N A PO L E O N T H E FI RST

A N I N T I M A T E B I O G R A PH Y

BY

W AL T E R G EER
“
AU THO R OF NA PO L EO N TH E THI RD, ETC .

I LL U S TRA TED

NE W YO RK B REN TANO S
’
 FO R EWO R D

F books m emoi r s a bou t N a poleon t her e is

an d

n o en d b u t t h er e a r e comp a r at i vely few wh i ch

,

giv e a n un prejud i c ed p i c t ure of t h e m an For .

t h e most p a r t n o judgm en t h a s b een p a ss ed upo n hi m

b u t t h at ei t h er of p r ofou n d a n t i p a t hy o r of blin d a dm i r a
t i On
. Th e books publi sh ed a bout h im d u r in g hi s li fe ,

a n d fo r m a n y y ea r s a ft e r hi s d ea t h h a v e b u t lit t l e v a lu e
, .

Th e i d ol a t r y a n d h a t r ed wh i c h h e i n sp i red su r viv ed h im
t oo lon g t o a llow of a n u n b i a s ed v i ew I t h a s b een h i s
.

fat e i n d ea t h a s i n l i fe t o st i r t h e h ea rt s of m en t o t h ei r
, , ,

d ept h s Now t h a t on e hu n d r ed yea r s h a v e el a p sed sin ce

.

t he lon g-d r a wn a gon y of S a in t H el en a w e t h in k t h at

t h e t i m e h a s c om e fo r a mo r e i mp a rt i a l e s t i m a t e
. F a ct s
a re cl ea r er mot i v es a r e b et t er k n ow n mu c h n ew ev i d en ce
, ,

i s a v a i l a bl e L et u s t h en en d ea vo r t o d ep i ct N a pol eon
.

as he w as a n d , n ot h i n g ext en u a t e n o r set down a ugh t

,

in m a li ce .

W A LT E R G E ER
N EW YO R K , M a y , 1 92 1
 CO NT ENT S

CHAPT ER O NE
1 769- 1 78 9

EAR LY YEAR S
G
PA E
Bi t hpl
r f N pol o
a ce o J J q Roa Th Bo p a t
e n ean ac ues u ssea u e na r e

F m ily Ch l
a d L t i t i Bo p t
ar es a n Co i C d d t F e a na ar e r s ca e e o r an c e

N pol o Ch ild hood Hom I fl Th S hool t

’
a e n s e n uen ces e c a

Bi r en n e D t h f Hi F t h ea Th E ol M i l it i
o S o d
s a er e c e a re ec n

Li t t
eu en an f A t il l y — Th Regim t d L Fe
o r er Lif t V e en e a re e a a

l en ce L v f Ab ea e Co i Ag i Vi it t P i
o sen ce rs c a a n s o ar s

A xo
u Fi t R og it io f Hi T l t — A ot h L v
nne rs ec n n o s a en s n er ea e

Ad v i f t h Abb é d S i t -R ff
ce o e e a n u

CHA PT ER TWO

1 78 9— 1 79 3

REVOLU T I ON T HE
D y f t h O l d Regim Th St t B k pt Th Ki g d Q
eca o e e e a e an ru e n an ueen

Mi i t i l Ch g
n s er a M t i g f t h St t -G an l F ll f
es ee n o e a es en er a a o

th B t ill N pol o L v f Co i
e as e R ta f P ol i
e n ea es or rs ca e urn o a

N pol o
a t A xoe n Appo i t d Fi t Li t
a u nt f t h Fo t h
nn e n e rs eu en a o e ur

R g im t
e At V l
en Ag i Fli gh t f t h Ki g t V
a en ce a n o e n o a ren n es

O t h f All gi
a o t th A m bly
e Co i Ag i N pol o i
a n ce o e sse rs c a a n a e n n

P i C pt i Bo p t Th At t k t h T il i
ar s a a n na R t ar e e ac on e u er es e u rn

t Ajo io Th M d d l
a cc Exp d i t i o B k wit h P oli
e a a en a e n r ea a

Fi l D p t f F
na e a r u re or r an ce

CHA PT ER T H REE
1 79 3—1 795

VEND EM I AI RE
T OU LON AND
L A é m t d Bo p t Hi P o l App Hi Ch
’
v ne en e na ar e t s er s n a ear a n ce s arac er

Th Bo p t F m ily
e N pol o wit h t h A m y f t h So t h
na ar e a a e n e r o e u

Th S pp f B
e i u Th S i g f To lo
er o Appo i t d
ea u ca r e e e e o u n n e

G l f B i g d Hi R m m b
en era o r f Fo m
a Com d
e s e e r a n ce o r er ra es

Hi H i gh S t d d f Co d t - Appoi t d I p t o f Co t
s an ar o n uc n e n s ec r o as s

Re ll d ca d Im p i o d
e an R st o d t Hi R k — Th Co i
r s ne e re o s an e rs ca n

E v ai 3
 CO NTENTS
G
PA E

E xp ed i t i n o — O r d ered t o ar i s — es a n d P isa Hop

i n t m en t s D ppo
P i i
ar s npol o
I 795
— Na e n an d arr a s — Hi s B
a n fo r t h e t a i an Pl I l
C m p ig
a a P n o — Hi s reca ri us it ua t i n — S
n st i t u t i n of t h e oear Co o Y
Th R volt f t h S
ree e o e ec t io ns Th e Th i t Ven d ém i ire
r een a

M jo -G
a l Bo p t
r en era na ar e

CHAPT ER FOU R
1 796

JOS EPH I NE
Na pol o i Comm d f t h A my f t h I t io Fi t M t i g wit h
e n n an o e r o e n er r rs ee n

Jo ephi
s H O i gi
ne Th T h er d th B r h m i n e asc ers an e eau a a s

Bi t h d Child hood f J é phi — Al x d d B h m i — Hi

r an o os ne e an re e ea u a a s s

Child hood Hi M i g wit h J é phi sBi t h f E ge d

ar r a e os ne r s o u n e an

Ho t r en seTh S p t io Jo eph i t Fo t i bl
e e ara d P i n s ne a n a ne eau an ar s

A t f Al x d
r res o d J é p hi Al x d
e an Ex t d
re an os ne e an re ecu e

Josephi R l d H P ne io Exi t
e ea se Th H6t l Ch er r eca r us s en ce e e an

t i
erc n e J é phi P o l App
os N p l o
ne s
’
Co t h i p
ers n a ea ran ce a o e n s
’
ur s

Jo ephis H it t io
ne s Th M
’
i g W t h f t h Bo
es a n e a rr a e ra o e na
p t
a r es Jo eph i D i b d by Co t m po i
s ne escr e n e ra r es

CHAPT ER F I VE
1 796

THE CAM PAI G N OF ITALY

Bo p
na Com m d
a r t e in an o f t h A m y f I t ly
e r o a Co d it io f t h P i l
n n o e en n su a
Sit t io f t h Tw A m i — N
ua n o e o r es a pol o Pl
e n s
’
f A t io
an o c n

B t t l f Mo t ot t
a es o d Mo d ovi n en e an n P ea cewi t h Pi d m o t e n

N pol o P o l m t io Co i g f t h Po B t t l f Lo d i
’
a e n s r c a a ns r ss n o e a e o
— E t i t o Mil
n r an ce
—Ad v t n an a n ce o th e M i io — T h F m o
nc e a us

Q d il t l S i g f M t
ua r a era C e e o an ua as t i gli o d Lo t o
n e an Th na e
F h i t h Ty ol B t t l f B
ren c n e r a e o a ssa n o R p l t C ldi
e u se a a ero

B t t l f A ol — Co mm t L d
a e o rc e n su a e ea ers hi p f Bo p t
o na ar e

CHA PTER SI X
1 797

R I VOL I TO CAM PO FO RM IO
FRO M
Renew l f Ho t il it i
a o B t t l f Rivol i — Th M h t o M an t
s es a e o e arc ua
B t t l f L F vo it F ll f M t — Th L t It li C m
a e o a a r a a o a n ua e as a an a

p ig
a Th A h d k Ch l
n e B t t l i St y i R t t f t h
rc u e a r es a es n r a e r ea o e
A t i P lim i i f L ob
us r an s F t fV i
re N pol o
n a r es o e en a e o en ce a e n
at Mo t b llo F m ily Aff i
n e e Jo eph i i It ly Roy l i t
a a rs s ne n a a s
 CO NTENT S
Plot t P i — Th 8 Fr
a ar s e 1 uct id o r — Pe a ce o f am C po o
F rm ic
N pol o i P is — Th C
a e n n ar e a r eer o f T ll y
a e r an d — Resu lt s of t he

I t alian Cam p ig a n

CHA PT E R S EVEN
1 798—1 799

E GYPT
Na pol o i P is
e n nAppo i t d t Co m m d f t h A m y f E gl d
ar n e o an o e r o n an

D id ec t h Exp d i t i o t
es on Egyp t e C pt M l t E p e n o a u res a a sc a es

th e E gl i h Fl t — A i v
n s t Al x d i
ee M h Ciorr es a e an r a arc es on a r

B t t l f t h Py m id — Th O p t io f C i o D t t io
a e o e ra s e cc u a n o a r es r uc n

o f th F h Fl t — T k y D l W
e ren c ee Th Sy i Exp d i ur e ec a r es ar e r an e

t io nC pt f J fl a -Ad v
u re t S i t -J -d A
o a It
'

a an ce o a n ean
’
cre s

Pl i Hi t o y B t t l f Mo t-T bo L t A lt A
ace n s r a e o n a r as ssau on c re

T h S i g Ab d o d N pol o Fi t R t t A i v l t J fi '
’
e e e an ne a e n s rs e r ea rr a a a a

R t t
e u rn C i o B t t l f Abo k i R t
o a r t Fr c a e o u r e u rn o an e

E t h i t ic R
n us aspt io R o il i t io wit h Jo eph i
ec e n ec n c a n s ne

C HA PTER E I GHT
1 799

COU P D ETAT TH E
’

F a D ri g t h Y S v
r n ce u n Th Bo p t
e t P i
ea r Th S o d
e en e na ar es a ar s e ec n

Co lit ioa F h D f t d Vi t o i
n Diffi lt i f t h Gov
ren c e ea s a n c r es cu es o e

ernm t Si ye El t d Di t o Hi S h m
en e s Th R t
ec e rec r s c e es e e u rn

f Bo p t — P p t io f th Co p d Et t — T h Ré l f ’
o na ar e re a ra ns or e u a e e o

i t -Th G l t Bo p t Ho — Th 1 8 B ’
th A e n c en s e en er a s a na ar e s use e ru
m i t P i
a re a R i g t io fB
ar s s S i eye s d D o esTh na ns o a rra , an uc s “ e
C il t S i t -Clo d — Ev t s f t h 1 9 B m i — Th D y
o un c s a a n u en o e ru a re e a
S v d by L i — Co t it t io f t h Y Ei gh t — Bo p t
a e u c en ns u n o e ea r na a r e,

Fi t Co l Hi Ext iv Pow
rs n su C t l iz t io f t h Gov
s en s e ers en ra a n o e

rn m n t
e S c s f t h N w R é gi m
e u ce s o e e e

CHA PTE R N I NE
1 800

M ARENG O
Bon p art e t t he Lux m bo g M i g f C oli
a a d M e t 7 Th ur arr a e o ar n e an ura e

Fi t Co l Mov t t h T il i
rs n su Th Lif Th T h Wi t r
es o e u er es e e er e e n e

S on in P a i Th Milit y Si t t io
eas Im p ov d Co d it io f
r s e ar ua n r e n n o

Fr nce u d Bo p rt
a Th A m y f R
n er v Th Th t f
na a e e r o eser e e ea re o

War — T h O ppo i g Fo — N pol o

e Pl f C m p ig
sn rces a e n s
’
an o a a n

Cros in g f t he Alp s Fo t B rd Th Fr h A my i Pi d mon t

s o r a e en c r n e

E iX J
 CO NTENTS
G
PA E
— Const em a t ion of Mél as — Na poleo n
M il — Th at an e Arm y
Co th
r sses P e o — B ttl f Mo t b llo — B t t l
a e f M
o n e e a e o aren go
D f t Tum d
e ea e t Vi t ory — D t h f D s ix — R lt
o c ea o e a esu s of t he
C m p ai gn
a

CHAPTER TEN
1 799—1 804

CONSU LATE THE

Vi t ory f Hoh li d
c o T t y f L é ill
en n enP f Am i n s The
r ea o un v e eace o e

Co l Gov m t Th Co o d t Th Cod N p l eo
n su a r ern en e nc r a e e a o n

R oy l i t Plot
a s Th In f l M h in Ex t io f t h D
s e ern a ac e ecu n o e ue

d E gh i — Th Con s l t f Lif — Th O v t i o t Bo p rt
'
n en e u a e or e e a n o na a e

ft
a M go Th N t io l Hol id y M lm i o Ho t s
er aren e a na a s a a s n r en e

d B uh m i
e ea H M i g wit h Lo i Bo p t
a a s erBirt h f arr a e u s na ar e o

Na pol o Ch l e n A C l m y R f t d by B
ar es ri n Th a u n e u e o ur en e e

R o t t io f P i Th Co l Co t N pol o Sim ’
ec n s ruc n o ar s e n su a r ur a e n s

p li it yc A Sk t h by E gli h m e c Pl n t o R t o t h F han n s an a es re e r en c

Colo i l Em pi
n a Th Host i li t y f E gl d
re Th W r Ren wed
e o n an e a e

Bat t l f T falg e o ra ar

CHA PTER E L EVEN

1 804

E M PI R E THE
Reaso f t h E t bl i h m t f H
n s or e d i t ry R l
s a Th Em p i D
s en d o ere a u e e re ecree
— Th D i g it i e f St t nTh Pl é b i it
ar es o Th M hl f a e e sc e e ars a s o

F — N pol o
r an ce I t ll t l Gift Hi Pow f Wo k
a e n s
’
n e ec ua s s er o r

Hi Pl s i Hi t o y
ace F t f t h R p bli G
n s r l Exil f a e o e e u ca n en er a s e o

Mo — Th N t io l Fét Difli l t i f N pol o Ré l

rea u e a na e cu es o a e n s
’
e
Th Vi it t Ai -l -Ch p l l — T h T l i m
e s o x f Ch l m g
a a e e e a s an o ar e a ne

Co o t io f t h Em p o — Th Fé t Giv by t h M h l
r na n o e er r e e en e a rs a s
R l igio
e M i g f N pol o d Jo ephi
us a rr a e o B pt i m f N a e n an s ne a s o a

p lo eon Lo is — Th T i p t It ly
u Jé am Ab a d o His Wi f
e r o a r e n ns e
Th I o C own f It ly E gé Appoi t d Viceroy Th e R t n
;
r n r o a u ne n e e ur
to ran ce

CHA PTER TW ELVE

1 8 05

AU STER LITZ
The Th i d Co l it ion — N pol o D i t t
r a th Pl f C m p ig a e n c a es e an o a a n
Com m a d f t h C p d A mé — N pol o Hi O w Ch i f f
n ers o e or :
’
r e a e n s n e o
St ff — Hi Milit y Ho hold — Hi W y f T v lli g — His
a s ar use s a o ra e n
Met hod of Wo k Pla f t h Co lit ion — The Gra d A my
r ns o e a n r

[ X II
 CO NTENTS
G
PA E
Leaves I ts C am p s — Th e Fin e Ul m M an oeuvre M ack S urren d ers
t he F o rt ress Na po leon En t ers Vien n a His Crit ica l Po sit ion
He Ad v a nces t o Brfin n The B a t t le fiel d of Aust er lit z Th e Pl an o

of t he Allies Na poleon Prep ar es for a D eci siv e B at t le Posit ions

of t he Cor p s Na pol eon Tells t he Arm y His Pl an of B at t l e The
An v rsary
n i e of t h e Co o t ion The Sun of Aust erlit z
r n a — ”—
The
Allied Att ack The F ren ch Ta ke t he Pra t zen The B at t l e Won
-Th e Em per or Fr an ci s S ues for Peace — The Treat y of Presb urg
En d of t he Co alit ion Deat h of Pit t

CHAPTER THI RT EEN

1 8 06

J ENA AND AU ER STADT

F ami ly Alli ances Joseph Kin g f N p les — The I t li an Tit ul Fi fs
, o a a ar e

Louis Kin g of Ho ll a d
, Th Que t i o of H overn P ace e s n an e

O v rt res
e u Co fed ra t ion of t h Rh in e En d of t h Holy Roma
n e e e n

Em p ir Na pol on s D ir f r P c Q ee Lo i D pl i it y
’
e e es e o ea e u n u sa u c

of P ia — H r Ul t i m at um t Na pol eo
russ e St re gt h of t h Tw o n n e o

Com b t an t s — The Seat of W — Ad v nc of t h Prussi A m y

a ar a e e an r

Mov ment s f t h F n ch — The B t t l fi l d s f J n a a d A e

e o e re a e e o e n u r

st a d t The P s i n D feat d t B ot h Pl c
ru s a s Disp ersion of
e e a a es

Th ei r Army Na po leo En t ers B lin i T i m ph

n er n r u

CHAPTER FO U RTEEN
1 807

CAM PA IG N I N POLAN D
TH E
The B erli D cree
n Hess -C s l a d S xon y N got i t ion s f P ace
e e as e n a e a or e

The Polish Q est io Th e T h t r e f W r

u n Ad v n ce Tow d s ea o a a ar

th E t
e B t t l e of P lt usk M d am W l wsk
as a u Be ig n s a e a e a nn se
’

Mov m t N pol on Coun t rm arch B at tl

e en a e
’
s f Eyl u e e o a

Win t Q art ers Negot i at io w it h P ia a d A st ri

er u Rens ru ss n u a

s mp t ion
u f Ho st il it i es
o B at t l f Fried l d — T t y f Til it e o an rea o s

D at h f Napol n Char l s B i rt h of Lo i Na p l on G d ur
e o eo e u s o e r an e

of t h Em p ire
e Marria ge f Kin g Jeré me The Court at Fo t ame
o n

blea u

CHAPTE R FIFTEEN
1 808

SPAIN
En gl an d S i zes t h D an ish F l t — N pol on
e e d t he Cz r — T s an y
ee a e an a u c

an d t h Pa p a l S t a t es A
e xed D man d po Po t gal Aff s
nne e s u n r u ai r

in Sp ain The Roy al Fam ily Th Pr inc of Pe Tre t y of e e ace a

 CONTENTS
Fon t bl a neiJ ot t Li bo Ab d i t io f Ch l
ea u un Th
a s n ca n o a r es e

B yo Co f
a nne Jo ph Ki g f Sp i Th E f t M t
n eren ce se , n o a n - e r ur ee

i g
n — T h Sp i h U p i ie g — Th G d
an s A m y E t Sp i
r sn e r an r n er s a n

T opog phy f t h
ra Co t y — C pot f M d i
e d D th f
un rSi a u re o a r ea o r

Joh Moo e — N pol o R t

n r t P i a e n e urn s o ar s

C HAPTER SI XTEEN
1 8 09

WAG RAM
Why Napol o e n Left Sp a in T a e rFouché
a n d — Au st r i a T rea t
an d ll y h
en s W a r y
it u a t i n in S o
er m a n Na e n s G
’
r e a ra t i n s pol o P p o
Pl C p g o
Au st ri a s“ an of a m a i n
’
Er r rs of er t ier Na e n in s B h pol o Jo
y
t h e Ar m B ll S y
His ri ian t t r a t eg Hi s ict r ies in a ar i a V o Bv
Cp B l
a t u re of V i en n a p a t t e o f As ern ea t o f La n n es t D h Bo h
o B l Wg
Ar m i es Rein f rc ed a t t e of a r am ea ce o f S c hOn b r u n n P
Co
Th e Fo
ur t a t bl n t a i n e e a u a n d t h e T u i er i es — Th e i r ce of l D vo
Dy
José phin e Her La st a s

C HAPT ER S EVENT EEN

1 8 1 0—1 8 1 1

M AR I E—LO U I S E
I p i l F m ily Jo eph i F vo t h H p b g All i
Th e Aust r ia n m er a a s ne a rs e a s ur a n ce

Na pol o C ll
e n Co f Th R
a isN got i t io
a n eren ce e u ss an e a ns

b o
A an d n ed Co t t Sig d f M i g wit h M i -Lo in r ac ne or ar r a e ar e u se

The C o y t Vi
erem M i -Loui t Com p g
n a Hen n a ar e se a ie ne er

P o l App
ers n a Th C i v i l d R l i gi o M i g
eara n ce e an e us a rr a es

N pol o
a t Fo t y- -Vi i t t
e n a B l — Th Fé t t P i
r on e s o r u sse s e es a ar s

Th S hw z b g B ll
e c B i t h f t h K i g f R o m Th
a r en er a r o e n o e e

P iv t B pt i m - Vi it t Holl d Th Em p i t I t Z it h
r a e a s s o an e re a s en

Ho o B t ow d po t h M h l — Th Légio d H
n rs es e u n e a rs a s e n
’
on n eu r

V l f t h M h l Th Com m o Sold i — Th O l d G d
a ue o e a rs a s e n er s e uar

N pol o Pop l it y wit h Hi M '

a e n s u ar s en

C HAPTER E I GHT EEN

1 81 2

M O SCO W
P en n su a i l W ar
Th e Lin es of T rres ed r a s o Eff ect s o f t h e Con V
t i n en t al st em Sy
ri ct i n w it R u ssi a F o h
W a r n e it a e Ad I v bl
v an ce of t h e ran d Ar m G y P p
re a r a t i n s for t h e a m ai n T he o C p g
Co m m an di n O fli cers g
Na e n at pol o
r esd en Th e R ussi a n D
Pl an s Th e r en c F
r ss t h e Ni em en hCo
Th e Ad an ce t o m en s v S ol k
E xn ]
 CONTENTS
G
PA E
H avy Loss s B at t l f S m ol k Th Vi t ory In d ci iv
e e e o en s e c e s e

N po l n M rch s on Mo ow
a eo a B t t l f B orod in o -A Py hi
e sc a e o rr c
Vict o y — The Fren ch E t Mo ow The Cit y B urned Na
r n er sc

p l
o eon s F t l
’
D l a y T h
a aR t t B
e g n —The N w Ro t e e rea e u e u e

Ab an d o ed B ginn in g f Wi t
n e A i v a l at S m o l n k
o A n er rr e s

N w R o t e t o Vil a — Th P
e u g f t h B re i — The A m y
n e assa e o e e s na r

R o s t he Niemen N pol o L v f r Paris Reasons f r

ecr sse a e n ea es o o

F il
a ure

CHAPTER N I NETEEN
1 81 3

LE I PZ IG
Na poleon Moscow Hi R li
a ft er A t ri a Preparat ions f
s e a n ce on us or

t h C m p ai g n
e a Pl f t h All i B t t l s f L t ze an d B t z
ans o e es a e o u n au en

Th Vict o ries In d ci ive D l i f N p l o n S t ren gt h Th ’

e e s ec ne o a o e s e

F t l A misti ce Co d it io f Pe
a a r A t ia Joi ns t h All i
n ns o ace us r e es

Ho t ilit i s Res m d N pol o s B

s e u e th El b e
a Dan g f e n
’
ase on e er o

Hi Posit ion
s B at t l f D d D f t s of t h M h l
e o res en e ea e a rs a s

N pol
a s I d
eon i i on
’
nB t t l f L i pzi g F e h D f t
ec s a e o e r nc e ea

R t t t o t h e R h in e
e rea B t tl f H a eo an au

C HAPTER TWENTY
1 8 14

THE CA M PA IG N O F FRANCE
Na pol eo n Ret u rn s t o Paris Th e Sov erei gn s O ffer P eace An Ev asi ve
An sw er The All ies In v a d e Fran ce Defect ion of M urat Pl a n
ll
of t h e A i es
— Na po l eo n
’
s Pre p a ra t i on s — Th e Theat re of W ar

B at t les of B rien n e an d La Rot hiere Bl ii ch er Defeat ed Schw ar

zen b erg D ri ven B ac k B at t le of La on Th’e Con gress of Chat illon
Th e Alli es Ad v an ce on Pa r is Na pol eon s Move t o t h e Ea st
Th e All ies Ta k e Par is — Na pol eon at Fon t ain ebl eau — Th e Fi rst
Ab d ica t ion M armon t s Trea so n The S econ d Ab d icat ion
’

Na pol eo n At t em p t s S u icid e Th e Ad ieu x d e Fo n t ain eb l ea u The

Isl an d of Elb a Napol eon s Life Th ere ’

CHA PT ER TW ENTY—O NE
1 81 5

WATERLO O
Na pol o D cid es t o Le ve Elb R o for His Ret urn The L d
e n e a a eas n s an

i g t C nn es
n a M h t t h Nort h Th e D fil e of Laff y
a arc o e e ra

Arri v l at Pari s Th N w Min ist ry Na poleon s Rec p t i o

’
a e t e e n a

Exiii 2]
 CONTENTS
G
PA E

t heCapit l — Th Ch m p d M i Th Sit at ion Ch g

a e a e a e u an es

P o l f t h A m y N pol o Pl
ers n n e o e Th T h t
r fW a e n s
’
an s e ea re o ar
— Th F eh C o th S mb
ren c Li g y d Q t
r ss B e a re n an ua r e ras

N pol o H lt h —Th G o hy O d Th Ad v
’
a e n s ea te r uc r er s e an ce o

W t loo — Th Fi l d f B t t l — Th E gli h R i t
a er e e o A a e e n s es s a n c r

riv l f t h P
a o i Th G
e t C v l y Ch
r u ss an s g Th O l d ed rea a a r ar e e uar
— Th C e f N pol o F all — Th Em p ro Ret
a use o a t Paris
e n s
’
e e r urn s o

Th Fi l Abd i t io
e na ca n

CHAPTER TWENTY—TWO
1 8 1 5—1 821

SAI NT HELENA
Na pol eon Leav es for Ro ch efo rt S u rr en d er s gl n d
to En a Sen t to
Sit Hl
a n A iv t J m
e en a t ow rr Hi C m
es a a es n Lo gwoo dn s o

p io i Exil T h B t d Th M t h l
an ns n e L
e C er r an s e on o on s as ases
— Go g d urHi Jo au l Th Book f L C s d M
u rn a e s o as a ses an on
7
t holo A t mm hi Si H d o L ow N pol o
’
n n o arc G i r u s n e a e n s r ev

a n c esL t Po t i t f t h Em p o
as Th Roo m t L o gwoo d
r ra o e er r e sa n

N pol o Book Hi O p t io L t Ill d D th

’
a e n s s s ccu a ns as n ess a n ea

Hi R m i
s B o ght B k t F
e a ns Hi To m b i t h I v l id
r u ac o r an ce s n e n a es

CHAPTER TW ENTY—THR EE
1 769—1 8 21

NAPOL EON
PER SO NAL I TY O F
Pl i Hi t o y I fl
a ce n po E op So i l Eq l it y
s r n uen ce u n ur e c a ua

Polit i l Lib t y H i gh Ed t io P bli it y P o l Ap

ca er er uca n u c ers n a

p ear an ce H lt h M t hod f Wo k D i t t i g W it i g
ea e o r c a n r n
M t l Eq i pm t F m ily R l t io
en a u Hi C
en Phy i l
a e a ns s a r eer s ca
and Mo l Co g S t t m h i p M m ! I m gi t i o
ra u ra e a es an s o a na n
Am bit io L k f O g i z t io
n L d
ac h i p Com p d t
o r an a n ea er s are o

C aesar

APPEN DI X
THE BO NAPARTES
GEN EALO GI CAL TAB L E
S
BI O G RAPHI CAL NO TE

MAR SHALS O F THE EMPI RE

TITLES CO NFERRED BY NAPO LEO N
CH RO NO LO GY
BIBLIO G RAPHY
I NDEX
 I LL U ST RAT I ON S
RAC ES”

Napoleon Ff on mpm e

Empress Josephin e

M ar sh al La n n es
Ki ng M ura t
‘

M ar sh al M a ssen a
M a r sh al Sou lt
M ar sh a l D avout
Em press M a rie-Lou ise
Cza r Al exan d er
M ar sha l Ney
Na poleon 1 8 1 4
,

Em per or F r a n cis I
Duke of Well in gt on
M a rsh al Blii ch er
 MAPS

Ba t t le of R i voli

Bat t le of Aust er lit z

Ba t t le of Jen a
Pru ssi a an d Pol a n d

Sp ai n an d Port u g al
Va lley of t h e Dan u be I

Bat t l e of Esslin g
Bat t le of Wagram

B at t le of Leipzig
 N A PO L E O N THE F I R ST

CHAPTER O NE

1 769—1 78 9

EARLY YEARS
The Birt hpl f N pol o — J n J acq
ace o a Ro ss e n — Th Bon p t ea ues u eau e a ar e

F mil y — Ch l
a d L t it i Bo p t — Co i
ar es an Cdd t F
e a na ar e rs c a e e o ran c e

N pol o Ch il d hood — Hom I fl — Th S hool t B i

’
a e n s e n uen ces e c a r en n e

D t h f Hi s F t h — Th E ol M ilit i — S o d Li t
ea o a er e t f c e a re ec n eu en a n o
A t i ll y — The Regi m t d
r er L F E — Li f t V l
en — L v
e f a re e a a en ce ea e o

Ab Co si Ag i — Vi it t P i — A xo
sen c e r ca a n Fi t R og s o ar s u nne rs ec

nit i onf Hi T l t — A ot h
o s L v — Ad v i
a en s f t h Ab b e d S i t
n er ea e ce o e e a n

R u ff

H E l i fe of N a pol eon wi ll a lw a ys b e a ssoc i at ed

wit h t h e n a m es of t h ree sm a ll i sl a n ds : Cor s i c a ,

wh e re h e w a s bo r n ; Elb a W h er e h e w a s fi r st ,

s en t i n t o exil e ; a n d S a i n t H el en a wh ere h e en d ed hi s d a ys , .

Lyi n g i n a m a gn i fic en t sit e a t t h e ext re m it y of it s ,

a zur e gulf wi t h a n a mph i t h ea t r e of mou n t a i n s i n t h e

,

b a ckgrou n d i s sit u a t ed t h e lit t l e c it y of Aj a cci o t h e

, ,

c a p i t a l of Corsi c a As t h e pl a c e fi r s t a pp ea r s t o t h e ey e
.

of t h e t r a vell er on t h e sm a ll s t ea m er fr om M a r sei lle h e ,

i s en ch a n t ed by a sc en e of b ea ut y o n ly su r p a ss ed by
t h a t of t h e l a rger a n d g r a n d e r b a y of N a pl es T h e t own .

gli st en s li k e a wh i t e c it y a g a i n st t h e g r een slop es of

’
s n ow-c a pp ed Mon t e d O ro wh i c h com e d ow n fr om t h e
blu e sky t o m eet t h e blue sea .

At t h e en d of t h e s t o n e dock t h e Qu a i N a pol eon at , ,

wh i ch t h e st ea m er t i es up i s a wi d e sh a d y squ a r e , , ,

su r r ou n d ed by t a l l p a lms A st reet t h e R u e Na pol eon .

, ,

lea ds t o t h e old er p a rt of t h e t ow n b a c k of t h e c it a d el .

Almost i n t h e c en t re of t h e l it t l e c i t y a n d n ot mo r e t h a n ,

fiv e m i n u t es w a lk fr om t h e c at h edr a l i n on e d i r ec t i on
an d from t h e c i t a d el i n a n ot h er s t a n ds a fou r -st ory ,

squ a re st on e hous e a t t h e co r n er of a n a r r ow s t reet .

[ I ]
 NAPO L EO N THE FIRST

Abov e t h e door a m a r bl e t a bl et b ea r s t h e i n scri pt i on in

“
Fren ch : N a pol eon wa s born i n t h i s hous e 1 5 August
’
1 769 3
T h e old Bon a p a rt e m a n s i on w a s p a rt ly d es t r oy ed dur
i n g t h e R evolut i on , a n d l at er rebu i l t by C a rd i n a l Fesch .

I t h a s h a rdly b een o c cup i ed s i n c e t h e fa m i ly l eft Cors i c a ,

i n 1 793 Na poleon s mot h er wi lled i t t o t h e Ki n g of Rom e,
’
.

b u t sh e out li ved h i m , a n d at h er d eat h i t c a m e i n t o t h e

poss essi on of Ki n g Jos eph L at er i t w a s a c qui r ed by t h e
.

Emp r ess Eugen i e, who own ed so m an y of t h e fa m i ly

sh r i n es .

O n t h e s econ d floor, a d jo i n in g t h e s a lo n , i s a l a rge

c h a mb er wit h o n e w i n dow ov erlooki n g t h e s i d e s t reet .

Th i s i s t h e r oom i n wh i ch N a pol eon w as born .

“
I n 1 762 , i n hi s c el eb r a t ed book L e Co n t r at Soci a l,
“
J ea n J a c qu es Rouss ea u w r ot e : Th er e i s st i ll on e c oun t ry
i n E u r op e su sc ep t i bl e of moul d i n g by legi sl a t i o n — t h e
i sl a n d of Co r si ca Th e c ou r a ge a n d st ea dfa st n ess wh i c h
.

en a bl ed t h i s b r a v e p eopl e t o r eg a i n a n d t o d efen d i t s

l i b er t y well d eser ve t h a t a s a ge shoul d t ea ch i t how

t h a t bl es si n g shoul d b e p res er ved . I h a v e a p r esen t i m en t
t h a t t h i s l it t l e i sl a n d wi ll som e d a ”
y a st o n i sh Eu r op e .

S even yea r s l a t er t h e p r oph ecy of t h e ph i losoph er w a s

“
ver i fi ed by t h e b i rt h on t h i s lit t l e i sl a n d of on e whose
gen i u s w a s t o a s t on i sh t h e whol e wo r l d .

Fo r m a n y cen t u r i es t h e Bon a p a r t e fa mi ly h a d li ved

i n p r ovi n ci a l obscu r i t y i n Tu sc a n y fi r st a t Floren c e,
t h en a t S a n -M i n i a t o, a n d l a t er a t S a r z a n a a li t t l e i sol a t ed
,

c it y of t h e S t a t e of Gen o a F r om fa t h er t o son , t her e

.

h a d b een a lo n g ser i es of n ot a r i es a n d mu n i ci p a l syn d i cs .

I n 1 52 9 a Bon a p a rt e c a m e fr om S a r z a n a t o s et t le i n
Co r si c a , a n d t h i s li t t le d et a ch ed br an c h of t h e fa mi ly
t ook root i n an i sl a n d n ot l ess I t a l i a n b u
, t a lmos t b a rb a
r ous , a m i d st t h e i n st i t u t i o n s , t h e m a n n ers a n d
t he
p a ssi on s of t h e ea r ly M i ddl e Ages Though r uled i n t ur n
.

by C a rt h a gi n i a n s, Rom a n s , V a n d a l s ; by Pi s a a n d
,

fi n a lly by Gen o a , t he Corsi c a n s h a d ret a i n ed a st ri ki n g

i n d i vi du a lit y Th e r ock-bou n d c o a s t an d mou
n t a i n ous
.

E2 ]
 NAPOLEON THE F I RST
of cour a ge a n d followed h er husb an d t hrough woods a n d
,

mou n t a i n s in t h e l a s t d a ys of Corsi c a n i n d ep en d en ce ,

j ust p r i or t o N a poleon s b i rt h S he wa s d evot ed t“o h er

’
.

chi ldren b u t brought t h em up wi t h s everi Mis

,
”
fort un es pri v at i on s fat i gu es s a i d N a pol eon sh e sup
, , , ,

por t ed a l l bra ved all : she h a d t h e h ea d O f a m a n upon

,
”
t he body of a wom an T h e d e vo t i.o n b et w een mo t h er

a n d son wh i ch l a st ed t hroughout t h ei r li ves i s on e of

,
,

t h e mo st b ea ut i ful ep i sod es i n mod ern h i st ory .

Some yea r s pri or t o N a pol eo n s b i rt h Corsi c a wh i ch

’
, ,

s i n ce 1 30 0 h ad b elon ged t o Gen o a h a d ri s en i n reb elli on ,

a n d en d ea vor ed t o a ch i eve i t s i n d ep en d en c e u n d er t h e
’
l ea d er sh i p of P a ol i Durin g t h e c ours e of t h e S ev en Yea r s
.

W a r Gen o a si d ed wi t h Fr a n c e a n d Lou i s t h e Fi ft een t h

, ,

promi sed in ret urn t o support t h a t R epubli c i n i t s c on t est

wit h Corsi c a For t hree yea r s fr om 1 756 t o 1 759 F r en c h
. , ,

t r oop s occ upi ed t h e t h r ee p r i n ci p a l h a rbors of t h e i sl a n d .

M ea su r es were t h en t a ken by F r a n c e t o s ecure poss ess i on

of Co rsi c a N egot i at i on s wit h G en o a r esul t ed i n a t rea t y
.

i n 1 768 by t h e t erms of whi c h t h e K i n g O f F r a n c e w a s

g r a n t ed t h e sover ei gn t y of t h e i sl a n d un d er c ert ai n r e
st r i ct i v e cl a us es wh i ch were gen er a lly u n d er st ood t o b e

on ly fo r m a l P a oli i n v a i n p r ot es t ed t h a t Gen o a h a d n o
.

ri ght t o t hus d i spos e of t h e Cors i c a n s H e con t i n u ed t h e .

un equ a l st ruggle b u t w a s fi n a lly d ec i s i vely d efea t ed i n

,

M ay 1 769 a n d left t h e i sl a n d a mo n t h l a t er
, .

Corsi c a t hus b ec a m e F r en c h on ly a few mon t hs b efore

t h e b i r t h of N a pol eo n At t h e op en i n g of t h e w a r wi t h
.

Fr a n c e Ch a rl es Bon a p a rt e h a d b een an ai d e d e c a mp of
,

P a oli Aft er t h e vi c t ory of t h e en emy howev er h e b e

.
, ,

c a m e a z ea lous support er of t h e n ew govern m en t an d w a s ,

a m emb er of t h e d epu t at i o n s en t t o su e for p ea c e fr om t h e

Fren ch A cord i a l welcom e w a s gi v en t o t h e for ei gn ers

.

a t h i s hous e i n Aj a cci o wh er e h i s b ea u t i ful you n g wi fe

m a d e a c h a r m i n g host ess a n d t h e Fren ch comm a n d a n t

, ,

Com t e M a rb aeu f w a s a frequen t vi si t or

, .

Nob i l it y h ad n ot b een recogn i zed i n Corsi c a b efore t h e

Fren ch occup at i on a n d t h e Gen oes e h a d don e ev eryt h i n g
,

[ 4 ]
 EARLY Y EARS

in t h ei r power d eb a s e t h e Cors i c a n a r i st ocr a cy so t h at

to ,

t h er e w a s b u t l it t l e d ifferen c e i n t h e i sl a n d b et ween t h e
m a n n er of d ress a n d of l i fe of n obles a n d p ea s a n t s The .

n ew Fren ch Gov ern m en t pursued a d iff eren t poli cy .

Th ey est a bli sh ed a n ob i lit y a ccept i n g such t it l es a s could

,

b e p r oved Th e B o n a p a rt es wer e a ss i s t ed in t h ei r r es ea rch

.

by t h e Gr a n d Duke of Tusc a n y Th ey bore a coun t s .

’

coro n et a n d t h ei r a r ms were gul es t wo b en ds a rgen t

, , .

b et ween t w o s t a r s of t h e s econ d .

Th e a c c ou n t s of N a pol eo n s ch i ldhood h a v e b een emb el

’

li sh ed wit h a n umb er of s t o ri es wh i c h a re en t i r ely wi t hou t

foun d a t i on Th e most t r us t wort hy n a rra t i ve i s d eri ved
.

fr om hi s mot h er Sh e t ell s us t h at h e w as v ery i n du st r i ous

.

an d h a d a grea t c a p a cit y for m at h em a t i cs Hi s firs t .

t ea ch er s w er e n u n s an d h e l a t er wen t t o a school fo r m erly

,

k ept by t h e J esuit s Hi s power of i n spi ri n g an d feel i n g

.

d ee p affect i on w a s d i spl a y ed i n ea r ly c h i l d hood At t h e .

s a m e t i m e t r a ces of a n i mp er i ous d i spos i t i on were n o t

w a n t in g N a pol eon a t a l at er d at e fr a n kly a dm it t ed t h a t
.

a s a boy h e w a s t u r bul en t a gg r ess i v e a n d qu a r relsom e ;

,

h e w a s a fr a i d of n o on e b u t b it a n d sc r a t ch ed wit hou t
,

r efer en c e t o i n equ a l i t y of si z e or a g e Jos eph a lt hough .

,

t h e eld er w a s n o m a t c h fo r h i m
, .

H e w a s c er t a i n ly t h e p r oduc t of h is i sl a n d hom e He .

sp r a n g fr om a p r ou d w a r li k e v in d i ct i v e r a c e Polit i ca l
, , .

c o n d it i on s a l so p r ofou n d ly i n flu en ced h i s m i n d du r i n g h i s
“
ea r l i er y ea rs Th e h i st o r y of Co r s i ca h e w r ot e i n 1 78 9
.
, ,
“
i s n ot h i n g b u t t h e chro n i cl e of a p erp et u a l s t ruggle b e
t ween a sm a ll p eopl e who wi sh t o l i ve i n fr eedom an d t h ei r
”
n ei ghbo r s who wi sh t o opp r ess t h em Th e fi n a l st a ge of .

t h e lo n g st r uggl e h a d b een rea ch ed a s w e h a v e s een j us t , ,

“
b efore hi s b i rt h I w a s bo r n wh en my cou n t ry w a s
.

d yi n g , h e w r ot e t o P a ol i Th e ch an ge of fron t on hi s
.

fat h er s p a rt m a d e n o d iff er en ce t o t h e boy N a poleon

’
.

Co r si c a n h e r em a i n ed i n hi s h ea r t for m an y yea rs a l , ,

t hough a subj ec t a n d a b en efi c i a ry of t h e Fr en ch Ki n g .

He a dor ed P a ol i a n d h e d et est ed t h e a li en co n qu erors .

At Bri en n e i n a mom en t of r a ge h e excl a i m ed t o Bour

, ,

E 5 21
 NAPOLEON THE FI RS T

rien n e J fer a i
e a t es F t a n ga i s t out l e m al q ue je
pou r r a i .

I t i s oft en fut i l e a n d m i slea d in g t o in qu i r e i n t o t h e

d i r ect i on a n d ext en t of t h e i n flu en c e exer c i sed upon a
c h i l d by hi s hom e su r r ou n d i n gs, b u t N a pol eon w a s cer

t a i n l y h i s mot h e r s son Bot h m en t a lly a n d mo r a lly sh e

’
.

w a s a rem a r k a bl e wom a n Sh e w a s co n sp i c uous for h er

.

st r en gt h O f ch a r a c t er , h er en er gy, h er cou r a ge, h er lo v e

of power , an d h er c a p a ci t y for pr a ct i c a l aff a i rs B u t .

d espit e h er occ a si on a l s ev er i t y, h er c h i ld r en bot h loved

an d r esp ect ed h er , a n d t o h er t r a i n i n g a n d i n flu en c e

N a poleon a sc r i b ed t h e d ev elopm en t of hi s ow n c h a r a c t er .

T h e fa t h er w a s ext r a v a g an t , c a rel ess, a n d , i n t h e wo r ds

“
of h i s fa mou s son , t oo fon d of plea su re t o occupy him
”
self wi t h u s c h i l d ren Th ei r c a re t hu s d evolved a lmost
.

n t i rel y upon t h ei r mot h er, an d well sh e p r oved h ers elf

e qu a l t o t h e t a sk .

’
Un t i l t h e a g e of n i n e, N a poleo n s hom e w as a t Aj a cc i o,
t hough h e wen t fr equ en t ly wi t h h i s p a r en t s t o t h ei r
cou n t r y est a t es a mon g t h e h i lls , n ot fa r a w a y Th en .

c a m e t h e fi rst ch a n ge i n h i s l i fe Th e r esou r c es of h i s
.

fat h er were b ei n g sev er ely t r i ed by t h e con t i n u a l g r owt h

of hi s l a r ge fa mi ly, a n d it b ec a me n ecess a r y t o provi d e for
t h e ed u c a t i o n of h i s t wo eld er so n s .

I t w a s d eci d ed t o m a ke Jos eph a p r i es t an d N a pol eo n

a sol d i er . M a r b ce u f p r om i sed t o gi ve t h e l at t er a sc hol a r
sh i p i n on e of t h e Roy a l m i lit a r y schools, a n d t o p r oc u r e
for t h e fo r m er a n ec cl esi a st i c a l b en efice t h r ough hi s
n eph ew, t h e B i shop of Au t u n He a r r a n ged t o pl a ce bo t h
.

of t h em a t t h e Coll ege of A u t u n , on e of t h e b est publi c

s chools i n F r a n ce, wh ere Jos eph w a s t o st udy cl a s sic s,
a n d N a pol eo n t o r em a i n a short t i m e t o l ea r n Fren ch .

Th e I 5 Decemb er 1 778 Ch a r l es Bo n a p a rt e l eft Aj a cc i o

wi t h hi s t wo l it t l e son s, on e a ged t en a n d t h e o t h er n i n e .

He a lso h a d wit h h i m hi s you n g brot h er-i n -l aw, Jos eph

Fesch , who w as t o compl et e h is st ud i es for t h e p r i es t hood
a t t h e S em i n a ry of Ai x .

As N a poleon t ells us i n hi s n ot es, t h ey rea ch ed Aut un

E 6 ZI
 EARLY Y EAR S
t he first d a y of J a n u a ry At t h e school Jo seph w as t hought
.
,

t o b e a good boy shy qu iet a n d wit hout a mb it i o n

, , , .

N a pol eon on t h e o t h er h an d w as p en s i v e a n d sombr e

, , ,

t a ki n g n o p a rt i n t h e g a m es an d w a lk i n g a bou t a lon e , ,

wh i ch w a s qui t e n a t ur a l as h e could n ot sp ea k F r en ch .

H e w as cl ev er er t h an Jos eph an d lea rn ed wit h gr ea t e r ,

fa c i li t y I n t hree mon t hs h e a cqui red su ffi c i en t Fr en ch t o

.

co n vers e flu en t ly an d t o writ e l it t le exerci s es

,
.

I n t he m ean t i m e h i s fa t h er w as compl et i n g a rr a n ge
m en t s t o en t e r N a pol eon a t on e of t h e m i l it a ry schools a s
a pen si on n a i r e d a r oi For t h i s t w o t hi n gs wer e n ec essa r y
.

— a c ert i fic a t e of n ob i l it y for four g en er a t i o n s a n d a

,

c ert i fic at e of povert y For t h e firs t t h ere w as n o d iffi cul t y

. ,

for t h e Bon a p a rt es could show el even g en er a t i on s of

n ob i l i t y As t o t h e s econ d four Cors i c a n s t es t i fi ed t h a t
.
,

Ch a rl es h a d n o i n com e exc ep t hi s s a l a ry a s a ss esso r ,

a n d c ould n ot gi v e h i s ch i ld r en t h e ed uc a t i o n su i t ed t o

t h ei r r an k .

Through t h e effort s of hi s fa t h er N a pol eon fi n a lly r e

c ei v ed a n a ppoi n t m en t t o B ri en n e a n d l eft Au t u n 2 3
,

Ap r i l 1 779 t a ki n g l ea v e of h i s brot h er w h o w as t o r e
, , ,

m a i n t h er e fiv e yea r s lon ger Th i s school w a s on e of t h e

.

t welv e i n s t i t u t i o n s wh i c h Lou i s t h e Fi ft een t h h a d fou n d ed ,

n om i n a lly for t h e t r a i n i n g of m i l i t a ry c a d et s t hough as ,

a m a t t er of fa c t t h ey wer e co n duct ed by t h e reli gi ou s

ord ers a n d i n clud ed a m on g t h ei r pup i ls m a n y boys n ot

,

d est i n ed for t he A r my .

At B r i en n e t h e boys wor e a u n i fo r m b u t ot h erwi se

, ,

t h ere w a s n ot h i n g m i l i t a r y a bout t h e es t a bl i shm en t .

Th e t ea chi n g w a s en t i rely i n t h e h an ds of t h e fa t h er s ,

a n d w as r a t h er poor L a t i n a n d F r en ch l it era t u re a n d
.

c ompo si t i o n w ere t h e pri n c i p a l subj ec t s of s t udy b ut ,

som e a t t en t i on w a s gi v en t o h i s t ory geogr a phy a n d ,

m at h em a t i cs a n d t h e a ccompl i shm en t s wer e r epresen t ed

,

by d an ci n g a n d fen c i n g Th e d i s c i pl i n e w a s n ot s ever e
.
,

b u t n o holi d a ys were gi v en a n d t h e pup i ls wer e n ever ,

p erm i t t ed t o vi s it t h ei r hom es o r t o r ecei v e Vi si t ors .

For ea ch pup i l a yea rly sum of a bout s even hu n d r ed

[ 7 21
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
fr a n cs w a s p a i d by qu a r t erly i n s t a llm en t s i n a dv a n c e a n d ,

for t h i s a mou n t t h e fa t h er s u n d ert ook t o gi ve t h e boys

ea c h a s ep a r a t e r oom or c ell t o feed an d c lot h e t h em , ,

a n d t o i n st r u ct t h em a cc or d i n g t o t h e c ur r i culum o u t
’
l in ed a bove Th e pupi ls en t er ed t h e schools at t he a ge of
.

ei gh t o r n i n e a n d r em a i n ed si x y ea r s Du r in g t h e lon g .

v a c a t i on wh i c h l a st ed fr om t h e m i d d l e of S ept emb er t o
,

t h e seco n d of Nov emb er a lt hough fo r b i dd en t o l ea v e

,

t h e school t h e boys h a d o n ly on e l esson a d a y a n d pl en t y

,

of r ec r ea t i on .

Th e c oll ege of B r i en n e o r i gi n a lly a mo n a st er y w as bu i l t

, ,

a t t h e foot of t h e h i ll o n wh i ch t h e Ch at ea u st an d s I t .

h a d a ccomm o d a t i o n s for on e hu n d r ed a n d fift y st ud en t s .

Th ey sl ep t i n t w o c o r r id o r s ea c h of whi c h con t a i n ed
“

sev en t y c ells a bou t si x feet squ a r e fu rn i sh ed wi t h a ,

st r a p-b ed a w a t er jug a n d b a si n
, M ea l s wer e t a k en i n a
, .

c ommo n d i n i n g-h a ll a n d t he fa r e w a s qu it e gen er ous

, .

At fi r st N a poleon w a s t ho r oughly u n h a ppy a t B ri en n e

, .

I t i s n ot d iffi c ult t o i m a gi n e t h e feelin gs of t h i s l i t t le t en

yea r -ol d boy a mi d su c h su r r oun d i n gs a mon g st r a n ger s i n
, ,

a st r an ge l a n d I n t h e bl ea k c li m a t e a n d b a r r en l a n d
.

sca p e of Ch a mp a g n e h e g r ew hom esi c k fo r t h e blu e sk i es

,

a n d green h i lls of hi s n a t i v e i sl a n d B u t h e g r a d u a lly .

b ec a m e mo r e r econ ci led t o his l ot a n d i n a ft er -li fe his ,

m emo ries of t h e s c hool wer e by n o m ea n s u n pl ea s a n t .

He fo r m ed a few l ast i n g fr i en d sh i p s a mo n g o t h er s ,

wi t h Bou r ri en n e w ho w a s l at er t o b e hi s p ri v at e sec re
,

t a r y a n d wi t h L a u r i st o n
, hi s l a s t a mb a ss a dor t o S a in t
,

P et er sburg .

Du r in g his st a y a t Bri en n e N a pol eon w a s short of ,

st a t ur e Hi s eyes w er e br i gh t
. hi s foreh ea d sp a ci ous h i s , ,

li p s d eli c a t ely sh a p ed b u t his oli ve compl ex i on g a ve hi m

,

a n a i r of i l l -h ea l t h He w as v ery p a ss i o n a t e a n d h i s fel
.

low-st u d en t s were a fr a i d of h i m .

As t o hi s i n t ell ec t u a l p r ogr ess d u ri n g t h ese yea rs t h e ,

t r u t h seem s t o b e t h a t h e w a s n ei t h er a prod i gy n or a
d u n c e b u t o n ly a n or d i n a ry l a d H e n ev er l ea rn ed L at i n
, .
,

b u t on t h e o t h er h an d h e w a s d i st i n gu i sh ed i n m a t h em at i cs
[ 8 ]
 EARLY Y EARS
an d rem a rk a bl e for hi s k n owl edge of geogr a phy H e w a s .

t h e mos t i n d efa t i g a bl e r ea d er i n t h e school an d t he

.
,

book s wh i ch h e chose were gen e r a lly h i s t ori c a l Amon g hi s .

fa vo r i t e a u t ho r s w a s Plu t a r ch .

I n 1 78 2 N a poleo n h a d a v i si t fr om h i s fa t h er w h o
, ,

a l so c a m e a g a i n t w o y ea r s l a t er T h e p ri n c i p a l obj ect of
.

t h e v i s i t of Ch a r l es t o F r a n c e i n 1 784 w as t o pl a c e hi s .

eld es t d a ugh t er M a r i a -An n a ( El i s a ) i n t h e c el eb r a t ed

s c hool for i n d i gen t you n g l a d i es a t S a i n t -Cyr fou n d ed ,

by Lou i s t h e Fou r t een t h Th i s w a s d es t i n ed t o b e t h e

.

l a st m eet i n g b et ween fa t h er a n d son Ch a r l es Bon a p a r t e .

w as a l re a d y suff er i n g sev erely fr om t h e d i sea se wh i c h

w a s ult i m a t ely t o prov e fa t a l t o N a pol eon h i ms elf a ,

sq u i r r e, or c a n c er ou s t umor of t h e st om a c h wh i c h i s ,

h a r d an d n ot p a i n ful A cc o r d i n g t o T a i n e four ot h er
.
,

m emb er s of t h e fa m i ly d i ed of t h e s a m e d i sea se — N a
pol eon s g r a n dfa t h e r Jo seph Bo n a p a r t e h i s u n c l e Jos eph
’

F esch hi s b r ot h er Luc i en a n d h i s si st er C a r ol in e
, .

Wh i l e i n P a r i s Ch a r l es c o n s u l t ed M a r ie-An t oi n et t e s
,
’

phys i ci a n t h e c el eb r a t ed Doct eu r d e l a Son d e who a d

, ,

vised h i m t o t ry t h e w a t ers of O r ezz a i n Co r sic a B u t , .

growin g wo rse i n st ea d of b et t er ea r ly i n 1 78 5 he set , ,

ou t fo r F r a n c e t o p u t h i m self u n d er t h e ch a r ge of t h e

sa m e physi c i a n . H e got n o furt h er t h a n Mo n t p ell i er ,

wh er e h e d ie d on t h e 2 4 F eb r u a r y h a vi n g n ea r ly com ,

p l et ed hi s t h i r t y-n i n t h yea r H i s d ea t h w a s a gr ea t
.

blow t o h i s fa m i ly Whom h e l eft i n v er y st r a it en ed

ci rc ums t a n c es .

N a pol eon h a d a t fi r st i n t en d ed t o b e a sa i lor H e .

hop ed t o b e st a t i o n ed on t h e M ed i t e rr a n ea n wh i c h woul d
gi ve hi m m a n y opport u n i t i es of vi si t in g hi s n at i ve i sl a n d .

B u t t h e i n flu en c e of h i s mot h er w h o d r ea d ed t h e sea
, ,

a n d o t h er c a u ses fi n a lly l ed h i m t o c h a n ge h i s pl an s a n d
, ,

t o d eci d e upo n t h e a rt i ll er y an a r m of t h e servi ce i n wh i c h

,

m er it h a d mo re i n fluen c e t h a n p a t r on a ge or mo n ey .

To h i s gre at su r p r i se t h e i n sp ect o r on h i s v i s it t o ,

B r i en n e i n 1 784 c hos e N a pol eo n wi t h fou r ot h ers t o

, , ,

en t er t h e Ecole M i l i t a i r e a t P a r i s He prob a bly owed .

E 9 I1
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
t h i s d i st i n ct i on t o h i s st a n d in g in m a t h em a t i c s Ac .

c omp an i ed by on e of t h e fr i a rs N a pol eon a n d h i s

,

comp a n i on s l eft B r i en n e for P a r i s o n t h e 30 Oc t ob er .

B ri en n e wi ll a lw a ys b e a ssoc i a t ed wit h t h e n a m e of
N a poleon Th e li t t le vi ll a ge wit h it s 1 8 0 0 i n h fl
. ,
a > it a n t s ,

c lu st er ed a bout t w o c r o ss r o a d s li es i n t h e h ea r t of F r a n c e
-
,

som e on e hun d r ed a n d t wen t y-fiv e mi l es t o t h e ea s t of

P a r i s a n d n ea r Tr oyes t he a n ci en t c a pit a l of Ch a mp a gn e
,
.

B efo re t h e HOt el d e Vi ll e t h ere s t a n ds t h e b r on ze st a t u e

i l d — t he i
of a lon g h ai red l ea n an d u n d s z d
-
,
e r e a mmo rt a l
sc hool-boy of B r i en n e wi t h gol d en ea gl es a n d a cr ow n a t
,

h i s feet A li t t le fu r t h er o n i n t h i s st r eet t h er e r i ses a n old

.

w a ll whi c h on ce en closed t h e sc hool of t h e fr i a r s Th e .

sc hool w a s c lo sed d u r i n g t h e R evolu t i o n a n d t h e o n ly

,

survi vi n g mon um en t i s t h e c on ven t i n wh i ch t h e fa t h er s

l ived .

O n a l i t t l e el ev a t i o n n ea r t h e c r oss -r o a d s s t a n d s t h e
ol d Ch at ea u wh ere t h e Emp er o r st opp ed i n 1 8 0 5 on t h e
,

w a y t o hi s seco n d c o r on a t i o n a t M i l a n T h e show-r oom of

, .

“
t h e Ch at ea u t o d a y i s t h e
- c h a mb r e a c ou c h er d e N a
”
p o l é on w i t h ev er y t h i n g i n i t c a r efully k ept a s h e l eft i t

o n h i s l ast v i si t t h e 3 1 J a n u a r y 1 8 1 4 du r i n g t h e C a m ,

p ai gn of F r a n ce .

Th e Ecol e M i lit a i r e a t P a r i s fou n d ed by Lou i s t h e

,

Fi ft een t h h a d b een en t i r ely reo r ga n i zed i n 1 776 T h e n ew

,
.

pl a n w a s t o s el ect ea c h yea r fr om t h e n a t i on a l sc hools ,

l i ke B r i en n e a few of t h e mo st d es er vin g pupi l s t o b e

, ,

ed u c at ed a t P a r i s Th ey were t o b e sen t t o t h e sc hool for

.

t h e purpos e of a c qu i r i n g a gen er a l m i l i t a r y ed u c a t i on ,

a n d t o h a v e a cc ess t o t h e m a gn i fic en t r i d i n g-school t he ,

b est i n Eu r op e Th e subj ect s of st udy wer e ei gh t i n

.

n umb er : m at h em at i cs h i st or y a n d geogra phy F r en ch

, ,

a n d G er m a n gr a mm a r , fort i fi c at i on d r awi n g a n d fen c

, ,

i n g Th e you n g m en were dri ll ed every d ay a n d t wi ce a

.
,

week were exerci s ed i n fi rin g Th ey wer e a lso r equi r ed

.

t o l ea r n by h ea rt t h e exerci ses of t h e d r i ll-book E a ch .

ca d et h a d a sep a r at e room si mply fu rn i sh ed wit h a n i r o n

,

b edst ea d a Ch a i r a n d a set of sh elves T h e old bui ld in g

, .
,

[ 10 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
f r o n ly t en mon t h s wo r k ov er som e of t ho se who h a d
a te
’
,

surp a ssed hi m .

At t h e m i li t a r y s c hool a s a t B r i en n e N a pol eo n show ed

, ,

si gn s of a d eep a n d ser i ous c h a r a ct er He w a ’ v er y i n .

d u st ri ou s a n d v er y t hough t ful H e h a d lost t h e somb r e

.

t a c i t u r n i t y wh i ch d i st i n gu i sh ed h i m a t B r i en n e a n d h a d
b ecome mo r e comp a n i on a bl e B u t h e st i ll r em ai n ed a
.

t ho r ough Co r si c a n .

N a poleon w a s a t on ce a s si gn ed t o t h e R egi m en t d e L a
Fé r e wh i c h w a s t h en s t a t i o n ed a t V a l en c e He sp en t h i s .

l a st t wo d a ys i n P a r i s i n m a ki n g p r e p a r a t i on s for hi s
jou r n ey a n d i n p a yin g fa r ew ell v i si t s H e left t h e sc hool
.

t h e 2 8 Oct ob er 1 78 5 a n d set o u t fr om P a r i s t w o d a y s
,

l a t er in comp a n y wi t h hi s fr i en d D esm a z i s w h o h a d b een ,

or d ered t o t h e sa m e regi m en t Th ey t r a v ell ed by t h e Lyon

.

d i li gen ce on e of t h e b est i n t h e ki n gd om Th e first d a y

,
.

t h ey d i n ed a t Fo n t a i n ebl ea u a n d s l ep t a t S en s F r om .

Ch a lon s-su r—S a On e t h ey t ook t h e bo a t t o Lyon a n d fr om ,

t h ere t o V a l en ce .

T h e ga rr i so n a t V a l en ce a t t h a t t i m e c omp r i s ed sev en
r egi m en t s of a r t i ll er y T h e R e .
gi m en t d e L a F é re w a s on e
of t h e b est i n t h e F r en ch a r my Th r ee d a ys a w eek wer e .

given t o st u d y a n d t h ree t o a r t i llery p r a ct i c e T h e t o n e .

of t h e offi cers w a s exc ell en t a n d t h e regi m en t w a s popul a r

i n t h e t own .

N a pol eon n ow p u t on t h e a rt i ll er y u n i fo r m blu e wit h ,

red fa c i n g s Th e first t w o mo n t h s h e d r i ll ed
. li ke a l l t h e ,

c a d et s of t h at p eri od fi r st a s p ri v a t e t h en a s c o r po r a l
, , ,

a n d t h en as s er gea n t H e d i d n ot b egi n h i s ser vi ce a s

.

s econ d l ieut en an t u n t i l t h e fi r st of J a n u a r y H is wo r k w a s .

h a r d a n d con fin i n g Hi s p a y w a s on ly 90 0 fr a n cs a y ea r
.
,

whi c h w a s suppl em en t ed by a n a llow a n c e Of 1 2 5 fr a n cs

for lo d gin g a n d 2 0 0 fr a n cs fr om t h e Ecol e M i lit a i re o r
, ,

a li t t l e mo re t h a n 1 0 0 fr a n cs a mon t h .

Va len c e wh i c h t o-d a y i s a n a t t r a ct i v e old c it y of a l

,

most i n h a b it a n t s i s well s i t u a t ed on t h e b a n ks of
,

t h e R i v er Rh On e b et ween Lyon a n d Av i g n on I t i s b u t a .

s t ep from t h e n ew t o t h e ol d qu a r t er wh ere t h e n a rrow ,

E1 2 ]
 EARLY Y EARS
st reet s t wi s t a n d t urn a n d t umbl e down t o t h e bro a d ,

swi ft ri v er H er e st an ds t h e c at h ed r a l a n d n ea r-b y a t t h e
.
,

c o rn er of t h e Gr a n d e— R u e a n d t h e R u e d u C r o i ss a n t i s a
mod er n bus i n ess block wit hou t a n i d en t i fyin g t a bl et t o
,

m a r k t h e hou se -a t No 48 wh ere N a pol eon l i ved A

. .

sp i n st er Mll e Bou k ep t hous e for h er old fa t h er a n d

, .
, ,

Sous-l i eut en a n t Bo n a p a r t e p a i d t h em a bout t en fr a n c s

a mo n t h fo r hi s lodgi n g Wh en h e a t e h i s on e rea l m ea l of
.

t h e d a y h e w a lk ed a lo n g t h e G r a n d e—R u e t o t h e Pl a c e
,

d es Cler cs a n d t u r n ed i n t o t h e l it t l e R u e Pé r oll er i e wh er e
, ,

h e d i n ed a t t h e C a fé d es T r o i s-P i geon s .

N a pol eon brought t o V a l en ce a l et t er of i n t roduct i o n

fr om t h e B i shop of Aut u n t o t h e Abb é d e S a i n t -Ruff a t ,

t h e ol d a bb a y e n ow t h e p refec t u r e of t h e D ep a r t m en t of
,

t h e D r Om e n ea r t h e foot of t h e G r an d e-R u e Through

, .

h i m t h e boy ofli cer a lso c a m e t o k n ow t h e Ab b e R a y n a l ,

o n e of t h e fo remo st ph i lo soph er s of F r a n ce a t t h e t i m e .

N a pol eon seem s t o h a v e b een popul a r a t V a l en c e a n d ,

w a s r ec ei v ed wi t h ki n d n ess by m a n y p eopl e But al .

,

t hough h e t ook l esso n s i n d a n ci n g a n d d eport m en t ,

wh i ch h e h a d n egl ect ed a t t h e m i lit a r y sc hool h e r em a i n ed ,

sh y a n d a wkw a r d an d n ev er a c qu i r ed
, ei t h er t h en o r ,

a ft e rw a r ds t h e d i st i n gu i sh ed
, m a n n er s of t h e gr a n d s
r ei gn eu r r of t h e o l d r e gi m e .

He h a d t h e ri gh t t o a l e a v e of si x mo n t h s a t t h e en d of a
yea r s s er vi ce a n d l eft for Co r si c a t h e fi r st of S ept emb er
’

1 78 6 b ei n g a llow ed a mo n t h s g r a c e o n a cc ou n t of t h e
’

d i st a n ce from hi s hom e At Ai x h e vi sit ed hi s u ncl e

.

