Act iv., Scene I.
SERIES C
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 223-225.)
LETTER PAGE
Christmas Day, 1799 223
No. 3. Ivrea, May 29th 224 _M.'s_ 224 _Cherries_ 224
No. 4. _Milan_ 224
THE CAMPAIGN OF MARENGO, 1800.
EVENTS OF 1798.
NAPOLEONIC HISTORY.--_May 20th._--_Napoleon sails from Toulon for Egypt._
_June 11th.--Takes Malta; sails for Egypt (June 20th)._
_July 4th.--Captures Alexandria._
_July 21st.--Defeats Mamelukes at Battle of the Pyramids, and enters Cairo the following day._
_August 1st.--French Fleet destroyed by Nelson at the Battle of the Nile._
_October 7th.--Desaix defeats Mourad Bey at Sedyman (Upper Egypt)._
* * * * *
GENERAL HISTORY.--_January 4th._--Confiscation of all English merchandise in France. Commencement of Continental system.
_January 5th._--Directory fail to float a loan of 80 millions (francs), and
_January 28th._--Forthwith invade Switzerland, ostensibly to defend the Vaudois, under a sixteenth-century treaty, really to revolutionise the country, and seize upon the treasure of Berne.
_February 15th._--Republic proclaimed at Rome. French occupy the Vatican, and
_February 20th._--Drive Pope Pius VI. into exile to the convent of Sienna.
_March 5th._--Capture of Berne by General Brune.
_April 13th._--Bernadotte, ambassador, attacked at the French Embassy in Vienna.
_May 19th._--Fitzgerald, a leader in the Irish rebellion, arrested.
_August 22nd._--General Humbert and 1100 French troops land at Killala, County Mayo.
_September 8th._--Humbert and 800 men taken by Lord Cornwallis at Ballinamack.
_September 12th._--Turkey declares war with France, and forms alliance with England and Russia.
_November 19th._--Wolfe-Tone commits suicide.
_December 5th._--Macdonald defeats Mack and 40,000 Neapolitans at Civita Castellana.
_December 9th._--Joubert occupies Turin.
_December 15th._--French occupy Rome.
_December 29th._--Coalition of Russia, Austria, and England against France.
EVENTS OF 1799.
NAPOLEONIC HISTORY.--_January 23rd._--_Desaix defeats Mourad Bey at Samhoud (Upper Egypt). February 3rd.--Desaix defeats Mourad Bey at the Isle of Philae (near Assouan)--furthest limit of the Roman Empire. Napoleon crosses Syrian desert and takes El Arish (February 20th) and Gaza (February 25th), captures Jaffa (March 7th) and Sour, formerly Tyre (April 3rd). Junot defeats Turks and Arabs at Nazareth (April 8th), and Kléber defeats them at Mount Tabor (April 16th). Napoleon invests Acre but retires (May 21st), re-enters Cairo (June 14th), annihilates Turkish army at Aboukir (July 25th); secretly sails for France (August 23rd), lands at Frejus (October 9th), arrives at Paris (October 13th); dissolves the Directory (November 9th) and Council of Five Hundred (November 10th), and is proclaimed First Consul (December 24th)._
* * * * *
GENERAL HISTORY.--_January 10th._--Championnet occupies Capua.
_January 20th._--Pacification of La Vendée by General Hédouville.
_January 23rd._--Championnet occupies Naples.
_March 3rd._--Corfu taken from the French by a Russo-Turkish force.
_March 7th._--Massena defeats the Austrians, and conquers the country of the Grisons.
_March 25th._--Archduke Charles defeats Jourdan at Stockach.
_March 30th._--Kray defeats French (under Schérer) near Verona,
_April 5th._--And again at Magnano.
_April 14th._--Suwarrow takes command of Austrian army at Verona;
_April 22nd._--Defeats French at Cassano, with heavy loss.
_April 28th._--French plenipotentiaries, returning from Radstadt, murdered by men in Austrian uniforms--Montgaillard thinks by creatures of the Directory.
_May 4th._--Capture of Seringapatam by General Baird.
_May 12th._--Austro-Russian army checked at Bassignana.
_May 16th._--Sièyes becomes one of the Directory.
_May 20th._--Suwarrow takes Brescia,
_May 24th._--And Milan (citadel).
_June 5th._--Massena defeated at Zurich by Archduke Charles; and Macdonald (_June 19th_) by Suwarrow at the Trebbia.
_June 18th._--Gohier, Roger-Ducos, and Moulin replace Treilhard, Laréveillère-Lépeaux, and Merlin on the Directory.
_June 20th._--Turin surrenders to Austro-Russians.
_June 22nd._--Turkey, Portugal, and Naples join the coalition against France.
_July 14th._--French carry their prisoner, Pope Pius VI., to Valence, where he dies (_August 29th_).
_July 22nd._--Alessandria surrenders to Austro-Russians.
_July 30th._--Mantua, after 72 days' siege, surrenders to Kray.
_August 15th._--French defeated at Novi by Suwarrow. French lose Joubert and 20,000 men.
_August 17th._--French, under Lecombe, force the St. Gothard.
_August 27th._--English army disembark at the Helder.
_August 30th._--Dutch fleet surrendered to the British Admiral.
_September 19th._--Brune defeats Duke of York at Bergen.
_September 25th._--Massena defeats allies at Zurich, who lose 16,000 men and 100 guns. "Massena saves France at Zurich, as Villars saved it at Denain."--_Montgaillard._
_October 6th._--Brune defeats Duke of York at Kastrikum.
_October 7th._--French take Constance.
_October 16th._--Saint-Cyr, without cavalry or cannon, defeats Austrians at Bosco.
_October 18th._--Capitulation at Alkmaar by Duke of York to General Brune. "The son of George III. capitulates at Alkmaar as little honourably as the son of George II. had capitulated at Kloster-Seven in 1757."--_Montgaillard._
_November 4th._--Melas defeats French at Fossano.
_November 13th._--Ancona surrendered to the Austrians by Monnier, after a six months' siege.
_November 24th._--Moreau made commander of the armies of the Rhine (being in disgrace, has served as a volunteer in Italy most of this year); Massena sent to the army of Italy.
_December 5th._--Coni, the key of Piedmont, surrenders to the Austrians.
_December 14th._--Death of George Washington.
_December 15th._--Battle of Montefaccio, near Genoa. Saint-Cyr defeats Austrians.
EVENTS OF 1800.
_February 11th._--Bank of France constituted.
_February 20th._--Kléber defeats Turks at Heliopolis.
_May 3rd._--Battle of Engen. Moreau defeats Kray, who loses 10,000 men, and--
_May 5th._--Again defeats Austrians at Moeskirch.
_May 6th.--Napoleon leaves Paris._
_May 8th.--Arrives at Auxonne, and on the 9th at Geneva, from thence moves to Lausanne (May 12th), where he is delighted with reception accorded to the French troops, and hears of Moreau's victory at Bibernach (May 11th). On the 14th he hears of Desaix's safe arrival at Toulon from Egypt, together with Davoust, and orders the praises of their past achievements to be sung in the_ Moniteur. _The same day writes Massena that in Genoa a man like himself (Massena) is worth 20,000. On the 16th is still at Lausanne._
No. 1.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PARIS.
_Lausanne, May 15, 1800._
I have been at Lausanne since yesterday. I start to-morrow. My health is fairly good. The country round here is very beautiful. I see no reason why, in ten or twelve days, you should not join me here; you must travel incognito, and not say where you are going, because I want no one to know what I am about to do. You can say you are going to Plombières.
I will send you Moustache,[16] who has just arrived.
My very kindest regards to Hortense. Eugène will not be here for eight days; he is _en route_.
BONAPARTE.
No. 2.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PARIS.
_Torre di Garofolo, May 16, 1800._
I start immediately to spend the night at Saint-Maurice. I have not received a single letter from you; that is not well. I have written you by every courier.
Eugène may arrive the day after to-morrow. I have rather a cold, but it will have no ill effects.
My very kindest regards to you, my good little Josephine, and to all who belong to you.
BONAPARTE.
_May 17th-19th.--At Martigny, "struggling against ice, snow-storms, and avalanches," and astonishing the great St. Bernard "with the passage of our 'pieces of 8,' and especially of our limbers--a new experience for it." On May 20th he climbed the St. Bernard on a mule, and descended it on a sledge. On May 21st he is at Aosta, hoping to be back in Paris within a fortnight. His army had passed the mountain in four days. On May 27th he is at Ivrea, taken by Lannes on the 24th._
No. 3.[17]
[_From Tennant's Tour, &c._, vol. ii.]
11 P.M.
I hardly know which way to turn. In an hour I start for Vercelli. Murat ought to be at Novaro to-night. The enemy is thoroughly demoralised; he cannot even yet understand us. I hope within ten days to be in the arms of my Josephine, who is always very good when she is not crying and not flirting. Your son arrived this evening. I have had him examined; he is in excellent health. Accept a thousand tender thoughts. I have received M.'s letter. I will send her by the next courier a box of excellent cherries.
We are here--within two months for Paris.--Yours entirely,
N. B.
_To Madame Bonaparte._ (Address not in Bonaparte's writing.)
* * * * *
_June 1st._--First experiments with vaccination at Paris, with fluid sent from London.
_On June 2nd Napoleon enters Milan, where he spends a week._
No. 4.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PARIS.
_Milan._
I am at Milan, with a very bad cold. I can't stand rain, and I have been wet to the skin for several hours, but all goes well. I don't persuade you to come here. I shall be home in a month. I trust to find you flourishing. I am just starting for Pavia and Stradella. We are masters of Brescia, Cremona, and Placentia.
Kindest regards. Murat has borne himself splendidly.
* * * * *
_June 5th._--Massena gives up Genoa, but leaves with all the honours of war.
_June 7th._--Lannes takes Pavia, 350 cannon, and 10,000 muskets.
_June 9th.--Battle of Montebello. Bonaparte defeats Austrians, who lose 8000 men._
_June 14th.--Bonaparte wins Marengo, but loses Desaix--"the man I loved and esteemed the most." In his bulletin he admits the battle at one time was lost, until he cried to his troops "Children, remember it is my custom to sleep upon the battlefield." He mentions the charges of Desaix and Kellermann, and especially eulogises the latter--a fact interesting on account of the false statements made of his ignoring it. In the bulletin of June 21st he blames the "punic faith" of Lord Keith at Genoa, a criticism the Admiral repaid with usury fifteen years later._
_June 14th._--Assassination of Kléber, in Egypt.
_June 16th.--Convention of Alessandria between Bonaparte and Melas; end of the "Campaign of Thirty Days."_
_June 19th._--Moreau defeats Kray at Hochstedt, and occupies Ulm.
_June 23rd._--Genoa re-entered by the French.
_June 26th.--Bonaparte leaves Massena in command of the Army of Reserve, now united with the Army of Italy._
_July 3rd.--The First Consul is back in Paris unexpectedly--not wishing triumphal arches or such-like "colifichets" In spite of which the plaudits he receives are very dear to him, "sweet as the voice of Josephine."_
_September 5th._--Vaubois surrenders Malta to the English, after two years' blockade.
_September 15th._--Armistice between France and Austria in Germany.
_September 30th._--Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between France and U.S.--agreed that the flag covers the goods.
_October 3rd._--To facilitate peace King George renounces his title of King of France.
_November 12th._--Rupture of Armistice between France and Austria.
_December 3rd._--Moreau wins the battle of Hohenlinden (Austrian loss, 16,000 men, 80 guns; French 3000).
_December 20th._--Moreau occupies Lintz (100 miles from Vienna).
_December 24th.--Royalist conspirators fail to kill Bonaparte with an infernal machine._
_December 25th._--Armistice at Steyer between Moreau and Archduke Charles (sent for by the Austrians a fortnight before as their last hope).
FOOTNOTES
[16] Bonaparte's courier.
[17] The date of this letter is May 29, 1800. See Notes.
SERIES D
"The peace of Amiens had always been regarded from the side of England as an armed truce: on the side of Napoleon it had a very different character.... A careful reader must admit that we were guilty of a breach of faith in not surrendering Malta. The promise of its surrender was the principal article of the treaty."
_England and Napoleon in 1803._
(Edited for the R. Hist. S. by Oscar Browning, 1887.)
SERIES D
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 225-231.)
LETTER PAGE Date 225
No. 1. _The blister_ 225 _Some plants_ 225 _If the weather is as bad_ 226 _Malmaison, without you_ 228
No. 2. _The fat Eugène_ 228
No. 3. _Your letter has come_ 229 _Injured whilst shooting a boar_ 229 "_The Barber of Seville_" 229
No. 4. _The Sèvres Manufactory_ 230
No. 5. _Your lover, who is tired of being alone_ 230 _General Ney_ 231
JOSEPHINE'S TWO VISITS TO PLOMBIÈRES,
1801 AND 1802.
EVENTS OF 1801.
_January 1st._--Legislative Union of Great Britain and Ireland.
_January 3rd._--French under Brune occupy Verona, and
_January 8th._--Vicenza.
_January 11th._--Cross the Brenta.
_January 16th._---Armistice at Treviso between Brune and the Austrian General Bellegarde.
_February 9th._--Treaty of Luneville, by which the Thalweg of the Rhine became the boundary of Germany and France.
_March 8th._--English land at Aboukir.
_March 21st._--Battle of Alexandria (Canopus). Menou defeated by Abercromby, with loss of 2000.
_March 24th._--The Czar Paul is assassinated.
_March 28th._--Treaty of Peace between France and Naples, who cedes Elba and Piombino.
_April 2nd._--Nelson bombards Copenhagen.
_May 23rd._--General Baird lands at Kosseir on the Red Sea with 1000 English and 10,000 Sepoys.
_June 7th._--French evacuate Cairo.
_July 1st._--Toussaint-Louverture elected Life-Governor of St. Domingo. Slavery abolished there. The new ruler declares, "I am the Bonaparte of St. Domingo, and the Colony cannot exist without me;" and heads his letters to the First Consul, "From the First of the Blacks to the First of the Whites."
_July 15th.--Concordat between Bonaparte and the Pope, signed at Paris by Bonaparte, ratified by the Pope (August 15th)._
_August 4th._--Nelson attacks Boulogne flotilla and is repulsed.
_August 15th._--Attacks again, and suffers severely.
_August 31st._--Menou capitulates to Hutchinson at Alexandria.
_September 29th._--Treaty of Peace between France and Portugal; boundaries of French Guiana extended to the Amazon.
_October 1st._--Treaty between France and Spain, who restores Louisiana. Preliminaries of Peace between France and England signed in London.
_October 8th._--Treaty of Peace between France and Russia.
_October 9th._--And between France and Turkey.
_December 14th._--Expedition sent out to St. Domingo by the French under General Leclerc.
No. 1.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Paris the "27" ..., 1801._
The weather is so bad here that I have remained in Paris. Malmaison, without you, is too dreary. The fête has been a great success; it has rather tired me. The blister they have put on my arm gives me constant pain.
Some plants have come for you from London, which I have sent to your gardener. If the weather is as bad at Plombières as it is here, you will suffer severely from floods.
Best love to "Maman" and Hortense.
BONAPARTE.
* * * * *
EVENTS OF 1802.
_January 4th.--Louis Bonaparte marries Hortense Beauharnais, both unwilling._
_January 9th.--The First Consul, with Josephine, leaves for Lyons, where,_
_January 25th.--He remodels the Cisalpine Republic as the Italian Republic, under his Presidency._
_March 25th._--Treaty of Amiens signed in London. French lose only Ceylon and Trinidad. Malta to be restored to the Order of Knights, reconstituted.
_May 7th._--Toussaint surrenders to Leclerc.
_May 19th._--Institution of the Legion of Honour.
No. 2.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Malmaison, June 19, 1802._
I have as yet received no news from you, but I think you must already have begun to take the waters. It is rather dull for us here, although your charming daughter does the honours of the house to perfection. For the last two days I have suffered slightly from my complaint. The fat Eugène arrived yesterday evening; he is very hale and hearty.
I love you as I did the first hour, because you are kind and sweet beyond compare.
Hortense told me that she was often writing you.
Best wishes, and a love-kiss.--Yours ever,
BONAPARTE.
No. 3.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Malmaison, June 23, 1802._
_My Good Little Josephine_,--Your letter has come. I am sorry to see you have been poorly on the journey, but a few days' rest will put you right. I am very fairly well. Yesterday I was at the Marly hunt, and one of my fingers was very slightly injured whilst shooting a boar.
Hortense is usually in good health. Your fat son has been rather unwell, but is getting better. I think the ladies are playing "The Barber of Seville" to-night. The weather is perfect.
Rest assured that my truest wishes are ever for my little Josephine.--Yours ever,
BONAPARTE.
No. 4.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Malmaison, June 27, 1802._
Your letter, dear little wife, has apprised me that you are out of sorts. Corvisart tells me that it is a good sign that the baths are having the desired effect, and that your health will soon be re-established. But I am most truly grieved to know that you are in pain.
Yesterday I went to see the Sèvres manufactory at St. Cloud.
Best wishes to all.--Yours for life,
BONAPARTE.
* * * * *
_June 29th.--Pope withdraws excommunication from Talleyrand._
No. 5.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Malmaison, July 1, 1802._
Your letter of June 29th has arrived. You say nothing of your health nor of the effect of the baths. I see that you expect to be home in a week; that is good news for your lover, who is tired of being alone!
You ought to have seen General Ney, who started for Plombières; he will be married on his return.
Yesterday Hortense played Rosina in "The Barber of Seville" with her usual skill.
Rest assured of my love, and that I await your return impatiently. Without you everything here is dreary.
BONAPARTE.
* * * * *
_August 2nd.--Napoleon Bonaparte made First Consul for life._ "_The conduct and the language of Bonaparte represents at once Augustus, Mahomet, Louis XI., Masaniello_" (Montgaillard, _an avowed enemy_).
_September 22nd._--Opening of the Ourcq Waterworks for the supply of Paris.
_September 25th.--Mass celebrated at St. Cloud for the first time. In this month Napoleon annexes Piedmont, and the next sends Ney to occupy Switzerland._
_October 11th.--Birth of Napoleon Charles, son of Louis Bonaparte and Hortense._
_October 29th.--Napoleon and Josephine visit Normandy, and, contrary to expectation, receive ovations everywhere. They return to Paris, November 14th._
EVENTS OF 1803.
_February 19th._--New constitution imposed by France on Switzerland.
_April 14th.--Bank of France reorganised by Bonaparte; it alone allowed to issue notes._
_April 27th._--Death of Toussaint-Louverture at Besançon.
_April 30th._--France sells Louisiana to U.S. for £4,000,000 (15 million dollars).
_May 22nd.--France declares war against England, chiefly respecting Malta. England having seized all French ships in British harbours previous to war being declared, Napoleon seizes all British tourists in France._
_May 31st.--His soldiers occupy Electorate of Hanover._
_June 14th.--He visits North of France and Belgium, accompanied by Josephine, and returns to Paris August 12th._
_September 27th._--Press censorship established in France.
_November 30th._--French evacuate St. Domingo.
SERIES E
1804
"Everywhere the king of the earth found once more, to put a bridle on his pride, the inevitable lords of the sea."--BIGNON, v. 130.
SERIES E
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 232-237.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. _Madame_ 232 _Pont de Bricques_ 232 _The wind having considerably freshened_ 232
No. 2. _The waters_ 233 _All the vexations_ 233 _Eugène has started for Blois_ 234
No. 3. _Aix-la-Chapelle_ 234
No. 4. _During the past week_ 235 _The day after to-morrow_ 235 _Hortense_ 235 _I am very well satisfied_ 235
No. 5. Its authenticity 236 _Arras, August 29th_ 236 _I am rather impatient to see you_ 236
No. 6. _T._ 237 _B._ 237
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING HIS JOURNEY ALONG THE COAST, 1804.
EVENTS OF 1804.
_February 15th._--The conspiracy of Pichegru. Moreau arrested, Pichegru (_February 28th_), and Georges Cadoudal (_March 9th_).
_March 21st._--Duc D'Enghien shot at Vincennes.
_April 6th._--Suicide of Pichegru.
_April 30th.--Proposal to make Bonaparte Emperor._
_May 4th.--Tribune adopts the proposal._
_May 18th.--The First Consul becomes the Emperor Napoleon._
_May 19th.--Napoleon confers the dignity of Marshal of the Empire on Berthier, Murat, Moncey, Jourdan, Massena, Augereau, Bernadotte, Soult, Brune, Lannes, Mortier, Ney, Davoust, Bessières, Kellermann, Lefebvre, Perignon, Serrurier._
_July 14th._--Inauguration of the Legion of Honour.
No. 1.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE.
_Pont-de-Bricques, July 21, 1804._
_Madame and dear Wife_,--During the four days that I have been away from you I have always been either on horseback or in a conveyance, without any ill effect on my health.
M. Maret tells me that you intend starting on Monday; travelling by easy stages, you can take your time and reach the Spa without tiring yourself.
The wind having considerably freshened last night, one of our gunboats, which was in the harbour, broke loose and ran on the rocks about a league from Boulogne. I believed all lost--men and merchandise; but we managed to save both. The spectacle was grand: the shore sheeted in fire from the alarm guns, the sea raging and bellowing, the whole night spent in anxiety to save these unfortunates or to see them perish! My soul hovered between eternity, the ocean, and the night. At 5 A.M. all was calm, everything saved; and I went to bed with the feeling of having had a romantic and epic dream--a circumstance which might have reminded me that I was all alone, had weariness and soaked garments left me any other need but that of sleep.
NAPOLEON.
[_Correspondence of Napoleon I., No. 7861, communicated by M. Chambry._]
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT AIX-LA-CHAPELLE.
_Boulogne, August 3, 1804._
_My Dear_,--I trust soon to learn that the waters have done you much good. I am sorry to hear of all the vexations you have undergone. Please write me often. My health is very good, although I am rather tired. I shall be at Dunkirk in a very few days, and shall write you from there.
Eugène has started for Blois.
_Je te couvre de baisers._
NAPOLEON.
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT AIX-LA-CHAPELLE.
_Calais, August 6, 1804._
_My Dear_,--I arrived at Calais at midnight; I expect to start to-night for Dunkirk. I am in very fair health, and satisfied with what I see. I trust that the waters are doing you as much good as exercise, camp, and seascape are doing me.
Eugène has set off for Blois. Hortense is well. Louis is at Plombières.
I am longing to see you. You are always necessary to my happiness. My very best love.
NAPOLEON.
No. 4.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT AIX-LA-CHAPELLE.
_Ostend, August 14, 1804._
_My Dear_,--I have had no letter from you for several days; yet I should be more comfortable if I knew that the waters were efficacious, and how you spend your time. During the past week I have been at Ostend. The day after to-morrow I shall be at Boulogne for a somewhat special fête. Advise me by the courier what you intend to do, and how soon you expect to end your baths.
I am very well satisfied with the army and the flotillas. Eugène is still at Blois. I hear no more of Hortense than if she were on the Congo. I am writing to scold her.
My best love to all.
NAPOLEON.
No. 5.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT AIX-LA-CHAPELLE.
_Arras, Wednesday, August 29, 1804._
_Madame and dear Wife_,--I have just reached Arras. I shall stay there to-morrow. I shall be at Mons on Friday, and on Sunday at Aix-la-Chapelle. I am as well satisfied with my journey as with the army. I think I shall pass through Brussels without stopping there; thence I shall go to Maestricht. I am rather impatient to see you. I am glad to hear you have tried the waters; they cannot fail to do you good. My health is excellent. Eugène is well, and is with me.
Very kindest regards to every one.
BONAPARTE.
[_Translated from a Letter in the Collection of Baron Heath, Philobiblon Society, vol. xiv._]
* * * * *
_October 2nd._--Sir Sydney Smith attacks flotilla at Boulogne unsuccessfully.
No. 6.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Trèves, October 6, 1804._
_My Dear,_--I arrive at Trèves the same moment that you arrive at St. Cloud. I am in good health. Do not grant an audience to T----, and refuse to see him. Receive B---- only in general company, and do not give him a private interview. Make promises to sign marriage contracts only after I have signed them.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 1st.--Plebiscite confirms election of Napoleon as Emperor, by 3,500,000 votes to 2000._
_December 2nd.--Napoleon crowns himself Emperor, and Josephine Empress, in the presence and with the benediction of the Pope._
GENERAL EVENTS.--_October 8th._--The negro Dessalines crowned Emperor of St. Domingo, under title of James I.
_December 12th._--Spain declares war against England.
SERIES F
CAMPAIGN OF AUSTERLITZ, 1805.
"To convey an idea of the brilliant campaign of 1805 ... I should, like the almanack-makers, be obliged to note down a victory for every day."--BOURRIENNE, vol. ii. 323.
"Si jamais correspondence de mari à femme a été intime et fréquente, si jamais continuité et permanence de tendresse a été marquée, c'est bien dans ces lettres écrites, chaque jour presque, par Napoléon à sa femme durant la campagne de l'an XIV."--F. MASSON, _Joséphine, Impératrice et Reine_, 1899, p. 427.
SERIES F
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 237-243.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. _To Josephine_ 237 _Strasburg_ 237 _Stuttgard_ 237 _I am well placed_ 237
No. 2. _Louisburg_ 238 _In a few days_ 238 _A new bride_ 238 _Electress_ 238
No. 3. _I have assisted at a marriage_ 238
No. 5. The abbey of Elchingen 238
No. 6. _Spent the whole of to-day indoors_ 238 _Vicenza_ 238
No. 7. _Elchingen_ 239 _Such a catastrophe_ 239
No. 9. _Munich_ 239 _Lemarois_ 239 _I was grieved_ 239 _Amuse yourself_ 239 _Talleyrand has come_ 240
No. 10. _We are always in forests_ 240 _My enemies_ 240
No. 11. Lintz 240
No. 12. Schoenbrunn 241
No. 13. _They owe everything to you_ 241
No. 14. _Austerlitz_ 241 _December 2nd_ 241
No. 17. _A long time since I had news of you_ 241
No. 19. _I await events_ 242 _I, for my part, am sufficiently busy_ 242
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, DURING THE AUSTERLITZ CAMPAIGN, 1805.
EVENTS OF 1805.
_March 13th.--Napoleon proclaimed King of Italy._
_May 26th.--Crowned at Milan._
_June 8th.--Prince Eugène named Viceroy of Italy._
_June 23rd.--Lucca made a principality, and given to Elisa Bonaparte._
_July 22nd._--Naval battle between Villeneuve and Sir Robert Calder, which saves England from invasion.
_August 16th.--Napoleon breaks up camp of Boulogne._
_September 8th._--Third Continental Coalition (Russia, Austria, and England against France). Austrians cross the Inn, and invade Bavaria.
_September 21st._--Treaty of Paris between France and Naples, which engages to take no part in the war.
_September 23rd._--_Moniteur_ announces invasion of Bavaria by Austria.
_September 24th.--Napoleon leaves Paris._
_September 27th.--Joins at Strasburg his Grand Army(160,000 strong)._
_October 1st.--Arrives at Ettlingen._
_October 2nd.--Arrives at Louisbourg. Hostilities commence._
No. 1.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_Imperial Headquarters, Ettlingen_,
_October 2, 1805_, 10 A.M.
I am well, and still here. I am starting for Stuttgard, where I shall be to-night. Great operations are now in progress. The armies of Wurtemberg and Baden have joined mine. I am well placed for the campaign, and I love you.
NAPOLEON.
No. 2.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_Louisbourg, October 4, 1805, Noon._
I am at Louisbourg. I start to-night. There is as yet nothing new. My whole army is on the march. The weather is splendid. My junction with the Bavarians is effected. I am well. I trust in a few days to have something interesting to communicate.
Keep well, and believe in my entire affection. There is a brilliant Court here, a new bride who is very beautiful, and upon the whole some very pleasant people, even our Electress, who appears extremely kind, although the daughter of the King of England.
NAPOLEON.
No. 3.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_Louisbourg, October 5, 1805._
I continue my march immediately. You will, my dear, be five or six days without hearing from me; don't be uneasy, it is connected with operations now taking place. All goes well, and just as I could wish.
I have assisted at a marriage between the son of the Elector and a niece of the King of Prussia. I wish to give the young princess a wedding present to cost 36,000 to 40,000 francs. Please attend to this, and send it to the bride by one of my chamberlains, when they shall come to rejoin me. This matter must be attended to immediately.
Adieu, dear, I love you and embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 6th-7th.--French cross the Danube and turn Mack's army._
_October 8th.--Battle of Wertingen. (Murat defeats the Austrians.)_
_October 9th.--Battle of Gunzburg. (Ney defeats Mack.)_
No. 4.
_October 10th.--French enter Augsbourg._
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_Augsbourg, Thursday, October 10, 1805_,
11 A.M.
I slept last night[18] with the former Elector of Trèves, who is very well lodged. For the past week I have been hurrying forward. The campaign has been successful enough so far. I am very well, although it rains almost every day. Events crowd on us rapidly. I have sent to France 4000 prisoners, 8 flags, and have 14 of the enemy's cannon.
Adieu, dear, I embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 11th.--Battle of Hasslach. Dupont holds his own against much superior forces._
No. 5.
_October 12th.--French enter Munich._
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_October 12, 1805_, 11 P.M.
My army has entered Munich. On one side the enemy is beyond the Inn; I hold the other army, 60,000 strong, blocked on the Iller, between Ulm and Memmingen. The enemy is beaten, has lost its head, and everything points to a most glorious campaign, the shortest and most brilliant which has been made. In an hour I start for Burgau-sur-l'Iller.
I am well, but the weather is frightful. It rains so much that I change my clothes twice a day.
I love and embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
_October 14th.--Capture of Memmingen and 4OOO Austrians by Soult._
_October 15th.--Battle of Elchingen. Ney defeats Laudon._
_October 17th.--Capitulation of Ulm._
No. 6.
_October 19th.--Werneck and 8000 men surrender to Murat._
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_Abbaye d'Elchingen, October 19, 1805._
_My dear Josephine_,--I have tired myself more than I ought. Soaked garments and cold feet every day for a week have made me rather ill, but I have spent the whole of to-day indoors, which has rested me.
My design has been accomplished; I have destroyed the Austrian army by marches alone; I have made 60,000 prisoners, taken 120 pieces of cannon, more than 90 flags, and more than 30 generals. I am about to fling myself on the Russians; they are lost men. I am satisfied with my army. I have only lost 1500 men, of whom two-thirds are but slightly wounded.
