his last in exile, which proves that he died of cancer.
The letter was addressed to Major General Sir Thomas Munro, then Governor of Madras, to confirm his demise as the French were attempting to establish their supremacy over India from Puducherry and four other enclaves spread across the sub-continent. The war between the British and the French during the 18th and 19th centuries had ramifications on their colonies across the world.