F esch who w a s st i ll a t t h e S em i n a r y a n d h is b r ot h er
, ,

Lu ci en who h a d l eft B r i en n e t o b e t r a i n ed fo r t h e pri est

hoo d H e rea ch ed Aj a cc i o t h e m i d d l e of S ep t emb er a ft er
.
,

a n a b sen ce of n e a r ly ei gh t y ea r s H e w as t h en s ev en t een
.

yea rs a n d on e mon t h old .

N a pol eon saw o n c e mo r e wit h u n bou n d ed d el i gh t h i s

mot h er a n d h i s b r ot h er Joseph Th e l a t t er sa i d m a n y .
,
“
yea r s a ft e rw a r d s : Ah ! t h e glo r i ou s Emp er o r wi ll n ev er
i n d e m n i fy m e for N a pol eon whom I lov ed so well a n d , ,

whom I should l i ke t o m eet a g a i n a s I k n ew hi m i n 1 786 ,

E1 3 ]
 NAPOLEON THE F I RST
if t h ere i s i n d eed m eet in g in t h e Elys i a n Fi elds He
a .

w as rec ei ved everywh er e wi t h op en a rms a n d t h e l ov e of ,

Co r si c a c a m e b a ck t o h i m wit h r en ewed a rdor .

Hi s lea ve wh i ch should h a ve exp i red on t first of

Ap r i l 1 78 7 was ext en d ed for ei ght mon t hs on t e grou n d
of i ll -h ea lt h As i t w as n ecess a ry however for h im t o
.
, ,

vi sit P a ri s on hi s fa m i ly aff a i rs h e l eft Corsi c a on t h e ,

1 2 S ep t emb er a ft er a s t a y of j us t a y ea r H e n ow r ea lly .

saw P a ri s for t h e first t i m e a s wh en a t t h e m i l i t a r y school

,

h e h a d n ot b een a llowed t o vi s it t h e c it y He lodged a t .

t h e H 6t el d e Ch erbourg i n t h e R u e d u Four-S ai n t
Hon oré He wen t t o t h e t h eat res a n d t he I t a li a n O per a
.
,

a n d fr equ en t ed t h e g a rd en s of t h e P a l a i s -Roy a l Hi s .

l ea ve would h a ve expi red t h e fi r st of D ec emb er b u t ,

b efore st a rt i n g fr om hom e h e h a d a ppl ied for a furt h er

ext en s i on of si x mon t h s wh i c h w a s duly a cco r d ed h i m
, .

App a ren t ly it w as n ot d i ffi cult t o ob t a i n l ea v es in t h e

R eg im en t d e L a Fé r e .

N a pol eon ret ur n ed Aj a cci o on t h e fi r st d ay of J a n u

to
a ry 1 78 8 He fou n d
. hi s mot h er i n very s t r a it en ed c i r
c u m st an ces a n d d i d h i s b est t o h elp h e r
, O n t he fin a l .

exp i r a t i on of h i s l ea ve t h e firs t of Ju n e h e l eft Co r si c a

, ,

t o rejoi n h i s r eg i m en t from wh i c h h e h a d b een a b sen t

,

t wen t y-on e mon t hs B u t t h ese i n d u lgen c es w er e c ommo n

.

un d er t h e d u ei m régi m e a n d i t i s n ot fa i r t o c en su r e
,

N a pol eon a s som e h i st ori a n s h a ve don e for t a kin g a d

, ,

v a n t a ge of wh a t w a s r ea lly a cus t om in t h e A r my .

Th e r egi men t w a s n ow qu a rt ered a t Auxon n e sit u a t e d ,

b et ween D ijon an d t h e Swi ss fron t i er wh ere N a pol eon ,

rejo i n ed i t He lodged n ea r t h e ca r er n e i n t h e P a vi llo n

.

d e l a Vi ll e Hi s room w as v er y s i mply fu r n i sh ed an d h a d
.
,

b u t on e wi n dow Th e d a mp a n d cold cli m at e p r ov ed v er y

.

t ryi n g a ft er t h e d ry a n d b r a ci n g a i r of Corsi c a He w r ot e
, .

“
i n July : I h a ve n ot h i n g t o do h ere exc ept t o wo r k I .

sl eep very lit t l e s i n c e my i lln ess I go t o b ed a t t en a n d .

”
g e t up t four a n d h a ve on ly on e m ea l a d ay
a , .

Alt hough N a pol eo n w a s en g a ged i n h a r d a n d con

t i n u ous l a bor an d w a s a t t i m es il l a n d down -h ea rt ed
, ,

EI 4 ]
 EARLY Y E ARS
durin g t h e fift een mon t hs wh i ch h e sp en t a t Auxo n n e h e ,

w a s fa r fr om l ea d i n g a moros e or solit a ry l i fe B es i d es h i s .

old chum Desm a zi s h e h a d m an y ot h er w a r m fr ien ds

, .

who r em a in ed a t t a c h ed t o h im t h r ough li fe He h a d a ll .

t h e c a m a r a d eri e of m i l it a r y l i fe wh i ch l a t er g a ve hi m
,

su c h power ov er hi s sold i er s a s w a s ev i n c ed 1 n t he I t a l i a n
,

c a mp a i gn s an d i s so oft en refer red t o i n t h e m emo i rs of

,

M a rbot an d ot h ers He w a s pr es en t a t a l l t h e regi m en t a l

.

d in n ers a n d t h ere i s a bun d an t proof t h a t h e poss ess ed

,

t h e es t eem a n d co n fid en c e of hi s fellow-offi c er s .

At Auxo n n e N a pol eon fi n i sh ed h i s cou rse of a r t i ll ery

,

a n d w a s r an k ed v er y n ea r t h e h ea d of t h e l i s t At t h i s t i m e .

h e wrot e t o F esch t h a t t h e g en er a l i n c omm a n d h a d

c h a rged h i m wi t h som e v e ry i mpo rt a n t wo r k a n d t h at ,

t h i s u n h ea r d -of fa vo r t o a j u n i o r l i eu t en a n t h a d exc i t ed
t h e j ea lou sy of t h e c a p t a i n s T h e sc hool of a r t i ll er y a t
.

Auxon n e w a s t h en c omm a n d ed by B a r o n d u Tei l who ,

w a s v er y p r ou d of i t as h e h a d ev er y r ea so n t o b e I t
, .

h a d t h e r epu t a t i o n of b ei n g t h e b est m F r a n ce a n d w a s ,

vi sit ed by a l l fo rei gn er s of d i st i n ct i on wh en t h ey c a m e t o
t h e c ou n t r y D u Tei l w a s t h e fi r st t o a pp rec i a t e t h e t a l en t s
.

of N a pol eon a n d t h e Emp er o r i n h i s wi ll l eft a hun d red

,

t hous a n d fr a n cs t o t h e so n s o r g r a n d so n s of h i s fo r m er
“
c h i ef
, i n r et u rn for t h e c a r e wh i c h t h i s wo r t hy gen er a l
”
h a d b est owe d upon h i m .

Wh i le a t Auxon n e N a pol eon fo r som e un kn own rea so n

, , ,

w a s p u t u n d er a r r est fo r t w en t y-fou r hou r s H e w a s shu t .

up i n a r oom wit h a n old ch a i r a n ol d b ed a n d a n ol d , ,

cupbo a r d on t op of wh i c h w a s a n o l d wo r m-eat en c opy

“ ”
of t h e D i gest H a vi n g n ot h i n g el se t o d o N a poleon d e
.
,

v ou r ed t h e on e book a t h i s d i spo sa l a n d t h e k n owl edg e ,

t hu s g a i n e d su r p r i sed t h e l a wy ers som e y ea r s l a t er wh en

“ ”
h e w a s d r a win g up t h e Cod e N a p ol é on .

I n t h e summ er of 1 78 9 t h e co n t a gi o n of t h e R evolu t i o n
r ea c h ed Auxon n e Th e r egi m en t t ook t h e p a r t of t h e
.

ri ot er s a n d l a t er b r oke ou t i n t o op en mut i n y I n con

,
.

sequ en c e o f t h i s t h e r egi m en t w a s s ep a r a t ed a n d qu a rt er ed
,

in d iff eren t pl a ces a lo n g t h e S a On e .

E15 ]
 An ot h er p er i od of l ea ve w a s n ow d u e N ap ol eon a n d ,

he w as a ll owed t o s t a r t for hom e t h e m i ddle of S ept emb er ,

a m o n t h s g r a c e b ei n g gi v en h i m a s us u a l O n hi s w ay h e
’

we Abb é
.

st opp ed a t V a l en c e a n d c a ll ed o n h i s o ld fr i en d

at p r es en t a n yon e may b ecome Kin g If you b ecom e

, .

Ki n g Mon s i eu r d e Bon a p a rt e m a ke you r p ea ce wit h t h e

, ,
”
Ch r i st i a n rel i gi on ; you wi ll fin d it a dv a n t a geou s .

a s Fi r s t Co n sul

n egot i at ed c el ebr a t ed Con c o r d a t .

E1 6 ]
 CHAPTER TWO

1 78 9—1 793

THE R EVO LUTI O N

D ecay f t h O l d Regime — Th S t t B k pt — The Ki g d Q

o e e a e an ru n an u een

Mi i t i l Cha g
n s er a M t i g f t h St t s-G
n es l F ll f t h
ee n o
'

e a e en er a a o e

B t ill — N pol o L v f Co i
as e a e n R t
ea f P ol i — N pol o
es or rs ca e urn o a a e n

a t A xo e u Appoi t d Fi t Li t
nn t
n ef t h Fo t h R gi m t
rs eu en a n o e ur e en

At V l Ag ain
a en ce Fligh t f t h Ki g t Vare s O t h f All gi
o e n o nne a o e an ce

t th A
o m b ly
e Co i Ag i
sse N pol o i Pa i
rs c a C pt i Bo a n a e n n r s a a n na

p t — T h At t k t h T il i
ar e e ac R t
on t Aj ei o — Th M d u er es e urn o a cc e a

d l Exp ed it ion
a en a B re k wi t h P oli Fin l D p rt f F
a a a e a ure or ra n ce

FTER fa i lu r e of t h e roy a li st con spi r a cy of

t he
1 80 4 N a pol eon ut t er ed t h e fa mou s wo r ds
,
“
Th ey s eek t o d est roy t h e R evolut i on by a t
t a c k i n g my p er son : I wi ll d efen d i t for I a m t h e R ev ol u ,
”
t i on . I t w as a d a rin g t r a n s c r i p t of t h e c elebr at ed s a y in g
“ ”
of Lou is t h e Fourt een t h L et at c est m oi An d y et t h es e
,
’

,
’
.

w ere n ot wo r ds of presump t uous folly t h ey were on ly t h e ,

sob er t r ut h for i n t he s i n gle life of Na poleon Bon a p a rt e

,

w a s i n c a rn a t e t h e world-wi d e movem en t wh i ch w e c a ll
t h e Fren c h R evolut i on He w a s t h e bui ld er of t h e soc i a l
.

ed i fic e of mod ern Fr a n c e a n d n ev er s a ys T a i n e h a s a n y , , ,

i n d i vi du a l ch a r a ct er so p rofou n dly i mpress ed h i s m a rk

upon a coll ect i v e work .

I t i s i m poss i bl e t o u n d ert a ke t o set fort h h er e a ll t h e

c a uses wh i c h brough t a bout i n Fr an c e t h at revolut i on a r y
m ovem en t t o wh i ch so m a n y of t h e pol i t i c a l a n d soc i a l
i n st it ut i on s of mod ern Eu r op e ow e t h ei r exi s t en ce B u t .

i n ord er t o u n d ers t a n d t h e c a ree r of N a pol eon i t i s n eces ,

s a r y t o exa m in e b ri efly som e of t h e co n d it i on s ou t of wh i c h

t h e R evolu t i o n grew O n ly t hus c a n w e get our sen se of
.

p er spect i v e our s t an d a rd of v a lu es
, .

For c en t uri es Fr a n c e h a d exi st ed u n d er t h e feud a l sys

 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
t em , t h e e ss en ce of whi c h w as cl a ss d i st i n c t i on s a n d p r ivi ,

leges for a l l excep t t h e lowest cl a sses At t h e h ea d of t h e .

S t a t e st ood t h e mo n a r ch t h e embod i m en t of t h e m i gh t
,

a n d m a j est y of t h e n a t i on He w a s subj ect t o m con t r ol

. .

“ ”
Th e t h i n g i s leg a l b ec a u se I wi sh i t sa i d Lou i s t h e ,

S i xt een t h t hus s t a t in g i n a si n gl e ph r a se t h e n a t u re of
,

t h e mon a rchy Th e Ki n g m a d e t h e l a ws l ev i ed t h e t a xes

.
, ,

sp en t t h em as h e sa w fit d ec l a red w a r m a d e p ea c e con
, , ,

t ra ct ed a ll i a n ces Th ere were i n t h eory p r a ct ic a lly n o

.

l i m it s t o h is power .

P a r i s w as t h e c a p it a l of F r a n c e b u t t h e Ki n g li ved ,

t welv e m i les a w a y a t Ver sa i ll es i n t h e mos t m a gn i fi cen t

p a l a c e i n Europ e bui lt d u r in g t h e p r ec ed i n g cen t u ry a t
,

a c os t of fiv e hu n d r ed m i ll i o n fr a n cs Luxu r y w a s ev er y .

wh ere t he p r ev a i li n g n ot e Th e Cou r t w a s c ompos ed of .

p eopl e I n 1 789 on t h e ev e of t h e R evolut i on

.
, ,

wh en t h e n a t i o n w a s b a n k r upt t h e t ot a l yea r ly c o st of ,

t h e Cou r t w a s n ot fa r fr om a hu n d red m i ll i o n fr a n c s .

N ea r ly h a lf of t he n a t i on a l i n c om e w a s r equi r ed for
t h e p a ym en t of t h e i n t er es t on t h e n at i o n a l d eb t wh i c h ,

i n t welve yea r s h a d i n cr ea sed by n ea rly t h r ee b i ll i o n

fran cs Ever y yea r t h e exp en d it u r es wer e l a r gely i n ex cess
.

of t he r ecei pt s a n d t h e r esult i n g d efi c it w a s m et by n ew
,

lo an s At l a st t h e t i m e h a d c om e wh en n o on e w a s wi lli n g
.

t o lo a n t o t h e S t a t e a n d b an k r up t c y w a s i mm i n en t
, It .

w a s i mposs i ble t o i n c r ea se t h e t a x es Th e n obl es a n d t h e .

cler gy wer e p r a ct i c a lly exemp t from t a x at i o n a n d t h e t e ,

m a i n i n g c l a ss t he t h i r d est at e w a s a lrea dy t a xed t o t h e

, ,

li mi t Th e fi n a n ci a l s it u at i o n c ould n o lon ger b e i gn o red

.
,

an d t h e Ki n g w a s fi n a lly forc ed t o m a k e a n a pp ea l t o

t h e p eopl e by summon i n g t h ei r r ep r es en t a t i v es .

Louis t h e S i xt een t h w as a good well—m ean i n g m an , ,

b u t d efic i en t i n educ at i o n a n d t ot ally l a cki n g i n d i st i n c

t i on
, ei t h er of body o r m i n d H e w as a wkw a rd t i m i d .
, ,

slow a n d u n cer t a i n No ki n g could h a v e b een l ess t o t h e

.

m a n n er born .

He w a s en t i r ely u n d er t h e in flu en c e of t h e Qu een ,

great ly t o hi s mi sfort un e as well a s t h at of Fr an c e M a ri e .

[ 1 8 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
to gr at i fy t h ei r wi sh es H i s pu r pos e w a s t o pl ea se, a n d
.

pl ea se h e d id — fo r a wh i l e C a lon n e w a s a c h a r m in g
.

m a n , of g r a c eful a dd r ess , w h o w a s p a st -m a s t e r of t h e
gen t le a rt of sp en d in g I n t h r ee yea rs, i n a t i m e of p r o
.

foun d p ea ce, h e bo r r owed a b i lli o n a n d a h a lf Of fr a n cs .

Th en t h e t rea su r y w as empt y a n d i t w a s i mpossi ble t o

flo at a n y mo r e lo a n s He p r oposed a t a x t o fa ll upo n n obl es
.

a s w ell a s c ommon er s , a n d a t o n c e m et t h e fa t e of Turgot

a n d N ecker .

Every ot h er r esourc e h a vin g b een exh a ust ed t h e Kin g

n ow yi el d ed t o t h e popul a r d em a n d a n d summo n ed t h e

S t a t es-Gen er a l t o m eet a t Ver sa i lles t h e fi r st of M a y

1 78 9 Thu s op en e d a n ew ch a p t er i n t h e h i s t ory of F r a n ce
. .

Th e S t a t es-Gen er a l w a s a n a ssembly r ep res en t i n g t h e

t h r ee est a t es of t h e n a t i o n : t h e cl er gy, t h e n ob i l it y a n d
t h e c ommo n er s I t w a s an old i n s t i t u t i on of F r a n ce, b u t
.

o n e t h a t h a d n eve r fu lly d ev elop ed l i k e t h e p a r l i a m en t of

En gl an d Th e l a st p r evi o u s m eet in g h a d b een h el d in

.

1 6 1 4, d u r i n g t h e ea r ly d a y s of t h e r ei gn of Lou i s t h e

Th ir t een t h I t w a s n ow revi ved , a s a l a st reso r t , i n a

.

gr eat n at i on a l c r i si s i n t h e hope t h at i t mi gh t pull t h e

S t at e ou t of it s d eplo r a bl e s it u a t i o n .

Fo r mer ly ea c h on e of t h e t h r ee est at es h a d h a d a n equ a l

n u mb e r of d el eg a t es, a n d e a c h est a t e h a d m et s ep a r at ely .

Th i s o r g a n i z a t i on w a s m a n i fest ly i mpossi bl e n ow , i f
a n y t h i ng w a s t o b e acc ompl i sh ed , a s i t l eft t h e n a t i o n

ex a c t ly wh er e i t h a d b een , i n t h e h a n d s of t h e pr i vi le ged

c l a sses At t h e fi r st m eet i n g , h el d t h e
.
5 M a y 1 78 9 , t h er e
wer e a bou t 1 2 0 0 m emb er s p r es en t of whom ov er a h a lf ,

wer e m emb er s of t h e t hi r d est at e I n rea l it y however t h e

.
, ,

n umb er of d el eg a t es i n symp at hy wi t h t h e c a u se of t h e

p eople w a s mu c h g re at er a s ov er 2 0 0 of t h e 30 0 rep re
,

sen t a t i v es el e c t ed by t h e cl er g
y w ere p a ri sh pri est s a ll ,

common ers by o r i gin .

Du ri n g t h e fi r st sessi on s t h ere w a s pr a ct i c a l un an i mit y

,

o n t h e p a r t of c l er gy n obl es a n d c ommo n e r s i n t h e fo r m a l
, ,

st a t em en t s of g r i ev a n c es an d of t h e r efo r m s t h ey fa vo r ed .

D eep aff ect i on w as express ed for t h e Ki n g a n d gr at it ud e ,

E 20 ]
 TH E R EVOLUTION
for h i s summo n in g of t h e S t a t es-G en er a l a n d t h ere w a s
,

a gen er a l feel i n g of hop eful n ess t h a t a w a y would ea s i ly

b e fou n d t o ext r a c t t h e n at i o n fr om i t s u n fo r t u n at e pl i gh t .

B u t t h e Gov ern m en t h a d n o pl a n t o off er Th e K in g i n .

,

his op en i n g sp eech w a s s i l en t on t h e g r eat qu est i o n of

,

t h e c on s t it ut i o n a n d h a d n ot h i n g t o sa y a bout wh et h er
,

t h e es t a t es should vot e by ord er o r by h ea d Th e Gover n .

m en t t hu s sh i rked i t s respo n s i b i lit y an d lost it s op

p o rt u n i t y a n d a s er i ous c r i si s soo n d evelop ed A co n fli c t
, .

b et ween t h e o r d ers on t h e qu est i on of vot i n g b eg an On t h e

s i xt h of M a y a n d l a st ed u n t i l t h e en d of Jun e Bot h sid es .

st ood fir m an d t h e Gov ern m en t a llowed t h i n gs t o d r i ft .

Fi n a lly a m ajo rit y of t h e c l er gy a n d a m i n o r it y of t h e

n ob i l i t y y i eld ed a n d o n t h e 2 7 Ju n e t h e K i n g comm an d ed
,

a ll t o si t w it h t h e t h i r d es t a t e i n a s i n gl e a ssembly T h e .

N a t i o n a l A ssembly w a s n ow c omplet e a n d it s fi r st act ,

w a s t o a ppo i n t a c omm i t t ee o n t h e c o n s t i t ut i o n .

Thi s c r i si s w a s n o soo n er over t h an a n ot h er b eg a n t o

d ev elop At t h e i n sp i r at i o n of t h e Cou r t p a r t y a con
.
,

sid er a b l e body of t r oop s m a i n ly fo rei g n m er cen a r i es w as

, ,

o r d ered by t he Ki n g t o t h e vi ci n i t y of P a ri s a n d Ver sa i lles .

I t w a s evi d en t t h a t a n a t t emp t w a s t o b e m a d e ei t h er t o
i n t i m i d a t e t h e Ass embly o r t o s u pp r es s i t en t i r ely Th e .

Assembly w a s sa ved by t h e vi olen t a n d t ot a lly u n exp ec t ed

up r i si n g of t h e c it y of P a r i s wh i c h on t he 1 4 July s t o r m ed
,

t h e B a s t i ll e.

T h e B a st i lle w a s a fort r es s c omm a n d in g t h e ea st er n

sect i o n of P a r i s wh i c h fo r fou r c en t u r i es a n d a h a lf h a d
,

t er r o r i z ed t h e c i t y I t h a d b een bu i l t d u r i n g t h e rei gn of
.

Ch a r les t h e F i ft h t o d efen d t h e subu r b wh i c h co n t a i n ed

t h e r oy a l p a l a ce of S a i n t -P a ul I t w a s u sed a s a s t a t e
.

p r i so n a n d h a d h a d m a n y d i st i n gu i sh ed o cc up a n t s
“ ”
a mo n g ot h er s t h e M a n wit h t h e I r o n M a sk w h o d i ed ,

t h er e i n 1 70 3 a ft er fiv e y ea rs of co n fi n em en t .

A t hous a n d en g r a vi n gs show u s t he B a st i ll e a s it w a s .

I t co n si st ed of ei gh t r o u n d t ower s c o n n ect ed by m a ss i ve
'

w a lls t en feet t h i c k p i er c ed by n a r r ow sl it s I n l a t er
, , .

t i m es i t h a d o n ly o n e en t r an c e wi t h a dr aw-bri dg e ov er
, ,

[ 21 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
t he mo a t on t he si d e t ow a r d s t h e r i ver I t w a s bui lt on.

t h e l i n e of t h e c i t y w a ll s jus t t o t h e sou t h of t h e Po r t e
S ai n t -An t oi n e wh i ch w as a ppro a ch ed over t h e c it y foss e
,

by it s own bri dge .

Th e c a pt u r e of t h e B a s t i ll e w a s reg a rd ed everywh ere i n

F r a n ce a s t he t ri umph of li b ert y a n d joy w a s u n i ver s a l
,
.

Th e 1 4 July w a s d ec l a red t h e n a t i o n a l holi d a y A n ew .

fla g t h e t r i c olo r w a s a dop t ed I t w as m a d e up of t h e colo r s

, ,
.

of t he cit y of P a r i s red a n d blue comb i n ed wit h t h e old

, ,

whit e b a n n er of t h e Bou r bon s A n ew m i li t a r y fo r ce t h e

. ,

N a t i on a l Gu a r d w a s o r g a n i zed Th r ee d a ys l a t er t h e Ki n g
,
.

c a m e t o P a r is a n d fo r m a lly r a t i fi ed t h es e ch a n ges .

At t h e sa m e t i m e t h e r evolu t i o n a ry movem en t b eg an
t o sp r ea d ov er F r a n c e N a t i on a l gu a rd s wer e c r ea t ed
.

ever ywh ere i n i mi t a t i o n of P a r i s Th e p ea san t s t ook

.

m at t er s i n t o t hei r ow n h a n ds a n d m a d e a vi ol en t w a r
upon t h e Ch at ea ux I n t h i s w a y feud a l i sm w a s a boli sh ed
.
,

n ot l eg a lly b u t pr a c t i c a lly bot h at t h e c a pi t a l a n d i n

,

rur a l Fra n ce .

I n t h e m i d st of t h ese exc es ses a n d d i so r d er s t h e m i d d le ,

of S ept emb er 1 78 9 N a pol eon l eft Auxon n e for Corsi c a

, .

Alt hough t h e revolut i on a r y movem en t h a d a s y et h a r dly

r ea c h ed t h er e t h e whol e i sl a n d w as i n a st a t e of g r ea t
,

polit i c a l un res t T h e gen er a l d esi re of t h e p eopl e w a s

.

ei t h er for i n d ep en d en ce o r for i n c o r po r a t i o n i n t h e F ren c h

mon a rc hy T h e p at r i ot i c p a r t y sa w t h a t t h ei r b est C h a n ce
.

for fr eedom l a y i n a n a lli a n c e wi t h t h e r evolu t i o n a r y

movem en t i n F r a n ce Th ere were upri si n gs i n Aj a c c i o
.
,

a n d ev en mo r e d esp er a t e r i ot i n gs a t B a s t i a Th e Fren c h .

gov er n or w a s fo r ced t o hoi st t h e t r i colo r ov er t h e cit a d el

a n d t o s a n ct i on t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n of a N a t i o n a l Gu a r d .

N a pol eon w as p r om i n en t i n t h i s mov em en t an d n a t u r a lly ,

h 1 s c on d u ct ga ve offen ce t o t h e a u t ho r i t i es Th e c om .

m an d er a t Aj a c c i o wrot e t o t h e M i n i st er of W a r i n P a r i s
t h a t N a pol eo n would b e much b et t er wit h h i s regi m en t
“ ”
for il fer m en t e s a n s ces se Yet wh en hi s l ea ve exp i r ed
.

I t w a s ext en d ed o n t h e g r ou n d of hi s c o n t i n u ed il l -h ea lt h .

H e w as t a ki n g t h e c u r e a t t h e b at hs of O r ezz a wh en ,

[ 22 ]
 TH E REVOLUTI ON
P a ol i o n c e m ore l a n d ed i n Corsi c a a ft er h i s exi l e of t wen t y
o n e y ea r s H is journ ey t hrough Fr a n c e h a d b een a pro
.

lon g ed ov a t i o n Wh en h e en t er ed t h e h a rbor of B a s t i a
.

on t h e 1 7 July h e w a s m et wi t h s a lvo s of a rt i ll ery an d

“ ”
cri es of Vi v e l e pé r e d e l a p a t r i e ! He w as n ow s i xt y-si x
yea rs of a ge ; a t a ll m a n wit h p i er c i n g eyes a n d lon g
, ,

wh it e h a i r N a pol eon los t n o t i m e in joi n in g h i m b u t

.
,

t h ei r r el a t i on s w er e n ot lo n g h a rmo n i ous Hi s l ea ve soon .

exp i r ed , a n d h e w as o n ly w a i t i n g for a fa vor a bl e wi n d

t o emb a r k O wi n g t o a dver s e wi n ds h e d i d n ot fi n a lly

.

s a i l u n t i l t h e l a s t of J an u a ry 1 79 1 , .

N a pol eon w a s b a ck wit h hi s regi m en t a t Auxon n e i n

F ebru a ry 1 79 1 a ft er a n a bs en c e of n ea rly sev en t een
mon t h s He h a d st opped a t V a l en c e t o v i si t som e old
.

fr i en d s a n d d i d n ot r ea ch Auxon n e un t i l t h e el even t h or
,

t w elft h of t h e mon t h Al t hough h e h a d co n s i d er a bly ex

.

ceed ed hi s l ea v e a n d w as l i a bl e t o lo se hi s p a y for t hree

mon t hs a n d a h a lf h e w as well r ecei ved by his colon el

, ,

t o whom h e pr es en t ed cer t i fi c a t es fr om t h e a ut ho r i t i es a t
Aj a c ci o wh i c h st at ed t h at h i s p a t r i ot i sm w a s a bove su s
p i ci on a n d t h a t h i s r et u r n h a d b een d el a yed by st r ess of
weat h er Th e M i n i st er of W a r a cced ed t o t h e r equ es t
.

of hi s c olon el t h at t h e p a y whi c h h e h a d los t by hi s a b

s en ce a mou n t i n g t o n ea r ly 2 50 fr a n cs should b e m a d e up
, ,

to h im .

O n hi s u r n N a pol eon h a d brough t wit h h i m hi s

r et

brot h er Lou i s who w a s t h en a bout t welve yea r s a n d a

h a lf old h a vi n g b een bo r n on t h e 2 S ept emb er 1 778
, .

N a pol eon h a d un d ert a k en t h i s ext r a c a r e i n o r d er t o t e

li eve t o som e ext en t t h e fi n a n ci a l st r a i n a t hom e Th er e .

wer e t hu s t w o i n s t ea d of on e t o support on h i s m ea g r e
p a y of on e hu n d r ed fr a n c s a mon t h I t w a s n ot ea sy t o .

m a k e en ds m eet I n h i s sh a bby l it t l e room t h ere w a s n o

.
,

fu r n it u r e ex c ep t hi s b ed a t a bl e tw o c h a i r s hi s port
, , ,

m a n t ea u a n d h i s p a p er s a n d books H i s b r ot h er sl ept on
, .

a m a t t r es s i n a l i t t l e c a b i n et a d joi n i n g h i s room He .

h i m self pr ep a red t h ei r fr ug a l m ea l s .

Durin g h is s econ d sojou r n a t Auxon n e N a poleon ,

E23 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
work ed h a b it u a lly fift een o r sixt een hou rs a d a y He g a ve .

Lou is l esson s i n m at h em at i c s a n d w as very p r ou d of hi s

p r ogr ess At a l a t er p er i od h e compl a i n ed of h i s brot h er s
.
’

i n gr at i t ud e a n d r em i n d ed h i m t h a t fo r h i s sa l he ha d
,
g
d ep r i ved h i ms elf even of t h e n ecessa r i es of li fe .

I n 1 79 1 by a d ec r ee of t h e N a t i o n a l As sembly t h e
, ,

o r g a n i z a t i on of t h e a r t i ller y w a s en t i rely c h a n g ed a n d t h i s ,

a r m w a s sep a r a t ed fr om t h e i n fa n t r y T h e r egi m en t s lost

.

t h ei r fo r m er n a m es a n d w er e h en c efort h d esi gn a t ed by
n umb er s L a F e, r e b ec om i n g t h e F i rst R egi m e n t N a pol eon .

w a s a ppoi n t ed fi rst -li eu t en a n t of t h e Fou r t h R egi men t ,

kn own fo r m er ly a s t h e R egi m en t d e Gr en obl e n ow ,

i n g a r r i son a t V a l en ce H e l eft Auxo n n e for hi s n ew post

.

t h e 1 4 Ju n e 1 79 1 a n d a r r i v ed a t V a l en ce t w o d a y s l a t er .

At V a l en ce h e li ved i n hi s O l d lo d gin gs wit h Mlle Bou

, . .

Lou is bo a r d ed wit h t h e l a n d l a d y w h o look ed a ft e r hi m

,

li ke a mot h er b u t N a pol eon t ook hi s m ea l s at t h e Tr ois

,

Pi geon s a s b efo r e Th e Abb é d e S a i n t -Ruff w a s d ea d

.
,

b u t N a pol eo n fou n d sev er a l ol d fr i en d s a n d m a d e som e

n ew a c qu a i n t a n c es H e w a s a n a r d en t suppo rt er of t h e
.

R evol u t i on a lt hough n e a r ly a l l of t h e o ffi cers were a r is

,

t o cr a t s wh i l e t h e c ommo n sol d i er s w er e o n t h e s i d e of
,

t h e n at i o n .

Fou r d a ys a ft er N a pol eon s a r ri v a l a t V a l en c e occu r r ed

’

t h e fl i gh t of t h e Roy a l fa m i ly t o V a r en n es on e of t h e ,

mo st i mpo rt a n t even t s of t h e R evolu t i on As a r esult of .

t h i s a l l t h e o ffi c er s w e r e r eq u i r ed t o t a k e a n o a t h of a l
,

l egi a n ce t o t h e Assembly Th i s o a t h wh i c h h a d t o b e
.
,

w rit t en ou t a n d si gn ed by ea ch o ffi c er w a s exec ut ed by ,

N a pol eo n on t h e s i xt h of July Th er e i s n o d oub t t h at a t

.

t h e t i m e h e w a s a si n cere R epubl i c a n T h e n ec essi t y of .

t a ki n g t h i s o a t h h a d a p r ofou n d effec t i n t h e a r my M a n y .

ofli c ers r efu sed t o t a ke i t a n d a t o n ce em i gr a t e d No l ess .

t h a n t h i r t y-t w o o fli cer s of t h e Fou r t h R egi m en t t ook

t h i s c ou r se M a n y fa m i ly t i es w er e b r ok en Th e fa mou s
. .

D esa i x who fell at M a ren go t ook t h e o at h wh er ea s

, , ,

hi s t w o b ro t h er s r em a i n ed fa i t hful t o t h e A n ci en Régi m e .

S é r u r i er wh i l e at t emp t i n g t o esc a p e i n t o Sp a i n , w as
,

E 24 ]
 TH E REVOLUTION
s t opp ed at t h e fron t i er a n d l at er b ec a m e a M a ré ch a l d e
,

Fr a n c e .

Duri n g t h es e polit i c a l excit eme n t s N a pol eo n d id n ot ,

n egl ec t h i s r ea d i n g a s w e k n ow fr om t h e ev i d en c e of hi s
,

n ot e— books Th e a bst r a c t s wh i c h h e m a d e a r e v er y
.

ch a r a ct eri st i c ; t h ey a r e gen er a lly pr a c t i c a l i n t h ei r

n a t u r e a n d show a s t ron g p a ss i o n fo r good gov er n m en t
,
.

At t h e s a m e t i m e h e wr o t e a n es sa y i n c omp et it i o n for a
p r i z e of 1 2 50 fr a n cs ofl er ed by t h e Ac a d é m i e d e Lyon .

B u t h e w a s n ot suc c essful h i s essa y b ei n g r a n ked n ext ,

t o t h e l a st a mon g t h e s i xt een subm i t t ed .

H a vi n g fi n i sh ed hi s essa y N a pol eo n a ppli ed for a n o th er

l ea v e of a bsen c e Th e r equ es t h a vi n g b een r efused by h i s
.

c olon el h e m a d e a d i r ect a ppli c a t i o n t o B a r o n d u Tei l

, ,

who h a d comm a n d ed t h e School a t Auxon n e a n d w a s ,

n ow I n sp ec t o r-G en er a l of A r t i ll er y for t h a t p a rt of F r a n ce .

N a pol eo n p a id hi m a v i sit a t hi s ch at ea u a n d st a yed i n

t h e hou se sev er a l d a y s Th ey d i scus sed t h e a r t of w a r
.
,

a n d t h e pl a n fo r a n ew r o a d fr om F r a n ce t o I t a ly wh i c h ,

w a s a ft er w a r d s bu i lt by N a pol eon Wh en h e l eft t h e old .

,
“
gen er a l sa i d of hi m : H e i s a m a n of g r eat powers a n d
”
wi ll m a ke a n a m e Fi n a lly h e r ec ei v ed a l ea v e o f t h r ee
.

mon t h s wi t hout d educt i on of p a y b u t w a s ord er ed t o

, ,

rejo i n hi s r egi m en t i n Nov emb er I n S ep t emb er 1 79 1 h e .

rea ch ed Co r si c a wh er e h e r em a in ed u n t i l t h e followi n g
,

M ay H e w a s a c c omp a n i ed by hi s b r ot h er Lou i s
. .

Th e mo n t h a ft er h i s a r r i v a l h e los t hi s gr ea t -u n c l e
Luc i en Bon a p a rt e t h e h ea d of t h e hou se who h a d b een
, ,

a s eco n d fa t h er t o h i m T h e A r chd ea c o n l eft a co n si d er a bl e

.

su m of mo n ey wh i c h h elp ed t o r el i eve t h e fa m i ly n eces

,

S l t l es
.

At h i s t i m e P a ol i w as m a st er of t he i sl a n d As Com
t .

m a n d er of t h e N a t i o n a l Gu a r d a n d Pres i d en t of t h e De
p a r t m en t a l l pow e r bot h m i l i t a r y a n d c i vi l w a s i n h i s
, , ,

h a n ds H e m et N a pol eo n on ce b u t n ot h i n g s at i sfa c t ory

.
,

c a m e of t h e i n t er vi ew a n d short ly a ft erw a r ds N a pol eon

,

wen t b a ck t o Fr a n ce .

H i s pr es en c e i n P a r is w a s v ery n ec ess a ry for h i s l ea ve ,

[ 25 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
h a d exp i red an d h e w a s on t h e l i st of o ffi c er s a b sen t
”
wit hout c a us e fr om t h e gen er a l r eview of t h e fi rst of
J a n u a r y 1 792 I n o r d in a r y t i m es h e p r ob a bly would h a ve
.

b een d r opp ed fr om t h e a rmy, b u t t h e gov ern ny n t could

n ot a ffo r d t o b e t oo s ev er e T h e a r my h a d lo st so m a n y
.

o ffi c er s b y em i gr at i on t h a t t h ey wer e on ly t oo a n xi ous t o

ret a i n t he s er vi c es of a ll who wer e Wi ll i n g t o suppo r t t h e
R evolut i on Th er efo r e i n July 1 792 N a pol eon w a s r e
.

i n st at ed wi t h t h e r a n k of c a p t a i n .

H e h a d r ea c h ed P a r i s at t h e en d of M a y , an d t h e w eeks
wh i c h el a ps ed b efo re hi s r ei n st at em en t i n July m a r ked
t h e low est eb b i n hi s fo r t u n es H e w a s obl i g ed t o p a w n
.

h i s w at ch , a n d m i ght h a v e p eri sh ed of m i s er y if h e h a d
n ot b een lu c ky en ough t o r u n a cros s hi s old s c hool-boy

fr i en d Bou r ri en n e .

Du r in g t h e fou r mon t hs t h a t h e sp en t at P a ri s , N a poleon

w a s a n ey e-wi t n es s of som e of t h e mo st st r i ki n g ev en t s
of t h e gr ea t d r a m a of t h e R evolut i on O n t h e 2 0 Ju n e h e
.

sa w t h e K i n g a pp ea r a t on e of t h e wi n dows of t h e Tu i l er i es

wit h t h e red c a p of R evolut i o n on h i s h ea d whi l e t h e mob

su r ged a n d ro a red i n t h e G a r d en s b elow H i s bloo d boi l ed
.

a t t h e si gh t of t h ese vulg a r ou t r a ges , a n d h e ex c l a i m ed :

“
Why d on t t h ey sweep off fou r or fiv e hu n d r ed of t h at
’

ca n a i l l e wi t h c a n n on ?Th e r est woul d t h en r u n a w a y fa st

”
en ough . Th e r em a rk w a s proph et i c L at er , o n t h e 1 0
.

Augu st , h e saw t h e at t a ck o n t h e Tui l er i es wh en t h e

p a l a ce w as t a ken a n d t h e Swi ss Gu a r d cu t t o p i eces .

At S a i n t H el en a h e t old L as C a ses how , a t t h e sou n d of t h e

t oc si n , h e r a n t o t h e C a r r ou sel , t o t h e furn it u r e shop of
F a u v el et , B ou r r i en n e s b r ot h er , wh er e h e w a s a ble t o
’

ob serv e a l l t h e even t s of t h e d a y Aft er t h e p a l a c e w a s

.

c a pt ured a n d t h e Ki n g h a d t a ken r efuge wi t h t h e As

sem b l y , i n t h e Ri d i n g S chool n ea r t h e p r esen t s i t e of t h e

HOt el Co n t i n en t a l , N a pol eo n ven t u r ed i n t o t h e G a rd en s

an d w a s mu c h i mp r ess ed by t h e scen es of sl a ugh t e r h e

sa w th er e .

’
N a pol eon s s i st er El i sa w a s a t t h i s t i m e a pupi l at S a i n t
Cy r on e of t h e roy a l s chool s wh i ch w a s suppress ed by a
, ,

[ 26 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
l i ved wit h M m e S é m on v ill e a n d Lou is a n d JerOm e
.
,

Bon a p a r t e a s well a s Eu gé n e d e B ea u h a m a i s a t t en d ed
, ,

t h e sa m e school a s Ch a r l es d e M on t h ol on T h e you n g er .

m emb er s of t h e t wo fa m i li es t reat ed ea c h ot h er a d rot her s

an d s i st ers .

Tr u gu et s squ a d r on set sa i l on t h e 8 J a n u a r y 1 793 I n

’
.

ord er t o a s si st t h e exp ed it i on h e h a d fo r m ed t h e pl a n of
,

a n a t t a c k o n t h e n o r t h of S a r d i n i a by a sm a ll fo r c e of t w o
hun d r ed a n d fift y r egul a r s a n d fou r hu n d r ed a n d fift y
volun t eer s u n d er t h e c omm a n d of Colon el C esa r i Ces a r i .

left Bon i fa ci o t h e 1 8 F eb r u a r y a n d N a pol eo n w a s wi t h

,

h i m i n c omm a n d of t h e a r t i ller y a n d t h e volu n t eer s

,
.

A l an d in g w a s t o b e m a d e on M a dd a l en a t h e l a r ges t ,

of t h e eleven i sl a n d s sit u a t ed i n t h e S t r a it of Bon i fa c i o

b et ween Co rsi c a a n d S a r d in i a Close t o t h i s i s C a p rer a
.

wh i ch w a s t h e r esid en ce of Ga r i b a ld i a t t h e c lose of hi s
l ife At t h is t i m e t h e i sl a n d s w er e i n h a b i t ed by a few
.

hu n d r ed sh eph er d s a n d sa i lo r s w h o wer e Co r si c a n i n
l a n gu a ge a n d c u st om s F r a n c e cl a i m ed t h e i sl an ds on t h e
.

gr oun d t h at t h ey h a d fo r m er ly b elo n ged t o G en o a .

Th e t r oop s l a n d ed on S a n S t efa n o a li t t l e i sl an d t o t h e ,

west of M a dd a l en a a n d soo n r ed uc ed t h e squ a re t ower

,

wh ic h w a s g a r r i son ed on ly by t w en t y-fiv e Swi ss N a .

pol eon t h en bu i lt a b a t t er y a r m ed wi t h a m o rt a r an d t w o
,

sm a ll gu n s a n d op en ed fi re o n t h e t w o sm a ll fo r t s o n t h e
,

opposit e i sl a n d of M a d d a l en a Th e w ea t h er w a s t er ri ble
. .

T h e Col d w a s i n t en s e wit h a h ea vy r a i n a n d s t r o n g wi n d
, .

Not wit h st a n d i n g t h es e ob st a cl es N a pol eo n hop ed t o b e ,

m a st er of M a dd a l en a on t h e followi n g d a y B u t t h e crew .

of t h e c o r vet t e mut i n i ed a n d t h r eat en ed t o set sa i l l ea v

, ,

i n g t h e sol d iers t o t h ei r fat e N a pol eo n w a s t h er efo r e

.

fo r c ed t o a b a n don t h e en t er p r i se ju st a s vi c t ory s eem ed

c ert a in Wh a t ever m a y b e our judgm en t a s t o t h i s u m
.

fort un at e exp ed it i on it s co n duct c a s t s n o r efl ec t io n on

,

t h e ch a r a ct er or c a r eer of N a pol eon ev en i f i t di d n ot a d d ,

much t o hi s m i lit a r y r eput a t i o n .

A c rit i c a l st a ge h a d n ow b een r ea c h ed i n t h e a ff a i rs of
Corsi c a P a ol i w h o w a s st i ll i n co n t rol of t h e govern m en t
.
, ,

[ 28 ]
 TH E REVOLUTION
h ad b een t urn ed a g a in s t t h e Co n v en t i on by t h e exc ess es
of t h e J a cob i n s a n d w a s st ron gly su sp ec t ed of E n gli sh
l ea n i n gs He w a s d en ou n c ed a s a t r a it o r by N a poleo n s
.
’

you n ge r b rot h er Lu c i en i n a sp eech t o t h e J a cob i n Club

a t Toulo n a n d a n ord er for h i s a r r est w a s i ssu ed fr om
,

P a ri s Th i s b r ough t m at t er s t o a c r i si s i n Co r si c a an d
.
,

N a poleon w a s soo n fo r c ed t o m a ke a d eci si on b et ween

P a oli a n d t h e Co n v en t i on a n d h e d id n ot h esi t a t e F r om
‘

, .

t h a t mom en t h e d evo t ed a l l of h i s en er gi es t o t h e ov e r
t h r ow o f h i s form er h er o a n d fr i en d Aft er v a r i ous a d.

v en t u r es h e en g a ged i n a n u n su cc essful a t t empt t o dri ve

,

t h e P a ol i p a rt y fr om Aj a cci o Co n vi n c ed t h a t t h er e w a s
.

n o fu r t h er hop e h e sen t h i s mot h er a m ess a g e t o p r ep a r e

,

for fl i ght U n d er t h e exi st i n g c o n d i t i on s i t w a s n o lo n ge r

.

pos si bl e for t h e Bon a p a r t es t o rem a i n i n sa fet y on t h e

i sl a n d Th ey h a d b r oken w i t h t h e p a t r i ot i c p a r t y a n d c a s t
.

t h ei r l ot wi t h i t s en em i es I t w a s n ec essa ry for N a pol eo n

.

t o r ejoi n hi s r egi m en t so h e d eci d ed t o t a k e h i s fa m i ly

,

wit h h i m O n t h e 1 1 Ju n e 1 793 t h ey a ll sa i l ed for Toulon

.
,

wh ere t h ey a r r i v ed t w o d a ys l a t er a n d fou n d Lu ci en
,

w a i t in g t o r ecei ve t h em Th i s w a s N a pol eon s r ea l fa r e

.
’

well t o hi s n a t i v e i sl a n d a l t hough h e p a ss ed a few d a ys

,

a t Aj a c c i o o n hi s r et u r n fr om Egyp t i n 1 799 .

As Ro se po i n t s ou t t h e i n t er est of t h e even t s a bove

,

d esc r i b ed li es n ot i n t h ei r i n t r i n si c i mpo r t an ce b u t i n
, ,

t h e si gn a l p r oof wh i c h t h ey aff o r d of Bo n a p a r t e s won d e r

’

ful en d owm en t s of m i n d a n d w i ll I n a lo si n g c a u se an d i n
.

a p et t y sph er e h e d i spl a y e d a l l t h e qu a l i t i es wh i c h wh en ,

t h e om en s w ere fa vo r a bl e i mp ell ed hi m t o t h e dom i n a

,

t i o n of a Co n t i n en t .

E2 9 ]
 CHA PTER THREE

1 793—1 795

TO ULO N AND VENDEM IAIRE

L Av en em en t d e
’
Bo p naP o l pp
art e Ch
His ers n a A ear an ce Hi s a r act er

Th e Bo p
n a a rt e ly pol o h y So h
F ami ” Na e n wit t he Arm of t he ut — The
S pp
u B
er o f S g
ea ucai re — T h e o lo ppo
i e e of T u n G l A in t ed en er a of

B g
ri a d e b Fo
Hi s Rem em r an ce o f Co r m er H gh Sm r ad es Hi s i t a n d a rd
of Co ppo
n d uc t — A I p o Co
i n t ed n s ect r of I p o
ast s Recalled an d m r is n ed
o k
R est red t o His R a n — T h e Co xp o rsi c an E ed it i n — O r d er ed t o
Pa ris — Hop ppo
es an d D isa in t m en t s
P pol o
a ri s i n 1 795 — Na e n an d

Ba r ra s — Hi sP lan for t he t a i an a m ai n His recar i us i t u at i n

I l C p g P o S o
Co o h vo
n st it u t i n of t h e Y ea r T ree Re lt of t he
S o ec t i n s T he
T i rt een Ven d é m iai re
h M o G l Bo p
a j r - en era n a art e ]

E h a ve n ow a r ri ved
wh at Va n d a l c a ll s at

L Av é n em en t d e Bo n a p a rt e
’
—t h e com
m en cem en t of h i s c a r eer As y et t o a ll ou t .
,

w a r d a pp ea r an c e t h e l i t t l e c a p t a in of a rt i ll er y w a s t h e
,

s a m e sli m ill -p ropo r t i on ed a n d r a t h er i n si gn i fic a n t

, ,

y out h Hi s h ea d w a s sh a p ely h i s foreh ea d wi d e an d of

.
,

med i um h ei gh t Hi s l i ght b r own h a i r fell i n st iff fla t

.
,

lock s over hi s l ean ch eeks Hi s eyes wer e l a rge a n d blu e

.

gr a y i n c olor wi t h a p en et r a t i n g gl a n ce Th e n ose w a s
, .

Rom an a n d fi n ely form ed t h e m on t h sm a ll t h e li p s full

, ,

a n d s en suous t h e ch i n r ou n d a n d firm H i s compl ex i o n

,
.

w a s sa llow T he fr a m e of h i s body w a s sm a ll an d fin e
.
,

p a rt i cul a r ly hi s h a n ds a n d feet ; b ut h i s d eep ch est a n d

sho rt n ec k wer e pow er ful Hi s g a i t w as firm a n d st e a d y
.
.

Hi s m i en w a s g en er a lly somb r e b u t wh en h e sm i led a n d ,

showed hi s b ea ut i ful t eet h a n d hi s won d erful eyes ,

b ri ght en ed h e ch a r m ed ever yo n e t h en a s ever

, , .

Hi s c a r eer t hus fa r h a d b een so common pl a c e a s t o

aw a k en lit t l e exp ect at i o n for h i s fu t ure Hi s ed u c at i on .

h a d n ot go n e b eyon d t h e essen t i a ls of hi s pro fessi on b u t ,

h a d b een supplem en t ed by a wi d e cours e of rea d in g He .

E 30 21
 TOULON AND VEND EMIAI RE
could m a st er d et a i ls as n o m a n b efor e or s in ce an d h e ,

h a d a v a st fu n d of i n form a t i o n at hi s comm an d Hi s .

co n c ept i on of m en a n d aff a i r s w a s n ot sci en t i fic b u t i t

w a s cl ea r a n d pr a c t i c a l Up t o t h e pres en t t i m e h e h a d
.

show ed n o t a s t e for t h e t r a d e of a r ms t h e rout i n e a n d ,

p et t y d et ai ls of wh i ch h e h ea r t i ly d i sl i ked Nor h a d h e .

y et gi v en a n y s i gn s of t h at m a st er y of s t r at egy a n d t a ct i c s
wh i ch h e h a d d eri v ed fr om h i s s t u d y a n d an a lys i s of t h e
exploi t s of t h e grea t wo r ld -co n qu erors .

So fa r h e s eem ed a m a n n ei t h er much b et t er n or much

,

wors e t h an t h e world i n wh i ch h e w a s born b u t h e ,

w a s fa r gr eat er t h an t ho se a bou t h i m i n p er sp i c a c i t y ,

a d r o it n es s a d a p t a b i li t y a n d
, p er s ever a n c e As y et t h es e .

qu a lit i es of l ea d ershi p w ere sc a rcely recogn i z a bl e b u t ,

t h ey exi s t ed .

On t h ei r a r riv a l at Toulon t h e Bon a p a rt es s et t l ed i n

,

t h e v i ll a ge of L a V a l et t e a t t h e g a t es of t h a t c i t y b u t
, ,

a ft er a short st a y t h ey r e mov ed t o M a r s ei ll e Th e li fe of .

t h e refugees a t fi r s t w a s on e of d i r e povert y B u t pr es .

en t ly b r i gh t er d a ys d a w n ed fo r t h em Joseph w a s a p .

poi n t ed a c omm i s si on er wit h t he a rmy a n d Lu c i en a ,

sup er i n t en d en t of st or es I n Augu st 1 794 Jos eph m a r r i ed

.

Jul ie t h e d a ught er of Mon si eu r Cl a r y a w ea lt hy s i lk

, ,

m er ch an t of M a rsei ll e w h o h a d b een a good fr i en d of

,

t h e fa m i ly duri n g t h ei r p er i od of d i st r ess a n d w h o n ow ,

r i c hly en dowed hi s d a ugh t er M a sson s t a t es t h at sh e r e

.

c ei v ed a d ot of fr a n cs a sum equ i v a len t t o a

'

m i ll i on a n d a h a lf t o-d a y About t h e sa m e t i m e t h ere w a s

.

a l so som e t a lk of a m a r r i a ge b et ween N a poleon a n d

D é si r é e a n ot h er d a ugh t er b u t n ot h in g c a m e of it a n d
, , ,

sh e a ft erw a r ds m a r r i ed B ern a do t t e t h e fu t u r e K i n g of ,

Swed en Luc i en i n t h e m ea n wh i l e h a d t a ken as hi s wi fe

.
, ,

C a t h er i n e Boy er t h e d a ugh t er of a n i n n -keep er at S a i n t

,

M a xi m i n wh ere h e w a s s t a t i on ed Sh e w a s a bsolut ely

, .

i lli t er at e b u t w as a you n g wom a n of exc ell en t ch a r a c t er

,

a n d m a d e h i m a good wi fe .

O n h i s ret u r n fr om Co r s i c a N a pol eo n h a d r ejoi n ed h i s

E 31 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
regi m en t a t N ice wh er e four comp a n ies were st a t i o n ed
, ,

t h e r em a i n d er b ei n g a t t h e h ea dqu a rt ers a t G r en obl e .

H ere h e foun d i n c omm a n d of t h e a rt i ll er y of t h e A r my of

I t a ly Ch ev a l ier d u Tei l t h e b r ot h er of h is O H fri en d
, , .

H e at t a c h ed N a pol eo n t o t h e servi ce of t h e c o a st b a t
t er i es At t h i s t i m e t h ere wa s a gen er a l r evolt i n t h e
.

d ep a rt m en t s of t h e Sout h a ga in st t h e Con st it ut i o n of
’
1 79 3 T h e a r my of C a r t ea ux of wh i ch N a pol eo n s regi
.
,

m en t w a s a p a rt w a s employed i n put t in g down t he r i sin g

, .

N a pol eon h i mself w a s sen t on v a r i ou s m i ssio n s t o Lyon ,

Va l en ce Avi gn on a n d B ea u ca i re I t w a s i n t h e l a st n a m ed
,
.

pl a c e t h at h e wr ot e t h e r em a r k a bl e p a mphl et L e Soup er ,
”
d e B ea u c a i re wh ic h w a s p r i n t ed a t t h e publ ic expen s e
, ,

a n d b r ought h i s n a m e fa vo r a bly t o t h e a t t en t i o n of t h e

Con ven t i on .

I t p u r po r t s t o r ecord a d i s u ss o n b et ween a n ofli c er

c i -

(N a pol eon h i m self) t wo m er ch a n t s of M a r sei ll e a n d ci t i

,

zen s of Ni m es a n d Mon t p ellier I t u r ges t h e n eed of .

un it ed a ct i on u n d er t h e l ea d of t h e J a c ob in s Th i s i s a .

fi ght t o t h e d ea t h b et ween F ren c h p a t r i ot s a n d t h e d espot s

of Eu r op e Th e R evolut i on mu st n ot b e st a mped ou t by
.

t h e fo rei g n i n v a d er s O n t h e g r ou n d of m er e exp ed i en c y
.

m en mu st r a lly t o t h e c a us e of t h e R epubli c a n d c o n d o n e ,

ev en t h e c r i m es of t h e J a c ob i n s i f t h ey sa ve t h e c ou n t r y .

B et t er t h e R ei gn of Ter r o r t h a n t h e v en gean ce of t h e
An ci en Régi m e Su c h w a s t h e i n st i n c t of a ll m en of p at r i ot i c
.

feel in gs a n d I t s a ved F r a n ce As a n expor é of k een pol i cy

, .

“
a n d a l l dom i n a t i n g opport u n i sm
- L e Soup er d e B ea u ,
”
c a i re i s a dm i r a ble .

Short ly a ft er it s publ i c a t i on N a pol eon h a d hi s fi r st ,

rea l ch a n c e i n a ct i ve m i l it a r y s er vi c e Toulon wh i ch w a s .
,

on e of t h e pl a c es i n r evol t a g a i n st t h e Con v en t i o n had ,

O p en ed i t s g a t es t o t h e E n gl i sh u n d er A d m i r a l Hood , ,

a n d t h ey wer e n ow i n po ssess i o n of t h e c i t y C a rt ea ux .

w a s ord ered t o d r i ve t h e en emy ou t an d p r oc eed ed t h ere ,

wi t h h i s fo r ces Domm a r t i n who w a s i n comm a n d of t h e

.
,

a rt i ll er y w a s sever ely wou n d ed i n a n ea r ly ski rmi sh

, ,

a n d N a pol eo n w a s a ppoi n t ed t o hi s pl a c e .

[ 32 ]
 TOULON AND VENDEM I AI RE
Toulo n w a s reg a rd ed a t t h i s t i m e a s on e of t h e st ro n ges t
fort resses i n t h e world T h e pl a ce w a s soo n clos ely i n
.

v es t ed by C a r t ea ux a n d t h e supply of w at er cu t off .

Th ere were v er y few c an n on wh en N a poleon t ook ch a rge ,

an d hi s firs t c a r e w a s t o r a i s e t h e st r en gt h of t h i s a r m .

Th e succ ess of t h e s i ege d ep en d ed upon t h e a b i li t y of

t h e Fren ch t o c omp el t h e r et i r em en t of t h e E n gl i sh
fl eet N a pol eon o n h i s a r r i v a l b efore t h e pl a ce on t h e
.
, ,

1 2 S ep t emb er a t o n c e saw t h a t t h i s could b e eff ec t ed by

,

sei z i n g t h e poi n t c a ll ed L Ai g u i l l et t e wh i ch comm an d s

’

bot h t h e i n n er a n d out er ro a d st ea ds of Toulo n At t h e .

fi r st c ou n ci l of w a r h e pl a c ed hi s fi n ger on t h e m i l it a r y
,

m a p a t t h i s poi n t of l a n d a t t h e mout h of t h e h a r bo r ,

sev er a l m i l es fr om t h e fort i fi c a t i o n s of t h e t own an d ,

“ ”
sa i d wi t h t r u e N a pol eo n i c br evi t y : Voi l a Toulon ! B u t
C a r t ea ux w h o w a s a v a i n pompou s m a n a n a rt i st by
, , ,

p r ofes si on wi t h v er y li t t l e kn owl ed ge of t h e sci en ce of

,

w a r woul d n ot r ec ogn i z e t h e i mpo r t a n ce of t h i s pos i t i o n

, .

Th e E n gl i sh how ev er h a d b ecom e a w a r e of t h ei r d a n ger

, , ,

a n d e rec t ed a fo r t o n t h e summ i t of t h e p r omo n t o r y .

N a pol eon w a s fu r i ou s b u t h e d i d n ot gi ve up h i s i d ea
, .

Hi s a ct i v it y w a s prod i gi ou s a n d h e sp a r ed n o eff o r t s t o
g et t oget h er a si ege t r a i n a n d a n a d equ a t e supply of a m
mu n i t i on .

N a pol eo n w a s d i sgus t ed wit h t h e slown es s of t h e si ege ,

wh i c h l a st ed ov er t w o mon t hs At l a st C a r t ea ux w a s r e
.

c a ll ed , a n d t h e c omm a n d w a s gi v en t o D u go m m i er wi t h ,

sp ec i a l o r d er s t o c a rry on t h e si ege wi t h v i gor He d i d mu c h .

t o r eest a bl i sh d i s c i pl i n e H e qu i c kly a pp r eci a t ed t h e t a l en t

.

of N a pol eon a n d t ook h i s vi ew of t h e p r i m a r y i mpo r

,

t an ce of t h e p r omo n t ory O n t h e 1 7 D ec emb er a ft er a

.
,

bo mb a r dm en t of t h r ee d a ys t h e E n gl i sh wo r ks o n t h e
,

promon t ory w ere fi n a lly t a ken by st o r m N a pol eon g r ea t ly .

d i st i n gu i sh ed h i ms elf i n t h e a ss a ul t Th e c a p t u r e of .

L Ai g u il l et t e d ec i d ed t h e fat e of t h e t own Ju st a s N a
’
.

pol c ou h a d pred i ct ed weeks b efo r e t h e ci t y of Toulo n ,

fell wit hout r ec ei v in g a shot Th e E n gli sh fl eet a t o n c e

.

set s a i l , a ft e r blowi n g up t h e m a g a z i n es a n d on t h e 1 9 ,

E 33 ]
 NAPOLEON THE F I RST
Decemb er t h e F ren ch en t er ed t h e t own Gen er a l d u Tei l .

wrot e t o Aub ry t h e M i n i st er of War : I h a ve n o words

,
“

t o d escri b e t h e m eri t of Bon a p a rt e : much sc i en c e a s ,

'

mu c h i n t elli gen c e an d t oo mu c h br a very Th i sd s b u t a

, .

feeble sket c h of t h e qu a li t i es of t hi s r a re offi cer an d i t i s ,

for you Mi n i st er t o con sec r at e h i m t o t h e s er vi c e of t h e

, ,
”
Republi c Na poleon h a d b een n a med ch ef d e b a t a i llon
.

'

t h e 2 9 S ept emb er promot ed t o a dj ud an t gén é r a l ch ef d e

,

bri g a d e t h e 2 7 Oct ob er a n d on t h e 2 2 D ec emb er he r e

,

cei v ed h i s p r ovi s i o n a l a ppoi n t m en t as g é n é r a l d e b ri g a d e ,

wh i ch w as con firm ed by t h e Gov ern m en t on t h e 7 Jan

u a r y 1 794 .

“
To h a ve b een at Toulon w a s a lw ays a p a ssport t o
N a poleon s gen erosi t y Ev en C a rt ea ux rec ei ved a p en si o n
’
.

of 60 0 0 fr an c s Vi ct or Such et an d M a rmon t b ec a m e
.
,

M a r sh a l s of Fr an ce a n d were lo a d ed wi t h t it l es a n d
hon ors D esai x whom N a pol eon c a lled t h e gr ea t est of
.
,

hi s gen er a ls would c ert a i n ly h a v e b een i n clud ed i n t h e

,

l ist b u t for h i s u n ti m ely d ea t h at M a ren go b efore t he

d awn of t he Empi re M u i r on w a s m a d e a n a i d e d e c a mp
.

t h e sa m e d a y a s Duroc an d w as N a pol eo n s c h i ef of
’
,
’

st afl i n I t a ly He fell a t A r col e i n s a vi n g t h e li fe of hi s
.
,

chi ef Th e s t ory of how Ju n ot fi r s t a tt ra ct ed N a pol eon s

.
’

a t t en t i on a t Toulon i s t oo well kn own t o re pea t h er e .

He a lso b eca m e a n a i d e d e c a mp a n d a duke .

“ ”
Su c h w a s t he youn g N a pol eon s ays Brown i n g at , ,

a n a g e wh en you n g E n gl i sh m en a re j us t t a ki n g t h ei r

d egree Bor n of a n obl e fa m i ly b u t very poor l osi n g hi s

.
,

fat h er a t a n ea rly age wit h n ot hi n g b u t h i ms elf t o d epen d

,

upon h e h a d r ai s ed h i ms elf t o t h e r a n k of gen er a l i n t h e

,

Fren ch a r my by n o ot h er a r t s t h a n t hos e of i n dus t ry a n d

st ea d fa st n ess h i gh C h a r a ct er a n d d evot i on t o dut y sup
, ,

port ed n o doub t by t a len t s a lmost wi t hout exa mple

, , .

I n t h es e fi r s t t wen t y-t hree yea rs of hi s li fe t h ere i s n ot a

s in gl e ex a mpl e of m ean n ess o r of d i shon est y o r of a n y ,

d erog a t i o n from t h e h i gh st an d a rd of con du ct wh i ch h e

h a d set b efor e h i ms elf Su r ely i n hi s c a s e a lso t h e
.
, ,

youth i s fat h er of t h e m an ; a n d t wen t y-t hree yea r s sp en t

E 34 21
 NAPOLEON TH E FIRST
N a pol eo n n ow rec ei v ed ord er s t o t a ke comm a n d of
t h e a r t i ll er y of t h e Army of t h e Wes t wh i ch w as t o subdu e
t h e roy a l i s t upri s in g i n L a Ven d e e Accomp an i ed by h i s
.

a i d es d e c a mp M a rmon t a n d Jun ot a s a lso » by h i s

, ,

youn g b r ot h er Loui s h e set ou t for P a ri s i n M a y 1 795

, .

He w as n ot a t a l l pl ea s ed wi t h t h e a ss i gn m en t wh i ch h eld ,

ou t l i t t l e prosp ect for m i li t a r y glory b u t on hi s a r ri v a l

,

i n P a ri s h e foun d even mo r e d i s a greea bl e ord ers a w a i t i n g

hi m Th e M i n i s t er of W a r Aubry h ad t r a n sfer r ed hi m
.
, ,

fr om t h e a r t i llery t o t h e i n fa n t r y on a ccoun t of h i s yout h

, .

“
O n e gr ows old qui ckly o n t h e fi eld of b at t l e w as ,

N a pol eon s ret ort t o t he m i n i st er who h a d n ever s een a

’

d a y of a ct i ve s ervi c e .

At t h a t t i m e N a pol eon h a d t h e n ot i o n t h at a n y o t h er
s er vi ce t h an t h e a rt i ller y w a s un wort hy of him L a t er .

when h e h a d h a d ex p eri en ce i n comm a n d of a n a r my h e

sa w t h a t such sp eci a l i z a t i on w a s n ot for t h e b est i n

t er est s of grea t op er a t i o n s an d t h a t n o m at t er wh a t
,

b r i lli a n cy a rt i llery offi c ers m a y show t h ey h a ve r a rely , ,

p er h a p s n ever t h e t ru e espr i t m i l i ta zr e He b ec a m e so
'

, .

c on v i n c ed of t h i s fa c t t h a t i n h i s firs t promo t i o n of m a r

sh a ls of t h e Emp i r e h e i n c lu d ed n o o ffi c er of a r t i ll er y
, ,

a n d if l a t er h e g a v e t o M a rmo n t t h i s h i gh d i gn i t y i t w a s ,

on ly t h r ough fa vor a n d o n a c coun t of old fri en d sh i p .