Prince Charles is on his way to cover Vienna. I think Massena should be already at Vicenza.
The moment I can give my thoughts to Italy, I will make Eugène win a battle.
Very best wishes to Hortense.
Adieu, my Josephine; kindest regards to every one.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 20th.--Mack and his army defile before Napoleon._
No. 7.
_October 21st._--Battle of Trafalgar; Franco-Spanish fleet destroyed after a five hours' fight. "The result of the battle of Trafalgar compensates, for England, the results of the operations of Ulm. It has been justly observed that this power alone, of all those who fought France from 1793 to 1812, never experienced a check in her political or military combinations without seeing herself compensated forthwith by a signal success in some other part of the world" (_Montgaillard_).
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Elchingen, October 21, 1805, Noon._
I am fairly well, my dear. I start at once for Augsbourg. I have made 33,000 men lay down their arms, I have from 60,000 to 70,000 prisoners, more than 90 flags, and 200 pieces of cannon. Never has there been such a catastrophe in military annals!
Take care of yourself. I am rather jaded. The weather has been fine for the last three days. The first column of prisoners files off for France to-day. Each column consists of 6000 men.
NAPOLEON.
No. 8.
_October 25th._--The Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia swear, at the tomb of the Great Frederick, to make implacable war on France (Convention signed November 3rd).
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Augsburg, October 25, 1805._
The two past nights have thoroughly rested me, and I am going to start to-morrow for Munich. I am sending word to M. de Talleyrand and M. Maret to be near at hand. I shall see something of them, and I am going to advance upon the Inn in order to attack Austria in the heart of her hereditary states. I should much have liked to see you; but do not reckon upon my sending for you, unless there should be an armistice or winter quarters.
Adieu, dear; a thousand kisses. Give my compliments to the ladies.
NAPOLEON.
No. 9.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Munich, Sunday, October 27, 1805._
I received your letter per Lemarois. I was grieved to see how needlessly you have made yourself unhappy. I have heard particulars which have proved how much you love me, but you should have more fortitude and confidence. Besides, I had advised you that I should be six days without writing you.
To-morrow I expect the Elector. At noon I start to support my advance on the Inn. My health is fair. You need not think of crossing the Rhine for two or three weeks. You must be cheerful, amuse yourself, and hope that before the end of the month[19] we shall meet.
I am advancing against the Russian army. In a few days I shall have crossed the Inn.
Adieu, my dear; kindest regards to Hortense, Eugène, and the two Napoleons.
Keep back the wedding present a little longer.
Yesterday I gave a concert to the ladies of this court. The precentor is a superior man.
I took part in the Elector's pheasant-shoot; you see by that that I am not so tired. M. de Talleyrand has come.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 28th._--Grand Army cross the Inn. Lannes occupies Braunau.
_October 28th to October 29th-30th.--Battle of Caldiero._--Massena with 55,000 men attacks Archduke Charles entrenched with 70,000; after two days' fight French repulsed at this place, previously disastrous to their arms.
No. 10.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Haag, November 3, 1805_, 10 P.M.
I am in full march; the weather is very cold, the earth covered with a foot of snow. This is rather trying. Luckily there is no want of wood; here we are always in forests. I am fairly well. My campaign proceeds satisfactorily; my enemies must have more anxieties than I.
I wish to hear from you and to learn that you are not worrying yourself.
Adieu, dear; I am going to lie down.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 4th._--Combat of Amstetten. Lannes and Murat drive back the Russians. Davoust occupies Steyer. Army of Italy takes Vicenza.
No. 11.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Tuesday, November 5, 1805._
I am at Lintz. The weather is fine. We are within seventy miles of Vienna. The Russians do not stand; they are in full retreat. The house of Austria is at its wit's end, and in Vienna they are removing all the court belongings. It is probable that something new will occur within five or six days. I much desire to see you again. My health is good.
I embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 7th._--Ney occupies Innsbruck.
_November 9th._--Davoust defeats Meerfeldt at Marienzell.
_November 10th._--Marmont arrives at Leoben.
_November 11th._---Battle of Diernstein; Mortier overwhelmed by Russians, but saved by Dupont.
_November 13th._--Vienna entered and bridge over the Danube seized. Massena crosses the Tagliamento.
_November 14th._--Ney enters Trent.
No. 12.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_November 15, 1805_, 9 P.M.
I have been at Vienna two days, my dear, rather fagged. I have not yet seen the city by day; I have traversed it by night. To-morrow I receive the notables and public bodies. Nearly all my troops are beyond the Danube, in pursuit of the Russians.
Adieu, Josephine; as soon as it is possible I will send for you. My very best love.
NAPOLEON.
No. 13.
_November 16th._--Jellachich surrenders to Augereau at Feldkirch with 7000 men.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Vienna, November 16, 1805._
I am writing to M. d'Harville, so that you can set out and make your way to Baden, thence to Stuttgard, and from there to Munich. At Stuttgard you will give the wedding present to the Princess Paul. If it costs fifteen to twenty thousand francs, that will suffice; the rest will do for giving presents at Munich to the daughters of the Electress of Bavaria. All that Madame de Serent[20] has advised you is definitely arranged. Take with you the wherewithal to make presents to the ladies and officers who will wait upon you. Be civil, but receive full homage; they owe everything to you, and you owe nothing save civility. The Electress of Wurtemberg is daughter of the King of England. She is an excellent woman; you should be very kind to her, but yet without affectation.
I shall be very glad to see you, the moment circumstances permit me. I start to join my vanguard. The weather is frightful; it snows heavily. Otherwise my affairs go excellently.
Adieu, my dear.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 19th.--French occupy Brunn, and Napoleon establishes his headquarters at Wischau._
_November 24th._--Massena occupies Trieste.
_November 28th._--Army of Italy joins troops of the Grand Army at Klagenfurt.
_December 2nd._--Battle of the Three Emperors (Austerlitz). French forces 80,000; allies 95,000.
No. 14.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Austerlitz, December 3, 1805._
I have despatched to you Lebrun from the field of battle. I have beaten the Russian and Austrian army commanded by the two Emperors. I am rather fagged. I have bivouacked eight days in the open air, through nights sufficiently keen. To-night I rest in the château of Prince Kaunitz, where I shall sleep for the next two or three hours. The Russian army is not only beaten, but destroyed.
I embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 4th.--Haugwitz, the Prussian Minister, congratulates Napoleon on his victory. "Voilà!" replied the Emperor; "un compliment dont la fortune a changé l'addresse."_
No. 15.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.
_Austerlitz, December 5, 1805._
I have concluded a truce. The Russians have gone. The battle of Austerlitz is the grandest of all I have fought. Forty-five flags, more than 150 pieces of cannon, the standards of the Russian Guard, 20 generals, 30,000 prisoners, more than 20,000 slain--a horrible sight.
The Emperor Alexander is in despair, and on his way to Russia. Yesterday, at my bivouac, I saw the Emperor of Germany. We conversed for two hours; we have agreed to make peace quickly.
The weather is not now very bad. At last behold peace restored to the Continent; it is to be hoped that it is going to be to the world. The English will not know how to face us.
I look forward with much pleasure to the moment when I can once more be near you. My eyes have been rather bad the last two days; I have never suffered from them before.
Adieu, my dear. I am fairly well, and very anxious to embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
No. 16.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.
_Austerlitz, December 7, 1805._
I have concluded an armistice; within a week peace will be made. I am anxious to hear that you reached Munich in good health. The Russians are returning; they have lost enormously--more than 20,000 dead and 30,000 taken. Their army is reduced by three-quarters. Buxhowden, their general-in-chief, was killed. I have 3000 wounded and 700 to 800 dead.
My eyes are rather bad; it is a prevailing complaint, and scarcely worth mentioning.
Adieu, dear. I am very anxious to see you again.
I am going to sleep to-night at Vienna.
NAPOLEON.
No. 17.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.
_Brunn, December 10, 1805._
It is a long time since I had news of you. Have the grand fêtes at Baden, Stuttgard, and Munich made you forget the poor soldiers, who live covered with mud, rain, and blood?
I shall start in a few days for Vienna.
We are endeavouring to conclude peace. The Russians have gone, and are in flight far from here; they are on their way back to Russia, well drubbed and very much humiliated.
I am very anxious to be with you again.
Adieu, dear.
My bad eyes are cured.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 15th.--Treaty with Prussia._
No. 18.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.
_December 19, 1805._
_Great Empress_,--Not a single letter from you since your departure from Strasburg. You have gone to Baden, Stuttgard, Munich, without writing us a word. This is neither very kind nor very affectionate.
I am still at Brunn. The Russians are gone. I have a truce. In a few days I shall see what I may expect. Deign from the height of your grandeur to concern yourself a little with your slaves.
NAPOLEON.
No. 19.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.
_Schönbrunn, December 20, 1805._
I got your letter of the 16th. I am sorry to learn you are in pain. You are not strong enough to travel two hundred and fifty miles at this time of the year. I know not what I shall do; I await events. I have no will in the matter; everything depends on their issue. Stay at Munich; amuse yourself. That is not difficult when you have so many kind friends and so beautiful a country. I, for my part, am sufficiently busy. In a few days my decision will be made.
Adieu, dear. Kindest and most affectionate regards.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 27th.[21]--Peace of Presburg._
_December 31st.--Napoleon arrives outside Munich, and joins Josephine the next morning._
FOOTNOTES
[18] _J'ai couché aujourd'hui_--_i.e._ a few hours' morning sleep.
[19] The month _Brumaire--i.e._ before November 21st.
[20] Countess de Serent, the Empress's lady-in-waiting.
[21] _VI. Nivose_, which for the year 1805 was December 27 (see Harris Nicolas' "Chronology of History"). Haydn, Woodward, Bouillet, all have December 26th; Alison and _Biographie Universelle_ have December 27th; but, as usual, the "Correspondence of Napoleon I." is taken here as the final court of appeal.
SERIES G
"Battles then lasted a few hours, campaigns a few days."
--BIGNON, _On Friedland_ (vol. vi. 292).
SERIES G
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 243-264.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. _Princess of Baden_ 244 _Hortense_ 244 _The Grand Duke_ 244 _Florence_ 244
No. 2. _Bamberg_ 244 _Eugène_ 244 _Her husband_ 245
No. 3. _Erfurt_ 245 _If she wants to see a battle_ 245
No. 4. _I nearly captured him and the Queen_ 246 _I have bivouacked_ 246
No. 5. _Fatigues, bivouacs have made me fat_ 246 _The great M. Napoleon_ 247
No. 7. _Potsdam_ 247
No. 8. _You do nothing but cry_ 247
No. 9_a_. _Madame Tallien_ 247
No. 10. _The bad things I say about women_ 248
No. 11. _Lubeck_ 250
No. 13. _Madame L._ 250
No. 17. _December 2nd_ 250
No. 18. _Jealousy_ 250
No. 19. _Desir de femme est un feu qui dévore_ 251
No. 23. _I am dependent on events_ 251
No. 26. _The fair ones of Great Poland_ 251 _A wretched barn_ 252 _Such things become common property_ 252
No. 27. _Warsaw, January 3rd_ 252
No. 28. _Be cheerful--gai_ 253
No. 29. _Roads unsafe and detestable_ 253
No. 35. _I hope that you are at Paris_ 254 _T._ 254
No. 36. _Paris_ 254
No. 38. Arensdorf 254
No. 39. _The Battle of Preussich-Eylau_ 254
No. 40. _Corbineau_ 256 _Dahlmann_ 256
No. 41. _Young Tascher_ 256
No. 42. Napoleon's Correspondence 256
No. 43. _I am still at Eylau_ 257 _This country is covered with dead and wounded_ 257
No. 50. _Osterode_ 257 _It is not as good as the great city_ 258 _I have ordered what you wish for Malmaison_ 258
No. 54. _Minerva_ 259
No. 55. The first use of _Vous_ 259
No. 56. _Dupuis_ 260
No. 58. _M. de T._ 260
No. 60. _Marshal Bessières_ 260
No. 63. Date 260
No. 67. _Sweet, pouting, and capricious_ 260
No. 68. _Madame_ ---- 261 _Measles_ 261
No. 69. _I trust I may hear you have been rational_ 261
No. 71. _May 20th_ 262
No. 74. _I am vexed with Hortense_ 262
No. 78. _Friedland_ 263
No. 79. _Tilsit_ 264
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST PRUSSIA AND RUSSIA, 1806-7.
1806.
_January 1st.--The Elector of Bavaria and the Duke of Wurtemberg created Kings by France._
_January 23rd._--Death of William Pitt, aged 47.
_February 15th.--Joseph Bonaparte enters Naples, and on_
_March 10th is declared King of the Two Sicilies._
_April 1st.--Prussia seizes Hanover._
_June 5th.--Louis Bonaparte made King of Holland._
_July 6th.--Battle of Maida (Calabria. English defeat General Reynier. French loss 4000; English 500)._
_July 12th.--Napoleon forms Confederation of the Rhine, with himself as Chief and Protector._
_July 18th.--Gaeta surrenders to Massena._
_August 6th.--Francis II., Emperor of Germany, becomes Emperor of Austria as Francis I._
_August 15th.--Russia refuses to ratify peace preliminaries signed by her ambassador at Paris on July 25th._
_September 13th._--Death of Charles James Fox, aged 57.
No. 1.
_October 5th.--Proclamation by the Prince of the Peace against France (germ of Spanish War)._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_October 5, 1806._
It will be quite in order for the Princess of Baden to come to Mayence. I cannot think why you weep; you do wrong to make yourself ill. Hortense is inclined to pedantry; she loves to air her views. She has written me; I am sending her a reply. She ought to be happy and cheerful. Pluck and a merry heart--that's the recipe.
Adieu, dear. The Grand Duke has spoken to me about you; he saw you at Florence at the time of the retreat.
NAPOLEON.
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Bamberg, October 7, 1806._
I start this evening, my dear, for Cronach. The whole of my army is advancing. All goes well. My health is perfect. I have only received as yet one letter from you. I have some from Eugène and from Hortense. Stephanie should now be with you. Her husband wishes to make the campaign; he is with me.
Adieu. A thousand kisses and the best of health.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 8th.--Prussia, assisted by Saxony, Russia, and England, declares war against France._
_October 9th.--Campaign opens. Prussians defeated at Schleitz._
_October 10th.--Lannes defeats them at Saalfeld. Prince Louis of Prussia killed; 1000 men and 30 guns taken._
_October 11th.--French peace negotiations with England broken off._
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Gera_, _October 13, 1806_, 2 A.M.
_My Dear_,--I am at Gera to-day. My affairs go excellently well, and everything as I could wish. With the aid of God, they will, I believe, in a few days have taken a terrible course for the poor King of Prussia, whom I am sorry for personally, because he is a good man. The Queen is at Erfurt with the King. If she wants to see a battle, she shall have that cruel pleasure. I am in splendid health. I have already put on flesh since my departure; yet I am doing, in person, twenty and twenty-five leagues a day, on horseback, in my carriage, in all sorts of ways. I lie down at eight, and get up at midnight. I fancy at times that you have not yet gone to bed.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 14th.--Battles of Jena and Auerstadt._
No. 4.
_October 15th.--Napoleon at Weimar, He releases 6000 Saxon prisoners, which soon causes peace with Saxony._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Jena_, _October 15, 1806_, 3 A.M.
_My Dear_,--I have made excellent manoeuvres against the Prussians. Yesterday I won a great victory. They had 150,000 men. I have made 20,000 prisoners, taken 100 pieces of cannon, and flags. I was in presence of the King of Prussia, and near to him; I nearly captured him and the Queen. For the past two days I have bivouacked. I am in excellent health.
Adieu, dear. Keep well, and love me.
If Hortense is at Mayence, give her a kiss; also to Napoleon and to the little one.
NAPOLEON.
No. 5.
_October 16th.--Soult routs Kalkreuth at Greussen; Erfurt and 16,000 men capitulate to Murat._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Weimar_, _October 16, 1806_, 5 P.M.
M. Talleyrand will have shown you the bulletin, my dear; you will see my successes therein. All has happened as I calculated, and never was an army more thoroughly beaten and more entirely destroyed. I need only add that I am very well, and that fatigue, bivouacs, and night-watches have made me fat.
Adieu, dear. Kindest regards to Hortense and to the great M. Napoleon.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 17th.--Bernadotte defeats Prussian reserve at Halle._
_October 18th.--Davoust takes Leipsic, and an enormous stock of English merchandise._
_October 19th.--Napoleon at Halle._
_October 20th.--Lannes takes Dessau, and Davoust Wittenberg._
_October 21st.--Napoleon at Dessau._
No. 6.
_October 23rd.--Napoleon makes Wittenberg central depôt for his army._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Wittenberg, October 23, 1806, Noon._
I have received several of your letters. I write you only a line. My affairs prosper. To-morrow I shall be at Potsdam, and at Berlin on the 25th. I am wonderfully well, and thrive on hard work. I am very glad to hear you are with Hortense and Stephanie, _en grande compagnie_. So far, the weather has been fine.
Kind regards to Stephanie, and to everybody, not forgetting M. Napoleon.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 7.
_October 24th.--Lannes occupies Potsdam._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Potsdam, October 24, 1806._
_My Dear_,--I have been at Potsdam since yesterday, and shall remain there to-day. I continue satisfied with my undertakings. My health is good; the weather very fine. I find Sans-Souci very pleasant.
Adieu, dear. Best wishes to Hortense and to M. Napoleon.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 25th.--Marshal Davoust enters Berlin; Bernadotte occupies Brandenburg._
_October 28th.--Prince Hohenlohe surrenders at Prenzlau to Murat with 16,000 men, including the Prussian Guard._
_October 30th.--Stettin surrenders with 5000 men and 150 cannon._
No. 8.
_November 1st.--Anklam surrenders, with 4000 men, to General Becker._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_November 1, 1806_, 2 A.M.
Talleyrand has just arrived and tells me, my dear, that you do nothing but cry. What on earth do you want? You have your daughter, your grandchildren, and good news; surely these are sufficient reasons for being happy and contented.
The weather here is superb; there has not yet fallen during the whole campaign a single drop of water. I am very well, and all goes excellently.
Adieu, dear; I have received a letter from M. Napoleon; I do not believe it is from him, but from Hortense. Kindest regards to everybody.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 2nd.--Kustrin surrenders, with 4000 men and 90 guns, to Davoust._
No. 9.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Berlin, November 2, 1806._
Your letter of October 26th to hand. We have splendid weather here. You will see by the bulletin that we have taken Stettin--it is a very strong place. All my affairs go as well as possible, and I am thoroughly satisfied. One pleasure is alone wanting--that of seeing you, but I hope that will not long be deferred.
Kindest regards to Hortense, Stephanie, and to the little Napoleon.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 9A.
From the Memoirs of Mademoiselle d'Avrillon (vol. i. 128).
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Berlin, Monday, Noon._
_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. I am glad to know that you are in a place which pleases me, and especially to know that you are very well there. Who should be happier than you? You should live without a worry, and pass your time as pleasantly as possible; that, indeed, is my intention.
I forbid you to see Madame Tallien, under any pretext whatever. I will admit of no excuse. If you desire a continuance of my esteem, if you wish to please me, never transgress the present order. She may possibly come to your apartments, to enter them by night; forbid your porter to admit her.
* * * * *
I shall soon be at Malmaison. I warn you to have no lovers there that night; I should be sorry to disturb them. Adieu, dear; I long to see you and assure you of my love and affection.
NAPOLEON.
No. 10.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_November 6, 1806_, 9 P.M.
Yours to hand, in which you seem annoyed at the bad things I say about women; it is true that I hate intriguing women more than anything. I am used to kind, gentle, persuasive women; these are the kind I like. If I have been spoilt, it is not my fault, but yours. Moreover, you shall learn how kind I have been to one who showed herself sensible and good, Madame d'Hatzfeld. When I showed her husband's letter to her she admitted to me, amid her sobs, with profound emotion, and frankly, "Ah! it is indeed his writing!" While she was reading, her voice went to my heart; it pained me. I said, "Well, madame, throw that letter on the fire, I shall then have no longer the power to punish your husband." She burnt the letter, and seemed very happy. Her husband now feels at ease; two hours later he would have been a dead man. You see then how I like kind, frank, gentle women; but it is because such alone resemble you.
Adieu, dear; my health is good.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 6th and 7th.--Blucher and his army (17,000 men) surrender at Lubeck to Soult, Murat, and Bernadotte._
_November 8th.--Magdeburg surrenders to Ney, with 20,000 men, immense stores, and nearly 800 cannon._
No. 11.
_November 9th.--Napoleon levies a contribution of 150 million francs on Prussia and her allies._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Berlin, November 9, 1806._
_My Dear_,--I am sending good news. Magdeburg has capitulated, and on November 7th I took 20,000 men at Lubeck who escaped me last week. The whole Prussian army, therefore, is captured; even beyond the Vistula there does not remain to Prussia 20,000 men. Several of my army corps are in Poland. I am still at Berlin. I am very fairly well.
Adieu, dear; heartiest good wishes to Hortense, Stephanie, and the two little Napoleons.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 10th.--Davoust occupies Posen. Hanover occupied by Marshal Mortier._
No. 12.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Berlin, November 16, 1806._
I received your letter of November 11th. I note with satisfaction that my convictions give you pleasure. You are wrong to think flattery was intended; I was telling you of yourself as I see you. I am grieved to think that you are tired of Mayence. Were the journey less long, you might come here, for there is no longer an enemy, or, if there is, he is beyond the Vistula; that is to say, more than three hundred miles away. I will wait to hear what you think about it. I should also be delighted to see M. Napoleon.
Adieu, my dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
I have still too much business here for me to return to Paris.
* * * * *
_November 17th.--Suspension of arms signed at Charlottenburg._
_November 19th.--French occupy Hamburg._
_November 20th.--French occupy Hameln._
_November 21st.--French occupy Bremen. Berlin decree. Napoleon interdicts trade with England._
No. 13.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_November 22, 1806_, 10 P.M.
Your letter received. I am sorry to find you in the dumps; yet you have every reason to be cheerful. You are wrong to show so much kindness to people who show themselves unworthy of it. Madame L---- is a fool; such an idiot that you ought to know her by this time, and pay no heed to her. Be contented, happy in my friendship, and in the great influence you possess. In a few days I shall decide whether to summon you hither or send you to Paris.
Adieu, dear; you can go at once, if you like, to Darmstadt, or to Frankfort; that will make you forget your troubles.
Kindest regards to Hortense.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 25th.--Napoleon leaves Berlin._
No. 14.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Kustrin, November 26, 1806._
I am at Kustrin, making a tour and spying out the land a little; I shall see in a day or two whether you should come. You can keep ready. I shall be very pleased if the Queen of Holland be of the party. The Grand Duchess of Baden must write to her husband about it.
It is 2 A.M. I am just getting up; it is the usage of war.
Kindest regards to you and to every one.
NAPOLEON.
No. 15.
_November 27th.--Napoleon arrives at Posen._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Meseritz, November 27, 1806_, 2 A.M.
I am about to make a tour in Poland. This is the first town there. To-night I shall be at Posen, after which I shall send for you to come to Berlin, so that you can arrive there the same day as I. My health is good, the weather rather bad; it has rained for the past three days. My affairs prosper. The Russians are in flight.
Adieu, dear; kindest regards to Hortense, Stephanie, and the little Napoleons.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 28th.--Murat enters Warsaw. French occupy Duchies of Mecklenburg._
No. 16.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Posen, November 29, 1806, Noon._
I am at Posen, capital of Great Poland. The cold weather has set in; I am in good health. I am about to take a circuit round Poland. My troops are at the gates of Warsaw.
Adieu, dear; very kindest regards, and a hearty embrace.
No. 17.
_December 2nd.--Glogau surrenders to Vandamme._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Posen, December 2, 1806._
To-day is the anniversary of Austerlitz. I have been to a city ball. It is raining; I am in good health. I love you and long for you. My troops are at Warsaw. So far the cold has not been severe. All these fair Poles are Frenchwomen at heart; but there is only one woman for me. Would you know her? I could draw her portrait very well; but I should have to flatter it too much for you to recognise yourself;--yet, to tell the truth, my heart would only have nice things to say to you. These nights are long, all alone.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 18.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_December 3, 1806, Noon._
Yours of November 26th received. I notice two things in it. You say I do not read your letters: it is an unkind thought. I take your bad opinion anything but kindly. You tell me that perhaps it is a mere phantasy of the night, and you add that you are not jealous. I found out long ago that angry persons always assert that they are not angry; that those who are afraid keep on repeating that they have no fear; you therefore are convinced of jealousy. I am delighted to hear it! Nevertheless, you are wrong; I think of nothing less, and in the desert plains of Poland one thinks little about beauties....
I had yesterday a ball of the provincial nobility--the women good-looking enough, rich enough, dowdy enough, although in Paris fashions.
Adieu, dear; I am in good health.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 19.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Posen, December 3, 1806_, 6 P.M.
Yours of November 27th received, from which I see that your little head is quite turned. I am reminded of the verse--
"Désir de femme est un feu qui dévore."
Still you must calm yourself. I wrote you that I was in Poland; that, when we were established in winter quarters, you could come; you will have to wait a few days. The greater one becomes, the less one can consult one's wishes--being dependent on events and circumstances. You can come to Frankfort or Darmstadt. I am hoping to send for you in a few days; that is, if circumstances will permit. The warmth of your letter makes me realise that you, like other pretty women, know no bounds. What you will, must be; but, as for me, I declare that of all men I am the greatest slave; my master has no pity, and this master is the nature of things.
Adieu, dear; keep well. The person that I wished to speak to you about is Madame L----, of whom every one is speaking ill; they assure me that she is more Prussian than French woman. I don't believe it, but I think her an idiot who talks nothing but trash.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 6th.--Thorn (on the Vistula) occupied by Ney._
No. 20.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Posen, December 9, 1806._
Yours of December 1st received. I see with pleasure that you are more cheerful; that the Queen of Holland wishes to come with you. I long to give the order; but you must still wait a few days. My affairs prosper.
Adieu, dear; I love you and wish to see you happy.
NAPOLEON.
No. 21.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Posen, December 10, 1806_, 5 P.M.
An officer has just brought me a rug, a gift from you; it is somewhat short and narrow, but I thank you for it none the less. I am in fair health. The weather is very changeable. My affairs prosper pretty well. I love you and long for you much.
Adieu, dear; I shall write for you to come with at least as much pleasure as you will have in coming.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
A kiss to Hortense, Stephanie, and Napoleon.
* * * * *
_December 11th.--Davoust forces the passage of the Bug._
No. 22.
_December 12th.--Treaty of peace and alliance between France and Saxony signed at Posen._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Posen, December 12th, 1806_, 7 P.M.
_My Dear_,--I have not received any letters from you, but know, nevertheless, that you are well. My health is good, the weather very mild; the bad season has not begun yet, but the roads are bad in a country where there are no highways. Hortense will come then with Napoleon; I am delighted to hear it. I long to see things shape themselves into a position to enable you to come.
I have made peace with Saxony. The Elector is King and one of the confederation.
Adieu, my well-beloved Josephine.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
A kiss to Hortense, Napoleon, and Stephanie.
Päer, the famous musician, his wife, a virtuoso whom you saw at Milan twelve years ago, and Brizzi are here; they give me a little music every evening.
No. 23.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_December 15, 1806_, 3 P.M.
_My Dear_,--I start for Warsaw. In a fortnight I shall be back; I hope then to be able to send for you. But if that seems a long time, I should be very glad if you would return to Paris, where you are wanted. You well know that I am dependent on events. All my affairs go excellently. My health is very good; I am as well as possible.
Adieu, dear. I have made peace with Saxony.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 17th._--Turkey declares war on Russia. (_So Montgaillard; but Napoleon refers to it in the thirty-ninth bulletin, dated December 7th, while Haydn dates it January 7th._)
No. 24.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Warsaw, December 20, 1806_, 3 P.M.
I have no news from you, dear. I am very well. The last two days I have been at Warsaw. My affairs prosper. The weather is very mild, and even somewhat humid. It has as yet barely begun to freeze; it is October weather.
Adieu, dear; I should much have liked to see you, but trust that in five or six days I shall be able to send for you.
Kindest regards to the Queen of Holland and to her little Napoleons.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 22nd.--Napoleon crosses the Narew, and the next day defeats Russians at Czarnowo; also_
_December 24th.--At Nasielsk._
_December 26th.--Ney defeats Lestocq at Soldau; Lannes defeats Beningsen at Pultusk_;
_December 28th.--And Augereau defeats Buxhowden at Golymin._
No. 25.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Golymin, December 29, 1806_, 5 A.M.
I write you only a line, my dear. I am in a wretched barn. I have beaten the Russians, taken thirty pieces of cannon, their baggage, and 6000 prisoners; but the weather is frightful. It is raining; we have mud up to our knees.
In two days I shall be at Warsaw, whence I shall write you.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 26.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Pultusk, December 31, 1806._
I have had a good laugh over your last letters. You idealise the fair ones of Great Poland in a way they do not deserve. I have had for two or three days the pleasure of hearing Päer and two lady singers, who have given me some very good music. I received your letter in a wretched barn, having mud, wind, and straw for my only bed. To-morrow I shall be at Warsaw. I think all is over for this year. The army is entering winter quarters. I shrug my shoulders at the stupidity of Madame de L----; still you should show her your displeasure, and counsel her not to be so idiotic. Such things become common property, and make many people indignant.
For my part, I scorn ingratitude as the worst fault in a human heart. I know that instead of comforting you, these people have given you pain.
Adieu, dear; I am in good health. I do not think you ought to go to Cassel; that place is not suitable. You may go to Darmstadt.
NAPOLEON.
No. 27.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Warsaw, January 3, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. Your grief pains me; but one must bow to events. There is too much country to travel between Mayence and Warsaw; you must, therefore, wait till circumstances allow me to come to Berlin, in order that I may write you to come thither. It is true that the enemy, defeated, is far away; but I have many things here to put to rights. I should be inclined to think that you might return to Paris, where you are needed. Send away those ladies who have their affairs to look after; you will be better without people who have given you so much worry.
My health is good; the weather bad. I love you from my heart.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_January 5th.--Capture of Breslau, with 7000 men, by Vandamme and Hédouville._
No. 28.