Howeve r N a pol eon h a d n o wi sh t o brea k wi t h t h e

,

m in i st er over t h i s m at t e r a n d w a s n ot fooli sh en ough t o

,

resi gn He si mply pl ea d ed il l -h ea lt h a s an excu se for n ot

.

a cc ept i n g t h e a ss i gn m en t a n d l i n gered i n P a ri s
, hop in g ,

t h at som et h in g fa vor a bl e m i gh t t u r n up .

Amb it ious a n d fully co n s ci ous of hi s a b i lit i es a n d

,

qu a l i fi c at i o n s i t i s n ot st r a n ge t h at N a pol eon should

,

h a v e fel t ch a gri n ed ov er t h e a ss i gn m en t At t h e h ea d of .

t h e A r m y of t h e Nort h Pi ch eg ru who h a d b een on e of

, ,

hi s m a st ers a t B r i en n e h a d d ri ven t h e en emy ou t of

,

n o r t h er n Fr a n c e a n d w a s co n qu e ri n g t h e Low Cou n t ri e s .

Jou r d a n in comm an d of t h e A r my of S a mbre-et -M euse

, ,

o n t h e 2 6 Ju n e 1 794 h a d d efea t ed t h e Aus t ri a n s i n t h e

b at t l e of Fleurus I n D ecemb er of t h e prec ed i n g yea r

.
,

E 36 21
 TOULON AN D VEND EMIAI RE
Hoch e a m a n of hi s ow n a ge h a d d r i v en t h e Aus t ri a n s ou t
, ,

of Als a ce a n d cov er ed h i ms elf wi t h glo r y S a i n t -Cy r a

, .
,

c a p t a i n of volu n t eer s i n 1 79 2 w a s n ow a gen er a l of d i vi

,

si o n. B er n a dot t e ser gea n t -m ajo r a t t h e b egi n n i n g of t h e

,

R evolut i o n a l so comm a n d ed a d i v isi on Kl eb er a v o l

, . ,

u n t eer t h r ee y ea r s b efo r e h a d a lso r ea c h ed t h e sa m e r a n k ;

,

a n d so o n B u t n o t wit hst an d i n g N a pol eo n s d i sa ppo i n t

’
.

m en t i n rea lit y Fort u n e n ever fa vor ed hi m mo r e t h a n

,

wh en sh e remov ed h i m fr om t h e co a st of P r ov en ce a n d
b r ough t hi m t o t h e c en t r e of a l l i n flu en c e at P a r i s wh er e ,

a n a bl e s c h em er could d ec i d e t h e fa t e of p a rt i es a n d

govern m en t s .

At t h e t i m e of N a pol eo n s a r r i v a l i n P a r i s i n t h e ea r ly
’

summ er of 1 79 5 t h e c it y w a s j u st b egi n n i n g t o r esum e t h e

,

c us t oms a n d pl ea su r es of t h e a n ci en r egi m e a n d t h e ,

Ter r or w a s r em emb er ed o n ly a s a h i d eou s n i gh t m a r e .

G a y equ i p a ges w er e a g a i n seen i n t h e st reet s ; t h ea t r es

wer e c r ow d ed ; g a mbl in g p er v a d ed a l l c l a sses of soc i et y .

M en w h o h a d g r own r i c h by sp ec ul a t i on i n t h e con
fisc a t ed S t a t e l a n d s n ow vi ed wit h b a n k ers a n d b r ok er s
i n vulg a r o st en t a t i o n .

T h e p a ssi n g of t h e d a r k d a y s of t h e R evolu t i o n w a s
a l so b ei n g fu r t h er ed by t h e u n p a r a ll el ed ser i es of m i l i t a r y
“
t r i umphs F r a n c e h a d p r a ct i c a lly g a i n ed h er n a t u r a l
.

”
boun d a ri es t h e Rh i n e a n d t h e Alp s I n qui c k su cc essi on
, .

on e gov er n m en t a ft er a n ot h er su ed fo r p ea c e : Tu sc a n y i n

Feb r u a r y ; P r u ssi a i n Ap ri l ; H a n ov er West ph a li a a n d ,

S a xon y i n M a y ; Sp a i n a n d H esse—C a ssel i n July ; Swit zer

l a n d a n d D en m a r k i n Augu st Su c h w a s t h e st a t e of F r a n c e
.

wh en N a pol eon c a m e t o seek hi s fo r t u n es i n t h e c a pit a l .

At t h i s t i m e N a pol eo n fo r m ed a c lo se r el a t i o n sh i p wit h
B a r r a s who h a d b een b r ough t i n t o p r om i n en c e by t h e
,

ev en t s of t h e 9 Th e r m i do r As h e a ft erw a r d s expl a i n ed
.

“
at S a i n t H el en a : Rob espi er re w a s d ea d ; B a r r a s w a s
pl a yi n g a r Ol e of i mport a n ce ; a n d I h a d t o at t a ch myself
”
t o som ebody or som et h i n g .

T h e c a r eer of B a r r a s d es er v es a few wo r d s of n o t i ce .

P a ul B a rr a s w a s bo r n i n P r ov en c e i n 1 7 55 of a good
E 37 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
fa mi ly I n hi s yout h h e s erved as a li eut en a n t a g a i n st t h e
.

B r it i sh in I n d i a I n 1 789 h e w a s a m emb er of t h e S t a t es
.

Gen er a l a n d t ook a n a ct i ve p a rt i n t h e st o r m i n g of t h e
,

B a st i lle a n d t h e Tui l er i es Th e si ege of Tou l on g wed i t s

.

su ccess l a r gely t o h i s a ct i v i t y a n d en er gy Th e ov er t h r ow .

of Rob espi er r e wh i c h en d ed t h e Ter r o r w a s a c compli sh ed

, ,

m a i n ly by h i m O n subs equ en t oc c a si on s a s P r esi d en t

. ,

of t h e Con v en t ion h e a c t ed wit h d eci si on bot h a g a i n st

,

t h e i n t r i gu es of t h e Roy a l i st s a n d t h e excesses of t h e
J a cob i n s Bu t t h e ch i ef c h a n ce for i mmo r t a lit y of t h e
.

“
n a m e of B a r r a s l i es i n t h e fa ct t h a t h e w a s p ri vi l eged
t o hol d t h e st i r r up fo r t h e gr ea t c a pt a i n who v a ul t ed
”
l i ght ly i n t o t h e sa d d le .

P r ob a bly t h r ough t he i n fluen ce of B a r r a s N a pol eon ,

w a s i n st r uct ed a t t h i s t i m e t o p r ep a r e a pl a n for t h e c a m
p a i g n of t h e F r en c h a r my i n I t a ly Th e pl a n s wh i c h h e
.

n ow submi t t ed w er e es sen t i a lly t h e sa m e wh i c h h e h a d

p rep a red a yea r b efo r e a t t h e r equ est of Rob esp i er r e b u t ,

mo d i fie d by t h e c h a n ges i n t h e gen er a l polit i c a l sit u a

t i on. I n Ap r i l 1 79 5 Pru ssi a h a d r et i r ed fr om t h e c on t est
,

a n d m a d e a sep a r a t e t r ea t y of p ea c e wit h F r a n ce N ego .

t i a t i on s w er e a l so u n d er w a y wit h Sp a i n wh i c h w ere soo n

t o l ea d t o p ea c e T h e on ly r em a i n i n g a d v er s a r y of a n y
.

i mport an ce on t h e Co n t i n en t w a s Au st r i a an d N a pol eo n ,

p r opos ed t o a t t ac k h er i n I t a ly The Ri vi er a h a vi n g b een

.

sei z ed a n d secu r ed t h e A r my of I t a ly r ei n fo rc ed by t h e
, ,

t r oop s set fr ee by t h e p ea c e wi t h Sp a i n would m a r c h ,

a lo n g t h e c o a st a n d a c r o ss t h e mou n t a i n s i n t o P i edmo n t
,

c u t off t h e Ki n g of S a r d i n i a fr om t h e Au st r i a n s a n d m a k e ,

a sep a r a t e p ea c e wi t h t h a t mo n a rc h who w a s k n own t o ,

b e fa vo r a bl e t o F r a n c e On ce i n t h e fe rt i l e pl a i n s of
.

No r t h er n I t a ly t h e a rmy could d r aw it s suppli es fr om

,

t h e cou n t ry Such w as t h e s t r i k i n g pl a n wh i ch a yea r

.

l at er h e h i mself w a s t o c a r r y i n t o execut i on t h ereby ,

g a in i n g un d yi n g fa m e .

Not wit h st a n d i n g t h e fa vor of B a r r a s N a pol eo n s af ,

’

fa i r s wer e a g a i n a t low eb b O n t h e 1 5 S ep t emb er h i s n a m e

.

w a s st r i c k en fr om t h e l i st of gen er a l s on a c t i ve s ervi c e

[ 38 ]
 TOU LON AND VEND EMIAIR E
on t h e grou n d t h at h e h a d r efus ed t o a cc ept t h e post t o
wh i ch h e h a d b een a ppoi n t ed He w a s forced t o s ell hi s
.

books ; t o ask t h e a ssi s t a n c e of h i s brot h er Jos eph ; a n d

t o bo r row mo n ey fr om t h e a c t or T a lm a .

At t h i s mom en t t h er e c a m e a most dr a m at i c ch an ge
i n hi s fort u n es Th e promulga t i o n of t h e n ew C on st i t u
.

t i o n of t h e Y ea r Th r ee of t h e R e publ i c h a d b een followe d

by a n op en revolt of t h e S ect i on s a n d a l l P a r i s w a s soon
i n a st at e of i n surrec t i o n .

Th e n ew con st it u t i o n w a s mod er at e i n c h a r a ct er a n d
w a s d es i gn e d t o p u t a n en d fo r ever t o t h e R ei gn of
Ter r o r T h e exec ut i ve a n d l egi sl at i v e power s w er e n o
.

lo n ger t o b e u n it ed i n t h e N a t i o n a l Ass embly Th e ex .

“
ecu t i v e a u t ho r i t y w a s t o b e v est ed i n a D i rect o r y of
fiv e m en wh i l e t h e l egi sl a t i v e power w a s t o b e c o n fid ed
,
“
t o t w o ch a mb er s i n st ea d of on e : a Cou n c i l of A n c i en t s
“
an d a Coun ci l of F i ve Hu n d r ed Th e fiv e Di rec t o r s
.

were t o b e c hosen by t h e An c i en t s fr om a l ist d r awn

u p by t h e F i v e Hu n d red a n d we r e t o h a ve c h a r ge r esp ec t
,

i v el y of Fo rei gn Aff a i r s F i n a n c e W a r Just i ce a n d t h e

, , , ,

I n t er i or .

T h e n ew c on st it ut i on w a s sa t i sfa ct ory n eit h er t o t h e

e xt r em e R a d i c a ls n or t o t h e Roy a l i st s who were a l rea dy
,

t a lk i n g of r es t o r i n g t h e mo n a r c hy To p r o t ect t h ems elv es

.

a g a i n st a p r ob a bl e a t t a c k fr om t h e P a r i s popul a c e t h e ,

Gover n m en t o r d ered t o t h e c a p it a l a few t hou sa n d t r oop s

of t h e l i n e Th i s p r ec a ut i on i n fl a m ed t h e w r a t h of t h e
.

P a r i s i a n s who were opposed t o t h e Con v en t i o n All b u t .

fou r of t h e fort y-ei ght sect i on s of t h e c it y r evolt ed a s ,

s embl ed som e t r oops of t h e N a t i o n a l Gu a r d an d ,

on t h e fou r t h of O ct ob er succ essfully r es i st ed G en er a l

M en ou i n c omm a n d of t h e for c es of t h e Con ven t i on

,
.

T h e Co n ven t i on w a s i n a p a n i c a n d t ur n ed t o B a r r a s
, ,

who w a s p u t i n suprem e comm a n d Bu t B a r r a s w as n ot a

.

m i lit a r y m a n a n d h e h a d sen s e en ough t o k n ow it I n

,
.

h i s d i l emm a h e t hough t of t h e you n g a rt i ll ery o ffi c er w h o

h a d d i s t i n gu i sh ed h i m self a t Toulo n He w a s a Co r si c a n
.
,

a n d i t w as n ot l i k ely t h er efo r e t h a t h e would h a v e a n y

[ 39 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
s ymp a t hy wi t h t h e en em i es of t h e Con v en t i on B a r r a s .

s en t fo r G en er a l Bon a p a rt e a n d off er ed hi m t h e a c t i ve
comm a n d of t h e fo r ces of t h e Con ven t i on wh ic h h e a t ,

on ce a ccep t ed .

T h e N a t i on a l Gu a r d o u t n umb er ed t h e t r oops of t h e
Con v en t i o n by mo r e t h a n fiv e t o o n e b u t t h ey h a d n o ,

c an n o n . Everyt h i n g d ep en d ed t h er efor e upon get t in g t h e

o r d n a n ce fr om t h e a r t i ll er y p a r k a t S a blon s t o t h e Tui l
er i es Th i s t a sk w a s en t r us t ed by N a pol eo n t o hi s fu t u r e
.

b r ot h er -i n -l aw Mu r at a d a sh i n g c a v a l r y o ffi c er who
, , ,

c a r r i ed i t ou t su ccessfully Mu r a t a n d h i s m en rush ed t o
.

t h e c a mp ou t sid e t h e c i t y a t full sp eed d r ov e b a ck t h e ,

i n su r gen t s w h o wer e t r yi n g t o sei ze t h e c a n n o n a n d ,

d r a gged t h em t o t h e Tu i l er i es wh ere t h ey a r r i v ed a t si x
,

o c lo ck i n t h e mo rn i n g N eit h er t h e l it t l e gen er a l n or t h e
’
.

d a sh i n g c a v a li er at t h e mom en t d r e a m ed t h a t t h i s ex
p l o it w a s t o w i n fo r ea c h of t h em a c r ow n !
Th e c a n n o n were pl a ced a t ever y po i n t of v a n t a ge i n
‘

t h e st r eet s a pp r o a c h i n g t h e Tu i l e r i e s wh er e t h e Co n v en
,

t i o n w a s si t t i n g A l i t t l e l a t er i n t h e mo r n i n g t h e i n su r gen t s
.

a d v a n ced t o t h e a t t a c k I t w a s t h e 5 Oc t ob er
. or t h e 1 3,

Ven d é m i a i re by t h e r evolut i on a r y c a l en d a r a d a t e ev er ,

m emo r a bl e i n t h e h i st o r y of N a p ol eo n a n d i n t h e a n n a ls
of F r a n c e Wh en t h e i n su r gen t s saw t h e p r ep a r at i on s
.

m a d e t o receive t h em t h ey h esi t a t ed t o a t t a ck Sud d en ly

, .

a shot w a s fi r ed wh i c h g a v e t h e si g n a l for b a t t l e As t h e .

police r epo r t s on t h e occ u r r en c es of t h i s d a y a r e m i ssin g

fr om t h e a rc h i ves of P a r i s i t wi ll n ev er b e k n own fr om
,

wh i c h si d e t h i s shot c a m e At o n ce t h e s t reet s were r a ked

.

by t h e c a n n on of t h e Co n v en t i o n a n d t h e s t ron g pos it i o n
h el d by t h e i n su r gen t s a t t h e c hu rc h of S a in t -Roch w a s
ca r r i ed . Du r i n g t h e a ft er n oo n a n d ev en i n g t h e N a t i on a l
Gu a r d s wer e d r i v en b a ck t o t h e mos t r emot e qu a r t er s of
t h e ci t y wh er e t h ey w er e ea si ly c a p t ured a n d d i s a r m ed
on t h e follow i n g d a y . Th i s i s wh at C a r lyle i n hi s vi vi d ,
“
b u t i n a c c u r a t e w a y c a lls t h e wh iff of gr a p eshot wh i c h
,
”
en d ed t h e F r en ch R evolu t i o n Aft er yea r s of t umul t
.
,

P a ri s h a d m et i t s m a st er B u t t h e R evolut i on w as n ot
.

[ 40 ]
en d ed : i t w as t o b e p erp et u a t ed i n a more ord er ly form
of govern m en t .

N a poleon h a d sa v ed t h e Co n v en t i on a n d t h e Con v en
t i o n showed i t s g r a t it ud e . He w as a ppoi n t ed gen er a l
of d i V 1 s1 on a n d s econ d i n comm a n d of t he A r my of t h e
I n t eri or a n d on t h e 2 6 Oct ob er h e b ec a m e t h e comm a n d e r
,

of t h e s a m e a r my wh en B a r r a s a ssum ed t h e pos 1 t i on of
,

D i rec t or i n t h e n ew gov ern m en t .

I n a few weeks N a pol eo n h a d r ea ch ed on e of t h e h i gh es t

m i lit a ry posi t io n s i n Fr an c e I n a let t er t o Joseph on t h e
.

“
d ay a ft er 1 3 Ven d em i a i re h e sa i d , Fo r t u n e i s on my
”
si d e
. F r om t h a t t i m e on con fid en c e hi s s t a r n ev er
w a vered .

E4 1 ]
 C HAPTER FO U R

JO S EPHI NE

Na pol o i C mm d f t h A my f t h I t io Fi t M t i g w it h
e n n o an o e r o e n er r rs ee n

Jo eph i
s H neO i gi Th T er h r d th B n h m i B i rt h
e asc er s an e ea u a a s

an d Ch il d hood f J é p hi Al x d
o d B
os h m i neH Ch l d hoo d e an re e ea u a a s is i

Hi M i g wit h Jo eph i
s arr a e B i t h f E gé d Ho
s ne r s o u ne an r t en se

Th S pe t io Jo ephi
e a ra t Fo t i
n bl s d P i ne A t a f n a ne ea u an ar s rres o

Al x d
e an d Jo eph i
re a n Al x d sEx t d neJo eph i R l d e an re ecu e s ne e ease

H P io Exi t Th H 6t l Ch t Jo ephi P o l ’
er recar us s en cei e e an ere n e s ne s er s n a

App N pol o Co t hi p Jo ephi H i t t io T h

’ ’
ear a n ce a e n s ur s s ne s es a n e

M i g W t h f t h Bo p t
arr a e ra Jo eph i D i b d by C
o e na ar es s ne esc r e on

t m po
e i r a r es

S comm an d er of t h e A r my of t h e I n t er i o r N a ,

pol c ou h a d b ecom e on e of t h e d om i n a n t m en of
t h e S t a t e H e t ook up su i t a bl e qu a r t ers i n t h e
.

R u e d es C a pu ci n es su r r ou n d ed h i m self wi t h a b r i lli a n t
,

st a ff ,don n ed a h a n d som e un i fo r m set up c a r ri a ges a n d ,

horses a n d m a d e hi s a pp ea r a n ce i n so ci et y
, .

He d id n ot a ffi li a t e wi t h a n y c l i qu e o r fa ct i on b u t m a d e ,

fri en ds i n a l l p a r t i es H e t horoughly r eo r g an i zed t h e A r my

.

of t h e I n t er i o r a n d t h e N a t i on a l Gu a r d a n d fo r m ed a ,

gu a r d for t h e D i rect o r y .

At t h e s a m e t i me h e d id n ot fo r get hi s fa mi ly Un cl e .

F esch b ec a m e hi s sec ret a ry ; Jos eph w a s p r om i sed a

con sulsh i p an d Luci en a lu c r a t i v e posi t i on Loui s w a s .

m a d e a li eut en a n t a n d JerOm e w a s pl a ced a t s c hool i n

,

P a r i s Hi s mot h er w a s well p r ovi d ed fo r He n ever could

.
.

do t oo mu c h for hi s fa m i ly who a lmos t wi t hout ex , ,

cept i on rep ai d hi m wi t h t h e b a s est i n gr a t i t ud e

, .

Duri n g t h e mon t h of Oct ob er 1 79 5 a short t i m e a ft er ,

t h e ev en t s of t h e 1 3 V en d é m i a i r e c h a n c e b r ough t t o ,

get h er Gen er a l Bon a p a r t e an d Vi com t ess e d e Bea u h a m ai s .

E 42 ]
 NAPOLEON TH E FIRS T
of gover n o r a n d li eut en a n t -gen er a l of M a rt i n i qu e a n d
t h e o t h er i sl an d s F r a n c o i s d e Bea u h a m a i s w h o w a s n ot
, ,

c r ea t ed a m a r qu i s u n t i l ei ght yea r s l a t er
Except for t he fa ct t h a t bot h fa m i li es or i gi n a l “c a m e
.

fr om t h e s a m e lo c a lit y i n F r a n c e n ea r Bloi s t h er e w a s
, ,

l it t le i n common b et ween t h i s gr a n d sei gn eu r w h o a r

ri ved a s m a st er i n t h e l an ds of h i s govern m en t wea lt hy ,

wit h hi s i n com e of l i v res a n d t h es e Ta sch er s

,

who wer e li vi n g i n w a n t i n a co r n er of t h e i sl a n d wi t hout ,

pos it ion wit hou t for t un e bu r i ed i n d eb t

, ,
.

A lit t le l a t er t h e el d est d a ugh t er of G a sp a r d -Jos eph

,

en t ered t h e hou sehold of t h e gov er n o r a s a n upp er ser v

ant o r d em oir el l e d e com p a gn i e I n a v er y sho r t t i m e sh e

'
, .

h a d g a i n ed a d om i n a n t po si t i o n i n t h e fa m i ly wh i c h w a s ,

n ot l ess en ed by h er m a rr i a ge l a t er wit h a Mon s i eur

R en a u d in .

I n 1 76 1 t h e el d er son of t h e o r i gi n a l T a sch er n a m ed
, ,

Jos eph-G a sp a rd born i n 1 735 m a r r i ed Ros e-Cl a i r e d es

, ,

Ver ger s d e S a n n oi s of a fa mi ly b elon gi n g t o t h e a n ci en n e

,

n obl esr e of B r i e F r om t h is m a r r i a ge t h er e w a s bo r n on
.

t h e 2 3 Ju n e 1 763 a d a ught er who w a s n a m ed M a ri e

Joseph-Rose Th i s w a s Jos eph i n e Li k e h er fu t u re husb a n d
. .
,

N a pol eon sh e h a d a n a r r ow esc a p e fr om n ot b ein g bor n

,

un d er t h e F r en ch fla g On ly t en d a ys b efor e h er b i rt h
.

t h e i sl an d of M a rt i n i qu e h a d b een r et u r n ed t o F r a n c e
by En gl a n d i n a c cord an c e wi t h t h e t er m s of t h e Treat y
of P a r i s whi c h en d ed t h e S even Yea r s W a r ’
.

U n t i l t h e a ge of t en yea rs Jo seph i n e grew up i n full

li b ert y Th en sh e w a s sen t t o t h e pen si on of t h e D a m es
.

d e l a Prov i d en ce a t Fort -Roy a l wh ere sh e r em a in ed ,

ov er four yea rs .

Wh en Fr a n c oi s d e Bea u h a m ai s l an d ed a s govern or on
t h e i sl a n d of M a r t i n i qu e i n M a y 1 757 h e w a s a cc omp a n i ed
by hi s you n g wi fe whom h e h a d m a r r i ed si x yea rs b efo r e
, .

Sh e w a s h i s cous i n a n d h a d b r ough t hi m a l a r ge fort u n e

, .

Th ey h a d h a d t w o ch i ld r en of whom o n ly o n e w a s t h en
,

li vi n g F r a n c oi s born t h e p r ec ed i n g yea r O n t h e 2 8 M a y
, , .

1 760 a n ot h er son w as bo r n o n t h e i sl a n d wh o rec ei ved

[ 44 ]
 JOS EPHINE
the n a m e of Al ex an dre Wh en hi s fath er an d mot h er r e
.

turn ed t o Fr an c e i n t h e mon t h of Apri l of t h e followi n g

y ea r h e w a s l eft i n t h e c a re of M ad a m e T a s ch er H er e .

h e r em a i n ed for s ever a l yea rs a n d it w as n ot u n t i l a ft er

,

t h e d eat h of hi s moth er t h a t hi s fa th er h a d hi m b r ough t

t o Fr an c e a bout t h e en d of t h e yea r 1 769 Wit h h i s
, .

brot h er h e w as s en t t o t h e Un i vers ity of H ei d elb erg

wh ere h e rem ai n ed t wo yea r s I n 1 774 h i s brot h er h a vi n g
.
,

en t er ed t h e a rmy hi s t ut or Pa t r i col w a s en g a ged by t h e

,

Duc d e l a Roch efouc a uld a s t ea c h er for t h e t w o son s of

h i s s i st er Roh an -Ch a bot an d h e took Al ex a n d r e wit h
, ,

h i m Thus it h a pp en ed t h at t h e most i mpr essi o n a bl e

.

y ea rs of h i s yout h wer e p a ss ed at Roch e-Guyon i n a ,

duc a l ch fit ea u Duri n g t h ese y ea rs M a d a m e R en a ud i n

.
, ,

who w a s hi s god -mot h er n ever lost s i ght of him

, .

At t h e a ge of s ev en t een Al ex an d r e ob t a i n ed by t h e
fa vor of t h e Du e d e l a Roc h efouc a uld a n a ppoin t m en t a s
sou s-li eut en an t i n h i s r egi m en t of t he S a rre-i n fa n t eri e .

O n en t eri n g t h e a rmy h e a b an d on ed t h e t i t l e of c h eva li er ,

gi ven a t t h a t t i m e t o t h e youn ger so n s of n obl e fa m i li es ,

a n d a ssum ed t h a t of vi c om t e t o wh i ch h e h a d n o v a l i d
,

cl a i m At t h i s t i m e M a d a m e R en a ud i n form ed a pl an
.

for hi s m a rri a g e wi t h h er n i ece Jos eph i n e Th e M ar qu i s .

d id n ot d em an d t h at M d e l a P a g eri e should fu rn i sh a
.

d ot a s Al ex a n d re a lrea dy h a d a n i n com e of
,
li vres
from t h e est at e of hi s mot h e r wit h t h e exp ect a t i on of
,

more .

I n Oc t ob er 1 779 M a d a m e R en a ud i n rec ei ved a l ett er

fr om h er brot h er s a yi n g t h a t h e h a d just a rri ved a t B rest
wi t h Jos eph i n e a ft er a t er ri bl e p a ss a ge Sh e a t on c e set .

ou t wi t h Al ex a n dr e to jo i n t h em Th i s w as t h e fi rst in
.

t erv i ew b et w een Jos e ph i n e a n d h er fu t ure hu sb a n d si n ce

t h ei r ch i ldhood d a ys a n d h e w a s fa r from en t hu si a s t i c
,

over h er a pp ea ra n c e .

Th e p a rt y t r a velled slowly t o P a ri s wh ere t h ey a r r i ved

,

t h e m i ddl e of Nov emb er T h e m a r ri a ge w a s c el eb r a t ed

.

o n t h e 1 3 D ec emb er i n t h e church at No i sy-l e— Gr an d ,

wh er e M m e R en a ud in h a d a hous e Thi s resi d en c e for

. .
,

E 4S I1
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
wh i ch sh e h a d p a i d l i v r es t h r ee yea rs b efore sh e ,

g a ve t o h er n i ec e as a wedd in g p r esen t b es i d es t h e su m ,

of l i vr es wh i ch sh e h a d sp en t for h er t r ous sea u .

Imm ed i a t ely a ft er t h e m a r r i a ge t h e y ou n gq cou p l e

wen t t o li ve i n t h e P a r i s h 6t el of t h e M a r q u l s R u e ,

Th é v en ot I n t h e sp r i n g Al ex a n d r e rejo i n ed hi s r egi m en t
.

a t B r est l ea vi n g Jos eph i n e a lon e i n P a r i s wh er e sh e h a d

, ,

n o a c qu a i n t a n ces Wh en hi s r egi m en t w a s o r d ered t o

.

Verdun Al ex a n d r e ret u r n ed t o P a ri s wh ere h e l i v ed li ke

, ,

a b a ch elo r m a ki n g n o effo rt t o i n t rodu c e h i s wi fe t o

,

soci et y I n fa ct Jos e
. ph i n e w a s n ever p resen t ed at Cou r t .

H er hu sb an d seem s t o h a v e b een a sh a m ed of h er He .

foun d h er awkw a r d emb a r r a ssed i gn or a n t ; wo rse t h a n

, ,

t h at, h e t hought sh e w a s hom ely a n d p r ov i n c i a l wit h ,

fool ish i d ea s of c o n jug a l love t en d er n ess a n d j e a lousy , , .

He h a d m a r r i ed t o b e fr ee t o en joy hi s fo r t u n e a n d h e ,

h a d n o i d ea of b ei n g t i ed d own by hi s wi fe .

O n t h e 3 S ep t emb er 1 78 1 i n t h e R u e Th ev en ot w a s , ,

born a son who w a s n a m ed Eug en e a n d on t h e 1 0 Ap r i l ,

1 78 3 a d a ugh t e r
,
w h o w a s b a p t i z ed t h e followi n g d ay
, ,

a n d r ec ei v ed t h e n a m e of Hort en se-Eug e n i e T h e p r ev i ou s .

S ept emb e r Al ex a n d r e h a d sa i l ed for M a rt i n i qu e a s a i d e

,

d e ca mp of M d e Bou i ll e D u r i n g t h e fou r y ea rs a n d ov er
. .

of hi s m a r r i ed li fe h e h a d n ot sp en t t en mon t h s wi t h h i s
,

wi fe O n recei pt of t h e n ews of t h e b i r t h of Ho r t en se
.
,

h e wr ot e a fu r i ou s l et t er t o Jo seph i n e i n wh i c h h e r efu sed

t o a c cept a n y r espo n s i b i l it y for t h e p a t er n i t y of t h e ch i ld .

O n h i s r et u r n t o F r a n ce i n O ct ob er 1 78 4 h e d ecl in ed t o ,

m eet h is wi fe Aft er a n u mb er of v a i n eff o r t s t o a r r i ve a t

.

a r eco n c i l i a t i o n i n t h e mo n t h of Nov emb er José ph in e

, ,

r et i r ed wi t h M m e R en a u d in t o t h e Abb a ye d e P a n t h e
.

mon t R u e d e Gr en ell e
, .

M a sson i s of t h e op i n i on t h at Al ex a n dre h a d n o r ea son

‘

t o repro a c h José ph i n e fo r a n y a ct s sub sequ en t t o t h ei r

m a rr i a ge a n d t h at hi s i mput at i o n upo n t h e subj ect of t h e

b i rt h of Hor t en s e h a d n o fou n d a t i on i n fa ct Th i s op i n i on .

seems t o b e bo r n e ou t by t h e t er ms of t h e fo r m a l a ct of

s ep a r at i on wh i ch w a s si gn ed i n M a r c h 1 78 5 He a greed .

E 46 ZI
 JOS EPHINE
to gi ve h i s wi fe a n a llow a n ce of 50 0 0 l ivres a yea r t o lea ve ,

Hort en s e wit h h er mot h er a n d a lso Eu gén e un t i l h e w a s

,

fiv e yea rs old an d t o p a y for t h e educ at i o n of h i s d a ugh t er

, .

Th e soj ou r n of José p h in e at Pa n t h em on t w a s of grea t

a dv a n t a g e t o h er i n ev ery w a y Th e Abb a y e w a s l i k e a n
.

i mm en se fu r n i sh ed h Ot el of t h e h i gh es t r esp ec t a b i lit y
, ,
”
O p en o n ly t o wom en of l a p r em i er e d i st i n c t i o n an d ,

t h er e Jos eph i n e fo r t h e firs t t i m e h a d a n opport u n i t y of

m eet in g wom en of h er ow n soc i a l r a n k Sh e w a s r ecei v ed .

a s t h e Vi c om t ess e d e Bea u h a m a i s a n u n fort u n a t e

,
ir ,

r epro a ch a bl e you n g wom a n t h e v i ct i m of a b a rb a rous

,

husb a n d .

For a wom an of t h e world Jos eph i n e a l r ea dy poss ess ed

,

t w o of t h e ess en t i a l r equ i sit es : sh e w a s a c oqu et t e a n d

sh e k n ew how t o li e Wit hou t a dm it t i n g t h e jus t i ce of t h e
.

a c cu sat i o n of h er hu sb a n d i n t h ese t w o r esp ect s h e u n

,

doub t edly h a d a ser i ous gr i ev a n ce a ga i n st h er An d t o .

t h ese t w o qu a l i t i es , Jos eph i n e a dds by t h e fa c ult y of,

a ss i m i l a t i o n wh i c h i s i n h er t h a t physi c a l edu c a t i on
,

wh i c h i n a n ew soci et y i s t o p u t h er i n a c l ass by h er self .

Li t t l e by l it t l e a t r a n sfo r m a t i on i s eff ect ed i n h er per

son a l i t y , wh i c h ch an ges t he h ea vy a n d awkw a r d C r eole
i n t o a b ein g d eli c at e a n d r ou pl e a b ei n g d esi r a bl e a bove
,

a l l who k n ows h ow t o a t t r a ct a n d t o hold I t i s t hus a t

, .

Pa n t h em on t t h a t Joseph i n e fo r ms h er fi r s t r el at i o n s wi t h
so ci et y t h a t sh e m a k es h er d e
, b u t i n F r en c h l i fe F r om .

ev er y po i n t of vi ew t h i s r et rea t of fift een mo n t hs w a s

p r ofit a bl e t o h er .

O n l ea vi n g Pa n t h em on t ea r ly in 1 78 6 Jo seph in e a t ,

t w en t y-t hree y ea r s of a g e fou n d h er s elf fr ee wit h a n

, ,

i n c om e of l iv r es for t h e suppor t of h er d a ught er

a n d h er self At t h i s t i m e sh e sold t h e hou se a t Noi sy
.
,

a n d wi t h t h e p r o c eeds sh e bough t a t Fo n t a i n ebl ea u a

li t t l e hous e en tr e t ou r et j a r d i n wh er e sh e est a bli sh ed

'

h er s elf wit h h er a u n t H ere sh e l i ved u n t i l Ju n e 1 788

.
,

wh en sh e sud d en ly l eft for M a rt i n i qu e No n e of h er .

b iogr a ph er s h a s ever b een a bl e t o fin d a r ea so n for t h i s

d ep a rt u r e At t h e b egi n n i n g of Novemb er 1 790 sh e t e
.

[ 47 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
t urn ed as un exp ect ed ly as s h e h a d left , an d wen t t o t h e
HOt el d es Ast u r i es, R u e d An jo u At t h i s t i m e sh e seems
’
.

t o h a v e m a d e a n ot h er a t t emp t at r ec on c i l i a t i o n wi t h h er
husb an d , b u t wit hout su ccess .

Th e M a rqu i s an d M m e R en a u d i n b ei n g st i ll at Fon
.

t a i n eb l ea u , Jos eph i n e p a ss ed t h e summ er of 1 79 1 t h ere

wi t h h er c hi ld r en , a n d i t w a s t h er e t h a t sh e l ea r n ed of
t h e el ect i o n of h er hu sb a n d a s P r esi d en t of t h e C on st i t u
t i on a l Co n v en t i o n
. I t w a s t h e 1 8 Ju n e, a n d t h r ee d a ys
l a t er t h e Pr es i d en t i n op en in g t h e sessi on a n n oun c ed t he
fli ght of t h e Roya l fa m i ly, t h e p r evi ou s n i ght Duri n g .

t h e t wo followi n g week s Al ex a n d r e d e B ea u h a m a i s w a s
vi r t u a lly d i ct a t or of F r an ce .

I n 1 792 h e s er ved wi t h d i st in c t io n wi t h t h e Army of

t h e Nort h , a n d ea r ly i n t h e followi n g y ea r w as p u t i n
comm a n d of t h e A r my of t h e Rh in e A few mon t hs l a t er
.

h e w a s remov ed on t h e gr ou n d of l a c k of fo r ce a n d en er gy .

I n t h e m ea n t i m e, José p h i n e w a s l i vi n g i n h er a p a r t
m en t i n P a r i s , R u e S a in t -Dom i n i que, exc ep t wh en vi si t
i n g h er a u n t a t Fo n t a i n ebl ea u .

I n M a r c h 1 794, Al ex a n d r e, who h a d b een l i vi n g i n

r et i r em en t i n t h e cou n t ry, w a s a r r est ed a n d t a k en t o t h e

C a r m es wh ere h e w a s i mp r ison ed o n t h e fou r t een t h .

Fiv e week s l at er, José phi n e w as c on fi n ed i n t h e s a m e

pri son Th e old c on ven t of t h e chu r ch of S a i n t -Joseph
.

d es C a r m es i s st i ll st a n d i n g i n t h e R u e V a u gi r a r d b e
t w een t h e Lux embou r g a n d t h e Th e at r e d e l O d é on O n
’
.

t h e 2 3 July, Al ex a n d r e w a s gu i llot i n ed Fou r d a ys l a t er ,

.

9 Th er m i do r , t h e fa ll of Rob esp i er re en d ed t h e R ei gn of
Ter r o r Th e l i fe of Joseph i n e w as s a v ed by t h i s n a r r ow
.
'

m a r gin of t i m e : i n t wo weeks sh e w as rel ea s ed fr om

p r i son.

Durin g t h e followi n g yea r, t h e fo r t u n es of Jo séph in e

wer e a t t h ei r lowest eb b Wh en sh e l eft t h e p r i son of t he
.

C a r m es, sh e fou n d h ers elf a wi d ow of ov er t h i rt y yea rs,

wit h t wo c h i ldren an d wit hout a son Wit h t h e sm a ll .

remit t an c es wh i ch sh e recei ved fr om M a rt i n i que, wit h

mon ey wh i ch sh e bor rowed on every s i d e, wi t h b i lls
[ 48 ]
 JOS EPHINE
wh i ch sh e con t r a ct ed ev erywh er e sh e som ehow m an a ged ,

t o ex i s t .

I n Augus t 1 79 5 wh en h er affa i r s were s t i ll i n t h i s p r e

,

c a r i ou s co n d i t i o n sh e l ea s ed fr om Jul i e C a r r ea u t h e wi fe
, ,

of T a lm a fr om whom sh e w a s s ep a r a t ed for a r en t of
, ,

fr a n c s i n a ssi gn a t s a l it t l e h Ot el en tr e cou r et j a r d i n
a t Numb er 6 Ru e Ch a n t er ei n e a short s t r eet r ecen t ly
, ,

l a i d ou t fr om t h e F a ubou r g Mon t m a rt re t o t h e Ch a uss é e

d An t i n T h e st r eet w a s l i n ed wi t h t h e r es i d en c es of
’
.

fill er en tr eten u er .

As t h i s l i t t l e h 6t el w a s a ft er wa r d s t h e resi d en c e of
N a pol eon u n t i l h e t ook pos sess i o n of t h e Tu i leri es a s
,

F i rs t Co n sul i n 1 80 0 a n d w a s a lso o cc up i ed by Loui s

,

a n d Ho r t en se t h e fi r s t y ea r of t h ei r m a r r i ed l i fe i t m er i t s ,

a few wo r ds of d esc r i pt i o n T h e en t r a n c e w a s by a po r t e
.

c och e r e t hrough a lon g c o r r i d o r a t t h e en d of wh i ch ,

w a s a v er y sm a ll g a r d en wi t h t w o sm a ll p a vi l i o n s wh i c h
,

c o n t a i n ed t h e c a rr i a g e-ho u s e a n d st a bl e I n t h e m id d l e
.

w as t h e l it t l e m a n si o n co n si s t i n g o n ly of a r ez-d e-cb a u ssée

,

wit h an at t i c a bov e an d kit c h en a n d cell a r b elow Th er e .

w er e on ly fiv e r oom s : a n a n t ec h a mb er a b ed -r oom a , ,

s a lo n wh i ch a l so s er v ed a s a d i n i n g-r oom a n ot h er li t t l e
, ,

s a lon wh i c h w a s us ed a s a bou d oi r a n d a ga r d e-r obe Th e , .

s erv a n t s qu a rt er s w er e i n t h e a t t i c
’
.

José p h i n e h a d a c a r r i a ge an d t wo ho r s es I n h er ser vi c e .
,

b es i d es t h e c o a chm a n sh e h a d a ch ef a n d a femm e d e
,

c h a mb r e .

At t h i s t i m e Hort en s e w as s en t t o t h e school wh i ch
M a d a m e C a mp a n h a d j ust fou n d ed at S a i n t -Ger m a i n .

I t i s n ot ea sy t o u n d ers t an d howev er why sh e t ook , ,

Eu gé n e a w a y fr om G en er a l Ho c h e who d esi r ed t o keep ,

hi m an d pl a c ed hi m i n a n exp en si v e school ju st op en ed
,

a t S a i n t -G er m a i n u n d er t h e n a m e of t h e Coll ege I r l a n d a i s .

B efor e t a ki n g pos sess i o n of h er n ew ho u se t h e fi r st of

Oct ob er 1 79 5 Jos eph i n e h a d sp en t a v er y c o n s i d er a bl e
,

sum i n r ep a i r i n g a n d a dd i n g t o t h e fu rn it u r e i n h er a p a rt
m en t of t h e R u e S a i n t -Dom i n i qu e : n ot h i n g v ery l u xu r i
ous p erh a ps b u t a rt i cl es wh i ch h a d t o b e p a i d for Who
, .

[ 49 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
m et t he b i lls ?B a r r a s i n hi s M emoi r s does n ot h esi t a t e
, ,

t o st a t e mo st u n g a ll a n t ly t h a t José ph i n e w a s h i s m i s t r ess
, ,
.

Bu t B a r r a s w a s a n ot o r i ou s l i a r a n d h e h a t ed N a poleo n
,

a n d c ould n ot sa y a n yt h i n g t oo m ea n a bou t h i m W e wi ll .

t h er efo re gi v e José p hi n e t h e b en efi t of t h e doub t .

Wh en Jo seph i n e fi r st m et N a pol eon i n Oc t ob er 1 79 5 , ,

sh e w a s a l r ea d y t h i r t y— t w o y ea r s of a g e H er h a i r wh i c h .
,

w a s n ot t h i c k b u t fin e i n qu a li t y w a s of a d a r k c h es t
, ,

n u t colo r H er complexi o n w a s b r u n et t e H er sk i n w a s
. .

a l r ea d y w r i n kl ed , b u t so c overed wi t h powd er a n d r ouge

t h a t t h e fa ct w a s n ot a pp a r en t u n d er a sub d u ed l i gh t .

H er t eet h wer e b a d b u t n o o n e ever saw t h em H er

,
.

very sm a ll mout h w a s n ever mo re t h a n sli ght ly op en ed ,

i n a sweet smi l e wh i c h a cc o r d ed p er fect ly wi t h t h e i n

fi n i t e soft n ess o f h er eyes wi t h t h ei r lon g eyel a sh es wit h ,

t h e t en d er exp r essi on of h er fea t u r es wi t h t h e t ou c h i n g ,

“ ”
qu a lit y of h er vo i ce Et a vec c el a w r i t es on e of h er
.

“
h i st o r i a n s , u m p et i t n ez fr i n g a n t l é ger mob i l e a u x , , ,

n a r i n es p e r p é t u ell em en t b a t t a n t es u m n ez u n p eu r el ev é
,
”
d u bou t en g a gea n t et fr i pon q u i p r ovoqu e l e d é si r
, , .

Her h ea d howeve r c oul d n ot b e m en t i on ed i n c om

p a r i son wi t h h er bo d y so free a n d so svel t e wh i c h showed
, ,

n o si gn s of embo n poi n t wh i c h en d ed i n t h e mo st a d o r
,

a bl e l i t t l e feet . Sh e wo r e n o c o r set n ot ev en a br a r r iér e,

“ ”
pou r sou t en i r l a go r ge d a i l l eu rs b a s pl a c é e et pl a t e
,
’
.

B u t h er gen er a l d em ea n o r w a s mo r e i mpo r t a n t t h a n a ll
t h e r est Th i s wo m a n h a s a w a y of c a r ryi n g h erself wh i ch
.

“
b elon gs o n ly t o h er Ell e a d e l a gr ac e m é m e en se cou
.

”
ch a n t. All her mov em en t s a r e so g r a ci ou s an d el eg a n t
t h a t you fo r get t h a t sh e i s o n ly of m ed i um s t a t u r e .

Wi t h a ll t h ese qu a li t i es t h e fem m e sedu ced N a pol eo n

,

a t t h ei r fi r s t i n t er v i ew wh i l e a t t h e sa m e t i m e t h e d a m e
,
“
i mp r essed h i m by h er a i r of d i gn i t y a s h e p u t i t cc , ,
”
m a i n t i en c a lm e et n obl e d e l a n ci en n e soci ét é fr an c a i s e
’
.

Th i s fi r st c a ll w a s qu i c kly followed by a n ot h er a n d ,

soo n N a pol eon w a s a d a i ly vi si t or a t t h e lit t l e hOt el .

Th ere h e m et m an y gr a n d : r ei gn eu r r such a s Sé gu r , ,

E 50 ]
 JOS EPH I NE
Mo n t esqu i ou a n d C a ul ai n cou rt who t reat ed h im p et it
, , ,
”
n obl e, a s a n equ a l a lmost a s a com r a d e He w a s n ot
, .

en ough of a m a n of t h e wo r ld t o a pp r eci at e t h e fa ct t h a t

t h ey c a m e en ga r gon t h a t t h ey d i d n ot bri n g t h ei r wi v es
, .

The s i ege was n ot lon g Two weeks a ft er t h e firs t vi sit

.
,

N a pol eon an d José p hi n e wer e a l r ea dy on m ore t h an

i n t i m at e t er ms O n t he 2 8 Oct ob er sh e wrot e him
.

Vous n e v en ez plus voi r u n e a m i e q u i vous ai m e ;

’
vous l a v ez t out a fa it d é l a i ss é e vous a v ez b i en t o r t , ,

ca r ell e vous est t en drem en t a t t a ch é e .

“
Ven ez d em ai n d éj eu n er a v ec m oi j a i b esoin d e vous ,
’

voi r et d e c a us er a v ec vous sur v os i n t é rét s .

“
B on soi r m on a m i j e vous emb r a s se
, , .

“
V E U V E B EAU H A R NA I S .

From t h i s t i m e on N a pol eo n follows José phi n e ever y

,

wh ere He m a kes t h e a cqu a i n t a n c e o f M a d a m e T alli en ;

.

a s soon a s B a rr a s i s i n st a ll e d i n t h e Luxe mbourg in ,

Nov emb er h e at t en ds t h e first rec ept i on of t h e n ew

,

D i rect or .

I n t h e m e an t i m e ev en t s h a ve mov ed fa st He wr it es h er : .

“
I a w a k e fu l l of t hought s of t h ee Sweet a n d i n com .

p a r a bl e Joseph i n e wh at a st r a n ge eff ect you h a ve on my

,

h ea rt ! I d r aw from your l i p s from your h ea rt a scorchi n g , ,

fl a m e I n t hree hou r s I sh a ll see t h ee I n t h e m ean t i m e

. .
,

my d ea r love (m i c d ol ce a m or ) a t hous a n d ki sses b ut , ,

”
do n ot gi v e m e an y for t h ey set my blood on fire
, .

I n J a n u a ry 1 796 t h e a n n i vers a ry of t h e execut i o n of

,
“ ”
t he l a st kin g of Fr an c e B a rr a s gi ves a gr a n d d in n er
, .

Th ere a r e l a d i es pres en t : M m e d e B ea u h a m a i s M m e .
, .

T a l l i en M m e d e C a rv oi si n Bon a p a rt e i s a gu es t an d i s
, . .

full of l i fe a n d g a i et y an d s eems t o gr eat ly pl ea s e t h e

,

l a d i es Poor lit t l e Hort en se whom t h ey h a d t a ken fr om

.
,

school for t hi s occ a si on w a s pres en t a t t h e d i n n er a n d

, ,

s eems t o h a v e b een j e a lous of t h e at t en t io n s t o h er mot h er

of t h e l it t l e g en er a l whos e n a m e sh e d id n ot even k n ow
, .

“
Sh e s a i d ,1 1 p a r l a it a vec feu et p a r a i ss ait u n i qu em en t
”
occup é d e m a m er e .

E 51 J
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
I t i s i mposs i bl e t o sa y a t ex a c t ly wh a t d at e N a pol eo n
“
con c ei v ed t h e i d ea of t r a n sfo r m in g en m a ri a ge c et t e
”
bon n e fort u n e For h er p a rt , Jos eph i n e took t i m e t o
.

m a ke up h er m i n d .

I n a let t er t o a fri en d sh e a dm it s t h a t sh e do es n ot
rea lly love N a poleon , b u t t h a t sh e do es n ot feel an y
av er s i o n t ow a rd h i m ; h er feeli n g i s ra t h er t h a t of i n d i f
“ ”
fer en ce . I a dm i r e t h e G en er a l s cour a ge, sh e con
’

t i n n es , t he ext en t of h i s k n owledge upon a l l sort s of

t op i cs , upon a ll of wh i c h h e t a lks equ a lly well, t h e v i v a ci t y
of h is mi n d , whi ch en a bl es hi m t o gra sp t h e t hought s of
ot h ers a lmost b efo r e t hey h a ve b een express ed , b u t I a m
fri ght en ed , I a dmi t a t t h e con t r ol h e t ri es t o exerci s e
,

over everyt h i n g a bout h i m H i s sea rch i n g gl an ce h a s

.

somet hi n g u n u su a l an d i n expl i c a bl e i n i t , b u t wh i ch
compels t h e r esp ect ev en of ou r D i r ec t ors ; j udge for
you r s elf wh et h er a wom a n h a s n ot good c a us e t o feel
in t i m i d a t ed by i t ! F i n a lly t h a t wh i ch ough t t o pl ea s e
,

m e t h e forc e of h i s p a ssi o n wh i c h h e expr ess es wi t h

, ,

a n en ergy wh i ch l ea v es n o r oom for doub t of h i s si n

cer i t y
, i s prec i s ely t h at wh i c h m a kes m e wi t hhold t h e
con s en t wh i ch I h a v e oft en b een r ea dy t o gi v e C an I .
,

a wom a n whos e you t h i s p a st hop e t o hold for an y

,

l en gt h of t i m e t h i s vi ol en t aff ec t i on wh i ch i n t h e G en eral
res embles a fit of d eli r i um ? If a ft er our m a rri a ge h e
, ,

should c ea s e t o love m e wi ll h e n ot repro a ch m e wi t h

,

wh at he h as don e for m e ?Wi ll h e n ot regret h a vi n g fa i led

t o m a k e a more a dv a n t a geou s m a r ri a ge ? An d wh a t
an swer c a n I m a k e t h en ?Wh a t wi ll t h e re b e for m e t o do ?
”
Tea rs wi ll b e my on ly r esou r c e .

Jos ephi n e con sult ed a l l of h er soci et y fri en ds Th ey .

t old h er t h a t Bon a p a rt e h a d gen i us a n d t h at h e would

go fa r ; t h at C a rn ot m a d e n o s ecr et of h i s i n t en t i on t o
give hi m t h e comm a n d of a n a rmy S t i ll sh e h es it at ed . .

S h e w as t h i r t y-t wo y ea rs of a ge S h e w a s fa d ed S h e w a s
. .

a lmos t a n old wom an Sh e l i ked N a poleo n b u t she w as

.
,
n ot i n love wi t h h i m I n fa c t sh e n ev er rea lly loved a n
y
.

body b ut h ers elf B u t sh e w as a t t h e en d of h er resourc es

.
,

[ 52 ]
 JOS EPHINE
an d m a r ri a ge seem ed to b e t h e o n l y way ou t of h er
t roubl es Sh e fi n a l ly r ea ch ed a d eci s i on t h e l a s t of
.

Feb r u a r y .

N evert h el ess she h as pr ec a ut i on s t o t a ke : first of al l

,

t o co n c ea l h er a ge for sh e do es n ot wi sh t o a dm i t t o a n y
,

on e l ea s t of a ll to t h i s boy of t wen t y-
, si x t h a t sh e h a s ,

p a ssed t h e a ge of thi rt y-t wo yea rs F rom Ca l m el ot h er .

,

m a n of co n fid en c e sh e ob t a in s a c ert i fic a t e t h a t h e i s
,

w ell a cqu a i n t ed wi th M a ri e-Jos eph T a sch er v euve d u ,

cit oy en B ea u h a m ai s t h a t sh e i s a n ati v e of t h e i sl an d
,

of M a rt in i que a n d t h at on a ccoun t of t he pres en t oc

,

cu p a t i on of t h e i sl a n d by t h e E n gl i sh i t i s i mposs i bl e t o
procu r e h er b i rt h c ert i fic a t e ! Arm ed with t h i s n ot a ri a l
c ert i fic a t e Jos eph in e i s a bl e t o d ecl a re t h at sh e w as
,

born 2 3 Jun e 1 767 wh i le she w a s rea lly born fou r yea rs

,

ea r l i er .

Th e m a rri a ge con t r a ct w a s d a t ed t h e 8 M a rch 1 796 ,

an d t h e m a rri a ge w as c el eb r a t ed t h e followi n g d a y b e

fo r e a ci vi l offic er Amon g t h e four wi t n ess es wer e B a r r a s

.

an d T a lli en No m en t i o n w a s m a d e of t he co n s en t of t h e
.

p a r en t s ; t h ey h a d n ot b een con sult ed .

Two d a ys l a t er Gen er a l Bon a p a rt e l eft a lon e t o t a ke

“
comm a n d of t h e Army of I t a ly H eureus em en t on a v a i t .
,
”
pri s d es a v a n c es sur l a lun e d e mi el .

I t is r to i m a gi n e t h an t o d escri b e t he fu r y of t h e
ea si e

Bon a p a rt e fa m i ly wh en t h ey h ea rd of t he m a rri a ge of
N a pol eon He h a d a n t i c i p at ed t h e st orm for h e h a d
.
,

n ot a sk ed t h e co n s en t of hi s mot h er ; h e h a d n ot wri t t en

Joseph a n d h e h a d s en t Luc i en a n d Loui s aw a y fr om

,

P a ri s H e h a d n ot a sked t h e a dvi c e of an y of hi s fr i en ds
.

an d h a d i n v i t ed n o n e of t h em t o t h e wedd i n g .

From t h e first d a y even b efore t h ey h a d m et Jos eph in e

, ,

t h e Bon a p a rt e fa mi ly d ecl a re d a ven d etta a ga i n s t t h e

B eau h a m ai s F rom th at mom en t Na poleon li ved i n t h e
.

m i dst of two host i l e c a mps a lwa ys ready to brea k out ,

i n t o a ct i ve host i li t i es .

E 53 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
I t m ay b e i n t er es t i n g t o r ea d t h e op i n i o n of som e of h er
con t empo r a r ies r eg a r d i n g José p hi n e To t h e c a p t i v a t i n g
.

c h a r m of h er p er so n a ll wi t n ess es t es t i fy . Ev en Luc i en ,
who w a s n ot p a r t i c ul a r ly well-d ispos ed t ow a r d lp r , h a d
“ ”
t o a d mi t t h i s . I n h i s M é moi r es h e gi ves us t h e fol
low“i n g p i ct u re :
H a r d ly t o b e n ot i c ed i n t h e m i d st of t h i s c i rc l e of
p r et t y wom en , gen er a lly r eput ed t o b e of ea sy mo r a l s, is
t h e wid ow of t h e Vi com t e d e B ea u h a m a i s Wi t h l i t t l e,
.

ver y l it t le w i t , sh e h a d n o t r a ce of wh a t co u l d b e c a lled
b ea u t y, b u t t h er e wer e c er t a in Creol e c h a r a ct er i st ics
i n t h e pli a n t u n dul a t i o n s of h er figu re wh i c h w a s r a t h er
b elow t h e a ver a ge h ei gh t Her fa ce w a s wit hout n a t u ra l
.

fresh n ess, it i s t r u e, b u t t h e a r t i fices of t h e t oi l et r em ed i ed

t h i s d efec t so a s t o m a k e i t a pp ea r fa i r ly well by t h e l i gh t
of t h e c h a n d eli ers I n sho r t , h er p er so n w a s n ot en t i r ely
.

b er eft of som e of t h e a t t r a c t i on s of h er you t h .

“ ”
A r n a u l t , i n h i s Sou ven i rs d u n S ex a gé n a i r e, d oes h er
’

“
b et t er j u st i ce H e sa ys : Th e even n ess of h er d i spo sit i on ,
.

h er goo d -n a t u r e, t h e a mi a b i li t y t h a t sho n e i n h er ey e
an d wh i ch exp r es sed i t self n ot o n ly i n h er wo r d s b u t i n

t h e t o n es of h er voi ce, a c er t a i n i n d ol en ce p ec ul i a r t o
C r eol es wh i c h w a s r ec ogn i z a bl e i n h er c a r r i a ge a n d
mov em en t s ev en wh en sh e w a s m a ki n g a n eff o r t t o pl ea s e,
a l l t h es e l en t t o h er a c h a r m wh i c h t r a n scen d ed t h e
d a zzl i n g b ea ut y of h er t wo r i va l s M esd a m es R ec a m i er
”
a n d T a lli en .

M a d a m e d e R é m u sa t , who h a d k n own José phi n e si n ce

1 793, gi v es p er h a ps t h e mos t a cc u r a t e d es c r i p t i o n o f h er
“
fr i en d i n t h ese wo r d s : Wit hou t b ei n g p r ec i sely b ea ut i
ful , h er whole p er son w as possess ed of a p ec ul i a r c h a rm .

H er fea t u res wer e d el i c a t e a n d h a r mo n i ous , h er exp res

s ion gen t le, h er t i n y mout h d ext erously con c ea led d e
fect i v e t eet h ; h er som ewh a t d a rk c ompl exi o n w a s i m
p r oved by h er cl ev er u se of cosm et i cs H er figu re w a s
.

p er fect , every out l i n e well r ou n d ed a n d g r a c eful ; ever y

mot i o n w a s ea sy a n d eleg a n t H er t a st e i n d r es s w a s ex
.

c ell en t a n d wh a t ev er sh e wo r e seem ed t o h a v e i t s b ea u t y
,

[ 54 ]
 JosEPHI NE
en h a n c ed Wit h t h es e a dv an t a g es a n d h er co n s t a n t c a r e
.

for h er a pp ea r an c e sh e succ eed ed i n b ei n g n ev er ou t

,

sho n e by t h e b ea ut y a n d yout h of so m a n y wom en a r ou n d

h er S h e w a s n ot a p er so n of esp eci a l w i t ; a C r eol e a n d
.

coqu et t e h er ed uc a t i o n h a d b een r a t h er n egl ect ed ; b u t

,

sh e k n ew wh er ei n sh e w a s w an t i n g an d n ev er b et r a y ed
,

h er i gn or an c e N a t u r a lly t a c t ful sh e fou n d i t ea sy t o

.
,

sa y a g r eea bl e t h i n gs .

Ver y d iff er en t w a s t h e i mp r essi on wh i c h sh e produ ced

“
upon N a pol eon . I w a s n ot i n sen si bl e t o t h e c h a r m s of
” “
wom en , h e s a i d l a t er a t S a i n t H el en a b u t my d i s
,

po sit i o n m a d e m e t i m i d i n t h ei r comp a n y M a d a m e d e .

B ea u h a m a i s w a s t h e fir st t o r ea s su r e m e S h e sa i d som e .

fl a t t er in g t h in g s t o m e a bou t my m i li t a r y t a l en t s Th a t .

pr a i s e i n t ox ic a t ed m e ; I a d d r essed myself c on t i n u a lly

t o h er ; I followed h er ev er y wh er e ; I w a s p a ssi on a t ely
i n lov e wi t h h er a n d my i n fa t u a t i o n w a s gen er a lly kn own
,

a mon g ou r a c qu a i n t a n ces lo n g b efo r e I v en t u red t o d e

cl a r e myself t o h er Wh en t h i s r umo r b ec a m e gen er a l

.
,

B a r r a s spoke t o m e a bout i t I h a d n o r e a so n for d en yi n g

.

i t If t h a t i s t h e c a se h e s a i d t o m e you ough t t o m a r r y
‘ ’ ‘
.
,

M a d a m e d e B ea u h a m a i s You h a v e r a n k a n d t a len t s t o
.

b e t urn ed t o good a cc ou n t b u t you st a n d a lo n e wi t hou t

, ,

fo r t u n e a n d wit hout c o n n ec t i o n s ; you mus t m a r r y ; t h a t

wi ll gi v e you
Th i s a d vi c e of B a r r a s a c c o r d ed so well wi t h N a poleon s ’

i n cl i n at i o n s t h a t h e m a d e n o fu r t h er a t t emp t t o supp ress

hi s p a ss i o n H e fel t t h a t t h i s u n i on wi t h a l a dy of r a n k
.
,

a fr i en d of t h e i n flu en t i a l D i r ect o r would s t ren gt h en hi s

,

so ci a l pos it i o n a n d fu r t h er h i s a mb i t i on N a poleon w a s .

n ever a m a n t o l et hi s h ea rt r u n a w a y wi t h hi s h ea d I n .

t h i s c a s e lov e a n d a mb i t i on wer e i n p erfec t a cco r d

, .

E 55 3
 CHAPTER FIVE
1 796

T HE CAM PAI GN O F I TALY

Bo p t i Com m d f t h A m y f It ly Co d it io f t h P i s l
na ar e n an o e r o a n n O e en n u a

Sit t io f t h Tw A m i
ua n o e N pol o o Pl f A t i o
r es B t tl a e n s
’
an o c n a es o f
Mo t ot t d Mo d ovi P
n en e an wi t h Pi d m o t
n N pol o P l
ea ce e n a e n s
’
r oc a

m t io
a ns C o i g f t h Po B t t l f Lod i E t
r ss n o e i t o M il a e o n ran c e n an

Ad v t
an ce t h Mi
o i o — Th F m o
e nc Q d il t l S i g f M t
e a us ua r a era e e o an ua

C t igl i o
as d Lo t o — Th F
n e an h i t h Ty ol B t t l f B
na e ren c n e r a e o as

o R p l t C ldi
sa n e u se a B t t l f A ol Co mm t L d
a ero a e o rc e n su a e ea er
hi p f Bo p t
s o na ar e

WO weeks b efor e N a pol eon s wed d i n g h e h a d ’

b een a ppoi n t ed t o t h e c omm a n d of t h e Ar my

of I t a ly I t h a s gen er a lly b een a ssumed t h at
.

t h er e w a s som e c on n ec t i o n b et ween t h ese t w o even t s ,

“
m a i n ly d u e t o a l et t er i n wh i c h José p hin e sa ys B a r r a s ,

a ssu r es m e t h a t if I m a r r y t h e G en e r a l h e wi ll ob t a i n for
”
h i m t h e c h i ef c omm a n d of t h e A r my of I t a ly Barr as .

a lso s t a t es t h a t t h e c omm a n d w a s i n fa c t gi ven by hi m

t o N a pol eo n a s a wed d i n g gi ft t o José p h i n e ! B u t t h i s

a s sert i o n i s a bsolu t ely fa ls e Th e a ppoi n t m en t w as i n
.

rea lit y m a d e by t h e g rea t C a rn ot a n d B a r r a s a n d t he ,

t h r ee o t h er D i r ec t or s s im ply g a v e t h ei r a pp r ov a l .

Th er e wer e t wo m a i n r ea son s why t h i s i mpor t an t

c omm an d w a s gi v en t o Bon a p a r t e I n t h e fi r s t pl a c e t h e .
,

D i r ect o r s were a fr a i d of hi m a n d wer e an xi ous t o get

h i m a w a y from P a r is I t i s t r u e t h at h e h a d s a ved t h e
.

Con ven t i on a n d so ea rn ed t h ei r gr at it ud e b u t h e w a s ,

n ow c omm a n d e r of t h e A r my of t h e I n t er i o r a n d t he ,

sol d i ers wer e d evot ed t o hi m Th e c a n n on wh i ch h e h a d .

u sed so eff ect i vely a ga i n st t h e S ect i on s mi gh t just a s

ea si ly b e t u r n ed a g a i n st t h e D i r ec t o r s I n t h e s eco n d pl a c e .
,

t h e m i l i t a ry co n d i t i o n s i n I t a ly wer e b a d a n d t h e pos i ,

E 56 21
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
A week l at er t he 2 9 M a rc h N a pol eon a rri ved a t
, ,

Ni ce an d t ook comm an d of t h e Army of It a ly wh i ch h e ,

fou n d i n a very prec a ri ou s sit u a t i on I t s d et a chm en t s .

were s t r et ch ed ou t a l on g t h e co a st from Ni c e t o gi v on a ,

whi le t h e Allies o ccupi ed st r on g posi t i on s a lon g t h e

n ort h er n slop es of t h e M a r i t i m e Alps a n d t h e Ap en n i n es ,

a n d h a d t h e furt h er a dv an t a ge of i n n er a n d t h er efor e
short er li n es Moreover t h e F ren ch t roops wer e b a d ly
.
,

equ i pp ed wors e cl a d a n d for a lon g t i m e h ad n ot b een

, ,

p a i d a t a ll .

Th e n ew comm a n d er wi t hou t mo n ey t o feed equ i p or

, ,

p a y h i s sold i ers a t o n c e won t h ei r h ea r t s by t h e fi r st of

,

t hose rin gi n g procl a m a t i on s wh i ch h e k n ew so well how

t o wri t e :
“
Sold i er s ! Y ou a re hu n gry a n d n ea rly n a ked Th e Gov .

ern m en t owes you much b u t c an do n ot h i n g for you

, .