_January 7th.--English Orders in Council against Berlin Decree._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Warsaw, January 7, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I am pained by all that you tell me; but the season being cold, the roads very bad and not at all safe, I cannot consent to expose you to so many fatigues and dangers. Return to Paris in order to spend the winter there. Go to the Tuileries; receive, and lead the same life as you are accustomed to do when I am there; that is my wish. Perhaps I shall not be long in rejoining you there; but it is absolutely necessary for you to give up the idea of making a journey of 750 miles at this time of the year, through the enemy's country, and in the rear of the army. Believe that it costs me more than you to put off for some weeks the pleasure of seeing you, but so events and the success of my enterprise order it.
Adieu, my dear; be cheerful, and show character.
NAPOLEON.
No. 29.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Warsaw, January 8, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I received your letter of the 27th with those of M. Napoleon and Hortense, which were enclosed with it. I had begged you to return to Paris. The season is too inclement, the roads unsafe and detestable; the distances too great for me to permit you to come hither, where my affairs detain me. It would take you at least a month to come. You would arrive ill; by that time it might perhaps be necessary to start back again; it would therefore be folly. Your residence at Mayence is too dull; Paris reclaims you; go there, it is my wish. I am more vexed about it than you. I should have liked to spend the long nights of this season with you, but we must obey circumstances.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 30.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Warsaw, January 11, 1807._
Your letter of the 27th received, from which I note that you are somewhat uneasy about military events. Everything is settled, as I have told you, to my satisfaction; my affairs prosper. The distance is too great for me to allow you to come so far at this time of year. I am in splendid health, sometimes rather wearied by the length of the nights.
Up to the present I have seen few people here.
Adieu, dear. I wish you to be cheerful, and to give a little life to the capital. I would much like to be there.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
I hope that the Queen has gone to the Hague with M. Napoleon.
No. 31.
_January 16th.--Capture of Brieg by the French._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_January 16, 1807._
MY DEAR,--I have received your letter of the 5th of January; all that you tell me of your unhappiness pains me. Why these tears, these repinings? Have you then no longer any fortitude? I shall see you soon. Never doubt my feelings; and if you wish to be still dearer to me, show character and strength of mind. I am humiliated to think that my wife can distrust my destinies.
Adieu, dear. I love you, I long to see you, and wish to learn that you are content and happy.
NAPOLEON.
No. 32.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Warsaw, January 18, 1807._
I fear that you are greatly grieved at our separation and at your return to Paris, which must last for some weeks longer. I insist on your having more fortitude. I hear you are always weeping. Fie! how unbecoming it is! Your letter of January 7th makes me unhappy. Be worthy of me; assume more character. Cut a suitable figure at Paris; and, above all, be contented.
I am very well, and I love you much; but, if you are always crying, I shall think you without courage and without character. I do not love cowards. An empress ought to have fortitude.
NAPOLEON.
No. 33.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Warsaw, January 19, 1807._
_My Dear_,--Your letter to hand. I have laughed at your fear of fire. I am in despair at the tone of your letters and at what I hear. I forbid you to weep, to be petulant and uneasy; I want you to be cheerful, lovable, and happy.
NAPOLEON.
No. 34.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Warsaw, January 23, 1807._
Your letter of January 15th to hand. It is impossible to allow women to make such a journey as this--bad roads, miry and unsafe. Return to Paris; be cheerful and content there. Perhaps even I shall soon be there. I have laughed at what you say about your having taken a husband to be with him. I thought, in my ignorance, that the wife was made for the husband, the husband for his country, his family, and glory. Pardon my ignorance; one is always learning from our fair ladies.
Adieu, my dear. Think how much it costs me not to send for you. Say to yourself, "It is a proof how precious I am to him."
NAPOLEON.
No. 35.
_January 25th.--Russians defeated at Mohrungen by Bernadotte._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_January 25, 1807._
I am very unhappy to see you are in pain. I hope that you are at Paris; you will get better there. I share your griefs, and do not groan. For I could not risk losing you by exposing you to fatigues and dangers which befit neither your rank nor your sex.
I wish you never to receive T---- at Paris; he is a black sheep. You would grieve me by doing otherwise.
Adieu, my dear. Love me, and be courageous.
NAPOLEON.
No. 36.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Warsaw, January 26, 1807, Noon._
_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. It pains me to see how you are fretting yourself. The bridge of Mayence neither increases nor decreases the distance which separates us. Remain, therefore, at Paris. I should be vexed and uneasy to know that you were so miserable and so isolated at Mayence. You must know that I ought, that I can, consider only the success of my enterprise. If I could consult my heart I should be with you, or you with me; for you would be most unjust if you doubted my love and entire affection.
NAPOLEON.
No. 37.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Willemberg, February 1, 1807, Noon._
Your letter of the 11th, from Mayence, has made me laugh.
To-day, I am a hundred miles from Warsaw; the weather is cold, but fine.
Adieu, dear; be happy, show character.
NAPOLEON.
No. 38.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_My Dear_,--Your letter of January 20th has given me pain; it is too sad. That's the fault of not being a little more devout! You tell me that your glory consists in your happiness. That is narrow-minded; one should say, my glory consists in the happiness of others. It is not conjugal; one should say, my glory consists in the happiness of my husband. It is not maternal; one should say, my glory consists in the happiness of my children. Now, since nations--your husband, your children--can only be happy with a certain amount of glory, you must not make little of it. Fie, Josephine! your heart is excellent and your arguments weak. You feel acutely, but you don't argue as well.
That's sufficient quarrelling. I want you to be cheerful, happy in your lot, and that you should obey, not with grumbling and tears, but with gaiety of heart and a little more good temper.
Adieu, dear; I start to-night to examine my outposts.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_February 5th.--Combats of Bergfriede, Waltersdorf, and Deppen; Russians forced back._
_February 6th.--Combat of Hof. Murat victorious._
_February 8th.--Battle of Eylau; retreat of Russians._
No. 39.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Eylau, February 9, 1807_, 3 A.M.
_My Dear_,--Yesterday there was a great battle; the victory has remained with me, but I have lost many men. The loss of the enemy, which is still more considerable, does not console me. To conclude, I write you these two lines myself, although I am very tired, to tell you that I am well and that I love you.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 40.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Eylau, February 9, 1807_, 6 P.M.
_My Dear_,--I write you a line in order that you may not be uneasy. The enemy has lost the battle, 40 pieces of cannon, 10 flags, 12,000 prisoners; he has suffered frightfully. I have lost many: 1600 killed, 3000 or 4000 wounded.
Your cousin Tascher conducts himself well; I have summoned him near me with the title of orderly officer.
Corbineau has been killed by a shell; I was singularly attached to that officer, who had much merit; I am very unhappy about him. My mounted guard has covered itself with glory. Dahlman is dangerously wounded.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 41.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Eylau, February 11, 1807_, 3 A.M.
_My Dear_,--I write you a line; you must have been very anxious. I have beaten the enemy in a fight to be remembered, but it has cost many brave lives. The bad weather that has set in forces me to take cantonments.
Do not afflict yourself, please; all this will soon be over, and the happiness of seeing you will make me promptly forget my fatigues. Besides, I have never been in better health.
Young Tascher, of the 4th Regiment, has behaved well; he has had a rough time of it. I have summoned him near me; I have made him an orderly officer--there's an end to his troubles. This young man interests me.
Adieu, dear; a thousand kisses.
NAPOLEON.
No. 42.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Preussich-Eylau, February 12, 1807._
I send you a letter from General Darmagnac. He is a very good soldier, who commanded the 32nd. He is much attached to me. If this Madame de Richmond be well off, and it is a good match, I shall see this marriage with pleasure. Make this known to both of them.
NAPOLEON.
No. 43.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Eylau, February 14, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I am still at Eylau. This country is covered with dead and wounded. It is not the bright side of warfare; one suffers, and the mind is oppressed at the sight of so many victims. My health is good. I have done as I wished, and driven back the enemy, while making his projects fail.
You are sure to be uneasy, and that thought troubles me. Nevertheless, calm yourself, my dear, and be cheerful.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
Tell Caroline and Pauline that the Grand Duke and the Prince[22] are in excellent health.
* * * * *
_February 16th.--Savary defeats Russians at Ostrolenka._
No. 44.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Eylau_, _February 17, 1807_, 3 A.M.
Your letter to hand, informing me of your arrival at Paris. I am very glad to know you are there. My health is good.
The battle of Eylau was very sanguinary, and very hardly contested. Corbineau was slain. He was a very brave man. I had grown very fond of him.
Adieu, dear; it is as warm here as in the month of April; everything is thawing. My health is good.
NAPOLEON.
No. 45.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Landsberg_, _February 18, 1807_, 3 A.M.
I write you two lines. My health is good. I am moving to set my army in winter quarters.
It rains and thaws as in the month of April. We have not yet had one cold day.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 46.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Liebstadt_, _February 20, 1807_, 2 A.M.
I write you two lines, dear, in order that you may not be uneasy. My health is very good, and my affairs prosper.
I have again put my army into cantonments.
The weather is extraordinary; it freezes and thaws; it is wet and unsettled.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 47.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Liebstadt_, _February 21, 1807_, 2 A.M.
Your letter of the 4th February to hand; I see with pleasure that your health is good. Paris will thoroughly re-establish it by giving you cheerfulness and rest, and a return to your accustomed habits.
I am wonderfully well. The weather and the country are vile. My affairs are fairly satisfactory. It thaws and freezes within twenty-four hours; there can never have been known such an extraordinary winter.
Adieu, dear; I love you, I think of you, and wish to know that you are contented, cheerful, and happy.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 48.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Liebstadt, February 21, 1807, Noon._
_My Dear_,--Your letter of the 8th received; I see with pleasure that you have been to the opera, and that you propose holding receptions weekly. Go occasionally to the theatre, and always into the Royal box. I notice also with pleasure the banquets you are giving.
I am very well. The weather is still unsettled; it freezes and thaws.
I have once more put my army into cantonments in order to rest them.
Never be doleful, love me, and believe in my entire affection.
NAPOLEON.
No. 49.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Osterode_, _February 23, 1807_, 2 P.M.
_My Dear_,--Your letter of the 10th received. I am sorry to see you are a little out of sorts.
I have been in the country for the past month, experiencing frightful weather, because it has been unsettled, and varying from cold to warm within a week. Still, I am very well.
Try and pass your time pleasantly; have no anxieties, and never doubt the love I bear you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_February 26th.--Dupont defeats Russians at Braunsberg._
No. 50.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Osterode, March 2, 1807._
_My Dear_,--It is two or three days since I wrote to you; I reproach myself for it; I know your uneasiness. I am very well; my affairs prosper. I am in a wretched village, where I shall pass a considerable time; it is not as good as the great city! I again assure you, I was never in such good health; you will find me very much stouter.
It is spring weather here; the snow has gone, the streams are thawing--which is what I want.
I have ordered what you wish for Malmaison; be cheerful and happy; it is my will.
Adieu, dear; I embrace you heartily.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_March 9th._--The Grand Sanhedrim, which assembled at Paris on February 9, terminates its sittings.
No. 51.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Osterode_, _March 10, 1807_, 4 P.M.
_My Dear_,--I have received your letter of the 25th. I see with pleasure that you are well, and that you sometimes make a pilgrimage to Malmaison.
My health is good, and my affairs prosper.
The weather has become rather cold again. I see that the winter has been very variable everywhere.
Adieu, dear; keep well, be cheerful, and never doubt my affection,--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 52.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Osterode, March 11, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I received your letter of the 27th. I am sorry to see from it that you are ill; take courage. My health is good; my affairs prosper. I am waiting for fine weather, which should soon be here. I love you and want to know that you are content and cheerful.
A great deal of nonsense will be talked of the battle of Eylau; the bulletin tells everything; our losses are rather exaggerated in it than minimised.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 53.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Osterode_, _March 13, 1807_, 2 P.M.
_My Dear_,--I learn that the vexatious tittle-tattle that occurred in your salon at Mayence has begun again; make people hold their tongues. I shall be seriously annoyed with you if you do not find a remedy. You allow yourself to be worried by the chatter of people who ought to console you. I desire you to have a little character, and to know how to put everybody into his (or her) proper place.
I am in excellent health. My affairs here are good. We are resting a little, and organising our food supply.
Adieu, dear; keep well.
NAPOLEON.
No. 54.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Osterode, March 15, 1807._
I received your letter of the 1st of March, from which I see that you were much upset by the catastrophe of Minerva at the opera. I am very glad to see that you go out and seek distractions.
My health is very good. My affairs go excellently. Take no heed of all the unfavourable rumours that may be circulated. Never doubt my affection, and be without the least uneasiness.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 55.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
Osterode, March 17, 1807.
_My Dear_,--It is not necessary for you to go to the small plays and into a private box; it ill befits your rank; you should only go to the four great theatres, and always into the Royal box. Live as you would do if I were at Paris.
My health is very good. The cold weather has recommenced. The thermometer has been down to 8°.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 56.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Osterode_, _March 17, 1807_, 10 P.M.
I have received yours of March 5th, from which I see with pleasure that you are well. My health is perfect. Yet the weather of the past two days has been cold again; the thermometer to-night has been at 10°, but the sun has given us a very fine day.
Adieu, dear. Very kindest regards to everybody.
Tell me something about the death of that poor Dupuis; have his brother told that I wish to help him.
My affairs here go excellently.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 57.
_March 25th.--Abolition of slave trade in Great Britain by Parliament._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_March 25, 1807._
I have received your letter of March 13th. If you really wish to please me, you must live exactly as you live when I am at Paris. Then you were not in the habit of visiting the second-rate theatres or other places. You ought always to go into the Royal box. As for your home life: hold receptions there, and have your fixed circles of friends; that, my dear, is the only way to deserve my approbation. Greatness has its inconveniences; an Empress cannot go where a private individual may.
Very best love. My health is good. My affairs prosper.
NAPOLEON.
No. 58.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Osterode_, _March 27, 1807_, 7 P.M.
_My Dear_,--Your letter pains me. There is no question of your dying. You are in good health, and you can have no just ground for grief.
I think you should go during May to St. Cloud; but you must spend the whole month of April at Paris.
My health is good. My affairs prosper.
You must not think of travelling this summer; nothing of that sort is feasible. You ought not to frequent inns and camps. I long as much as you for our meeting and for a quiet life.
I can do other things besides fight; but duty stands first and foremost. All my life long I have sacrificed everything to my destiny--peace of mind, personal advantage, happiness.
Adieu, dear. See as little as possible of that Madame de P----. She is a woman who belongs to the lowest grade of society; she is thoroughly common and vulgar.
NAPOLEON.
I have had occasion to find fault with M. de T----. I have sent him to his country house in Burgundy. I wish no longer to hear his name mentioned.
No. 59.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Osterode, April 1, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I have just got your letter of the 20th. I am sorry to see you are ill. I wrote you to stay at Paris the whole month of April, and to go to St. Cloud on May 1st. You may go and spend the Sundays, and a day or two, at Malmaison. At St. Cloud you may have your usual visitors.
My health is good. It is still quite cold enough here. All is quiet.
I have named the little princess Josephine.[23] Eugène should be well pleased.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 60.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Finckenstein, April 2, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I write you a line. I have just moved my headquarters into a very fine château, after the style of Bessières', where I have several fireplaces, which is a great comfort to me; getting up often in the night, I like to see the fire.
My health is perfect. The weather is fine, but still cold. The thermometer is at four to five degrees.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 61.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Finckenstein_, _April 6, 1807_, 3 P.M.
_My Dear_,--I have received your letter, from which I see you have spent Holy Week at Malmaison, and that your health is better. I long to hear that you are thoroughly well.
I am in a fine château, where there are fireplaces, which I find a great comfort. It is still very cold here; everything is frozen.
You will have seen that I have good news from Constantinople.
My health is good. There is nothing fresh here.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 62.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Finckenstein_, _April 10, 1807_, 6 P.M.
_My Dear_,--My health is excellent. Here spring is beginning; but as yet there is no vegetation. I wish you to be cheerful and contented, and never to doubt my attachment. Here all goes well.
NAPOLEON.
No. 63.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Finckenstein_, _April 14, 1807_, 7 P.M.
I have received your letter of April 3rd. I see from it that you are well, and that it has been very cold in Paris. The weather here is very unsettled; still I think the spring has come at length; already the ice has almost gone. I am in splendid health.
Adieu, dear. I ordered some time ago for Malmaison all that you ask for,--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 64.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Finckenstein, April 18, 1807._
I have received your letter of April 5th. I am sorry to see from it that you are grieved at what I have told you. As usual, your little Creole head becomes flurried and excited in a moment. Let us not, therefore, speak of it again. I am very well, but yet the weather is rainy. Savary is very ill of a bilious fever, before Dantzic; I hope it will be nothing serious.
Adieu, dear; my very best wishes to you.
NAPOLEON.
No. 65.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Finckenstein_, _April 24, 1807_, 7 P.M.
I have received your letter of the 12th. I see from it that your health is good, and that you are very happy at the thought of going to Malmaison.
The weather has changed to fine; I hope it may continue so.
There is nothing fresh here. I am very well.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 66.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Finckenstein_, _May 2, 1807_, 4 P.M.
_My Dear_,--I have just received your letter of the 23rd; I see with pleasure that you are well, and that you are as fond as ever of Malmaison. I hear the Arch-Chancellor is in love. Is this a joke, or a fact? It has amused me; you might have given me a hint about it!
I am very well, and the fine season commences. Spring shows itself at length, and the leaves begin to shoot.
Adieu, dear; very best wishes.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 67.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Finckenstein, May 10, 1807._
I have just received your letter. I know not what you tell me about ladies in correspondence with me. I love only my little Josephine, sweet, pouting, and capricious, who can quarrel with grace, as she does everything else, for she is always lovable, except when she is jealous; then she becomes a regular shrew.[24] But let us come back to these ladies. If I had leisure for any among them, I assure you that I should like them to be pretty rosebuds.
Are those of whom you speak of this kind?
I wish you to have only those persons to dinner who have dined with me; that your list be the same for your assemblies; that you never make intimates at Malmaison of ambassadors and foreigners. If you should do the contrary, you would displease me. Finally, do not allow yourself to be duped too much by persons whom I do not know, and who would not come to the house, if I were there.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 68.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Finckenstein, May 12, 1807._
I have just received your letter of May 2nd, in which I see that you are getting ready to go to St. Cloud. I was sorry to see the bad conduct of Madame ----. Might you not speak to her about mending her ways, which at present might easily cause unpleasantness on the part of her husband?
From what I hear, Napoleon is cured; I can well imagine how unhappy his mother has been; but measles is an ailment to which every one is liable. I hope that he has been vaccinated, and that he will at least be safe from the smallpox.
Adieu, dear. The weather is very warm, and vegetation has begun; but it will be some days before there is any grass.
NAPOLEON.
No. 69.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Finckenstein, May 14, 1807._
I realise the grief which the death of this poor Napoleon[25] must cause you; you can imagine what I am enduring. I should like to be by your side, in order that your sorrow might be kept within reasonable bounds. You have had the good fortune never to lose children; but it is one of the pains and conditions attached to our miseries here below. I trust I may hear you have been rational in your sorrow, and that your health remains good! Would you willingly augment my grief?
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 70.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Finckenstein, May 16, 1807._
I have just received your letter of May 6th. I see from it how ill you are already; and I fear that you are not rational, and that you are making yourself too wretched about the misfortune which has come upon us.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 71.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT LACKEN.
_Finckenstein, May 20, 1807._
I have just received your letter of May 10th. I see that you have gone to Lacken. I think you might stay there a fortnight; it would please the Belgians and serve to distract you.
I am sorry to see that you have not been rational. Grief has bounds which should not be passed. Take care of yourself for the sake of your friend, and believe in my entire affection.
NAPOLEON.
No. 72.
_May 24th.--Dantzic surrenders to Lefebvre after two months' siege, with 800 guns and immense stores._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT LACKEN.
_Finckenstein, May 24, 1807._
Your letter from Lacken just received. I am sorry to see your grief undiminished, and that Hortense has not yet come; she is unreasonable, and does not deserve our love, since she only loves her children.
Try to calm her, and do not make me wretched. For every ill without a remedy consolations must be found.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 73.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT LACKEN.
_Finckenstein, May 26, 1807._
I have just received your letter of the 16th. I have seen with pleasure that Hortense has arrived at Lacken. I am annoyed at what you tell me of the state of stupor in which she still is. She must have more courage, and force herself to have it. I cannot imagine why they want her to go to take the waters; she will forget her trouble much better at Paris, and find more sources of consolation.
Show force of character, be cheerful, and keep well. My health is excellent.
Adieu, dear. I suffer much from all your griefs; it is a great trouble to me not to be by your side.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_May 28th.--Lefebvre made Duke of Dantzic by Napoleon._
_May 29th._--Selim III. deposed in Turkey by Mustapha IV., his nephew.
_June 1st.--22,000 Spanish troops, sent by Charles IV., join the French army in Germany._
No. 74.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Dantzig, June 2, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I note your arrival at Malmaison. I have no letters from you; I am vexed with Hortense, she has never written me a line. All that you tell me about her grieves me. Why have you not found her some distractions? Weeping won't do it! I trust you will take care of yourself in order that I may not find you utterly woebegone.
I have been the two past days at Dantzic; the weather is very fine, my health excellent. I think more of you than you are thinking of a husband far away.
Adieu, dear; very kindest regards. Pass on this letter to Hortense.
NAPOLEON.
No. 75.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Marienburg, June 3, 1807._
This morning I slept at Marienburg. Yesterday I left Dantzic; my health is very good. Every letter that comes from St. Cloud tells me you are always weeping. That is not well; it is necessary for you to keep well and be cheerful.
Hortense is still unwell; what you tell me of her makes me very sorry for her.
Adieu, dear; think of all the affection I bear for you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_June 5th.--Russians defeated at Spanden; Bernadotte wounded._
No. 76.
_June 6th.--Russians defeated at Deppen by Soult._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Finckenstein, June 6, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I am in flourishing health. Your yesterday's letter pained me; it seems to me that you are always grieving, and that you are not reasonable. The weather is very fine.
Adieu, dear; I love you and wish to see you cheerful and contented.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_June 9th.--Russians defeated at Guttstadt by Napoleon, and_
_June 10th.--At Heilsberg._
_June 14th.--Battle of Friedland, completing the "Campaign of Ten Days."_
No. 77.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Friedland, June 15, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I write you only a line, for I am very tired, by reason of several days' bivouacking. My children have worthily celebrated the anniversary of the battle of Marengo.
The battle of Friedland will be as celebrated for my people, and equally glorious. The entire Russian army routed, 80 pieces of cannon captured, 30,000 men taken or slain, 25 Russian generals killed, wounded, or taken, the Russian Guard wiped out. The battle is worthy of her sisters--Marengo, Austerlitz, Jena. The bulletin will tell you the rest. My loss is not considerable. I out-manoeuvred the enemy successfully.
Be content and without uneasiness.
Adieu, dear; my horse is waiting.
NAPOLEON.
You may give this news as official, if it arrives before the bulletin. They may also fire salvoes. Cambacères will make the proclamation.
No. 78.
_June 16th.--Königsberg captured by Soult--"what was left to the King of Prussia is conquered."_
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Friedland_, _June 16, 1807_, 4 P.M.
_My Dear_,--Yesterday I despatched Moustache with the news of the battle of Friedland. Since then I have continued to pursue the enemy. Königsberg, which is a town of 80,000 souls, is in my power. I have found there many cannon, large stores, and, lastly, more than 160,000 muskets, which have come from England.
Adieu, dear. My health is perfect, although I have a slight catarrh caused by bivouacking in the rain and cold. Be happy and cheerful.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_June 17th.--Neisse, in Silesia, with 6000 men, surrenders to the French; also_
_June 18th--Glatz._
No. 79.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Tilsit, June 19, 1807._
This morning I despatched Tascher to you, to calm all your fears. Here all goes splendidly. The battle of Friedland has decided everything. The enemy is confounded, overwhelmed, and greatly weakened.
My health is good, and my army is superb.
Adieu, dear. Be cheerful and contented.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_June 21st.--Armistice concluded at Tilsit._
No. 80.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Tilsit, June 22, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I have your letter of June 10th. I am sorry to see you are so depressed. You will see by the bulletin that I have concluded a suspension of arms, and that we are negotiating peace. Be contented and cheerful.
I despatched Borghèse to you, and, twelve hours later, Moustache; therefore you should have received in good time my letters and the news of the grand battle of Friedland.
I am wonderfully well, and wish to hear that you are happy.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 81.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Tilsit, June 25, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I have just seen the Emperor Alexander. I was much pleased with him. He is a very handsome, young, and kind-hearted Emperor; he has more intelligence than people usually give him credit for. To-morrow he will lodge in the town of Tilsit.
Adieu, dear. I am very anxious to hear that you are well and happy. My health is very good.
NAPOLEON.
No. 82.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Tilsit, July 3, 1807._
_My Dear_,--M. de Turenne will give you full details of all that has occurred here. Everything goes excellently. I think I told you that the Emperor of Russia drinks your health with much cordiality. He, as well as the King of Prussia, dines with me every day. I sincerely trust that you are happy. Adieu, dear. A thousand loving remembrances.
NAPOLEON.
No. 83.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Tilsit, July 6, 1807._
I have your letter of June 25th. I was grieved to see that you were selfish, and that the success of my arms should have no charm for you.
The beautiful Queen of Prussia is to come to-morrow to dine with me.
I am well, and am longing to see you again, when destiny shall so order it. Still, it may be sooner than we expect.
Adieu, dear; a thousand loving remembrances.
NAPOLEON.
No. 84.
_July 7th.--Peace signed between France and Russia._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Tilsit, July 7, 1807._
_My Dear_,--Yesterday the Queen of Prussia dined with me. I had to be on the defence against some further concessions she wished me to make to her husband; but I was very polite, and yet held firmly to my policy. She is very charming. I shall soon give you the details, which I could not possibly give you now unless at great length. When you read this letter, peace with Prussia and Russia will be concluded, and Jerome acknowledged King of Westphalia, with a population of three millions. This news is for yourself alone.
Adieu, dear; I love you, and wish to know that you are cheerful and contented.
NAPOLEON.
No. 85.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Tilsit, July 8,[26] 1807._
The Queen of Prussia is really charming; she is full of _coquetterie_ for me; but don't be jealous; I am an oil-cloth over which all that can only glide. It would cost me too much to play the lover.
NAPOLEON.
No. 12,875 of the _Correspondence_ (taken from Las Cases).
* * * * *
_July 9th.--Peace signed between France and Prussia, the latter resigning all its possessions between the Rhine and the Elbe._
No. 86.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Dresden, July 18, 1807, Noon._
_My Dear_,--Yesterday I arrived at Dresden at 5 P.M., in excellent health, although I remained a hundred hours in the carriage without getting out. I am staying here with the King of Saxony, with whom I am highly pleased. I have now therefore traversed more than half the distance that separates us.
It is very likely that one of these fine nights I may descend upon St. Cloud like a jealous husband, so beware.
Adieu, dear; I shall have great pleasure in seeing you.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_July 25th._--Plot of Prince Ferdinand of Asturias against his parents, the King and Queen of Spain.
_July 27th.--Napoleon arrives at St. Cloud,_ 5 A.M.
_August 19th.--Napoleon suppresses the French Tribunate._
_August 20th.--Marshal Brune captures Stralsund from the Swedes._
_September 1st.--The Ionian Isles become part of the French Empire._
_September 5th to 7th._--Bombardment of Copenhagen by the English.
_September 7th.--Occupation of Rugen by Marshal Brune._
_October 6th._--War between Russia and Sweden.
_October 16th.--Treaty of alliance between France and Denmark._
_October 17th.--Junot with 27,000 men starts for Portugal, with whom France has been nominally at war since 1801._
_October 27th.--Treaty of Fontainebleau signed between France and Spain. (Plot of Prince Ferdinand against his father discovered at Madrid the same day.)_
_November 8th._--Russia declares war against England.
_November 15th.--Napoleon constitutes the kingdom of Westphalia, with his brother Jerome as king._
_November 26th.--Junot enters Abrantès, and on_
_November 30th, enters Lisbon._
_December 9th._--Trade suspended between England and the United States (_re_ rights of neutrals).
_December 23rd.--France levies a contribution of 100 million francs on Portugal._
FOOTNOTES
[22] Murat and Borghèse.
[23] Eugène's eldest daughter, the Princess Josephine Maximilienne Auguste, born March 14, 1807; married Bernadotte's son, Prince Oscar, June 18, 1827.
[24] _Toute diablesse._
[25] Charles Napoleon, Prince Royal of Holland, died at the Hague, May 5, 1807.
[26] Presumed date.
SERIES H
"Napoleon was received with unbounded adulation by all the towns of Italy.... He was the Redeemer of France, but the Creator of Italy."--ALISON, _Hist. of Europe_ (vol. xi. 280).
SERIES H
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 264-267.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. _Milan_ 264 _Mont Cenis_ 264 _Eugène_ 264
No. 2. _Venice_ 265 _November 30th_ 265
No. 3. _Udine_ 265-7 _I may soon be in Paris_ 267
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING THE JOURNEY HE MADE IN ITALY, 1807.
_November 16th.--Napoleon leaves Fontainebleau._
_November 22nd-25th.--At Milan._
No. 1.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Milan, November 25, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I have been here two days. I am very glad that I did not bring you here; you would have suffered dreadfully in crossing Mont Cenis, where a storm detained me twenty-four hours.
I found Eugène in good health; I am very pleased with him. The Princess is ill; I went to see her at Monza. She has had a miscarriage; she is getting better.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 29th to December 7th.--At Venice (writes Talleyrand, "This land is a phenomenon of the power of commerce")._
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Venice, November 30, 1807._
I have your letter of November 22nd. The last two days I have been at Venice. The weather is very bad, which has not prevented me from sailing over the lagoons in order to see the different forts.
I am glad to see you are enjoying yourself at Paris.
The King of Bavaria, with his family, as well as the Princess Eliza, are here.
I am spending December 2nd[27] here, and that past I shall be on my way home, and very glad to see you.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Udine, December 11, 1807._
_My Dear_,--I have your letter of December 3rd, from which I note that you were much pleased with the Jardin des Plantes. Here I am at the extreme limit of my journey; it is possible I may soon be in Paris, where I shall be very glad to see you again. The weather has not as yet been cold here, but very rainy. I have profited by this good season up to the last moment, for I suppose that at Christmas the winter will at length make itself felt.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 12th.--At Udine._
_December 14th.--At Mantua._
_December 16th.--At Milan (till December 26th)._
_December 17th.--His Milan decree against English commerce._
_December 27th-28th.--At Turin._
1808.
_January 1st.--At Paris._
FOOTNOTES
[27] His Coronation Day.
SERIES I
"The imbecility of Charles IV., the vileness of Ferdinand, and the corruption of Godoy were undoubtedly the proximate causes of the calamities which overwhelmed Spain."--NAPIER'S _Peninsular War_ (vol. i. preface).
SERIES I
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 267-269.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. _Bayonne_ 267
No. 2. _A country-house_ 267 _Everything is still most primitive_ 267
No. 3. _Prince of the Asturias_ 268 _The Queen_ 268
No. 4. _A son has been born_ 268 _Arrive on the 27th_ 269
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING THE STAY THAT HE MADE AT BAYONNE, 1808.
"This year offers a strange picture. The Emperor Napoleon was at Venice in the month of January, surrounded by the homage of all the courts and princes of Italy; in the month of April he was at Bayonne, surrounded by that of Spain, and the great personages of that country; and, finally, in the month of October he is at Erfurth, with his _parterre_ of kings."--_Mémoires du Duc de Rovigo._
* * * * *
_January 27th.--Queen and Prince Regent of Portugal reach Rio de Janeiro._
_February 2nd.--French troops enter Rome._
_February 17th.--French occupy Pampeluna, and_
_February 29th.--Barcelona._
_March 19th.--Charles IV. abdicates, and his son proclaimed Ferdinand VII._
_March 20th.--Godoy imprisoned by Ferdinand._
_March 23rd.--Murat enters Madrid._
_March 27th.--Napoleon excommunicated._
_April 15th.--Napoleon arrives at Bayonne._
No. 1.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT BORDEAUX.
_Bayonne, April 16, 1808._
I have arrived here in good health, rather tired by a dull journey and a very bad road.
I am very glad you stayed behind, for the houses here are wretched and very small.
I go to-day into a small house in the country, about a mile from the town.
Adieu, dear. Take care of yourself.
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT BORDEAUX.
_Bayonne, April 17, 1808._
I have just received yours of April 15th. What you tell me of the owner of the country-house pleases me. Go and spend the day there sometimes.
I am sending an order for you to have 20,000 francs per month additional while I am away, counting from the 1st of April.
I am lodged atrociously. I am leaving this place in an hour, to occupy a country-house (_bastide_) about a mile away. The Infant Don Carlos and five or six Spanish grandees are here, the Prince of the Asturias fifty miles away. King Charles and the Queen are due. I know not how I shall lodge all these people. Everything here is still most primitive (_à l'auberge_). The health of my troops in Spain is good.
It took me some time to understand your little jokes; I have laughed at your recollections. O you women, what memories you have!
My health is fairly good, and I love you most affectionately. I wish you to give my kind regards to everybody at Bordeaux; I have been too busy to send them to anybody.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_April 20th.--Ferdinand arrives at Bayonne._
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT BORDEAUX.
_April 21, 1808._
I have just received your letter of April 19th. Yesterday I had the Prince of the Asturias and his suite to dinner, which occasioned me considerable embarrassment. I am waiting for Charles IV. and the Queen.
My health is good. I am now sufficiently recovered for the campaign.
Adieu, dear. Your letters always give me much pleasure.
NAPOLEON.
No. 4.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT BORDEAUX.
_Bayonne, April 23, 1808._
_My Dear_,--A son has been born to Hortense;[28] I am highly delighted. I am not surprised that you tell me nothing of it, since your letter is dated the 21st, and the child was only born on the 20th,[29] during the night.
You can start on the 26th, sleep at Mont de Marsan, and arrive here on the 27th. Have your best dinner-service sent on here on the 25th, in the evening. I have made arrangements for you to have a little house in the country, next to the one I have. My health is good.
I am waiting for Charles IV. and his wife.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_April 30th.--Charles IV. and the Queen arrive at Bayonne._
_May 1st.--Ferdinand gives back the crown to his father._
_May 2nd.--Murat subdues insurrection at Madrid._
_May 5th.--Treaty of Bayonne; Charles IV. and Ferdinand (May 6) surrender to Napoleon their rights to the Spanish crown._
_May 13th.--Spanish Junta ask for Joseph Bonaparte to be their king._
_June 6th.--King Joseph proclaimed King of Spain and the Indies by Napoleon, in an imperial decree, dated Bayonne._
_June 7th.--French, under Dupont, sacked Cordova._
_June 9th.--Emperor of Austria calls out his militia._
_June 15th.--French fleet at Cadiz surrender to the Spanish._
_July 4th.--English cease hostilities with Spain, and recognise Ferdinand VII._
_July 7th.--Spanish new constitution sworn to by Joseph and by the Junta._
_July 9th.--Commences the siege of Saragossa._
_July 14th.--Bessières defeats 40,000 Spaniards at Medina de Rio Seco._
_July 15th.--Murat declared King of Naples._
_July 20th.--Joseph enters Madrid._ Mahmoud deposed by his younger brother at Constantinople.
_July 22nd.--Dupont capitulates at Baylen--"the only stain on French arms for twenty years (1792-1812)."_--Montgaillard.
_July 30th.--French protest against Austrian armaments._
_August 1st.--Wellington landed in Portugal._
_August 21st.--Battle of Vimiera, creditable to Junot._
_August 25th.--Spanish troops reoccupy Madrid._
_August 30th.--Convention of Cintra. French only hold Barcelona, Biscay, Navarre, and Alava, in the whole of Spain._
_September 8th.--Convention of Paris (Prussia and France); Prussian army not to exceed 40,000 men._
FOOTNOTES
[28] Charles Louis Napoleon, afterwards Napoleon III.
[29] At 17 Rue Lafitte.
SERIES J
"When he shows as seeking quarter, with paws like hands in prayer, _That_ is the time of peril--the time of the truce of the Bear!"
--KIPLING.
SERIES J
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 269-273.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. _I have rather a cold_ 270 _I am pleased with the Emperor_ 270
No. 2. _Shooting over the battlefield of Jena_ 271 _The Weimar ball_ 271 _A few trifling ailments_ 271
No. 3. _I am pleased with Alexander_ 272 _He ought to be with me_ 272 _Erfurt_ 273
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING HIS STAY AT ERFURT, 1808.
No. 1.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Erfurt, September 29, 1808._
I have rather a cold. I have received your letter, dated Malmaison. I am well pleased with the Emperor and every one here.
It is an hour after midnight, and I am tired.
Adieu, dear; take care of yourself.
NAPOLEON.
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_October 9, 1808._
_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. I note with pleasure that you are well. I have just been shooting over the battlefield of Jena. We had breakfast (_déjeuné_) at the spot where I bivouacked on the night of the battle.
I assisted at the Weimar ball. The Emperor Alexander dances; but not I. Forty years are forty years.
My health is really sound, in spite of a few trifling ailments.
Adieu, dear; I hope to see you soon.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.
_My Dear_,--I write you seldom; I am very busy. Conversations which last whole days, and which do not improve my cold. Still all goes well. I am pleased with Alexander; he ought to be with me. If he were a woman, I think I should make him my sweetheart.
I shall be back to you shortly; keep well and let me find you plump and rosy.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
SERIES K
"The winter campaign commenced on the 1st of November 1808, and terminated on the 1st of March 1809, to the advantage of the French, who, for that reason, denominate it the _Imperial Campaign_. The Spaniards were long before they could recover from the terror caused by the defeat of their armies, the capture of Madrid, the surrender of Saragossa, and the departure of the English from Corunna."--_Sarrazin's History of the War in Spain and Portugal_, 1815.
SERIES K
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 273-278.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 5. Aranda 273
No. 6. Madrid 273 _Parisian weather_ 273
No. 8. _Kourakin_ 274
No. 9. _The English_ appear to have received reinforcements 274
No. 10. _Benavente_ 274 _The English flee panic-stricken_ 274 _The weather_ 274 _Lefebvre_ 275
No. 11. _Your letters_ 275-6
No. 12. _The English are in utter rout_ 276
Nos. 13 & 14. Valladolid 277 _Eugène has a daughter_ 277 _They are foolish in Paris_ 277
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING THE SPANISH CAMPAIGN, 1808 AND 1809.
_October 29th.--English enter Spain._
_October 31st.--Blake defeated by Lefebvre at Tornosa._
No. 1.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_November 3, 1808._
I arrived to-night[30] with considerable trouble. I had ridden several stages at full speed. Still, I am well.
To-morrow I start for Spain.
My troops are arriving in force.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 4th.--Napoleon enters Spain._
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Tolosa, November 5, 1808._
I am at Tolosa. I am starting for Vittoria, where I shall be in a few hours. I am fairly well, and I hope everything will soon be completed.
NAPOLEON.
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Vittoria, November 7._
_My Dear_,--I have been the last two days at Vittoria. I am in good health. My troops are arriving daily; the Guard arrived to-day.
The King is in very good health. I am very busy.
I know that you are in Paris. Never doubt my affection.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 10th._--Battle of Burgos. _Soult and Bessières defeat Spaniards, who lose 3000 killed and 3000 prisoners, and 20 cannon._
_November 12th._--Battle of Espinosa. _Marshal Victor defeats La Romana and Blake, who lose 20,000 men and 50 cannon._
No. 4.
_November 14th._--Third revolution at Constantinople. _Mahmoud IV. assassinated (November 15th)._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Burgos, November 14, 1808._
Matters here are progressing at a great rate. The weather is very fine. We are successful. My health is very good.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 23rd.--Battle of Tudela. Castaños and Palafox defeated, with loss of 7000 men and 30 cannon, by Marshal Lannes. "The battle of Tudela makes the pendant of that of Espinosa."_--NAPOLEON.
No. 5.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_November 26, 1808._
I have received your letter. I trust that your health be as good as mine is, although I am very busy. All goes well here.
I think you should return to the Tuileries on December 21st, and from that date give a concert daily for eight days.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
Kind regards to Hortense and to M. Napoleon.
* * * * *
_December 3rd.--French voluntarily evacuate Berlin._
_December 4th.--Surrender of Madrid. Napoleon abolishes the Inquisition and feudal rights._ ("_He regards the taking of a capital as decisive for the submission of a whole kingdom; thus in 1814 will act his adversaries, pale but judicious imitators of his strategy._"--Montgaillard.)
No. 6.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_December 7, 1808._
Your letter of the 28th to hand. I am glad to see that you are well. You will have seen that young Tascher has distinguished himself, which has pleased me. My health is good.
Here we are enjoying Parisian weather of the last fortnight in May. We are hot, and have no fires; but the nights are rather cool.
Madrid is quiet. All my affairs prosper.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
Kind regards to Hortense and to M. Napoleon.
No. 7.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Chamartin, December 10, 1808._
_My Dear_,--Yours to hand, in which you tell me what bad weather you are having in Paris; here it is the best weather imaginable. Please tell me what mean these alterations Hortense is making; I hear she is sending away her servants. Is it because they have refused to do what was required? Give me some particulars. Reforms are not desirable.
Adieu, dear. The weather here is delightful. All goes excellently, and I pray you to keep well.
NAPOLEON.
No. 8.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_December 21, 1808._
You ought to have been at the Tuileries on the 12th. I trust you may have been pleased with your rooms.
I have authorised the presentation of Kourakin to you and the family; be kind to him, and let him take part in your plays.
Adieu, dear. I am well. The weather is rainy; it is rather cold.
NAPOLEON.
No. 9.
_December 22nd.--Napoleon quits Madrid._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Madrid, December 22, 1808._
I start at once to outmanoeuvre the English, who appear to have received reinforcements and wish to look big.
The weather is fine, my health perfect; don't be uneasy.
NAPOLEON.
No. 10.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Benavento, December 31, 1808._
_My Dear_,--The last few days I have been in pursuit of the English, but they flee panic-stricken. They have pusillanimously abandoned the remnant of La Romana's army in order not to delay its retreat a single half day. More than a hundred waggons of their baggage have already been taken. The weather is very bad.
Lefebvre[31] has been captured. He took part in a skirmish with 300 of his chasseurs; these idiots crossed a river by swimming and threw themselves in the midst of the English cavalry; they killed several, but on their return Lefebvre had his horse wounded; it was swimming, the current took him to the bank where the English were; he was taken. Console his wife.
Adieu, dear. Bessières, with 10,000 cavalry, is at Astorga.
NAPOLEON.
A happy New Year to everybody.
No. 11.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_January 3, 1809._
_My Dear_,--I have received your letters of the 18th and 21st. I am close behind the English.
The weather is cold and rigorous, but all goes well.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
A happy New Year, and a very happy one, to my Josephine.
No. 12.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Benavento, January 5, 1809._
_My Dear_,--I write you a line. The English are in utter rout; I have instructed the Duke of Dalmatia to pursue them closely (_l'épee dans les reins_). I am well; the weather bad.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 13.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_January 8, 1809._
I have received yours of the 23rd and 26th. I am sorry to see you have toothache. I have been here two days. The weather is what we must expect at this season. The English are embarking. I am in good health.
Adieu, dear.
I am writing Hortense. Eugène has a daughter.
Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 14.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_January 9, 1809._
Moustache brings me your letter of 31st December. I see from it, dear, that you are sad and have very gloomy disquietudes. Austria will not make war on me; if she does, I have 150,000 men in Germany and as many on the Rhine, and 400,000 Germans to reply to her. Russia will not separate herself from me. They are foolish in Paris; all goes well.
I shall be at Paris the moment I think it worth while. I advise you to beware of ghosts; one fine day, at two o'clock in the morning.
But adieu, dear; I am well, and am yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
FOOTNOTES
[30] At Bayonne.
[31] General Lefebvre--Desnouettes.
SERIES L
"Berthier, incapable of acting a principal part, was surprised, and making a succession of false movements that would have been fatal to the French army, if the Emperor, journeying night and day, had not arrived at the very hour when his lieutenant was on the point of consummating the ruin of the army. But then was seen the supernatural force of Napoleon's genius. In a few hours he changed the aspect of affairs, and in a few days, maugre their immense number, his enemies, baffled and flying in all directions, proclaimed his mastery in an art which, up to that moment, was imperfect; for never, since troops first trod a field of battle, was such a display of military genius made by man."--NAPIER.
SERIES L
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 278-295.)
LETTER PAGE
Napoleon's position in Europe 278
No. 1. _Donauwerth_ 281 The Ratisbon proclamation, and first successes of the campaign up to April 23rd 281-2
No. 2. _May 6th_ 282 _The ball that touched me_ 283
No. 3. Baron Marbot's foray; and memories of Richard Coeur de Lion 284
No. 4. _Schoenbrunn_ 284-5 _May 12th_ 285
No. 5. _Ebersdorf_ 286 _Eugène... has completely performed the task_ 287
No. 6. _May 29th_ 288
No. 7. _I have ordered the two princes_ 288-9 _The Duke of Montebello_ 289 _Thus everything ends_ 289
No. 9. _Eugène won a battle_ 290
No. 11. _Wagram_ 290 _Lasalle_ 291 _I am sunburnt_ 291
No. 12. _A surfeit of bile_ 291 _Wolkersdorf_ 291
No. 16. _My affairs follow my wishes_ 292
No. 17. _August 21st_ 292
No. 18. _Comedians_ 292 _Women ... not having been presented_ 293
No. 19. _All this is very suspicious_ 293
No. 20. _Krems_ 293 _My health has never been better_ 293
No. 23. _October 14th_ 294
No. 24. _Stuttgard_ 295
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING THE AUSTRIAN CAMPAIGN, 1809.
EVENTS OF 1809.
_January 7th._--King and Queen of Prussia visit Alexander at St. Petersburg.
_January 12th._--Cayenne and French Guiana captured by Spanish and Portuguese South Americans.
_January 13th._--Combat of Alcazar. Victor defeats Spaniards.
_January 14th._--Treaty of Alliance between England and Spain.
_January 16th._--Battle of Corunna. Moore killed; Baird wounded.
_January 17th._--English army sails for England.
_January 22nd._--King Joseph returns to Madrid.
_January 27th._--Soult takes Ferrol (retaken by English, June 22nd).
_February 21st._--Lannes takes Saragossa.
_February 23rd._--English capture Martinique.
_March 4th._--Madison made President of United States.
_March 29th._--Soult fights battle of Oporto. Spaniards lose 20,000 men and 200 guns. Gustavus Adolphus abdicates throne of Sweden.
_April 9th._--Austrians under Archduke Charles cross the Inn, enter Bavaria, and take Munich. _Napoleon receives this news April 12th, and reaches Strasburg April 15th._
_April 15th._--Eugène defeated on the Tagliamento.
_April 16th._--And at Sacile.
_April 19th._--Combat of Pfafferhofen. Oudinot repulses Austrians, while Davoust wins the Battle of Thann. _Napoleon joins the army._
_April 20th._--Battle of Abensberg. Archduke Louis defeated. Austrians take Ratisbon, and 1800 prisoners. Poles defeated by Archduke Ferdinand at Baszy.
_April 21st._--Combat of Landshut; heavy Austrian losses. Austrians under Archduke Ferdinand take Warsaw.
_April 22nd.--Battle of Eckmühl. Napoleon defeats Archduke Charles._
_April 23rd._--French take Ratisbon.
_April 25th._--King of Bavaria re-enters Munich.
_April 26th._--French army crosses the Inn.
_April 28th-30th._--French force the Salza, and cut in two the main Austrian army--"One of the most beautiful manoeuvres of modern tactics" (_Montgaillard_).
_April 29th._--Combat of Caldiero. Eugène defeats Archduke John.
_May 3rd._--Russia declares war on Austria, and enters Galicia.
_May 4th._--Combat of Ebersberg. Massena defeats Austrians, but loses a large number of men.
No. 1.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Donauwoerth, April 17, 1809._
I arrived here yesterday at 4 A.M.; I am just leaving it. Everything is under way. Military operations are in full activity. Up to the present, there is nothing new.
My health is good.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Enns, May 6, 1809, Noon._
_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. The ball that touched me has not wounded me; it barely grazed the tendon Achilles.
My health is very good. You are wrong to be uneasy.
My affairs here go excellently.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
Kind regards to Hortense and the Duke de Berg.[32]
* * * * *
_May 8th._--Eugène crosses the Piave, and defeats Archduke John.
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Saint-Polten, May 9, 1809._
_My Dear_,--I write you from Saint-Polten. To-morrow I shall be before Vienna; it will be exactly a month to the day after the Austrians crossed the Inn, and violated peace.
My health is good, the weather splendid, and the soldiery very cheerful; there is wine here.
Keep well.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_May 13th._--French occupy Vienna, after a bombardment of thirty-six hours.
_May 17th._--Roman States united to the French Empire.
_May 18th._--French occupy Trieste.
_May 19th._--Lefebvre occupies Innsbruck.
_May 20th._--Eugène reaches Klagenfurt.
_May 21st-22nd._--Battle of Essling. A drawn battle, unfavourable to the French, who lose Marshal Lannes, three generals killed, and 500 officers and 18,000 men wounded. The Archduke admits a loss of 4200 killed and 16,000 wounded.
_May 22nd._--Meerveldt with 4000 men surrenders at Laybach to Macdonald.
_May 25th._--Eugène reaches Leoben in Styria, and captures most of the corps of Jellachich.
_May 26th._--Eugène joins the army of Germany, at Bruck in Styria.
No. 4.
_May 12th._--Soult evacuates Portugal. Wellington crosses the Douro, and enters Spain.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Schoenbrunn, May 12, 1809._
I am despatching the brother of the Duchess of Montebello to let you know that I am master of Vienna, and that everything here goes perfectly. My health is very good.
NAPOLEON.
No. 5.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Ebersdorf, May 27, 1809._
I am despatching a page to tell you that Eugène has rejoined me with all his army; that he has completely performed the task that I entrusted him with; and has almost entirely destroyed the enemy's army opposed to him.
I send you my proclamation to the army of Italy, which will make you understand all this.
I am very well.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
_P.S._--You can have this proclamation printed at Strasburg, and have it translated into French and German, in order that it may be scattered broadcast over Germany. Give a copy of the proclamation to the page who goes on to Paris.
* * * * *
_May 28th._--Hofer defeats Bavarians at Innsbruck.
No. 6.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Ebersdorf_, _May 29, 1809_, 7 P.M.
_My Dear_,--I have been here since yesterday; I am stopped by the river. The bridge has been burnt; I shall cross at midnight. Everything here goes as I wish it, viz., very well.
The Austrians have been overwhelmed (_frappès de la foudre_).
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 7.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Ebersdorf May 31, 1809._
Your letter of the 26th to hand. I have written you that you can go to Plombières. I do not care for you to go to Baden; it is not necessary to leave France. I have ordered the two princes to re-enter France.[33]
The loss of the Duke of Montebello, who died this morning, has grieved me exceedingly. Thus everything ends!!
Adieu, dear; if you can help to console the poor Maréchale, do so.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_June 1st._--Archduke Ferdinand evacuates Warsaw.
_June 6th._--Regent of Sweden proclaimed King as Charles XIII.
No. 8.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Schoenbrunn, June 9, 1809._
I have received your letter; I see with pleasure that you are going to the waters at Plombières, they will do you good.
Eugène is in Hungary with his army. I am well, the weather very fine. I note with pleasure that Hortense and the Duke of Berg are in France.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_June 10th._--Union of the Papal States to France promulgated in Rome.
_June 11th.--Napoleon and all his abettors excommunicated._
_June 14th._--Eugène, aided by Macdonald and Lauriston, defeats Archduke Ferdinand at Raab.
No. 9.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Schoenbrunn, June 16, 1809._
I despatch a page to tell you that, on the 14th, the anniversary of Marengo, Eugène won a battle against the Archduke John and the Archduke Palatine, at Raab, in Hungary; that he has taken 3000 men, many pieces of cannon, 4 flags, and pursued them a long way on the road to Buda-Pesth.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_June 18th._--Combat of Belchite. Blake defeated by Suchet near Saragossa.
No. 10.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Schoenbrunn, June 19, 1809, Noon._
I have your letter, which tells me of your departure for Plombières. I am glad you are making this journey, because I trust it may do you good.
Eugène is in Hungary, and is well. My health is very good, and the army in fighting trim.
I am very glad to know that the Grand Duke of Berg is with you.
Adieu, dear. You know my affection for my Josephine; it never varies.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_July 4th-5th._--French cross Danube, and win battle of Enzersdorff.
_July 5th-6th._--Pope Pius VII. carried off from Rome by order of Murat; eventually kept at Savona.
_July 6th.--Battle of Wagram._ The most formidable artillery battle ever fought up to this date (900 guns in action). The Austrians had 120,000 men, with more guns and of larger calibre than those of the French.
No. 11.
_July 7th._--St. Domingo surrenders to the English.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Ebersdorf_, _July 7, 1809_, 5 A.M.
I am despatching a page to bring you the good tidings of the victory of Enzersdorf, which I won on the 5th, and that of Wagram, which I won on the 6th.
The enemy's army flies in disorder, and all goes according to my prayers (_voeux_).
Eugène is well. Prince Aldobrandini is wounded, but slightly.
Bessières has been shot through the fleshy part of his thigh; the wound is very slight. Lasalle was killed. My losses are full heavy, but the victory is decisive and complete. We have taken more than 100 pieces of cannon, 12 flags, many prisoners.
I am sunburnt.
Adieu, dear. I send you a kiss. Kind regards to Hortense.
NAPOLEON.
No. 12.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Wolkersdorf_, _July 9, 1809_, 2 A.M.
_My Dear_,--All goes here as I wish. My enemies are defeated, beaten, utterly routed. They were in great numbers; I have wiped them out. To-day my health is good; yesterday I was rather ill with a surfeit of bile, occasioned by so many hardships, but it has done me much good.
Adieu, dear. I am in excellent health.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_July 12th._--Armistice of Znaim. Archduke Charles resigns his command.
No. 13.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_In the Camp, before Znaim, July 13, 1809._
I send you the suspension of arms concluded yesterday with the Austrian General. Eugène is on the Hungary side, and is well. Send a copy of the suspension of arms to Cambacérès, in case he has not yet received one.
I send you a kiss, and am very well.
NAPOLEON.
You may cause this suspension of arms to be printed at Nancy.
* * * * *
_July 14th._--English seize Senegal. Oudinot, Marmont, Macdonald made Marshals.
No. 14.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Schoenbrunn, July 17, 1809._
_My Dear_,--I have sent you one of my pages. You will have learnt the result of the battle of Wagram, and, later, of the suspension of arms of Znaim.
My health is good. Eugène is well, and I long to know that you, as well as Hortense, are the same.
Give a kiss for me to Monsieur, the Grand Duke of Berg.
NAPOLEON.
No. 15.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Schoenbrunn, July 24, 1809._
I have just received yours of July 18th. I note with pleasure that the waters are doing you good. I see no objection to you going back to Malmaison after you have finished your treatment.
It is hot enough here in all conscience. My health is excellent.
Adieu, dear. Eugène is at Vienna, in the best of health.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_July 28th.--Battle of Talavera._ Wellington repulses Victor, who attacks by King Joseph's order, without waiting for the arrival of Soult with the main army. Wellington retires on Portugal.
_July 29th-31st._--Walcheren Expedition; 17,000 English land in Belgium.
No. 16.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIÈRES.
_Schoenbrunn, August 7, 1809._
I see from your letter that you are at Plombières, and intend to stay there. You do well; the waters and the fine climate can only do you good.
I remain here. My health and my affairs follow my wishes.
Please give my kind regards to Hortense and the Napoleons.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_August 8th._--Combat of Arzobispo. Soult defeats the Spaniards.
_August 15th._--Flushing surrenders to the English.
No. 17.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.
_Schoenbrunn, August 21, 1809._
I have received your letter of August 14th, from Plombières; I see from it that by the 18th you will be either at Paris or Malmaison. The heat, which is very great here, will have upset you. Malmaison must be very dry and parched at this time of year.
My health is good. The heat, however, has brought on a slight catarrh.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 18.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Schoenbrunn, August 26, 1809._
I have your letter from Malmaison. They bring me word that you are plump, florid, and in the best of health, I assure you Vienna is not an amusing city. I would very much rather be back again in Paris.
Adieu, dear. Twice a week I listen to the comedians (_bouffons_); they are but very middling; it, however, passes the evenings. There are fifty or sixty women of Vienna, but outsiders (_au parterre_), as not having been presented.
NAPOLEON.
No. 19.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Schoenbrunn, August 31, 1809._
I have had no letter from you for several days; the pleasures of Malmaison, the beautiful greenhouses, the beautiful gardens, cause the absent to be forgotten. It is, they say, the rule of your sex. Every one speaks only of your good health; all this is very suspicious.
To-morrow I am off with Eugène for two days in Hungary.
My health is fairly good.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 20.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Krems, September 9, 1809._
_My Dear_,--I arrived here yesterday at 2 A.M.; I have come here to see my troops. My health has never been better. I know that you are very well.
I shall be in Paris at a moment when nobody will expect me. Everything here goes excellently and to my satisfaction.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 21.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Schoenbrunn, September 23, 1809._
I have received your letter of the 16th, and note that you are well. The old maid's house is only worth 120,000[34] francs; they will never get more for it. Still, I leave you mistress to do what you like, since it amuses you; only, once purchased, don't pull it down to put a rockery there.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 22.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Schoenbrunn, September 25, 1809._
I have received your letter. Be careful, and I advise you to be vigilant, for one of these nights you will hear a loud knocking.
My health is good. I know nothing about the rumours; I have never been better for many a long year. Corvisart was no use to me.
Adieu, dear; everything here prospers.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_September 26th._--Battle of Silistria; Turks defeat Russians.
No. 23.
_October 14th._--Treaty of Vienna, between France and Austria.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Schoenbrunn, October 14, 1809._
_My Dear_,--I write to advise you that Peace was signed two hours ago between Champagny and Prince Metternich.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 19th._--Mortier routs Spaniards at Oçana.
No. 24.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Nymphenburg, near Munich, October 21, 1809._
I arrived here yesterday in the best of health, but shall not start till to-morrow. I shall spend a day at Stuttgard. You will be advised twenty-four hours in advance of my arrival at Fontainebleau.
I look forward with pleasure to seeing you again, and I await that moment impatiently.
I send you a kiss.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 25.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Munich, October 22, 1809._
_My Dear_,--I start in an hour. I shall be at Fontainebleau from the 26th to 27th; you may meet me there with some of your ladies.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 25th._--Disappearance of Benjamin Bathurst, erroneously thought to have been murdered by the French, really by robbers.
_December 1st._--Capture of Gerona and 200 cannon by Augereau.
_December 16th.--French Senate pronounce the divorce of Napoleon and Josephine._
_December 24th._--English re-embark from Flushing.
FOOTNOTES
[32] Napoleon Louis, Prince Royal of Holland, and Grand Duke of Berg from March 3, 1809.
[33] Her two grandsons, who, with Hortense, their mother, were at Baden.
[34] Boispréau, belonging to Mademoiselle Julien.
SERIES M
"Josephine, my excellent Josephine, thou knowest if I have loved thee! To thee, to thee alone do I owe the only moments of happiness which I have enjoyed in this world. Josephine, my destiny overmasters my will. My dearest affections must be silent before the interests of France."--BOURRIENNE'S _Napoleon_.[35]
FOOTNOTES
[35] Also MEME'S _Memoirs of Josephine_, p. 333.
SERIES M
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 295-304.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. A Family Council 295
No. 2. _Savary_ 297 _Queen of Naples_ 298 _The hunt_ 298
No. 4. _The weather is very damp_ 298
No. 5. _King of Bavaria_ 299
No. 6. Their last dinner together 299
No. 7. _Tuileries_ 299
No. 8. _A house vacant in Paris_ 299
No. 9. _Hortense_ 300
No. 10. A visit to Josephine 300
No. 11. _What charms your society has_ 300
No. 12. _King of Westphalia_ 301
No. 13. _Sensible_ 301
No. 14. _D'Audenarde_ 302
No. 16. The choosing of a bride 302
No. 17. Date 302
Nos. 18 & 19. _L'Élysée_ 302-3
No. 20. _Bessières' country-house_ 303
No. 21. _Rambouillet_ 303 _Adieu_ 303
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE AFTER THE DIVORCE AND BEFORE HIS MARRIAGE WITH MARIE LOUISE.