You r p a t ien c e a n d cou r a ge do you hon or b u t t h ey ,

,

b r in g you n ei t h er profi t n or glo r y I a m com e t o l ea d you

.

in t o t h e mo st fert i l e pl a i n s i n t h e world Th ere you wi ll .

fin d r i c h provi n c es a n d g r ea t t own s Th ere you wi ll fin d .

glo r y hon or a n d ri ch es Sold i ers of I t a ly can your

, , .
,

cou r a ge fa i l you ?
At t h i s t i m e I t a ly d i vi d ed i n t o t wen t y sm a ll ri v a l
, ,

st at es exi st ed on ly on t h e m a p Th e Kin g of Pi edmon t

, .

w as Vi ct or Am a deus t h e Th i r d whos e d a ugh t ers h a d

.
,

m a r r i ed t he t wo brot h ers of Loui s t h e S i xt een t h : Comt e

d e P r oven c e a ft erwa r ds Lou i s t h e Ei ght een t h an d
, ,

Comt e d Art oi s l at er Ch a r les t h e Ten t h Th i s fa c t h a d

’
, .

l ed hi m t o en t er t h e co a l it i o n a g a i n s t F r a n c e Th e Hous e .

of Aust ri a rei gn ed over Lomb a r dy a n d a pri n ce of t h a t ,

fa mi ly govern ed Tusc a n y Th e o n ly h ei r of t h e Duke of

.

Mod en a h a d m a rri ed t h e Ar ch d uk e F er d in a n d A s i st er .

of t h e un fort un at e M a r ie-An t oi n ett e occup i ed t h e t h r on e

of N a ples as con sort of t h e wea k Ferd i n a n d t h e Fourt h .

Th e ven er a bl e Pi us S i xt h who wore t h e t i a r a w a s t h e

, ,

en emy of Fran c e on a ccou n t of t h e d es t ruct i on of t h e

C at hol i c Church i n t h e n ew Republi c Thus p r a c t i c a lly .

t h e whol e P en in sul a w a s a ll i ed a g a i n s t F r a n c e On ly .

[ 58 21
 TH E CAMPAIGN OF ITALY
t h e t wo re publ i cs of Ven i c e an d G en o a were n om in a lly
u
n e t ra l .

Th e s t ren gt h of t h e F r en ch a rmy a t t h e t i m e t h a t
N a pol eon a rr i ved a t h ea dqu a rt er s m a y s a fely b e es t i
m a t ed a t a bout m en b u t i t w a s compos ed of ex
,

c ell en t t r oops n ow lo n g i n u r ed t o t h e fa t i gu es of mou n t a i n

,

w a rfa re Hi s c h i ef of st aff wa s B er t h i er t h en fort y-t h r ee

.
,

yea r s old w h o s er v ed i n t h i s c a p a c i t y i n a ll hi s c a mp a i gn s
,

excep t t h e l a st He w a s a m a n of sm a ll i n t ellec t b u t a
.
,

mos t us eful o ffi ce r i n hi s pos i t i on b r a ve ex a c t a n d r e , ,

l i a ble O n t h e st aff wer e a lso M a r mo n t Mur a t a n d Ju n ot

.
, .

I n c omm a n d of t h e d i vi si o n s wer e gener a l s a lr ea dy c ele

b r at ed such a s M a s sen a Au gere a u a n d S é r u r i er wh i l e
, , ,

s er v i n g i n subo r d i n a t e posi t i on s wer e L a n n es B ess 1 er es , ,

Su c h et a n d Vi ct or All of t h es e ofli c er s were d est in ed t o

.

a t t a i n d i s t i n ct i o n u n d er t h e Emp i r e .

Bon a p a r t e s a ppo in t m en t t o t h e ch i ef comm an d h a d

’

n ot b een fa vo r a bly r ecei v ed by sev er a l of t h es e gen er a ls ,

who l i k e M a ssen a a n d Au gerea u were muc h O ld er a n d

, ,

h a d s een lo n ger ser v i ce t h a n h e B u t t h e you n g gen er a l .

,

full of c o n fid en ce i n h i ms elf a ssum ed fr om t h e fi r s t t h at

,

a i r of a u t hor i t y a n d d et er m i n a t i o n wh i c h w a s so n a t u r a l

t o h i m a n d t h e mu r mu r s of d i sc o n t en t wer e soo n hu sh ed
,

i n t h e fa ce of t h e d a zzl i n g splen do r of hi s vi c t o r ies .

Th e P i edmo n t es e a r my of a bout m en w a s com

m a n d ed by Gen er a l Coll i an o ffi c er of h i gh r epu t a t i o n
, .

Th e Au st r i a n fo r c e s a mou n t i n g t o som e
, m en ,

wer e u n d er t h e comm an d of B ea ul i eu a n exp eri en c ed ,

gen er a l b u t old a n d i n a ct i v e
, .

F r om N i c e t o G en o a t h e loft y moun t ai n ous r a n ges of

t h e M a r i t i m e Alps a n d t h e Ap en n i n es d i vi d ed t h e t wo
a r m i es To t h e west a n d sout h of t h es e r a n ges were t h e
.

F r en c h ; on t h e oppos it e si d e t h e Aust ri a n s a n d Sa r ,

d i n i a n s Th er e a re o n ly four o r fiv e p a ss es t hrough t h e
.

mou n t a i n s o n e of wh i ch i s at S a vo n a wh er e N a poleo n
, ,

b eg a n t o c o n cen t r a t e hi s forc es At t h e sa m e t i m e a colum n

.

w a s pu sh ed a lo n g t h e c o a st -l i n e n ea r ly t o G en o a w i t h
t h e i d ea of bri n g i n g p ressu re t o b ea r upo n t h a t c i t y for

E 59 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
t he p a ym en t of an i n d em n i t y on cou n t of it s a cqui
ac

escen c e in zu r e of a
t h e sei F r en c h v essel by t h e B r it i sh
wit hi n it s n eut r a l po r t .

I n a c cord a n c e wi t h hi s o r i gi n a l pl an N a p ol em r e ,

solv ed t o c r oss t h e Alp s a t t h ei r low est po i n t t h a t is t o ,

sa y , a t t h ei r ju n c t i o n wi t h t h e Ap en n i n es a bov e S a vo n a .

By t h i s r o a d h e would a voi d t h e fo r t i fi c a t i o n s wh i ch d e
fen d ed t h e ot h er rout es a n d en t er Pi ed mon t a t t h e po in t
,

of jun ct i on of t h e t wo a lli ed a r m i es a n d c ould t hus d r i ve ,

a wed ge b et w een t h em a n d t h en a t t a ck ei t h er on e o r t h e

ot h er a s h e plea sed I t i s i n t er est i n g t o n ot e t h a t t h e pl an

.

of t hi s N a pol eo n s fi r st c a mp a i gn w a s very si m i l a r t o
,
’
,

hi s l a st t h e c a mp a i gn of W a t er loo I n t h e fi r st h e w a s
,
.
,

opposed by t h e S a r d i n i a n s a n d Au st r i a n s ; i n t h e l a st ,

by t h e E n gl ish a n d P r ussi a n s I n ea ch c a se t h e a r m ies .

oppo sed t o h i m h a d d i v er gen t l i n es of c ommu n i c a t i on s .

I n ea c h c a se h e u sed h i s ow n a r my a s a wedge t o sep a r a t e

t h e t w o a ll i es a n d t h en a ft er d efea t i n g o n e a r my h e d e
, , ,

r a ch ed a c on t a i n i n g fo r ce t o hol d i t i n c h e c k wh i l e h e
m a ssed t h e rest of his fo r ces a g a i n st t h e ot h er a r my .

He t h u s rep ea t ed i n 1 8 1 5 t h e m a n oeuv r e t h a t n i n et een

yea rs b efo r e h a d b een so su c c essful a t t h e b egi n n i n g of
hi s br i lli a n t m i li t a ry c a r eer .

I n t h i s c a s e h e w a s mo r e fo r t u n a t e t h a n i n t h e W a t e r
loo c a mp a i gn for by sen d i n g t h e sm a ll c olum n a lon g t h e
,

Cor n i c h e r o a d t ow a r d s Gen o a h e l ed B ea ul i eu t o t h i n k
,

t h at h e w a s a t t emp t i n g t o t u r n h i s l eft B ea uli eu t h ere .

fo r e m a rc h ed t o t h e p r ot ec t i on of Gen o a wit h t h e bulk

of his fo r c es a t t h e sam e t i m e gi vi n g h i s l i eut en a n t
‘

, ,

Ar gen t ea u o r d ers t o cr os s t h e mou n t a i n s fr om Mon t e

,

n ot t e t o S a vo n a t h a t i s t o sa y by t h e s a m e r o a d wh i c h
, ,

N a pol eo n h a d c ho sen t o en t er P i ed mo n t If t h i s movem en t .

h a d b een su c c essful i t woul d h a ve c u t t h e F r en c h l i n e

,

i n t wo an d t h a t p a r t of t h e a r my b et ween S a vo n a a n d
,

Gen o a would h a v e b een i n d a n ger of c a p t u r e B u t Ar .

gen t ea u en cou n t er ed a n ob st a c l e wh i c h st opp ed h i s a d

v a n c e I t w a s a si mpl e r ed oub t d efen d ed by 1 2 0 0 m en
.

un d er Colo n el R a mpo n who for t wen t y-four hou r s h eld

,

E 6O J
 TH E CAM PAIGN O F I TALY
off Austri an s a n d g a v e N a pol eon t i m e to com e up
wi th hi s a rmy .

L ea d in g his troops ou t of S a von a a t m i d n i gh t ,

on t h e 1 1 Apri l N a pol eo n c l i mb ed twelv e m i l es i n t h e

,

sh adows of t he L i guri a n Alps a n d a s t h e d ay b roke t h e

,

Austri an s fou n d t h e Fren c h b efore t h em i n overwh el m

i n g forc e Th e w ea k Aus t r i a n c en t re occupi ed a ri dge or
.

pl at ea u a bov e t h e vi ll a ge of Mon t en ot t e t hrough wh i ch ,

r a n t h e ro a d l ea d i n g t o Al ess a n dri a a n d M i l a n .

Wh en t h e mou n t a i n m i st s r oll ed up Argen t ea u foun d ,

h i ms elf con fron t ed by t h e d i vi s i on s of Au ger ea u an d

L a h a rp e wh i l e b eh i n d hi m w as t h e d i vi si on of M a ss en a
, .

N ea rly surroun d ed by sup eri or forc es h e w as forc ed t o ,

b eat a preci p i t a t e r et r ea t upon D ego l ea vi n g t wo t hou,

s a n d pri son ers i n t h e h an ds o f t h e Fr en ch .

Th e n ext d ay N a pol eon t urn ed upo n t h e h i t h ert o u n

brok en P iedmo n t es e a n d d r ove t h em b a ck on C ev a ,

a ft er h a vi n g c u t o ff o n e of t h ei r d i vi s i o n s wh i ch was ,

forc ed to surren d er t wen t y-fou r hours l at er .

Th en l ea v in g on ly t h e d iv i s ion of Au gereau to con

,

t ai n t h e Piedmo n t ese N a pol eon con cen t ra ted t h e rest

,

of hi s forc es a g a in st t h e Aus t r i an s a n d on t h e fourt een t h

d rove t h em from D ego c a p t u r i n g ei gh t t hous a n d pri son ers
, .

’
Thus a ft er t hree d a ys figh t i n g N a pol eon h a d succ eed ed
,

i n s ep a r at in g t h e t w o a lli ed a r m i es Th e P i edmon t es e
.

were i n full retrea t on Cev a an d Mon dovi t h e Aust ri a n s ,

on Acqu i wh i l e t h e Fren ch a r my i n a c en t r a l pos i t i on

, , ,

w a s m a st er of bot h ro a ds a n d a bl e t o t urn a g ai n s t eit h er

en emy a t wi ll N a pol eon n ow s t ood li ke a wedge b et ween
.

t h e Alli es an d , st ron ger t h a n eit h er a lon e Th e con .

figura t i on of t h e gr oun d a lso fa vo r ed h i s pl a n s Th e n at ura l .

d esi r e of a b eat en a rmy i s t o fa ll b a c k t ow a rd i t s b a s e of

supplies Th i s i mp ell ed t h e Aus t r i a n s t o r et i re down t h e
.

v a ll ey of t h e Borm i d a i n a n o rt h ea st erly d i rect i on t ow a rds

M i l a n wh i l e t h e S a r d i n i a n s ret reat ed i n a n ort hwest erly
,

d i rec t i o n t ow a rds Tu r i n .

L ea vi n g t h e d i vi s i o n of L a h a rp e t o w a rd off an y re
n ew a l of an offen s i ve by t h e Aus t ri an s N a poleon n ow ,

[ 61 ]
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
st a rt ed i n pursuit of t h e d emor a l i zed Pi edmon t ese who ,

sc a rc ely m a d e a n y a t t emp t t o d efen d t h e i n t ren ch ed

c a mp a t Ceva b u t fell b a ck st ep by s t ep O n t h e 2 1
, .

Apri l N a pol eon ove rt ook a n d d efea t ed t h em at M ord ov i ,

an d four d a ys l a t er w as a t Ch er a sco on ly t en l ea gu es

from Turi n .

D i sm ay rei gn ed in t h e S a rd i n i a n c a p it a l Th e Ki n g .

yi eld ed t o t he suppli c a t i o n s of h i s p eople an d offered t o

m a ke p ea c e By t h e a r m i st i ce si gn ed on t h e 2 8 Apri l
.
,

Pi edmo n t wi t hdrew from t h e co a lit i on g a ve up t hree of ,

h er s t ron ges t fort r esses c ed ed Ni c e an d S a voy t o Fr a n ce

, ,

a n d d i sb a n d ed h er a r my .

Thus i n l ess t h an t h r ee wee ks N a poleon h a d won si x ,

vi c t ori es ki ll ed or c a pt u r ed mo r e t h a n
, m en t a ken ,

mor e t h a n fort y c a n n on d et a ch ed t h e S a rd in i a n s from

,

t h ei r a ll i an c e a n d for c ed t h em t o m a k e a s ep a r a t e p ea c e ,

a n d h a d a cqu i r ed a s a b a s e fo r fut u r e op er at i on s a g a i n s t

t h e Aust ri an s t h e fo r t r esses of Co n i To rt on a a n d Al es ,

s a n dri a wi t h a rt i ller y m a g a zi n es a n d s t ores

, , .

N a pol eon wit h t h e pu r pos e of d ecei vi n g t h e Aust ri an s

,

as t o hi s fu t u r e pl a n s h a d p u t a c l a u se i n t h e a rm i s t i c e
,

provi di n g t h at t h e t own of Va l en za on t h e P0 w a s t o b e
surren d ered t o hi m B ea ul ieu a ccord in gly exp ect ed t h e
.

Fren ch t o at t empt t h e p a ssa ge of t h e ri v er a t t h at poi n t .

He t h erefore s t r o n gly fo r t i fied t h e a pp r o a ch es t o t h e Po

at V a l en z a an d a l so p rep a r ed a sec o n d li n e of d efen c e a t
,

P a vi a b eh i n d t h e Ti c in o B u t N a pol eon a ft er m a kin g a

.
,

fein t a t Va l en z a m a r c h ed hi s a r my r a pi dly down t h e

,

ri ght b a n k of t he ri ver t o Pl a cen t i a a pl a c e a bout t w en t y

,

four m i l es b elow t h e ju n c t i on of t h e Ti ci n o wit h t h e Po .

H ere he cros sed wi t hout s eri ou s opposit i on a n d t hus ,

t urn ed bot h of t h e posi t i on s so c a r efully fort i fi ed by t h e

Aust r i a n s .

B ea uli eu d i d n ot feel s t ron g en ough t o k eep t h e fi eld

a g a i n s t t h e Fren ch so pl a c in g a sm a ll g a rri so n i n t h e
,

ci t a d el of M i l a n h e r et rea t ed r a pi d ly o n M a n t u a l ea v i n g
, ,

a st ron g r ea r-gu a rd t o d efen d t h e p a ssa ge of t h e Add a a t

Lod i H ere on t h e 1 0 M a y t h e Fren ch overtook t he

.

E 62 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
ri ver Mi n ci o whi ch c a r r i es off t h e surplus wat ers of L a ke
G a rd a j oin s t h e Po a ft er a c ou r se of som e ei ghty m i l es .

Th i s ri ver forms t h e ch i ef i n n er b a r ri er a g a in s t a ll i n
v a d ers of I t a ly From t h e ea r l i es t t i m es down t o t b se of
.

t h e t wo N a poleo n s t h e b a n ks of t h e M in c i o h a ve wit
n essed m a n y of t h e con t est s wh i c h h a ve d eci d ed t h e for

t u n es of t h e P en i n sul a O n i t s lowes t cours e wh ere t h e

. ,

ri ver wi d en s ou t i n t o a s em ic i r cul a r l agoon fl an ked by

m a r sh es i s t h e h i st ori c t own of M a n t u a Th i s c i t y wit h
.
,

L egn a go Ver on a a n d P es c h ier a forms t h e most fa mous

, ,

st r at egi c a l posit i on of mod e rn h i st ory t h e cel ebra t ed ,

Qu a dri l at er a l comm a n d i n g t h e n ort h si d e of t h e v a l ley

,

of t h e Po t oget h er wi t h t h e p a ss es of t h e Ad i ge
,
.

Th e pl an of N a poleon w a s t o a t t a ck t h e Aus t ri a n cen t re

a t Borgh et t o b u t i n ord er t o d ec ei v e t h e en emy h e m a d e
, ,

a d emon s t r at i on a g a i n st P esc h i er a Th en o n t h e 2 9 M ay
.
,

h e a t t ac ked Borgh et t o wi t h h i s c a v a lry u n d er Mur a t sup

port ed by i n fa n t ry a n d a r t i ll er y a n d c a r ri ed t h e bri dge .

By t h i s movem en t h e b r oke t h e cen t r e of t h e Aust ri a n

a rmy p a r t of wh i ch r et i r ed i n t o t h e Tyrol wh i l e t h e r e
,

m ai n d er t ook r efuge i n M a n t u a wh i c h w a s n ow i n v est ed

, .

Th e p ecul i a ri t i es of t h e gr ou n d fa vor ed t h e s i ege of

t he fort r ess Th e s em i ci r c u l a r l a goon wh i ch gu a rds
.

M a n t u a on t h e n ort h an d t h e m a r sh es on t h e sout h s i d e
, ,

ren d er an a ss a ul t v ery d i fficul t ; b u t t h ey a lso li m it t h e

r a n ge of grou n d ov er wh i c h so r t i es c a n b e m a d e t h ereby ,

li ght en i n g t h e work of t h e b esi egers ; a n d du ri n g p a rt

of t he block a d e N a poleon left fewer t h an fiv e t hous an d
m en for t h i s purpos e .

’
Al a rm ed a t N a poleon s p r ogr ess Aus t ri a n ow d et er ,

mi n ed t o m a k e a gr ea t eff or t fo r t h e r el i ef of M a n t u a a n d
for t h e recov ery of I t a ly T h e possessi o n of M an t u a w a s
.

of d eci s i ve i mport a n c e If N a pol eo n should t a k e an d k eep

.

i t Aust ri a would b e pr a ct i c a lly b a n i sh ed from I t a ly an d

,

h er presti ge d es t roy ed S h e mu st t h er efor e r el i ev e i t or

.
,

los e n ot on ly h er power i n t h e P en i n sul a b u t h er r a n k i n

Europ e .

Th e Aus t ri a n a rmy i n t h e Tyrol w as i n cr ea s ed t o

[ 64 ]
 TH E CAM PAIGN O F ITAL Y
m en an d pu t u n d e r t h e comm a n d of M a rsh a l W u rm ser ,

a n old m a n b u t a br a v e sold i er who h a d d i st i n gu i sh ed

,

h i ms elf i n s ever a l c a mp a i gn s B esi d es t h e m a i n Aus t ri a n

.

a rmy t h er e w er e sold i er s shut up i n M an t u a .

N a pol eon h a d a lt oget h er m en O n e d i vi s i o n

.
,

st r on g w as b es i egin g M a n t u a wh i l e t h e ot h er s
, ,

w ere pos t ed a t L egn a go an d Veron a .

F r om T r en t t h e h ea dqu a rt ers of t he Aus t ri a n a rmy

, ,

t h er e w ere t hr ee d i rec t rou t es t o t h e Qu a d r i l a t er a l : on e

by t h e west s i d e of L a k e G a r d a t h e o t h er t w o down t h e
,

Ad i ge on t h e ea s t si d e of t h e l a ke on e t o R i vol i by t h e

ri ght b an k of t h e r i v er a n d t h e ot h er t o Veron a by t h e
l eft b a n k .

W u r m ser d i vi d ed hi s forc es in t o t w o a r m i es : on e 2 ,

st r o n g c omm a n d ed by Qu a sd a n ov i ch t ook t h e r ou t e by
, ,

t h e w es t si d e of L a ke G a r d a ; t h e o t h er st r on g
, ,

c omm a n d ed by W u r m ser h i ms elf d esc en d ed t h e A d i g e i n

,

t w o colum n s o n e o n e a ch si d e of t h e r i v er By t h i s pl a n
, .
,

W u r m ser exp ec t ed t o en v elop an d c a p t u r e t h e whol e

Fren c h a r my .

N a pol eon n ot b ei n g st r on g en ough t o t a ke t h e off en si v e

, ,

w a it ed for d evelopm en t s Th e 30 J u ly h e l ea r n ed t h a t t h e
.

Aust ri a n s wer e a d v a n c i n g on bot h si d es of t h e l a k e H e .

d ec i d e d t o r a i s e t h e si ege of M a n t u a a n d t o con cen t r at e

a t o n ce a l l hi s a v a i l a bl e t roops a t t h e lower en d of L a k e

G a rd a wh er e fr om h i s c en t r a l posi t i o n h e c oul d fa ll
wi t h a lmost h i s en t i r e fo r c e on ei t h er of t h e t w o Au st ri a n
a r m i es
. O n t h e n ext d ay h e con c en t r a t ed h i s fo r ces a n d
t h e d a y followi n g h e a t t a ck ed a n d d efea t ed Qu a sd a n ov i ch ,

fo r ci n g hi m b a ck i n t o t h e moun t a i n s on t h e wes t s i d e of
t h e l a k e He t h en t u r n ed b a c k hi s colum n s a n d m a r c h ed
.

t o m eet W u r m ser who h a d d i r ec t ed o n e of hi s d i v i s i o n s

,

on Lon a t o a n d o n e on C a s t i gl i on e wh i l e wi t h t h e m a i n
,

p a rt of hi s a rmy h e co n t i n ued hi s m a r ch on M a n t u a .

O n t h e t h i r d of Augus t a t Lon at o an d C a st i gl i o n e
, ,

N a pol eon a t t a c ked a n d d efea t ed t h e t wo Aust ri a n d i vi

si on s wh i ch h a d c r oss ed t h e M in ci o .

I n t he m ea n t i m e W u r m ser h a d a rri v ed a t M an t u a ,

E 65 21
 NAPOLEON TH E FIRST
revi ct u a lled t h e g a r r i so n a n d t h en m a r ch ed ou t i n t h e
,

d i r ect i on of C a st i gl i on e t o fin d t h e Fren ch O n t h e fift h .

of Augus t N a pol eon fough t t h e secon d b at t l e of C ast ig

li on e in wh i ch W u r m ser w a s b ea t en a n d d ri v erb a c ross
t h e M i n c i o N apol eo n follow ed up h i s v i c t ory a t t a cked
. .
,

a g ai n a t P esch i er a a n d fi n a lly d r ov e t h e Aus t ri an s i n t o

t h e Tyrol M a n t u a w a s a g a i n i n v est ed I n si x d a ys h e
. .

h a d fough t a n d w on t hree p i t c h ed b at t l es a n d h a d a l ,

most an n i hi l at ed Wu r m ser s a r my ’
,

Aust ri a n ow r a i sed a n ot h e r a rmy whi ch w as a g ai n ,

p u t un d er t h e comm a n d of W u r m ser wi t h t h e s a m e pur ,

pose a s b efore Th e Au st ri a n c omm an d er who h a d

.
,

l ea rn ed n ot hin g fr om exp er i en c e a g a i n d i vi d ed h i s forc es

, .

L ea vi n g D a vi dov i c h wi t h m en i n t h e Tyrol ,

wi t h t h e rem a in d er of hi s a r my st ron g h e p re
, ,

p a r ed t o d es cen d t h e v a ll ey of t h e Bren t a by an ot h er
ro a d n ot previ ously d esc r i b ed wh i c h follows t h e ri ver s
, ,
’

cours e a s fa r a s B a ssa n o a n d t h en l ea vi n g t h e ri ver

,

p a sses t hrough Vi cen z a in t o t h e v a ll ey of t h e Ad ige at

Veron a .

H avi n g rec ei v ed rei n fo rcem en t s N a pol eon n ow h ad

a bou t sold i er s L ea vin g 8 0 0 0 t r oops b efore M an t u a
.

t o co n t i n u e t h e s i eg e a n d 30 0 0 a t Ver o n a t o hold t h e
fort i fic a t i on s t h ere h e h i m self wi t h t h e m a in body of
,

h i s a r my a sc en d ed t h e Ad i ge E a r ly i n S ep t emb er h e ar
.

t a ck ed an d d efea t ed D a vi d ovi c h d r ov e hi m furt h er i n t o

,

t h e Tyrol a n d g a i n ed poss essi on of Tr en t Th i s w a s a n .

i mport an t posi t i on i n t h at i t op en ed t o t h e F r en ch t h e
v a lley of t he Bren t a an d a llowed t h e m t o d ebouch d i rect ly
upon W u r m ser s rea r Un t i l N a pol eon r ea ch ed t h i s poin t
’
.
,

h e w as n ot a w a r e of Wu r m ser s m a r c h down t h e Bren t a

’
.

Wi t h sold i er s h e n ow foun d h i ms elf d i rect ly b e

t ween D a v i dovi ch a n d Wo r m ser t h e fo r m er of whom h e
,

h a d a lrea dy d efeat ed H e d ec i d ed t o m a rch r a p i dly

.

down t h e Br en t a i n o r d er t o ov er t a ke a n d crush W u r m ser

b efore h e should rea c h M a n t u a .

L eavi n g a sm a ll forc e i n t h e Tyr ol t o con t ai n t h e d e

[ 66 ]
 THE CAMPAIGN OF ITALY
fea t ed Aust ri a n s wi t h t h e d i vi s i o n s of M a ss en a a n d
,

Au gerea u h e hurri ed t o ov ert a k e W u r m ser M a rch i n g

, .

fift y m i l es i n t w o d a ys h e c a m e up wi t h t h e Aus t ri a n s a t
B a ss a n o W u r m ser w a s i n a c rit i c a l pos it i on a n d h a rdly
.

k n ew wh i ch w a y t o t urn He h a d exp ect ed t o fin d t h e

.

F r en ch i n fron t an d h e foun d t h em i n hi s r ea r H e h a d .

exp ec t ed t o d es t r oy t h ei r commu n i c a t i o n s a n d hi s ow n

wer e cu t off H e c ould n ot esc a p e ; h e h a d ei t h er t o figh t

.

or su r r en d er H e c hos e t h e fo r m er cou r s e a n d i n t h e b at t le
.
,

wh i c h en su ed a t B a ss a n o w a s d ec i si v ely d efea t ed A p a r t .

of h i s fo r c es fou n d s a fet y i n t h e moun t a i n ou s d i st r i c t of

F r i ul i wh i l e W u r m ser h i m self wi t h t h e r em a i n d e r of h i s
,

a r my , a bou t m en m a rch ed by w a y of L egn a go

,

on M a n t u a wh i c h h e su c c eed ed i n r ea ch i n g i n s a fet y .

Th e Aust ri a n gov ern m en t n ow d et erm i n ed t o m a k e a

fou r t h eff o r t t o r eli ev e M a n t u a By t h e m i d dl e of O ct ob er
.

t h ei r a r my w a s i n c r ea sed t o m en wh i le W u r m ser
,

wi t h mor e w a s shut up i n M a n t u a To oppose t h ese

.

fo r c es N a pol eon h a d h a r d ly m en i n clu d i n g t h e

,

8 0 0 0 who w er e b es i egi n g M a n t u a Th e n ew Aust r i a n a r my

.

w a s u n d er t h e c omm a n d of Al v i n z y Tow a r ds t h e en d of
.

Oct ob er t h e posi t i on w a s a s follows : Al v i n zy wit h

,

m en w a s on t h e Pi a v e t h r eat en i n g a n a dv a n c e on Vi cen z a .

D a v i dovi ch wi t h mo r e w a s i n t h e Ty r ol Th e m a i n.

Fren ch a r my wh i c h n umb er ed a bout w a s a t Ver o n a .

N a pol eon n ow d ec i d ed t o r evers e t h e op er a t i on h e h a d

c a r r i ed o u t su c c essfully a g a i n st W u r m ser ; a t t a c k a n d
d efea t Al v i n zy on t h e P i a v e a n d t h en st r i ke b a ck t h r ough
,
'

t h e v a ll ey of t h e B r en t a a t t h e fl a n k an d r ea r of D a v i d
ov i c h B u t t h i s t i m e hi s pl a n fa i l ed O n t h e 1 2 Nov emb er
.
, .

t h e t w o a r m i es m et a few m i l es ea st of Ver on a a t C a l d i ero ,

a n d t h e Fr en ch w er e s ev er ely d efea t ed wi t h t h e loss of

,

t h r ee t hous an d m en , a n d fo r c e d t o r et rea t t o V er o n a .

N a pol eo n s p os it i on w as n ow h i ghly c r it i c a l fo r
’

D a v i dov i c h h a d d esc en d ed t h e Ad i ge an d w a s o n ly h eld

i n c h eck by a d i vi s i o n o c c upyi n g t h e s t ro n g pos i t i o n
of R i vol i O n ly a few m i l es sep a r a t ed t h e t wo Aust r i a n
.
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
a rmies an d it a pp ea red a s i f t h ei r ju n c t i on cou l d n ot b e
preven t ed .

Wh en aff a i rs wer e i n t h i s p r ec a r i ous con d i t i on N a pol eon ,

wit h hi s i n comp a r a bl e fi r m n ess of d eci si on n ow d eu r m i n ed

t o h a z a rd on e of t h e mos t d a ri n g t ur n i n g mov em en t s
whi ch h i st ory rec o r d s I t w a s n ecess a ry a t a ll cost t o
.

dri v e Alv i n zy from t h e h ei gh t s of C a l d i er o b efore t he

colum n from t h e Tyr ol should ove rwh elm hi s d et a ch
m en t at Ri voli an d d ebouch i n t o t h e pl ai n s west of Veron a .

B ut a s C a l d iero could n ot b e t a ken by a fron t a l a t t a ck

, ,

i t mus t b e t urn e d by a fl a n kin g movemen t At n i gh t fa ll .

on t h e 1 4 Nov emb er h e o r d ere d h i s t r oops t o t a k e up

a rms Th ey cross e d t h e t own i n si len c e an d p a ss ed over

.

t o t h e ri ght b a n k of t h e Ad i g e a s i f t o pl a c e t h e ri v er b e
,

t w een t h e en emy a n d t h em selv es .

Veron a li es on bot h b a n ks of t h e riv er b u t t h e m a i n ,

p a rt of t h e t own i s on t h e r i gh t N a pol eon m a d e u se of

.

t h e s t r ea m as a n a t u r a l fo r t i fi c a t i o n a n d co n c en t r a t ed
hi s forc es on t h e west si d e Th e a r my m a r ch ed wit h
.

dumb resi gn at i on suppo sin g t h e r et r eat h a d b egun B u t

, .

on l ea vi n g t h e w es t g a t e of Ver on a i n st ea d of t a k i n g t h e
,

ro a d t o P eschi er a t h e o r d er w as gi v en t o t urn t o t h e left

,

an d m a rch down t h e ri v er .

Th i s st ri ki n g m a n oeuv r e sei zed a l l i m a gi n a t i on s an d

roused t h e en t hu si a sm of t h e a r my Th e v et er a n s of t he .

Army of I t a ly rea li zed t h a t t h ey wer e a bout t o t urn a

posit io n th at a few d a ys b efore t h ey h a d n ot b een a bl e
t o forc e .

Al v in zy who w a s a dv a n ci n g from C al d i ero t ow a rds

,

Veron a h a d t h i s for t i fied cit y o n hi s fr on t O n h is ri ght

, .

were i mp a ss a ble mou n t a i n s O n hi s l eft w as t h e ri ver

.

Ad i ge d eep a n d un fo r d a bl e D i r ect ly t o hi s r ea r w a s t h e
,
.

d efil e of Vi ll a Nov a wh ic h h e h a d ju st p a ss ed a n d wh i ch
w as t h e o n ly rout e by wh i c h h e c ould r et i r e To h i s l eft .

an d r ea r w a s t h e ri v er Al pon wh i c h r i s es n ea r Vi ll a Nov a

a n d flows sou t h i n t o t h e Ad i g e O n t h e l eft b a n k of t h e

.

Al pon a bou t t hr ee m i l es fr om it s mou t h i s t h e vi ll a ge of

, ,

Arcol e from whi ch t he b at t l e t a kes it s n a m e .

[ 68 ]
 TH E CAMPAIGN OF ITAL Y
The b a t t l e-fiel d w as on e of t h e st r an gest i n t h e h i s t ory
of w ar Wh ere t he l it t l e ri v er Al pon flows d own t o joi n
.

t h e Ad i ge, n ea r t h e vi ll a ge of Ro n co, t h ere i s a b i g m a r sh

lyi n g b et w een t h e t w o s t rea ms a c ross wh i ch t h ere a r e
,

on ly t wo c a us ew ays a n d a n a rmy c an n ot move exc ep t

by t h es e ro a ds .

B efo r e proc eed i n g t o t h e execut i on of h i s pl a n N a ,

pol eon h a d o r d e red Ki lm a i n e t o wi t hdr a w from t h e s i ege

of M a n t u a wi t h 2 00 0 troops t a k e comm a n d a t Veron a
, ,

a n d hol d i t t o t h e l a st Th en wi t h a bou t
. sold i ers
h e left Veron a d esc en d ed t h e Ad i ge an d threw a b ri dge
,

a cross t h e ri v er a t Ro n co oppos i t e t h e d efil e of Vi ll a Nov a .

Th e followi n g d ay h e cross ed t h e ri ver an d b eg an t he

c el ebr a t ed b a t t l e of Ar cole N a pol eon s pl a n w a s t o g ai n
.
’

poss essi o n of Vi ll a Nov a a n d cu t off t h e ret r ea t of t h e

Aust ri an a rmy b u t b efore h e could g a in t h e d efil e i t w as
,

n ec ess a ry to c a rry t h e br i dge a t A r col e .

Th e surpri se wh i c h N a pol eon h a d pl a n n ed w a s by n o

m ea n s complet e ; for Al v i n zy h i mself i n t en d ed t o c r oss
t h e Ad i ge a t Z evi o so a s t o m a k e a d a sh on M a n t u a an d ,

i n ord er t o pro t ec t hi s fl a n k h e h a d s en t a d et a chm en t of

C r o at s t o hol d Arcol e T h e Cro at s c on st a n t ly rein forced
.
, ,

poured i n so d ea dly a fir e a s t o ch ec k t h e F r en ch a dv an ce .

N a pol eon h i ms elf s ei ze d a b a n n er a n d l ed h i s m en t o t h e

a t t a ck . M a rmon t a n d M u i r on wit h a h an dful of g a ll an t
m en followed en d ea vori n g t o sc r een t h e body of t h ei r
,

chi ef ; b u t M u ir on fe ll d ea d a n d a n oth er ofli cer d ra gged

,

N a pol eon b a ck from c ert a in d eath .

The a t t a ck w as co n t i n u ed on t h e t wo followi n g d a ys
an d, a ft e r v i gorous fight i n g on t h e t h i rd d ay N a pol eo n
,

succ eed ed wi t h a p a rt of h i s forc e i n d r i vin g b a ck t h e

Aus t ri a n s who h a d a dv an c ed b eyon d Arcol e Wi t h t h e .

ot h er p a rt h e cross ed t h e Al pon n ea r it s mouth an d t ook

Arcol e i n rev ers e .

He t h en emp l oyed a ski lfu l rus e to a d d t o t h e d i s

cou r a gem en t of hi s foes H e post ed a sm al l body of
.

hors em en b eh i n d a l it t l e clump of woods n ea r t he Aust ri a n

fl an k wi t h ord ers to soun d t h ei r bugles as i f for a great
,

E 69 ]
 NAPOLEON TH E FIRST
ca va lry h a rge Al a rm ed by t h e n oi s e an d by t h e a p
c .

p ea r a n ce of Fr en ch t roop s i n t h ei r r ea r t h e d emo r a l i zed

,

wh i t e-co a t s sudd en ly g a ve w a y a n d N a pol eon d ebou c h ed

upon t h e op en pl a in wi t h a l l h i s fo r ces an d drov e t m b a c k
a s fa r a s B a ss a n o Thus a ft er t h r ee d a ys of mos t
.
, esp er a t e

fight i n g h e w as a g ain vic t or i ous

,
.

Du r in g t h e b at t le of A r c ole Wu r m ser rem a in ed qui et

,

at M a n t u a Al v in zy h a d n ot exp ect ed t o a rri ve b efo re

.

t h e pl a ce u n t i l t h e 2 3 Nov emb er a n d h a d a sk ed W u r m ser

n ot t o m a ke a sort i e u n t i l t h en . B y t h a t d a t e however
, ,

t h e c a mp a i gn w as ov er .

Th es e bri ll i a n t r esult s s a ys Ros e were d u e p r i

, ,

m a r i ly t o t h e con summ a t e l ea d ers hi p of Bon a p a rt e His .

geogr a phi ca l i n st i n ct s d i sc ern ed t h e m ea n s of profit in g

by n at u r a l obst a cles an d of t urn i n g t h em wh en t hey
seem ed t o sc r een hi s oppo n en t s .Promp t t o d i vi n e t h ei r
'

pl a n s h e b ewi ld ered t h em by t h e a ud a ci ty of his com

,

b i n at ion s wh i ch ov erbore t h ei r colum n s wit h s up eri or

,

for c e a t t h e very t i m e wh en h e seem ed doom ed t o su c

cu m b . Gen i us so comm a n d i n g h a d n ot b een d i spl a yed
even by Fr ed er i ck or M a rlborough .

E 70 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST

t he d ivi s ion of M a ss en a n ea r ly 1 0 0 0 Aust r i an s b ein g

,

c a p t u r ed. Th e ea se wi t h wh i c h t h e Aus t r i a n s wer e r e

puls ed c on vi n c ed N a p oleon t h a t Al v i n zy w a s n ot m a ki n g
h i s m ai n at t a ck fr om t h i s d i r ec t i o n Th e n ext a f n oon
.

h e lea r n ed t h a t Joub ert w as h a r d p r ess ed a n d h a b een

comp ell ed t o fa ll b a ck upon R i voli F eeli n g t h a t t h e
.

m ai n Aust ri a n a t t a ck woul d b e m ad e down t h e Ad i ge ,

N a pol eon a t on c e m a d e hi s pl an s a ccord in gly H e s en t .

ord er s t o Joub er t t o hol d t h e pl a t ea u of Ri voli a t a ll

h a z a rd s a n d set ou t wi t h a ll of h i s fo r ces for t h a t poi n t ,

whi ch h e h i ms elf r ea ch ed by d a yb r ea k of t h e fourt een t h .

As you s t an d on t h e i r regul a r -sh a p ed pl a t ea u of R i vol i

on a wi n t er d a y , lookin g n o r t h you see i mm ed i at ely
,

b efor e you t h e bold sn ow-c l a d h ei gh t of Mo n t e B a ld o .

O n your r i gh t a t t h e foot of t h e pl a t ea u ru n s t h e Ad i ge
, ,

wh i ch h a s j ust em er ged fr om t h e Ty r ol ese Alps a n d con ,

t i n n es i t s r a p i d cour se d own t o t h e pl a i n s of t h e Po A .

goo d r o a d r u n s a lon g t h e l eft o r ea s t b a n k an d a n i n

, ,

fer i or on e a lon g t h e r i gh t Si x mi l es t o t h e wes t i s t h e bro a d

.

exp a n s e of L a k e G a r d a of wh i ch gl i mps es m a y b e c a ugh t

, .

Through t h e pl ai n wh i ch su r r ou n d s t h e pl at ea u fr om ,

n o r t h t o sou t h r u n s a swi ft s t r ea m c a ll ed t h e T a sso ,

wh ic h i s bri d ged or fo r d a bl e at a n umb er of pl a c es P a r a ll el .

t o t h e A d i g e c om es d own t ow a r ds t h e pl a t ea u a lo n g r i dge
t er m i n a t i n g i n t h e h ei gh t s of S a n M a r co Th e R i voli
.

pl at ea u m a kes a v ery st r on g d efen si ve posi t i on .

At a bout t en o c loc k on t h e n i gh t of t h e 1 3 J a n u a ry
’

Joub ert h a d gi v en o r d ers t o r et i r e from R i vol i fea r i n g t o ,

b e ove rwh elm ed by t h e Au st r i a n s At t h i s mom en t a r

.

r i v ed t h e m ess a ge fr om Bon a p a r t e s a yi n g t h a t h e w a s on

h i s w a y wit h r ei n forc emen t s a n d o r d er i n g h i m t o hold

t h e posi t i on .

Th e fa ll in g weat h er h a d c ea s ed a n d i t w a s a cl ea r ,

col d moo n l i gh t n i gh t wh en Bo n a p a rt e r ea ch ed Joub ert s ’

h ea dqu a rt er s a bout fou r i n t h e mo r n i n g Kn owi n g t h e

.

coun t ry well he could ea s i ly d i vi n e t h e posit i o n s a n d a lso

,

[ 72 ]
 FROM RIVOLI TO CAMPO FORMIO
t he pl a n s of t h e en emy by t h e wi d e-spr ea d li gh t s of t h ei r
c a mp-fir es .

Th e go r ge by wh i ch t h e Ad i g e b rea ks t hrough t h e l ow
est foo t — h i lls of t h e A l p s t o en t er t h e lowl an ds h as b een
fa mou s si n c e t h e ea rl ies t t i m es Th e ri v er cut s t h r ough .

t h e mou n t a i n s jus t b efore a r r i v i n g oppos it e t h e pl a t ea u

a t R i vol i fl ows p a s t t h a t t own a n d t h en c e p a s t Ver on a
,

a n d L egn a go t ow a rd s t h e sea Al v i n zy w a s m a r ch i n g by
.

t h e t w o m a i n ro a ds wh i ch l i e on oppos i t e s i d es of t h e r i v er .

Wit h a v i ew of surroun d i n g a n d c a p t uri n g t he Fren ch

a r my , b efore p a ssi n g t h e mou n t a i n s h e h a d d i v i d ed h i s
fo r ces i n t o si x p a rt s O n e c olum n of a bout 50 0 0 m en w a s
.

t o d esc en d t h e Ad i ge a lo n g t h e ro a d on t h e l eft b a n k of
t h e ri v er wh i l e an ot h er c olum n of 90 0 0 m en should follow
,

t h e r o a d a lo n g t h e ri gh t b a n k a n d a sc en d t h e h ei gh t s t o
t h e pl a t ea u of R i vol i Th r ee ot h er colum n s wer e t o p a ss
.

ov er t h e mou n t a i n ro a ds a n d a t t a ck t h e Fren ch fr o n t ,

wh i l e t h e si xt h colum n 40 0 0 st r o n g w as t o m a r c h a rou n d
, ,

t h e w est er n slop e of Mo n t e B a ldo a n d a t t a ck t h e F ren c h

l eft a n d rea r An ex a m i n a t i o n of t h e m a p wi ll show t h a t
.

t h ese si x colum n s w er e a ll sep a r a t ed from ea c h o t h er by

p r a ct i c a lly i mp a ss a bl e b a r r i er s Not wi t hst a n d i n g a l l t h es e
.

er r o r s i f Al v i n zy on t h e n i gh t of t h e 1 3 J a n u a r y h a d
, ,

ga i n e d poss essi on of t h e pl a t ea u of R ivol i h e would s t i ll ,

’
h a ve h a d great ch a n c es of suc cess By a n hou r s m a r ch h e .

could h a ve rea ch ed a st ron g posi t i on for b at t le wh ere ,

N a pol eon wi t h h i s i n feri o r n umb ers would h a rd ly h a ve

ven t ured t o at t a ck h i m Th i s w a s t h e crown i n g a c t of t h at
.

ser i e s of errors wh i ch t oget h er c a us ed t h e d efea t a t

Ri voli — on e of t h e wo r s t ev er exp eri en c ed by Aust ri a n
a r ms .

I n h is cho i c e of t h e pl a t ea u of R i vol i for t h e b at t l e

field N a poleon d i spl a yed ex c ell en t j udgm en t H e h a d
,
. .

previ ously p a ssed t hrough t h e pl a c e a n d rea li zed t h e i m

port a n c e of t h e posit i on Th e fa cul t y of seei n g a n d t e
.

m em b er i n g t h e fea t ures of a cou n t ry wh i ch h e t r a ve rsed

w a s on e of t h e d i st i n gu i sh i n g p eculi a rit i es of Na poleo n s
’

mi n d .

[ 73 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Wh en N a pol eon a r ri ved a t R i vol i jus t b efore d a y
b r ea k h e saw t h e l i ght s from t h e six Aust ri a n c a mps a n d
,

p er c ei ved t h a t Al v in zy h a d s ep a r a t ed hi s colum n s by i m
p ass a ble obst a cles I n his fr on t were
. Au st r i a m He .

h a d o n ly Joub er t s d ivi s i on of on t h e fi eld b ut

’
,

M a ssen a would soon b e up wit h 8 0 0 0 mo r e .

At ea r ly d a wn b eg an t h e b a t t le wh i c h w a s t o set t le t h e
fa t e of M a n t u a For som e t i m e t h e Au st r i a n s h a d t h e
.

a dv an t a ge a n d t h e r esul t w as i n su sp en se B u t N a pol eon .

soon r es t o red o r d er i n t h e F r en ch r a n ks Ever y succes

.

s i ve a t t a ck of t h e Aust r i a n s w a s vi ol en t ly repul sed a n d

t h ei r r i gh t a n d c en t re fell b a c k t ow a r d s Mo n t e B a ldo i n
g r ea t con fusi o n The Au st r i a n colum n wh i ch a t t empt ed
.

t o t urn t h e pl a t ea u o n t h e w est w a s c ompl et ely cu t off

by t h e res er ves un d er R ey a n d compell ed t o su r r en d er .

Th e whol e Au st r i a n a r my w a s soo n i n full ret r ea t T h e .

b a t t l e en d ed i n t h e wo rst d efeat a n d mos t compl et e r out

whi c h t h e Imp er i a l a r m s h a d t hus fa r sust a i n ed T h e a r my .

w a s pu r su ed i n t o t h e Ty r ol a n d p r i son ers wer e

c a p t u r ed i n t h e n ext t w o d a ys O u t of . Au st r i a n s ,

wit h whom Al v i n zy b eg a n t h e b at t l e h e h a d l eft on t h e

,

n i gh t of t h e si x t een t h b u t sol d i er s Thus en d ed t h e

.

b a t t l e of Ri voli wh i c h i s c on si d er ed t o b e on e of N a
g s a c t i c a l vi c t o r i es
’

p o l eo n s rea t e t t .

In t he m ea n t im e P r ov er a wit h a bout 8 0 0 0 Aust r i an s

, ,

a lmo st h a lf of h i s c o r p s h a d fo r c ed t h e l i n e of t h e A d i ge
,

a n d c r ossed t h e r i v er a few m i l es a bov e L egn a go H e t h en .

m a rc h ed r a pi d ly t ow a rds M a n t u a wit h Au ger ea u i n

pu rsui t He w a s t wi c e a t t a cked by t h e F r en c h an d on
.
,

bot h occ a s i on s hi s los ses were s ever e b u t n ev ert h el ess,

o n t h e mo rn i n g of t h e fift een t h h e fi n a lly a pp ea r ed wi t h

60 0 0 m en b efo r e M an t u a H ere h e w a s h eld i n c h ec k fo r a

.

d ay a n d a n i gh t by t h e block a d i n g F r en ch a rmy u n t i l
N a poleon a r ri v ed wi t h r ei n forc em en t s .

Immed i a t ely a ft er t h e b a t t l e of Ri voli N a pol eon ,

l ea rn ed of t h i s mov em en t by P r overa a n d h e s t a r t ed a t
,

on ce wit h M a ssen a s d i vi s i on for M an t u a Alt hough t h i s

’
.

[ 74 2]
 FROM RIVOLI TO CAM PO FORMIO
d i vi si on h a d b een m a rch i n g a n d figh t i n g co n t i n uously for
t h e l a s t t w en t y-four hours u n d er N a poleon s d i rec t io n
’
,

i t m a rch ed a ll n i gh t on t h e fou r t een t h an d t h e whole of

t h e n ext d a y a n d on t h e mor n i n g of t h e s i xt een t h w as
,

r ea dy fo r b a t t l e i n fr o n t of M a n t u a Th e s a m e m en who
.

t w o d a ys b efor e h a d m a r c h ed by n i gh t fr om Veron a an d ,

h a d bo r n e t h e b r u n t of t h e figh t a t R i voli n ow covered ,

t h i r t y m i l es i n fo r t y-ei gh t hours .

Th e n ext mo r n in g t h er e w a s a g en er a l en g a gem en t on
“
t h e ro a d fr om M a n t u a t o L a F a vo r it a a c ou n t r y-sea t
,

of t h e Duk e wh ic h g a v e i t s n a m e t o t h e b a t t l e P r over a
, .

a t t a c k ed i n fr o n t wh i l e W u r m ser s a lli ed o u t fr om t h e
,

fort ress a t t h e h ea d of a st ron g fo r c e Th e l at t er w a s

.

t hrow n b a ck i n t o t h e t ow n by S é r u r i er who c omm a n d ed

t h e b es i e ger s wh i l e Prov er a w a s a t t a c k ed by Vi ct o r an d
,

so b a dly b ea t en t h a t h e w a s fo r c ed t o su r r en d er hi s en t i re

forc e .

I n four d a y s t h e A r my of I t a ly h a d fough t t w o p i t ch ed
b a t t l es ; h a d t a k en p r ison ers i n c lud i n g t h r ee
,

gen er a l o ffi c er s ; h a d c a p t u r ed t wen t y st a n d a r d s a n d s i xt y

p i ec es of a r t i ll er y a n d h a d k i ll ed o r wou n d ed 60 0 0 m en
, .

Th i s short c a mp a i gn of R i voli w a s t h e t u r n i n g poin t of

t h e w a r a n d d ec id ed t h e h i st o r y of Eu r op e for t wen t y
yea rs I n t en mon t hs N a pol eon h a d sub d u ed I t a ly a n d
.

hum i l i a t ed t h e p r oud es t emp ir e on t h e Co n t in en t I t i s .

n ot wo n d er ful t h a t h e shoul d h a v e sa i d i n a ft er -y ea r s ,
“ ”
My l i fe b eg a n at R i vol i .

M ean wh i l e W u r m ser a t M a n t u a w a s i n a crit i c a l c on d i

,

t i o n Fo r d a ys t h e g a r r i so n of
. m en h a d b een l i vi n g
on h o r seflesh Th e v i ct o r i es of R i vol i a n d L a F a vo r i t a h a d
.

d est royed t h ei r l a st hop e a n d W u r m ser coul d hol d ou t

,

n o lo n ger O n t h e seco n d of F eb r u a r y t h e s t a r v i n g g a r r i so n
.

su r ren d er ed Thus en d ed t h e fift h op er a ti on of t he I t a l i a n

.

c a mp a i gn i n wh i ch N a pol eo n wit h o n ly
,
sol d i er s
h a d ki lled wou n d ed o r c a p t u r ed n ea r ly
,
Aust r i an s .

M a n t u a w as i n poss ess i on of t h e Fren ch an d N ap ol eon

w a s a t l a s t compl et e m a s t er of I t a ly .

[1 75 ]
 NAPOLEON TH E FIRST
In t h i s d a rk hour of hum i l i a t i on Aust r i a d ec i d ed t o
m a ke on e more suprem e eff or t t o recon quer I t a ly The .

you n g Ar chduk e Ch a rl es who h ad w on g r ea t glory on t h e

Rh in e w a s r ec a ll ed t o t a ke t h e comm a n d of t h e Im p eri a l
forc es an d prev en t t h e F r en c h from a dv a n c in g by t h e
n ow op en ro a d t o Vi en n a Th i s brot h er of t h e Emp eror
.
,

t h en o n ly t wen t y-fiv e yea r s of a ge w as i n hi s d a y s econ d ,

on ly t o N a poleon as a gen e ra l Th e Auli c Coun c i l ord ered .

hi m i n t o F r i uli a d i s t ri ct of t h e I t a l i an Alps on t h e bord ers

,

of Ven i c e wh ere t h e si xt h Aust r i a n a rmy w a s t o a ss embl e

, .

Th i s fo r ce u n li ke t he o t h ers w a s i n feri or i n n umb ers t o

, ,

t he F r en ch who h a d b een r ein forc ed by t h e a rr i v a l of

,

B ern a d ot t e wit h m en .

Ch a r l es wit h t h e m a i n Au st ri a n a rmy w a s s t a t i o n ed on
t h e upp er rea ch es of t h e Ta gli a m en t o t hrough wh i ch r an
t h e d i r ect r o a d t o Vi en n a An a u xi li a ry forc e un d er
.

Lusi gn a n w a s t o t he west wa r d on t h e Pi a ve .

N a pol eon wi t h hi s s t r en gt h en ed forces r esolved t o t a ke

t h e off en s i v e b efore t h e c on t i n gen t ord er ed fr om t h e
Rhin e shoul d rea ch t h e c a mp of hi s foe T h e c a mp ai gn .

w as n ot lon g for t h e Aus t r i a n fo r c es were i n fer i o r i n every

,

resp ect t o t h e Fren ch M a ssen a a dv a n c ed by t h e Pi a ve

.
,

c a pt u r ed p a rt of t h e fo r ces of Lusi gn an a n d d r ov e h i m
n ort hw a r d t ow a rds B ellu n o Na poleon lea vi n g Joub ert
.
,

wit h m en t o repress t h e Tyrol m a r ch ed r a p i dly ,

t o t h e T a gl i a m en t o wh i ch h e r ea ch ed on t h e 1 6 M a rch
,

lon g b efo r e h e w as exp ec t ed Duri n g t h e followi n g n i gh t

.

t he Fr en c h fo r d ed t h e s t r ea m a n d t ook t h e Au st r i a n s by
surpri se Aft er a g a ll an t fight of t h r ee hours t h ey ret reat ed
.

i n good o r d er .

I n t h e m ean t i m e M a ss en a h a d a dv a n c ed from t h e Tyro l

an d c u t t h e mos t d i rect li n e of c ommu n i c a t i o n wi t h t h e

Aust ri a n c a pi t a l Ch a rl es w a s t h erefore obl i ged t o r et reat

.

d ue ea s t w a r d i n t o t h e v a ll ey of t h e Iso n zo b eh i n d t h e
!

rush in g ri ver whi ch h e hop ed would s t op t h e Fren ch

pursui t .

Th e sev ere cold however h a d form ed i ce-b r i dges i n

, ,

severa l pl a ces wh ere t h e F r en c h ea si ly crossed M a ssén a

, .

E 76 ]
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
Ven i c e t oget h er wi t h I st r i a a n d D a lm at i a Wh en t h e
,
.

t erms of L eob en r ea ch ed P a r i s t h ey were r a t i fi ed a s a

m at t er of cours e even t hough t h ey h ad b een n egot i at ed
,

by an u n a ut hori zed a gen t O n e t h in g h ow ev g t h e

.
, ,

Di rect o r s n ot i fied Bon a p a rt e h e mus t n ot do n a m ely , ,

t o i n t erfere furt h er i n t h e aff a i r s of Ven i c e Th i s ord er .

rea ch ed h i m on t h e ei ght h of M ay b u t j ust a week ,

b efor e Ven i ce a s a n i n d ep en d en t st at e h a d c ea sed t o exi st .

Th e even t s wh i ch h a d t r an sp i red i n Ven et i a d u r i n g

th i s l a st c a mp a i gn g a ve N a pol eon a good excus e fo r hi s
a ct i on
. Ju st at t h e mom en t t h a t t h e p ea c e n ego t i at i on s
wer e b ei n g con duct ed t h e i n h a b i t a n t s of t h e Ven et i a n
,

m a in l an d ros e a g a i n st t h e i n v a d ers an d t h er e wer e

m a ss a cr es of t h e Fr en ch a t Ver on a a n d els ewh ere Ac .

co r d i n g t o t h e s ecret a rt i c les si gn ed a t Leob en t h e ci t y ,

of Ven i c e w a s t o h a ve ret a i n ed i t s i n d ep en d en ce b u t h er ,

a c t i on s could n ow b e ch a st i sed by a n n i h i l a t i on Ven i ce .

could i n fa ct i n d em n i fy t h e H a p sburgs for t h e furt h er

c essi on s wh i ch Fr a n c e ex a c t ed fr om t h em els ewh ere .

Wh en N a pol eon first en t er ed M i l an a ft er t h e b a t t l e

of Lod i i n M ay 1 796 h e o cc upi ed t h e p a l a ce of t h e
, ,

Aust r i a n Archduke O n t h e o c c a s i o n of his n ext vi si t

.
,

h e wen t t o l i ve i n t h e S e r b el l on i P a l a c e on t h e Co r so
Ven ezi a a few squ a res b ehi n d t h e c a t h ed r a l Th e S erh el
, .

lon i i s fa r h an dsom er t h an t h e Roy a l P a l a c e a n d prob

a bly t h e mos t b ea u t i ful of a l l t h e p a l a c es of M i l a n H e re .

Jos eph i n e w as i n st all ed by N a pol eon wh en sh e c a m e on

fr om P a ri s .

Du ri n g t h e first weeks of t h e c a mp ai gn N a pol eon w a s ,

con t i n u a lly urgi n g Jos eph i n e t o joi n h i m i n I t a ly F i n a lly .

y i el d i n g t o hi s d em a n d s sh e l eft P a ri s for M i l a n t h e l a st
,

week i n Jun e 1 796 H ere sh e p a ss ed mos t of t h e su mm er

.
,

except for a short vi s i t t o h ea dqu a rt er s b efo re t h e b a t t l e

of C a st i gli on e H a vi n g resum ed t h e si ege of M a n t u a a ft er

.

t h i s vi ct ory N a pol eo n wen t t o M i l a n wh ere h e p a ssed a

,

fort n i gh t wit h hi s wi fe Th e Au st ri a n s t h en b eg a n a n ew
.

off en si v e an d h e w as obl i ged t o rejoi n hi s t roops

, .

E 78 21
 FROM RIVOLI TO CAMPO FORM I O
Wh i le Bon a p a rt e g a i n in g h i s vi ct o r i es Jos eph i n e
was ,

w a s b ored t o d ea t h a t M i l an At t h i s t i m e sh e w r o t e a
,

l et t er t o h er a u n t M m e R en a ud i n who h a d j ust m a rri ed

.
,

t h e M a rqu i s d e B ea u h a m a i s t h e fa t h er of h er fi r s t,

husb an d Th i s l et t er shows t h e feeli n g of s a d n ess wh i ch

.

oppress ed Jos eph i n e s ep a r a t ed fr om h er ch i ld ren a n d

,

h er P a r i si a n fr i en ds T h e Duc d e Ser b el l on i w h o w a s
.

goi n g t o P a r i s w a s ch a r ged wit h t h e d el i very of t h i s

ep i st l e wh i ch r a n a s follows
“
Mon si eu r Ser b ell on i wi ll t ell you my d ea r a u n t of , ,

t h e m a n n er i n wh i ch I h a v e b een r ec ei v ed i n I t a ly All .

t h e p r i n ces h a v e gi v en m e fet es ev en t h e Gr a n d Duk e ,

of Tusc a n y t h e brot h er of t h e Emp er o r Well I prefer

, .
,

t o b e a si mpl e p r i v a t e i n d i v i du a l i n F r a n c e ! I do n ot c a r e
fo r t h e ho n o r s of t h i s c ou n t ry ; I a m mu c h bo red I t i s .

t r u e t h a t my h ea l t h co n t r i b u t es mu c h t o m a k e m e sa d .

I a m oft en i n d i sposed If goo d fo r t u n e c ould a ssu r e good

.

h ea l t h I ough t t o b e well I h a v e t h e mos t a mi a bl e h u s

, .

b a n d t h a t a wom a n c oul d hop e fo r I h a ve n o c h a n ce .

t o d es i r e a n y t h i n g My wi sh es a r e hi s All d a y lo n g h e i s
. .

i n a pos it i o n of a d o r a t i o n b efo r e m e a s i f I w er e a d i vi n i t y
, .

I c oul d n ot h a v e a b et t er hu sb a n d M Ser b el l on i wi ll . .

t ell you h ow mu c h I a m lov ed H e oft en w r i t es my c h i l .

d r en of whom h e i s ver y fon d H e i s sen d i n g Ho r t en s e by

, .

M S er b el l on i a b ea ut i ful en a m ell ed r ep ea t i n g-w a t c h

.

su r r ou n d ed by fin e p ea r ls ; t o Eu gé n e a h an d som e gold
”
wat ch .

E a r ly i n D ec emb er t w o w eeks a ft er t h e b a t t l e of
,

Ar col e N a pol eon w a s o n c e more b a c k i n M i l a n L a v a l et t e

, .
,

w h o h a d ju st b een a ppoi n t ed a i d e d e c a mp gi v es i n h i s ,
“ ”
M emoi r s a n i n t er est i n g a cc ou n t of t h e l i fe a t t h e
Ser b ell on i P a l a c e .

Th e a i d es d e c a mp of Bo n a p a r t e wer e t h en ei gh t i n
n umb er M u i r on who h a d b een ki ll ed a t A r c ol e a n d
.
, ,

Mu r a t w h o h a d jus t b een m a d e a gen er a l wer e n o lon ge r

, ,

i n clud ed i n t h e n umb er Th e fi r s t a id e d e c a mp w a s
.

Colon el Ju n ot a ft erw a rds Duc d Ab r an t é s wh o h a d fi rst

,
’
,

[ 79 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
r c ed N a poleon s a t t en t i on a t Toulon by h i s br a very
at t a t
’

an d n a t ur a l wi t Th e s eco n d w as t h e fu t u r e Due d e R a gus a

.
,

M a rmon t colo n el of a r t i ller y who b elon ged t o a n old

, ,

a n d h i ghly co n si d er ed fa m i ly of Burgu n dy H e

m an of good educ a t i o n of bou n dless a mb it i o n a nyw a s

5 a .

, ,

d eeply at t a ch ed t o hi s c omm an d er whom h e al so h a d ,

m et for t h e firs t t i m e a t Toulon .

Less bri lli a n t t h a n Jun ot an d M a r mon t but of a more ,

s t a ble ch a ra ct er w a s Du r oc t h e fut ure Gra n d M a ré ch a l

, ,

d u P a l ai s t h e d evot ed fri en d of Na poleon who s erved

, ,

i n a ll t he c a mp ai gn s of t h e Emp i r e un t i l h e w a s ki lled
by hi s si d e a t B a ut zen i n 1 8 1 3 .

Am on g t h e ot h er ai d es d e c a mp were t h e youn g Lo ui s
B on a p a rt e t h en just ei gh t een yea r s of a ge a n d L a v a l et t e
, , ,

t h e fut ure D i r ect eur—G én é r a l d es Pos t es Th e n a m es O f .

t h e r em ai n i n g t h r ee n ev er b ec a m e k n own t o fa m e .

Th e 1 9F ebru a r y a mon t h a ft er t h e b at t le of R i vol i

, ,

Bon a p a rt e si gn ed wit h t h e Pop e t h e Treat y of Tol en t in o .

He w as t h en o n ly t h r ee m a rc h es fr om t h e c a p i t a l a n d
n ot h i n g would h a v e b een ea si er t h an fo r h i m t o en t er t h e
Et ern al Cit y i n t ri umph He h a d t h e wi sdom n ot t o do
.

so an d Rom e w a s t he on ly c on t i n en t a l c a pit a l i n whi ch h e

,

n ever set foot .

Th e s a m e d ay N a pol eon w r ot e Joseph i n e hi s l a s t l et t er

duri n g t hi s first c a mp ai gn of I t a ly :
“
Not a word fr om you B on Di eu ! wh at h a ve I don e ?
.

To t hi n k on ly of you t o love on ly Josép hin e t o li ve

, ,

on ly for my wi fe t o en joy on ly t h e h a pp in ess of my loved

,

on e , do I m eri t on h er p a rt so ri gor ous a t r ea t m en t ?

My b eloved I i mplor e you t hi n k oft en of m e a n d writ e
, , ,

m e every d ay You a r e i l l or you do n ot love m e Do you

.
, .

t h en t h i n k t h at my h ea rt i s of m a r bl e ?Wr i t e m e th i n k of ,
”
m e a n d love m e Pour l a v i e a t oi
. .

I t i s a m at t er of regret t h a t t h e l et t ers of Jos eph in e

t o h er husb an d duri n g t h i s s a m e p er i od h a ve n ot b een
preserv ed b u t it i s t o b e p resum ed fr om N a pol eon s
,
’

con s t an t repro ach es t h at sh e r espon d ed but r a rely t o

[ 80 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
N a poleon h a d firs t m et h i m duri n g t h e s i ege of Toulon .

He h a d b een at t a ch ed t o N a poleo n s st afl" i n I t a ly a n d

’
,

w a s h i ghly est eem ed by h i s c omm a n d er O n t h e 1 4 Ju n e .

,

t h e m a r r i a g e w as c el ebr a t ed wi t h bot h ci vi l a n d r e gi ou s
,
h
fo r m s by t h e express wi sh of N a pol eon At t h e sa m e t i m e
, .

h e h a d bles sed by t h e Chu rc h t h e ci vi l u n i on of Eli sa

a n d B a c c i och i Two d a ys l a t er were s i gn ed t h e con t r a c t s
.

by wh i c h t h e t wo s i st ers e a ch recei ved fr om t h e t h r ee

b r ot h er s Jos eph N a pol eon an d Loui s by w a y of d ot
, , , ,

a ca p i t a l of fr a n cs wh ic h w as s t at ed t o b e t h ei r
,

sh a re of t h e Bon a p a rt e fa m i ly p r op ert y wh i ch mu st t h er e,

fo r e h a ve rea ch ed a t ot a l of fr an cs .