DECEMBER, 1809, TO APRIL 2, 1810.
No. 1.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_December 1809_, 8 P.M.
_My Dear_,--I found you to-day weaker than you ought to be. You have shown courage; it is necessary that you should maintain it and not give way to a doleful melancholy. You must be contented and take special care of your health, which is so precious to me.
If you are attached to me and if you love me, you should show strength of mind and force yourself to be happy. You cannot question my constant and tender friendship, and you would know very imperfectly all the affection I have for you if you imagined that I can be happy if you are unhappy, and contented if you are ill at ease.
Adieu, dear. Sleep well; dream that I wish it.
NAPOLEON.
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Tuesday, 6 o'clock._
The Queen of Naples, whom I saw at the hunt in the Bois de Boulogne, where I rode down a stag, told me that she left you yesterday at 1 P.M. in the best of health.
Please tell me what you are doing to-day. As for me, I am very well. Yesterday, when I saw you, I was ill. I expect you will have been for a drive.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Trianon_, 7 P.M.
_My Dear_,--I have just received your letter. Savary tells me that you are always crying; that is not well. I trust that you have been for a drive to-day. I sent you my quarry. I shall come to see you when you tell me you are reasonable, and that your courage has the upper hand.
To-morrow, the whole day, I am receiving Ministers.
Adieu, dear. I also am sad to-day; I need to know that you are satisfied and to learn that your equilibrium (_aplomb_) is restored. Sleep well.
NAPOLEON.
No. 4.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Thursday, Noon, 1809._
_My Dear_,--I wished to come and see you to-day, but I was very busy and rather unwell. Still, I am just off to the Council.
Please tell me how you are.
This weather is very damp, and not at all healthy.
NAPOLEON.
No. 5.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Trianon._
I should have come to see you to-day if I had not been obliged to come to see the King of Bavaria, who has just arrived in Paris. I shall come to see you to-night at eight o'clock, and return at ten.
I hope to see you to-morrow, and to see you cheerful and placid.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 6.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Trianon, Tuesday._
_My Dear_,--I lay down after you left me yesterday;[36] I am going to Paris. I wish to hear that you are cheerful. I shall come to see you during the week.
I have received your letters, which I am going to read in the carriage.
NAPOLEON.
No. 7.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Paris, Wednesday, Noon, 27th December 1809._
Eugène told me that you were very miserable all yesterday. That is not well, my dear; it is contrary to what you promised me.
I have been thoroughly tired in revisiting the Tuileries; that great palace seemed empty to me, and I felt lost in it.
Adieu, dear. Keep well.
NAPOLEON.
No. 8.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Paris, Sunday, December 31_, 10 A.M., 1809.
_My Dear_,--To-day I have a grand parade; I shall see all my Old Guard and more than sixty artillery trains.
The King of Westphalia is returning home, which will leave a house vacant in Paris. I am sad not to see you. If the parade finishes before 3 o'clock, I will come; otherwise, to-morrow.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 9.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Thursday Evening_, 1810.
_My Dear_,--Hortense, whom I saw this afternoon, has given me news of you. I trust that you will have been able to see your plants to-day, the weather having been fine. I have only been out for a few minutes at three o'clock to shoot some hares.
Adieu, dear; sleep well.
NAPOLEON.
No. 10.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Friday_, 8 P.M., 1810.
I wished to come and see you to-day, but I cannot; it will be, I hope, in the morning. It is a long time since I heard from you. I learnt with pleasure that you take walks in your garden these cold days.
Adieu, dear; keep well, and never doubt my affection.
NAPOLEON.
No. 11.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Sunday_, 8 P.M., 1810.
I was very glad to see you yesterday; I feel what charms your society has for me.
To-day I walked with Estève.[37] I have allowed £4000 for 1810, for the extraordinary expenses at Malmaison. You can therefore do as much planting as you like; you will distribute that sum as you may require. I have instructed Estève to send £8000 the moment the contract for the Maison Julien shall be made. I have ordered them to pay for your _parure_ of rubies, which will be valued by the Department, for I do not wish to be robbed by jewellers. So, there goes the £16,000 that this may cost me.
I have ordered them to hold the million which the Civil List owes you for 1810 at the disposal of your man of business, in order to pay your debts.
You should find in the coffers of Malmaison twenty to twenty-five thousand pounds; you can take them to buy your plate and linen.
I have instructed them to make you a very fine porcelain service; they will take your commands in order that it may be a very fine one.
NAPOLEON.
No. 12.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Wednesday_, 6 P.M., 1810.
_My Dear_,--I see no objection to your receiving the King of Westphalia whenever you wish. The King and Queen of Bavaria will probably come to see you on Friday.
I long to come to Malmaison, but you must really show fortitude and self-restraint; the page on duty this morning told me that he saw you weeping.
I am going to dine quite alone.
Adieu, dear. Never doubt the depth of my feelings for you; you would be unjust and unfair if you did.
NAPOLEON.
No. 13.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Saturday_, 1 P.M., 1810.
_My Dear_,--Yesterday I saw Eugène, who told me that you gave a reception to the kings. I was at the concert till eight o'clock, and only dined, quite alone, at that hour.
I long to see you. If I do not come to-day, I will come after mass.
Adieu, dear. I hope to find you sensible and in good health. This weather should indeed make you put on flesh.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_January 9.--The clergy of Paris annul the religious marriage of Napoleon with Josephine_ (so _Biographie Universelle_, Michaud; Montgaillard gives January 18). _Confirmed by the Metropolitan Officialité, January 12_ (Pasquier).
No. 14.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Trianon, January 17, 1810._
_My Dear_,--D'Audenarde, whom I sent to you this morning, tells me that since you have been at Malmaison you have no longer any courage. Yet that place is full of our happy memories, which can and ought never to change, at least on my side.
I want badly to see you, but I must have some assurance that you are strong and not weak; I too am rather like you, and it makes me frightfully wretched.
Adieu, Josephine; good-night. If you doubted me, you would be very ungrateful.
NAPOLEON.
No. 15.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_January 20, 1810._
_My Dear_,--I send you the box that I promised you the day before yesterday--representing the Island of Lobau. I was rather tired yesterday. I work much, and do not go out.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 16.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Noon, Tuesday, 1810._
I hear that you are making yourself miserable; this is too bad. You have no confidence in me, and all the rumours that are being spread strike you; this is not knowing me, Josephine. I am much annoyed, and if I do not find you cheerful and contented, I shall scold you right well.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 17.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Sunday_, 9 P.M., 1810.
_My Dear_,--I was very glad to see you the day before yesterday.
I hope to go to Malmaison during the week. I have had all your affairs looked after here, and ordered that everything be brought to the Elysée-Napoléon.
Please take care of yourself.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 18.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_January 30, 1810._
_My Dear_,--Your letter to hand. I hope the walk you had yesterday, in order to show people your conservatories, has done you good.
I will gladly see you at the Elysée, and shall be very glad to see you oftener, for you know how I love you.
NAPOLEON.
No. 19.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Saturday_, 6 P.M., 1810.
I told Eugène that you would rather give ear to the vulgar gossip of a great city than to what I told you; yet people should not be allowed to invent fictions to make you miserable.
I have had all your effects moved to the Elysée. You shall come to Paris at once; but be at ease and contented, and have full confidence in me.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_February 2._--Soult occupies Seville. The Junta takes refuge at Cadiz.
_February 6._--Guadeloupe surrenders to the English.
_February 7.--Convention of marriage between the Emperor Napoleon and the Archduchess Marie Louise._
No. 20.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT THE ELYSÉE-NAPOLEON.
_February 19, 1810._
_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. I long to see you, but the reflections that you make may be true. It is, perhaps, not desirable that we should be under the same roof for the first year. Yet Bessières' country-house is too far off to go and return in one day; moreover I have rather a cold, and am not sure of being able to go there.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 21.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT THE ELYSÉE-NAPOLEON.
_Friday_, 6 P.M., 1810.
Savary, as soon as he arrived, brought me your letter; I am sorry to see you are unhappy. I am very glad that you saw nothing of the fire.
I had fine weather at Rambouillet.
Hortense told me that you had some idea of coming to a dinner at Bessières, and of returning to Paris to sleep. I am sorry that you have not been able to manage it.
Adieu, dear. Be cheerful, and consider how much you please me thereby.
NAPOLEON.
No. 22.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_March 12, 1810._
_My Dear_,--I trust that you will be pleased with what I have done for Navarre. You must see from that how anxious I am to make myself agreeable to you.
Get ready to take possession of Navarre; you will go there on March 25, to pass the month of April.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_April 1.--Civil marriage of Napoleon and Marie Louise._ (_Religious marriage, April 2._)
FOOTNOTES
[36] The Empress, with Hortense, had been to dine at Trianon.
[37] General Treasurer of the Crown.
SERIES N
1810
APRIL 2ND--DECEMBER 31ST
(_after the Marriage with Marie Louise_).
"Bella gerant alii, tu, felix Austria! nube."
SERIES N
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 304-310.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. _Navarre_ 304 _To Malmaison_ 305
No. 1_a_. _It is written in a bad style_ 305
No. 2. Josephine's wishes 305
No. 2_a_. _Two letters_ 306
No. 3. The northern tour of 1810 306 _I will come to see you_ 307
No. 4. _July 8th_ 308 _You will have seen Eugène_ 308 _That unfortunate daughter_ 308
No. 5. _The conduct of the King of Holland_ 308
No. 6. _To die in a lake_ 309
No. 8. _Paris, this Friday_ 309
No. 9. _The only suitable places_ 310
No. 10. Malmaison 310 _The Empress progresses satisfactorily_ 310
No. 1.
LETTER OF THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE TO THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON.
_Navarre, April 19, 1810._
_Sire_,-I have received, by my son, the assurance that your Majesty consents to my return to Malmaison, and grants to me the advances asked for in order to make the château of Navarre habitable. This double favour, Sire, dispels to a great extent the uneasiness, nay, even the fears which your Majesty's long silence had inspired. I was afraid that I might be entirely banished from your memory; I see that I am not. I am therefore less wretched to-day, and even as happy as henceforward it will be possible for me to be.
I shall go at the end of the month to Malmaison, since your Majesty sees no objection to it. But I ought to tell you, Sire, that I should not so soon have taken advantage of the latitude which your Majesty left me in this respect had the house of Navarre not required, for my health's sake and for that of my household, repairs which are urgent. My idea is to stay at Malmaison a very short time; I shall soon leave it in order to go to the waters. But while I am at Malmaison, your Majesty may be sure that I shall live there as if I were a thousand leagues from Paris. I have made a great sacrifice, Sire, and every day I realise more its full extent. Yet that sacrifice will be, as it ought to be, a complete one on my part. Your Highness, amid your happiness, shall be troubled by no expression of my regret.
I shall pray unceasingly for your Majesty's happiness, perhaps even I shall pray that I may see you again; but your Majesty may be assured that I shall always respect our new relationship. I shall respect it in silence, relying on the attachment that you had to me formerly; I shall call for no new proof; I shall trust to everything from your justice and your heart.
I limit myself to asking from you one favour: it is, that you will deign to find a way of sometimes convincing both myself and my _entourage_ that I have still a small place in your memory and a great place in your esteem and friendship. By this means, whatever happens, my sorrows will be mitigated without, as it seems to me, compromising that which is of permanent importance to me, the happiness of your Majesty.
JOSEPHINE.
No. 1A.
(_Reply of the Emperor Napoleon to the preceding._)
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT NAVARRE.
_Compiègne, April 21, 1810._
_My Dear_,--I have yours of April 18th; it is written in a bad style. I am always the same; people like me do not change. I know not what Eugène has told you. I have not written to you because you have not written to me, and my sole desire is to fulfil your slightest inclination.
I see with pleasure that you are going to Malmaison and that you are contented; as for me, I shall be so likewise on hearing news from you and in giving you mine. I say no more about it until you have compared this letter with yours, and after that I will leave you to judge which of us two is the better friend.
Adieu, dear; keep well, and be just for your sake and mine.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_April 23rd._--Battle of Lerida. Suchet defeats Spaniards.
No. 2.
REPLY OF THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE.
A thousand, thousand loving thanks for not having forgotten me. My son has just brought me your letter. With what impetuosity I read it, and yet I took a long time over it, for there was not a word which did not make me weep; but these tears were very pleasant ones. I have found my whole heart again--such as it will always be; there are affections which are life itself, and which can only end with it.
I was in despair to find my letter of the 19th had displeased you; I do not remember the exact expressions, but I know what torture I felt in writing it--the grief at having no news from you.
I wrote you on my departure from Malmaison, and since then how often have I wished to write you! but I appreciated the causes of your silence and feared to be importunate with a letter. Yours has been the true balm for me. Be happy, be as much so as you deserve; it is my whole heart which speaks to you. You have also just given me my share of happiness, and a share which I value the most, for nothing can equal in my estimation a proof that you still remember me.
Adieu, dear; I again thank you as affectionately as I shall always love you.
JOSEPHINE.
No. 2A.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT THE CHÂTEAU NAVARRE.
_Compiègne, April 28, 1810._
_My Dear_,--I have just received two letters from you. I am writing to Eugène. I have ordered that the marriage of Tascher with the Princess de la Leyen shall take place.
To-morrow I shall go to Antwerp to see my fleet and to give orders about the works. I shall return on May 15th.
Eugène tells me that you wish to go to the waters; trouble yourself about nothing. Do not listen to the gossip of Paris; it is idle and far from knowing the real state of things. My affection for you does not change, and I long to know that you are happy and contented.
NAPOLEON.
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT MALMAISON.
_My Dear_,--I have your letter. Eugène will give you tidings of my journey and of the Empress. I am very glad that you are going to the waters. I trust they may do you good.
I wish very much to see you. If you are at Malmaison at the end of the month, I will come to see you. I expect to be at St. Cloud on the 30th of the month. My health is very good ... it only needs to hear that you are contented and well. Let me know in what name you intend to travel.
Never doubt the whole truth of my affection for you; it will last as long as I. You would be very unjust if you doubted it.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_July 1st.--Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland, abdicates in favour of his son._
No. 4.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT THE WATERS OF AIX, IN SAVOY.
_Rambouillet, July 8, 1810._
_My Dear_,--I have your letter of July 8th. You will have seen Eugène, and his presence will have done you good. I learn with pleasure that the waters are beneficial to you. The King of Holland has just abdicated the throne, while leaving the Regency, according to the Constitution, in the hands of the Queen. He has quitted Amsterdam and left the Grand Duke of Berg behind.
I have reunited Holland to France, which has, however, the advantage of setting the Queen at liberty, and that[38] unfortunate girl is coming to Paris with her son the Grand Duke of Berg--that will make her perfectly happy.
My health is good. I have come here to hunt for a few days. I shall see you this autumn with pleasure. Never doubt my friendship; I never change.
Keep well, be cheerful, and believe in the truth of my attachment.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_July 9th._--Holland incorporated with the French Empire.
_July 10th._--Ney takes Ciudad Rodrigo, after twenty-five days open trenches.
No. 5.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT THE WATERS OF AIX, IN SAVOY.
_St. Cloud, July 20, 1810._
_My Dear_,--I have received your letter of July 14th, and note with pleasure that the waters are doing you good, and that you like Geneva. I think that you are doing well to go there for a few weeks.
My health is fairly good. The conduct of the King of Holland has worried me.
Hortense is shortly coming to Paris. The Grand Duke of Berg is on his way; I expect him to-morrow.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 6.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT THE WATERS OF AIX, IN SAVOY.
_Trianon, August 10, 1810._
Your letter to hand. I was pained to see what a risk you had run. For an inhabitant of the isles of the ocean to die in a lake would have been a fatality indeed!
The Queen is better, and I hope her health will be re-established. Her husband is in Bohemia, apparently not knowing what to do.
I am fairly well, and beg you to believe in my sincere attachment.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_August 21st._--Swedes elect Marshal Bernadotte Crown Prince of Sweden.
_August 27th._--Massena takes Almeida.
No. 7.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT THE WATERS OF AIX, IN SAVOY.
_St. Cloud, September 14, 1810._
_My Dear_,--I have your letter of September 9th. I learn with pleasure that you keep well. There is no longer the slightest doubt that the Empress has entered on the fourth month of her pregnancy; she is well, and is much attached to me. The young Princes Napoleon are very well; they are in the Pavillon d'Italie, in the Park of St. Cloud.
My health is fairly good. I wish to learn that you are happy and contented. I hear that one of your _entourage_ has broken a leg while going on the glacier.
Adieu, dear. Never doubt the interest I take in you and the affection that I bear towards you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_September 27th.--Battle of Busaco._ Like Ebersburg, another of Massena's expensive and unnecessary frontal attacks. He loses 5000 men, but next day turns the position of Wellington, who continues to retire.
No. 8.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.
_Paris, this Friday._
_My Dear_,--Yours to hand. I am sorry to see that you have been ill; I fear it must be this bad weather.
Madame de la T---- is one of the most foolish women of the Faubourg. I have borne her cackle for a very long time; I am sick of it, and have ordered that she does not come again to Paris. There are five or six other old women that I equally wish to send away from Paris; they are spoiling the young ones by their follies.
I will name Madame de Makau Baroness since you wish it, and carry out your other commissions.
My health is pretty good. The conduct of B---- appears to me very ridiculous. I trust to hear that you are better.
Adieu, dear.
NAPOLEON.
No. 9.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT GENEVA.
_Fontainebleau, October 1, 1810._
I have received your letter. Hortense, whom I have seen, will have told you what I think. Go to see your son this winter; come back to the waters of Aix next year, or, still better, wait for the spring at Navarre. I would advise you to go to Navarre at once, if I did not fear you would get tired of it. In my view, the only suitable places for you this winter are either Milan or Navarre; after that, I approve of whatever you may do, for I do not wish to vex you in anything.
Adieu, dear. The Empress is as I told you in my last letter. I am naming Madame de Montesquiou governess of the Children of France. Be contented, and do not get excited; never doubt my affection for you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 6th._--Wellington reaches the lines of Torres Vedras.
_November 9th._--Opening of St. Quentin Canal at Paris.
No. 10.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT NAVARRE.
_Fontainebleau, November 14, 1810._
_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. Hortense has spoken to me about it. I note with pleasure that you are contented. I hope that you are not very tired of Navarre.
My health is very good. The Empress progresses satisfactorily. I will do the various things you ask regarding your household. Take care of your health, and never doubt my affection for you.
NAPOLEON.
No. 11.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT NAVARRE.
I have your letter. I see no objection to the marriage of Mackau with Wattier, if he wishes it; this general is a very brave man. I am in good health. I hope to have a son; I shall let you know immediately.
Adieu, dear. I am very glad that Madame d'Arberg[39] has told you things which please you. When you see me, you will find me with my old affection for you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 3rd._--English take Mauritius.
FOOTNOTES
[38] So _Collection Didot_, followed by Aubenas. St. Amand has "ton infortunée fille."
[39] Josephine's chief maid-of-honour.
SERIES O
1811
"Nun steht das Reich gesichert, wie gegründet, Nun fühlt er froh im Sohne sich gegründet.
* * * * *
Und sei durch Sie dies letzte Glück beschieden-- Der alles wollen kann, will auch den Frieden."
--GOETHE (_Ihro der Kaiserin von Frankreich Majestät_).
SERIES O
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 311-312.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. _The New Year_ 311 _More women than men_ 311 _Keep well_ 311
No. 2. Birth of the King of Rome 311 _Eugène_ 311
No. 4. _As fat as a good Normandy farmeress_ 312
No. 1.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT NAVARRE.
_Paris, January 8th, 1811._
I have your New Year's letter. I thank you for its contents. I note with pleasure that you are well and happy. I hear that there are more women than men at Navarre.
My health is excellent, though I have not been out for a fortnight. Eugène appears to have no fears about his wife; he gives you a grandson.
Adieu, dear; keep well.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_February 19th._--Soult defeats Spaniards at the Gébora, near Badajoz.
_February 28th._--French occupy Duchy of Oldenburg, to complete the line of the North Sea blockade against England. This occupation embitters the Emperor of Russia and his family.
_March 10th._--Mortier captures Badajoz after a siege of 54 days.
_March 20th._--Birth of the _King of Rome_--"a pompous title buried in the tomb of the Ostrogoths."
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT NAVARRE.
_Paris, March 22nd, 1811._
_My Dear_,--I have your letter. I thank you for it.
My son is fat, and in excellent health. I trust he may continue to improve. He has my chest, my mouth, and my eyes. I hope he may fulfil his destiny. I am always well pleased with Eugène; he has never given me the least anxiety.
NAPOLEON.
_April 4th._--Battle of Fuentes d'Onoro. Massena attacks English, and is repulsed.
_June 18th._--Wellington raises siege of Badajoz, and retires on Portugal.
_June 29th._--French storm Tarragona, whereupon Suchet created Marshal.
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT MALMAISON.
_Trianon, August 25th, 1811._
I have your letter. I see with pleasure that you are in good health. I have been for some days at Trianon. I expect to go to Compiègne. My health is very good.
Put some order into your affairs. Spend only £60,000, and save as much every year; that will make a reserve of £600,000 in ten years for your grandchildren. It is pleasant to be able to give them something, and be helpful to them. Instead of that, I hear you have debts, which would be really too bad. Look after your affairs, and don't give to every one who wants to help himself. If you wish to please me, let me hear that you have accumulated a large fortune. Consider how ill I must think of you, if I know that you, with £125,000 a year, are in debt.
Adieu, dear; keep well.
NAPOLEON.
No. 4.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT MALMAISON.
_Friday_, 8 A.M., 1811.
I send to know how you are, for Hortense tells me you were in bed yesterday. I was annoyed with you about your debts. I do not wish you to have any; on the contrary, I wish you to put a million aside every year, to give to your grandchildren when they get married.
Nevertheless, never doubt my affection for you, and don't worry any more about the present embarrassment.
Adieu, dear. Send me word that you are well. They say that you are as fat as a good Normandy farmeress.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 25th-26th._--Battle of Murviedro and capture of Sagunto: Blake and O'Donnell heavily defeated by Suchet.
_December 20th._--Senatus Consultus puts 120,000 conscripts (born in 1792) at disposal of Government for 1812.
_December 26th._--Suchet defeats Spanish, and crosses Guadalaviar.
SERIES P
1812
"'Tis the same landscape which the modern Mars saw Who march'd to Moscow, led by Fame, the siren! To lose by one month's frost, some twenty years Of conquest, and his guard of grenadiers."
--BYRON (_Don Juan_, canto x. stanza 58).
SERIES P
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 312-315.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. Konigsberg 312
No. 2. _Gumbinnen_ 313
1812.
Montgaillard sums up his tirade against Napoleon for the Russian campaign by noting that it took the Romans _ten_ years to conquer Gaul, while Napoleon "would not give _two_ to the conquest of that vast desert of Scythia which forced Darius to flee, Alexander to draw back, Crassus to perish; where Julian terminated his career, where Valerian covered himself with shame, and which saw the disasters of Charles XII."
_January 9th._--Suchet captures Valencia, 18,000 Spanish troops, and 400 cannon. The marshal is made Duke of Albuféra.
_January 15th._--Imperial decree ordains 100,000 acres to be put under cultivation of beetroot, for the manufacture of indigenous sugar.
_January 19th._--Taking of Ciudad Rodrigo by Wellington.
_January 26th._--French, under General Friand, occupy Stralsund and Swedish Pomerania.
_February 24th._--Treaty of alliance between France and Prussia; the latter to support France in case of a war with Russia.
_March 13th._--Senatus Consultus divides the National Guards into three bans, to include all capable men not already in military service. They are not to serve outside France. A hundred cohorts, each 970 strong, of the first ban (men between 20 and 26), put at disposal of Government.
_March 14th._--Treaty between France and Austria; reciprocal help, in need, of 30,000 men and 60 guns. The integrity of European Turkey mutually guaranteed.
_March 26th._--Treaty between Russia and Sweden. Bernadotte is promised Norway by Alexander.
_April 7th._--The English take Badajoz by assault. "The French General, Philippon, with but 3000 men, has been besieged thrice within thirteen months by armies of 50,000 men" (_Montgaillard_).
_April 24th._--Alexander leaves St. Petersburg, to take command of his Grand Army.
_May 9th.--Napoleon leaves Paris for Germany._
_May 11th._--Assassination of English Prime Minister, Perceval.
_May 17th-28th.--Napoleon at Dresden; joined there by the Emperor and Empress of Austria, and a fresh_ "parterre _of kings"._
_May 28th._---Treaty of Bucharest, between Turkey and Russia. The Pruth as boundary, and Servia restored to Turkey. This treaty, so fatal to Napoleon, and of which he only heard in October, was mainly the work of Stratford de Redcliffe, then aged twenty-five. Wellington, thinking the treaty his brother's work, speaks of it as "the most important service that ever fell to the lot of any individual to perform."
No. 1.
_June 12th._--Suchet defeats an Anglo-Spanish army outside Tarragona.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT MALMAISON.
_June 12th, 1812._
_My Dear_,--I shall always receive news from you with great interest.
The waters will, I hope, do you good, and I shall see you with much pleasure on your return.
Never doubt the interest I feel in you. I will arrange all the matters of which you speak.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_June 16th._--Lord Liverpool Prime Minister of England.
_June 18th._--United States declares war against England concerning rights of neutrals.
_June 19th._--The captive Pope (Pius VII.) brought to Fontainebleau.
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT MALMAISON.
_Gumbinnen, June 20th, 1812._
I have your letter of June 10th. I see no obstacle to your going to Milan, to be near the Vice-Reine. You will do well to go _incognito_. You will find it very hot.
My health is very good. Eugène is well, and is doing good work. Never doubt the interest I have in you, and my friendship.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_June 22nd.--Napoleon from his headquarters, Wilkowyszki, declares war against Russia. His army comprised 550,000 men and 1200 cannon, and he held sway at this epoch over 85,000,000 souls--half the then population of Europe._
_June 24th._--French cross the Niemen, over 450,000 strong.[40] Of these 20,000 are Italians, 80,000 from Confederation of the Rhine, 30,000 Poles, 30,000 Austrians, and 20,000 Prussians. The Russian army numbers 360,000.
_June 28th._--French enter Wilna, the old capital of Lithuania. _Napoleon remains here till July 16th, establishing a provisional government, and leaving his Foreign Minister, Maret, there._
_July 12th._--Americans invade Canada.
_July 18th._--Treaty of peace between England and Sweden; and between Russia and the Spanish Regency at Cadiz.
_July 22nd._--_Battle of Salamanca_ (Arapiles). Marmont defeated by Wellington, and badly wounded. French lose nearly 8000 men and 5000 prisoners; English loss, 5200. The Spanish Regency had decided to submit to Joseph Bonaparte, but this battle deters them. French retire behind the Douro.
_July 23rd._--Combat of Mohilow, on the Dneiper. Davoust defeats Bagration.
_July 28th._--French enter Witepsk.
_August 1st._--Treaty of alliance between Great Britain and Russia. English fleet henceforward guards the Gulf of Riga. Combat of Obaiarzma, on the bank of the Drissa. Marshal Oudinot defeats Wittgenstein. Russians lose 5000 men and 14 guns.
_August 9th._--Battle of Brownstown (near Toronto). Americans defeated; surrender August 16th with 2500 men and 33 guns to General Brock.
_August 12th._--Wellington enters Madrid.
_August 17th-18th.--Battle and capture of Smolensk. Napoleon defeats Barclay de Tolly; Russians lose 12,000, French less than half._
_August 18th._--Battle of Polotsk, fifty miles from Witepsk, down the Dwina. St. Cyr defeats Wittgenstein's much larger army, and takes 20 guns. (St. Cyr made marshal for this battle, August 27th.)
_August 19th._--Combat of Volontino-Cova, beyond Smolensk. Ney defeats Russians.
_August 27th._--Norway guaranteed Sweden in lieu of Finland by Russia.
_August 28th._--Interview at Abo, in Finland, between Alexander, Bernadotte, and Lord Cathcart (English ambassador). Decided that Sweden shall join the crusade against France, and that Moreau be imported from U.S.A. to command another army.
_August 29th._--Viazma, burnt by Russians, entered by the French.
_September 7th._--Battle of Borodino (_La Moskowa_). Nearly all the Russian generals are present: Barclay de Tolly, Beningsen, Bagration (who is killed), all under Kutusoff. Russians lose 30,000 men, French 20,000, including many generals who had survived all the campaigns of the Revolution. The French, hungry and soaked in rain, have no energy to pursue.
_September 14th._--Occupation of Moscow; fired by emissaries of Rostopchin, its late governor. Of 4000 stone houses only 200 remain, of 8000 wooden ones 500. Over 20,000 sick and wounded burnt in their beds. Fire lasts till September 20th.
_September 18th._--Russian Army of the Danube under Admiral Tschitchagow joins the Army of Reserve.
_September 26th._--Russian troops from Finland disembark at Riga.
_September 30th.--Napoleon finds a copy of Treaty of Bucharest at Moscow._
_October 11th._--Admiral Tschitchagow with 36,000 men reaches Bresc, on the Bug, threatening the French communications with Warsaw.
_October 17th-19th._--Second combat of Polotsk. Wittgenstein again defeated by St. Cyr, who is wounded.
_October 18th._--Combat of Winkowo; Kutusoff defeats Murat. Americans defeated at Queenston Heights, on the Niagara, and lose 900 men.
_October 19th._--Commencement of the Retreat from Moscow.
_October 22nd._--Burgos captured by Wellington.
_October 23rd._--Conspiracy of Malet at Paris; Cambacérès to the rescue. Evacuation of Moscow by Mortier after forty days' occupation. The French army now retreating has only half its original strength, and the best cavalry regiments boast only 100 horses.
_October 24th.--Battle of Malo-Jaroslavitz. Eugène with 17,000_ _men defeats Kutusoff with 60,000; but Napoleon finds the enemy too strong and too tenacious to risk the fertile Kaluga route._
_November 3rd._--Battle of Wiazma. Rearguard action, in which Ney and Eugène are distinguished.
_November 9th.--Napoleon reaches Smolensk and hears of Malet conspiracy._
_November 14th._--Evacuation of Smolensk.
_November 16th._--Russian Army (of the Danube) takes Minsk, and cuts off the French from the Niemen.
_November 16th-19th._--Combat of Krasnoi, twenty-five miles west of Smolensk. Kutusoff with 30,000 horse and 70,000 foot tries to stop the French, who have only 25,000 effective combatants. Magnificent fighting by Ney with his rearguard of 6000.
_November 21st._--Russians seize at Borizow the bridges over the Beresina, which are
_November 23rd._--Retaken by Oudinot.
_November 26th-28th._--French cross the Beresina, but lose 20,000 prisoners and nearly all their cannon (150).
_November 29th.--Napoleon writes Maret he has heard nothing of France or Spain for fifteen days._
_December 3rd._--Twenty-ninth bulletin dated Malodeczna, fifty miles west of Borisow.
_December 5th.--Napoleon reaches Smorgoni, and starts for France._
_December 10th._--Murat, left in command, evacuates Wilna. French retreat in utter rout; "It is not General Kutusoff who routed the French, it is General Morosow" (the frost), said the Russians.
_December 14th.--Napoleon reaches Dresden, and_
_December 18th.--Paris._
_December 19th._--Evacuation of Kovno and passage of the Niemen.
_December 20th.--Napoleon welcomed by the Senate in a speech by the naturalist Lacépède: "The absence of your Majesty, sire, is always a national calamity."_
_December 30th._--Defection of the Prussian General York and Convention of Taurogen, near Tilsit, between Russia and Prussia. This defection is the signal for the uprising of Germany from the Oder to the Rhine, from the Baltic to the Julienne Alps.
1813.
_January 5th._--Konigsberg occupied by the Russians.
_January 13th._--Senatus Consultus calls up 250,000 conscripts.
_January 22nd._--Americans defeated at Frenchtown, near Detroit, and lose 1200 men.
_January 25th.--Concordat at Fontainebleau between Napoleon and Pope Pius VII., with advantageous terms for the Papacy. The Pope, however, soon breaks faith._
_January 28th.--Murat deserts the French army for Naples, and leaves Posen. "Your husband is very brave on the battlefield, but he is weaker than a woman or a monk when he is not face to face with an enemy. He has no moral courage"_ (_Napoleon to his sister Caroline, January 24, 1813._ Brotonne, 1032). _Replaced by Eugène (Napoleon's letter dated January 22nd)._
_February 1st._--Proclamation of Louis XVIII. to the French people (dated London).
_February 8th._--Warsaw surrenders to Russia.
_February 10th._--Proclamation of Emperor Alexander calling on the people of Germany to shake off the yoke of "one man."
_February 28th._--Sixth Continental Coalition against France. Treaty signed between Russia and Prussia at Kalisch.
_March 3rd._--New treaty between England and Sweden at Stockholm: Sweden to receive a subsidy of a million sterling and the island of Guadaloupe in return for supporting the Coalition with 30,000 men.
_March 4th._--Cossacks occupy Berlin. Madison inaugurated President U.S.A.
_March 9th._--Eugène removes his headquarters to Leipsic.
_March 12th._--French evacuate Hamburg.
_March 21st._--Russians and Prussians take new town of Dresden.
_April 1st._--France declares war on Prussia.
_April 10th._--_Death of Lagrange, mathematician_; _greatly bemoaned by Napoleon, who considered his death as a "presentiment"_ (D'Abrantès).
_April 14th._--Swedish army lands in Germany.
_April 15th.--Napoleon leaves Paris; arrives Erfurt (April 25th)._ Americans take Mobile.
_April 16th._--Thorn (garrisoned by 900 Bavarians) surrenders to the Russians. Fort York (now Toronto) and
_April 27th._--Upper Canada taken by the Americans.
_May 1st._--Death of the Abbé Delille, poet. Opening of campaign. French forces scattered in Germany, 166,000 men; Allies' forces ready for action, 225,000 men. Marshal Bessières killed by a cannon-ball at Poserna.
_May 2nd.--Napoleon with 90,000 men defeats Prussians and Russians at Lutzen (Gross-Goerschen) with 110,000; French loss, 10,000. Battle won_ _chiefly by French artillery. Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia present._
_May 8th.--Napoleon and the French reoccupy Dresden._
_May 18th._--Eugène reaches Milan, and enrols an Italian army 47,000 strong.
_May 19th-21st.--Combats of Konigswartha, Bautzen, Hochkirch, Würschen. Napoleon defeats Prussians and Russians; French loss, 12,000; Allies, 20,000._
_May 23rd.--Duroc (shot on May 22nd) dies. "Duroc," said the Emperor, "there is another life. It is there you will go to await me, and there we shall meet again some day."_
_May 27th._--Americans capture Fort George (Lake Ontario) and
_May 29th._--Defeat English at Sackett's Harbour.
_May 30th._--French re-enter Hamburg and
_June 1st._--Occupy Breslau. British frigate _Shannon_ captures _Chesapeake_ in fifteen minutes outside Boston harbour.
_June 4th.--Armistice of Plesswitz, between Napoleon and the Allies._
_June 6th._--Americans (3500) surprised at Burlington Heights by 700 British.
_June 15th.--Siege of Tarragona raised by Suchet; English re-embark, leaving their artillery. "If I had had two marshals such as Suchet, I should not only have conquered Spain, but I should have kept it"_ (_Napoleon in_ Campan's Memoirs).
_June 21st._--Battle of Vittoria; total rout of the French under Marshal Jourdan and King Joseph. In retreat the army is much more harassed by the guerillas than by the English.
_June 23rd._--Admiral Cockburn defeated at Craney Island by Americans.
_June 24th._--Five hundred Americans surrender to two hundred Canadians at Beaver's Dams.
_June 25th._--Combat of Tolosa. Foy stops the advance of the English right wing.
_June 30th.--Convention at Dresden. Napoleon accepts the mediation of Austria; armistice prolonged to August 10th._
_July 1st._--Soult sent to take chief command in Spain.
_July 10th._--Alliance between France and Denmark.
_July 12th.--Congress of Prague. Austria, Prussia, and Russia decide that Germany must be independent, and the French Empire bounded by the Rhine and the Alps; "but to reign over 36,000,000 men did not appear to Napoleon a sufficiently great destiny"_ (Montgaillard). _Congress breaks up July 28th._
_July 26th._--Moreau arrives from U.S., and lands at Gothenburg.
_July 31st._--Soult attacks Anglo-Spanish army near Roncesvalles in order to succour Pampeluna. Is repulsed, with loss of 8000 men.
_August 12th._--Austria notifies its adhesion to the Allies.
_August 15th.--Jomini, the Swiss tactician, turns traitor and escapes to the Allies. He advises them of Napoleon's plans to seize Berlin and relieve Dantzic [see letter to Ney, No. 19,714, 20,006, and especially 20,360 (August 12th) in_ Correspondence]. _On August 16th Napoleon writes to Cambacérès: "Jomini, Ney's chief of staff, has deserted. It is he who published some volumes on the campaigns and who has been in the pay of Russia for a long time. He has yielded to corruption. He is a soldier of little value, yet he is a writer who has grasped some of the sound principles of war."_
_August 17th.--Renewal of hostilities in Germany. Napoleon's army, 280,000, of whom half recruits who had never seen a battle; the Allies 520,000, excluding militia. In his counter-manifesto to Austria, dated Bautzen, Napoleon declares "Austria, the enemy of France, and cloaking her ambition under the mask of a mediation, complicated everything.... But Austria, our avowed foe, is in a truer guise, and one perfectly obvious. Europe is therefore much nearer peace; there is one complication the less."_
_August 18th._--Suchet, having blown up fortifications of Tarragona, evacuates Valentia.
_August 21st._--Opening of the campaign in Italy. Eugène, with 50,000 men, commands the Franco-Italian army.
_August 23rd._--Combats of Gross-Beeren and Ahrensdorf, near Berlin. Bernadotte defeats Oudinot with loss of 1500 men and 20 guns. Berlin is preserved to the Allies. Oudinot replaced by Ney. Lauriston defeats Army of Silesia at Goldberg with heavy loss.
_August 26th-27th.--Battle of Dresden.--Napoleon marches a hundred miles in seventy hours to the rescue. With less than 100,000 men he defeats the Allied Army of 180,000 under Schwartzenberg, Wittgenstein, and Kleist. Austrians lose 20,000 prisoners and 60 guns. Moreau is mortally wounded (dies September 1st)._ Combat of the Katzbach, in Silesia. Blucher defeats Macdonald with heavy loss, who loses 10,000 to 12,000 men in his retreat.
_August 30th._--Combat of Kulm. Vandamme enveloped in Bohemia, and surrenders with 12,000 men.
_August 31st._--Combat of Irun. Soult attacks Wellington to save San Sebastian, but is repulsed. Graham storms San Sebastian.
_September 6th._--Combat of Dennewitz (near Berlin). Ney routed by Bulow and Bernadotte; loses his artillery, baggage, and 12,000 men.
_September 10th_--Americans capture the English flotilla on Lake Erie.
_September 12th._--Combat of Villafranca (near Barcelona). Suchet defeats English General Bentinck.
_October 7th._--Wellington crosses the Bidassoa into France. "It is on the frontier of France itself that ends the enterprise of Napoleon on Spain. The Spaniards have given the first conception of a people's war versus a war of professionals. For it would be a mistake to think that the battles of Salamanca (July 22nd, 1812) and Vittoria (June 21st, 1813) forced the French to abandon the Peninsula.... It was the daily losses, the destruction of man by man, the drops of French blood falling one by one, which in five years aggregated a death-roll of 150,000 men. As to the English, they appeared in this war only as they do in every world-crisis, to gather, in the midst of general desolation, the fruits of their policy, and to consolidate their plans of maritime despotism, of exclusive commerce" (Montgaillard).
_October 15th._--Bavarian army secedes and joins the Austrians.
_October 16th-19th.--Battles of Leipsic._ _Allied army_ 330,000 men (_Schwartzenberg_, _Bernadotte_, _Blucher_, _Beningsen_), _Napoleon_ 175,000. _Twenty-six battalions and ten squadrons of Saxon and Wurtemberg men leave Napoleon and turn their guns against the French. Napoleon is not defeated, but determines to retreat. The rearguard (20,000 men) and 200 cannon taken. Poniatowski drowned; Reynier and Lauriston captured._
_October 20th._--Blucher made Field-Marshal.
_October 23rd._--French army reach Erfurt.
_October 30th.--Combat of Hanau. Napoleon defeats Wrede with heavy loss._
_October 31st._--Combat and capture of Bassano by Eugène. English capture Pampeluna.
_November 2nd.--Napoleon arrives at Mayence (where typhus carries off 40,000 French), and is_
_November 9th.--At St. Cloud._
_November 10th._--Wellington defeats Soult at St. Jean de Luz.
_November 11th._--Surrender of Dresden by Gouvion St. Cyr; its French soldiers to return under parole to France. Austrians refuse to ratify the convention, and 1700 officers and 23,000 men remain prisoners of war.
_November 14th.--Napoleon addresses the Senate: "All Europe marched with us a year ago; all Europe marches against us to-day. That is because the world's opinion is directed either by France or England."_
_November 15th._--Eugène defeats Austrians at Caldiero. Senatus-Consultus puts 300,000 conscripts at disposal of government.
_November 24th._--Capture of Amsterdam by Prussian General Bulow.
_December 1st._--Allies declare at Frankfort that they are at war with the Emperor and not with France.
_December 2nd._--Bulow occupies Utrecht. Holland secedes from the French Empire.
_December 5th._--Capture of Lubeck by the Swedes, and surrender of Stettin (7000 prisoners), Zamosk (December 22nd), Modlin (December 25th), and Torgau (December 26th, with 10,000 men).
_December 8th-13th._--Soult defends the passage of the Nive--costly to both sides. Murat (now hostile to Napoleon) enters Ancona.
_December 9th-10th._--French evacuate Breda.
_December 11th.--Treaty of Valençay between Napoleon and his prisoner Ferdinand VII., who is to reign over Spain, but not to cede Minorca or Ceuta (now in their power} to the English._
_December 15th._--Denmark secedes from French alliance.
_December 21st._--Allies, 100,000 strong, cross the Rhine in ten divisions (Bâle to Schaffhausen). Jomini is said to have contributed to this violation of Swiss territory.
_December 24th._--Final evacuation of Holland by the French.
_December 28th._--Austrians capture Ragusa.
_December 31st.--Napoleon, having trouble with his Commons, dissolves the Corps Législatif._ Austrians capture Geneva. Blucher crosses the Rhine at Mannheim and Coblentz. Exclusive of Landwehr and levies en masse, there are now a million trained men in arms against Napoleon.
* * * * *
1814.
"The Allied Powers having proclaimed that the Emperor Napoleon was the sole obstacle to the re-establishment of the Peace of Europe, the Emperor Napoleon, faithful to his oath, declares that he renounces, for himself and his heirs, the thrones of France and Italy, and that there is no personal sacrifice, even that of life itself, that he will not be ready to make for the sake of France."--(_Act of Abdication._)
* * * * *
_January 1st._--Capitulation of Danzic, which General Rapp had defended for nearly a year, having lost 20,000 (out of 30,000) men by fever. Russians, who had promised to send the French home, break faith, following the example of Schwartzenberg at Dresden.
_January 2nd._--Russians take Fort Louis (Lower Rhine); and
_January 3rd._--Austrians Montbéliard; and Bavarians Colmar.
_January 6th._--General York occupies Trèves. Convention between Murat and England and (January 11th) with Austria. Murat is to join Allies with 30,000 men.
_January 7th._--Austrians occupy Vesoul.
_January 8th._--French Rentes 5 per cents. at 47.50. Wurtemberg troops occupy Epinal.
_January 10th._--General York reaches Forbach (on the Moselle).
_January 15th._--Cossacks occupy Cologne.
_January 16th._--Russians occupy Nancy.
_January 19th._--Austrians occupy Dijon; Bavarians, Neufchâteau. Murat's troops occupy Rome.
_January 20th._--Capture of Toul by the Russians; and of Chambéry by the Austrians.
_January 21st._--Austrians occupy Châlons-sur-Saône. General York crosses the Meuse.
_January 23rd._--Pope Pius VII. returns to Rome.
_January 25th._--General York and Army of Silesia established at St. Dizier and Joinville on the Marne. Austrians occupy Bar-sur-Aube. _Napoleon leaves Paris; and_
_January 26th.--Reaches Châlons-sur-Marne; and_
_January 27th.--Retakes St. Dizier in person._
_January 29th.--Combat of Brienne. Napoleon defeats Blucher._
_February 1st._--Battle of La Rothière, six miles north of Brienne. French, 40,000; Allies, 110,000. Drawn battle, but French retreat on Troyes; French evacuate Brussels.
_February 4th._--Eugène retires upon the Mincio.
_February 5th.--Cortes disavow Napoleon's treaty of Valençay with Ferdinand VII._ Opening of Congress of Châtillon. General York occupies Châlons-sur-Marne.
_February 7th._--Allies seize Troyes.
_February 8th._--Battle of the Mincio. Eugène with 30,000 conscripts defeats Austrians under Bellegarde with 50,000 veterans.
_February 10th.--Combat of Champaubert. Napoleon defeats Russians._
_February 11th.--Combat of Montmirail. Napoleon defeats Sacken. Russians occupy Nogent-sur-Seine; and_
_February 12th.--Laon._
_February 14th.--Napoleon routs Blucher at Vauchamp. His losses, 10,000 men; French loss, 600 men. In five days Napoleon has wiped out the five corps of the Army of Silesia, inflicting a loss of 25,000 men._
_February 17th.--Combat near Nangis. Napoleon defeats Austro-Russians with loss of 10,000 men and 12 cannon._
_February 18th._--Combat of Montereau. Prince Royal of Wurtemberg defeated with loss of 7000.
_February 21st._--Comte d'Artois arrives at Vesoul.
_February 22nd._--Combat of Méry-sur-Seine. Sacken defeated by Boyer's Division, who fight in masks--it being Shrove Tuesday.
_February 24th._--French re-enter Troyes.
_February 27th._--Bulow captures La Fère with large stores. Battle of Orthes (Pyrenees), Wellington with 70,000 defeats Soult entrenched with 38,000. Foy badly wounded.
_February 27th-28th._--Combats of Bar and Ferté-sur-Aube. Marshals Oudinot and Macdonald forced to retire on the Seine.
_March 1st._--Treaty of Chaumont--Allies against Napoleon.
_March 2nd._--Bulow takes Soissons.
_March 4th._--Macdonald evacuates Troyes.
_March 7th.--Battle of Craonne between Napoleon (30,000 men) and Sacken (100,000)._ Indecisive.
_March 9th._--English driven from Berg-op-Zoom.
_March 9th-10th.--Combat under Laon: depôt of Allied army. Napoleon fails to capture it._
_March 12th._--Duc d'Angoulême arrives at Bordeaux. This town is the first to declare for the Bourbons, and to welcome him as Louis XVIII.
_March 13th._--Ferdinand VII. set at liberty.
_March 14th.--Napoleon retakes Rheims from the Russians._
_March 19th._--Rupture of Treaty of Châtillon.
_March 20th._--Battle of Tarbes. Wellington defeats French.
_March 20th-21st._--Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube. Indecisive.
_March 21st._--Austrians enter Lyons. Augereau retires on Valence. Had Eugène joined him with his 40,000 men he might have saved France after Vauchamp.
_March 25th._--Combat of Fère-Champenoise. Marmont and Mortier defeated with loss of 9000 men.
_March 26th.--Combat of St. Dizier. Napoleon defeats Russians, and starts to save Paris._
_March 29th.--Allies outside Paris. Napoleon at Troyes (125 miles off)._
_March 30th.--Battle of Paris._ The Emperor's orders disobeyed. Heavy cannon from Cherbourg left outside Paris, also 20,000 men. Clarke deserts to the Allies. Joseph runs away, leaving Marmont permission to capitulate. After losing 5000 men (and Allies 8000) Marmont evacuates Paris and retires. _Napoleon reaches Fontainebleau in the evening, and hears the bad news._
_March 31st._--Emperor of Russia, King of Prussia, and 36,000 men enter Paris. Stocks and shares advance. Emperor Alexander states, "The Allied Sovereigns will treat no longer with Napoleon Bonaparte, nor any of his family."
_April 1st._--Senate, with Talleyrand as President, institute a Provisional Government.
_April 2nd._--Provisional Government address the army: "You are no longer the soldiers of Napoleon; the Senate and the whole of France absolve you from your oaths." They also declare Napoleon deposed from the throne, and his family from the succession.
_April 4th.--Napoleon signs a declaration of abdication in favour of his son, but after two days' deliberation, and Marmont's defection, Alexander insists on an absolute abdication._
_April 5th._--Convention of Chevilly. Marmont agrees to join the Provisional Government, and disband his army under promise that Allies will guarantee life and liberty to Napoleon Bonaparte. Funds on March 29th at 45, now at 63.75.
_April 6th._--New Constitution decreed by the Senate. The National Guard ordered to wear the White Cockade in lieu of the Tricolor.
_April 10th._--Battle of Toulouse. Hotly contested; almost a defeat for Wellington.
_April 11th.--Treaty of Paris between Napoleon and Allies (Austria, Russia, and Prussia). Isle of Elba reserved for Napoleon and his family, with a revenue of £200,000; the Duchies of Parma and Placentia for Marie Louise and her son. England accedes to this Treaty. Act of Abdication of the Emperor Napoleon._
_April 12th._--Count d'Artois enters Paris.
_April 16th._--Convention between Eugène and Austrian General Bellegarde. Emperor of Austria sees Marie Louise at the little Trianon, and decides upon his daughter's return to Vienna.
_April 18th._--Armistice of Soult and Wellington.
_April 20th.--Napoleon leaves Fontainebleau, and bids adieu to his Old Guard: "Do not mourn over my fate; if I have determined to survive, it is in order still to dedicate myself to your glory; I wish to write about the great things we have done together."_
_April 24th._--Louis XVIII. lands at Calais, and
_May 3rd._---Enters Paris.
_May 4th.---Napoleon reaches Elba._
_May 29th.--Death of Josephine, aged 51._
_May 30th.--Peace of Paris._
FOOTNOTES
[40] Averaged from early historians of the campaigns. Marbot gives the numbers 155,400 French and 175,000 Allies. Allowing for the secession of the Austrian and Prussian contingents and for 30,000 prisoners, he gives the actual French death-roll by February 1813 at 65,000. This is a minimum estimate.
NOTES
_THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGNS, 1796-97_
SERIES A
(_The numbers correspond to the numbers of the Letters._)
No. 1.
_Bonaparte made Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Italy._--Marmont's account of how this came to pass is probably substantially correct, as he has less interest in distorting the facts than any other writer as well fitted for the task. The winter had rolled by in the midst of pleasures--soirées at the Luxembourg, dinners of Madame Tallien, "nor," he adds, "were we hard to please." "The Directory often conversed with General Bonaparte about the army of Italy, whose general--Schérer--was always representing the position as difficult, and never ceasing to ask for help in men, victuals, and money. General Bonaparte showed, in many concise observations, that all that was superfluous. He strongly blamed the little advantage taken from the victory at Loano, and asserted that, even yet, all that could be put right. Thus a sort of controversy was maintained between Schérer and the Directory, counselled and inspired by Bonaparte." At last when Bonaparte drew up plans--afterwards followed--for the invasion of Piedmont, Schérer replied roughly that he who had drawn up the plan of campaign had better come and execute it. They took him at his word, and Bonaparte was named General-in-Chief of the army of Italy (vol. i. 93).
"_7 A.M._"--Probably written early in March. Leaving Paris on March 11th, Napoleon writes Letourneur, President of the Directory, of his marriage with the "citoyenne Tascher Beauharnais," and tells him that he has already asked Barras to inform them of the fact. "The confidence which the Directory has shown me under all circumstances makes it my duty to keep it advised of all my actions. It is a new link which binds me to the fatherland; it is one more proof of my fixed determination to find safety only in the Republic."[41]
No. 2.
"_Our good Ossian._"--The Italian translation of Ossian by Cesarotti was a masterpiece; better, in fact, than the original. He was a friend of Macpherson, and had learnt English in order to translate his work. Cesarotti lived till an advanced age, and was sought out in his retirement in order to receive honours and pensions from the Emperor Napoleon.
"Our good Ossian" speaks, like Homer, of the joy of grief.
No. 4.
"_Chauvet is dead._"--Chauvet is first mentioned in Napoleon's correspondence in a letter to his brother Joseph, August 9, 1795. Mdme. Junot, _Memoirs_, i. 138, tells us that Bonaparte was very fond of him, and that he was a man of gentle manners and very ordinary conversation. She declares that Bonaparte had been a suitor for the hand of her mother shortly before his marriage with Josephine, and that because the former rejected him, the general had refused a favour to her son; this had caused a quarrel which Chauvet had in vain tried to settle. On March 27th Bonaparte had written Chauvet from Nice that every day that he delayed joining him, "takes away from my operations one chance of probability for their success."
No. 5.
St. Amand notes that Bonaparte begins to suspect his wife in this letter, while the previous ones, especially that of April 3rd, show perfect confidence. Napoleon is on the eve of a serious battle, and has only just put his forces into fighting trim. On the previous day (April 6th) he wrote to the Directory that the movement against Genoa, of which he does not approve, has brought the enemy out of their winter quarters almost before he has had time to make ready. "The army is in a state of alarming destitution; I have still great difficulties to surmount, but they are surmountable: misery has excused want of discipline, and without discipline never a victory. I hope to have all in good trim shortly--there are signs already; in a few days we shall be fighting. The Sardinian army consists of 50,000 foot, and 5000 horse; I have only 45,000 men at my disposal, all told. Chauvet, the commissary-general, died at Genoa: it is a heavy loss to the army, he was active and enterprising."
Two days later Napoleon, still at Albenga, reports that he has found Royalist traitors in the army, and complains that the Treasury had not sent the promised pay for the men, "but in spite of all, we shall advance." Massena, eleven years older than his new commander-in-chief, had received him coldly, but soon became his right-hand man, always genial, and full of good ideas. Massena's men are ill with too much salt meat, they have hardly any shoes, but, as in 1800,[42] he has never a doubt that Bonaparte will make a good campaign, and determines to loyally support him. Poor Laharpe, so soon to die, is a man of a different stamp--one of those, doubtless, of whom Bonaparte thinks when he writes to Josephine, "Men worry me." The Swiss, in fact, was a chronic grumbler, but a first-rate fighting man, even when his men were using their last cartridges.
"_The lovers of nineteen._"--The allusion is lost. Aubenas, who reproduces two or three of these letters, makes a comment to this sentence, "Nous n'avons pu trouver un nom à mettre sous cette fantasque imagination" (vol. i. 317).
"_My brother_," viz. Joseph.--He and Junot reached Paris in five days, and had a great ovation. Carnot, at a dinner-party, showed Napoleon's portrait next to his heart, because "I foresee he will be the saviour of France, and I wish him to know that he has at the Directory only admirers and friends."
No. 6.
_Unalterably good._--"C'est Joseph peint d'un seul trait."--Aubenas (vol. i. 320).
"_If you want a place for any one, you can send him here. I will give him one._"--Bonaparte was beginning to feel firm in the saddle, while at Paris Josephine was treated like a princess. Under date April 25th, Letourneur, as one of the Directory, writes him, "A vast career opens itself before you; the Directory has measured the whole extent of it." They little knew! The letter concludes by expressing confidence that their general will never be reproached with the shameful repose of Capua. In a further letter, bearing the same date, Letourneur insists on a full and accurate account of the battles being sent, as they will be necessary "for the history of the triumphs of the Republic." In a private letter to the Directory (No. 220, vol. i. of the _Correspondence_, 1858), dated Carru, April 24th, Bonaparte tells them that when he returns to camp, worn-out, he has to work all night to put matters straight, and repress pillage. "Soldiery without bread work themselves into an excess of frenzy which makes one blush to be a man."[43]... "I intend to make terrible examples. I shall restore order, or cease to command these brigands. The campaign is not yet decided. The enemy is desperate, numerous, and fights well. He knows I am in want of everything, and trusts entirely to time; but I trust entirely to the good genius of the Republic, to the bravery of the soldiers, to the harmony of the officers, and even to the confidence they repose in me."
No. 7.
Aubenas goes into ecstasies over this letter, "the longest, most eloquent, and most impassioned of the whole series" (vol. i. 322).
Facsimile of Letter dated April 24, 1796.
_June 15._--Here occurs the first gap in the correspondence, but his letters to the Directory between this date and the last letter to Josephine extant (April 24) are full of interest, including his conscientious disobedience at Cherasco, and the aura of his destiny to "ride the whirlwind and direct the storm" which first inspired him after Lodi. On April 28th was signed the armistice of Cherasco, by which his rear was secured by three strong fortresses.[44] He writes the Directory that Piedmont is at their mercy, and that in making the armistice into a definite peace he trusts they will not forget the little island of Saint-Pierre, which will be more useful in the future than Corsica and Sardinia combined. He looks upon northern Italy as practically conquered, and speaks of invading Bavaria through the Tyrol. "Prodigious" is practically the verdict of the Directory, and later of Jomini. "My columns are marching; Beaulieu flees. I hope to catch him. I shall impose a contribution of some millions on the Duke of Parma: he will sue for peace: don't be in a hurry, so that I may have time to make him also contribute to the cost of the campaign, by replenishing our stores and rehorsing our waggons at his expense." Bonaparte suggests that Genoa should pay fifteen millions indemnity for the frigates and vessels taken in the port. Certain risks had to be run in invading Lombardy, owing to want of horse artillery, but at Cherasco he secured artillery and horses. When writing to the Directory for a dozen companies, he tells them not to entrust the execution of this measure "to the men of the bureaus, for it takes them ten days to forward an order." Writing to Carnot on the same day he states he is marching against Beaulieu, who has 26,000 foot out of 38,000 at commencement of campaign. Napoleon's force is 28,000, but he has less cavalry. On May 1st, in a letter dated Acqui to Citizen Faipoult, he asks for particulars of the pictures, statues, &c., of Milan, Parma, Placentia, Modena, and Bologna. On the same day Massena writes that his men are needing shoes. On May 6th Bonaparte announces the capture of Tortona, "a very fine fortress, which cost the King of Sardinia over fifteen millions," while Cherasco has furnished him with twenty-eight guns. Meanwhile Massena has taken possession of Alessandria, with all its stores. On May 9th Napoleon writes to Carnot, "We have at last crossed the Po. The second campaign is begun; Beaulieu ... has fool-hardiness but no genius. One more victory, and Italy is ours." A clever commissary-general is all he needs, and his men are growing fat--with good meat and good wine. He sends to Paris twenty old masters, with fine examples of Correggio and Michael-Angelo. It is pleasant to find Napoleon's confidence in Carnot, in view of Barras' insinuations that the latter had cared only for Moreau--his type of Xenophon. In this very letter Napoleon writes Carnot, "I owe you my special thanks for the care that you have kindly given to my wife; I recommend her to you, she is a sincere patriot, and I love her to distraction." He is sending "a dozen millions" to France, and hopes that some of it will be useful to the army of the Rhine. Meanwhile, and two days before Napoleon's letter to Carnot just mentioned, the latter, on behalf of the Directory, suggests the division of his command with the old Alsatian General Kellermann. The Directory's idea of a gilded pill seems to be a prodigiously long letter. It is one of those heart-breaking effusions that, even to this day, emanate from board-rooms, to the dismay and disgust of their recipients. After plastering him with sickening sophistries as to his "sweetest recompense," it gives the utterly unnecessary monition, "March! no fatal repose, there are still laurels to gather"! Nevertheless, his plan of ending the war by an advance through the Tyrol strikes them as too risky. He is to conquer the Milanais, and then divide his army with Kellermann, who is to guard the conquered province, while he goes south to Naples and Rome. As an implied excuse for not sending adequate reinforcements, Carnot adds, "The exaggerated rumours that you have skilfully disseminated as to the numbers of the French troops in Italy, will augment the fear of our enemies and almost double your means of action." The Milanais is to be heavily mulcted, but he is to be prudent. If Rome makes advances, his first demand should be that the Pope may order immediate public prayers for the prosperity and success of the French Republic! The sending of old masters to France to adorn her National Galleries seems to have been entirely a conception of Napoleon's. He has given sufficiently good reasons, from a patriotic point of view; for money is soon spent, but a masterpiece may encourage Art among his countrymen a generation later. The plunderers of the Parthenon of 1800 could not henceforward throw stones at him in this respect. But his real object was to win the people of Paris by thus sending them Glory personified in unique works of genius.