Th i s fa mi ly r eu n ion wh er e t h er e were so m a n y el e
,

m en t s of d i scord w as n ot p r olon ged Aft er a vi si t of t wo

, .

weeks d u r i n g wh i ch sh e w a s presen t a t t he t w o m a r r i a ges

, ,

M a d a m e Bon a p a r t e l eft for Corsi c a Eli s a a n d h er .

hu sb a n d a c comp a n i ed h er .

Joseph a lso l eft Mo n t eb ello H e h a d b een gi ven a .

d i plom a t i c pos t a t P a r m a b u t b efore h e could go t h ere

,

t o t a ke up hi s du t i es h e r ec ei v ed n ot i c e of h i s a ppoi n t
m en t a s m in i st er at Rom e wit h a s a l a r y of
, fr a n c s
i n gol d He at on c e set o u t t a ki n g wit h h i m h i s wi fe a n d
.
,

h i s you n ges t s i s t er C a r oli n e O n l ea vi n g M i l a n N a pol eo n

, .
,

sen t J e r Om e b a ck t o coll ege a t P a ri s P a uli n e r em a i n ed

.

i n I t a ly wi t h L ecl erc who h a d b een n a m ed ch i ef of s t aff

,

i n t h e a r my .

Wh at a ch an ge i n t h e fa mi ly fort un es i n t h e short
sp a ce of t wo yea rs ! B efo re t h e even t s of t h e 1 3 V en d é
m i ai r e N a pol eon w a s l i vi n g i n mi s ery i n P a ri s ; Jos eph
,

w a s looki n g for a sm a ll c o n sul sh i p i n I t a ly ; Lu c i en for ,

a sm a ll post i n t h e comm i s sa r y d ep a rt m en t ; Lou i s w a s

a s t ud en t a t Ch alon s T w o y ea rs l a t er N a pol eon i s t h e

.

comm a n d er-i n -ch i ef of t h e vi ct ori ous Army of I t a ly ;

Joseph i s a mb a ss a dor at Rom e ; Luci en i s h ea d of t h e c om
mi ssa ry ; Loui s i s c a pt ai n of c a v a lry ; t h e t w o gi r l s a r e
m a r ri ed a n d en dowed ; t h e mot h er h as ret u r n ed i n sov
er ei gn s t a t e t o Cors i c a wh i c h h a d just b een ev a cu a t ed b
, y
t h e E n gl i sh .

[ 82 ]
 FROM RIVOLI TO CAMPO FORMIO
All of t h i s i s d u e t o N a pol eo n ; b u t t h er e i s n ot a s i n gl e
m emb er of t h e fa m i ly w h o i s n ot s er i ously con vi n c ed
t h a t t h i s good fo r t u n e i s a t ri bu t e t o hi s ow n m er i t s .

Th e bli n d n ess of N a pol eo n t o t h e fa ul t s a n d wea k n ess es

of h i s fa m i ly i s t h e feebl e poi n t of hi s m i n d as i t i s a l so
,

o n e of t h e mos t a t t r a c t i v e si d es of h i s h ea r t .

Th e 2 4 Ju n e 1 797 José phi n e a g a i n l eft P a r i s a n d a r

ri v ed a t Mo n t eb ello t h e 9 July wh ere sh e sp en t sev er a l
weeks Th e ea r ly a ut um n of t h i s yea r wh i c h N a pol eo n
.
,

a n d Jo se phi n e p a s sed at t h e S er b ell on i P a l a c e i n M i l a n ,

w a s p erh a ps t h e h a pp i es t p er i od of t h ei r l i v es Th e a t .

t en t i o n of Eu r op e w a s mo r e d r a wn t o t h i s p a l a ce t h a n
t o a ll t h e r es i d en c es of t h e emp er o r s a n d k i n gs Th er e .

t h e Co n qu er o r of I t a ly l i v ed i n r eg a l st yl e su r r ou n d ed by
,

h i s m i l it a r y cou r t B es i d e hi m w a s José p hi n e who a l

.
,

r ea dy seem e d l i k e a sov er ei g n Bo n a p a r t e w a s t h en t h e
.

fa vo r it e of t h e M i l a n a i se popul a t i o n who w a it ed fo r hou r s

,

a t t h e g a t es of t h e p a l a c e t o see hi m com e o u t He w a s
.

reg a r d ed by a ll t h e I t a li an s a s a fellow-c ou n t r ym a n a n d ,

t h i s fa c t h a d c on t ri bu t ed n ot a l i t t l e t o hi s su cc es s i n
I t a ly At M i l a n a s l a t er a t P a r i s Jos eph in e a dm i r a bly
.
, ,

ser v ed t h e i n t er est s of h e r hu sb a n d By h er a n t eced en t s

.
,

h er r el a t i o n s h er c h a r a ct er sh e fo r m ed a con n ect i n g l in k
, ,

b et ween hi m an d t h e p er so n a ges of t h e a n ci en r egi m e .

“ ”
My m a r r i a ge wit h M m e d e B ea u h a m a i s
. sa i d ,
“
N a pol eon brough t m e i n c on t a ct wi t h a l a r ge el em en t
,

t h e co Op er a t i on of wh i ch w a s n ecessa r y i n my sy st em of
fu si o n on e of t h e g re a t est p r i n c i pl es of my a d m i n i st r a
,

t i on
, a n d on e wh i ch sp ec i a lly c h a r a ct e r i z ed i t Wit ho u t
.

my w i fe I shoul d n ever h a ve b een a bl e t o h a ve a n y

,

n a t u r a l r a ppor t w i t h t h i s p a r t y .

T h e s a lon of t h e fo r m e r Vi c om t es se d e B ea u h a m a i s i n
t h e Ser b el l on i P a l a ce r ec a ll ed t h e e l e g a n ce a n d t h e t r a
d it ion s of t h e mo st b r i lli a n t ci r cl es of t h e F a ubou r g
S a in t -Ger m a i n José phin e r ecei v ed t h e n oble fa m i li es of
.

M i l a n wit h exqui si t e g r a ce a n d t h er e r ei gn ed a ki n d of
,

et i qu et t e wh i c h co n t r a s t ed i n a s i n gul a r m a n n er w i t h t h e

d emoc r a t i c a i r of h er hu sb an d .

[ 83 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
i w a s t h en t h i r t y-fou r
y ea r s of a ge Her d a r k
J osé ph n e .

a n d fa d ed compl ex i o n w a s c o n cea l ed by t h e r ouge a n d

powd er wh i ch sh e employed wit h c on summ a t e a r t Sh e .

w a s a dro it i n h i d i n g t h e i mp er fec t i o n s of n a t u r e. Th e
ele g a n ce of h er fo r m t h e g r a ce of h er mov em en t s t h e
, ,

soft n ess of h er eyes a n d of t h e t on e of h er voi c e a l l t h e ,

h a r mon y of h er p erson g a ve t o h er a n excep t i o n a l c h a r m

, .

Ad d t o t h i s a C r eol e c oqu et t er i e wh i c h w as a l l t h e mo r e
a g reea bl e b ec a u se i t s eem e d n a t u r a l a n d i n volu n t a r y a ,

c on v ersa t i o n wh i c h pl ea sed wi t hou t ev er b ei n g p r et en

t i ou s a k in d n ess of h ea rt wh i c h w a s m a n i fest ed on ev ery

,

occ asi on m a n n er s wh i c h rec a ll ed t h e b es t t r a d i t i on s of t h e

,

Co u r t of V er sa i ll es a n exqu i sit e t a st e i n d r ess wi t h t oi l et t es

, ,

wh ic h qu een s m i gh t h a ve en vi ed a n d you c a n ea si ly un d er
,

st a n d t h e c h a r m wh i c h a wom a n so em i n en t ly fa sc i n a t i n g

exer c i s ed ov er t h e h ea r t a n d m i n d of Bo n a p a r t e .

In o r d er t o u n d er st a n d Bon a p a rt e s sh a r e i n t h e c oup
’

d é t a t of 1 8 F r uct id o r i t i s n ecessa r y t o r evi ew b r i efly

’

t h e c ou r s e of pol it i c a l ev en t s a t P a r i s At t h e t i m e of t h e
.

a d op t i on of t h e n ew c on st i t u t i o n i t w a s g en er a lly t hough t

t h a t t h e R evolu t i o n w a s en t i r ely a t h i n g of t h e p a s t .

B u t soo n Roy a l i st r evol t s b r oke ou t i n t h e W est a n d t h ere

w a s a c ommu n i st i c plot a t P a r i s fo r t h e ov er t h r ow of t h e
D i r ect o rs T h e Roy a l i st s b ega n t o g a i n grou n d T h e elec
. .

t i on s fo r t h e r en ew a l of a t h i r d p a r t of t h e Cou n c i l s r e
su l t ed i n l a rge g a i n s fo r t h em a n d t h ey su cc eed ed i n
,

el ect i n g t o t h e Di r ect o r y a c o n st i t u t i o n a l Roy a l i s t Bar ,

t h é l em y A n ot h er d i r ect o r C a r n ot a l so fa vo red mo d er a t e
.
, ,

op i n i on s A c r i si s r a p i d ly d ev elop ed b et ween t h e J a cob i n

.

m ajo r it y i n t h e Di rec t o ry a n d t h e t w o l egi sl a t i v e Cou n ci ls

i n ea c h of wh i ch t h e Roy a l i st s h a d t h e m a jo r i t y .

Th e c h i ef r el i a n ce of t h e Roy a li st s w a s i n Pi ch eg r u t h e ,

c o n qu er o r of Holl a n d a form er J a c ob i n
, who h a d n ow
,

gi ven hi s a dh esi on t o t he Roy a l ist p a rt y Th a t t h ei r i n .

t r i g u es a i m ed a t t h e r es t o r a t i o n of t h e Bou r bo n s h a s
clea rly b een proved .

M a t t er s c a m e t o a c r i si s i n July wh en t h e m a jorit y
[ 84 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Au gerea u fully exp ec t ed t h at h e would b e o n e of t h e
t w o D i rec t o r s t o b e el ec t ed i n pl a c e of C a r n o t a n d B a r
t h é l em y , b u t t o h i s g rea t d i s a ppoi n t m en t h e w a s n ot
c hosen . 0
Whi l e t h ese ev en t s were h a pp en i n g at P a r i s t h e n e
got i at i on s wi t h Aus t r i a h a d d r a gged on slowly t hrough
t h e whol e summ er a n d fa r i n t o t h e a u t um n of 1 797 ,

m ai n ly owi n g t o t h e hop es of t h e Emper or t h at t h e

d iso r d er i n F r a n ce woul d result t o hi s a d v a n t a ge Su c h .

m i ght h a ve b een t h e c a se h a d n ot Bon a p a rt e wh i le ,

s t r i ki n g d own t h e Roya li st s a t P a r i s t h r ough h i s l i eu

t en a n t , r et a i n ed hi s vi ct o r i ou s a r my i n Ven et i a r e a d y

a g a i n t o i n v a d e Au st r i a shoul d o cc a si o n a r i se T h e c oup
.

é t a t of F r u c t i d o r h elp ed on t h e p r og r ess of t h e n ego

’

t i a t i on s . Th a t even t seem ed t o r en d er i mpossi bl e at

l ea st for t h e p r esen t t h e r et u rn of t h e Roy a li st s .

Tow a r d s t h e mi d d l e of S ept emb er 1 797 Bon a p a r t e ,

a cc omp a n i ed by h i s wi fe , t ook up h i s r esi d en ce i n t h e

Ch at ea u of Pa sseri a n o t o b r i n g t o a c lose t h e d i plom a t i c
,

n egot i a t i on s wi t h Au st r i a . Th i s r esid en c e w a s a fin e
c ou n t r y ho u se si t u a t ed upon t h e l eft b a n k of t h e T a g

l i a m en t o a bout four l ea gu es fr om Ud i n e Th e n eg ot i a
.

t i on s wh i c h h a d b een d r a ggi n g a lo n g fo r mon t h s h a d

, ,

r ea c h ed a poi n t wh er e it w a s n ec essa r y t o c o n c lu d e or

b rea k t h em O ff O n t h e 1 6 O ct ob er h e h a d a d eci si v e
.

i n t er vi ew wi t h t h e Au st r i a n pl en i pot en t i a r i es I t seem e d
.

i mpo ssi bl e t o r e ac h a n a gr eem en t A r i si n g fr om hi s sea t

.

a n d st a mp i n g hi s foot on t h e floo r Bon a p a r t e exc l a i m ed

,
“ ”
You wi sh w a r ; ver y well you sh a ll h a ve i t
, Th en
.

sei z i n g a m a gn i fic en t po rcel a i n l i qu eu r set (ca b a r et) h e

t h rew i t wi t h a ll hi s fo rce on t h e floo r wh er e i t b r ok e
,
“ “
i n t o a t hous an d fr a gm en t s . Look h e c r i ed su c h wi ll
, ,

b e you r Au st r i a n mon a rc hy b efo r e t h r ee mo n t hs h a v e

”
el a p sed ! Th en h e r ush ed fr om t h e room .

O n l ea vi n g t h e co n fer en c e c h a mb er h e g a v e ord er s t o
n ot i fy t h e A rc h d uk e Ch a r l es of t h e r esump t i o n of hos

t il i t i es a ft er a d el a y of t w en t y-fou r hou rs Th e followi n g

.

d ay t h e P ea c e of C a mpo Fo r m i o w as si gn ed ! I t bore t h e
E 86 ]
 FROM RIVOLI TO GAM PO FORMIO
'

na m e of a vi ll a g e s i t u a t ed h a lfw a y b et ween Ud in e an d
Pa sser i a n o .

Th e pr i n c i p a l a r t i cles of t h e t r ea t y m a y b e t hus
summ a r i z ed : Aust r i a c ed ed t o t h e Fren ch R epub
l i c , B elgi um a n d t h e l eft b a n k of t h e Rh i n e Of t h e .

o n c e ext en s i v e Ven et i a n poss ess i on s, F r a n c e g a i n ed t h e

Io n i an Isl es , wh i l e Aus t r i a a c qui r ed I st r i a , D a lm a t i a ,
t h e c i t y of Ven i ce a n d t h e m a i n l an d of Ven et i a a s fa r
west a s L a k e G a rd a , t h e Ad i g e a n d t h e lower p a rt of
t h e ri v er Po .

At t h e n ews of t h e p ea c e of C a mpo Fo r m i o , g r eat joy

r ei gn ed a ll ov er F r a n c e A hu n d r ed n ewsp a p er a r t i c l es a n d
.

“
n um er ous c o n t empo r a r y l et t er s show u s a n a t i o n d r un k
”
wi t h h a pp i n ess O n ever y s i d e t h e p r a i s es of Gen er a l
.

Bon a p a r t e r esou n d ed I t w a s a t rem en d ou s explos i on of

.

en t hus i a sm a n d a ff ec t i on F r om t h e r emot est c ou n t r y

.

pl a c es t o t h e fa ubou r gs of P a r i s i t r a n l i k e a l i gh t ed t r a in
of gu n powd er Th e F r en ch n a t i o n l it er a lly loved Bon a
.

p a r t e I t m a d e for i t self a n i d ea l p i ct u r e of t h e h er o who

.

h a d b r ough t i t p ea c e T h e a ff ec t i o n of t h e c ou n t r y c r own ed
.

hi m wi t h a ll t h e vi r t u es a n d a t t r i but ed t o hi m v a lo r ,
w i sdom a n d m a gn a n i m it y T h e D i r ec t o r y a lon e w a s u n
.

ea sy . I t t r i ed t o k eep t h e h er o a w a y fr om t h e c a p i t a l .

B u t P a r i s w a s set on b ehold i n g i t s god , a n d t h e D i r ect o r s

wer e fo r c ed t o s en d for h i m .

L ea vin g José p h i n e i n I t a ly, a mo n t h l a t er Bon a p a r t e

l eft Mi l an fo r P a ri s, t r a v ell in g by w a y of Gen ev a , wh er e
h e st opp ed for a d a y H e w a s a cc omp a n i ed by hi s a id e s
.

d e c a mp , M a r mo n t , Du r o c a n d L a v a l et t e, a s well a s h i s
s ec r et a ry, B ou r r i en n e, a n d hi s phy si c i a n Yv a n Th e .

jou r n ey w a s a ser i es of ov a t i on s At B er n e a n d a t B al e
.

a n d in a l l t h e c i t i es t h r ough wh i c h h e p a ss ed , h e w a s

r ec ei v ed wi t h sa lvos o f a r t i ll er y H e fi n a lly r ea ch ed P a r i s
.

t h e ev en i n g of t h e 5 D ec emb er .

N a pol eon t ook up hi s resi d en ce i n t h e lit t l e h Ot el of

t h e R u e Ch a n t er ei n e fr om wh i c h h e h a d set o u t t wen t y
on e mo n t h s b efo r e a n ob scu r e m a n , t o wh i ch h e r et ur n ed

as a c el eb r i t y .

E 87 ]
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
O ne of hi s fi r st vi si t o r s w a s Ta lley r a n d t h e n ew M i n ,

i s t er of Fo r ei gn Aff a i r s w h o c a m e a t o n c e t o p a y hi s
,

r esp ec t s . Hi s i n t er vi ew wit h t h e D i r ec t o r s w a s mos t

cor d i a l To see Bon a p a r t e t o t a lk wi t h h i m w a s th e a m
. , ,

b it i ou of ev er y on e Th e p a p er s r ec ou n t ed t h e sm a llest
.

“ ”
d et a i l s of hi s l i fe You ca n r ea d i n t h e Mo n it eur
. of
“
t h e 1 0 D ecemb er : Gen er a l Bon a p a rt e is l i vin g in his
wife s hous e Ru e Ch a n t er ein e Th i s m a n s i on i s si mple
’
,
.

a n d pl a i n . He go es ou t r a r ely a n d wi t hou t escort i n a

, ,

si mpl e Ca r r i a ge wi t h t wo ho r s es H e i s oft en s een w a lki n g

.

”
a lon e i n hi s mo d est g a r d en .

Un d er s t an d in g t h e P a ri si a n c h a r a ct er a n d kn owi n g t h a t
,

t h e a t t en t i on of t h e g r ea t c a p i t a l i s n ot lon g dr a wn t o t h e
sa m e obj ec t ,
Bon a p a r t e k ep t h i m self s t ud i ously i n se
c l u si on H e a ff ec t ed a si mpl i c i t y wh i c h co n t r a st ed s t r on gly
.

wit h hi s glo r y .

As soon a s Bon a p a r t e r et u r n ed t o P a r i s T a ll ey r a n d , ,

w h o d esi r ed t o w i n h i s fa vo r wi sh ed t o g i ve a l a r ge fé t e
,

i n h i s hon o r b u t a w a i t ed t h e r et u r n of Jo seph i n e Sh e
,
.

fi n a lly r ea c h ed P a ri s on t h e secon d of J a n u a r y 1 798 a n d

t h e b a ll t ook pl a c e t h e n ex t n i gh t .

Th e M i n i st er of Fo r ei gn Affa i r s w a s i n st a ll ed i n a n ew
a n d sumpt uou s hot el i n t h e F a u b ou r g S a i n t -G er m a i n .

I t w a s s i t u a t ed i n t h e R u e d u B a c a t t h e co r n er of t h e
R u e d e G r en ell e .

To r evi ew t h e l i fe of Ta lleyr a n d who w a s d est i n ed t o ,

a c h i ev e t h e g rea t es t d i plom a t i c r epu t a t i o n of t h e a g e ,

woul d b e t o r ec ou n t t h e h i st ory of t h e R evolut i o n Aft er .

t a k i n g a p r om i n en t p a r t i n t h e Fé t e d e l a Fe d er a t ion ,

t h e 1 4 July 1 790 T a ll eyr a n d r em a i n ed i n P a r i s u n t i l t h e

,
“ ”
d a y a ft er t h e S ept emb er M a ss a cres wh en b e ob ,

t a i n ed a p a sspo r t for E n gl a n d Aft er a r es i d en c e of ov er

.

a y ea r i n Lo n d o n a t t h e b egi n n i n g of 1 79
, 4 h e w a s ex
pell ed u n d er t h e p r ovi s i o n s of t h e Al i en Act H e emb a r ked .

for t h e Un it ed S t a t es wh ere h e a w a i t ed ev en t s An i n
, .

t er est i n g a cc ou n t of h i s s t a y i n Am er i c a i s gi v en i n t h e
“ ”
R ecoll ect i on s of t h e M a rqu i s e d e L a Tou r d u Pi n .

Aft er t h e d eat h of Rob esp i erre h e m a d e an a t t emp t t o

[ 88 ]
 FROM RIVOLI TO CAM PO FORMIO
s ec ure p erm i ssi o n t o r et u r n t o F r a n c e Fi n a lly i n Sep
.

t e mb er 1 79 5 h i s r e qu es t w a s g r a n t ed O n h i s r et u rn t o
.

P a r i s ea r ly in t h e followin g yea r h e h a d a cord i a l r ecep

t i o n Through t h e eff ort s of M m e d e S t a e l who w a s t h en
. .
,

a ll -pow erful wi t h B en j a m i n Con st a n t h e w a s m a d e ,

m i n i st er i n July 1 797 He i mm ed i at ely a n n ou n c ed hi s

.

a ppo i n t m en t i n a fl a t t er i n g l et t er t o t h e Co n qu er o r of

I t a ly t h e m a n of t he fu t u r e whos e good g r a c es h e w i sh ed
, ,

t o s ec u r e .

T h e fé t e t o Bo n a p a r t e w as a grea t succ ess Th e m i n i st er .

d i d t h e hon o r s i n a n a dm i r a ble m a n n er H e lov ed d i spl a y

.

“
a n d et i qu et t e H e h a d t h a t c old pol it en ess, t h a t
. n on
”
c h a l a n c e doubl é e d e m a l i c e, t h a t exqu i sit e t a c t , t h a t

sc i en ce of t h e n u a n ces wh i ch d i st i n gu i sh ed t h e m en of t h e
a n ci en r égi m e H e b r ough t i n t o t h e n ew wo r ld t h e m a n n er s
.

of t h e Cou r t of Ver sa i ll es Th i s b a ll gi v en by a fo r m er
.

b i shop i n a n a r i st oc r a t i c m a n si on w a s a s i g n of t h e t i m es .

Ev er y on e w a s t i r ed of t h e r i go r s of t h e R evolut i o n .

“
All wel c om ed a r et u r n t o t h e B ea ux jou rs d e M a r i e
”
An t oi n et t e .

Du r i n g t h e t w o yea r s t h a t N a pol eo n h a d comm an d ed

i n I t a ly h e h a d filled t h e wo r l d wi t h t h e écl a t of hi s
v i ct ori es Th e c o a l it i o n h a d b een d i ssolved a n d Au st r i a
.

h a d form a lly r ec ogn i z ed t h e F ren c h R epubli c Two .

n ew r epubl i c s l i k e t h e Fren ch h a d b een c r ea t ed a n d ,

a l l I t a ly h a d subm i t t e d t o Fren ch l a ws a n d i n flu en ce .

Th e v i ct o r i es i n I t a ly h a d c a us ed a l a r m i n Vi en n a a n d
forc ed t h e Aul i c Cou n ci l t o r ec a ll m en fr om t h e
Rh i n e a n d t hu s en a bl ed Mo r ea u a n d Jou r d a n t o re
sum e t h e offen s i v e a n d c a rry t h e t r i color t o t h e h ea r t

of G erm a n y .

Mo r e t h a n on e hu n d r ed m i ll i on s of fr a n cs h a d b een
l evi ed i n I t a ly o n e h a lf of wh i ch h a d support ed t h e
,

a r my wh i l e t h e o t h e r h a lf t r an sm i t t ed t o P a r i s h a d b een
, , ,

u sed for t h e exp en ses of t h e gov ern m en t an d t h e support

of t h e a rm i es on t h e Rh i n e .

E 89 ]
seeme d a ssured for Fra rt é e, and

to
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
of t h e a dm i r er s by whom h e w a s su rr oun d ed n or succ ess ,

of ev ery kin d coul d d i st r a c t t h e t hough t s of a b ei n g i n

,

c a p a ble of r epo se As T a ll eyr a n d on ce sa i d of N a pol eon

. ,

“
Celui q u i don n er a i t u m p eu d e p a r es se i cet b om m e
”
ser a i t l e b i en fa i t eur d e l u n i v er s
’
D esi r ous of a c t i on h e
. ,

looked forwa r d wi t h a n xi et y t o t h e hour t h a t would

see t h e publ i c c u r i os i t y a pp ea s ed Wh en Bou rr i en n e t e
.

m a r ked t o hi m t h a t it mus t b e ver y g r a t i fyi n g t o h a ve

“
t h e a cc l a i m s of h i s fellow-ci t i z en s h e r epl i ed ,
Th e p eopl e ,

woul d c r owd a r ou n d m e j us t a s ea ger ly i f I wer e goi n g t o

”
t h e sc a ff ol d .

Th e t en t h of D ecemb er a fet e w a s gi v en by t h e Di
rect o r s a t t h e Luxembou r g i n hon o r of Bon a p a r t e O n .

t h is occ a s i o n h e w a s t o p r es en t form a lly t h e Tr ea t y of

C a mpo Form i o An a dd r ess of fulsom e fl a t t e ry w as p r o
.

n ou n ced by T a ll ey r an d t o wh i c h Bo n a p a rt e b r i efly r e
,

spon d ed . Th en B a r r a s spoke t h e cl i m a x of h i s o r a t i on
,

b ei n g r ea c h ed wh en poin t i n g n or t hwa r ds h e ex c l a i m ed
, , ,

Go t h er e a n d c a pt u r e t h e gi a n t Co r sa i r t h a t i n fest s t h e
sea s ; go pu n i sh i n Lon d on out r a g es t h a t h a v e t oo lon g
”
b een l eft u n a ven ged Wh er eupon a s i f overc om e by hi s
.
,
“ ”
emo t i on , b e emb r a ced t h e g en er a l H er e sa ys Ros e
.
, ,
“
t h e c u r t a i n fa lls o n t h e first o r I t a l i a n a c t of t h e you n g
, ,

h er o s c a r eer soon t o r i se on O r i en t a l a d v en t u r es wh ic h
’
,
”
wer e t o rec a ll t h e exploi t s of Al ex a n d e r .

E a r ly i n 1 79 8 Bon a p a r t e w a s a ppoi n t ed by t h e Di
r ect ory t o t h e c h i ef c omm a n d of t h e A r my of E n gl a n d ,

a n d on t h e t en t h of F e b r u a r y h e l eft on a sho r t t ou r of

i n sp ect i o n of t h e n o r t h e r n po rt s H e r et u r n ed t o P a r i s by
.

w a y of An t wer p a n d B r u ssel s H e w a s c on v i n ced t h a t a n y

.

a t t e mp t s a g a i n st E n gl a n d i n t h i s d i r ec t i o n would b e b a r r en

of result s I n a r epo r t t o t h e Gover n m en t on t h e 2 3 Feb

.

r u a ry h e t hu s sum s up t h e whol e si t u a t i o n :
“
Wh a t ever eff ort s w e m a k e w e sh a ll n ot for som e
,

yea r s g a in t h e n a v a l sup r em a c y To i n v a d e En gl a n d .

wit hou t t h a t sup r em a cy i s t h e most d a ri n g an d d i ffi cul t

t a sk ev er u n d er t a k en We must rea lly gi v e up t h e ex
.

ped it i on a n d co n c en t r a t e a l l our a t t en t i on an d r esou r c es

[ 92 ]
 EGY PT
on t he Rh i n e i n ord er t o d ep r i ve E n gl an d of H a n ov er
,

a n d H a mb urg ; or els e un d er t a ke a n ea st er n exp ed it i on

”
wh i ch would m en a c e h er t r a d e wi t h t h e I n d i es .

Bon a p a rt e h a d li t t l e d iffi cult y i n ob t a i n i n g t he

con s en t of t h e D i r ec t or y t o h i s Ori en t a l pl a n s a s t h ey ,

wer e pl ea s ed a t t h e t hought of hi s d ep a rt ure fr om Fr a n c e .

Al t hough t h e obj ec t of hi s exp ed i t i o n w as u n k n own y et ,

ever y on e wi sh e d t o a ccomp a n y h i m Not on ly m i li t a ry

.

m en d esi r ed t o t a k e p a r t b u t a lso Ci vi li a n s — sa va n tr
, ,

en g i n eer s a n d a r t i s t s Bou r r i en n e who w a s i n t h e s ecr et

.
, ,

a sk e d Bo n a p a r t e h ow lo n g h e exp ec t ed t o rem a i n i n
Egypt t o wh i c h h e re pl i ed A few mon t h s or si x yea rs
, ,
”
a l l d ep en ds on c i r cums t a n c es .

O n t h e t h i rd of M a y 1 798 N a pol eo n a n d Jo seph i n e

, ,

a ft er h a v i n g d i n ed a t t h e L u x embou r g wi t h B a r r a s en ,

peti“t com i té w”
, en t t o t h e Th e at r e Fr a n c a i s to h ea r T a lm a
in M a cb et h Th e h er o of I t a ly w a s sa lu t ed wi t h t h e
.

s a m e a c cl a i m a s du r i n g t h e fi r st d a ys of h i s r et u r n At .

t h e en d of t h e p er fo r m a n ce h e r et u r n ed hom e a n d a t ,

m i d n i gh t set o u t for Toulon a cc omp a n i ed by Jos eph i n e

, ,

Eug en e B ou r r i en n e Du r oc a n d L a v a l et t e P a r i s w a s
, , , .

i gn o r a n t of hi s d ep a r t u r e a n d t h e n ext mo rn i n g wh en
, ,

ev er y o n e t hough t h e w a s s t i ll i n t h e R u e d e l a Vi c t o i re ,

h e w a s a l r ea d y fa r on hi s w a y t o t h e c o a st H e h a d n ot .

ev en a llow ed Jo seph i n e t o go t o S a i n t -G er m a i n t o em

b r a ce h er d a ugh t er b efo r e h er d ep a r t u r e Sh e d i d n ot .

k n ow t h e d est i n a t i o n of t h e exp ed it i on or wh et h er sh e ,

would b e a llowed t o a ccomp a n y i t .

T h e p a r t y a r r i v e d a t Toulo n on t h e n i n t h of M a y .

Bon a p a r t e wi sh ed t o s a i l a t o n c e b u t h e w a s d et a i n ed i n
,

po rt for t en d a ys by con t r a r y wi n d s I n a n t i c i p a t i on of .

a n i n v a s i o n of E n gl a n d n ea r ly a l l t h e sh i p s of t h e B r i t i sh
,

n a vy wer e block a d i n g t h e n o r t h er n port s of F r a n c e a n d

gu a r d i n g t h e E n gl i sh co a s t Th er e w a s n ot a w a r shi p l eft
.

i n t h e M ed i t er r a n ea n u n t i l Nelso n a r r i v ed off Toulon

t wo d a ys b efo r e t h e s a i l i n g of t h e F ren ch fl eet He w a s .

t h en d r i v en ou t t o sea by a vi olen t wi n d a n d w a s
n ot a bl e t o t a ke up h i s st a t i on a ga in u n t i l t h e fi r st
[ 93 21
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
of Ju n e wh en t h e F r en c h fl eet
, w as l
a r ea dy t welve d a ys
on it s w a y .

Th e obj ec t s of t h e Egyp t i an exp ed i t i o n were m a i n ly

fiv e i n n umb er , n a m ely : ( 1 ) To c a p t u re M a lt a a s c h a lf
wa y s t a t i on ; (2 ) TO est a bl i sh a F r en ch colon y i n Afr i c a
for t h e p r oduc t i o n of sug a r a n d c ot t on , t o comp en s a t e
for t h e lo ss of t h e Wes t I n d i a i sl a n d s i n t h e w a r wi t h
En gl a n d ; ( 3) To c u t t h r ough t h e I st hmus of Su ez a n d
sei z e t h e R ed Sea ; (4) To m a k e Egyp t a b a se for a n a d

v a n ce on I n d i a ; a n d ( 5) To op en a n ea st ern ou t let t o
F r en c h c omm er ce, a n d ev en t u a lly t o exc lu d e E n gl a n d
fr om a l l h er po ssessi o n s i n t h e O r i en t .

I n t h e exp ed i t i o n we r e m a n y o ffi c ers who wer e t o a t

t a i n g r ea t d i st i n c t i o n u n d er t h e Emp i r e, su c h a s Mu r a t
a n d D a vou t , who w e re t h en bot h i n c omm a n d of d r a

goon s ; B ess1 er es, L a n n es, a n d Jun ot B er t h i er w a s Ch i ef

.

of S t a ff D esa i x a n d Kl eb er wer e a t t h e h ea d of d i vi si on s,
.

a n d M a r mo n t of a b r i g a d e Th e c a v a l r y, 40 0 0 st r on g,
.

w a s comm a n d ed by a st a lw a r t mul a t t o , Al ex a n d r e
Dum a s, t h e fa t h er of t h e g rea t r om a n cer T h e most d is .

t i n g u i sh ed o ffi cer w a s D esa i x, sm a ll i n st a t u r e, but v er y

a ct i v e, a bo rn c omm a n d er Th e h a n d som es t m a n i n t h e
.

a r my w a s Kl e b er , a n offi cer of g r ea t cou r a ge, c a p a bl e of

m a rvellous d eeds .

Th e F r en c h fl eet c omp r i sed on e hu n d r ed b a t t le-sh i p s

a n d n ea r ly fou r hu n d r ed t r a n spo r t s c a r r y i n g a bou t

t r oop s I n t h i s a g e of s t ea m a n d t h e wi r el ess N a pol eon s

’
.
,

exp ed i t i o n would h a v e b een ov er t a k en a n d d es t roy ed i n

les s t h an a week Even i n t hose d a ys i t w as on ly by t h e

.

most i n c r ed i bl e good luck t h a t h e an d hi s b ig fl eet sa fely

t r a v er s ed t h e M ed i t er r an ea n wh i l e t h e g r ea t es t of B r i t i sh
,

s a i lo r s w a s scou r i n g t h e sea i n sea r c h of hi m Wh i le Nelso n .

w a s s et t in g h i s c ou rse for t h e sou t h ern p a rt of I t a ly on

t h e a ssump t i o n t h a t t h e F ren c h exp ed i t i o n w a s h ea d ed
fo r N a pl es or S i ci ly N a pol eo n w a s st eer i n g t ow a r d t h e
,

Afr i c a n sho r e p a ss i n g out s i d e of Co r si c a S a r d i n i a an d

, ,

S ic i ly an d m a k in g for M a lt a wh i ch w a s re a ch ed a ft er a
, ,

s a i l of a bout t h r ee weeks .

[ 94 ]
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
t eere d t h e a ss a ul t upon t h e t own H i s a rt i llery h a d n ot .

t b ee n l a n d ed b ut t h e fi r s t out works wer e ea si ly

y e ,

c a r r ied by a ss a ult a n d t h e c i t y a n d forts c a pi t ul a t ed t he

s a m e d ay .

’
Egypt a t t h a t t i me wa s n omi n a lly a p a rt of t h e Sult a n s
dom a i n s un d er a Vi ceroy ; a ct u a lly it w as ruled by t h e
,

M a melukes a w a rli ke c a st e whose c a p i t a l ci t y w as

,

C a i ro Th e M a m eluk es wer e comm an d ed by Mu r a d B ey

.

a n d Ib r a h i m B ey Mur a d w as a br a ve offi c er a n d con

.

t r oll ed m i li t a ry aff a i rs wh i l e Ib r a h i m who w a s r i ch a n d

, ,

wi se looked a ft er t he ci vi l a d m in i s t r a t ion
,
.

I n o r d er n ot t o gi v e t he M a m elukes t i m e t o c on c er t
m ea n s of d efen c e Bon a p a rt e d ec id ed t o push on a t o n ce
,

t owa r d C a i ro S a i n t Loui s h a d r equ i r ed four mon t h s t o

.

m a rc h fr om Alexan d ri a t o t h e c a pi t a l ; N a pol eon m a d e

t h e s a me d i s t an c e i n fift een d a ys .

Lea vi n g Alexan dri a on t h e s i xt h of July N a pol eon ,

m a rc h ed wi t h hi s a rmy p a r a ll el t o t h e Ni le keep in g p a ce ,

wit h t h e flo t i ll a wh i ch c a r r i ed h is suppli es B efo re r ea ch .

i n g t h e c a p it a l i t w a s n ecessa r y t o figh t O n t h e 1 3 July .

t h e Fren c h en cou n t ered Mu r a d w h o w a s pos t ed wi t h

, ,

40 0 0 ho rsem en n ea r t h e v i ll a ge of Ch eb rei sse wi t h h i s

, ,

ri ght fl an k r es t i n g on t h e ri v er wh er e i t w a s cov ered by a

flot i ll a Th e comb a t b eg a n b et ween t he t wo flot ill a s
. .

Bon a p a r t e i mm ed i a t ely a t t a c ked a dop t i n g t h e o r d er of

,

b at t le u sed by t h e Russi a n s a gai n st t h e Turks ea c h di vi ,

si o n b ei n g form ed i n squ a r es en clos i n g t h e equ i p a ge s a n d

t h e few c a v a l r y wh i ch h e pos sess e d I n v a i n t h e M a m e .

lukes t h rew t hemselves a g a i n st t h e soli d squ a re s of t h e

Fren ch ; a t l a st h a r a ss ed by t h e fir e of t h e F r en ch a r
,

t i ll er y t h ey fell b a ck t ow a r d t h e c a p i t a l
, .

Th e F r en ch a rmy t h en c on t in u ed i t s w ay up t h e b an ks
of t h e Ni le t o Em b a b eh O pposi t e C a i ro Th er e t h e M a rn e
, .

lukes h a d t h ei r fort i fied c a mp a n d t h ere t h a t superb

,

c a v a l r y w as w a it i n g t o ov erwh elm t h e i n v a d ers O n t h e .

2 1 July t h e Fren ch a r ri v ed i n si gh t of t h e c a pi t a l a n d ,

t h e sa m e d ay w a s fough t t h e B a t t l e of t he Py r a m i d s .

No more d r a m at i c en g a gem en t h a d b een fough t s i n c e t he

E 96 ]
 EGY PT

d a ys of t he Crus a d ers B es i d e t h e t wo a r m i es roll ed t he

.

m ys t e ri ou s N i l e ; b eyo n d gl i t t er ed t h e slen d er m i n a r et s
of C a i r o a n d on t h e sout h t h er e loom ed t h e m a ss i ve
,

py r a m i ds N a poleon r a i s ed t h e en t husi a sm of hi s sold i ers

.

t o t h e h i gh es t p i t ch by hi s a ddr ess :
“
Sold i ers ! You h a v e c om e t o r es c u e Egyp t fr om b a r
b a r i sm ; t o bri n g c i vi l i z at i o n i n t o t h e E a st ; a n d t o s a ve
t h i s b ea u t i ful l a n d from t h e yok e of E n gl a n d Fo r t y .

c en t u r i es a r e looki n g down on you fr om t h e t op s of t h es e

”
mon um en t s l
Th e M a m elukes at t a cked in grea t n umb ers b u t a ll ,

t h ei r b r i ll i a n t ch a r g es fa i l ed a g a i n s t t h e i n t r ep i d i t y of
t h e Fren c h squ a r es N ev er wer e c h a r ges b et t er m a d e o r
.

b et t er su st a in ed Fi n a lly t h e M a m el u k es fled i n d i so r d er
.
‘

l ea vi n g a l a r ge p a r t of t h ei r fo rces d ea d on t h e fi eld of
b a t t l e Mu r a d ret i red wi t h t h e w r eck of hi s c omm a n d t o
.

Upp er Egypt F r om C a i ro Ib r a h i m w h o h a d n ot t a ken

.
, ,

p a rt i n t h e b a t t le fled t o t h e ea s t t ow a r d t h e Sy r i a n
,

d es ert About 2 0 0 0 M a m eluk es were sl a i n wh i l e on ly

.
,

fift y F r en ch w ere ki ll ed a n d a bout 2 0 0 woun d ed M an y .

fin e ho rses were c a p t ur ed a n d p i l es of b ea ut i fu l wea po n s ;

a n d l a r ge sum s of gol d wer e t a ken by t h e F r en c h as t he ,

M a m elukes wer e i n t h e h a b it of c a r r yin g t h ei r v a lu a bl es

o n t h ei r p er so n s .

N a pol eon 3 fi r st h ea dqu a r t ers were i n st a ll ed a t Gi zeh

wh er e t h e p a l a c e of Mur a d furn i sh ed hi m a luxu r i ous
res i d en c e He w a s c omp ell ed t o a w a i t t h e a r r i v a l of h i s
.

flot i ll a i n o r d er t o c r o ss t o C a i r o wh i ch w a s t h en a c i t y of
,

souls O n t h e t wen t y-secon d t h e F r en ch occup i ed

.

t h e t own a n d c i t a d el a n d t w o d a ys l a t e r N a pol eo n move d

,

h i s h ea dqu a r t ers t h e re .

'

D esa i x w a s sen t t o Upp er Egypt i n pursu it of Mu r a d ,

wh i l e Bo n a p a rt e h i m self l eft C a i r o o n t h e seven t h of

August i n pu r su it of Ib r a h i m who w a s d r i ven i n t o t h e,

Sy r i a n d es ert an d t ook refuge a t G a z a Bo n a p a rt e t h en .

r et ur n ed t o C a i r o wh ere h e l ea r n ed of t h e d est r uc t i on of
,

h i s fl eet by N elso n .

O n t h e t h i r d of July b efore l ea vi n g Al ex an dri a Na

, ,

[ 97 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST

pol eon h a d gi ven o r d ers t o his a d m i r a l t o r epo r t t o h i m

a t o n c e wh et h er i t w a s po ss i bl e for t h e fl eet t o en t er t h e

po r t of Alex a n d r i a a n d if n o t wh et h er h e coul d d efen d

, ,

h i mself in Abouki r r o a d s a g a in s t t h e sup er i o r for ws of

t h e en emy I n c a s e n ei t h er of t h es e pl a n s w a s p r a ct i c a bl e
.
,

h e w a s d i r ect ed t o set sa i l i mm ed i at ely for Cor fu a n d

Toulon Th e a dmi r a l t hought h is pos it i on w a s i mp r eg
.

n a bl e a n d rem a i n ed i n t h e h a r bo r of Abouk i r H er e h e
, .

w a s a t t a c ked by Nelson o n t h e even i n g of t h e fi r s t of

Augu st Th e b a t t l e l a s t ed t hi r t y—si x hou rs a n d en d ed i n
.

t h e d est r u ct i on of n ea r ly a l l of t h e F r en c h fl eet B r u ey s
.

by a glo r i ous d ea t h exp i a t ed hi s fa ult wh i c h p r oved so

fa t a l t o t h e Fr en c h .

Th i s d i s a st er w a s a sever e blow t o Bon a p a r t e B u t i n .

o r d er t o rest or e t h e m or a l of h is a r my h e aff ect ed a con

,

fid en ce wh i c h h e c oul d n o lon ger feel Ev en som e of h i s

.

h i gh est ofli cer s c ompl a in ed of t h ei r m iser a ble posi t i on .

Th e ver sa t i li t y of N a pol eo n s gen i u s w a s n ever mo r e

’

m a r k ed t h a n a t t h is t i m e of d i sc ou r a gem en t a n d wit h h is
,

m ea n t: h e d evelop ed c on st r u c t i ve power s of t h e h i gh es t
o r d er wh ic h m a d e t h e a r my i n d ep en d en t of Eu r op e Th e .

foo d supply w a s i n cr ea sed by ext en d i n g t h e c u lt i v a t i on of

co r n a n d r i ce ; win d m i ll s wer e c o n st r uc t ed for gri n d i n g
co r n a s well a s l a r ge oven s a n d b a k er i es F ou n d er i es a n d
, .

wo r kshop s soon b eg a n t o supply t ool s a n d m a ch i n er y ,

ev en gu n pow d er w a s m a n ufa ct u r ed .

Muc h a lso w a s d on e t o ext en d t h e bou n d s of l ea rn in g .

Ast r o n omy g a i n ed mu c h by t h e ob ser v at i on s of C a f

fa r elli An ex a c t su r vey of Egyp t w a s b egun ; t h e en gin eers
.

a n d geologi s t s ex a m i n ed t h e c ou r se of t h e Ni l e a n d m a d e

r eco r d s of t h e a lluvi a l d epo si t s a t i t s mou t h an d on i t s

“
b an k s Th e mot h er l a n d of sc i en c e a n d l ea r n i n g a ft er a
.

well-n i gh b a r r en in t er v a l of 1 1 0 0 yea r s sin ce t h e A r a b

“
con quest s a ys Ros e w a s n ow d ev elop ed a n d i llum i n ed
, ,

by t h e a ppli c a t io n of t h e a rt s wit h wh ic h i n t h e d im p a s t
sh e h a d en r i ch ed t h e l i fe of b a r b a r ou s Eu r op e Th e r e
.

p aym en t of t h i s i n c a l cul a ble d eb t w a s d u e p r i m a r i ly t o

t h e en t erpri s e of Bon a p a r t e I t i s on e of h i s m a n y t i t l es
.

E 98 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
ou t t he wells on t h e ro a d ; c a m els wi t h w at er wen t a h ea d
of t h e c olum n s ; a n d t h e d i vi s i o n s we re o r d er ed t o m a r c h

a t a d a y s d i s t a n c e a p a r t t o a voi d ov er t a xi n g t h e l i m i t ed
’
,

w at er supply . . 1

Bon a p a r t e l eft C a i ro on t h e t en t h of Feb r u a r y R eyn i er .

,

w h o comm a n d ed t h e a dv a n c e colum n h a d r ea ch ed El ,

Ari sh t h e p reviou s d a y an d fou n d t h e pl a ce h el d by 2 0 0 0

,

m en H e i mm ed i a t ely a t t a c k ed a n d d r ove t h e g a r ri so n
.

i n t o t h e fo rt wi t h a los s of a bou t 50 0 m en Two d a ys l a t er .

Kl eb er c a m e up a n d on t h e si xt een t h Bon a p a r t e h i m self

,

a r r i v ed Aft er c o n si d er a bl e c orr espon d en c e t h e fo r t fi n a lly

.
,

su r r en d ered o n t h e n i n et een t h .

Th e a r my t h en p r oceed ed t o G a z a wh i c h w a s r ea c h ed
a ft er a ver y fa t i gu i n g m a rc h of fo r t y-ei gh t ho u r s All t h e .

a r my u n i t ed n ea r t h i s ci t y wh i c h h a d b een ev a c u a t ed by
,

t h e en emy l ea vi n g t h e F r en c h i n possessi on of i t s grea t

,

m a g a zi n es .

Ga za wh ic h t o-d a y i s a n i mpo r t a n t pl ace of

, in
h a b it a n t s w as t h en on ly a sm a ll t own I t wi ll b e r e m em
, .

b er ed i n B i bl i c a l h i st o ry a s t h e pl a ce whose g a t es we r e
c a r r i ed of f by S a m son on hi s st a lwa r t sho u l d er s a n d ,

wh er e h e pull ed d own t h e p i ll a r s of t h e hou se a n d sl ew

30 0 0 Ph i li st i n es Alex an d er h a d t o b esi ege t h e t own for
.

t w o mo n t h s b efore h e coul d en t er t h e g a t es b u t N a pol eo n ,

t ook i t wi t hout fi r i n g a shot .

O n t h e t h i r d of M a r ch t h e a rmy r ea ch ed J a ff a wh i c h ,

w a s c a r r i ed by a ssa ult t h r ee d a y s l a t er Con t r a r y t o t h e .

o r d ers of Bon a p a r t e som e 2 0 0 0 p r i so n er s were t a k en a n d

, ,

t h e qu es t i on a t o n c e a r o se a s t o wh a t w a s t o b e d o n e wi t h
t h ese m en If t h ey were k ep t t h ey woul d co n sum e r a t i on s
.
,

a n d t h e a r my w as a l rea d y short of food If on t h e ot h er .

,

h a n d t h ey wer e r el ea sed t h ey woul d p r ob a bly r ejoi n t h e

, ,

Tu r ks As a m at t er of fa ct a p a r t of t h em h a d a l r ea dy
.
,

b een d i s ch a r ged a t El A r i sh on t h ei r p r om i s e n ot t o serv e

a g a i n a g a i n st t h e F ren c h a n d t h ey wer e n ow t a k en i n
,

a r m s I t w a s a d i ffi c ul t p r obl em a n d i t w a s solv ed i n t h e

.

l ea st m er ci ful w a y : t h e Tu r k s wer e t a k en ou t a n d shot

down Th i s i n c i d en t h a s b een on e of t h e most s ev erely
.

[ 1 00 ]
 EGY PT
crit i ci z ed i n B on a p a rt e s c a reer y et i t i s j usti fi ed by most
’
,

mod ern m i li t a ry writ ers on t h e groun d t h a t a g en er a l can

n ot aff ord t o s a cri fic e t h e vi t a l i n t er es t s of h i s a rmy to

thos e of hum an i t y .

Th e m a in Turki sh forc e u n d er Ahm ed Bey k n own as

, ,
“
Dj ezz ar ( t he w a s a t S a i n t -Jea n -d Acre
’
.

Dj ezza r h a d t a k en every m ea n s for t he d efen c e of t h e

pl a c e wh i ch w a s i n v es t ed on t he ei ght een t h of M a rch
, .

Th e fort i fic at i on s con si st ed of a w a ll fl a n k ed by t owers

a n d surrou n d ed by a d i t ch T h e Fr en ch m ea n s of a t t a ck
.

were n ot even suffi ci en t t o ov e rc om e t h ese sl i ght obst a cl es ,

for S i d n ey Smi t h c omm an d in g t h e E n gli sh c r u i sers h a d

, ,

c a pt ured t h e F ren ch s i ege t ra i n wh i c h h a d b een s en t from

Al ex an dri a by sea a n d h a d mou n t ed t h e gu n s on t h e wa lls
, .

Associ a t ed wi t h Dj ezz a r i n d efen c e of Acr e were t wo

m en who h a d cross ed t h e p a t h of N a pol eo n i n o t h er y ea rs
a n d i n ot h er l an ds O n e o f t h em w as a you n g E n gl i sh
.

s ai lor of fort u n e who a ft e r ser vi n g wi t h t h e Swed i sh an d

,

Tu r k i sh fl eet s h a d joi n ed t h e B r it i sh N a vy an d w a s a t
Toulon wh en i t fell u n d er t h e fi r e of N a pol eo n s b at t eri es ’
.

Th i s w a s S i d n ey Sm it h Th e o t h er a lly of Dj ezzar w a s a
.

F ren chm a n a gr a du a t e of t h e Ecole M i l it a i re in P a ri s an d

,

a cl a ssm a t e of N a pol eo n At t h e s c hool t h ey h a d qu a rrell ed

.

con st an t ly Th i s w a s Ph eli pp ea u x a n a ri s t ocra t by b i rt h

.
,

a n d a n en emy of t h e R epubl i c .

S a in t -Jean -d Acr e w a s a pl a c e of c o n si d er a bl e i mpor

’

t a n c e wh i ch h a d figured l a rgely i n t h e Crus a d es b ein g ,

t a ken a n d ret a ken s ev er a l t i m es du r i n g t h e t welft h cen

t ury Aft er t h i s it w a s h el d fo r a hu n d r ed y ea rs by t h e
.

Kn i gh t s of S a in t Joh n a n d w a s t h e l a st Chri s t i a n s t ron g

hold i n P a les t i n e I t st an ds on a p en i n sul a wi t h a n ex pos ed
.

an d us el ess h a rbor b u t H a i fa a t t h e sou t h of i t h a s a l a rge

,

a n d fa i rly well-prot ec t ed ro a d st ea d Th e pl a c e h as som e .

t i m es b een c a ll ed t h e k ey of P a l es t i n e .

I n 1 799 t h e works h a d fa llen som ewh at i n to d ec ay ,

a lthough Dj ez zar h a d don e mu c h t o rep a i r t h e d efen c es

on t h e l a n d s i d e Th e Fren ch t r en c h es wer e op en ed on t h e
.

2 0 M a rch an d t h e fi r s t a ssa ul t w a s m a d e ei ght d a ys l at er .

[ 101 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
N a pol eon n ow rec ei ved in t elli gen c e of t h e a pp r o a ch o f
a Tu r ki sh a rmy from D a m a s c u s a n d P a l est i n e To m eet .

t h i s ho st i l e forc e Kl eb er w a s d i sp a t ch ed t ow a r d t h e Jo r d a n
wit h hi s d i vi si on a n d a lso Mu r a t wit h h i s d et a chm en t of
’
c a v a lry A few d a ys l a t er
. l ea r n i n g t h at t h e en emy h a d
,

p a ss ed t h e Jord a n an d t h a t Kl eb er w as a bout t o b e a t
t a c k ed N a pol eon flew t o hi s a ss i s t a n c e L ea vi n g t h e c a mp
, .

b efo r e Acre on t h e 1 5 Ap ri l t h e n ext morn i n g h e a r r i v ed

,

i n s i gh t of t h e en emy n ea r Mo n t -Ta bor Th e Tu r k i sh

,
.

for ces a bout

, st ron g en t i r ely sur r ou n d ed t h e d i
,

vi si on of Kleb er who w a s m a i n t a i n in g hi s posi t i on wi t h

g r ea t b r a ver y O n t h e a r r i v a l of Bon a p a r t e wi t h r ei n force
.

m en t s t h e en emy a l r ea d y d i sc our a ged by t h e st ou t t e

, ,

si st a n ce of Kl e b er s squ a r es fled i n d i so r d er Th i s si n gul a r

’

, .

vi ct o r y h a d su c h a n eff ect upo n t h e Tu r ks t h a t t h ey d i d

n ot v en t u r e t o t r o u bl e t h e F r en c h a g a i n du r i n g t h e s i ege .

’
Mo n t-Ta bor is t h e mos t h i st o ri c of a l l of N a pol eo n s
“
ext ra or d i n a ry b a t t l e fields
- I t is a pl a c e c a lle d i n t h e
.

H eb r ew t on gue A r m a ged d on Th e n i gh t a ft er t h e b a t t l e
.

N a pol eon sl ep t i n t h e mon a st er y of An n u n ci a t i on wh er e

t h e F a t h ers h a v e t rea su r ed si n ce t h e b ed r oom wh er e t h e
you n g w a r r i o r r es t ed .

I n t h e m ean t i m e t h e si eg e w a s pu sh ed wi t h ob st i n a cy
b u t wi t h l i t t le su ccess T h e Tu r k s d efen d ed t h em selv es
.

wit h g rea t v a lo r Fi v e a ss a ult s h a d a l r ea d y b een m a d e

.
,

wh en a flot i ll a a pp ea red wh ic h h a d b een fi t t ed ou t a t

,

Rhod es t o r ep r ov i si on t h e po r t S eeki n g t o a n t i c i p a t e t h i s
.

succ o r N a pol eo n o r d er ed a n ot h er a ss a ul t t o b e m a d e on
,

t h e ei gh t h of M a y wh i ch w a s a l so r epul sed H e w a s t h er e
, .

fo re obli ged t o p r ep a r e t o r et r ea t b u t w a s u n wi ll in g t o
,

r et i r e wi t hou t m a k i n g o n e mo r e a t t emp t O n t h e mo r n i n g .

a n d t h e even i n g of t h e t en t h of M a
y t h e a t t a ck w a s re
,

n ewed for t h e s ev en t h a n d ei gh t h t i m es L ed wi t h r ec kl ess .

g a ll a n t r y by t h e h eroi c L a n n es t h e t r oop s g a in ed p a r t o f
,

t h e w a ll a n d pl a n t ed t h e t ri c olor o n t h e n ort h ea st t ower .

B u t a ll fu r t h er p r ogress w a s c h ec k ed by t h e E n gl i sh
m a rin es who h a d poured i n t o t h e t own a n d t h e Tu r ki sh
r ein fo r c emen t s wh i ch wer e l an d ed i n t i m e t o s a v e t h e
[ 102 ]
 EGY PT 1

d ay . L an n es h i ms elf w a s d a n gerously wou n d ed i n t h e

n eck a n d w a s s a v ed o n ly by t h e d evot i o n of a fellow

o ffi c er For t h e r em a in d er of h i s l ife h e w a s obli g ed t o

.

c a r r y his h ea d on on e s i d e .

O n t h e 2 2 M a y t h e si ege w a s r a i s ed a n d t h e t roops wer e

st a rt ed on t h ei r r et u r n t o Egypt I t w a s a g r ea t d i s a ppoi n t
.

m en t t o N a pol eon At t h e h ei gh t of h is Eu r op ea n t ri umphs

.

“
h e w as h ea r d t o say J a i m a n qu e a m a fort un e a S a in t
’

Jea n -d Ac re ’
.

Th er e wer e t wo very ser i ous r ea so n s for h is r et rea t ,

a s i d e fr om t h e r epuls e b efor e t h e w a ll s of t h e t ow n He
.

h a d jus t h ea rd of t h e form a t i o n of t h e S ec on d Co a l it i o n
a g a i n st F r an c e a n d a lso of r evol t s i n Egyp t wh i ch d e
,

m a n d ed h i s a t t en t i o n .

N a pol eon s 40 0 -m i le ret r ea t fr om Acre down t h e Sy r i a n

’

c o a st ,a c r o ss t h e pl a i n s of P a l est i n e a n d t h e d es ert of El

T ih wa s a n a n t i ci p a t i on i n m i n i a t u re of t h e t er ri ble r et r ea t
fr om Mo scow t hrough t h e sn ows of a Ru ssi a n wi n t er O n .

h i s r et u r n m a rc h N a pol eo n o r d ered a l l t h e ho r ses t o b e

gi ven over t o t h e si c k a n d wou n d ed an d set t h e ex a mpl e
by h i m self m a r ch in g on foot .

O n hi s a r r i v a l a t J aff a m a n y of t h e g a r r i so n l eft t h er e i n
t h e a d v a n c e on Ac r e wer e fou n d i n t h e hosp i t a l som e wi t h ,
“
t h e pl a gu e All b u t a ver y few of t h e si ck wer e t a ken
.

a w a y wh en t h e F r en ch l eft t h e pl a c e a n d t h e r es t w er e

fou n d li vin g by S i d n ey Sm it h on hi s a r r iv a l t h r ee d a ys a ft er
t h e F r en c h a r my h a d d ep a rt ed Th er e i s t h er efore n ot t h e
.

sli gh t est t r ut h i n t h e st a t em en t frequ en t ly m a d e t h at

N a pol eon o r d er ed t h e d oc t o r s t o poi son t h e sold i er s whom
h e w a s n ot a bl e t o t a ke wi t h him .

Aft er a p a i n ful m a rc h N a pol eon rea ch ed C a i ro wi t h t h e

m a i n body of hi s t r oops on t h e 1 4 Ju n e .

Tow a r d s t h e en d of July t h e M a m elukes u n d er t h e

comm a n d of Mu r a d d esc en d ed t ow a rds Gi zeh an d a g a i n
a pp ea red i n Low er Egyp t Wh i l e m a ki n g p r ep a r a t i o n s t o
.

a t t a ck t h em N a poleo n h ea rd t h a t
,
Turks h a d jus t
l an d ed fr om t h e fl eet of Rhod es a t Abouki r a n d h a d c a r r i ed
by a ss a ult t h e fort a t t h at pl a c e He i mm ed i at ely m a rched
.

E1 03 ]
 N APOLEON THE FIRS T
on Al ex a n d ri a a n d on t h e 2 5 July a t t a c k ed t h e Turks a t
,

Abouki r a n d d efea t ed t h em wi t h g r ea t sl a ugh t er M a n y of .

t h e en emy en d ea vo r ed t o r eg a i n t h e ves sels a n d a ll who ,

were n ot ki ll ed i n t h e b a t t le p er i sh ed i n t h e w a y s excep t ,

a bou t 2 0 00 m en who m a d e t h ei r es c a pe i n t o t h e fort a n d

were l a t er t a ken p r i son er s .

Wh i l e m a ki n g some a r r a n gem en t s wit h S i d n ey Smi t h

u n d er a fla g of t r uce a ft e r t he b a t t le N a pol eo n s en t h i m ,

a c h est of c off ee a n d a c a se of b r a n dy I n r et u r n fo r t h es e .

gift s Sm it h s en t h i m a b a t c h of Europ ea n n ewsp a per s

, ,

on ly six weeks ol d F r om t h es e N a pol eo n l ear n ed of t h et e

.
.

'

v er ses of t h e F r en c h a r m i es i n I t a ly a n d on t h e Rhi n e a n d
of t h e d i so r g an i zed a n d d i sg r a c eful st a t e of a ff a i r s u n d er
t h e D i r ec t o r y a t P a r i s U n d er t h ese ci rc um st a n ces h e d e
.

c i d ed t h a t i t w a s h i s d u t y t o r et u r n t o F r a n ce He h a d n o .

mot i ve fo r p r olon gi n g h i s st a y i n Egyp t Th e co u n t r y w a s .

c ompl et ely c on qu er ed a n d t h e o n ly t a sk l eft w a s t o gu a r d

i t Kl eb er w h o w a s l eft i n c omm a n d w a s as c a p a bl e a s a n y
.
, ,

o n e of c a r r yi n g ou t N a pol eon s pl a n s
’
.

N a poleon t h erefor e set sa i l fo r F r a n c e o n t h e 2 4 Au gu st

wi t h fou r sm a ll vess el s H e w a s a c comp a n i ed by La n n es
.

a n d Mu r a t bot h r ec en t ly wou n d ed a s w ell a s by B ert h i er

, , ,

Du r oc M a r mon t B essier es a n d L a v a let t e H e a lso t ook

, , , .

wit h hi m h is s ec ret a r y B ou r r i en n e a n d Eu gé n e d e
, ,

B ea u h a m a i s .

S i r S i d n ey Sm it h h a v m g go n e t o Cyp r us fo r rep a i rs,

N a pol eon sli pp ed ou t u n mol est ed A n ort hwest win d .

obli ged t h e vessel s t o r u n c lose t o t h e Afr ic a n co a st a n d ,

t h ey t ook t wen t y d a ys t o m a k e t hree hu n d r ed m i l es By .

gr ea t good fo r t u n e t h e fr i g a t es elud ed t h e E n glish sh i ps

c r u i s i n g b et ween M a l t a a n d C a p e B on F in a lly a n ea st .

wi n d c a m e up a n d S a r d in i a w a s r ea ch ed a n d t h en Co r s ic a .

I n t h e po rt of Aj acci o N a pol eo n w a s d et a i n ed for n i n e

d a ys by a dvers e wi n d s Th ere full n ews w a s r ec ei ved of
.

t h e F r en ch rev erses i n It a ly F i n a lly , on t h e sev en t h of

.

Oct ob er , t h e wi n d h a v in g b ecom e fa vo r a bl e, h e sa i led fo r

F r a n c e Th e followin g ev en i n g wh en t h e mou n t a i n s of
.

P r oven c e were i n full si gh t , by t h e r a ys of t h e s et t i n g su n

E 1 04 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
n o on e t o rec ei ve h i m Hi s brot h er s i n t h e a bs en c e of
.
,

Jos eph i n e t ook every m ean s t o a rous e hi s wr a t h an d

,

j ea lousy a n d h e b eg an t o t a lk a t on c e of a s ep a r a t i on or a
,

d i vorc e Upon Jos eph in e s ret urn h e refus ed t o see h er a n d

.
’

r em a i n ed lo c k ed up i n hi s r oom Fi n a lly a t t h e S l fi g est i on

.
,

of a fri en d sh e s en t for h er c h i ld ren Eu gé n e a n d Hor

, ,

t en s e who o n t h ei r a r r i v a l jo i n ed t h ei r suppl i ca t i o n s t o
,

t hos e of t h ei r mot h er N a pol eo n fi n a lly d ec id ed t o op en

.

t h e doo r a n d wh en hi s b r ot h er s a r r i v ed t h e followi n g
,

mor n in g t h ey foun d t h a t a ll h a d b een forgot t en a n d for

,

gi ven .

Not wi t hst an di n g a ll of Joseph i n e s fa ul t s r ea l or i m a gi ’

,

n a r y N a pol eo n w as very wi se i n eff ec t i n g a r eco n ci l i a t i on

,

wi t h h i s wi fe S ep a r a t i on at t h a t t i m e would h a v e c a u sed
.

a sc a n d a l wh i ch m i gh t h a v e i n t erfer ed ser i ou sly wit h h i s

pl an s He d i d well t o c u t short t h e a c c us a t i on s of hi s
.

brot h er s a n d t o employ hi s a ct i vi t i es i n mo r e s eri ous m a t

t er s t h an fa mi ly t r o u bl es Wi t h h er p erfec t t a ct a n d c on
.

summ a t e k n owled ge of t h e soci et y of P a ri s a n d t h e

poli t i c a l world Jos eph i n e prov ed very useful i n h i s pl an s
, .

If t h e exp ed i t i on t o Egypt w as n ot b en efici a l t o Fr an c e ,

it w a s t o N a pol eo n H e a lw a ys h a d t h e t a l en t of pl a c in g
.

hi s succ ess es i n t h e li m eli gh t wh i le h e left h i s r everses i n

,

t h e sh a dow Egyp t w a s fa r a w a y a n d t h e F r en c h h ea r d
.
,

on ly of t h e b r i lli an t v i ct o r ies of Bo n a p a rt e Th e exp ed i t i on .

w a s n ot a succ ess a n d y et for h i m i t s erved a s a foot s t ool

,

t o t h e t hron e .