The Directory, already jealous of his fame, endeavour to neutralise the effect of his initiative by hearty concurrence, and write, "Italy has been illumined and enriched by their possession, but the time is now come when their reign should pass to France to stablish and beautify that of Liberty." The despatch adds somewhat naïvely that the effects of the vandalism committed during their own Republican orgies would be obliterated by this glorious campaign, which should "join to the splendour of military trophies the charm of beneficent and restful arts." The Directory ends by inviting him to choose one or two artists to select the most valuable pictures and other masterpieces.
Meanwhile, the Directory's supineness in pushing on the war on the Rhine is enabling the Austrians to send large reinforcements against Napoleon. Bonaparte, who has recently suffered (Jomini, vol. viii. 113) from Kellermann's tardiness in sending reinforcements at an important moment, replies to the letters of May 7th a week later, and writes direct to Citizen Carnot from Lodi, as well as to the Executive Directory. "On the receipt of the Directory's letter of the 7th your wishes were fulfilled, and the Milanais is ours. I shall shortly march, to carry out your intentions, on Leghorn and Rome; all that will soon be done. I am writing the Directory relatively to their idea of dividing the army. I swear that I have no thought beyond the interest of my country. Moreover, you will always find me straight (_dans la ligne droite_).... As it might happen that this letter to the Directory may be badly construed, and since you have assured me of your friendship, I take this opportunity of addressing you, begging you to make what use of it your prudence and attachment for me may suggest.... Kellermann will command the army as well as I, for no one is more convinced than I am that the victories are due to the courage and pluck of the army; but I think joining Kellermann and myself in Italy is to lose everything. I cannot serve willingly with a man who considers himself the first general in Europe; and, besides, I believe one bad general is better than two good ones. War is like government: it is an affair of tact. To be of any use, I must enjoy the same confidence that you testified to me in Paris. Where I make war, here or there, is a matter of indifference. To serve my country, to deserve from posterity a page in our history, to give the Government proofs of my attachment and devotion--that is the sum of my ambition. But I am very anxious not to lose in a week the fatigues, anxieties, and dangers of two months, and to find myself fettered. I began with a certain amount of fame; I wish to continue worthy of you." To the Directory he writes that the expeditions to Leghorn, Rome, and Naples are small affairs, but to be safely conducted must have one general in command. "I have made the campaign without consulting a soul; I should have done no good if I had had to share my views with another. I have gained some advantages over superior forces, and in utter want of everything, because, certain of your confidence, my marches have been as quick as my thoughts." He foretells disaster if he is shackled with another general. "Every one has his own method of making war. General Kellermann has more experience, and will do it better than I; but both together will do it very badly." With Barras he knew eloquence was useless, and therefore bribed him with a million francs. On May 10th was gained the terrible battle of the Bridge of Lodi, where he won promotion from his soldiers, and became their "little corporal," and where he told Las Cases that he "was struck with the possibility of becoming famous. It was then that the first spark of my ambition was kindled." On entering Milan he told Marmont, "Fortune has smiled on me to-day, only because I despise her favours; she is a woman, and the more she does for me, the more I shall exact from her. In our day no one has originated anything great; it is for me to give the example."
On May 15th, thirty-five days after the commencement of the campaign, he entered Milan, under a triumphal arch and amid the acclamations of the populace. On the previous evening he was guilty of what Dr. Johnson would have considered a fitting herald of his spoliation of picture-galleries--the perpetration of a pun. At a dinner-table the hostess observed that his youth was remarkable in so great a conqueror, whereat he replied, "Truly, madam, I am not very old at present--barely twenty-seven--but in less than twenty-four hours I shall count many more, for I shall have attained Milan" (_mille ans_).
On May 22nd he returned to Lodi, but heard immediately that Lombardy in general, and Pavia in particular, was in open revolt. He makes a terrible example of Pavia, shooting its chief citizens, and, for the only time, giving up a town to three hours' pillage. The Directory congratulates him on these severe measures: "The laws of war and the safety of the army render them legitimate in such circumstances." He writes them that had the blood of a single Frenchman been spilt, he would have erected a column on the ruins of Pavia, on which should have been inscribed, "Here was the town of Pavia."
On May 21st, Carnot replies to the letter from Lodi: "You appear desirous, citizen general, of continuing to conduct the whole series of military operations in Italy, at the actual seat of war. The Directory has carefully considered your proposition, and the confidence that they place in your talents and republican zeal has decided this question in the affirmative.... The rest of the military operations towards the Austrian frontier and round Mantua are absolutely dependent on your success against Beaulieu. The Directory feels how difficult it would be to direct them from Paris. It leaves to you in this respect the greatest latitude, while recommending the most extreme prudence. Its intention is, however, that the army shall cross into the Tyrol only after the expedition to the south of Italy."
This was a complete victory for Bonaparte (Bingham calls it the Directory's "abject apology"), and, as Scott points out, he now "obtained an ascendency which he took admirable care not to relinquish; and it became the sole task of the Directory, so far as Italy was concerned, to study phrases for intimating their approbation of the young general's measures."
He had forged a sword for France, and he now won her heart by gilding it. On May 16th the Directory had asked him to supply Kellermann with money for the army of the Alps, and by May 22nd he is able to write that six or eight million francs in gold, silver, ingots, or jewels is lying at their disposal with one of the best bankers in Genoa, being superfluous to the needs of the army. "If you wish it, I can have a million sent to Bâle for the army of the Rhine." He has already helped Kellermann, and paid his men. He also announces a further million requisitioned from Modena. "As it has neither fortresses nor muskets, I could not ask for them."
Henceforth he lubricates the manifold wheels of French policy with Italian gold, and gains thereby the approbation and gratitude of the French armies and people. Meanwhile he does not neglect those who might bear him a grudge. To Kellermann and to all the Directors he sends splendid chargers. From Parma he has the five best pictures chosen for Paris--the Saint Jerome and the Madonna della Scodella, both by Correggio; the Preaching of St. John in the Desert, a Paul Veronese, and a Van Dyck, besides fine examples of Raphael, Caracci, &c.
The Directory is anxious that he shall chastise the English at Leghorn, as the fate of Corsica is somewhat dependent on it, whose loss "will make London tremble." They secretly dread a war in the Tyrol, forgetting that Bonaparte is a specialist in mountain fighting, educated under Paoli. They remind him that he has not sent the plans of his battles. "You ought not to lack draughtsmen in Italy. Eh! what are your young engineer officers doing?"
On May 31st Carnot writes to urge him to press the siege of Mantua, reasserting that the reinforcements which Beaulieu has received will not take from that army its sense of inferiority, and that ten battalions of Hoche's army are on the way. It approves and confirms the "generous fraternity" with which Bonaparte offers a million francs to the armies on the Rhine. On June 7th he tells the Directory that Rome is about to fulminate a bull against the French Royalists, but that he thinks the expedition to Naples should be deferred, and also a quarrel with Venice--at least till he has beaten his other enemies; it is not expedient to tackle every one at once. On June 6th he thanks Carnot for a kind letter, adding that the best reward to sweeten labour and perils is the esteem of the few men one really admires. He fears the hot weather for his men: "we shall soon be in July, when every march will cost us 200 sick." The same day he writes General Clarke that all is flourishing, but that the dog-star is coming on at a gallop, and that there is no remedy against its malign influence. "Luckless beings that we are! Our position with nature is merely observation, without control." He holds that the only safe way to end the campaign without being beaten is not to go to the south of Italy. On the 9th he thanks Kellermann for the troops he sends, and their excellent discipline. On the 11th--always as anxious to help his generals as himself--he urges the Directory to press the Swiss Government to refund La Harpe's property to his children.
"_Presentiment of ill._"--Marmont tells us what this was. The glass of his wife's portrait, which he always carried with him, was found to be broken. Turning frightfully pale, he said to Marmont, "My wife is either very ill, or unfaithful." She left Paris June 24th. Marmont says, "Once at Milan, General Bonaparte was very happy, for at that time he lived only for his wife.... Never love more pure, more true, more exclusive, has possessed the heart of any man."
No. 8.
Between June 15th and the renewal of Josephine's correspondence a glance at the intervening dates will show that Bonaparte and his army were not wasting time. The treaty with Rome was a masterpiece, as in addition to money and works of art, he obtained the port of Ancona, siege-guns with which to bombard Mantua, and best of all, a letter from the Pope to the faithful of France, recommending submission to the new government there. In consideration of this, and possibly yielding to the religious sentiments of Josephine, he spared Rome his presence--the only capital which he abstained from entering, when he had, as in the present case, the opportunity. It was not, however, until February 1797 that the Pope fulfilled his obligations under this Treaty, and then under new compulsion.
_Fortuné._--Josephine's dog (see note to Letter 2, Series B).
FOOTNOTES
[41] No. 89 of Napoleon III.'s Correspondence of Napoleon I., vol. i., the last letter signed Buonaparte; after March 24 we only find Bonaparte.
[42] Compelled to surrender Genoa, before Marengo takes place, he swears to the Austrian general he will be back there in fourteen days, and keeps his word.
[43] Two days later he evidently feels this letter too severe, and writes: "All goes well. Pillage is less pronounced. This first thirst of an army destitute of everything is quenched. The poor fellows are excusable; after having sighed for three years at the top of the Alps, they arrive in the Promised Land, and wish to taste of it."
[44] Bingham, with his customary ill-nature, remarks that Bonaparte, "in spite of the orders of the Directory, took upon himself to sign the armistice." These orders, dated March 6th, were intended for a novice, and no longer applicable to the conqueror of two armies, and which a Despatch on the way, dated April 25th, already modified. Jomini admits the wisdom of this advantageous peace, which secured Nice and Savoy to France, and gave her all the chief mountain-passes leading into Italy.
SERIES B
No. 1.
_July 6, Sortie from Mantua of the Austrians._--According to Jomini the French on this occasion were not successful (vol. viii. 162). In one of his several letters to the Directory on this date is seen Bonaparte's anxiety for reinforcements; the enemy has already 67,000 men against his available 40,000. Meanwhile he is helping the Corsicans to throw off the British yoke, and believes that the French possession of Leghorn will enable the French to gain that island without firing a shot.
No. 2.
_Marmirolo._--On July 12th he writes to the Directory from Verona that for some days he and the enemy have been watching each other. "Woe to him who makes a false move." He indicates that he is about to make a _coup de main_ on Mantua, with 300 men dressed in Austrian uniforms. He is by no means certain of success, which "depends entirely on luck--either on a dog[45] or a goose." He complains of much sickness among his men round Mantua, owing to the heat and miasmata from the marshes, but so far no deaths. He will be ready to make Venice disgorge a few millions shortly, if the Directory make a quarrel in the interim.
On the 13th he was with Josephine, as he writes from Milan, but leaves on the 14th, and on the 17th is preparing a _coup de_ _main_ with 800 grenadiers, which, as we see from the next letter, fails.
_Fortuné._--Arnault tells an anecdote of this lap-dog, which in 1794, in the days of the Terror, had been used as a bearer of secret despatches between Josephine in prison and the governess of her children outside the grille. Henceforward Josephine would never be parted from it. One day in June 1797 the dog was lying on the same couch as its mistress, and Bonaparte, accosting Arnault and pointing to the dog with his finger, said, "You see that dog there. He is my rival. He was in possession of Madame's bed when I married her. I wished to make him get out--vain hope! I was told I must resign myself to sleep elsewhere, or consent to share with him. That was sufficiently exasperating, but it was a question of taking or leaving, and I resigned myself. The favourite was less accommodating than I. I bear the proof of it in this leg."
Not content with barking at every one, he bit not only men but other dogs, and was finally killed by a mastiff, much to Bonaparte's secret satisfaction; for, as St. Amand adds, "he could easily win battles, accomplish miracles, make or unmake principalities, but could not show a dog the door."
No. 3.
"_The village of Virgil._"--Michelet (Jusqu'au 18 _Brumaire_) thinks that here he got the idea of the Fête of Virgil, established a few months later. In engravings of the hero of Italy we see him near the tomb of Virgil, his brows shaded by a laurel crown.
No. 4.
_Achille._--Murat. He had been appointed one of Bonaparte's aides-de-camp February 29th, made General of Brigade after the Battle of Lodi (May 10th); is sent to Paris after Junot with nine trophies, and arrives there first. He flirts there outrageously with Josephine, but does not escort her back to her husband.
No. 5.
'_Will o' the wisp_,' _i.e._ _l'ardent_.--This word, according to Ménage, was given by the Sieur de St. Germain to those lively young sparks who, about the year 1634, used to meet at the house of Mr. Marsh (M. de Marest), who was one of them.
No. 6.
_The needs of the army._--Difficulties were accumulating, and Napoleon was, as he admits at St. Helena, seriously alarmed. Wurmser's force proves to be large, Piedmont is angry with the Republic and ready to rise, and Venice and Rome would willingly follow its example; the English have taken Porto-Ferrajo, and their skilful minister, Windham, is sowing the seeds of discord at Naples. Although on July 20th he has written a friend in Corsica that "all smiles on the Republic," he writes Saliceti, another brother Corsican, very differently on August 1st. "Fortune appears to oppose us at present.... I have raised the siege of Mantua; I am at Brescia with nearly all my army. I shall take the first opportunity of fighting a battle with the enemy which will decide the fate of Italy--if I'm beaten, I shall retire on the Adda; if I win, I shall not stop in the marshes of Mantua.... Let the citadels of Milan, Tortona, Alessandria, and Pavia be provisioned.... We are all very tired; I have ridden five horses to death." Reading between the lines of this letter to Josephine, it is evident that he thinks she will be safer with him than at Milan--Wurmser having the option of advancing _viâ_ Brescia on Milan, and cutting off the French communications. The Marshal's fatal mistake was in using only half his army for the purpose. This raising of the siege of Mantua (July 31st) was heart-rending work for Bonaparte, but, as Jomini shows, he had no artillery horses, and it was better to lose the siege train, consisting of guns taken from the enemy, than to jeopardise the whole army. Wurmser had begun his campaign successfully by defeating Massena, and pushing back Sauret at Salo. "The Austrians," wrote Massena, "are drunk with brandy, and fight furiously," while his men are famished and can only hang on by their teeth. Bonaparte calls his first war council, and thinks for a moment of retreat, but Augereau insists on fighting, which is successfully accomplished while Wurmser is basking himself among the captured artillery outside Mantua. Bonaparte had been perfectly honest in telling the Directory his difficulties, and sends his brother Louis to the Directory for that purpose on the eve of battle. He is complimented in a letter from the Directory dated August 12th--a letter probably the more genuine as they had just received a further despatch announcing a victory. On August 3rd Bonaparte won a battle at Lonato, and the next day Augereau gained great laurels at Castiglione; in later years the Emperor often incited Augereau by referring to those "fine days of Castiglione." Between July 29th and August 12th the French army took 15,000 prisoners, 70 guns, and wounded or killed 25,000, with little more than half the forces of the Austrians. Bonaparte gives his losses at 7000, exclusive of the 15,000 sick he has in hospital; from July 31st to August 6th he never changed his boots, or lay down in a bed. Nevertheless, Jomini thinks that he showed less vigour in the execution of his plans than in the earlier part of the campaign; but, as an opinion _per contra_, we may note that the French grenadiers made their "little Corporal" _Sergeant_ at Castiglione. Doubtless the proximity of his wife at the commencement (July 31st) made him more careful, and therefore less intrepid. On August 18th he wrote Kellermann with an urgent request for troops. On August 17th Colonel Graham, after hinting at the frightful excesses committed by the Austrians in their retreat, adds in a postscript--"From generals to subalterns the universal language of the army is that we must make peace, as we do not know how to make war."[46]
On August 13th Bonaparte sent to the Directory his opinion of most of his generals, in order to show that he required some better ones. Some of his criticisms are interesting:--
Berthier--"Talents, activity, courage, character; he has them all."
Augereau--"Much character, courage, firmness, activity; is
accustomed to war, beloved by the soldiers, lucky in his operations."
Massena--"Active, indefatigable, has boldness, grasp, and promptitude in making his decisions."
Serrurier--"Fights like a soldier, takes no responsibility; determined, has not much opinion of his troops, is often ailing."
Despinois--"Flabby, inactive, slack, has not the genius for war, is not liked by the soldiers, does not fight with his head; has nevertheless good, sound political principles: would do well to command in the interior."
Sauret--"A good, very good soldier, not sufficiently enlightened to be a general; unlucky."
Of eight more he has little good to say, but the Directory in acknowledging his letter of August 23rd remarks that he has forgotten several officers, and especially the Irish general Kilmaine.
About the same time Colonel Graham (Lord Lynedoch) was writing to the British Government from Trent that the Austrians, despite their defeats, were "undoubtedly brave fine troops, and an able chief would put all to rights in a little time."[47] On August 18th he adds--"When the wonderful activity, energy, and attention that prevail in the French service, from the commander-in-chief downward, are compared to the indecision, indifference, and indolence universal here, the success of their rash but skilful manoeuvres is not surprising."
No. 7.
_Brescia._--Napoleon was here on July 27th, meeting Josephine about the date arranged (July 25th), and she returned with him. On July 29th they were nearly captured by an Austrian ambuscade near Ceronione, and Josephine wept with fright. "Wurmser," said Napoleon, embracing her, "shall pay dearly for those tears." She accompanies him to Castel Nova, and sees a skirmish at Verona; but the sight of wounded men makes her leave the army, and, finding it impossible to reach Brescia, she flees _viâ_ Ferrara and Bologna to Lucca. She leaves the French army in dire straits and awaits news anxiously, while the Senate of Lucca presents her with the oil kept exclusively for royalty. Thence she goes _viâ_ Florence to Milan. By August 7th the Austrian army was broken and in full retreat, and Bonaparte conducts his correspondence from Brescia from August 11th to 18th. On the 25th he is at Milan, where he meets his wife after her long pilgrimage, and spends four days. By August 30th he is again at Brescia, and reminds her that he left her "vexed, annoyed, and not well." From a letter to her aunt, Madame de Renaudin, at this time, quoted by Aubenas, we can see her real feelings: "I am fêted wherever I go; all the princes of Italy give me fêtes, even the Grand Duke of Tuscany, brother of the Emperor. Ah, well, I prefer being a private individual in France. I care not for honours bestowed in this country. I get sadly bored. My health has undoubtedly a great deal to do with making me unhappy; I am often out of sorts. If happiness could assure health, I ought to be in the best of health. I have the most amiable husband imaginable. I have no time to long for anything. My wishes are his. He is all day long in adoration before me, as if I were a divinity; there could not possibly be a better husband. M. Serbelloni will tell you how he loves me. He often writes to my children; he loves them dearly. He is sending Hortense, by M. Serbelloni, a lovely repeater, jewelled and enamelled; to Eugène a splendid gold watch."
No. 9.
"_I hope we shall get into Trent by the 5th._"--He entered the city on that day. In his pursuit of Wurmser, he and his army cover sixty miles in two days, through the terrific Val Saguna and Brenta gorges, brushing aside opposition by the way.
No. 12.
"_One of these nights the doors will be burst open with a bang._"--Apparently within two or three days, for Bonaparte is at Milan on September 21st, and stays with his wife till October 12th. On October 1st he writes to the Directory that his total forces are only 27,900; and that the Austrians, within six weeks, will have 50,000. He asks for 26,000 more men to end the war satisfactorily: "If the preservation of Italy is dear to you, citizen directors, send me help." On the 8th they reply with the promise of 10,000 to 12,000, to which he replies (October 11th) that if 10,000 have started only 5000 will reach him. The Directory at this time are very poverty stricken, and ask him once more to pay Kellermann's Army of the Alps, as being "to some extent part of that which you command." This must have been "nuts and wine" for the general who was to have been superseded by Kellermann a few months earlier. On October 1st they advise him that Wurmser's name is on the list of emigrants, and that if the Marshal will surrender Mantua at once he need not be sent to Paris for trial. If, however, Bonaparte thinks that this knowledge will make the old Marshal more desperate, he is not to be told. Bonaparte, of course, does not send the message. For some time these letters had been signed by the President Lareveillère Lépeaux, but on September 19th there was a charming letter from Carnot: "Although accustomed to unprecedented deeds on your part, our hopes have been surpassed by the victory of Bassano. What glory is yours, immortal Bonaparte! Moreau was about to effect a juncture with you when that wretched _reculade_ of Jourdan upset all our plans. Do not forget that immediately the armies go into winter quarters on the Rhine the Austrians will have forces available to help Wurmser." At Milan Bonaparte advises the Directory that he is dealing with unpunished "fripponeries" in the commissariat department. Here he receives from young Kellermann, afterwards the hero of Marengo, a _précis_ of the condition of the Brescia fever-hospitals, dated October 6th: "A wretched mattress, dirty and full of vermin, a coarse sheet to each bed, rarely washed, no counterpanes, much dilatoriness, such is the spectacle that the fever-hospitals of Brescia present; it is heart-rending. The soldiers justly complain that, having conquered opulent Italy at the cost of their life-blood, they might, without enjoying comforts, at least find the help and attention which their situation demands. Bread and rice are the only passable foods, but the meat is hard. I beg that the general-in-chief will immediately give attention to his companions in glory, who wish for restored health only that they may gather fresh laurels." Thus Bonaparte had his Bloemfontein, and perhaps his Burdett-Coutts.
On October 12th he tells the Directory that Mantua will not fall till February--the exact date of its capitulation. One is tempted to wonder if Napoleon was human enough to have inserted one little paragraph of his despatch of October 12th from Milan with one eye on its perusal by his wife, as it contains a veiled sneer at Hoche's exploits: "Send me rather generals of brigade than generals of division. All that comes to us from La Vendée is unaccustomed to war on a large scale; we have the same reproach against the troops, but they are well-hardened." On the same day he shows them that all the marvels of his six months' campaign have cost the French Government only £440,000 (eleven million francs). He pleads, however, for special auditors to have charge of the accounts. Napoleon had not only made war support war, but had sent twenty million francs requisitioned in Italy to the Republic. On October 12th he leaves Milan for Modena, where he remains from the 14th to the 18th, is at Bologna on the 19th, and Ferrara from the 19th to the 22nd, reaching Verona on the 24th.
Jomini has well pointed out that Napoleon's conception of making two or three large Italian republics in place of many small ones minimised the power of the Pope, and also that of Austria, by abolishing its feudal rigours.
By this time Bonaparte is heartily sick of the war. On October 2nd he writes direct to the Emperor of Germany: "Europe wants peace. This disastrous war has lasted too long;" and on the 16th to Marshal Wurmser: "The siege of Mantua, sir, is more disastrous than two campaigns." His weariness is tempered with policy, as Alvinzi was _en route_, and the French reinforcements had not arrived, not even the 10,000 promised in May.
No. 13.
"_Corsica is ours._"--At St. Helena he told his generals, "The King of England wore the Corsican crown only two years. This whim cost the British treasury five millions sterling. John Bull's riches could not have been worse employed." He writes to the Directory on the same day: "The expulsion of the English from the Mediterranean has considerable influence on the success of our military operations in Italy. We can exact more onerous conditions from Naples, which will have the greatest moral effect on the minds of the Italians, assures our communications, and makes Naples tremble as far as Sicily." On October 25th he writes: "Wurmser is at his last gasp; he is short of wine, meat, and forage; he is eating his horses, and has 15,000 sick. In fifty days Mantua will either be taken or delivered."
No. 14.
_Verona._--Bonaparte had made a long stay at Verona, to November 4th, waiting reinforcements which never came. On November 5th he writes to the Directory: "All the troops of the Directory arrive post-haste at an alarming rate, and we--we are left to ourselves. Fine promises and a few driblets of men are all we have received;" and on November 13th he writes again: "Perchance we are on the eve of losing Italy. None of the expected reinforcements have arrived.... I am doing my duty, the officers and men are doing theirs; my heart is breaking, but my conscience is at rest. Help--send me help!... I despair of preventing the relief of Mantua, which in a week would have been ours. The wounded are the pick of the army; all our superior officers, all our picked generals are _hors de combat_; those who have come to me are so incompetent, and they have not the soldiers' confidence. The army of Italy, reduced to a handful of men, is exhausted. The heroes of Lodi, Millesimo, Castiglione, and Bassano have died for their country, or are in hospital;[48] to the corps remain only their reputation and their glory. Joubert, Lannes, Lanusse, Victor, Murat, Chabot, Dupuy, Rampon, Pijon, Menard, Chabran, and St. Hilaire are wounded.... In a few days we shall make a last effort. Had I received the 83rd, 3500 strong, and of good repute in the army, I would have answered for everything. Perhaps in a few days 40,000 will not suffice." The reason for this unwonted pessimism was the state of his troops. His brother Louis reported that Vaubois' men had no shoes and were almost naked, in the midst of snow and mountains; that desertions were taking place of soldiers with bare and bleeding feet, who told the enemy the plans and conditions of their army. Finally Vaubois bungles, through not knowing the ground, and is put under the orders of Massena, while two of his half-brigades are severely censured by Napoleon in person for their cowardice.
No. 15.
"_Once more I breathe freely._"--Thrice had Napoleon been foiled, as much by the weather and his shoeless soldiers as by numbers (40,000 Austrians to his 28,000), and his position was well-nigh hopeless on November 14th. He trusts Verona to 3000 men, and the blockade of Mantua to Kilmaine, and the defence of Rivoli to Vaubois--the weakest link in the chain--and determines to manoeuvre by the Lower Adige upon the Austrian communications. He gets forty-eight hours' start, and wins Arcola; in 1814 he deserved equal success, but bad luck and treachery turned the scale. The battle of Arcola lasted seventy-two hours, and for forty-eight hours was in favour of the Austrians. Pending the arrival of the promised reinforcements, the battle was bought too dear, and weakened Bonaparte more than the Austrians, who received new troops almost daily. He replaced Vaubois by Joubert.
No. 18.
"_The 29th._"--But he is at Milan from November 27th to December 16th. Most people know, from some print or other, the picture by Gros of Bonaparte, flag in hand, leading his men across the murderous bridge of Arcola. It was during this visit to Milan that his portrait was taken, and Lavalette has preserved for us the domestic rather than the dignified manner of the sitting accorded. He refused to give a fixed time, and the artist was in despair, until Josephine came to his aid by taking her husband on her knees every morning after breakfast, and keeping him there a short time. Lavalette assisted at three of these sittings--apparently to remove the bashful embarrassment of the young painter. St. Amand suggests that Gros taking the portrait of Bonaparte at Milan, just after Arcola, would, especially under such novel conditions, prove a fitting theme for our artists to-day! From December 16th to 21st Bonaparte is at Verona, whence he returns to Milan. There is perhaps a veiled innuendo in Barras' letter of December 30th. Clarke had advised the Directory that Alvinzi was planning an attack, which Barras mentions, but adds: "Your return to Milan shows that you consider another attack in favour of Wurmser unlikely, or, at least, not imminent." He is at Milan till January 7th, whence he goes to Bologna, the city which, he says, "of all the Italian cities has constantly shown the greatest energy and the most considerable share of real information."
No. 20.
_General Brune._--This incident fixes the date of this letter to be 23 _Nivôse_ (January 12), and not 23 _Messidor_ (July 11), as hitherto published in the French editions of this letter. On January 12, 1797, he wrote General Clarke from Verona (No. 1375 of the _Correspondence_) almost an exact duplicate of this letter--a very rare coincidence in the epistles of Napoleon. "Scarcely set out from Roverbella, I learnt that the enemy had appeared at Verona. Massena made his dispositions, which have been very successful; we have made 600 prisoners, and we have taken three pieces of cannon. General Brune has had seven bullets in his clothes, without having been touched by one of them; this is what it is to be lucky. We have had only ten men killed, and a hundred wounded." Bonaparte had left Bologna on January 10, reaching Verona _viâ_ Roverbella on the 12th.
No. 21.
_February 3rd._--"_I wrote you this morning._"--This and probably other letters describing Rivoli, La Favorite, and the imminent fall of Mantua, are missing. In summing up the campaign Thiers declares that in ten months 55,000 French (all told, including reinforcements) had beaten more than 200,000 Austrians, taken 80,000 of them prisoners, killed and wounded 20,000. They had fought twelve pitched battles, and sixty actions. These figures are probably as much above the mark as those of Napoleon's detractors are below it.
One does not know which to admire most, Bonaparte's absence from Marshal Wurmser's humiliation, or his abstention from entering Rome as a conqueror. The first was the act of a perfect gentleman, worthy of the best traditions of chivalry, the second was the very quintessence of far-seeing sagacity, not "baulking the end half-won, for an instant dole of praise." As he told Mdme. de Rémusat at Passeriano, "I conquered the Pope better by not going to Rome than if I had burnt his capital." Scott has compared his treatment of Wurmser to that of the Black Prince with his royal prisoner, King John of France. Wurmser was an Alsatian on the list of _émigrés_, and Bonaparte gave the Marshal his life by sending him back to Austria, a fact which Wurmser requited by warning Bonaparte of a conspiracy to poison him[49] in Romagna, which Napoleon thinks would otherwise have been successful.
No. 24.
"_Perhaps I shall make peace with the Pope._"--On February 12th the Pope had written to "his dear son, General Bonaparte," to depute plenipotentiaries for a peace, and ends by assuring him "of our highest esteem," and concluding with the paternal apostolic benediction. Meanwhile Napoleon, instead of sacking Faenza, has just invoked the monks and priests to follow the precepts of the Gospel.
No. 25.
"_The unlimited power you hold over me._"--There seems no question that during the Italian campaigns he was absolutely faithful to Josephine, although there was scarcely a beauty in Milan who did not aspire to please him and to conquer him. In his fidelity there was, says St. Amand, much love and a little calculation. As Napoleon has said himself, his position was delicate in the extreme; he commanded old generals; every one of his movements was jealously watched; his circumspection was extreme. His fortune lay in his wisdom. He would have to forget himself for one hour, and how many of his victories depended upon no more! The celebrated singer, La Grassini, who had all Italy at her feet, cared only for the young general who would not at that time vouchsafe her a glance.
FOOTNOTES
[45] Murat, says Marmont, who hated him, was the culprit here.
[46] J. H. Rose in _Eng. Hist. Review_, January 1899.
[47] See Essay by J. H. Rose in _Eng. Hist. Review_, January 1899.
[48] With fevers caught in the rice-swamps of Lombardy.
[49] With aqua tofana, says Marmont.
SERIES C
_THE CAMPAIGN OF MARENGO_, 1800
Elected to the joint consulate by the events of the 18th _Brumaire_ (November 9), 1799, Napoleon spent the first Christmas Day after his return from Egypt in writing personal letters to the King of England and Emperor of Austria, with a view to peace. He asks King George how it is that the two most enlightened nations of Europe do not realise that peace is the chief need as well as the chief glory ... and concludes by asserting that the fate of all civilised nations is bound up in the conclusion of a war "which embraces the entire world." His efforts fail in both cases. On December 27th he makes the _Moniteur_ the sole official journal. On February 7th, 1800, he orders ten days' military mourning for the death of Washington--that "great man who, like the French, had fought for equality and liberty." On April 22nd he urges Moreau to begin his campaign with the army of the Rhine, an order reiterated on April 24th through Carnot, again made Minister of War. A diversion to save the army of Italy was now imperative. On May 5th he congratulated Moreau on the battle of Stockach, but informs him that Massena's position is critical, shut up in Genoa, and with food only till May 25th. He advises Massena the same day that he leaves Paris that night to join the Army of Reserve, that the cherished child of victory must hold out as long as possible, at least until May 30th. At Geneva he met M. Necker. On May 14th he writes General Mortier, commandant of Paris, to keep that city quiet, as he will have still to be away a few days longer, which he trusts "will not be indifferent to M. de Mélas."
No. 3.
This letter was written from Ivrea, May 29th, 1800. On the 30th Napoleon is at Vercelli, on June 1st at Novara, and on June 2nd in Milan. Eugène served under Murat at the passage of the Ticino, May 31st.
_M.'s_; probably "Maman," _i.e._ his mother.
_Cherries._--This fruit had already tender associations. Las Cases tells us that when Napoleon was only sixteen he met at Valence Mademoiselle du Colombier, who was not insensible to his merits. It was the first love of both.... "We were the most innocent creatures imaginable," the Emperor used to say; "we contrived little meetings together. I well remember one which took place on a midsummer morning, just as daylight began to dawn. It will scarcely be believed that all our happiness consisted in eating cherries together" (vol. i. 81, 1836).
No. 4.
_Milan._--He arrived here on June 2nd, and met with a great reception. In his bulletin of June 5th we find him assisting at an improvised concert. It ends, somewhat quaintly for a bulletin, as follows: "Italian music has a charm ever new. The celebrated singers, Billington,[50] La Grassini, and Marchesi are expected at Milan. They say they are about to start for Paris to give concerts there." According to M. Frédéric Masson, this Paris visit masked ulterior motives, and was arranged at a _déjeûner_ on the same day, where La Grassini, Napoleon, and Berthier breakfasted together. Henceforward to Marengo Napoleon spends every spare day listening to the marvellous songstress, and as at Eylau, seven years later, runs great risks by admitting Venus into the camp of Mars. At St. Helena he declares that from June 3rd to 8th he was busy "receiving deputations, and showing himself to people assembled from all parts of Lombardy to see their liberator." The Austrians had declared that he had died in Egypt. The date of No. 4 should probably be June 9th, on which day the rain was very heavy. He reached Stradella the next day.
FOOTNOTES
[50] On reaching London a few months later Mistress Billington was engaged simultaneously by Drury Lane and Covent Garden, and during the following year harvested £10,000 from these two engagements.
SERIES D
No. 1.
The date is doubtless 27 _Messidor_ (July 16), and the fête alluded to that of July 14. The following day Napoleon signed the Concordat with the Pope, which paved the way for the restoration of the Roman Catholic religion in France (September 11).
_The blister._--On July 7 he quaintly writes Talleyrand: "They have put a second blister on my arm, which prevented me giving audience yesterday. Time of sickness is an opportune moment for coming to terms with the priests."
_Some plants._--No trait in Josephine's character is more characteristic than her love of flowers--not the selfish love of a mere collector,[51] but the bountiful joy of one who wishes to share her treasures. Malmaison had become the "veritable Jardin des Plantes" of the epoch,[52] far better than its Paris namesake in those days. The splendid hothouses, constructed by M. Thibaut, had been modelled on those of Kew, and enabled Josephine to collect exotics from every clime, and especially from her beloved Martinique. No jewel was so precious to her as a rare and beautiful flower. The Minister of Marine never forgot to instruct the deep-sea captains to bring back floral tributes from the far-off tropics. These often fell, together with the ships, into the hands of the British sea-dogs, but the Prince Regent always had them sent on from London, and thus rendered, says Aubenas, "the gallant homage of a courtly enemy to the charming tastes and to the popularity already acquired by this universally beloved woman." Her curator, M. Aimé Bonpland, was an accomplished naturalist, who had been with Humboldt in America, and brought thence 6000 new plants. On his return in 1804 he was nominated by Josephine manager of the gardens of Malmaison and Navarre.
In the splendid work, _Le Jardin de la Malmaison_, in three volumes, are plates, with descriptions of 184 plants, mostly new, collected there from Egypt, Arabia, the United States, the Antilles, Mexico, Madeira, the Cape of Good Hope, Mauritius, the East Indies, New Caledonia, Australia, and China. To Josephine we owe the Camellia, and the Catalpa, from the flora of Peru, whilst her maiden name (La Pagerie) was perpetuated by Messrs. Pavon and Ruiz in the Lapageria.
_If the weather is as bad._--As we shall see later, Bourrienne was invaluable to Josephine's court for his histrionic powers, and he seems to have been a prime favourite. On the present occasion he received the following "Account of the Journey to Plombières. To the Inhabitants of Malmaison,"--probably the work of Count Rapp, touched up by Hortense (Bourrienne's _Napoleon_, vol. ii. 85. Bentley, 1836):--
"The whole party left Malmaison in tears, which brought on such dreadful headaches that all the amiable company were quite overcome by the idea of the journey. Madame Bonaparte, mère, supported the fatigues of this memorable day with the greatest courage; but Madame Bonaparte, consulesse, did not show any. The two young ladies who sat in the dormeuse, Mademoiselle Hortense and Madame Lavalette, were rival candidates for a bottle of Eau de Cologne; and every now and then the amiable M. Rapp made the carriage stop for the comfort of his poor little sick heart, which overflowed with bile; in fact, he was obliged to take to bed on arriving at Epernay, while the rest of the amiable party tried to drown their sorrows in champagne. The second day was more fortunate on the score of health and spirits, but provisions were wanting, and great were the sufferings of the stomach. The travellers lived on in the hope of a good supper at Toul, but despair was at its height when on arriving there they found only a wretched inn, and nothing in it. We saw some odd-looking folks there, which indemnified us a little for spinach dressed with lamp-oil, and red asparagus fried with curdled milk. Who would not have been amused to see the Malmaison gourmands seated at a table so shockingly served!
"In no record of history is there to be found a day passed in distress so dreadful as that on which we arrived at Plombières. On departing from Toul we intended to breakfast at Nancy, for every stomach had been empty for two days, but the civil and military authorities came out to meet us, and prevented us from executing our plan. We continued our route, wasting away, so that you might see us growing thinner every moment. To complete our misfortune, the dormeuse, which seemed to have taken a fancy to embark on the Moselle for Metz, barely escaped an overturn. But at Plombières we have been well compensated for this unlucky journey, for on our arrival we were received with all kinds of rejoicings. The town was illuminated, the cannon fired, and the faces of handsome women at all the windows gave us reason to hope that we shall bear our absence from Malmaison with the less regret.
"With the exception of some anecdotes, which we reserve for chit-chat on our return, you have here a correct account of our journey, which we, the undersigned, hereby certify.
"JOSEPHINE BONAPARTE. BEAUHARNAIS LAVALETTE. HORTENSE BEAUHARNAIS. RAPP. BONAPARTE, MÈRE.
"The company ask pardon for the blots."
_"21 Messidor (July 10)._
"It is requested that the person who receives this journal will show it to all who take an interest in the fair travellers."
At this time Hortense was madly in love with Napoleon's favourite general, Duroc, who, however, loved his master more, and preferred not to interfere with his projects, especially as a marriage with Hortense would mean separation from Napoleon. Hortense and Bourrienne were both excellent billiard players, and the latter used this opportunity to carry letters from Hortense to her lukewarm lover.
_Malmaison, without you, is too dreary._--Although Madame la Grassini had been specially summoned to sing at the Fête de la Concorde the day before.
No. 2.
This is the third pilgrimage Josephine has made, under the doctor's orders, to Plombières; but the longed-for heir will have to be sought for elsewhere, by fair means or foul. Lucien, who as Spanish Ambassador had vainly spent the previous year in arranging the divorce and remarriage of Napoleon to a daughter of the King of Spain, suggests adultery at Plombières, or a "warming-pan conspiracy," as the last alternatives.[53] Josephine complains to Napoleon of his brother's "poisonous" suggestions, and Lucien is again disgraced. In a few months an heir is found in Hortense's first-born, Napoleon Charles, born October 10.
_The fat Eugène_ had come partly to be near his sister in her mother's absence, and partly to receive his colonelcy. Josephine is wretched to be absent, and writes to Hortense (June 16):--"I am utterly wretched, my dear Hortense, to be separated from you, and my mind is as sick as my body. I feel that I was not born, my dear child, for so much grandeur.... By now Eugène should be with you; that thought consoles me." Aubenas has found in the Tascher archives a charming letter from Josephine to her mother in Martinique, announcing how soon she may hope to find herself a great-grandmother.
No. 3.
_Your letter has come._--Possibly the one to Hortense quoted above, as Josephine was not fond of writing many letters.
_Injured whilst shooting a boar._--Constant was not aware of this occurrence, and was therefore somewhat incredulous of Las Cases (vol. i. 289). The account in the "Memorial of St. Helena" is as follows:--"Another time, while hunting the wild boar at Marly, all his suite were put to flight; it was like the rout of an army. The Emperor, with Soult and Berthier,[54] maintained their ground against three enormous boars. 'We killed all three, but I received a hurt from my adversary, and nearly lost this finger,' said the Emperor, pointing to the third finger of his left hand, which indeed bore the mark of a severe wound. 'But the most laughable circumstance of all was to see the multitude of men, surrounded by their dogs, screening themselves behind the three heroes, and calling out lustily "Save the Emperor![55] save the Emperor!" while not one advanced to my assistance'" (vol. ii. 202. Colburn, 1836).
"_The Barber of Seville._"--This was their best piece, and spectators (except Lucien) agree that in it the little theatre at Malmaison and its actors were unsurpassed in Paris. Bourrienne as Bartholo, Hortense as Rosina, carried off the palm. According to the Duchesse d'Abrantès, Wednesday was the usual day of representation, when the First Consul was wont to ask forty persons to dinner, and a hundred and fifty for the evening. As the Duchess had reason to know, Bonaparte was the severest of critics. "Lauriston made a noble lover," says the Duchess--"rather heavy" being Bourrienne's more professional comment. Eugène, says Méneval, excelled in footman's parts.[56] Michot, from the Theatre Français, was stage manager; and Bonaparte provided what Constant has called "the Malmaison Troupe," with their dresses and a collection of dramas. He was always spurring them on to more ambitious flights, and by complimenting Bourrienne on his prodigious memory, would stimulate him to learn the longest parts. Lucien, who refused to act, declares that Bonaparte quoted the saying of Louis XVI. concerning Marie Antoinette and her company, that the performances "were royally badly played." Junot, however, even in these days played the part of a drunkard only too well (Jung, vol. ii. 256).
No. 4.
_The Sèvres Manufactory._--After his visit, he wrote Duroc: "This morning I gave, in the form of gratuity, a week's wages to the workmen of the Sèvres manufactory. Have the amount given to the director. It should not exceed a thousand écus."
No. 5.
_Your lover, who is tired of being alone._--So much so that he got up at five o'clock in the morning to read his letters in a young bride's bed-chamber. The story is brightly told by the lady in question, Madame d'Abrantès (vol. ii. ch. 19). A few days before the Marly hunt, mentioned in No. 3, the young wife of seventeen, whom Bonaparte had known from infancy, and whose mother (Madame Permon) he had wished to marry, found the First Consul seated by her bedside with a thick packet of letters, which he was carefully opening and making marginal notes upon. At six he went off singing, pinching the lady's foot through the bed-clothes as he went. The next day the same thing happened, and the third day she locked herself in, and prevented her maid from finding the key. In vain--the unwelcome visitor fetched a master-key. As a last resource, she wheedled her husband, General Junot, into breaking orders and spending the night with her; and the next day (June 22) Bonaparte came in to proclaim the hunting morning, but by her side found his old comrade of Toulon, fast asleep. The latter dreamily but good-humouredly asked, "Why, General, what are you doing in a lady's chamber at this hour?" and the former replied, "I came to awake Madame Junot for the chase, but I find her provided with an alarum still earlier than myself. I might scold, for you are contraband here, M. Junot." He then withdrew, after offering Junot a horse for the hunt. The husband jumped up, exclaiming, "Faith! that is an amiable man! What goodness! Instead of scolding, instead of sending me sneaking back to my duty in Paris! Confess, my Laura, that he is not only an admirable being, but above the sphere of human nature." Laura, however, was still dubious. Later in the day she was taken to task by the First Consul, who was astounded when she told him that his action might compromise her. "I shall never forget," she says, "Napoleon's expression of countenance at this moment; it displayed a rapid succession of emotions, none of them evil." Josephine heard of the affair, and was jealous for some little time to come.
_General Ney._--Bonaparte had instructed Josephine to find him a nice wife, and she had chosen Mlle. Aglaé-Louise Auguié, the intimate friend and schoolfellow of Hortense, and daughter of a former Receveur-Général des Finances. To the latter Ney goes fortified with a charming letter from Josephine, dated May 30--the month which the _Encyclopædia Britannica_ has erroneously given for that of the marriage, which seems to have taken place at the end of July (_Biographie Universelle, Michaud_, vol. xxx.). Napoleon (who stood godfather to all the children of his generals) and Hortense were sponsors for the firstborn of this union, Napoleon Joseph, born May 8, 1803. The Duchess d'Abrantès describes her first meeting with Madame Ney at the Boulogne fête of August 15, 1802. Her simplicity and timidity "were the more attractive inasmuch as they formed a contrast to most of the ladies by whom she was surrounded at the court of France.... The softness and benevolence of Madame Ney's smile, together with the intelligent expression of her large dark eyes, rendered her a very beautiful woman, and her lively manners and accomplishments enhanced her personal graces" (vol. iii. 31). The brave way in which she bore her husband's execution won the admiration of Napoleon, who at St. Helena coupled her with Mdme. de Lavalette and Mdme. Labedoyère.
FOOTNOTES
[51] She was, however, no mere amateur, and knew, says Mlle. d'Avrillon, the names of all her plants, the family to which they belonged, their native soil, and special properties.
[52] _Rueil, le château de Richelieu et la Malmaison_, by Jacquin and Duesberg, p. 130; in Aubenas' _Joséphine_, vol. i.
[53] Lucien declares that Napoleon said to his wife, in his presence and that of Joseph, "Imitate Livia, and you will find me Augustus."--(Jung, vol. ii. 206.) Lucien evidently suspects an occult sinister allusion here, but Napoleon is only alluding to the succession devolving on the first child of their joint families. Lucien refused Hortense, but Louis was more amenable to his brother's wishes. On her triumphal entry into Mühlberg (November 1805), the Empress reads on a column a hundred feet high--"Josephinae, Galliarum Augustae."
[54] Made Grand Huntsman in 1804.
[55] An anachronism; he was at this time First Consul.
[56] An euphuistic way of saying he could not learn longer ones. In war time Napoleon had to insist on Eugène keeping his letters with him and constantly re-reading them.
SERIES E
No. 1.
_Madame._--Napoleon became Emperor on May 18th, and this was the first letter to his wife since Imperial etiquette had become _de rigueur_, and the first letter to Josephine signed Napoleon. Méneval gives a somewhat amusing description of the fine gradations of instructions he received on this head from his master. This would seem to be a reason for this uncommon form of salutation; but, _per contra_, Las Cases (vol. i. 276) mentions some so-called letters beginning _Madame et chère épouse_, which Napoleon declares to be spurious.
_Pont de Bricques_, a little village about a mile from Boulogne. On his first visit to the latter he was met by a deputation of farmers, of whom one read out the following address: "General, here we are, twenty farmers, and we offer you a score of big, sturdy lads, who are, and always shall be, at your service. Take them along with you, General; they will help you to give England a good thrashing. As for ourselves, we have another duty to fulfil: with our arms we will till the ground, so that bread be not wanting to the brave fellows who are destined to destroy the English." Napoleon thanked the honest yeomen, and determined to make the only habitable dwelling there his headquarters. The place is called from the foundations of bricks found there--the remains of one of Cæsar's camps.
_The wind having considerably freshened._--Constant tells a good story of the Emperor's obstinacy, but also of his bravery, a few days later. Napoleon had ordered a review of his ships, which Admiral Bruix had ignored, seeing a storm imminent. Napoleon sends off Bruix to Holland in disgrace, and orders the review to take place; but when, amid the wild storm, he sees "more than twenty gunboats run aground," and no succour vouchsafed to the drowning men, he springs into the nearest lifeboat, crying, "We must save them somehow." A wave breaks over the boat; he is drenched and nearly carried overboard, losing the hat he had worn at Marengo. Such pluck begets enthusiasm; but, in spite of all they could do, two hundred lives were lost. This is Constant's version; probably his loss is exaggerated. The Emperor, writing Talleyrand on August 1st, speaks only of three or four ships lost, and "une quinzaine d'hommes."
No. 2.
_The waters._--Mlle. d'Avrillon describes them and their effect--the sulphur baths giving erysipelas to people in poor health. Corvisart had accompanied the Empress, to superintend their effect, which was as usual nil.
_All the vexations._--Constant (vol. i. 230, &c., 1896) is of use to explain what these were--having obtained possession of a diary of the tour by one of Josephine's ladies-in-waiting, which had fallen into Napoleon's hands. In the first place, the roads (where there were any[57]) were frightful, especially in the Ardennes forest, and the diary for August 1st concludes by stating "that some of the carriages were so battered that they had to be bound together with ropes. One ought not to expect women to travel about like a lot of dragoons." The writer of the diary, however, preferred to stay in the carriage, and let Josephine and the rest get wet feet, thinking the risk she ran the least. Another vexation to Josephine was the published report of her gift to the Mayoress of Rheims of a malachite medallion set in brilliants, and of her saying as she did so, "It is the colour of Hope." Although she had really used this expression, it was the last thing she would like to see in print, taking into consideration the reason for her yearly peregrinations to Plombières, and now to Aix, and their invariable inefficiency. Under the date August 14th, the writer of the diary gives a severe criticism of Josephine. "She is exactly like a ten-year-old child--good-natured, frivolous, impressionable; in tears at one moment, and comforted the next.... She has just wit enough not to be an utter idiot. Ignorant--as are most Creoles--she has learned nothing, or next to nothing, except by conversation; but, having passed her life in good society, she has got good manners, grace, and a mastery of that sort of jargon which, in society, sometimes passes for wit. Social events constitute the canvas which she embroiders, which she arranges, and which give her a subject for conversation. She is witty for quite a whole quarter of an hour every day.... Her diffidence is charming ... her temper very sweet and even; it is impossible not to be fond of her. I fear that ... this need of unbosoming, of communicating all her thoughts and impressions, of telling all that passes between herself and the Emperor, keeps the latter from taking her into his confidence.... She told me this morning that, during all the years she had spent with him, never once had she seen him let himself go."
_Eugène has started for Blois_, where he became the head of the electoral college of Loir et Cher, having just been made Colonel-General of the Chasseurs by Napoleon. The Beauharnais family were originally natives of Blois.
No. 3.
_Aix-la-Chapelle._--In this, the first Imperial pilgrimage to take the waters, great preparations had been made, forty-seven horses bought at an average cost of £60 apiece; and eight carriages, which are not dear at £1000 for the lot, with £400 additional for harness and fittings.
At Aix they had fox-hunting and hare-coursing so called, but probably the final tragedy was consummated with a gun. Lord Rosebery reminds us that at St. Helena the Emperor actually shot a cow! They explored coal mines, and examined all the local manufactories, including the relics of Charlemagne--of which great warrior and statesman Josephine refused an arm, as having a still more puissant one ever at hand for her protection.
When tidings come that the Emperor will arrive on September 2, and prolong their stay from Paris, there is general lamentation among Josephine's womenkind, especially on the part of that perennial wet blanket and busybody, Madame de Larochefoucauld, who will make herself a still greater nuisance at Mayence two years later.
No. 4.
_During the past week._--As a matter of fact he only reached Ostend on April 12th from Boulogne, having left Dunkirk on the 11th.
_The day after to-morrow._--This fête was the distribution of the Legion of Honour at Boulogne and a review of 80,000 men. The decorations were enshrined in the helmet of Bertrand du Guesclin, which in its turn was supported on the shield of the Chevalier Bayard.
_Hortense_ arrived at Boulogne, with her son, and the Prince and Princess Murat, a few days later, and saw the Emperor. Josephine received a letter from Hortense soon after Napoleon joined her (September 2nd), to which she replied on September 8th. "The Emperor has read your letter; he has been rather vexed not to hear from you occasionally. He would not doubt your kind heart if he knew it as well as I, but appearances are against you. Since he can think you are neglecting him, lose no time in repairing the wrongs which are not real," for "Bonaparte loves you like his own child, which adds much to my affection for him."
_I am very well satisfied ... with the flotillas._--The descent upon England was to have taken place in September, when the death of Admiral Latouche-Tréville at Toulon, August 19th, altered all Napoleon's plans. Just about this time also _Fulton_ submitted his steamship invention to Bonaparte. The latter, however, had recently been heavily mulcted in other valueless discoveries, and refers Fulton to the savants of the Institute, who report it chimerical and impracticable. The fate of England probably lay in the balance at this moment, more than in 1588 or 1798.
Napoleon and Josephine leave Aix for Cologne on September 12, and it is now the ladies' turn to institute a hunt--the "real chamois hunt"; for each country inn swarms with this pestilence that walketh in darkness, and which, alas! is no respecter of persons.
No. 5.
Two points are noteworthy in this letter--(1) that like No. 1 of this series (see note thereto) it commences _Madame and dear Wife_; and (2) it is signed Bonaparte and not Napoleon, which somewhat militates against its authenticity.
_Arras, August 29th._--Early on this day he had been at St. Cloud. On the 30th he writes Cambacérès from Arras that he is "satisfied with the spirit of this department." On the same day he writes thence to the King of Prussia and Fouché. To his Minister of Police he writes: "That detestable journal, _Le Citoyen français_, seems only to wish to wallow in blood. For eight days running we have been entertained with nothing but the Saint Bartholomew. Who on earth is the editor (_rédacteur_) of this paper? With what gusto this wretch relishes the crimes and misfortunes of our fathers! My intention is that you should put a stop to it. Have the editor (_directeur_) of this paper changed, or suppress it." On Friday he is at Mons (writing interesting letters respecting the removal of church ruins), and reaches his wife on the Sunday (September 2nd) as his letter foreshadowed.
_I am rather impatient to see you._--The past few months had been an anxious time for Josephine. Talleyrand (who, having insulted her in 1799, thought her his enemy) was scheming for her divorce, and wished Napoleon to marry the Princess Wilhelmina of Baden, and thus cement an alliance with Bavaria and Russia (Constant, vol. i. 240). The Bonaparte family were very anxious that Josephine should not be crowned. Napoleon had too great a contempt for the weaknesses of average human nature to expect much honesty from Talleyrand. But he was not as yet case-hardened to ingratitude, and was always highly sensitive to caricature and hostile criticism. Talleyrand had been the main cause of the death of the Duc d'Enghien, and was now trying to show that he had wished to prevent it; but possibly the crowning offence was contained in a lady's diary, that fell into the emperor's hands, where Talleyrand is said to have called his master "a regular little Nero" in his system of espionage. The diary in question is in Constant's "Memoirs," vol. i., and this letter helps to fix the error in the dates, probably caused by confusion between the Revolutionary and Gregorian Calendars.
No. 6.
_T._--This may be Talleyrand, whom Mdme. de Remusat in a letter to her husband (September 21st) at Aix, hinted to be on bad terms with the Emperor--a fact confirmed and explained by Méneval. It may also have been Tallien, who returned to France in 1802, where he had been divorced from his unfaithful wife.
_B._--Doubtlessly Bourrienne, who was in disgrace with Napoleon, and who was always trying to impose on Josephine's good nature. No sooner had Napoleon left for Boulogne on July 14th than his former secretary inflicts himself on the wife at Malmaison.
Napoleon joins Josephine at St. Cloud on or before October 13th, where preparations are already being made for the Coronation by the Pope--the first ceremony of the kind for eight centuries.
FOOTNOTES
[57] The Emperor had himself planned the Itinerary, and had mistaken a projected road for a completed one, between Rethel and Marche.
SERIES F
No. 1.
_To Josephine._--She was at Plombières from August 2 to September 10, but no letter is available for the period, neither to Hortense nor from Napoleon.
_Strasburg._--She is in the former Episcopal Palace, at the foot of the cathedral.
_Stuttgard._--He is driven over from Ludwigsburg on October 4th, and hears the German opera of "Don Juan."
_I am well placed._--On the same day Napoleon writes his brother Joseph that he has already won two great victories--(1) by having no sick or deserters, but many new conscripts; and (2) because the Badenese army and those of Bavaria and Wurtemberg had joined him, and all Germany well disposed.
No. 2.
_Louisburg._--Ludwigsburg.
_In a few days._--To Talleyrand he wrote from Strasburg on September 27: "Within a fortnight we shall see several things."
_A new bride._--This letter, in the collection of his Correspondence ordered by Napoleon III., concludes at this point.
_Electress._--The Princess Charlotte-Auguste-Mathilde (1766-1828), daughter of George III., our Princess Royal, who married Frederick I. Napoleon says she is "not well treated by the Elector, to whom, nevertheless, she seems much attached" (Brotonne, No. 111). She was equally pleased with Napoleon, and wrote home how astonished she was to find him so polite and agreeable a person.
No. 3.
_I have assisted at a marriage._--The bride was the Princess of Saxe-Hildburghhausen, who was marrying the second son of the Elector.
No. 5.
Written at Augsburg. On October 15th he reaches the abbey of Elchingen, which is situated on a height, from whence a wide view is obtained, and establishes his headquarters there.
No. 6.
_Spent the whole of to-day indoors._--This is also mentioned in his Seventh Bulletin (dated the same day), which adds, "But repose is not compatible with the direction of this immense army."
_Vicenza._--Massena did not, however, reach this place till November 3rd. The French editions have _Vienna_, but _Vicenza_ is evidently meant.
No. 7.
He is still at Elchingen, but at Augsburg the next day. On the 21st he issues a decree to his army that Vendémiaire,[58] of which this was the last day but one, should be counted as a campaign for pensions and military services.
_Elchingen._--Méneval speaks of this village "rising in an amphitheatre above the Danube, surrounded by walled gardens, and houses rising one above the other." From it Napoleon saw the city of Ulm below, commanded by his cannon. Marshal Ney won his title of Duke of Elchingen by capturing it on October 14th, and fully deserved it. The Emperor used to leave the abbey every morning to go to the camp before Ulm, where he used to spend the day, and sometimes the night. The rain was so heavy that, until a plank was found, Napoleon sat in a tent with his feet in water (Savary, vol. ii. 196).
_Such a catastrophe._--At Ulm General Mack, with eight field-marshals, seven lieutenant-generals, and 33,000 men surrender. Napoleon had despised Mack even in 1800, when he told Bourrienne at Malmaison, "Mack is a man of the lowest mediocrity I ever saw in my life; he is full of self-sufficiency and conceit, and believes himself equal to anything. He has no talent. I should like to see him some day opposed to one of our good generals; we should then see fine work. He is a boaster, and that is all. He is really one of the most silly men existing, and besides all that, he is unlucky" (vol. i. 304). Napoleon stipulated for Mack's life in one of the articles of the Treaty of Presburg.
No. 9.
_Munich._--Napoleon arrived here on October 24th.
_Lemarois._--A trusty aide-de-camp, who had witnessed Napoleon's civil marriage in March 1796, at 10 P.M.
_I was grieved._--They had no news from October 12th to 21st in Paris, where they learnt daily that Strasburg was in the same predicament. Mdme. de Rémusat, at Paris, was equally anxious, and such women, in the Emperor's absence, tended by their presence or even by their correspondence to increase the alarms of Josephine.
_Amuse yourself._--M. Masson (_Josephine, Impératrice et Reine_, p. 424) has an interesting note of how she used to attend lodge at the Orient in Strasburg, to preside at a "loge d'adoption sous la direction de Madame de Dietrich, grand maîtresse titulaire."
_Talleyrand has come._--He was urgently needed to help in the correspondence with the King of Prussia (concerning the French violation of his Anspach territory), with whom Napoleon's relations were becoming more strained.
No. 10.
_We are always in forests._--Baron Lejeune, with his artist's eye, describes his impressions of the Amstetten forest as he travelled through it with Murat the following morning (November 4th). "Those of us who came from the south of Europe had never before realised how beautiful Nature can be in the winter. In this particular instance everything was robed in the most gleaming attire; the silvery rime softening the rich colours of the decaying oak leaves, and the sombre vegetation of the pines. The frozen drapery, combined with the mist, in which everything was more or less enveloped, gave a soft, mysterious charm to the surrounding objects, producing a most beautiful picture. Lit up by the sunshine, thousands of long icicles, such as those which sometimes droop from our fountains and water-wheels, hung like shining lustres from the trees. Never did ball-room shine with so many diamonds; the long branches of the oaks, pines, and other forest trees were weighed down by the masses of hoar-frost, while the snow converted their summits into rounded roofs, forming beneath them grottoes resembling those of the Pyrenean mountains, with their shining stalactites and graceful columns" (vol. i. 24).
_My enemies._--Later in the day Napoleon writes from Lambach to the Emperor of Austria a pacific letter, which contains the paragraph, "My ambition is wholly concentrated on the re-establishment of my commerce and of my marine, and England grievously opposes itself to both."
No. 11.
Written from Lintz, the capital of Upper Austria, where Napoleon was on the 4th.
No. 12.
Napoleon took up his abode at the palace of Schoenbrunn on the 14th, and proves his "two-o'clock-in-the-morning courage" by passing through Vienna at that time the following morning.
No. 13.
_They owe everything to you._--Aubenas quotes this, and remarks (vol.