[ 1 06 ]
 C HA PTER EI GHT

T HE CO UP D
’
ETAT
F ran D in g t h Y S v — Th Bo p rt t P is — Th S o d
ce ur e ea r e en e na a es a ar e ec n

Co l it io — F h D f t d Vi t o i — D iff lt i f t h Gov
a n r en c e ea s an c r es i cu es o e ern

m t
en Si y e El t d Di t o Hi S h m
e s Th R t
ec e f Bo r ec r s c e es e e urn o na

p t ar e P p t i o f t h Co p d Et t Th Ri d f t h A i t
re ara ns or e u
’
a e e o e n c en s

Th G l t Bo p t Ho — Th 8 B m i t P i ’
e en er a s a na ar e s u se e 1 ru a re a ar s

R i g t io
es na fB S i ye d D o Th Co il t S i t -Clo d
ns o a r r a s, e s an uc s e un c s a a n u
— Ev t f t h 1 9 B m i — Th D y S v d by L i — Co t i
en s o e ru a re e a a e uc en ns

t ri o
u f th Y
n o Ei gh te p t Fi t Co l — Hi Ext iv
ea r on a a r e, rs n su s en s e

Pow C t li z t io f t h Gov m t S
er s en r a a f th N w
n o e ern en uccess o e e

Regi m e

URING t h e Y ea r S ev en of t h e R epubli c wh i ch ,

N a pol eon sp en t i n Egyp t m a n y i mpo r t a n t ,

ev en t s occu r r ed i n F r a n c e of wh i ch h e w a s
i gn o r a n t on a cc ou n t of t h e i n t er r up t i o n of commu n i c at i o n s
by t h e E n gli sh c r ui ser s Too r oy a l ist for t h e R epubl i c a n s
.
,

t oo r epubl i c a n fo r t h e Roy a l i st s t h e D i r ec t o r y w a s n o ,

lon ger t a ken ser i ou sly Th e fet es of t h e Luxembourg h a d

.

lost t h ei r p r est i ge a n d every on e w a s lookin g t ow a rd t h a t

,

p a r t of t h e ho r i zo n wh er e t h e r i si n g su n w a s t o a pp ea r .

Al t hough s ev er a l a r i st oc r a t i c sa lon s h a d b een O p en ed t h ey

wer e b u t l it t l e frequen t ed B u t on t h e ot h er h a n d t h e .
, ,

t h ea t r es t h e subs c r i p t i o n b a ll s t h e publ i c g a r d en s an d t h e
, ,

c a fe s w ere crowd ed All p a r t i es wer e a w a i t i n g t h e r et u r n

.

of Bon a p a r t e Th e P a r i si a n publi c w a s more preoc cup i ed

.

wit h t h e b a n ks of t h e Ni l e t h a n wi t h t ho se of t h e S ei n e .

Th e P a r i s of t h e Y ea r S ev en foresh a d owed t h e P a ri s of
t h e Co n sul a t e an d of t h e Emp i r e Th e ch a n g e i n m an n er s .

a r r i v ed b efore t h e ch a n ge i n pol i t i c s .

Aft er t h e emb a rkm en t of h er husb a n d a t Toulon ,

Joseph in e d i d n ot r et urn d i r ect ly t o P a ri s b u t wen t t o

£ 1 07 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
ta k e t h e w at ers a t Plomb i eres wh ere sh e r em ai n ed t h r ee
mon t hs H ere sh e rec ei v ed t h e fi rst n ews of t h e Egyp t i a n
.

exp ed i t i o n from t h e t a k i n g of M a l t a t o t h e occup a t i o n of

,

C a i r o a n d l ea rn ed by Bon a p a r t e s l et t ers t h a t S b mu st
,
’

give up t h e i d ea of rej oin i n g h i m L a t er sh e hea r d t h a t .

“ ”
t h e fr i g a t e Pom on e upon wh i c h sh e w a s t o h a ve sai l ed
for Egypt h a d b een c a pt ur ed by a n En gli sh cru i s er upon
lea vi n g Toulon At t h e en d of t h e mon t h of S ept emb er
.

1 798 Jo se ph in e wa s b a ck i n P a ri s At t h i s t i m e sh e bought
.

for fr a n cs t h e est a t e of M a lm a i son s it u a t ed n ea r

t h e vi ll a ge of Ru ei l H ere sh e p a ssed t h e a u t um n of 1 79 8
.

a s well a s t h e summ er sea son of 1 799 Duri n g t h e wi n t e r .

sh e l i v ed i n P a r i s a t h er l i t t l e h 6t el i n t h e R u e d e l a

Vi ct oi r e .

Du r i n g t h e wi n t er s ea son i n P a ri s Jos ephi n e w as ve ry

p r omi n en t i n soci et y Th e li fe of t h e c a pi t a l suit ed h er
.

p erfect ly Sh e lov ed b a lls d i n n ers con c er t s a n d t h e

.
, ,

t h ea t r e A p erfec t fem m e d e sa l on
. sh e pres i d ed wi t h a ,

rea l t a l en t ov er a ci rcl e of fri en ds a n d a dm i r er s H er .

Thu r s d a y rec ept i on s at h er h 6t el i n t h e Ru e d e l a Vi c t oi r e

h a d a well-d es erved r eput a t i o n .

Jos eph i n e frequen t ed t h e so ci et y bot h of t h e Roy a l i st s

a n d t h e R epubl i c a n s S h e w a s pr es en t a t a l l t h e fé t es of
.

t h e D i rectory a n d w as i n t h e good gr a c es of t h e O ffi c i a l
world Her rel a t i on s wi t h B a r r a s c on t i n u ed t o b e exc ellen t
. .

Wit h a l l h er fri volous a i rs sh e m a n oeuvred li k e a con su m

m at e d i plom at i st Th e gr eat est of m en h a ve b een h elp ed
.

by t h ei r wi ves Wi t hout Jo seph in e i t i s poss i bl e t h a t

.

N a pol eon n ev er would h a v e b ecom e Emp eror I n spi t e .

of h i s o r d ers t o h er n ot t o m i n gle i n pol it i c a l a ff a i r s sh e ,

w a s o n e of t h e mos t effi c a ci ous promot er s of hi s pl a n s ,

a n d du r i n g h i s a bs en c e sh e a d r oi t ly pr ep a r ed for hi m t h e

fi eld of a ct i on .

Wit h t h e Bon a p a rt es Jos eph in e showed much t a c t

, .

Sh e c on c ea l ed h er d i sli ke a n d h a d t h e a r t t o k eep on good

t er ms wi t h all t h e m emb ers of t h e fa m i ly B efo r e hi s d e .

p a rt u r e for Egypt N a pol eon h a d wi sh ed t o see h i s mot h er

, ,

a n d h i s brot h ers a n d s i st er s w ell s et t l ed at P a r i s Du r i n g

, .
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
l at er he was t o b e mo r e host i l e t ow a rds Jos eph i n e t h an
eit h er Jos eph or Lu ci en a t t h i s t i m e h e w a s on a m i c a bl e
,

t erms wit h his s i s t er-i n —l aw w h o w a s a lr ea dy t h i n ki n g of

,

h im as a son -i n -l aw .

Th e you n gest of t h e b r ot h er s of N a poleo n JerOm e t h en , ,

a boy of fift een w a s a m i a bl e i n t ell i gen t a n d m i sch i evous

, , ,

fon d of pl ea sure a n d much bo red a t h a vi n g you n g Eugen e

,

d e Bea u h a m ai s con st an t ly h el d up b efo re hi m as a mod el .

M m e L et it i a resi d ed wi t h h er son Joseph Of t h e t hree

. .

si st ers of N a poleon Eli sa an d P a uli n e were bot h l i vi n g i n

,

P a ri s wi t h t h ei r husb an d s T h e youn gest si st er Ca rolin e

.
, ,

w as fi n i sh i n g h er e duc at i o n at S a i n t -Ger m a i n a t t h e school

of M a d a m e C a mp a n wh ere Hort en se d e B ea u h a m a i s w a s
,

a lso a pup i l The d e moi selles Bon a p a rt e h a d i n h eri t ed t h e

.

b ea ut y of t h ei r mot h er e sp eci a lly P a ul in e who w a s c on

, ,

si d ered t h e most b ea ut i ful wom a n i n P a ri s .

I t w a s by n o m ea n s e a sy for Jos eph i n e t o rem a in on

frien dly n ot t o sa y aff ec t i on a t e t er m s wi t h t h i s n um erous
, ,

a n d powerful fa m i ly Th e Bo n a p a r t es h a d o n ly b egu n t o
.

show t h ei r an t a gon i sm t owa r d s t he B ea u h a m ai s wh i ch

w as t o c a us e so mu c h fr i ct i on d u r i n g t h e Emp i r e .

B esi d es t h ese fa m i ly t r oubl es Jo seph in e h a d mo n ey ,

d ifli cu l t i es Sh e sp en t exo r b i t a n t sum s fo r h er t o i let t e an d

.
,

her hous ehold w as m a r ked by a st r a n g e m el a n ge of luxury

an d m i s ery S he h a d sup er b j ewel s b u t w a s oft en short
.

of mo n ey t o p ay h er sm a ll est d eb t s Joseph i n e however .

, ,

wit h h er Creol e n on cha l a n ce d i d n ot t a ke h er p ecun i a ry,

emb a rr a ssm en t s s eri ou sly Ami a bl e a ff ec t i on a t e en dowed

.
, ,

wi t h sweet m an n ers a n d a n even d i sposit i o n ve ry ki n d ,

h ea rt ed sh e could well b e c a lled a cb a r m eu r e S h e n ever

,
.

offen d ed an y on e Sh e n ever en t ered i n t o a n y d i sc ussi on s

.
,

eit h er o n pol it i cs or on a n y ot h er subj ect Sh e w as d evot ed .

t o h er fri en ds an d fo r gi vi n g t o h er en em i es Sh e h a d t o a .

suprem e d egr ee t h e qu a l it i es t h a t c a us ed every on e t o

ov erlook h er fault s .

Durin g t h e a bs en ce of Bon a p a rt e in Egyp t t h e D i rec t ory

h ad r evers ed hi s pol i cy i n reg a r d t o t h e t wo prin ci p a l
st at es of sout h ern I t a ly Bot h Rom e a n d N a pl es were
.

[ 1 10 ]
 TH E COUP D ETAT ’

occupi ed by t he Fren ch troop s a n d repub li cs were est a b

lish ed Th e Ki n g of S a rd i n i a w a s a lso comp el led t o a b d i
.

c a te a n d r et i red t o his i sl an d Th e a l a rm a n d i n d i gn a t i o n
, .

c a us ed by t h es e a ct s l ed t o t h e form a t i on of t he S eco n d
Co a lit i on a g a i n st F r an ce Russi a an d Aust ri a t ook t h e
.

lea d i n g p a rt a n d N a ples Port ug a l an d Tu r key a lso

, ,

en t ered t h e l ea gu e wh i l e Gre a t B ri t a i n off ered t o supply

,

mo n ey i n pl a c e of t roops wh i ch sh e w as n ot i n a posi t i on
t o fu r n i sh All of t h es e S t a t es w er e a ct u a t ed by d iff er en t
.

mot i ves a n d t h ere w as n o u n a n i m it y of a ct i on Nev ert h e

, .

l ess t h ey g a i n ed s ever a l v i c t o r i es ov er t h e r aw rec r uit s of

F r a n c e I n July 1 799 a n Aus t ro-Russ i an a rmy c a p t ured
.

M an t u a a n d Al ess a n d ri a a n d t h e followin g mon t h S uv a

,

roff g ai n ed a d eci si ve vi ct ory a t Novi an d d r o v e t h e

F ren c h forces b a ck t o G en o a .

Th e op e r at i o n s of t h e n ext few mon t hs were mo re fa vor

a bl e t o t h e t ri color an d M a ss e
, n a d ec i s i vely d efea t ed t h e

Rus si a n a r my n ea r Z uri c h Ten d a ys b efore Bon a p a rt e s

.
’

ret u rn t h e Fren ch a rm i es i n t h e Nort h wer e a lso succ ess

ful a n d c omp ell ed t h e E n gli sh t o r et i re from Holl a n d
, .

D i sgus t e d by t h e con duc t of h i s a lli es t h e Cz a r P a ul of ,

Ru ssi a wit hd rew hi s t roops from a l l a ct i ve op er a t i on s .

Th e d i ffi cult i es of t h e F r en ch Govern m en t howev er , ,

were r at h er i n t ern a l t h a n ext ern a l Th e fi n a n ces were .

e mb a r r a sse d a n d t h e Gov ern m en t w a s h a r a s sed by a n ew

,

out brea k of t h e Roy a li st s i n t h e Ven d ee Th e st ruggle .

b et ween t h e d iff er en t fa ct i on s so rud ely s et t led by t h e

,

revolut i on of Fruc t i dor h a d b een post pon ed r a t h er t h a n

,

d ecid ed Th e el em en t O ppo sed t o t h e t yr an n ic a l m et hods

.

of t h e D i rec t ory con t i n u ed t o g a in grou n d a n d even suc

ceed ed i n el ec t i n g a l a r ge n umb e r of t h e n ew d epu t i es .

Th e d ea r t h of t ru e S t a t esm a n sh i p a t t h i s t i m e w a s shown
by t h e a dv a n cem en t o f Abb e S i ey es Perh a ps n o m a n ever .

a t t a i n e d poli t i c a l prom i n en c e on p erform an c es so sli gh t

a s t h i s form er a bb e I n t h e S t a t es-G en er a l h e h a d a c qu i r ed
.

a r epu t a t i o n a s a n or a t or from h i s brevi t y a n d wi t b ut ,

du ri n g t h e R evolu t i o n h i s c a ree r h a d b een i n s i gn i fic a n t .

Un d er t h e D i rec t ory h e w as s en t a s a mb a ss a dor t o B erl i n .

[ 1 1 1 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Wh i le t h ere i n M a y 1 799 h e w a s elec t ed t o t h e D i r ec t ory
, ,
.

Th e ot h er D i rect ors h a d a t t emp t ed t o p r even t h i s el ec

t i on an d on h i s r et u r n t o P a r i s h e d ec l a r ed h i s hos t i l i t y
,

t o t h e Gov er n m en t He a t on c e b eg an t o look a rau n d for

.

a m i l i t a r y c h i ef t o ser v e h i s pu r pos es His first cho i ce .

,

Joub er t lost hi s li fe a t t h e b a t t l e of Novi He n ext m a d e

,
.

a dv a n ces t o Mor ea u b u t wi t hou t much su cc ess H e su c

,
.

c eed ed howev er i n g a i n i n g t h e a dh esi o n of B a rr a s Wi t h

, ,
.

h i s a ss i st a n ce h e got r id of t h e t h r ee s t ro n gly r epubli c a n

m emb er s of t h e D i rect o r y in pl a ce of whom were elect ed
,

Goh i er a n el d er ly resp ect a bl e a dvoc a t e ; Roger -Ducos

, , ,

a fo r m er G i r on d i st a n d Mol i n s B er n a do t t e w a s a ppoi n t ed
,
.

M i n i st er of W a r a n d sp eed i ly r a i sed a n ew a r my of
’
m en Su c h w a s t h e po si t i on of aff a i r s o n Bon a p a rt e s
.

r et u r n .

O n t h e 1 9 Ven d em i a i re t h e D epu t i es wer e i n ses si o n a t

t h e P a l a i s—Bou r bo n Su d d en ly on e of t h e m essen ger s of
.

t h e Di r ect o r y m a d e h i s a pp ea r a n c e wi t h t h e a n n ou n ce
“
m en t t h a t n ews h a d b een r ec ei v ed fr om Egypt : Gen er a l
B ert h i er l a n d ed a t F r ejus on t h e sev en t een t h of t h is mon t h
wit h Gen er a l Bo n a p a r t e Nobody li st en ed t o t h e
.

r es t . Th e D epu t i es wh a t ever t h ei r p a r t y w er e on t h ei r
, ,

feet shout i n g a n d c h eer i n g Th e g a ll er i es r a n g wi t h a c

.

c l a m a t i on s Th er e w a s a mom en t of wi ld d el i gh t As soo n
. .

a s t h e n ews sp r ea d i n t h e ci t y P a r i s wh ic h h a d b een , ,

lyi n g sen sel ess a n d a lmost d ea d sp r a n g t o h er feet , ,

qui ver i n g wit h d eli gh t l a ughi n g w ee p i n g ; m en wer e

, ,

seen ex c h a n gi n g fr a n t i c emb r a ces r u sh i n g h i t h er a n d ,

t hi t h er fo r n ews O n e n a m e w a s h ea r d i n ev er y d i r ect i on :
.

“ ”
Bon a p a r t e ! Bon a p a r t e ! Bon a p a r t e h a d l a n d ed .

Thi eb a ul t r el a t es t h a t h e h a pp en ed t o t u rn i n t o t h e
P a l a i s—Roy a l an d t h er e b eh eld a mo st ext r a o r d i n a r y si ght .

M en wer e c lus t er ed a bou t a p a sser-b y who shou t ed a n d

gest i c ul at ed a s h e hu r r i ed a lon g ; t h en t h e g r oups b r oke
up a n d ea c h i n d i vi du a l r a n off li ke l i gh t n i n g a s t hough
, ,

t o d el i v er som e m i r a culou s p i ece of n ews O n e O f t h es e a s .

,

h e r a n kn o c ked a g a in st ou r c h r o n i cl er a n d shou t ed t o
,
“ ”
h i m a s h e fled Gen er a l Bon a p a r t e h a s l a n d ed a t Frej us !
,

[ 1 1 2 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
s a bre en ri ch ed wit h d i a mon ds N a pol eon w a s so suc cessful
.

i n wi n n i n g h i s goo d wi ll t h a t t h e d a y of t h e 1 8 B r um a i r e
Mo rea u gu a r d ed a t t h e Luxembou r g t h e Di r ec t o r s w ho
’
d i d n ot wi sh t o t a k e p a r t i n t h e c oup d et a t .

Du r in g t h e p r ep a r a t i on s for t h e c om in g ev en t Jos eph i n e ,

ex er ci s ed a r ea l i n flu en c e ov e r m en l i k e B a r r a s Goh i er , ,

S i eyes Fouc h e Mo r ea u a n d Ta ll ey r a n d a n d p er h a p s
, , ,

wi t hout h er t a ct N a pol eon s pl a n s m i gh t h a v e fa i l ed

’
.

Du r i n g t h i s p er i o d h e w a s mo r e s i mpl e t h a n u su a l i n hi s
m a n n ers H e c on cea l ed hi s b r i lli a n t u n i fo r m un d er t h e
.

gr a y g rea t -c o at wh i c h w a s d est i n ed t o b ecom e l egen d a ry .

Ev er y p a r t y t hough t t h a t h e w a s i n i t s fa vo r H e m a d e u se .

“ ”
of a ll wit hou t a t t a c h in g h i m self t o a n y Th e D i rec t o r y .
,
“
h e sa id l a t er , t r embl ed a t my r et u rn ; I w a s v er y c a r eful
wh a t I d i d ; t h is w a s o n e of t h e epoc h s of my li fe wh en
I w a s most c a r efu l I sa w t h e Abb e S i eyes a n d p r om i sed
.

t o p u t i n op er a t i o n h i s v er bo se c o n st i t u t i o n ; I r ecei v ed
t h e c h i efs of t h e J a c ob i n s t h e a g en t s of t h e Bou r bo n s ; I
,

refus ed t h e c ou n se l s of n o o n e b u t I g a v e n o a d v i ce ex
,

cep t i n t h e i n t er est of my pl a ns Ev e ry o n e t hough t t h a t .

h e h a d a n i r o n i n t h e fir e a n d wh en I b ec a m e h ea d of t h e
, ,

S t a t e t h er e w a s n ot i n F r a n c e a p a r t y wh i c h d id n ot feel
,
”
plea s ed wit h my success .

On fourt h of Nov emb er Bon a p a r t e w a s p r esen t a t

t he
a sub scr i p t i on b a n qu et w h i c h w a s off er ed t o hi m by fiv e

o r si x hu n d r ed m emb er s of t h e t w o Cou n c i l s T h e pl a ce .

w a s t h e Temple d e l a Vi c t o i r e fo r m er ly t h e Chu rc h of ,

S a in t -Sulp i c e I t w a s n ot a v ery j oyou s o cc a si on Ev er y

. .

on e look ed on a n d n o on e h a d a n y t h i n g t o sa
y S ea t ed by .

t h e si d e of Goh i er p r esi d en t of t h e D i r ec t ory Bo n a p a rt e

, ,

h a d a n a i r a t o n ce somb r e a n d bo r ed H e a t e n ot h in g b u t .

b r ea d a n d dr a n k on ly t h e win e b r ough t t o h i m by hi s
a id e d e c a mp He d i d n ot ev en r em a i n u n t i l t h e en d of
.

t h e b an qu et R i si n g b r usqu ely fr om t h e t a bl e h e m a d e a
.

t ou r of t h e r oom sa id a few wo r ds t o som e of t h e p r i n c i p a l

,

gu est s a n d t h en ret i red .

“ ”
I n hi s Souv en i r s A r n a ult h a s d escri b ed t h e r ec ep t i on
,

E1 14 ]
 TH E COUP D ETAT ’

th a t ev en in g at t h e h Ot el i n t h e Ru e d e l a Vi c t oi re Jos e .

ph i n e d id t h e ho n o r s of h er s a lon wit h mo re t h a n h er u su a l
g r a ce Th er e w er e pres en t m en from a l l t h e p a r t i es :
.

gen er a ls d eput i es Roy a l i s t s J a cob i n s a n d ev en t h e presi

, , ,

d en t of t h e D i rect o r y Th e ev en i n g p a ssed t h e s a m e a s
.

u su a l Li t t l e by l it t l e t h e s a lon b ec a m e emp t y Fouch ea n d

. .

Goh i er a mon g t h e l a s t t o go t ook l ea ve of Jos eph in e w h o

, , ,

wen t t o h er a p a r t m en t A rn a ult w as t h e l a s t t o l ea v e H e
. .

a sk ed Bo n a p a r t e if t h e a ff a i r w a s st i ll set for t h e follow i n g

d a y a n d s a i d t h a t h e would l i k e t o h a v e hi s i n st r u ct i o n s .

N a pol eon r epl ied t h a t i t h a d b een p u t off u n t i l t h e ei gh t

een t h a s t h e A n c i en t s could n ot m a k e up t h ei r m i n d s

wh et h er t o a c t i n c oop er a t i o n wi t h h i m or a g a i n s t ,

hi m .

Th e followi n g d a ys Bon a p a r t e a n d h i s a d h er en t s
t wo
a r r a n g ed t h e fi n a l d et a i l s of t h ei r p r ogr a m wh i c h w a s ,

si mpl e a n d i n gen i ou s An a r t i c l e of t h e Co n st i t u t i o n of
.

t h e Y ea r Th r ee t h en i n fo r ce a u t ho r i z ed t h e A n c i en t s i n
, ,

c a se of d a n g er t o t h e publ i c wea l t o c on vok e t h e Co r p s

L egi sl a t i f t h a t i s bot h Cou n ci ls out sid e t h e c a p i t a l i n

, , ,

o r d er t o b e fr ee fr om t h e i n flu en c e of t h e mob ; a l so t o
c hoos e a g en er a l an d co n fi d e t o h i m t h e c omm a n d of t h e

t roops who wer e t o p r ot ect t h e l egi sl a t u r e Th e Co n s t i .

t u t i o n a l so p r ov i d ed t h a t fr om t h e mom en t t h a t su c h a
ch a n ge of t h e pl a ce of m eet i n g w a s vot ed t h er e should b e
n o d i s c u ssi o n of t h e m a t t er b et ween t h e t w o c h a mb er s .

I t w a s a r r a n ge d t h a t t h i s vo t e should b e t a ken by t h e
A n c i en t s on t h e 1 8 B r um a i r e ; t h a t t h e n ew pl a c e of m eet
i n g shoul d b e t h e P a l a c e of S a i n t -Cloud a n d t h a t Bo n a
,

p a r t e should b e p u t i n comm a n d of t h e t r oops Th e .

An c i en t s w er e t o b e con vok ed fo r ei gh t o c lo c k i n t he ’

Tu i l er i es wh ere t h e m eet i n gs w er e h eld Th e Cou n ci l of .

F i v e Hu n d red wh i ch w a s t o m eet a t el even o clock would ’

t hu s b e obl i ged t o subm i t w i t hou t d i sc u ssi o n .

Th e g r eat qu est i o n n ow w a s how b efo r e t h e vot e t o, ,

brin g t oget h er t h e first t h i n g i n t h e mo r n i n g t h e t roop s

, ,

who were a b solut ely n ecessa ry t o t h e su ccess of t h e

sch em e Th e 1 7t h D i v i s i o n whos e h ea d qu a r t ers were a t
.
,

[ u s]
 N APOLEO N THE F I RST
Pa r i s , w as u n d er Bon a p a rt e s ord er s He w a s n ot
n ot
’
.

M in i st er of W a r a n d h a d n o for m a l comm a n d of a n y
k in d How wit hou t a r ous i n g su sp i c i on s u n d e r t h e ver y
.
, ,

fi
ey es of t h e Gover n m en t c ould t h ey a ss e mbl e
, re forc e

wh i ch w a s t o overt h r ow i t ? S ever a l d a ys b e o re t h e ,

o ffi c ers of t h e A r my of P a ri s an d of t h e N a t i on a l Gu a rd
, ,

h a d exp r es sed a wi sh t o p a y t h ei r r esp ec t s t o Gen er a l

Bon a p a rt e I t w a s d eci d ed t h a t t h ey shoul d b e r ecei ved
.

a t hi s hous e t h e 1 8 Brum a i re a t si x o c lock i n t h e mo r n i n g

’
,

an d t h i s v er y ea rly hour w a s expl a i n e d by a p r oj ec t ed

journ ey on t h e p a rt of t h e Gen e ra l Three regi m en t s of .

c a v a lry h a d a lso sol ic it ed t h e hon o r of p a r a d in g b efore

hi m Th ey wer e i n fo r m ed t h a t h e would p a ss t h em i n re
.

view a t sev en o cloc k t h e sa m e mo rn in g For hi s t ri p from

’
.

t h e hous e i n t h e R u e d e l a Vi c t oi re t o t h e Tu i l e ries h e
n eed ed a n es c o rt of c a v a l r y I t w as a r r a n ged t h a t on e of
.

N a poleon s mo st d evot ed p a rt i s a n s a Co r s i c a n Colon el

’
, ,

S eb a st i an i should b e i n vi t ed t o b e p r esen t on hors e b ac k

,

a t h i s hot el at fiv e o c lo c k i n t h e mo r n i n g wi t h t w o h u n
’

dred d r a goon s of hi s r egi m en t S eb a st i a n i wi t hout a ski n g

.

ord ers fr om h i s sup eri or ofli cers a cc ep t ed t h i s a ppoin t

m en t .

Wit h a b r i lli an t st aff of gen er a ls a n d moun t ed offi c ers ,

prec ed ed an d followed by t h e d r a goon s of hi s esc o rt N a po ,

l eon w a s t o go i n t h e mo r n i n g t o t h e Tui l eri es t h e mom en t ,

t h a t t h e d ec ree w a s vot ed by t h e Cou n ci l of t h e An c i en t s .

Th ere h e woul d r ecei v e t h e ch i ef comm an d of a l l t h e

t r oops i n g a r r i so n a t P a r i s a n d i n t h e suburbs a n d would
b e c h a rged t o gu a rd t h e t wo Cou n ci ls d uri n g t h e s ess i o n
of t h e followi n g d a y at S a i n t -Cloud Duri n g t h e d a y of .

t h e ei ght een t h B a r r a s would a lso b e p e rsu a d e d t o i v e

, g
hi s r es i gn a t i o n wh i c h followi n g t hose of S i ey es a n d Roger
,

Duc os would d i so r ga n i ze t h e D i rec t o r y T h e ot h er t wo .

m emb ers would b e gu a r d ed by Gen er a l Morea u a t t h e

Luxembou r g I t w a s hop ed t h a t t h e Cou n ci l of Fi ve Hu n
.

d r ed would n ot oppos e t h es e pl a n s a n d t h a t t h e r evol u t i o n ,

m a sked u n d er such leg a l a pp ea r an c es would b e c a rri ed ,

t hrough wi t hou t vi ol en c e .

[ 1 1 6 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Th ere were very few p eopl e a r ou n d t h e P a l a ce a s every ,

on e w a s i gn o r a n t of wh a t w a s go i n g o n Th e g a t es of t h e .

G a r d en s wh i c h were occup i ed by t h e t r oops wer e closed

, , .

Bon a p a r t e t r a ver sed t h e G a r d en s a n d d i sm ou win g i n ,

’
fr on t of t h e P a vi llon d e l Ho r l oge pres en t ed h i m self b e ,

for e t h e Coun ci l of t h e An c i en t s H er e h e d eli vered a short

.

a d d ress i n wh i ch h e c a r efully a vo i d ed t h e m a t t er of t h e

o a t h t o suppo r t t h e Con st it ut i on On ly on e d eput y .

n ot i c ed t h e om i ss i on a n d b efo r e h e h a d a c h a n ce t o sp ea k

t h e sessi o n w a s a djour n ed .

Bon a p a r t e n ow d escen d ed t o t h e G a r d en s wh ere h e

p a ss ed i n r eview t h e t roop s w ho h a i l ed h i m wit h en t h u si
,

a st i c a cc l a m a t i o n s .

Wh en t h e Cou n ci l of Fi v e Hu n d red m et at eleven

o cloc k t h e d eput i es l ea r n ed wi t h in d i gn a t i o n of t h e d e
’

c ree of t h e An ci en t s b u t t h ei r p resi d en t
, Lu ci en Bo n a ,

p a rt e w h o h a d j u st b een el ec t ed t o t h at o ffic e i n hon o r

,

of h i s b r ot h er st a t ed t h a t t h e Con st it u t i on w a s explici t
,

o n t h e poi n t , a n d t h a t n o d eb a t e w a s poss i bl e Not h i n g .

r em a i n ed ex cep t t o a r r a n ge t o m eet a t S a i n t -Cloud t h e

followin g d a y .

Of t h e fiv e D i rect o rs t wo S i eyes a n d Roger-Du cos

, , ,

h a d a l r ea d y h a n d ed i n t h ei r r esi gn a t i on s a s a r r a n ged A .

t hi r d
, B a r r a s u pon t h e d em a n d of T a lleyr an d n ow fol
, ,

lowed t h ei r ex a mple a n d l eft P a ri s for hi s es t a t e Gr osboi s

, , .

Ver y well sa t i sfi ed wi t h t h e even t s of t h e mo r n i n g ,

N a pol eo n r et u r n ed t o h i s r esi d en c e wh er e h e fou n d ,

Joseph i n e h a ppy a n d r ea ssu r ed All t h e p r ep a r at i o n s h a d

.

b een c a r r i ed ou t a s pl a n n ed Morea u w a s o c cupyi n g t h e

.

Luxembou r g L a n n es t h e Tu i l eri es a n d Mur a t t h e Ch i

, ,

t ea u of S a i n t -Clou d .

Th e revolut i o n c a r r ied ou t by Bo n a p a r t e i s c a lled i n

h i st o r y t h e c oup d et at of t h e 1 8 Brum a i r e N ev e rt h el es s
’
.

t h e 1 8 B r um a i r e w a s o n ly t h e p r elud e Th e d ec i s i v e d a
y
.

w a s t h a t of t h e n i n et een t h Th e n i gh t p a s sed qu i et ly
.
.

Th e followi n g mo r n in g t h e rou t e from P a ri s t o S a i n t

Cloud w a s c ov ered wi t h t roops an d c a rri a ges fill ed wi t h ,

curi osi t y—s eek er s .

[ 1 1 8 ]
 TH E COUP ETAT
’
D

Th e Ch at ea u of S ai n t -Cloud w a s s i t u a t ed bou t fiv e
a

m i l es fr om P a r i s on t h e ro a d t o Ver s a i ll es a lmo st u n d er
,

t h e sh a dow of Mo n t -V a l eri en wh i ch t o-d a y i s crow n ed by

t h e b i g gr a y for t ress wh i ch w as t h e l a s t s t ro n ghold of

P a r i s i n t h e F r an co-Prussi a n w a r T h e G erm a n s were i n

.

poss ess i on of S a i n t -Cloud an d t h e Ch at ea u w a s d est royed

by t h e shot s from t h e Fren ch gu n s Aft er t h e w a r t h e .

ru i n ed w a lls wer e t orn dow n a n d t o-d a y t h ere a re o n ly

g a rd en s wh ere s t ood t h e p a l a c e of t h e Bourbon s a n d t h e
B on a p a rt es .

A l it t l e b efor e in id -d a y Bon a p a rt e o n horseb a ck w as

, ,

s t at i on ed i n fron t of t h e Ch at ea u of S a i n t -Cloud a t t h e
h ea d of h i s t roop s Th e An c i en t s wer e t o m eet on t h e first
.

floor i n t h e G a l eri e d Ap ol l on an d t h e F i ve Hun d r ed i n

’

t h e Or a n g eri e As t h e r oom s w er e n ot r ea dy a t t h e hou r

.

set for t h e m eet i n g t h e Ch a mb ers d i d n ot c om e t oget h er

u n t i l t w o o clock i n t h e a ft er n oon
’
.

Fi n a lly Luc i en Bon a p a r t e t ook hi s sea t i n t h e presi

d en t i a l ch a i r a n d t h e p r oc eed i n gs of t h e lower c h a mb er
op en ed Th e on ly bus in ess t r an s a ct ed w a s t h e a dop t i o n
.

of a r esolut i on t h a t t h e m emb er s should ren ew t h ei r o a t h

t o m a i n t a i n t h e Co n s t i t u t i on At t h e s a m e t i m e t h e An
.

ci en t s h a d a l so m et a n d a propos a l w a s p u t forw a r d t h a t
,

t h e t h r ee v a c a n c i es i n t h e D i r ect o r y should b e fill ed .

Un t i l t h i s mom en t Bon a p a r t e h a d r em a i n ed s ec lud ed i n

a room of t h e p a l a ce t o wh i c h h e h a d wi t h d r a wn b ut ,

b ecom i n g d i ss a t i sfi ed wit h t h e a pp ea r a n c e of aff a i r s h e

n ow d es c en d ed ,a n d a ccomp a n i ed by h i s c h i ef of s t a ff ,

B er t h i er a n d h i s s ec r et a r y B ou r ri en n e h e p r esen t ed
, , ,

h i ms elf a t t h e en t r a n c e of t h e Coun ci l of A n ci en t s H er e .

h e d eli v er ed a shor t a d d r ess wh i c h w a s full of blu n d er s .

More a c cust om ed t o t h e fi eld of b a t t l e t h a n t o t h e a t mo s

h ere of a d el i b er a t e a ss embly h e b ec a m e mo r e a n d mor e
p
emb a rr a ss ed .
F i n a lly h e w as p er su a d ed t o l ea ve t h e h a ll .

H e n ext proc ed ed t o t h e Or a n ger i e i n wh i ch t h e F W e H u n

“
dred were m eet i n g H e w a s r ecei ved wi t h shout s of Down
.

”
wi t h t h e D i c t a t o r ! Down wit h t h e Tyr a n t ! a n d a voi ce
”
cri ed : Ho r s l a l oi ! (Out l a w h i m !) Fi ve yea r s b efore ,

E1 19 J
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
t h i s cr y h a d soun d ed t h e kn ell of Rob esp ier r e an d Bon a ,

p a r t e a pp ea r ed los t B u t Mu r a t a n d h i s o ffi c er s w it h a
. ,

few gren a d ier s fo r c ed t h ei r w a y t h r ough t h e c r owd a n d

,

esco r t ed t h ei r gen er a l t o sa fet y Fo r a sho r t t i he t e

.

t i red a g a i n t o h i s r oom a n d t h en d esc en d ed t o t e cou r t

ya r d a n d mou n t ed his ho r s e .

Th is en t ry of Bon a p a rt e i n t o t h e Coun ci l of Fi ve Hu n
dred h a d r esul t ed i n a form a l mot i o n of out l a wry a n d it
w a s fo r t u n a t e fo r h i m t h a t hi s b r ot h er w a s pr esi d en t of
t h e A ss embly I n t h i s c r i s i s Luc i en showed a s much re
.
,

sou rc eful n ess a n d c ool n es s a s N a pol eo n h a d i mp et uos i t y

a n d r a sh n ess He d ecli n e d t o r ec ei ve t h e mot i o n a n d

.
,

cl a i m in g h is r i ght t o sp ea k h e l eft t h e pres i d en t i a l ch a i r

,

a n d a scen d ed t h e t r i bu n e Fi n d i n g i t i mpo ss i bl e t o m a k e
.

h i s voi ce h ea r d a g a i n s t t h e howls of t h e d epu t i es h e sen t a ,

m essa ge whi c h r esult ed i n t h e a pp ea r a n ce of h a lf a dozen

gr en a d iers w h o esc o r t ed hi m fr om t h e h a ll Moun t i n g a .

ho rse h e a d d ressed t h e sol d iers i n r in gi n g t on es d ecl a r in g ,

t h a t t h e A ssembly w as dom i n a t ed by a b a n d of a ss a ss i n s ,

t h a t hi s l i fe an d t h a t of hi s b r ot h er w er e n o lo n ger sa fe ,

a n d t h a t h e as p r es i d en t of t h e A ss embly c a ll ed o n t h em
, ,
“
t o r es t o re o r d e r H e w a s g r eet ed wi t h lou d shou t s of Vi v e
.

”
Bon a p a rt e ! Mu r a t g a ve t h e o r d ers a n d t h e d r um s b ea t
t h e c h a r ge Followed by t h e i n fa n t r y Mu r a t m a d e fo r t h e
.
,

d oor of t h e cou n ci l c h a mb er At t h e si gh t of t h e t r oops .

,

t h e l egi sl a t o rs hu r r i ed t o l ea v e t h e h a ll mos t of t h em by ,

t h e wi n d ows a n d t h e r oom w a s soo n c l ea r ed

, .

O n Su n d a y even i n g t h e 1 0 Novemb er 1 799 i m m edi

, ,
“ ”
a t ely a ft er t h e even t ful d a y of t h e 1 9 Brum a i r e a r ump ,

of t h e t wo Coun c i ls u n d er t h e p res i d en cy of Luc i en Bon a

,

p a rt e m et i n t h e n ow d es er t ed h a lls of t h e P a l a c e of S a i n t
,

Clou d a n d u n a n i mously vot ed t o remov e t h e D i rect or s

, ,

a n d a ppo i n t i n t h ei r pl a c e t h r ee Con suls S ieyes Du c os , ,

a n d Bo n a p a r t e Th e m eet i n g t h en a djour n ed for four

.

mon t h s a ft er a ppoi n t in g a comm i ss i on t o coOper a t e wi t h

,

t h e Con suls i n t h e p r ep a r a t i o n of a n ew c o n s t i t u t i on .

Thus w a s fulfill ed t h e proph ecy m a d e ei gh t yea r s b efore

“
by E d mun d Bu r ke i n hi s R efl ec t i on s on t h e R evolut i on
i n Fr a n c e t h a t Fr en ch li b ert y would fa ll a v i c t i m t o
,

[ 1 20 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
t h e ri gh t tod i s c u ss t h em b u t n ot t o v ot e t h em Th ey th en .

wen t t o t h e L egi sl a t i ve Body wh i ch h a d t h e power t o

,

vot e t h em b u t n ot t o d i sc u ss t h em T he S en at e a t h ir d.
,

body h i gh er t h a n t h e ot h er s w a s t o b e t h e gu a r d i an of
, ,

t h e Co n s t i t u t i o n a n d w a s a lso t o el ect t h e C on H
, I ls t he ,

m emb er s of t h e Tri bun at e a n d t h e Legi sl a t ure t h r ough ,

a n el a bo r a t e sys t em wh i ch i t i s u n n ec ess a r y t o d escri b e i n

d et a i l a s it w as o n ly a sh a m .

All t h i s el a bo r a t e m a ch in er y w a s d es i gn ed t o d eceiv e
t h e p eopl e a n d k eep up t h e fi c t i o n of t h e co n t i n u ed ex i s t
en c e of t h e R epubl i c As a m a t t er of fa c t
. Bo n a p a rt e w a s
,

soverei gn i n a l l b u t n a m e To b e su r e h e w a s o n ly el ect ed
.
,

for t en y ea r s a n d h a d n o power t o b equ eat h hi s o ffi c e t o

,

a n h ei r b u t a l l t h ese d et a i l s h e w a s t o a r r an ge l a t er
, .

He n ow s ecured t h e en a c t m en t of a l a w wh i c h pl a ced
a l l loc a l gov er n m en t i n hi s h a n d s Th er e w a s t o b e a p r e
.

fect i n c h a rge of t h e c i vi l a d m i n i st r a t i o n of ea c h d ep a rt
m en t a sub -p refect for sm a ll er d i vi sio n s a n d a m a yor for
, ,

ev er y t own or c ommu n e a l l a ppo i n t ed fr om P a ri s All .

loc a l s elf-govern m en t t hus c a m e t o a n en d a n d t h e exec u ,

t i v e power w a s cen t r a l i zed i n t h e c a p i t a l ev en mor e eff ect u

a lly t h a n u n d er t h e Bou r bo n mo n a rc hy .

Every on e w a s t i r ed of t h e excess es of t h e R evolut i on

a n d t h e co n t i n u a l c h a n g es in t h e gover n m en t an d t he ,

n a t i o n w as rea d y for a r et ur n t o a sa fe a n d s a n e r e gi m e of
l aw a n d o r d er Th e F i rst Con sul soo n showed t h a t h e pro
.

pos ed t o r a lly a ll fa ct i on s t o hi s suppo r t a n d a d opt a n o n

p a rt i s a n a n d t horoughly n at ion a l pol i cy All r egi ci d es .

were exclud ed fr om h i gh O fli ce exc ept a few who l i k e ,

Fou c h e wer e t oo v a lu a bl e t o b e d i sp en s ed wi t h Th e
, .

emi gr es of F r u ct id or r et u rn ed a n d e v en d ecl a r ed Roy a l

,

i st s were welcom ed b a ck Equ a lly gen er ous w a s Bo n a

.

p a rt e s t reat men t of t h e Rom a n C a t holi c Churc h Pri es t s

’
.

w ere a llowed t o r et u r n a n d t o ofli ci a t e i n pl a c es wh ere n o

opposi t i on w a s r a i sed Th e r oy a li st ri s in g i n t h e Ven d ee
.

“ ”
w a s fi n a lly p u t dow n a n d t h e B r et on
, Chou a n s un d er ,

t h ei r p ea san t l ea d er , Geo r ges C a d o u d a l were c r ush ed , .

Thus en d ed t h e ci vi l w a r wh i ch fo r n ea r ly s even y ea r s h a d
d ev a st at ed t h e h ea rt of Fr an c e .

[ 1 22 ]
 CHAPTE R NI NE

MAR ENGO
Bo p t t t h L x m bo g — M i g f C ol i
na ar e a e d M
u e t — Th ur a rr a e o ar ne an ur a e

Fi t Co l Mov t t h T il i — Th Lif Th — T h Wi t r
rs n su es o e u er es e e ere e n e

S o i P i — Th M il it y S it t io I m p ov d Co d it io f
ea s n n ar s e ar ua n r e n n o

F d
r an ce un Bo p t T h A m y f R v Th Th t f W
er na ar e e r o eser e e ea re o ar
— Th O ppo i g Fo
e — N pol o Pl f C m p i g C o i g f
sn rces a e n s
’
an o a a n r ss n o

th e Alp Fo t B d — Th F h A m y i Pi d m o t — Co t
s r ar e r en c r n e n n s er

t io f M el — N pol o t M il
na n o
— Th A m y C o
as th P a e n a an e r r sses e o

B t t l f Mo t b llo B t t l f M go D f t T d t Vict o y
a e o n e e a e o aren e ea urn e o r

D t h f D i x R lt f t h C m p i g
ea o esa esu s o e a a n

HE d ay f B r um a i re t h e
a t er t h e coup d et a t of 1 9 ,

1 1 Nov emb er
1 799 t h e t h r ee Co n suls t ook up ,

t h ei r r esi d en ce i n t h e L u x e mbourg Th a t ev en i n g .

t h e publ i c bu i l d i n gs a n d m a n y of t h e p r i v a t e hous es wer e

i llum i n a t ed Bo n a p a r t e a lt hough sov er ei gn i n fa ct w a s
.
, ,

n ot y et i n a pp ea r a n ce : h e co n si d ere d t h e feel i n gs of t h e

R epubli c a n s ; b u t l it t l e by li t t l e h e b eg a n t o a c c ust om t h e
p eople t o his r ei gn Jo seph i n e w a s n o lo n ger d esi gn a t ed a s
.

” ”
t he C it i zen ess Bo n a p a r t e b u t w a s c a ll ed M a d a m e , .

At t h e P et i t -Luxembo u r g N a poleo n o c c up ied t h e ,

a p a r t m en t on t h e g r ou n d floor on t h e r i gh t a s you en t er ,

from t h e R u e V a u gi r a r d Hi s c a b i n et w a s n ea r a pri v a t e .

s t a i r c a se wh i c h l ed t o t h e fi r st floo r wh er e Jos eph i n e w a s

lo d ged Aft er t h e d ej eu n er wh i c h w a s s er v ed a t t en o clock
.
’

Bon a p a rt e c h at t ed a few m i n ut es wit h h i s a i d es d e c a mp

a n d t h en set h i ms elf t o work T h e d i n n er w as s erv ed a t .

fiv e O clock Aft er t h i s t h e Fi rst Co n sul w en t t o Jo seph i n e s

’ ’
.

a p a rt m en t wh er e h e r ec ei v ed t h e v i s i t of hi s m i n i s t ers
, ,

a n d a lw a ys w i t h e sp ec i a l pl e a su re t h a t of t h e M i n i s t er of

Fo r ei g n Aff a i r s T a ll eyr a n d At m i d n i gh t a n d som et i m es

, .
,

ea rl i er h e g a v e t h e si g n a l fo r r et i r i n g sa y i n g brusqu ely
, , ,
“ ”
Allon s n ous c ou c h er !
E 1 23 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
At t h e Luxembou r g, Jos eph i n e b eg a n t o r ec ei ve p er son s
“ ”
of t h e a n ci en r egi m e Th e t i t l e M a d a m e st i ll offen d e d
.

m an y R epubli c a n s, who r eg r et t ed t h e c h a n ge fr om t h e
s i mpli cit y of ‘
N a poleon b eg a n gr a d ua lly t o
d o awa y wi t h t h e r epubli c a n fet es, wh i le s t i ll p r eservi n g
som e r evolut i o n a r y m emo r i es H e a bol i sh ed t h e fet e of
.

t h e 2 1 J a n u a ry , a n n i v ersa r y of t h e d ea t h of Lou i s t h e
!

S i xt een t h , wh i l e k eep in g a s n a t i o n a l hol id a ys t h e 1 4 July,

t h e d a y of t h e B a s t i ll e, a n d t h e 1 Ven d em i a i r e, com
er

m em or a t i n g t h e fou n d i n g of t h e R epubl i c H e a llow ed hi s .

wi fe t o s rr u ou n d h er self wit h m emb er s of t h e ol d Court ,

b ut he c on sen t ed t o t h e m a r r i a ge of h i s you n ges t si st e r

wi t h a sol d i er of fort u n e t h e son of t h e i n n -keep er of

,

C a ho rs .

On t he 2 0 J a n u a r y 1 8 0 0 a t t h e Lux embourg w as c ele

b r ared t h e c i vi l m a r r i a ge of C a rol i n e Bon a p a rt e wit h
Mu r a t t h en on ly a gen er a l of d i vi si on Th e r el i gi ous c ere
,
.

mon y w a s n ot p er form ed un t i l t w o yea rs l at er o n t h e oc

c a si o n of t h e m a r r i a ge of Lou i s Bo n a p a r t e w i t h Ho r t en se

d e B ea u h a m a i s .

Mu r a t bo r n t h e 2 5 M a rc h 1 77 1 w a s n ot t w en t y-n in e
, ,

yea r s of age at t h e t i m e of hi s m a rr i a ge wh i le C a r olin e , ,

bo rn t h e sa m e d a y i n 1 78 2 w a s ex a ct ly el even yea r s
,
“
youn ger I n t h e wo r d s of M a d a m e R ec a m i er : Of a l l t h e
.

si st er s of N a pol eo n C a r ol i n e w a s t h e on e who mo st r e
,

s embled hi m Sh e w a s n ot a s p er fec t ly b ea ut i ful a s h er

.

si s t er P a ul i n e b u t sh e s t r on gly poss es sed t h e N a pol eon i c

,

t yp e ; sh e h a d mu c h i n t ell i gen c e a n d a n i mp er i ou s wi ll ,

a n d t h e c on t r a s t b et ween t h e som ewh a t ch i ld i sh g r a c e of

h er c ou n t en an ce a n d t h e d eci s i on of h er ch a r a ct er m a d e
”
h er ext rem ely at t r a ct i v e .

I n t h e whol e F r en ch A r my t h ere w a s n o mo re st ri k i n g
c a v a l ier t h an Mu r at Youn g h a n d som e full of l i fe wit h
.
, , ,

h i s bri ll i an t u n i fo r ms on t h e fi el d of b a t t l e or i n a r ev i ew
, ,

b e a t t r a ct ed t h e a t t en t i o n of ev er y on e Never t h el ess .

t h er e w a s n ev er much symp at hy b et ween N a pol eo n a n d

h i s grea t c a v a lry c omm a n d er a n d h e h es i t a t ed lo n g b efore
,

givin g hi m t h e h a n d of h i s s i st er B u t Mu r a t a n d C a rol i n e
.

E 1 24 ]
 MARENGO
"

h a d b een i n lov e wit h ch ot h er si n c e th ey fi rst m et

ea
’
d uri n g t h e C a mp a i gn of I t a ly a n d N a pol eo n s oppo si t i o n
,

w a s fi n a lly ov ercom e by t h e soli c i t at i on s of Jos eph i n e ,

who fa vo r e d t h e m a t ch .

Aft er l i vi n g for three m on t hs i n t h e Luxembourg o n t h e ,

1 9 F eb ru a ry 1 80 0 t h e Fi r s t Con sul mov ed t o t h e Tu i l e

,

ri es wh i ch t h en b ec a m e on c e more t h e offic i a l ci t y r es i
,

d en ce of t h e rul er of F r a n c e a n d so rem a in ed un t i l t h e
,

d est ruct i on of t h e p a l a c e by t h e Commu n e s ev en t y-o n e

y ea rs l a t er The Bourbo n ki n gs a ft er t h e complet i o n of
.
,

t h e m a gn i fic en t p a l a ce a t Ve rs a i ll es, h a d pr efe rre d to l i ve

th er e .

’
At on e o c l ock i n t h e a ft er n oo n a ll P a ri s w a s on foot ,

t o see t h e br i ll i a n t proc es si on p a ss from t h e Lux embourg

t o t h e Tui l eri es N a pol eon
. who h a d b een p r ec ed ed by
,

Jo seph i n e w a s i n a c a rr i a ge dr a wn by six wh it e ho r s es
, ,

a n d w a s escort ed by t hr ee r egi m en t s comm a n d e d by

Mu r a t L a n n es a n d B ess1 er es T h e C a rrousel w a s fill ed

, .

“
w it h a n i mm en s e crowd of p eopl e who cri ed : Vi ve l e
”
P r em i e r Con sul ! Vi v e Bo n a p a r t e !
F r om t h e g at e of t h e C a rrous el t o t h e door of t h e
P a l a c e t h e w a y w a s l in e d by t h e n ew Con sul a r Gu a rd
, .

M a n y eyes w er e s t ruck by t h e i n scri pt i o n wh i ch h a d n ot

“
y et b een e r a s ed a t t h e si d e of t h e en t r an c e g a t e : Le
1 0 a ofi t 1 79 2 l a roy a ut é en Fr a n c e est a bol i e ; e ll e n e se
,
”
r el é v er a j a m a i s l

As soon a s t h e c a rri a ge h a d p a ssed t h e g a t es it st opp ed , ,

a n d Bon a p art e qu i ckly d esc en d e d a n d mou n t ed a ho r s e

wh i ch w a s b rought t o h i m wh i l e t h e ot h er con suls C a m

, ,

b ac er es a n d L eb ru n en t e red t h e P a l a c e T a ki n g hi s posi
,
.

t i o n b efo r e t h e P a v i llon d e l H o r l oge wit h Mu r a t a t h i s

’
,

r i gh t a n d L a n n es a t h i s l eft Bon a p a rt e g a ve t h e o r d er
, ,

for t h e revi ew t o b egi n As t h e b at t l e-flags of t h e t hree

.

regi m en t s were born e p a st hi m t h e s t a n d a r d s ri d d l ed ,

by bull et s on m a n y a glor i ous fi eld of I t a ly t h e Fi r s t ,

Co n sul wi t h a n expressi on of r esp ect ful emot i on r emoved

, ,

h i s h at a n d s a lut ed At t h e en d of t h e revi ew h e d i s
.
,

m ou n t ed a n d for t h e fi r s t t i m e en t ered t h e roy a l p a l a c e .

E 1 25 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
I t w a s n ot gh t yea r s si n ce fr om t h e shop of Bo u r r i en n e s ’
ei

b r ot h er n ea r t h e C a r r ousel h e h a d w a t c h ed t h e mob of
P a r i s su r gi n g t hrough t h e pl a c e a n d h ad seen t h e u n for
t u n a t e Ki n g a pp ea r a t t h e wi n dow wi t h t h e red ca pmf t h e
Revolut i on on h i s h ea d !
I n t h e Tu i l eri es N a poleon t ook po ssessi o n of t h e su i t e
,

O f Lou i s t h e Fou r t een t h on t h e fi r s t floo r wh i l e Jo se ph i n e ,

o cc upi ed t h e r ooms of M a ri e-An t oi n et t e b elow j u st

t h e r ev er se of t h e a r r an gem en t l a t er u n d er t h e S ec o n d
Emp i re The suit e of t h e Fi r st Con sul wh i c h fa ced on
.
,

t h e G a rd en s w a s k n own i n t h e t i m e of Lou i s t h e F ou r
,
“
t een t h a s t h e Wi n t er Ap a r t m en t of His M a j est y T h e .

ca b i n et li ght ed by o n ly on e wi n d ow w a s of m ed i um si z e
, , .

N ext t o t h i s r oom w a s t h e bu r ea u topogr a phi qu e o r m a p ,

r oom , a n d a d joi n i n g w a s a l a r ge b ed -r oom wh i c h h a d ,

b een t h a t of t h e ki n gs wh er e a l i t d e pa r a d e h a d b een
,
“ ”
pl a c ed Bou r r i en n e t ells us i n hi s M emoi r s t h at Bon a
.

p a r t e ra re ly sl ept t h er e fo r h e h a d v er y si mpl e t a st es
,
“
a n d w a s n ot fon d of luxu r y Pou r m exp r i m er en t er m es ’
.

bou r geoi s a u Luxembou r g 5 l a M a lm a ison et p en d a n t

, , ,

l es p remi er s t emps qu i l h a b i t a l es T u i l er i es Bo n a p a r t e
’

couc h a it a v ec sa femm e Every n i gh t h e d esc en d ed by a

.

lit t le st a i rw a y t o t h e r oom s of Josephi n e w h o li ved b elow

hi m on t h e g r ou n d floo r S h e h a d fu rn i sh ed t h e su i t e of
.

M a r i e-An t oin et t e v er y si mply A d jo i n i n g h er c a b i n et d e

.

t oi l et t e w a s t h e a p a r t m en t of Hor t en s e c o n si s t i n g of a ,

bed r oom a n d a st udy .

Du r i n g t h e wi n t er of 1 80 0 P a ri s t hough t on ly of pl ea su r e .

Th e ofli c i a l wo r ld set t h e ex a mpl e an d t h e s ea so n w a s v ery

,

b r i ll i an t Th e fi n est b a ll s wer e t hos e gi ven by Lu ci en Bon a

.

p a r t e w h o as M i n i st er of t h e I n t er i o r o c cupi ed t h e
,

m a gn i fic en t H 6t el Bri ssa c B esi d es t h e ofli ci a l fet es t h ere

.
,

wer e t hose of t h e great b an ker s of t h e d a y wh i c h r ec a ll ed ,

t h e t r a d i t i o n s of t h e fo r m er er m i er :
f gé n ér a u x T h e p er son s .

b elon gi n g t o t h e ol d a ri st oc r a cy of t h e F a ubou r g S a i n t
Germ a i n d id n ot y et m i n gl e i n t h e n ew soc i et y b u t t h ey ,

wer e s een a t t h e t h ea t res t h e con c er t s a n d a t p r i v a t e

, ,

[ 1 26 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
forc es of M el a s an d wa s in t he
v i c in i t y of Gen o a An i n .

v a si on of Fr a n c e w as t hrea t en ed a lo n g t h e l i n e of t h e
’
Ri vier a All of Bon a p a rt e s con q u est s h a d b een lost
. .

I n sou t h ern G erm an y Kr a y wi t h m en r r’a c ed

t h e Rh i n e wh i l e Morea u wi t h a n a rmy n ea r ly eq i ast oo d iT
,

on t h e d efen s i v e at Ri de Th e F ren ch h a d a gr ea t s t r a t egi c

.

a dv an t a ge i n t h ei r poss ess i o n of Swi t zerl an d wh i c h l i ke a ,

gi gan t i c b a s t io n proj ec t ed b et ween t h e t wo Germ a n

’
a rm i es Bo n a p a rt e s fi r s t pl a n w a s t o r ei n forc e t h e a r my
.

of Mor ea u wh i ch un d er h i s sup ervi s i on should cu t t h e

, , ,

Aust r i a n li n e of commu n i c a t i on s Th i s sch em e w a s gi ven .

up on a ccoun t of t h e opposi t i on of Morea u whom Bon a

p a rt e could n ot afford t o off en d .

At t hi s mom en t c a m e t h e n ews t h a t M a ss en a h a d b een

d ri ven i n t o Gen o a wh ere h e w a s b ein g b esieged by t h e
sup er i or forces of M el a s Bon a p a rt e i mm ed i a t ely a lt er ed
.

h i s pl a n s a n d d eci d ed t o move a g a in st t h e Aust r i a n com

m u n i c a t i o n s i n I t a ly .

B efo re en t eri n g i n t o a d esc ri pt i o n of t h i s c a mp a i gn i t is

n ec ess a r y t o d escr i b e b r i efly t h e t opogr a phy of t h e t h ea t re

Of op er a t i o n s B r i lli an t i n i t s c on cep t i o n p er fect i n i t s

.
,

exec u t i on t h e C a mp a i gn of M a ren go i s o n e of t h e mo st
,

i n t er est in g of al l of N a poleon s m i lit a ry op er a t i on s an d

’

well d ese rves a m in ut e d escr i pt i on .

S ep a r a t in g Swit zerl a n d fr om I t a ly i s t h e loft y mou n t a i n

ous r a n ge k n own a s t h e Swi ss Alps Ext en d in g sout h fr om .

west ern Swi t zerl a n d t o wit hi n a bout t h i rt y m i l es of t h e

sea , a n d form i n g t h e bou n d a r y l i n e b et w een Fr a n c e a n d

I t a ly a r e t h e Fren ch Alp s Tu r n in g ea s t from t h i s poi n t

, .

an d a pp r o a ch i n g t h e sea t h e r a n ge i s c a ll ed t h e M a r i t i m e
,

Alps a n d s t i ll furt h er ea s t a lon g t h e shores of t h e Gulf of

, ,

Gen oa i s kn own as t h e Ap en n i n es
, .

Wit h t h e exc ept i on of a few p a ss es t h i s grea t moun t ai n ,

c h a in a lmos t en ci rcl i n g n o r t h er n I t a ly
, form s a n i n su r ,

moun t a ble b a rri er t o m i li t a r y op er at i on s To-d a y m a gn i fi .

c en t h i ghw a ys c rOss t h e Alp s a n d t h ey a r e p i erc ed by

,

s evera l t u n n els wh i ch b r i n g Turi n an d M i l a n wi t h i n a

[ 1 28 ]
 MARENGO
few hours of F r a n c e an d Swit zerl a n d but i n t h e l a st yea r
,

of t h e ei gh t een t h c en t ury t h ere w a s n ot ev en a w a go n

t r a ck for N a poleo n S n ow a n d i c e gl a c ier s a n d a v a l a n ch es
.
, ,

m a d e t h e mou n t a i n p a ss es bot h d iffi cult a n d d a n gerous

fo r t h e p a ss a ge of t roops an d a lmost i mp a ss a bl e for
,

c a v a l r y an d a rt i ll ery .

Th e Aus t ri a n a rmy i n n ort h ern I t a ly co n s i st ed of a bout

m en u n d er t h e comm a n d of Gen e r a l M el a s a n ,

a b l e offic er b u t t oo old for a c t i v e s er v i c e T h e g r ea t er p a r t

, .

of t h e a rmy w a s n ea r G en o a a n d a lo n g t h e Ap en n i n es
,

a n d t h e M a r i t i m e Alps T h e r em a i n d er w a s s c a t t ered
.

t h r ough ou t P i edmo n t a n d Lomb a rdy occupyi n g t h e for ,

t ress es a n d gu a rd i n g t h e p a ss es of t h e Alps Th e a r my h a d .

i t s b a s e on t h e Qu a d r i l a t er a l a n d i t s l i n e of c ommu n i
,

c a t i on s w a s by sev er a l r o a d s d ow n t h e v a ll ey of t h e Po .

Oppos ed t o t h e Aust r i a n s w a s t h e A r my of I t a ly l ess ,

t ha n s t r on g u n d er t h e comm a n d of M a ssén a
, ,

wh i c h w a s n ow shu t up i n Gen o a .

M ea n wh i l e t h e Army of R es er v e t h e v ery exi st en c e of

,

wh i c h w a s doub t ed by t h e Au st r i a n s w a s b ei n g r a p i dly ,

a ssembl ed n ea r L a k e G en ev a .

O n t h e s i xt h of M ay Bo n a p a r t e l eft P a r i s t o t a ke ch a rge
,

of t h e op er a t i on s An a rt i c l e i n t h e n ew c on st it ut i on p r o
.

h i b i t ed t h e F i r s t Con sul fr o m exer ci si n g a n y m i li t a ry c om

m a n d so B ert h i e r t h e c h i ef of st a ff w a s n om i n a lly t h e
, , ,

gen er a l-i n -c h i ef of t h e Army of R es erve .

V a st s u ppl ies h a d b een c oll ect ed a t Gen ev a a n d every

p r ep a r a t i o n m a d e for t h e p a ss a ge of t h e Alps Bo n a p a r t e .

p r oc eed ed t o G en ev a a n d t h en c e t o L a u sa n n e a t wh i c h ,

pl aces t h e g r ea t er p a rt of t h e a rmy w a s a ss embl ed Aft er .

r ecei v i n g t h e r epor t s of o ffi c ers who h a d b een s en t t o ex

a m i n e t h e s ev er a l p a s ses of t h e Alps h e d eci d ed t o mov e

,

t h e gr ea t er p a rt of hi s forc es ov er t h e p a ss of t h e G r a n d
S a i n t -B er n a rd By t a k i n g t h i s rou t e wh ic h w as much t h e
.
,

short est h e could r ea ch M i l an qu i ck er a n d g a in t h e grea t

,

a d v a n t a ge of t i m e .

Hi s pl a n w a s t o l ea d 3 m en i n t o I t a ly by t h i s p a ss ,

wh i l e t w o s m all er d et a chm en t s w ere t o cross by t h e P et it

E1 29 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
S t r rd a n d t h e S i mplo n Th u r reau s d i vi si on of
ai n -B e n a .
’

t h e Army of I t a ly of a bou t 40 0 0 m en a t t he s a m e t i m e
, ,

wa s t o d esc en d from t h e Mon t -C en i s an d a t t a ck t h e

Aust ri an s n ea r Tu r i n On c e i n I t a ly Bon a p a rt e i w n d ed
.
,

t o m a rch on M i l an a n d a w a i t t h e co r ps of Mon c ey from

t h e Army of t h e Rh i n e wh i ch w a s t o m a rch by w a y of t h e
,

S ai n t -Got h a rd .

F r om t h e ea st ern en d of L a ke Gen ev a t h e rout e t o It a ly

p a ss es t h r ough M a rt i gn y an d t h e lit t le h a ml et of S ai n t
Pi erre c r osses t h e Gr a n d -S ai n t -B ern a rd at a n elev at i on of
,

80 0 0 feet a n d t h en d esc en ds by t h e vi ll a ge of S a i n t -R emy

,

i n t o t h e va ll ey of t h e Aost a a n d t h en ce i n t o t h e pl a i n of
Piedmon t A lit t l e t o t h e so u t h of t h e Gran d li es t h e
.

Pet i t -S a i n t -B ern a r d wh i c h a l so op en s in t o t h e v a ll ey of
,

t h e Aos t a T h e S a i n t —
. Got h a r d i s a t a c on si d er a bl e d i st an c e
t o t h e ea st a n d l ea d s mo r e d i r ec t ly t o M i l an
, .

Th e suppl i es wh i ch h a d b een collec t ed wer e d i st ri but ed

a t d iff eren t po i n t s a lon g t h e r ou t e a n d fou r hosp i t a l s wer e ,

es t a bl i sh ed for t h e c a r e of t h e si c k a n d i n ju r ed T h e a m .

mu n it i o n an d gu n -c a r r i a ges we r e t r a n sport ed on t h e b a c ks
of mul es an d t h e c a n n o n wer e en c losed wi t h i n t h e t run ks
,

of t rees hollowed ou t fo r t h a t p u r pos e a n d d ra gged a cross

, ,

t h e Alps by t h e sold i er s t h em selves .

O n t h e I 5 M ay t h e a r my b eg a n i t s m a r ch Th er e w er e
, .

a bou t 3 m en i n c lu d i n g 40 0 0 c a v a l r y a n d fort y
,

c an n on Th e four co r p s wer e comm a n d ed by Murat

.
,

Vi ct or Du h esm e an d L an n es A fift h c orps of 50 0 0 m en

,
.

u n d er C h a b r an w as t o c r oss by t h e Pet it -S a in t -B ern a rd .

Bon a p a rt e s en t B ert hi er forw a rd t o r ec ei ve t h e d ivi si on s

o n t h ei r a rri v a l a t S a i n t -R emy wh i l e h e hi ms elf rem a i n ed
,

a t M a rt i gn y t o super vi s e t h e movem en t .

L an n es cross ed first H e l eft S a i n t -Pi erre at t wo o clock

.
’

i n t he mo rn i n g i n ord er t o a void t h e d a n ger of t h e a v a

,

l a n ch es a n d r ea ch ed S a in t -R emy t h e sa m e d a y Th e en t i re
, .

a rmy cross ed i n fiv e d a y s a n d on t h e t w en t i et h a l l fiv e
,

corps i n clud in g t h at of Ch a b r a n h a d a r ri v ed s a fely i n

, ,

t h e v a ll ey of t h e Aos t a T h e sol d i er s w er e g a y an d ch eerful

.

a n d fi ll ed with en t hus i a sm N ev er h a d t h ei r lov e an d a d

.

E 1 30 2!
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
to be at o n ce a t t a c k ed by t h e F r en c h b u t su c h w a s n ot
,

Bon a p a r t e s pl a n He or d er ed L a n n es t o m a r c h r a pi dly
’
.

d own t h e Po on P a vi a wh i le h e h i m self set ou t for M i l a n

,

by w a y of Nov a r a Aft er d efea t in g a c on si k r a b l e fo r c e

.

wh i ch at t empt ed t o oppos e t h e p a ss a ge of t h e Ti c i n o ,

Bon a p a rt e en t er ed M i l a n on t h e s ec on d of Ju n e H er e h e .

rem a i n ed s ev era l d a ys t o a w a i t t h e a r ri v a l of M on cey s ’

co r ps wh i c h w a s c ross i n g by t h e S a in t -Got h a r d I n t h e
,
.

m ea n t i m e h e sen t Mu r a t wi t h t h e c a v a l r y t o s ei ze t h e
c r oss i n g s of t h e Po a t Pl a c en t i a wh er e h e h a d p a ss ed t h e
,

river fou r y ea r s b efor e d u r i n g h i s fi r st c a mp a i gn i n I t a ly ,

jus t p r i o r t o t h e b a t t l e of Lo d i .

T h e F r en c h wer e n ow i n po ssess i o n of a ll of Pi edmo n t

a n d Lomb a r d y n o r t h of t h e r i v er Po wh i c h t h ey st r o n gly
,

h el d fr om Ch i v a s so t o C r emon a I n t h i s t er r i t o r y t h ey
.

h a d a l rea d y sei zed a l l t h e Au st r i a n c ommu n i c a t i o n s a n d

c a p t u r ed i mm en se qu a n t i t i es of suppl i es a n d a mmu n i t i o n .

M é l a s w h o w a s n o lo n ger in d oub t a s t o Bon a p a r t e s

,
’

i n t en t i o n s n ow b eg a n t o c o n c en t r at e hi s fo r c es t o b r ea k
,

t h r ough t h e n et wh i c h w a s r a p i d ly clo si n g a r ou n d hi m .

He o r d er ed a l l h i s a v a l l a b l e fo r ces t o m a rc h on Al ess a n d ri a ,

an d hi s a rmy w a s m a t e ri a lly i n c r ea s ed by t h e su r ren d er

of Gen o a on t he fou r t h of Jun e .

O n t h e s i xt h of Ju n e M on cey s co r p s of
’
, m en
rea ch ed M i l a n a n d r a i sed t h e forc es u n d er t h e i mm edi at e
c omm a n d of N a pol eo n t o a bou t t roops H e i m .

m ed i a t el y i ssu ed o r d er s for t h e t hree co r ps of L a n n es ,

Vic t or a n d Mu r at a bou t
, m en t o c r oss t h e Po a
,

few mi l es b elow P a vi a a n d m a r ch t o t h e S t r a d ell a P a ss .

Du r in g t h ese mov em en t s a n Aust ri a n c ouri er w a s ca p

t u r ed
, who bo r e a d i sp a t c h fr om M é l a s t ell i n g of t h e
c a pt u r e of G en o a a n d of h i s pl an of op er a t i o n s .

Aft er occ upyi n g t h e S t r a d ell a P a s s L a n n es an d Vict or

,

r ec ei v ed a n o r d er fr om N a pol eo n t o m a r c h w est
t ow a rds
Mon t eb ello a n d m eet t h e Au st r i a n s c om i n g fr om Gen o a .

O n t h e n i n t h of Ju n e a t t h i s pl a ce L a n n es wi t h o n ly 0 0 0
9
m en en cou n t er ed Au st r i a n s whom h e d ec i si vely
d efeat ed a ft er a st ubbo r n co n t est wh i ch w a s fi n a lly d e
[ 1 32 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
d et a c hm en t of t h e Aus t r i a n s w a s foun d wh i c h w as q u i ckly
,

d r i ven a cr oss t h e Borm i d a F r om a l l t h ese i n d i c a t i o n s

.

N a pol eon c a m e t o t h e con c lu si o n t h a t t h e Au st ri a n s h a d

a b a n d on ed Al essa n d r i a a n d wer e a t t emp t i n g t o esc a p e b
y
a n ot h er rou t e He t h er efor e d i r ect ed D esa i x fi t h o n e
.
,

d i vi si o n of hi s c or ps a bout six t hous a n d m en t o m a r ch

, ,

o n Novi a sho r t d i s t a n ce sout h of M a ren go i n o r d er t o

i n t er c ep t M el a s i f h e w a s en d ea vori n g t o esc a p e by t h i s
r ou t e .

I t t hus h a pp en ed t h a t o n t h e ev en i n g of t h e 1 3 Ju n e
N a pol eo n w a s u n prep a r ed for t h e b a t t l e of t h e followin g
d a y Co n t r a r y t o a ll h i s p r in ci pl es h e h a d s c a t t ered h i s
.

for c es i n t h e fa c e of t h e en emy H e n ea rly p a i d d ea r ly

.

for t h i s er r o r M ean wh i l e a t Al ess an dri a a l l w a s in c on

.

fu si on T h e Aust ri an c ommu n i c a t i on s wer e s evered a n d

.

M el a s d i d n ot kn ow wh a t c o u r se t o pu r su e H e t h er efo re .

c a ll ed a cou n ci l of w a r a t wh i ch t h r ee pl a n s of a c t i on

were suggest ed : fi r st t o c r oss t h e Po at Va l en z a a n d

,

m a r c h on P a vi a ; secon d t o r et i r e t o Gen o a a n d p rep a re

,

t o st a n d a si eg e t h er e suppo r t ed by t h e B ri t i sh fl eet ;
t h i r d t o c r o ss t h e Bo r m i d a a n d a t t a c k t h e F ren c h i n t h e
,

en d ea vo r t o c u t t h ei r w a y t h r ough .

Th e t h i rd pl a n w a s a dop t ed I t w a s d ec id ed t o c r o ss t h e
.

ri v er t h e n ext morn i n g a n d a t t a c k t h e F r en c h Th e a r my .

of M el a s n umb er ed m en i n c lu d i n g 70 0 0 c a va l r y ,

an d h e h a d t wo hu n d r ed c a n n o n .

At d a yb r ea k on t h e mo r n i n g of t h e fourt een t h t h e ,

Aust r i a n s b eg a n t o c r o ss t h e r i ver Th ey a t o n c e a t t a cked

.

a n d drov e b a c k t h e F r en c h ou t po st s a n d a d v a n c ed t ow a r ds

M a r en go Vi ct or w h o h a d a r ri ved a t M a r en go t h e n i gh t
.
,

b efo r e r ec ei ved t h e a t t a ck of t h e Aust r i a n s a n d a t fi r s t

,

succ eed ed i n d r i vi n g t h em b a ck At a bout t en o cloc k

’

L a n n es a r r i ved on t h e fi eld wi t h hi s co r ps Th e F r e n ch .

l in e of b a t t l e n ow n umb ered a bout m en o r l ess ,

t h a n o n e h a lf t h e Aus t r i a n t r oops .

At t en o c lo c k M el a s a t t a cked t h e whol e Fr en ch l i n e
’

an d m a d e a d et er mi n ed eff or t t o g a i n po sses si o n of
M a r en go Bot h s i d es fought d esp er a t ely
. t h e Aus t r i a n s

E 1 34 ]
 MARENGO
wit h t h e en ergy of d esp a i r All t h e eff orts of t h e Fren ch
.

w er e u n a v a i li n g t o r es i s t t h e fu r i ous a t t a cks of sup er i o r

n umb ers , a n d bo t h Vi c t o r a n d L a n n es w ere forc ed t o

gi v e w a y Th ey r et i red i n d i sord er t owa rds S an Gi ul i an o

.

followed by t h e v i ct o r i ous Aus t r i a n s .

Such w a s t h e c r i t i c a l st a t e of a ff a i rs wh en N a pol eon

He h a d a lr ea dy
’
a r r i v ed on t h e fi eld a t el ev en o clock .

s en t ord er s t o D esa i x t o r et u r n a n d h a d t h en hurr i ed t o

t h e fr o n t w i t h a l l t h e t roops h e could coll ec t He b r ough t .

wi t h h i m t h e Co n sul a r Gu a r d t h e d i vi si on of Mo n n i er
, ,

a n d t w o regi m en t s of c a v a lry m a ki n g i n a l l a bou t s ev en

,

t hou sa n d m en T h e st r uggl e w a s r en ew ed wi t h i n c r ea s ed
.

fu ry b u t a l l t h e effort s of N a pol eon could n ot n ow t u rn

,

t h e t i d e of b a t t l e i n fa vo r of t h e Fr en ch I t w a s n ot p os .

si bl e t o hold ou t a n y lon ger a n d h e ord ered a r et r eat

, .

Th e Fr en ch a lmost d emo r a li z ed r et i r ed b eh i n d t h e
, ,

h i lloc ks of S an Gi uli a n o Th ey h a d b een d r i v en t hree

.

m i les b eyo n d M a r en go ; t h e g r ea t er p a r t of t h ei r c a v a lry

h a d b een d est r oyed ; a n d mo re t h a n t w o-t h i rds of t h ei r
c a n n o n h a d b een c a p t u red .

M el a s ret urn ed t o Al essa n d r i a a n d s en t a d i sp a t c h t o

Vi en n a a n n ou n c i n g hi s vi ct o r y Du r i n g t h e d ay h e h a d
.

shown g r ea t en er gy a n d cou r a ge b u t h e n ow felt t h e

,

effec t s of h i s ex er t i o n s a n d t h e w ei gh t of hi s s ev en t y
,

yea r s bo r e h ea vi ly upon h i m H e left t h e a r my i n com

.

m a n d of hi s c h i ef of st a ff Gen er a l Z a ch
, .

Z a ch n ow r ea r r a n ged hi s t r oops fo r t h e purpos e of p u r

sui n g t h e F r en c h whom h e b eli ev ed t o b e c ompl et ely
,

rou t ed At a bout fou r o clock t h e Aust r i a n a d v a n c e b e

.
’

g a n t h e t r oop s movi n g forw a rd i n m a t c hi n g o r d er r at h er

,

t h a n i n l i n e of b a t t l e .

M ea n wh i l e N a pol eon h a d b egu n t o r a lly a n d a rr a n ge

hi s t r oops b eh i n d t h e h i llo c ks n ea r S a n Gi uli a n o At .

a bou t fiv e o clock D es a i x a r r i v ed At t h e sou n d of t h e

’
.

fi r st c a n n o n -shot a t M a ren go h e h a d h a lt ed hi s d i v i si o n
a n d t u r n ed b a ck .

N a pol eo n a t on c e form ed Desa ix s d i vi si o n a n d t h e ’

Fren ch t roops a bout S a n Gi u li a n o i n t o li n e of b at t le .

E 1 35 ]
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
Wh en t he adv a n ce c olum n of Z ac h a pp ea red fr om b eh i n d
t h e r i si n g g r ou n d i n fr o n t of t h e F r en c h l i n es t h ey wer e ,

su r p r i s ed t o fin d t h e Whol e F r en ch a r my i n posit i on for

b a t t l e Th e F r en c h a t on c e a t t a ck ed wit h fu r y a n i ev ery
.

wh er e ove rwh elm ed t h e Au st r i a n s Tw o t hous a n d m en

.

were c a p t u r ed i n clud i n g Gen er a l Z a c h h i m self Con

,
.

t i n u i n g t h e a dv a n ce t h e F r en ch forc ed t h e Au st r i a n s b a ck
,

t o M a ren go H er e t h ey a t t empt ed t o m a k e a st a n d b u t
.

wer e a g a i n d efea t ed a n d r et i r ed i n d i so r d er a c r oss t h e

Bo r m i d a t o Al essa n d ri a By t en o c lock t h a t n i ght a ll
.
’

t h e Aust r i a n s h a d r ec r os sed t h e r i v e r N a pol eo n h a d w on

.

i n t h e a ft ern oon t h e b a t t l e t h a t h e h a d lo st i n t h e morn i n g :

a g rea t d i sa st er w a s t u rn ed i n t o a g r ea t v i ct o r y .

O n t h e followi n g mo rn i n g wh en t h e F r en c h wer e p r e
p a r in g t o c r oss t h e Bo r mid a i n o r d er t o a t t a c k t h e Aus
t r i an s i n Al essa n d r i a M é l a s sen t a n o ffi c er t o t h e Fr en ch
,

h ea d qu a r t er s t o p r opos e t erms of s u r r en d er Th a t sa m e .

d a y t h e n egot i a t i on s wer e c ompl et ed a n d a n a r m i st i c e

w a s si gn ed By t h e t er m s of su r r en d er M el a s w a s a llowed
.

t o ev a c u a t e Al ess a n d r i a wi t h t h e hon o r s of w a r an d t o
p r oceed t o M a n t u a I n r et u r n h e a greed t o giv e up t h e
.

whole of n o r t h er n I t a ly a s fa r a s t h e Qu a d r i l a t er a l a n d t o
su r r en d er a l l t h e fo r t resses a n d t h e fo r t i fi ed c i t i es .

I n proport i o n t o t h e n umb ers en g a ged bot h t h e ,

F r en ch a n d Aus t r i a n loss es w ere ver y h ea vy D es a i x w a s .

ki ll ed a t t h e b egi n n i n g of t h e b a t t l e of t h e a ft ern oo n a n d
h i s d ea t h w a s d eeply regret t ed by t h e F i r st Co n sul a n d
t h e F ren c h n a t i on At S a i n t H el en a N a pol eon spok e of
.
,

h i m a s follows :
“
Of a l l t h e gen era ls I ev er h a d un d er m e D esa i x a n d ,

Kl é b er po ssess ed t h e g r ea t est t a l en t s — esp eci a lly D es a i x .

Kl eb er lov ed glory on ly i n a s fa r as it w a s t h e m ea n s of
p r oc u ri n g h i m ric h es a n d pl ea su r es wh er ea s D es a i x ,

loved glo ry fo r i t s elf an d d esp ised everyt h i n g el se To

, .

h i m r i ch es a n d pl ea su re wer e v a lu eles s n o r d i d h e gi ve ,

t h em a mom en t s t hough t H e w a s a l i t t l e bl a ck-looki n g

’
.
,

m a n a bou t a n i n ch short er t h a n I a m a lw a ys b a d ly
, ,

dress ed som et i m es even r a gged a n d d esp i si n g comfort or

, ,

E 1 36 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
At h i s t i me Bon a p a rt e w a s t h i r t y yea r s of age ; h e
t
w as vi go r ous i n m i n d a n d body H e w as a mb it i ous a n d
.
,

h a d a m a ss i ve d et erm i n a t i o n t o succ eed H e h a d a wi ll.

whi ch n o obs t a c le could d a un t Wi t h a m a r v el lgu s i n

.

t ui t i on h e w a s a bl e a t t i m es t o fo res ee jus t wh a t c ou r se
h i s a dver s a r i es would t a ke So a c c u r a t e w a s h i s i n fo r m a
.

t i on so profou n d hi s k n owl ed g e of m i l i t a r y m a t t er s t h a t
, ,

h e w as oft en a ble t o p r ed i c t wh a t u n d er c er t a i n c o n d i
,

t i o n s would h a pp en
, I n shor t h e w a s a c o n summ a t e
.
,

m a st er of w a r T h e fa ct t h a t h e w as a gr ea t o r g a n i z er a
.
,

g rea t t a ct i ci a n a n d a g r ea t s t r at egi st i s t h e r ea l r ea son

, ,

why h e w a s so successful i n w a r Amo n g a l l ot h er g r ea t

.

sold i ers of t h e wor l d i t woul d b e d iffi c ult t o selec t a

,

si n gl e o n e w h o po ssess ed i n so m a r k ed a d eg ree a l l t h ese

qu a lit i es As a n o r g a n i z er h e w a s n ot excelled by ei t h er
.
,

Caes a r or Al ex a n d er ; a s a t a c t ici a n h e w a s equ a l t o

M a r lbo r ough or F r ed er i c k ; a s a s t r at egi st h e su r p a ssed,

ev ery sol d i er of a n ci en t o r of mo d er n t i m es T a k e h i m .

a l l i n a l l he w a s p er h a ps t h e foremost soldi er of
, ,
”
world .
 CHAPTER TEN

1 799-1 804

TH E CO NSULATE

Vi t ory f Hoh lin d — T t y f L ev il l P ac f Amie — Th

c o en en rea o un e e e o ns e

Co l r Gov m t Th Co o d t Th Cod N p le
n su a ern en e nc r a e e a o on

Roy l i t Plot Th I f l M hi Ex t io f t h D d E gh i
’
a s s e n ern a ac ne ec u n o e ue n en

T h Co l t f Lif Th O v t io t Bo p t ft M go
e n su a e or e e a n o na ar e a er a ren

T h N t i o l Hol id y
e a M lm i o
na Ho t d B a h m i
s H a a s n r en se e ea u a a s er

M i g wit h Lo i Bo p t B i t h f N pol o Ch l
arr a e u s A na ar e r o a e n a r es

C l m y R f t d by B i
a u n Th R o t
e u e t io f P i Th
ou rr en n e e ec n s r u c n o ar s e

Co l Co rt — N pol o Si m pli it y — A Sk t h by E gl i h m
n su a r u a
’
e n s c e c an n s an

Pl t R t o t h F h Colo i l Em pi — Th Ho t il it y f E g
an o es re e r en c n a re e s o n

l d Th W R w d B t t l f T f lg r
an e ar en e e a e o ra a a

IX mon t h s a ft er t h e v i ct or y of M a r en go on t h e ,

t h i r d of D ecemb er 1 8 0 0 Mo rea u d eci si vely d e ,

fea t ed t h e Au st r i a n s a t Hoh en li n d en t hus op en in g ,

t h e r o a d t o Vi en n a Au st r i a w a s obl i ged t o su e fo r p ea ce
.
,

a n d t h e T r ea t y of L u n é v i l l e wh i c h w a s i n t h e m a in a ,

r ep et i t i on of t h a t of C a mpo Fo r m i o w a s si gn ed on t h e ,

n i n t h of F e b r u a r y 1 80 1 , .

F r a n c e w a s n ow a t p ea ce wi t h a ll t h e n a t i o n s on t h e
Con t i n en t a n d on ly E n gl a n d kept up t h e w a r Sh e h a d
, .

ju st comp elled t h e F r en c h t o ev a c u at e Egypt a n d d u r i n g ,

t h e ei gh t y ea r s t h a t t h e t w o n a t i o n s h a d b een a t w a r sh e
h a d co n qu ered m a n y of t h e colon i es of F r a n c e a s well a s ,

of h er a llies Sp a i n a n d Holl a n d B u t t h e E n gl ish p eopl e

, .

h a d b egu n t o feel t h e bu r d en of t h ei r en o r mous w a r d eb t ,

an d a c h a n ge of m i n i st er s occurred Wi ll i a m Pit t t h e .
,

g rea t w a r-l ea d er r esi gn ed a n d w a s su c c eed ed by Ad d in g

,

t on who op en e d n egot i a t i o n s fo r p ea c e Aft er a d i scuss i o n

, .

of fiv e mon t h s t h e Pea ce of Am ien s w as si gn ed 2 7 M a rc h

,

1 80 2 Th e t erms wer e v er y a dv a n t a geous t o F r an ce En g

. .

l a n d recogn i zed t he R epubli c a n d r est o r ed a ll of t h e

.

F r en c h colon i es a n d som e of t h e Dut ch a n d Sp an i sh re ,

t ain in g on ly C eylon a n d Tri n i d a d Sh e a lso a greed t o .

[ 1 39 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
e av cu at e Egypt a n d M a lt a Al t hough n ot hi n g w a s s a i d
.

a bou t t he Rh i n e an d B elgi um sh e vi rt u a lly r ecog n i z ed

,

t h e n ew bou n d a ri es of F r an c e wh i ch fa r exc eed ed t hos e

,

of t h e an ci en t mon a r c hy .

Th e p ea c e wh i ch u n fo r t u n at ely w as d es t in ed t o l a st
,

on ly a yea r w a s ver y pop ul a r i n bot h coun tri es an d wa s

, ,

rec ei ved wi t h en t hus i a sm ever ywh ere .

I n Au gust t h e Co n sul at e for t en yea rs was ch an ged i n t o

a Con sul a t e for l i fe an d Bon a p a rt e w a s gi v en t h e power
,

t o n a m e his succ esso r .

Un d er t he Con su l at e on e of t h e pri n ci p a l i d ea s of t he
,

Revolut i on wa s p r eser ved by Bon a p a r t e t h a t of Equ a lit y , .

Pri vi lege a boli sh ed in 1 78 9 w as n ev er t o ret urn Al l

, , .

Fren ch cit izen s were equ a l un d er t h e l aw p a yi n g t h e s a m e ,

t axes en joyi n g equ a l c h a n ces i n l i fe T h e Bourbon s w er e

, .

t o r et urn fift een y ea r s l a t er b u t t h e a m i e" r égi m e w a s

, .

a bol i sh ed forever F eud a l du t i es wer e n ev er res t ored a n d

.
,

ev ery Fren ch c i t i z en c o n t i n u ed t o h a v e a n e qu a l op por

t u n it y for employm en t bot h i n t h e c i v i l an d i n t h e m i l it a ry

s ervi c e .

Bu t Bo n a p a rt e d i d n ot b el i eve i n t h e o t h er l ea d in g i d ea
of t h e R evolut io n t h a t of L i b er t y H e d i d n ot t hi n k t he
, .

Fren ch p eopl e eit h er d esi r ed it or wer e prep a r ed for it .

Accord in g t o t h e expo sit i o n of hi s i d ea s a s set fort h by ,

h i s n eph ew at a l at er d at e i t w a s t h e i n t en t i o n of N a pol eo n
,
“ ”
fin ally t o crown t h e ed i fi ce wi t h t h e ca p of li b ert y ,

b u t he w as preven t ed fr om so doi n g by t h e con t in u a l

wa rs w a ged a g a in st h i m by t h e d espot s of Europ e an d
by hi s fin a l ov ert hrow a t Wat er loo B u t wh at ever our .

vi ews m a y b e a s t o t h e c orrect n ess of t hes e i d ea s t h e fa ct ,

rem a i n s t h a t un d er N a pol eon t h er e w a s n o l i b ert y of

a n y ki n d i n Fr an c e Hi s c a r eer w a s on e lon g d en i a l or
.

n eg a t i o n of i t .

Th e a ct i vi t i es of Bon a p a rt e a s F i r st Co n su l wer e n u
remit t i n g a n d far-r ea ch i n g a n d t h e work wh i ch h e d id
,

a t t h at t i m e h as rem a i n ed whi l e h is con q u est s h av e

, .

p a ss ed a w a y .

O n e of hi s first a ct s wa s t o m a ke p ea c e wi t h t h e Church,
E 1 40 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Th i s fa mous c od e w a s a n o r d er ly syst em a t i c comp a ct
, ,

st a t em en t of t h e l aws of F r a n ce B efo re t h e R evolu t i on

.
,

F r a n ce h a d b een gover n ed by a n ol d a n d c ompl ex sy st em

of m ed iev a l l aws of d iff er en t h i st o r i c a l o r i gi n s Wit h t h e .

R evolut i on h a d c om e a floo d of n ew l egi sl a t i on wh i c h h a d

fu r t h er compl i c a t ed t h e si t u a t i o n Bo n a p a rt e n ow d evot ed
.

his m a rvellous en er gies t o b r i n gi n g o r d er ou t of t h i s ch a os ,

a n d i n a c omp a r a t i v ely b r i ef t i m e t h e l a wy er s a n d t h e

Coun ci l of S t a t e t o whom t h e t a sk h a d b een subm i t t ed

, ,

h a d fi n i sh ed t h e wo r k Th e u n d er lyi n g p r i n ci p le of t h e
.

co d e w a s t h a t of ci vi l equ a li t y est a bli sh ed by t h e R evo

,

l u t i on Th e c o d e w a s l a t er a d op t ed by I t a ly B elgi um
.
, ,

a n d t h e G er m a n st a t es a lo n g t h e Rh i n e a n d i s st i ll t h e ,

fu n d a m en t a l l aw of F r a n ce wh i l e i t s i n flu en ce i s st r o n gly
,

felt i n suc h d i st a n t p a rt s of t h e glob e a s J a va So ut h ,

Afri c a a n d Lou i si a n a .

Bon a p a r t e p r esi d ed ov er m an y of t h e sessi o n s of t h e

Coun ci l of S t a t e wh i ch fr a m ed t h e c o d e a n d his d i rec t
, ,

sh a r e i n t h e wo r k w a s very c on sid er a ble I t i s st a t ed t h a t.

“
h e w a s n ever i n fer i o r t o a n y m emb er of t h e Cou n c i l a n d ,

t h a t h e e qu a ll ed t h e a bl es t of t h em by t h e ea s e w i t h wh i c h
h e s ei z ed t h e po i n t of a qu es t i on by t h e jus t n ess of h i s
,

i d ea s a n d t h e fo r ce of hi s r ea so n i n g ; h e oft en s u r p ri s ed
t h e m by t h e t u r n of h i s ph r a ses a n d t h e o r i g i n a l i t y of h i s
”
exp r ess i on . H e w a s c o n sid er ed by t h e l awyer s a n ew
Just i n i a n a s h e w a s c a ll ed by t h e c l ergy a n ew Con st a n
,

t i n e fo r h a vi n g a r r an ged t h e Co n c o r d a t As a m a t t er of .

fa ct h e w a s grea t er t h a n eit h er of t h em .

Nor d i d t h ese n ot a bl e a ch i evem en t s a b sorb a l l t h e

en er gi es of t h i s r em a r k a bl e m a n H e o r g a n i z ed t h e B a n k
.

of Fr an ce a n d h e c rea t ed t h e L egi o n of Hon o r bot h of ,

wh ic h i n st i t ut i on s st i ll exi st H e r eo r g an i zed t h e sys t em

.

of n at i on a l ed u ca t i on He bui lt a n d i mp r oved r o a d s
.
,

o r d ered c an a ls cu t a n d po r t s d r edged Un d er h i s i n t el l i
.

gen t rul e c omm erce a n d i n d u st r y r ecei ved a n ew i mp et u s

, .

At t h e b egi n n i n g of t h e Co n sul a t e m a n y of t h e Roy a l

i st s h a d ho ped t h a t Bon a p a rt e woul d pl a y t h e r o le of
Gen er a l Mon k a n d resror e t h e ex i l ed d yn a st y b u t h e h a d ,

[ 1 42 ]
 THE CONS U LATE
no i d ea of a ss u mi n g t h i s p a rt Wh en t h i s b ec a m e a pp a ren t
.

m a n y plot s were m a d e a g ain st h i s li fe O n on e occ a s i on .

,

short ly a ft er h is ret u r n fr om M a ren go h e h a d a very ,

n a rrow esc a p e fr om d ea t h by a n i n fer n a l m a ch i n e .

Th e con sp i r a t ors k n ew t h a t t h e F i rs t Con sul exp ect ed

t o b e p res en t a t t h e Op é ra on Chri s t m a s ev e t o h ea r a
n ew or a t ori o by H a y d n Th ey a lso k n ew t h a t t he r ou t e
.

u su a lly t a k en by h i s c a rri a g e w a s by t h e R u e S a i n t

Ni c a i s e wh i ch i s n o lon ger i n exi st en c e I t w as a lon g

, .

n a r r ow s t r eet ru n n i n g fr om t h e C a r r ous el t o t h e Ru e

S ai n t -Hon o ré wh er e i t en d ed n ea r t h e R u e R i ch el ieu i n
,

wh i ch t h e Op é r a w a s t h en s it u a t ed Th i s n a rrow st reet .

w a s chos en fo r t h e a t t emp t An i n fer n a l m a ch in e w a s

.

i n s t a ll ed i n a on e-ho r s e c a rt wh i ch w a s pl a c ed oppos it e
,

a h ous e b efo r e wh i ch t h e F i r st Co n sul w as t o p a ss an d ,

t h e t i m e wh i ch i t would t a k e hi m t o c om e fr om t h e

Tu il er ies w a s c a refully c a l c ul a t ed so t h a t t h e m a ch i n e
w ould ex plo d e a t t h e r i gh t mom en t .

H a yd n w a s t h en t h e most popul a r c omposer a n d every

“ ”
o n e w as t a lk i n g of hi s n ew o r a t o r i o Th e C r ea t i on
, Th e .

l a d ies of t h e Tui leries Jos ep hi n e Hort en se a n d C a roli n e

, , ,

w i sh ed t o b e p r esen t B u t N a pol eon w a s n ot a t a l l ea ger

.

t o go F a t i gu ed fr om a h a r d d a y s wo r k h e h a d fa ll en
’
.
,

a sl eep on a sofa Wi t h som e d i fli c u l t y h e i s a w a k en ed a n d

.

p ersu a d ed t o st a rt He en t er s t h e first c a rr i a ge wi t h
.

L a n n es B essi er es a n d t h e a i d e d e c a mp of Leb r un H e is
, .

followed by an esco r t of mou n t ed g r en a d i er s Joseph i n e .

l ea v es a few m in u t es l a t er h a v i n g b een d et a i n ed by a n
,

i n s i gn i fic a n t d et a i l of h er t oi l et t e S h e i s a c c omp an i ed by
.

h er d a ugh t er a n d s i s t e r-i n -l a w a n d Colo n el R a pp .

Th e t hree l a d i es a n d R a pp d esc en d t h e s t a i rwa y of t h e

P a v illo n d e Flo r e a n d en t er t h ei r c a r r i a ge Th ey t r a v er s e .

t h e C a rrous el a n d t a k e t h e R u e S a i n t -N i c a i s e i n wh i ch
t h e equ i p a g e of t h e F i r st Co n sul h a s a l r ea dy d i sa pp ea r ed .

Sudd en ly a t er ri bl e d et on a t i o n i s h ea rd .

Wh en t h e explosi on occurred Bon a p a rt e w a s dozin g .

L an n es a n d B ess ieres w i sh ed t o s t op b u t t h e F i r s t Co n sul

,
“ ”
cried A l O p é r a ! A mom en t l a t er t h e c a r r i a ge w a s a t
’

£ 1 43 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
t he door an d Bon a p a rt e en t ered t h e l oge wit h h is usu a l
,

c a lm fa ce .

Th e wi n dows of Jo seph i n e s c a r r i a ge h a d b een b r oken

’

by t h e explos i on a n d Hort en s e sli ght ly cu t on t h e g m by

a p i ec e of gl a s s R a pp d esc en d ed t o go a n d see i f t h e Fi rs t
.

Con sul h a d b een i n ju r ed a n d t h e c a rr i a ge c o n t in ued i t s

w a y by a n ot h er st reet Wh en t h e t h r ee l a d i es en t ere d t h e
.

box Bon a p a r t e welcom ed t h em wit h a sm i le a n d t h en

,

t r a n qui lly a ske d for t h e p r og r a m of t h e o r a t o r i o .

Soon t h e n ews of t h e at t emp t sp r ea d t hrough t h e h a ll .

Fi ft een people h a d b een k i lled a n d m an y mo r e woun d ed .

Th e F i rst Con sul h a d es c a p ed a s by a m i r a c le Th e or a .

t o r i o w a s i n t er r up t ed wh i le t h e a u d i en ce a r o se a n d a p

pl au d ed h i m fr an t i c a lly A few m i n u t es l a t er h e l eft t h e

.

t h ea t r e an d r et u r n ed t o t h e Tui l er i es wh er e h e rece i v ed ,

t h e r epo r t s of t h e pol i ce a n d t h e con g r a t ul a t i on s of h i s

mi n i s t er s Th e publi c joy over h i s esc a p e w a s u n i ver s a l
. .

Th e a t t emp t on t h e li fe of t h e F i r s t Co n sul w a s a d oubl e

shoc k t o Jos e phi n e a s it r evi ved a t o n ce t h e t a lk a bou t
t he n e c essit y for t h e s a fet y of t h e S t at e of a n h ei r t o t h e
, ,
.

F i r st Con sul a n d t h is for Joseph i n e m ea n t wh at sh e

,

fea red t he mo st : d i vo rce .

T h e Comt e d Ar t oi s a ft er wa rd s Ch a r l es t h e Ten t h
’

, ,

w a s i n volved i n a n ot h er plot wh i c h w a s ev en mo re s e r i ou s .

Hi s a gen t s wer e t h e fo r m er Chou a n Geo r ges C a d ou d a l , ,

a n d t h e R epubl i c a n Gen er a l Pi ch eg r u t h e fo r m er i n ,

st r u ct o r of N a pol eon a t B r i en n e Th ey wer e bo t h a r r es t ed .

i n P a r i s ; t h e fo r m er w as shot a n d t he l at t er w a s fou n d
,

st r a n gled i n p r i so n .

Th e Fi r s t Co n sul n ow d et ermin ed t o m a ke a n ex a mpl e

of t h e Hou se of Bou r bon wh i ch would n ot soo n b e for
got t en Th e y oun g D u c d En ghi en t h e l a st d esc en d a n t of
.
’
,

t h e gr ea t Hou se of Co n d é who w a s l i vi n g i n Germ a n y n ot

,

fa r fr om t h e Rh i n e w a s a r rest ed a n d c o n d u c t ed t o Vi n
,

c en n es Th e n i gh t of h i s a r ri v a l 2 0 M a r ch 1 8 0
.
4 h e w as
, ,

t r i ed by a m i l it a ry c ou r t fou n d gu i l t y of h a v i n g bo rn e
,

a r ms a g a i n s t F r a n c e a n d s en t en ced t o b e shot
, At a n .

ea rly ho u r on t h e followi n g mo r n i n g h e w a s execu t ed i n

[ 1 44 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
were form a lly presen t ed t o t h e Con suls At t h i s mom en t .

t h e c rowd w en t wi ld wi t h joy a n d broke t hrough t h e l i n es

,

of t h e t roops i n a n i r res i st i bl e flood Every on e c ri ed

.

“
Vi ve l a R ép u b l i q u e l Vi v e Bon a p a rt e !
O n t he 2 1 Se pt emb er an n i versa ry of t h e fou n d i n g of
,

t h e R epubl i c t h e rem a i n s of Turen n e wer e bo r n e t o t h ei r

,

fi n a l rest in g-pl a ce un d e r t he dom e of t h e Chu r ch of t he

I n v a l i d es H ere C a rn ot t h e M i n i s t er of W a r m a d e a n
.
, ,

o r at i on i n wh i ch h e ex a l t ed t h e g rea t gen er a l of Lou i s t h e

,

Fou rt een t h I n t h e even in g Bon a p a rt e a n d h i s wi fe were

.

p r esen t at a g a l a p erform a n ce at t h e Th eat re Fra n c ai s .

p Th e s a m e d ay t he F i r s t Co n sul l ai d t h e fi r st s t on e of a
.

mon umen t t o b e erect ed i n t h e Pl a ce d e l a Vi ct oi r e i n

memory of Desa i x an d K l é b er Th i s squ a r e b efore t h e
.
,

R evolut i on con t a i n ed a gi ld e d st a t ue of Lo ui s Qu at orze

, ,

whos e n a m e it bore Aft er t h e S ec on d R est o r a t i on t h e

.
,

st at ue of D es a i x w a s r emov ed a n d i n 1 8 2 2 repl a ced by

,
“ ”
a n e qu es t r i a n s t a t u e of t h e R oi Sol ei l .

Aft er t he fé t e of t h e 1 4 July Bon a p a rt e a n d hi s wi fe

.
,

left t h e Tui l eri es t o go t o M a lm a i son wh ich Jos eph in e

,

h ad purch a s ed t w o y ea rs b efore durin g N a poleon s a b

’

sen ce i n E gypt Th e ch at ea u i s d eli ght fully sit u at ed on

.

t h e l eft b a n k of t h e S ei n e very n ea r t h e vi ll a ge of Ru ei l
a bout t en m i l es from P a ri s I t w as a t t h a t t i me t h e
.

favo r it e resi d en ce of Bon a p a rt e a n d du r i n g t h e summ er

,

a ft er h i s r et urn from I t a ly h e p a ss ed sev er a l d a ys t h ere

ever y Wee k At M a lm a i so n t h e great m an showed h i ms elf

.

a m i a bl e a n d fa m i li a r H e l a i d a s i d e h i s d i gn i t y a n d t ook
.

p a rt i n t he g a m es a n d p a st i m es of t h e ch at ea u Duri n g .

t he summ er of 1 8 0 1 a n d t h e spri n g s ea so n of 1 8 0 2 M a l
,

m a ison con t i n ued t o b e h i s fa vori t e r esi d en ce Aft er t h a t .

it s pl a ce w a s t a ken by t h e Ch at ea u of S a in t -Cloud .

Of t h e six dwell in g pl a c es of N a pol eon a t P a ri s a ft er

h e a r ri ved a t fa m e t hree h a ve s i n c e d i sa pp ea red — t h e
vi ll a i n t h e Ru e d e l a Vi ct oi re t h e Tu i l eries a n d S ai n t
,

Cloud ; t h e t hree t h at rem a i n a re t h e Luxembourg W h ere ,

he li ved for t hree mon t hs a s Fi rs t Co n sul t h e Elys ee , ,

wh er e h e resi d ed for a few weeks du r i n g t h e Hun dred

E 1 46 3
 THE CONSULATE
D a ys a n d M a lm ai son wh i ch a ft er m a n y ch an ges of
, , ,

h an ds i n 1 90 0 w a s purch a s ed by a Jewi sh b a n ker D a n i el

, ,

Osi r i s a n d p r es en t ed t o t h e S t at e I t h as s i n c e b een re
, .

st ored a n d refur n i sh ed i n t h e s t yl e of t h e Fi rs t Emp i re

an d i s n ow a mus eum of souven i r s of N a poleo n a n d
Jos eph i n e .

Amo n g t h e you n g gi rls of t h e Con sul a r Cou rt t h e most ,

popul a r w a s Hort en s e d e B ea uh a rn a i s t h e d a ugh t er of ,

Jos eph i n e S he w as n ot p a rt i cul a rly pret t y b u t w as ve ry

.
,

a t t r a c t i v e wi t h h er blo n d h a i r a n d soft v i ol et ey es S h e .

h a d b een educ a t ed a t t h e fa sh i o n a bl e sc hool of M m e .

C a mp a n a t S a i n t -Germ a i n H er e she h a d a s c omp a n i on s :

.

C a r oli n e Bon a p a rt e t h e futu r e Queen of N a ples ; S t eph a n i e

,

d e B ea u h a m a i s t h e fut ure G r an d Du c h ess of B a d en ;

,

Eli sa Mon r oe d a ugh t er of t h e Un it ed S t a t es M i n i st er t o

,

F r a n c e w h o w a s l a t er p r esi d en t of t h e Amer i c a n r epublic

, ,

a n d m an y ot h e r you n g l a d i es of t h e b es t P a r i si a n fa m i li es ,

i n c lud i n g t h e fu t u r e w i fe of M a r sh a l D a vout ; of D u r oc ,

t h e fa vo r i t e a i d e d e c a mp of t h e Emp er o r a n d of M a r sh a l ,
“
Ney , t h e b r a v est of t h e b r a ve .

At on e t i m e Ho rt en s e showed a d eci d ed preferen c e for

Du r oc b u t h er mot h er w a s st r on gly opposed t o a m a r ri a ge
,

wh i c h sh e c on si d ered a m é s a lli a n c e Tor m en t ed by t h e .

ph a n t om of d i vorce Joseph i n e h a d set her h ea r t on t h e

,

m a r r i a ge of h er d a ugh t er t o Loui s Bon a p a r t e I n t h is w a y .

sh e t hough t sh e coul d r ec o n c i l e t h e Bo n a p a r t es a n d t h e

B ea u h a m a i s Sh e c ould n ot h a v e a n y c h i l d ren by N a po
.

l eo n b u t h er gr an d -chi ld a n d t he n eph ew of N a pol eon

,

mi ght o n e d a y o cc upy t h e t h r on e of F r a n ce wh i ch i n d eed ,

h a pp en ed .

M a d a m e C a mp a n s econ d ed t h e wi sh es of Joseph i n e
a n d us ed a ll of h er i n flu en ce wi t h Ho r t en se t o p er su a d e

h er t o look wit h fa vo r on Lou i s F i n a lly a t a b a ll a t M a l

.

m a i son i n t h e a ut um n of 1 80 1 t h e m a r r i a ge w a s a r r a n ged .

Th e ci vi l m a r r i a ge t ook pl a c e a t t h e Tu i l er ies t h e t h i r d
of J a n u a ry 1 80 2 i n t h e p r es en ce of t h e Bon a p a r t e a n d
B ea u h a m a i s fa m i l i es Th e followi n g d a y t h e r el i gi ous
.

c eremon y w as p er formed i n t h e l it t l e h ot el in t he Ru e d e
[ 1 47 2]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
l a Vict oi re, wh ere t h e you n g couple b eg an t h ei r m a rri ed
l ife .

,
Th e n upt i a l b en ed i ct i on w a s p r on ou n c ed by C a rdi n a l
C a pra r a, who was t h en n egot i a t i n g t h e Con cor firt wit h
t he Fren ch Go v ern m en t At t h e s a m e t i m e Gen er a l
.

Mur at an d C a r olin e Bon a p a rt e, w ho h a d on ly b een

un i t ed by a c i vi l bon d , h a d t hei r m a rri a ge bl ess ed by t h e
Church Jos eph i n e a lso wi sh ed t o h a ve t h e s a m e pri vi l ege,
.

b ut N a poleon a bsolut ely r efus ed , eit h er fr om rea son s of

publi c poli cy or in o r d er t o keep t h e w ay op en for a d i vorce
if in t h e fut u r e h e d esi r ed on e .

The sh a bb i ly fu r n i she d lit t le vi ll a i n t h e R ue d e l a

Vi ct oi re, a ft er b ei n g occ up ied fo r a short t i m e by Loui s !

an d Hort en se w a s lo a n ed by N a pol eon from t i m e t o

,

t i m e t o som e fa vo r i t e gen er a l I t w a s n ot fi n a lly t orn down

.

un t i l 1 860 Th e si t e i s n ow cov er ed by t h e houses Nos 58

. .

an d 60 a n d t h e cou r t y a r d i n wh i c h t h e respl en d en t o ffrcer s

,

gat h ered on t h e mo rn i n g of t h e 1 8 B r um a i re is n ow d i vi d ed
b et ween t h e court s of t h ese t w o ho u s es .

Th e s t reet i n t ho se d a y s w a s a lmos t a cou n t ry ro ad ,

bord ered by sm a ll vi ll a s Tw o of t h es e b esi d es t he hot el

.

of Jos eph i n e wer e t o b e a sso c i a t ed wi t h t h e n a m e of Na po

leo n I n on e Mlle El é on ore D é n u ell e g a ve b i rt h t he
.
, .

1 3 D ec emb er 1 80 6 t o a boy who bo r e a s t r i k in g res em

bl an c e t o t he Emp er o r an d who w a s n a m ed L é on He .

l ived t hrough four Gov ern m en t s of F r a n ce an d d ied t he

1 5 Apri l 1 88 1 un d er t h e Th i r d Re publi c I n a n ot h er .

mod est dwelli n g i n t h e sa m e st r eet l i ved t he lov i n g a n d

d evot ed M a d a me W a l ew sk a whose son by t h e Emperor
,

w a s t h e gi ft ed sold i er d i plom a t a n d w ri t er who w a s a

,

bri lli an t figure u n d e r t h e S ec on d Emp i re He a lso bore a .

st ri ki n g resembl an ce t o t h e Emp e ror .

At P a ri s , on t h e 1 0 Oct ob er 1 80 2 w a s born t h e firs t ,

ch ild of Hort en s e, N a pol eon Ch a rl es, who w a s t o d ie at

Th e H a gu e i n h is fift h y ea r B ec a u se of hi s st ron g fa mi ly
.

r es embl an c e t o N a pol eon , a n d t h e i n t er est wh i ch h e

a lw ays show ed i n t h e boy , t h e c a lum n y w a s sprea d at

[ 1 48 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
a st at u e of t h e Emp er o r i n a Rom an t og a wh i c h w as t e ,

mov ed a t t h e t i m e of t h e R est o r a t i on A s econ d st a t u e .

,

i n t h e fa m i li a r h a t a n d gr ea t -co a t wh i ch i s n ow i n t h e
,

I n v a l i d es w a s er ect ed by Louis Ph i l i pp e Un der t h e

, .

S eco n d Emp i r e t h i s w a s in t urn r epl a ced by a r epli c a of

,

t h e fi r st s t a t u e .

F r om t h e Pl a ce Ven d om e t h e h a n dsom e Ru e d e l a P a ix ,

ori gin a lly c a ll ed R u e N a poleon w as co n s t r uct ed n o r t h t o

,

t h e Boul ev a r d s upo n t h e s i t e of t h e J a r d i n s of t h e con

ven t of t h e C a p u c in es .

Th e Chu r c h of t h e M a d el ei n e b egu n u n d er Lou i s t h e

,

Fi ft een t h a n d u n fi n i sh ed a t t h e t i m e of t h e R evol u t io n ,
“ ”
w a s o r d er ed complet ed a s a Templ e d e l a Gloi r e i n
hon o r of t h e A r my B u t t h e bu i l d i n g wh i c h w a s n o t fin
.
,

i sh ed u n t i l t h e r ei gn of Lou i s Ph i li pp e w a s gi ven b a ck ,

a ft er t h e R est or a t i o n t o i t s o r i gi n a l d es t i n a t i o n .

T h e r en ov a t i o n of t h e Lo u v r e w a s o r d ered a n d t h i s ,

mu seum b ec a m e t h e t r ea su r e-house of p a i n t i n g a n d sc ulp

t u r e en r i c h ed by wo r k s of a r t t a k en fr om m a n y I t a l i a n
,

c i t ies O r d ers wer e a lso gi ven for t h e con st r u c t i on of v a st

.

g a ller i es wh i c h were t o c o n n ect t h e o l d Louv r e wit h t h e

P a vi llon d e M a r sa n an d fo r m a spl en d i d fa c a d e on t h e n ew
R u e d e Ri voli Th i s wo r k a r r est ed by t h e d own fa ll of t h e
.
,

Emp i r e a n d c ompl et ed by t h e gr ea t m a n s n eph ew i s a n

,
’

en d u r i n g mo n um en t t o t h e m emo r y of t h e t w o N a pol eon s .

Ot h er wo r k s wh i c h c omb i n ed b ea ut y wi t h ut i lit y were

, ,

t h e p r olo n g a t i o n of t h e qu a y s a lon g t h e l eft b a n k of t h e

S ei n e t h e co n st r u ct i on of t h r ee n ew b r i d ges t h e i mp r ove
, ,

men t of t h e J a r d in d es Pl a n t es a n d t h e l a yin g ou t of m a n y
,

p a r k s a n d op en sp a ces At a l a t er d a t e t h e vi ct o ri es of t h e
.

Emp i r e wer e comm emo r a t ed i n t h e erect i on of t h e Ar c

d e Tr i omph e .

Som e of t h ese wo r ks wer e n ot c a r r ied ou t u n t i l t h e t i m e

of t h e Empi re b u t t h ey r ep r esen t t h e d esi gn s of t h e Fi rst
,

Co n sul an d m a y t h erefo re b e m en t i on ed h er e
, .

On t he 1 5 August 1 80 2 a spl en d i d fé t e w a s gi ven a t

P a ri s to c el ebr at e t h e p r ocl a m at i on of Bo n a p a r t e a s Fi r st
‘

[ 1 50 3
 TH E CONS U LATE
Co n sul for Li fe Th at d a y t h e fes t i v a l of t h e Assumpt i on
.
, ,

w as a lso m emor a ble a s b ei n g N a poleon s t h i rt y-th i rd

’

b i rt hd a y an d a s t h e a n n i v ersa ry of t h e Con cord at

, .

The F i rs t Con sul n ow b eg a n t o s i gn h i s n a m e N a pol eon ,

li k e mon a r chs a n d l it t l e by lit t le t o su r r ou n d hi ms elf wit h

,

reg a l st at e S ai n t -Clou d t ook t h e pl a c e of M a lm a i so n a s

.

a r es i d en c e du r i n g t h e summ er s ea so n a n d a t t h i s Ch at ea u ,

an d a t t h e Tu i l er i es t h e pomp of t h e a n ci m r égi m e w a s

cop i ed Duroc w a s a ppo i n t ed Gov ern or of t h e P a l a c e an d

.

regul a r Court et i qu et t e w a s i n s t it ut ed R epubl i c an si m .

pl ic it y i n d r ess g a ve pl a ce t o sump t uou s u n i form s a n d

go r geous liv er ies wh i ch r ec a ll ed t h e d a ys of t h e Mon a rc hy .

Th e F i r st Co n sul how ev er s t i ll c lu n g t o hi s si mple

, ,

h a b it s a n d gen er a lly wo r e t h e u n i fo r m of a c olon el of t h e

,

Ch a sseu r s d e l a G a r d e wh i ch w a s a lso h i s u su a l c ost um e

,

wh en Emp er o r H e a lw a ys r et a i n ed h i s ea r ly d i sl i ke of
.

luxury a n d d i spl a y a n d c ou r t c eremo n i a l w a s ever i r k

,

som e t o hi m H e a dop t ed i t a s a m a t t er of pol i cy r at h er

.

t h an fr om p er son a l i n cl i n a t i o n .

A v er y i n t er est in g a c c oun t of N a pol eon s a pp ea r an ce ’

a t t h i s t i m e i s g i v en by Joh n L esl i e Fo st er who v i s it ed ,

P a r i s sho r t ly a ft er t h e P ea ce of Am i en s :
“
He i s a bout fiv e feet sev en i n c h es h i gh d el i c a t ely an d ,

gra c efu lly m a d e ; h i s h a i r a d a r k b r ow n t h in a n d l a n k ;

, ,

h i s c omplexi o n smoo t h p a l e a n d sa llow ; h i s ey es g r a y

, , , , ,

b u t v er y a n i m a t ed ; a ll h i s fea t u r es p a r t i c ul a r ly hi s mou t h ,

a n d n os e fin e sh a r p d efi n ed
, ,
a n d exp r es si v e b eyo n d d e
, ,

sc ri pt i on Th e t r u e exp r essi o n of h i s cou n t en an ce i s a

.

pl ea si n g m el a n c holy wh i c h wh en ev er h e sp ea ks r el a xes
, , ,

i n t o t h e mo st a g r eea bl e a n d g r a c i ou s sm i l e you c a n con

cei v e To t h i s you mu st a d d t h e a pp ea r a n ce of d eep a n d
.

i n t en se t hought b u t a bove a ll t h e p r edom i n a t i n g exp r es

,

si o n a look of c a lm a n d t r a n qu i l r esolut i o n a n d i n t r ep i d i t y
,

wh ic h n ot h i n g hum a n c ould d i sc ompos e H e h a s mo r e u n .

aff ect ed d i gn it y t h a n I c ould c o n cei v e i n m a n He sp ea ks .

d eli b er at ely b u t very flu en t ly wit h p a r t ic ul a r emph a si s

, , ,

a n d i n a r a t h er low t o n e of vo i c e Wh i l e h e sp ea ks his .
,
”
fea t u r es a r e st i ll mo r e exp ressi v e t h an his wo r ds .

[ 1 51 2]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
I n t h e in t er es t i n g b u t u n r el i a ble M emo i r s of M a d a m e
d e R é m u sat w e c a t ch a gl i mps e of t h e l i fe of t h i s p a r v en u
Court , a t t empt i n g t o i m it a t e t h e m a n n er s of t h e a n ci en
i
r égi m e N a pol eon s r ea so n for en du r n g t h i s m u n
’
i er y i s

fi
'
.

“
fr a n kly gi ven i n h i s st at em en t : I t 1 s for t u n at e t a t t he
”
Fren ch a re t o b e rul ed t hrough t h ei r v a n it y .

Th er e a re a bun d a n t rea so n s fo r t h in kin g s a ys Rose

, ,

t h a t N a pol eo n v a lu ed t h e P ea c e of Am i en s a s a meces
s a r y p reli m in a r y t o t h e r est o r a t i on of t h e F r en ch Colon i a l
”
Empi r e He h a d n ever r ea lly rel i n qu i sh ed h rs d esrgn s on
.

Egypt a n d st i ll set a h i gh v a lu e on t h e v a ll ey of t h e Ni le
,

an d t h e Is t hmu s of Su ez . Even a t S a i n t H el en a h e sai d

“
emph a t i ca lly , Egyp t i s t h e most i mport an t cou n t ry i n
t h e wo r l d .

Th e F ren ch po ss es si o n s b eyo n d t h e sea s h a d n ever

sh r u n k t o a sm a ll er a r ea t h a n d u r i n g t h e l a st y ea r of t h e

w a r wi t h E n gl a n d I t w a s t h er efo r e a sou r c e of gr ea t s at is
.

fa c t i o n t o N a poleon t o r ec over poss ess i on of t h e l a r ge

a n d fer t i l e i sl a n d of S a i n t -Dom i n gu e or H a yt i wh i ch i n
, ,

t h e ea r ly y ea r s of t h e l a s t c en t u r y loom ed fa r more i m
port a n t t h a n a t t h e p r es en t d a y Un d er t h e Mon a rchy t he
.

t r a d e of t h e Fren c h po r t i on of t h i s i sl a n d r ep res en t ed
mo r e t h a n h a lf of t h e o cea n c omm er c e of Fr a n ce Duri n g .

t he R evolut i o n t h er e h a d b een a t er r i bl e s e rvi l e r evolt

un d er t h e l ea d er sh i p of Tou ssa i n t Louver t u r e a m an of ,

grea t sa g a c it y a n d fo rce of c h a r a ct er who h a d c on quer ed

,

an d r ul ed t h e en t i r e i sl a n d As soo n a s p ea ce w a s si gn ed
.

Na pol eo n sen t hi s b r ot h er-i n -l aw Gen era l L ecle rc t o

, ,

gover n t h e i sl a n d a s c a pt a i n -gen er a l T he exp ed i t i on a ry

.

for ce con si st ed of ov er si xt y b a t t l e-sh i ps wi t h

t r oop s on bo a r d T h e fo r c es of t h e bl a ck d i c t a t or wer e
.

overwh elm ed a n d h e hi ms elf w a s sen t t o d i e a s a p ri son er

i n F r a n ce M a n y of t h e F r en ch sold i er s i n clud i n g G en er al
.
,

L ec l er c h i ms elf suc c umb ed t o t h e u n h ea lt hy cl i m at e

, .

Th e h i s t o r y of t h e form er ext en s i ve F r en ch poss es si o n s

in Nort h Am er i c a could h a r dly b e r ec a lle d by a r d en t
p at ri ot s wi t hout a pa n g of r emorse At t h e b egi n n in g of
.

E l sa ]
 N A POL EON THE FIRST
c
a ff e t t h e fo rt un es of t h e n a t i on s d u r i n g t h e l a t t e r p a rt of
t h e n i n et een t h cen t u r y H i s g r a n d sc h em es fa i l ed b ec a us e
.

of t h e r el en t l ess host i l it y of E n gl an d a n d n ot b ec a use a s , ,

st a t ed by Ros e t h ey wer e t oo v a st fit l y t o con sg r t wi t h

,
”
a n a mb i t i ou s Eu r op ean pol i cy wh en i n t h e words of
, ,
“
Ta lley r an d h e (N a pol eon ) b eg a n t o sow t h e s eeds of
,

n ew w a r s wh i c h a ft e r ov e rwh elm i n g Europ e a n d Fr a n c e

, ,
”
wer e t o l ea d hi m t o hi s r u i n I t w a s t h e En gl i sh ar i st oc
.

r a cy wh i c h i n it s d et er m in a t i o n t o c rush N a pol eo n fo r m ed
, ,

c o a l i t i o n a ft er c o a l i t i on a g a i n s t h i m b ec a us e h e w a s jus t ly

r eg a r d ed a s t h e foe of speci a l pr i vi l ege Fo r t h e a cc ompl i sh.

m en t of t hi s en d d u r in g a p er i od of n ea r ly a qu a rt er of a
,

c en t u r y E u r op e w a s d elug ed i n bloo d ; a n d t h en a ft er h i s
,

fa ll En gli sh wr i t er s en d ea vored t o prov e t h a t N a pol eon

w a s a t y r a n t who t h r ea t en ed t h e l i b er t i es of t h e wo r ld !
Even a h i st or i a n a s gen er a lly fa i r a s Ros e i s n ot a ble t o eu
t i r el y ov er c om e t h i s o l d i n sul a r p reju d i c e .

As h a s a l r ea dy b een st a t ed t h e p ea ce b et ween F r an ce
,

a n d E n gl a n d w a s n ot of lon g du r at i o n T h e a g reem en t t o .

ev a cu a t e M a l t a h a d n ot b een c a r r i ed ou t by t h e E n gl i sh

Gov ern m en t whos e a pp r eh en s i on h a d b een a r ou sed by t h e

,

colon i a l p r oj ect s of t h e Fi r s t Con sul I n fa c t t h e p ea ce b e

.

t w een t h e t wo n a t i on s w a s l i t t l e mo r e t h a n a t ru ce Aft er .

muc h d i plom at i c d i s c u ssi on Gr ea t B r i t a in b r oke off n e

,

got i at i o n s o n t h e qu est i o n of M a lt a a n d wi t hd r ew h er
, ,

a mb a s sa do r fr om P a r i s t h e 1 2 M a y 1 80 3 .

I n fiv e yea r s t h e s i t u a t i on of F r a n ce wit h r eg a rd t o
E n gl an d h a d m at eri a lly c h an ged I n 1 79 8 Bon a p a rt e h ad
.

a dv i sed t h e D i r ec t o r y a g a i n st a n a t t emp t t o c r os s t he

Ch a n n el Now t h e resou r c es of F r a n c e wer e v a s t ly in

.

c r ea s ed a n d i n 1 80 3 h e d eci d ed t o u n d ert a ke t h e in v a s i on
,

of En gl a n d .

He b ega n prep a r at i o n s wi t h hi s usu a l t ho r ough n ess .

Ev ery port on t h e Ch a n n el w a s i mp r oved a n d fort i fi ed .

F r om A n t wer p t o Diepp e c a mp s wer e fo r m ed i n wh i ch

t r oops b eg a n t o a ssembl e Hu n d r ed s of gu n bo a t s a n d li gh t
.

cru i sers wer e collect ed .

Bu t i t w a s a s us eless n ow a s fiv e yea rs b efore t o at t emp t

£ 1 54 ]
 THE CONS U LATE
a cross in g wh i l e t h e B r it i sh fl eet h eld comm an d of t h e
sea s N a pol eo n t h erefo r e pl a n n ed a g i g an t i c n a v a l c a m
.

p a i gn t o gi v e hi m co n t r ol of t h e Ch an n el .

Th er e were t wo pri n c i p a l F r en c h fl eet s on e of wh i ch ,

w a s a t B r es t wh ere i t w a s clos ely block a d ed by Lo r d Co r n

,

w a lli s wh i l e t h e ot h er w a s a t Toulon w a t ch ed by Lo r d
, ,

N elson Un d er in st r uct i on s fr om N a poleon i n t h e sp ri n g

.
,

of 1 8 0 5 t h e Toulon fl eet st ol e ou t s a i l ed t hrough t h e

, ,

St r a it of Gi b r a l t a r a n d m a d e for t h e West I n d ies wit h ,

N elson i n h ot pu r sui t I t t h en t u r n ed b a c k a n d a g a i n
.
, ,

ev a d i n g N elso n s a i led fo r F err ol a port i n t h e n o r t h

, ,

w est ern p a rt of Sp a in wh er e it w a s t o fr ee a sm a ll squ a d

,

ron wh i c h w a s block a d ed t h er e a n d t h en p r oc eed t o B r es t

, , .

So fa r N a pol eo n s sc h em e h a d wo r k ed p er fect ly a n d h e
’
,

hop ed wit h t h e comb in ed fl eet s t o over power Co r n wa ll i s

a n d c o n t r ol t h e Ch a n n el B u t hi s pl a n s wer e r u i n ed by t h e
.

i n co m p et en cy of t h e Fr en c h a d m i r a l Vi llen euve who , , ,

a ft er a n i n d ec i s i v e a c t i o n w i t h a n i n fer i or E n gl i sh fl eet off

F er r ol on t h e 2 2 July sa i l ed for C a d i z i n s t ea d of B r es t
, , .

N a pol eon w a s fu r i ou s a n d t h r ea t en ed t o r emove Vi ll e

n euv e I n o r d er t o fo rest a ll t h i s a c t i o n on t h e 2 1 Oc t ob e r
.
, ,

t h e F r en c h a d m i r a l c a m e ou t of C a d i z an d m et t h e E n gl i sh
off C a p e Tr a fa lg a r T h e Fr a n co-Sp an i sh fl eet w a s d e
.

fea t ed a n d a lmo st en t i rely d es t r oyed by t h e sup eri o r ski ll

of Nel so n b u t t h e g rea t es t of E n gl i sh a dmi ra ls p ai d for
,

t h e v i ct o r y wi t h hi s l i fe .

I n t h e m ea n t i m e howev er o t h e r even t s h a d pu t a s t op
, ,

t o N a pol eo n s pl a n for an i n v a si on of E n gl an d a n d t h e
’

C a mp a i gn of Aust erl it z h a d b egun .

[ 1 55 ]
 CHA PT ER ELEVEN

THE EM PI RE

o
Rea s n s for t h ebl h
E st a i H
s m en y l
t o f e p D
r ed it a r R u e — Th e Em i re ecr eed

Dg S Plé b
T he i n it a ries of t a t e — T h e M hl F iscit e — Th e a r s a s of r a n ce

pol o I ll
’
l G
Na e n s n t e ect u a Po Wo k
ift s HisPl w er o f r H is a ce i n

H oy F
ist r — p bl
a t e of t h e G R le uxl i caMon en era s — E i e o f rea u — The

N a to l F
i n a et e — D i fli cpol o
u l t i el
s o f NV a e n
’
s R oe — Th e i si t t o A ix- la
Ch p ll l Ch l g
a e e — T h e T a i sm an of Co o o p o
ar em a n e r n a t i n of t h e Em er r

-The Fé t eGv M hl
i en b y t h e lgo M g
a rs a s - pol o
3
' Re i i u s a r r i a e o f Na e n

an d Jo ph B p
se i n e pol o o
— a t ism of N a p I ly
e n L u i s — T he T r i to ta
J b o W
erom e A an d n s Hi s Io Co I ly
i fe — The r n r w n of ta Eugé n e Ap
po V oy F
in t ed i cer — The Ret u rn t o r a n ce

ER t h e exec ut i o n of t h e Du c d En ghi en t he ’

Fi rs t Co n sul exp r ess ed t o Jo seph hi s in t en t i on of

“
fou n d in g a N a pol eo n i c d yn a st y I a lw a ys i n .

“
t en d ed h e s ai d
, t o en d t h e R evolu t i o n by t h e est a b
,

lish m en t of h er ed i t y ; b u t I t hough t su c h a st ep c oul d n ot

”
b e t a ken b efor e t h e l a ps e of fiv e o r si x yea r s B u t ev en t s .

h a d mov ed fa st er t h a n h e exp ect ed Th e J a cob i n s h a d .

looked upon t h e pomp a n d p a r a d e of t h e con sul at e cou r t

a s a p r elud e t o t h e ret u r n of t h e Bou r bo n s wit h t h e Fi r st ,

Con sul i n t h e r ol e of Mon k Th ey t h er efore h ai l ed wit h

.

joy t h e exec ut i on of E n gh i en H en cefo r t h i t would b e w a r

.

t o t h e k n i fe b et w een Bo n a p a r t e a n d t h e Bou r bo n s A few .

d a ys a ft er t h e execut ion Fo u ch é a p p ea l ed t o t h e S en at e
t o est a bl i sh h ered i t a ry power i n t h e p erso n of N a pol eo n
a s t h e su r est m ea n s of p r es er vi n g t h e b en efi t s of t h e R evo

l u t ion H e a rgu ed t h a t t h i s would p u t a n en d t o t h e roy a l

.

’
i st s plot s for ev en if t h ey st r uck d own t h e m a n t h ey could
,

n ot en d t h e sys t em So a s ev en t s t u rn ed ou t t h e Roy a l i st s
.

t hw a rt ed t h ei r ow n purpos es a n d i n sured t h e est a bl i sh

,

m en t of t h e Emp i r e .

[ 1 56 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
who st ood n ext t o h i m i n li n e of su c cessi o n t wo wer e h i s ,

rel a t i on s by m a r r i a ge an d t wo wer e h i s fo r m er c oll ea gu es

,

in t h e Co n s ul a t e .

T he ot he r t wo b r ot h ers of N a pol eon wer e a b sefl t a n d

o ut of fa vo r : Lu c i en fo r h a vi n g m a rr i ed M m e Jou b ert h ou .
,

a ft er t h e d ea t h of h i s fi r s t wi fe a n d J e r om e b ec a us e of h i s
,

m a r r i a ge w it h Mi ss P a t t er son of B a lt i mo r e .

Th e n ew Co n s t it u t i on of t h e Y ea r Twelve of t h e Re
publi c w a s n ow sub m it t ed t o popul a r vot e Th e pl é b i s ci t e .

w a s wo r d ed a s follows
“
Th e F r en c h p eopl e d ec r ee t h e h er ed it y of t h e Imp er i al
d i gn it y i n t h e d escen d a n t s d i r ect n a t u r a l l egi t i m a t e a n d
, , ,

a d op t ed of N a pol eo n Bon a p a r t e ; a n d i n t h e d escen d a n t s ,

d i r ect n a t u r a l a n d l egit i m at e of Jos eph Bon a p a rt e a n d

, ,

of Loui s Bon a p a r t e .

All of t h e b r ot h ers were off en d ed by t h es e st i pul a t i on s

Luci en a n d Jer o m e b ec a u se t h ey wer e exc lu d ed fr om t h e
li n e of su c c essi on Jos eph a n d Lou i s b ec a us e t h ei r c h i ldr en
,

wer e m en t i o n ed i n st ea d of t h em selv es .

Mor e t h a n t h r ee a n d a h a lf m i lli on vot es wer e c a st for

t h e n ew Co n st i t ut i on a n umb er wh i c h exceed ed t hos e
,

gi ven for t h e Co n sul a t e a n d t h e Con sul a t e fo r L i fe On ly .

t wen t y-fiv e hu n d r ed vot es w er e r ec o r d ed i n t h e n eg a t iv e .

B esi d es t h e g r a n d d i gn i t a r i es of t h e Emp i re m en t i on ed
a bov e t h er e wer e si x G r a n d O ffi cer s of t h e C r own : N a p o

l eon s u n cl e C a rd i n a l F esch w a s Gr a n d Almon er ; T a ll ey

’

, ,

r an d Gr a n d Ch a mb erl ai n an d l a t er Vi c e Gr a n d El ect o r ;
, ,

B er t hi er Ch i ef R a n ger an d l at er Vi ce-Co n st a bl e ; C a u
, ,

l a i n cou rt M a st e r of Ho r s e ; Duro c M a r sh a l of t h e P a l a ce ;
, ,

an d Se gu r M a s t er of Ceremon i es
, .

Th ere wer e a lso four Colon el-Gen er a l s : D a vout com ,

m a n d er of t h e g r en a d i ers a pi ed ; Soult c omm a n d er of ,

t h e C h a ss eu r s a p i ed ; B es s1 er es c omm a n d er of t h e c a v a l r y ;
,

a n d Mo r t i er comm a n d er of t h e a rt i ller y a n d t h e s a i lor s

, .

Th es e offi c ers of t h e I mp eri a l Gu a rd for m ed a p a r t of t h e

hous ehold of t h e E mp er or a n d en joyed t h e sa m e p reroga
t iv es a s t h e g r a n d o ffi c er s of t h e C r own .

Th e Emp eror s mot h er w a s t o b e s t yl ed M a d a me

’

E 1 58 ]
M AR SH AL M AS S ENA
 NAPOLEON THE F I RST
gra n t ed I n 1 80 7 Vi ct or w a s m a d e hon o r a r y m a rsh a l n ot
.
,

on t h e a c t i v e l i s t M a cdon a ld O u d i n ot a n d M a r mon t
.
,

were a ppoi n t ed i n 1 80 9 for t h ei r exc ep t i on a l s er v i c es d u r

i n g t h e c a mp a i gn of W a gr a m I t w a s sa i d a t t h e t ime t h a t
.

N a poleon h a vin g lost L an n es n eed ed t h r ee m a rsh a ls t o

, ,

fill hi s pl ac e b u t i t i s on ly fa i r t o st a t e t h a t a lt h ough n on e
,

of t he n ew m en w a s t o b e comp a red wit h L a n n es t h ey ,

were a l l quit e a s good gen er a l s a s som e of t h e m a rsh a l s on

t h e ori gi n a l l i st I n 1 8 1 1 Su c h et r ecei v e d t h e b at o n for h i s
.

s er vi ces a t t h e b a t t l e a n d si ege of Va l en c i a a n d S a i n t -Cyr ,

w a s a ppo i n t ed du r i n g t h e Ru ss i a n c a mp a i g n of 1 8 1 2 .

P r i n ce Pon i a t owski w a s hon o r ed on ly t w o d a ys b efo r e h i s

d ea t h a t L ei pzi g i n 1 8 1 3 Th e l a st m a r sh a l t o b e a ppo i n t ed
.

w a s G r ou c hy ju st p r i o r t o t h e Wa t er loo c a mp a i gn of 1 8 1 5
,

i n wh i c h h e p r ov ed h i m self so g r ossly i n c omp et en t .

Of t he t wen t y-six m a rsh a l s n in e h a d h e ld c omm i ss i on s

,

r a n gi n g fr om l i eu t en a n t t o gen er a l i n t h e ol d Roy a l a r my ;

el ev en h a d b egu n a s p r i v a t es i n t h e r a n k s a n d of t h es e ,

n i n e h a d r i sen t o t h e r a n k of ser gea n t B u t i t mus t b e t e .

m emb er ed t h at t h e st a n d i n g of t h e n on -comm i ssi on ed

o ffi cers i n t h e ol d ser vi ce w a s ver y h i gh a s t h e offi c er s l eft ,

t o t h em t h e en t i re o r g a n i z a t i on d i sci pl i n e a n d c o n t r ol of
,

t h e t roops .

I t i s r at h er a r em a r k a bl e fa ct t h a t o n ly t h ree of t h e
m a r sh a ls lo st t h ei r l i ves on t h e fi el d of b a t t l e L a n n es re .

c ei v ed hi s d ea t h wou n d s a t E ssl i n g i n 1 8 0 9 ; B essi eres w a s

ki ll ed a t Lii t zen i n 1 8 1 3 a n d Pon i at owski w a s d r own ed i n

,

t h e El ser a ft er t h e b a t t l e of L ei pz i g t h e sa m e y ea r F i v e .

m et vi olen t d ea t h s a ft er t h e fa ll of t h e Emp i r e : Mu r a t a n d
Ney wer e shot B er t h i er d i ed fr om a n a cci d en t a n d Bru n e
, ,

w a s mu r d er ed i n 1 8 1 5; a n d Mo r t i er w a s k i ll ed by an i n
,

fer n a l m a ch i n e a t P a r i s i n 1 8 3 5 All t h e o t h er m a r sh a ls
.

out l i v ed t h e Emp i r e most of t h em by m an y yea r s t h e l a s t

, ,

t w o su r v i vo r s Soul t a n d M a rmon t l i v i n g u n t i l a ft er t h e
, ,

m i d d le of t he c en t ury .

Wh en N a pol eon b ec a m e Emp ero r h e w a s t h i rt y-fiv e

yea rs of a ge He w as i n t he p r i m e of l i fe i n t h e full poss es
.
,

[ 1 60 ]
 THE EM PI RE
s i on of a l l h rs m a gn i fic en t i n t ell ect u a l power s He w a s .

gi ft ed wi t h a wo n d er ful br a i n p erh a p s t h e mo st m a r v ellous

,

ev er gi v en t o m a n luc i d prec i s e t i r eles s swi ft i n i t s

, , , ,

proc ess es t en a c i ous i n i t s gri p s er ved by an a ccura t e an d

, ,

c a p a ci ous m emory All of h i s i n t ell ec t u a l r esou r ces wer e

.

“
a v a i l a bl e a t a n y mom en t H e s a i d of h i ms elf : D iff eren t
.

m at t er s a re st o red a w a y in my br a i n a s i n a c h est of
dr a wer s Wh en I wi sh t o i n t errupt a p i ece of work I close
.

t h a t d r a wer a n d op en a n ot h er No n e of t h em ev er g et .

m i xed n ev er do es t h i s i n c on v en i en c e or fa t i gu e m e Wh en
, .

”
I a m r ea dy I shut a ll t h e d r a wer s a n d go t o sl eep .

I n h i m t h er e exi s t ed a r a r e c omb i n a t i o n of t h e po et i c
a n d t h e pr a c t i c a l t h e d r ea m e r a n d t h e m a n of a c t i o n
, ,

joi n ed t o a n a lmos t sup erhum a n a c t i vit y At S ai n t H el en a .

“
h e s a i d : Wo r k i s my el em en t for wh i ch I w a s bo r n a n d ,

fit t ed I h a ve k n own t h e l i m i t s of my a r m s a n d l egs ; I h a ve
.

”
n ev er d i sc ov ered t ho se of my pow er of wo r k H e n ever .

sp en t mo r e t h a n t wen t y m i n u t es a t hi s m ea l s a n d n eed ed
on ly fou r hou r s of sl eep a d a y He w a s a bl e t o fa ll a sleep.

a t w i ll a n d aw a k en wi t h hi s mi n d i n st a n t ly a l er t Wo r k i n g .

si xt een t o t w en t y hou r s a d a y h e d r ov e h i s secr et a r i es a t

full sp eed Hi s publ i sh ed c o r r espon d en ce fill s t h i r t y-t w o

.

volum es a l t hough n ot mo r e t h a n a t h i r d of hi s l et t er s h a ve
,

y et b een p r i n t e d Hi s p r o c l a m a t i on s a n d hi s b u ll et i n s wer e
.

m a st er pi ec es Hi s con ver sa t i on w a s b r i ll i a n t a n d a n i m a t ed
. .

Ev ery on e li st en ed t o hi m wi t h pl e a su re Alt hough h e w a s .

fr equ en t ly r ud e a n d il l -b r ed i n h i s m a n n er s wh en h e wi sh ed ,

t o g a i n hi s poi n t n o o n e c o ul d b e m o r e fa s ci n a t i n g All .

wr it ers h a v e spoken of t h e c h a r m of hi s smi le No mo r e .

a t t r a ct i ve p i ct u r e of N a pol eo n h a s eve r b een sket c h ed

t h a n t h a t of t h e r oy a l i s t M a rqu i se d e L a Tou r d u Pi n i n
h er c h a r m i n g R ec oll ect i o n s of t h e R evolut i on a n d t h e
”
Empi r e .

S a ys H a zen : He m a d e h i s m i n i st ers m ere h a rd-wo r ked

ser v a n t s b u t h e w on t h e a dm i r a t i o n a n d d evo t i on of hi s
,

sold i er s by t h e gl a mou r of h i s vi ct o r i es a n d h e h el d t h e ,

p ea s an t r y i n t h e hollow of h i s h a n d by co n st a n t ly gu a r a n
t eei n g t h em t h ei r l a n d s a n d t h ei r c i vi l equ a l i t y i n t h ei r ,

[ 1 61 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
op i n i on on ly t h in gs in t h e R evolut i on t h at c oun t ed
t he .

He w a s as li t t l e as he w a s b ig He i s a m an of whom mo re
.

ev i l a n d mor e good can b e s a i d a n d h a s b een s a i d t h a n of

m an y h i st ori c a l figur es H e c an n ot ea s i ly b e d escr i
. an d

cert ai n ly n ot i n an y b rief c omp a ss He ran ks wi t Al ex .

a n d e r C aes a r Ch a r l em a gn e a s on e of t h e most powerful

, , ,

con quer or s an d ruler s of hi st ory I t is by n o m ean s ce rt a i n

.

t h a t N a pol eon would n ot b e c on si d ered t h e grea t est of

”
t h em a l l .

In t he awa rd of hon o r s m a n y out spoken republi c a n s

li ke S a i n t -Cyr an d M a c d on a l d wer e exclud ed B ern a d ot t e .
,

t hough n ot i n fa vo r w a s t r e a t ed wi t h co n s i d er a t i o n b e
,

c a u se h e h a d m a r r ied t h e si st er o f Jos eph s wi fe He w a s ’

.

pr esen t ed by N a pol eon wi t h t h e hous e i n P a ri s whi c h h a d

fo r m er ly b elon ged t o Mor ea u whi l e t h e l a t t er s est a t e of
,
’

Gr osboi s n ea r P a ri s wen t t o t h e fai t hful B ert hi er B u t t h e .

Gr a n d A r my w a s en t rust ed t o t h e comm an d of m en upon

whom N a pol eon could a b solut ely rely li ke D a vout Soul t , ,

an d N ey .

Th e r ec o r d of t h e grea t gen er a l s of t h e R epubli c i s in t h e

m ai n a gloomy on e Hoc h e h a d d i ed i n t h e Rhi n el a n d ; D e
.

s ai x w a s ki ll ed a t M a r en go a n d K l é b er w as a ss a s sin a t ed t h e
,

sa m e d a y a t C a i ro ; L ec l er c w as a vi ct i m of t h e u n h eal t hy

cli m a t e of S a i n t -Domin que ; Pi c hegru w a s st r a n gled i n

p r i son ; a n d Mo r ea u w a s pu t on t ri a l for h i gh t r ea son .

T h e evi d en c e a g ai n st Mo r ea u w as n ot co n c lu si ve ; t h e
ut most t h a t could b e p r oved w a s t h at h e d es i r ed N a po
l eon s overt h r ow t h at h e h a d t h r ee in t erv i ews wit h
’

Pi ch egr u an d t h at he d i d n ot r evea l t h e plot t o t h e Gov

,

er n m en t He w as con d em n ed t o t wo yea rs i n p r i so n b u t
.
,

w a s a c c o r d ed t h e p er mi ssi on t o ret i re t o t h e Un it ed S t at es .

I n o r d er t o furn i sh hi m wi t h fu n ds for hi s exi l e t h e Em ,

p e r o r purch a s ed h is hous e i n t h e R u e d An j ou -S a i n t
’

Hon oré for t h e sum of

, fr a n cs much mo re t h an it s
,

rea l v a lue an d presen t ed it t o B ern a dot t e

, .

Through t h e suppli c a t i on s of Jos eph i n e a n d M m e .

Mura t t h e d ea t h s en t en ces of t h e Duc d e Poli gn a c a n d

,

[ 1 62 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
Great Emp er o r of whom h e co n si d er ed h i m self t h e wort hy
succ esso r I n hi s vi si t t o Aix-l a-Ch a p ell e h e w a s p r eced ed
.

by severa l d a ys by t h e Emp r ess who wi sh ed t o t a ke t h e

,

w a t er s of t h a t cit y Th r ee d a ys a ft er t h e July fi r e t h e
.

Emp ero r h a d l eft for t h e ca mp a t Boulogn e Aft er r em a in .

i n g t h er e s ever a l weeks a n d v i si t i n g o t h er po i n t s a lon g

,

t h e c o a s t N a pol eo n r ej oi n ed Jo seph i n e a t Ai x-l a -Ch a p ell e

,

on t h e t h i r d of S ep t emb er .
~

Wh en t h e Grea t Emp er o r s t omb w a s op en ed hi s sk el e

’
,

t on w a s fou n d clot h ed i n Rom a n g a r b ; t h e d oubl e c r ow n

of F r a n c e a n d Ger m a n y en ci r c led t h e skull ; b esi d e hi m
l ay h i s fa mous swo r d ; an d a r o u n d h i s n ec k w a s hu n g t h e
c el eb r a t ed T a l i sm a n wh i c h b r ough t h i m su ccess Th i s .

Ta l i sm a n w a s a p i ece of t h e r ea l c r o ss en c a s ed i n a n
,

em er a l d wh i c h w a s hu n g t o a t h i c k gol d r i n g by a sl en d er

ch ain .Thi s r eli c w a s p r esen t ed t o N a pol eon by t h e c i t y

a u t hori t i es a n d h e wo r e i t on hi s b re a st a t Aus t e r l i t z a n d
,

Wa g r a m I n 1 8 1 3 h e g a v e i t t o Ho rt en se Th e T a l i sm a n
. .

w a s i n t h e b ed r oom of N a poleo n t h e Th i r d wh en h e d i ed
a t Ch i sl ehu r st a n d i n 1 9 2 0 j u st b efo r e h er d ea t h w a s
, p re
s en t ed by t h e Emp r ess Eug en i e t o t h e tr er ar of t h e cel e
b r a t ed c a t h ed r a l at R ei m s wh i c h w a s so mu c h d a m a ged
,

by t h e Germ a n bomb a rdm en t d u r in g t h e Gr eat W a r .

From Ai x-l a-Ch a p ell e t h e sover ei gn s p r o c eed ed v i a

,

Cologn e t o M a yen ce H er e t h e Emper or foun d h i m self

.

su rr ou n d ed by a r eg u l a r Cou rt of G er m an p r i n ces T h e .

jou rn ey a lon g t h e b a n ks of t h e Rh in e m a d e a g rea t i m

p r essi on on F r a n c e a n d o n t h e r est of Eu r op e .

N a pol eon d es i r ed t o h a v e hi s i mp er i a l t i t l e co n s ec r a t ed
by a g r a n d reli gi ous c eremon y wh ic h would h a v e a n i m
m en se eff ec t on t h e whol e C a t holi c wo r ld Th e d a t e of t h e
.

Co r on a t i on w a s fi n a lly fix ed fo r t h e s econ d of D ec emb er

1 8 0 4 Ju st a mo n t h b efo r e t h e Pop e P i u s S even t h t h en
.
, , ,

si xt y-t w o yea r s of a ge set ou t for P a r i s Th ree weeks l at er

, .
,

h e w a s m et by N a poleon a t Fo n t a i n ebl ea u wh er e h e re ,

m a i n ed s ev er a l d a ys an d t h en proc eed ed t o P a ri s a n d ,

E 1 64 ]
 THE EM PI RE
t ook up h i s qu a rt ers i n t h e Tu i l er ies i n t he P a vi l lon d e
Flore .

All P a r i s w a s agi t a t ed by t h e a pp r o a c h of t h e g r eat

ev en t T h e ho t el s w er e full t o over flowi n g Th er e wer e r e
. .

h ea r sa l s of t h e c oro n a t i o n a s for a g rea t t h ea t r i c a l p r o

d uct i o n All t h e d et a i ls h a d b een a r r a n ged by t h e Emp eror
.

i n a dv a n ce wit h a s mu c h c a re a s t h e pl a n of a gr ea t b a t t le .

At l a s t t h e s ec o n d of D ec emb er d awn ed F r om ea r ly .

mo r n in g a ll P a r i s w a s on foot Th e sky w a s overc a st a n d it

.

w a s very cold b u t n o on e t hough t of t h e ri go r of t h e

,

s e a so n Th e Pope l eft t h e Tui l er i es for Not r e—D a m e a t

.

n i n e o c lock a n d N a pol eo n
’
a n d Jo se ph in e followed a n
hou r l a t er i n a c a r r i a ge wi t h Joseph a n d Lou i s
, .

A r ri ved a t t h e p a l a ce of t h e a rchb i shop N a pol eon pu t ,

on t h e c o r o n a t i o n c o st um e Ov er a n a r r ow rob e of wh i t e
.

sa t i n
, h e wo r e a h ea vy m a n t l e of c r i m so n velvet O n h i s .

h ea d h e pl a ced a cr own of gold en l a u r els ; on hi s mgk t h e

coll a r of t h e L é gi on d hon n eu r i n d i a mon d s ; a t h i s si d e a
’
,

sw c d o r n a m en t ed wi t h t h e R egen t d i a mon d
u .

Aft er t h e H i gh M a ss t h e Pop e bless ed t h e Imp er i a l orn a

m en t s a n d t h en r et u r n ed t h em t o t h e Emp er o r : t h e r i n g ,

wh i c h h e p a ss ed upon h i s fi n ger ; t h e swo r d wh i c h h e r e ,

pl a ced i n it s sh eat h ; t h e m a n t le wh i c h w a s a t t a c h ed t o
,

h i s shoul d er s by t h e c h a mb er l a i n s ; t h en t h e sc ep t r e a n d
“ ”
t he h a n d of ju st i ce wh i ch h e g a v e t o t h e Arch-Trea su r er
,

a n d t h e A r c h -Ch a n c ello r .

T h e o n ly o rn a m en t wh i c h r em a i n ed t o b e h a n d ed t o t h e
Emper o r w a s t h e c r own As t h e Pop e w as a bout t o p r oceed
.

wi t h t h i s l a st a ct of t h e c eremon y N a poleon t ook fr om ,

hi s h a n ds t h e si gn of sup r em e power a n d proudly pl a ced

i t h i ms elf upon hi s h ea d He t h en a ppro a c h ed t h e Emp r ess
.
,

who w a s kn eeli n g b efo r e h im a n d t en d er ly pl a c ed t h e,

Imp eri a l d i a d em upon h er h ea d Th i s s c en e i s fa m i li a r t o

.

a l l who h a v e seen i n t h e Louv r e t h e c el ebr a t ed p a i n t i n g

of t h e Co r on a t i o n by D a vi d wh i c h however i s n ot en t i r ely
,

a cc u r a t e as M a d a m e M ere who w a s n ot presen t i s d e

, , ,

p i ct ed .

Th e c er emon y w a s a grea t success , an d N a pol eon s a i d

[1 1 65 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
”
to Jos eph If ou r fat her coul d see u s n ow ! I t w a s a ft er
,

si x o clock wh en t h e Imp e ri a l p a r t y r et u r n ed t o t h e Tu i l er
’

i es a n d N a pol eo n fa t i gu ed a ft er so mu c h pomp r esumed

, , ,

wit h plea su r e h i s mod est u n i form of c olon el of t l s Ch a s

seu rs d e l a G a r d e H e d i n ed a lo n e wi t h Jo se
. ph in e whom ,

h e b egged t o r et a in t h e d i a d em wh i ch sh e wo r e so gr a ce
fully an d wh i c h b ec a m e h er so well .

Th e Co r on a t i on w a s t h e si gn a l for a seri es of fé t es of ,

wh i ch p er h a p s t h e most b ri lli a n t w a s t h at given t o t h e

Emp ero r a n d Emp r ess by t h e M a r sh a l s of t he Emp i re a t
t h e Op é r a wh i ch w a s t h en loc a t ed i n t h e R u e R i c h el i eu
, .

Th is bui l d in g w a s t orn down u n d er t he R es t o ra t i on a ft er ,

t h e d ea t h of t h e Du c d e B er r y w h o w a s a ssa s si n a t ed on
,

t h e v er y t h r eshold of t h e t h ea t r e I t w a s su c c eed ed by t h e
.

bu i l d in g i n t h e R u e l e Pel et ier c on st r u ct ed on t h e si t e of
,

t h e fo r m er g a r d en s of t h e H o t el d e Cho i seul wh i c h w a s ,

t h e sc en e of t h e c el eb r a t ed a t t e mp t of O r si n i o n t h e l i fe
of N a pol eon t h e Th i r d i n 1 8 58 Two yea r s l a t er t h e p r esen t
, .

“ ”
sup er b N a t i on a l A ca d emy of Mu sic w a s b egu n i n t h e
Pl a ce d e l O pé r a b u t w a s n ot fi n ish ed un t i l four yea rs a ft er
’
,

t h e d ow n fa ll of t h e S ec on d Emp i r e .

T h e vi s it of t h e Pop e t o P a r is w a s m a r ked ot h er
rel i gi ous cer emo n i es Jo se . ph i n e h a d in fo F on
t a i n eb l ea u t h a t h er u n i o n b een
bl ess ed by t h e Churc h H e . c l eo n

t h a t a r el i g i ous c er emo n y mus t b e p er fo r m ed b efo r e t h e

Co r on a t i on So N a poleon an d Josephi n e were p r i v a t ely
.

m a r r i ed i n t h e ch a p el of t h e Tui leri es by C a r d in a l F esch

on t h e ev en i n g b efo r e t h e Co r on a t i o n .

A wee k b efo re t h e d ep a r t u re of t h e Pop e for Rome ,

t h e s econ d son of Lou i s a n d Ho r t en s e N a pol eo n Lou i s , ,

w a s b a p t i z ed wi t h great pomp by t h e Pop e h i ms elf a t

S a i n t -Cloud on t h e 2 4 M a rc h 1 80 5 T h e g a ll ery of t h e
. .

Ch at ea u w a s c on vert ed i n t o a c h a p el for t h e c er emon y .

O n t h i s o cc a si o n M a d a m e M é r e w a s p r es en t
’
.

O n t h e four t h of Ap r i l 1 8 0 5 t h e Pop e left P a ri s a n d ,

a bou t t h e sa m e t i m e t h e Emp er or a n d Emp r ess set ou t

from Fon t a i n eblea u for M i l an where N a poleon w as t o b e

[ 1 66 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
m ed i a t ely for F r a n c e Tr a vell in g i n c ogn it o a t full sp eed
.
,

Wit hout a n y esco rt h e a rr i ved a t Fon t a i n ebl ea u on t h e

,

1 1 July a ft er a n a bs en ce of ex a c t ly o n e hu n d r ed d a ys .

Th e sp eed a t wh i c h N a pol eon t r a velled m a y b of i n

i
t erest . Fou r d a ys a ft er hi s a r r i v a l h e w r ot e Eugen e a s
“
follows : I a r r iv ed a t Fon t a i n ebl ea u ei ght y-fiv e hou r s
a ft er my d ep a r t u re fr om Tu r i n Nev er t h el ess I lo st t h r ee
.

hou r s o n Mon t -Cen i s a n d I st opp ed c on st a n t ly on a cc ou n t

of t he Emp r ess O n e or t w o hours t o b r ea kfa s t an d on e or
.

”
t wo hou rs t o d i n e m a d e m e lose ei gh t or t en hours mo r e .

Th e d i st a n ce by r a i l i s a bou t m i l es a n d t he exp r es s
t r a i n s v i a t h e Mo n t -C en i s t u n n el m a k e t h e r u n t o-d a y i n
a bout fou r t een hou r s Allowi n g fo r t h e d el a y s of wh i c h h e
.

sp ea k s a n d t h e lon ger d i s t a n ce by r o a d N a pol eo n t r a v

, ,

ell ed a t t h e r a t e of n ea r ly sev en m i l es a n hou r .

N a pol eon a t on ce b ega n wo r k on t h e pl a n s fo r t h e c a m

p a i gn wh i c h w a s t o op en t h e followi n g mo n t h a n d wh i c h
w a s t o en d o n t h e a n n i v er sa r y of h i s c o r o n a t i o n i n t h e
glo r i ou s vi ct o r y of Aust er lit z .
 CHAPTER TWELVE

AUSTER LITZ
The Th i rd Co lit io
a n — Na le n D ict a t es
po o Plan
Cam p ai gn C m
t he of o

m an d er s o f t he - ’
Corpr d Ar mée Na pol on His O wn Chi f f St ff
e e o a

Hi s Mil it y Ho s hold Hi
ar u e s Way f Trav ellin g His M t ho d of
o e

Wo k Pl s f t h Co lit io — Th G d A my L v s I t C m p
r an o e a n e ran r ea e s a s

Th Fi e Ul m M o v — M k S
ne d rs t h Fo rt
an eu — N pol o
re ac u r ren e e r ess a e n

E t n er sVi — Hi C it i l Po i ti o — H Ad v a c t B
en n a s r — Th
ca s n e n es o r un n e

B t t l —fi l d f A st e litz Th Pl f t h Alli es Na pol o P p f

a e e o u r e an o e e n re ares or

a D i i v B tt l Po it i o f t h Co p N pol o T ll t h A m y
ec s e a e s ns o e r s a e n e s e r

H i Pl s f B t tl
an o Th e A i va y f t h Co o at io Th S
e nn ersa r o e r n n e un

of A t l it z — The Alli d At t k
u s er Th F r h T k th P tz e ac e en c a e e ra en

Th B t t l W
e a — Th Em p o F
e on i S f P ac — Th T t y
e er r ran c s ues or e e e rea

ofP b g E d of t he C lit io
res u r D t h of Pit t
n oa n ea

N t h e s econ d of J a n u a r y 1 80 5 a mo n t h a ft er hi s ,

c oro n at i on N a pol eo n wrot e a p er so n a l l et t er to

,

George t h e Th i r d p r opo si n g p ea ce He st i ll h a d .

hi s m in d set on hi s pl a n of colon i a l exp a n s i on t o wh i ch

Gr ea t B rit a i n w a s t h e grea t est obst a cl e Fren ch t r a d e h a d .

b een d r i ven from t h e sea s a n d Fren ch fleet s were block

a d ed i n t h ei r port s Some of t h e West I n d i a i sl an d s h a d
.

a g a i n p a ss ed i n t o t h e h a n ds of E n gl an d an d N a pol eo n h a d ,

b een forc ed t o s ell Lou i si a n a t o s a ve i t from t h e s a m e

fa t e .

En gl a n d h a d n ot ev a cu a t ed M a lt a a s a greed a n d Lon ,

d on h a d b ecom e a h ot -b ed of r oy a l i s t co n sp i r a ci es a g a i n st
N a pol eon s p erson a n d gov ern m en t A sup er b a r my h a d
’
.

b een a ss embled a t Boulogn e for t h e i n v a si on of En gl a n d .

Th e p a c i fic Add i n gt on h a d r et i red from offi c e a n d Pit t ,

t h e grea t w ar-l ea d er, h a d r et u r n ed t o power Hi s fi r st .

move h a d b een t o fo r m t h e Th i rd Co a l it i on a ga i n st
F r an c e .

’ ’
Th e Kin g s reply to N a pol eo n s overtures wa s t h at h e
E I 69 J
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
mus t con sul t t h e Co n t i n en t a l Power s a n d i n p a r t i cul a r
,

Russi a b efo r e gi vi n g a d efi n it e a n swer

,
.

Th e Cz a r h a d b een mu c h mo r t i fi ed by t h e sec o n d a r y
p a r t wh i ch h e h a d pl a yed i n t he s et t lem en t of affa i r s i n
Ger m a n y a ft er t h e Pea ce of Lu n evi lle I n Oct ob er 1 8 0 3 .

t h e Aus t r i a n Gov er n m en t w a s i n vi t ed t o m a k e a r r a n ge
m en t s for joi n t a c t i o n wit h Russi a b u t sh r u n k fr om t h e
,

p r osp ect of a n ot h e r w a r A yea r l at er i n Novemb er 1 80 4

.
, ,

sh e fi n a lly a g reed t o s i gn a d ec l a r a t i o n b u t n ot a t r ea t y
, ,

by whi c h t h e t w o Power s u n d er t ook t o resi st fu r t h er

Fren c h a ggr es si on s i n I t a ly a n d Ger m a n y .

At l en gt h on t h e 1 1 Ap r i l 1 8 0 5 a fo r m a l t rea t y w a s
, ,

s i gn ed by wh i c h t h e t wo Power s a g r eed t o for m a Eu r o

p ea n l ea gue for t h e r est o r a t i on of p ea c e a n d of t h e b a l a n c e
of power Holl a n d Swi t zer l a n d a n d I t a ly wer e t o b e freed
.
,

from F r en c h c o n t r ol E n gl a n d p r om i sed t o p ay a l a r ge
.

a n n u a l sub sid y for t h e m a i n t en a n ce of t h e t r oops employ ed

a g a i n st F r a n ce .

At a momen t wh en i t s eem ed possi bl e t h a t t h e Co a l i t i o n

m i ght fa ll t h r ough N a pol eon b r ought t h e m a t t er t o a
,

h ea d by h i s d eci si on t o a ssum e t h e c r own of I t a ly He h a d .

fi rst off er ed t h e c r own t o Jos eph a n d t h en on hi s r efus a l

,

t o Lou i s b u t bo t h d ecl i n e d t o gi ve up t h ei r r i gh t s t o t h e
,

Imper i a l succ essi on for a n omi n a l kin gsh i p N a pol eon .

t h er efo r e a n n ou n c ed h i s d ec i si on t o h i ms elf a ssum e t h e

I r on C r own of Lomb a r dy I n Jun e Gen o a w a s fo r m a lly
.
,

an n exed t o t h e Emp i r e a n d Lu cc a t u rn ed i n t o a p r i n c i

p a l i t y for Eli sa Shor t ly a ft erw a r d s P a r m a w a s a l so a n

.

n exed By t h ese st eps a l l I t a ly west of t h e Ad i ge a n d n o r t h

.

of Tusc a n y w a s b r ought u n d er t h e d i r ec t r ul e of N a pol eon .

As w e h a ve a l r ea dy s een N a pol eo n a r r i ved a t Fon

,

t a i n eb l ea u o n h i s r et urn fr om I t a ly on t h e 1 1 July Aft er .

r em a i n i n g t h ere a w eek h e w en t t o S a i n t -Cloud w i t h Jo se

ph in e a n d t h e n i gh t of hi s a rr iv a l t h ey a t t en d ed t h e op er a
, ,

wh er e N a pol eon r ec ei ved a w a r m rec ept i o n H e t h en p r o .

c eed ed t o Boulogn e wh er e h e h eld a r ev i ew of t h e a r my

wh i ch h a d b een a ss embl ed for t h e i n v a si o n of E n gl a n d .

O n t h e s ev en t h of July F r a n c i s t h e S econ d si gn ed t he
,

[ 1 70 21
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
comm an d ed a s Emp eror Th e a r my w a s muc h t h e l a r gest.

whi ch h e h a d y et h a d u n d er hi s or d er s a n d a cco r d i n g t o ,

hi s ow n s t a t em en t it w a s t h e b es t h e ev er comm an d ed .

Th e fi n a l vi c t o r y w as t h e most b r i lli a n t a n d t h e m a t d e
a rea l eb ef-d oeu vr e of b a t t l es of wh i ch
’
c i si v e h e ev er w on , ,

h e w a s a lw a ys v er y p r oud .

I t m ay t h erefo r e b e of i n t erest t o sp ea k h ere of som e

’
of t h e gen er a l s w h o won u n dyi n g glor y u n d er N a pol eon s
l ea d er sh i p a n d t o ex a mi n e b r i efly h i s m et hod of con duc t
i n g h i s c a mp a i gn s .

T h e Gr a n d Ar my h a d b een en c a mp ed fo r t w o yea r s on
t h e sho res of t h e Ch an n el wholly en g a ged i n m i l i t a r y ,

exerc i ses N a pol eon h a d o cc up i ed t h i s t i m e i n p e r fect i n g

.

it s o r g a n i z a t i on a n d n ever w a s t h ere a n yt h i n g fi n e r o r
,

mo re m a r t i a l T h e syst e m of d i vi si on s employed duri n g

.

t h e R evolut i on h a d b een a b a n d o n ed a n d t h e a r my w a s ,

or g a n i zed i n seven c or p s of fr om t wo t o fou r d i vi s i on s

,

eac h c omm a n d ed by m a r sh a l s Th er e wer e a lso power ful

, .

res er v es of c a v a l r y a n d t h e Imp er i a l Gu a r d Th e m a rsh a l s

, .

were a l l m en t r i ed i n m an y b a t t l es b u t a l l wer e n ot a t ,

fi r st gi ven a ssi gn m en t s .

B er n a d ot t e h a d t h e fi r st c o r ps Ast ut e c a lm selfi sh .
, , ,

c a lcul a t in g of mor e poli sh ed m a n n er s t h a n most of t h e

,

m a r sh a ls h e h a d c on si d er a bl e power s of c omm a n d b u t
, ,

N a poleon n ever fully t r ust ed hi m a n d p er h a ps employed

h i m i n t h e fi eld b ec a u se h e t hough t i t d a n ger ous t o l ea ve
hi m b ehi n d i n F r a n ce .

M a r mon t fo r m er ly an a i d e d e ca mp a n d a n a rt i llery
, ,

offi c er c omm a n d ed t h e sec on d c o r p s a lt hough h e h a d n ot

, ,

y et b een m a d e m a r sh a l .

D a vou t w a s a t t h e h ea d of t h e t hi r d c o r p s Wi t h t h e ex .

c ept i on o n ly of M a s se n a h e w a s t h e a bl est of t h e m a r sh a l s .

He w a s a s t er n d i s ci pli n a r i a n b u t popul a r wi t h hi s m en , ,

for who se comfo r t h e w a s ever sol i ci t ou s .

Soult w a s pl a ced i n ch a r ge of t h e fou r t h co r ps He w as .

a m an of l a rg e fr a m e wi t h a n a c t i v e m i n d I n Swi t z erl a n d
, .

a n d a t G en o a h e h a d g i v en p r oofs of sup er i o r t a l en t s H e .

w a s a c a p a bl e comm a n d er b ut w a s d et est ed b y hi s sub ,

o r d rn a t es .

[ 1 72 21
MAR SHAL SO ULT
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
gen er a l , a n d e en
v on t h e b at t l e-fiel d frequ en t l y h an dl ed
h is m en b a dly .

Th e comm a n d ers of t h e G r a n d Army wer e r em a r k a bl e

for t h ei r comp a r a t i ve you t h N a pol eon w as t h it y-six .
,

a n d Soul t L an n es a n d Ney w er e t h e s a m e a ge ; D a vout

,

w as a yea r a n d Mur at t wo yea rs youn ger wh i l e M a r mon t ,

w a s on ly t hi rt y- on e Th e ol d es t were B ess i eres t h i r t y

.
,

s even B er n a dot t e fort y-t w o an d Au gerea u fort y-ei ght

, .

Amon g t h e d i vi s i o n comm a n d er s wer e m an y m en w h o

a t t a i n ed g r eat d i s t i n c t i on i n a ft er y ea rs : O u d i n ot Suc h et ,

a n d Grou c hy a ll l a t er m a d e m a r sh a ls ; V an d a mm e Dupo n t
, ,

a n d S a i n t -H i l ai re a ll n a m es well k n own i n t h e h i s t o r y of
,

N a poleon s c a mp a i gn s ; b u t i t i s i mpossi bl e t o dwell o n

’

t h em h er e .

F r om t hi s port r ai t of N a pol eon s m a rsh a ls i t wi ll b e ’

seen t h a t wi t h t he ex cept i on of D a vout a n d Soult t h er e

w a s n on e t o whom h e could t h en en t rus t an in d ep en d en t
comm a n d .

Th e seven corps ea ch of from t w o t o four d i vi si o n s

, ,

v a r i ed gr ea t ly i n n umb er s a su r e g a uge of N a pol eon s ,

’

O p i n i on of t h e a b i l i t y of t h e r esp ec t i v e comm an d er s Auge .

r ea u h a d m en ; B ern a d ot t e an d L an n es ea c h
M a r mon t , Ney D a vout
, an d ,

Soult , Th e Gu a r d u n d er B ess i eres n umb er ed, ,

60 0 0 an d t h e c a v a lry u n d er Mur a t
, , a gr a n d t ot a l
,

of m en .

At h i s t i m e M a ss en a wi t h
t m en i n I t a ly w a s
opposed t o t he Archduke Ch a r les wi t h doubl e h is forces .

“
M a ssen a whom N a poleon c a ll ed l En fan t c h é r i d e l a
,
’

”
Vi ct oi re wa s t h e a bl est of t h e m a rsh a ls an d t h e on e
, ,

b est fit t ed for i n d epen d en t comm an d At Z u ric h an d i n .

,

t h e d efen c e of Gen o a h e h a d showed gr eat vi go r H e w a s

, .

a m an of s t ron g ch a r a ct er t ri ed cour a ge a n d grea t r eso

, ,

l ut ion He r an ked very hi gh a mon g t h e gen era l s of t h e

.

d a y At t h a t t i m e h e w a s i n his fift i et h yea r

. .

Th e br a i n , t h e soul of t h e whol e organ i z a t i on , w a s

N a poleon h i mself He a lon e comm an d ed i n ch i ef, com
.

E 1 74 ]
 AU STE RLITZ
b in i n g i n h i s ow n p erso n t h e fu n ct i o n s n ot o n ly of h ea d of
t h e S t at e b u t a lso of Gen er a l i ss i mo a n d of Ch i ef of S t a ff
, , ,

i n fa ct if n ot i n n a me H erei n l a y t he gr eat d efec t of hi s

.

m i lit a ry org a n i z at i on wh i ch b ec a m e more a n d mo r e

,

evi d en t wi t h t h e growt h of h i s a rm i es i n l at er y ea rs .

N a poleon w as fort u n at e en ough n ever to b e wou n d ed b u t

on ce a n d t h en n ot s eri ously an d h e h a d an i ron co n st it u
, ,

t i o n wh i ch bore a ll t h e fa t i gu es of h i s n um erous c a mp a i gn s .

B ut i f a n yt h i n g h ad h a pp en ed t o hi m at a cri t i c a l mom en t ,

t h er e w a s n o on e t o r epl a c e hi m B ert hi er t he n om in a l.
,

Ch ief of S t aff w as on ly a v er y a bl e an d v ery u seful h ea d

,

cler k who rec ei v ed i n t h e n a m e of t h e Emp eror t he re

,

po rt s of t h e m a rsh a ls a n d s i gn ed hi s ord ers for h i m Th e .

on ly t i m e t h at h e ev er h a d t h e opport un it y of a c t i n g on
h i s ow n i n it i a t i ve at t h e b egi n n in g of t h e Wa gr a m ca m
,

p a i gn h e n ea rly b rough t t h e a rmy t o d i s a s t e r If t h e

, .

s en i or Molt ke h a d b een ki ll ed or fa llen s i ck t h er e we re ,

m a n y o ffi c er s on t h e Pru ssi a n st aff who could h a ve fill ed

h is pl a c e w it h cr ed it b u t N a pol eo n w a s t h e on e s t a r per
,

form er w h o n ever h a d a n u n d erst udy .

Duri n g hi s c a mp ai gn s N a pol eo n w as a lwa ys accom

,

p an i ed by B ert h i er Du r o c a n d C a ul ai n court
, b esi d es ,

sev er a l s ecr et a ri es a n d a c r ow d of a i d es d e c a mp Duroc

- .

d id n ot poss ess a b r i lli a n t m i n d b u t w a s fa i t hful a n d ,

upri ght a n d very us eful t o t h e Emperor whose en t i re

, ,

con fid en c e h e poss esse d C a ul a i n court w a s a lw a ys by t h e

.

Emp e ror s si d e h i s d ut y b ei n g t o a ccomp a n y h i m ev e ry

’
,

wh er e He w a s a n exc ell en t gen er a l offic er : fr a n k a n d loy a l

.
,

a n d lov ed a n d es t eem ed by a ll Aft er t he d eat h of Du r oc .

i n 1 8 1 3 h e comb i n ed t h e du t i es of Gr an d M a rsh a l wi t h
,

t hos e of Ch ief Equ erry T h e a bove m en t io n ed o ffi c e rs

.
,

wi t h n um er ous a t t en d a n t s a n d s erv an t s con st it ut ed t he ,

Empe ror s m i lit a ry household wh i ch at t h e en d of 1 80 6

’
,

n umb er ed 80 0 p erso n s .

Th e Emp eror s p erson a l domest i c s t aff con s i st ed of

’

Con st a n t h i s h ea d v a l et d e ch a mbre from 1 80 0 t o 1 8 1 4

, ,

a n d t h r ee a ss i s t a n t s Nex t t o Co n s t a n t t h e mos t i n t i m a t e
.

of N a poleo n s s er v an t s w a s t h e M a m el uk e Rou st an who

’

1: 1 7s 3
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
a lwa ys gu a rd ed h i m a t n i ght a n d a ct ed a s out r i d er by
,

d ay c a r r y i n g h i s g r ea t -co a t a n d po rt m an t ea u
, .

To comp let e t h e d escr i p t i o n of t h e Emp er o r s house ’

hold it rem a i n s t o sp ea k of h i s st aff of sec r et a r i e. who

w ere v er y few i n n umb er fo r t h e a r d uou s d ut i es r equ i red
‘

of t h em N a pol eon d i d n ot li k e n ew fa c es c on sequ en t ly

. ,

h e h a d fr om 1 796 t o 1 8 1 5 o n ly t h r ee p r i v a t e s ec ret a ri es :
Bou r r ien n e h i s ol d sc hool fr i en d whom h e w a s obli ged t o
,

d i smiss fo r d i sho n est y i n 1 80 2 ; M é n ev a l w h o w a s i n a ll

,

t h e c a mp a i gn s of t h e Emp i re u n t i l 1 8 1 3 a n d fi n a lly F a i n
, , .

Duri n g a c a mp a i gn i t w a s N a pol eon s cus t om t o r em a i n

’

a t h ea d qu a r t er s u n t i l t h e l a st mom en t a n d t h en t r a v el
,

r a p id ly by c a r r i a ge so a s t o b e a t t h e h ea d of hi s c o r ps

t h e mom en t hi s p r esen ce w a s n eces sa r y Th e i n t er i o r of.

h i s t r a vell i n g c a r r i a ge w a s so a r r a n ged t h a t h e c oul d u se

it a s a b ed by n i gh t a n d so t r a v el wi t hou t fa t i gu e .

For t h e p a st ei gh t y y ea r s t h e mos t i n t er est i n g exh i b it

a t M a d a m e Tu ssa u d s i n Lo n d o n h a s b een t h e l a st t r a vel
’

l in g c a r r i a ge used by N a pol eo n wh i c h w a s c a p t u r ed by
,

t h e Pru ssi a n s a ft er t h e b a t t l e of W a t er loo I t w a s bu i l t .

for h i m i n 1 8 1 1 a n d w a s e mployed du ri n g t h e Russi a n

,

c a mp a i gn of 1 8 1 2 a n d t h e followin g yea r i n Ger m an y ;

,

i t c a r r i ed hi m fr om Fo n t a i n ebl ea u t o t h e c o a st i n 1 8 1 4 ,

a n d fr om P a r i s t o B el gi um i n Ju n e 1 8 1 5 .

I n gen er a l d esi gn i t m a y b e d esc r i b ed a s a t wo-s eat ed

ber l i n e d e voy a ge Th e co a ch i s v er y h ea vi ly a n d s t r on gly
.

bui lt a n d t h e ext er i or i s v er y pl a i n t h e o n ly m a r k of
, ,

d i st i n ct i on b ei n g t h e Imp er i a l a r m s embl a zon ed o n t h e

door-p a n els Th e body i s swun g on t hi c k l ea t h er st ra ps
.
,

a t t a c h ed t o s t r on g C sp r i n gs At t h e fou r c o r n ers of t h e
.

body t h er e a r e squ a re bl a c k m et a l l a mps m a d e t o t a ke ,

l a r ge w a x c a n dl es A t r a v ellin g t r un k w a s c a r r i ed b eh i n d
.

on a r a c k .

Th e c o a ch w a s d r awn by six h ea vy No r m an ho r s es fou r ,

d ri v en by t h e co a c hm a n a n d t h e l ea d ers u n d er c on t rol of
,

a po st i l i o n .

Th e i n t eri or i s more i n t er est i n g t h a n t h e ext er i o r Th ere .

a r e t w o d eep a n d r oomy s ea t s d i v i d ed by a mov a bl e a r m

,

E 1 76 J
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
wh it e st eed M a r en go wh ich h e r od e a t W a t erloo l i v ed
t o t a k e p a r t i n h i s fu n er a l p r oc es si o n i n 1 840 .

At his h ea d qu a rt er s i n t h e fi eld wh et h er t empo r a r y or

,

p er m a n en t N a poleon a lwa ys r equ i r ed b esid es h i. sl eep

, ,

i n g-room a n o ffi ce i n t h e cen t r e of wh i c h w a s a t a ble wi t h

,

hi s m a p sp r ea d ou t I n t h e c o rn er s of t h e room wer e t a bl es
.

for hi s secr et a r i es .

Th e Emp er o r u su a lly r et i r ed a t ei gh t o c lock, a ft er

’

d i n n er , a n d r ose a g a i n a bout on e o r t wo i n t h e mo rn i n g,
wh en t h e r epo r t s b eg a n t o c om e i n O n t h e m a p , wh i c h
.

w a s su r r ou n d ed by t w en t y or t h i r t y c a n d les, t h e po si t i o n s
of h i s co r p s, an d a l so of t h e en emy a s fa r a s kn own , were
m a r ked by p i n s I t w a s on t h i s t h a t h e wo r ked , movi n g h is
.

c omp a ss, op en t o t h e sc a l e of si x t o sev en l ea gu es, t h e

len gt h of a m a rc h As soon a s h e h a d m a d e up hi s m in d , h e
.

b ega n t o d i ct at e h i s or d er s r a p i d ly, w h il e w a l ki n g a r oun d t he

r oom . I t w a s a lwa y s d i fli cu l t for hi s sec r et a r i es t o keep
p a ce wi t h hi m As soon a s t h e o r d er s wer e wr it t en ou t t h ey
.

were p r esen t ed fo r h i s i n it i a l , a n a b st r a ct w a s m a d e for

t h e fil es, a n d t h e o r d er s were t h en d i sp a t c h ed t o t h e d iff er
en t m a r sh a l s, so t h a t t h e c o r p s woul d b e r ea dy t o m a r c h

a t d a y -b r ea k I t i s r e m a r k a bl e t h a t N a pol eo n m a d e l a r ge
.

u se of ci v i l i a n s fo r t h e secret a r i a t of hi s st a f f Not w i t h
.

st a n d i n g i t s fa ul t s N a pol eo n s st a ff syst em w o r k ed a d m i r
’

a bly i n h i s ow n h a n d s .

Th e Co a li t i o n pl a n of c a mp a i gn w a s fo r Au st ri a n s
an d Rus si a n s t o op er a t e i n t h e D a n u b e V a ll ey
un der Ar c hduke Fer d i n a n d , wit h M a c k a s h is Ch i ef of
S t aff, wh i l e Aust r i a n s u n d er A r ch d uke Ch a r l es
wer e t o b e i n I t a ly on t h e Ad i ge wh er e t h e m a i n a t t a c k
w a s t o b e d el i ver ed a g ai n st t h e F r en c h , who wer e exp ec t ed
t o b e u n d er t h e p er so n a l c omm a n d of N a pol eon .

B u t N a pol eo n g a ve M a s sen a t h e c omm an d i n I t a ly

wit h a st r on g c or p s, a n d o r d ered hi m t o con t a i n t h e
Aust r i a n s t h er e u n t i l t h e c a mp a i gn t ook a d ec i s i ve t u rn
i n G er m an y , wh i le h e h i ms elf t ook t h e c omm an d of t h e
Gr a n d Army of s even c o r p s wit h a st ren gt h of a bout
E 1 78 J
 AUSTERLITZ
At t he outs et t h e c a mp a i g n t ook a fa vo r a bl e
t ur n fo r N a pol eo n wh en M a ck i ssu ed ord er s fo r hi s t r oops
t o cross t h e fro n t i er a t o n c e wi t hou t w a it i n g fo r t h e Rus
,

s i a n s wit h t h e i d ea of cut t i n g off B a v a ri a from h er a ll i a n ce

,

wi t h Fr a n c e .

Th e six Fren ch corps l eft t h ei r c a mp s on t h e 2 7 Augus t ,

a n d t h e Gu a rd l eft P a ri s t h e sa m e d a y All h a d o r d er s t o
.

m a r ch by t h e sho r t est w a y t o t h e Rh i n e a n d t h e M a i n
wi t h a gen er a l l i n e of d i r ect i o n on Ulm Th e d i s t a n c e from
.

Boulogn e t o S t r a sbou r g i s a bout 30 0 m i l es a n d t h e t r oop s

cover ed it i n t wen t y-n i n e d a ys c r oss i n g t h e Rh i n e on t h e
,

2 7 S ep t emb e r N a pol eo n h i m self l eft P a r i s t h e 2 3 S ep t em

.

b er a n d w as a t S t r a sbou r g t h r ee d a ys l a t er Th er e h e .

l ea r n ed t h at M a ck h a d en t er ed Ulm on t h e t wen t i et h .

Con t i n u i n g h i s a dv a n ce an d fi n d i n g n o si gn s of M a c k
, ,

N a pol eon c rossed t h e D a n ub e on t h e sev en t h of Oc t ob er ,

l ea vi n g on ly t h e co r ps of Ney on t h e n ort h s i d e t o b a r t h e
ro a ds fr om U l m t o Boh em i a Fo r m i n g h i s t r oops i n t o
.

t h ree g r oup s t h e Emp er or d i r ect ed L a n n es a n d Mur a t

,

t o m a r ch on U l m wh i l e B er n a d ot t e a n d M a r mo n t wer e t o
,

a dv a n c e o n Mu n i ch a n d hold off t h e Ru ss i a n s who w ere

er ro n eou sly r epor t ed t o h a v e a r r i v e d t h er e N a pol eo n

.

h i ms elf wit h t h e t w o st r on g c o r p s of Soul t a n d D a vout

a dv a n c ed o n t h e t en t h t o Augsbu r g wh er e h e w a s i n a
,

posit i on t o support ei t h er Mu r a t or B er n a dot t e a cc ord i n g

t o c i r cumst a n ces .

Wh i l e N a pol eon w a s b rea ki n g up t h e c a mp a t Boulogn e

t h e l a st of Augus t M a c k h a d m a r ch ed i n t o B a v a r i a t o
,

forc e h er eit h er t o join t h e Co a l i t i o n or rem a i n n eu t r a l .

Th e B a v a ri a n s fell b a c k t o B a mb er g a n d M a c k t ook up
,

a pos i t i o n b et w een Ulm an d L a k e Co n s t an ce t o a w a i t t h e

a r r i v a l of t h e Ru ss i a n s who wer e s t i ll 2 50 m i l es a w a y a n d
,

c ould n ot b e exp ec t ed b efo r e t h e m i ddl e of Oc t ob er He

.

w as looki n g for t h e F r en c h who h a d usu a lly a dv a n c ed

,

t h r ough t h e Bl a ck For es t t o follow t h e c u st om a ry rou t e

, .

About t h i s t i m e h e rec ei v ed t h e n ews t h a t N a pol eon wit h

hi s m a i n a rmy w a s c om i n g t o G er m an y a n d n ot goi n g t o
I t a ly He i mm ed i a t ely g a v e ord er s t o ch an ge t h e d i rec t i o n
.

[ 1 79 ]
 NAPOLEON THE F I RST
of l a rge bod i es of t r oops wh i ch wer e m a rchi n g to I t al y ,

but i t w as t oo l a t e t o do an y good .

’
All of N a pol eon s movem en t s up t o his a rri v a l at S t u t t
’
g a rt h ad esc a p ed M a c k s k n owledge Fi n d i n g av l a st t h at .

N a poleon w as on t h e w a y t o en velop e hi s ri ght fl an k a n d

cut off hi s li n e of c ommu n i c at i on s i n six d a ys h e m a d e n o
,

l ess t h an six d iffer en t pl an s t o esc a p e from t h e n et fa st

closin g a roun d h im b u t a ll i n v ai n He t ri ed firs t t o
, .
, ,

oppose N a pol eon s c r ossi n g t h e D an ub e ; n ext t o ret rea t

’
,

t hrough Augsburg ; t h en t o cr oss t h e D an ub e t o t h e n ort h ;

,

th en t o ret reat by w a y of Ulm in t o Boh em i a ; t h en a ft er

, ,

d et ermi n in g t o rem a in in Ulm h e fin a lly a ga in d eci d ed ,

t o ret rea t i n t o Boh em i a B u t i t w a s n ow t oo l a t e N a pol eon

. .

w as a dv a n ci n g on bot h b an k s of t h e ri ver an d on t h e ,

fift een t h M a ck w a s d r i ven b a c k i n t o t h e fort ress wh i ch w a s

n ow en t i r ely dom i n a t ed O n t h e 1 7 O ct ob er h e su r ren d er ed
.

wi t h m en Two l a r ge d et a c hm en t s wh i ch at t emp t ed
.

t o esc a pe w ere a l so su r r ou n d ed a n d c a p t ured I n a l l .

Aust ri a n s wer e t a ken p ri son er s On ly Archduke F e rd i n a n d

.

wi t h a sm all forc e su cceed ed i n get t in g aw ay s a fely The .

Aust ri an s h a d b een b eat en a lmos t wi t hout firin g a shot .

I t w as a rep et it i o n on a l a r ger sc a l e of t h e s t r at egy of

“ ” “
M a ren go The whole Ulm m a n oeuv r e s a ys Dodge i s
.
, ,
”
on e of t h e very fi n es t i n h i s t ory .

N a poleon i mm ed i a t ely t u r n ed b a c k hi s m a i n body t o join

B ern a dot t e an d con cen t r a t e hi s for ces Th i s w as a ecom .

l i h d t h t w t y-fift h wh en t h e F r en ch were a bou t 2 2

p s e on e en , 5
mi les from Vi en n a t o whic h t hey n ow a dva n c ed r a pi dly
, .

O n t h e 1 3 N ovemb er Mu r a t sei zed t h e b ri dge a cross

t h e D an ub e a t Vi en n a by a st ra t a gem so t h a t N a pol eon ,

could cross t h e ri ver i mm ed i a t ely Th e n ext t wo d a ys h e .

ga t h ered t oget h er t h e t roo p s t h at h a d crossed t h e ri v er

an d press ed on to B rii n n Th er e h e c a m e t o a h a l t a s h e
.
,

h a d on ly m en a ct u a lly i n h a n d : t h e Gu a rd an d t h e
corps of L an n es a n d Soul t .

I n sp it e of t h e great succ ess of hi s c a mp a i gn up t o t hi s

poi n t t h e pos it i on of N a pol eo n w a s rea lly crit i c a l Th e
, .

F ren ch a rmy was 40 0 m i les fr om it s b a s e a n d was much ,

[ 1 80 ]
 AU STERLI TZ

w ea ken ed by d et a chm en t s I t s lon g l i n e of com m u n i c a t i on s

.

r a n t h r ough south ern G erm an y wh i ch w as fri en dly b u t

, ,

t o t h e n ort h Pruss i a w a s b egi n n in g t o a r m W i n t er w a s .

a l r ea dy a t h an d a n d bot h t h e Emp eror a n d h i s sold i er s

,

w er e a n xi ous to b e b ack i n Fr a n c e .

Th e Cz a r b eli eved th at N a pol eon h a d o n ly a very wea k

forc e a t B rii n n so h e d eci d ed t o at t a ck h i m th ere wh i ch
, ,

w as ex a c t ly wh a t N a poleon w an t ed Th e Alli es a dv a n ced .

so slowly t h a t t he Emp eror h a d a mp le t i m e t o con cen t r a t e

hi s forc es .

O n t h e 30 Nov emb er t h e Fr en ch ou t post s wer e d ri ven

i n N a poleon i mm ed i a t ely p en et r a t ed t h e d es i g n s of t h e
.

Alli es a n d d id h i s b est t o en c ou r a ge t h em He d r ew hi s .

t roops slowly b a ck an d t ook up a pos i t i o n wh i ch h e h a d

s el ect e d b et ween B r ii n n a n d Aust erli t z wh i ch len t i t s elf
well t o t h e t urn i n g movem en t a t wh i ch t h e Alli es we re
a i m i n g Th ere t h e Fren ch a r my t ook s t a t i on on t h e n i gh t
.

of t h e fi r st of D ec emb er whi l e K u t u sov d i spos ed hi s t roops

,

on t h e r i s i n g grou n d oppos i t e .

T h e ter r a i n of Aus t erl i t z i s ver y much b roken Th er e .

a r e a n umb er of h i lls a n d v a ll eys wh i ch w i ll h i d e l a rge

,

bod i es of t roops I n t h e squ a r e of say t en m i les from ea s t

.

t o w est by s ev en m i l es from n o r t h t o sou t h t h e fort r ess ,

ci t y of B r ii n n occup i es t h e n ort hw est corn er a n d p a st i t ,

i n a m a rshy lowl a n d a mi le wi d e flows t h e Sch w a rt zaw a

Ri ver bord eri n g t h e field o n t h e west From t h e ri ver t o
, .
,

t h e ea st t h e groun d ri s e s a n d fa lls i n a gr a du a l a sc en t t o
,

t h e pl a t ea u of Pr at z en wh i c h occup i es t h e c en t re of t h e

t h ea t r e a n d from t h en c e i t g r a du a lly d esc en ds t o t h e t own

,

of Aust er l it z Sou t hwest of Pr at zen on t h e sout h er n

.

bou n d a ry of t h e squ a r e t h ere a re t wo l a rge pon ds Th e .

pl a t ea u i s ski rt ed on t h e w es t by a brook c a lled Goldb a ch ,

a n d o n t h e ea s t a n d sout h si d es flows t h e Li t t a w a R i ver .

Th e r o a d from B rii n n t o Vi en n a ru n s d u e sou t h a lon g t h e

west b an k of t h e Schw a rt zaw a The coun t ry i s dot t ed .

wi t h vi ll a ges wh i ch a re con n ect ed by good d i rt ro a ds .

Th ere a r e few woods an d t h e t h eat re t hough full of hi lls

,

an d d a l es forms a good fi eld of m a n oeuvr e At t h e t i m e .

[ 1 81 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
of t h e b at t l e t h e pon ds were fr ozen a n d t h e i ce on t h e ,

m a r shy groun d g a ve a secu r e foot i n g .

N a pol eo n who h a d b een on t h e g r ou n d for sev er a l

,

d ays h a d b een i n t h e s a d dl e most of t h e t i m e a n i d d en

, ,

over t h e en t i r e c ou n t ry t o t h e n o rt h of t h e Lit t aw a An y .

ord i n a ry gen er a l would h a ve occup i ed t h e h ei ght s of

P r a t zen a n d fough t a d efen si v e b at t l e b u t he wa n t ed a
, ,
“ ”
figh t t o a d ecisi on a n d n ot on ly a n ord i n a r y b a t t l e
, ,

a s h e exp r essed i t .

Th e t r a i n ed ey e of N a pol eo n h a d n ot fai led t o c a t ch

t h e i n t en t i on of t h e All i es wh i c h w a s by a wi d e c i r cui t of
,

t h e F r en c h r i gh t fl a n k t o s ei ze t h e ro a d r u n n i n g sou t h
fr om Bru n n cu t h i m off fr om Vi en n a an d r ec over t h e
, ,

ca p i t a l T hi s woul d a l so en a bl e t h em t o joi n h an ds wi t h
.
’

Ar ch d uke Ch a r l es who w a s comi n g up fr om I t a ly As a .

st r a t eg i c m ea su r e t h ei r c ou r se w a s p r op er b u t fr om t h e ,

t a ct i c a l st a n d poi n t t h e lon g c i r cu i t w a s a n er r o r an d j ust ,

on e of t hose wh i c h N a pol eon l i ked t o see h i s en em i es

commit Th ei r m a n m u v r e would en a bl e h i m t o pi erce t h ei r

.

“
c en t re c u t t h em i n t w o a n d d eci si v ely d efea t t h em To
, , .

” “
t h e a v er a ge comm a n d e r sa ys D odge , i t woul d h a ve ,

b een a g a mblin g t r a n sa cti o n ; t o N a poleon it w as b et t in g

”
on a c er t a i n t y .

Wi t h t h i s obj ect i n Vi ew N a pol eo n l eft t h e P r at zen t o

,

b e occ up i ed by t h e en emy a n d drew up h i s a r my b eh i n d

,

t h e b r ook wi t h h i s l eft fl a n k o n t h e S a n t o n h i ll wh i ch h e ,

h a d c au sed t o b e st r on gly i n t r en ch ed L an n es w a s a t t h e .

l eft Soult in t h e c en t r e an d D a vout w h o h a d ju st a r r i ved

, , , ,

a t t h e r i gh t B er n a d ot t e a lso ca m e up i n t h e a ft er n oo n a n d
.

wen t i n t o po si t i on b et ween a n d t o t h e r ea r of L a n n es a n d
Soult Mu r at a n d t h e c a v a l ry wer e pl aced b eh i n d L a n n es
. .

Bess i er es wi t h t h e Gu a r d i n res erve w a s b a c k of B ern a

, ,

dot t e i n t h e vic i n it y of t h e h i ll wh ere t h e Emp er o r h a d

h i s b i vou a c Th e F r en ch r i gh t u n d er D a vou t w a s i n t en d ed
.

t o co n t a i n t h e a ll i ed l eft wh i c h w a s r ea c h i n g a r ou n d t o t h e

Vi en n a r o a d u n t i l t h e mom en t a r r i ved for N a pol eon wit h

his m a ss ed l eft an d c en t r e t o t a ke a dv an t a ge of a n y
op en i n g .

[ 1 82 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
ta l i on s i n colum n of a t t a c k t h e Emp ero r a sked How ,

lon g a t i m e do you requ i r e t o rea ch t h e h ei ght s of Pr a t

” “ “
zen ? Soult r epli ed L ess t h an t wen t y m i n ut es
, In
”
t h a t c a s e l et u s w a i t a qu a r t er of an hou r mor e 0 .

I n t h e m ea n t i m e t h e s t r o n g a ll ied forc e w as m a kin g

good p r ogr ess a g a i n s t t h e F r en ch ri ght a n d t h ei r h ea d s of
c olum n s w er e get t i n g well a cross t h e Gol d b a ch Bu t .

D a vout fight in g wit h hi s usu a l st ubborn n ess w a s keep

, ,

i n g t h e Ru ssi a n s i n ch eck an d t h i s fl an k w a s n ever i n a n y

,

r ea l d a n ger .

’
I t w a s n ea rly n i n e o c lock wh en N a pol eo n fi n a lly
ga ve t h e o r d er fo r Soul t t o a t t a ck a n d hi s fo r c e w as soon
,

i n r a p i d mot i o n t owa r d s t h e pl a t ea u of P r at zen Th e ot h er .

m a r shal s Mu r a t L an n es a n d B ern a d ot t e g a llop ed down

, , , ,

fr om b i vou a c h i ll t o h ea d t h ei r r esp ec t i ve corps .

N a pol eo n h a d b een rem a rk a bly a ccu r at e i n h i s t i mi n g .

At t h i s momen t a n a lli ed c olum n a c c omp a n i ed by h ea d

,

qu a r t ers t h e Cz a r a n d K u t u sov i n p er son w a s c li mb i n g

, ,

t h e oppo si t e sid e of t h e pl a t ea u Th i s fo r ce w as m a r c h i n g
.

i n r ou t e o r d er t h i n ki n g t h a t t h e F r en c h wer e y et fa r d i s
,

t an t . O n r ea c h i n g t h e b r ow of t h e pl a t ea u t h e Rus si a n
c omm an d er w a s a st o n i sh ed b eyo n d m ea su r e t o see t h e

F ren ch a bout t o a ss a u lt t h e h i ll wi t h a for ce fa r ou t

n umb er i n g h i s ow n R ea li zi n g h is d a n ger K u t u sov m a d e
.
,

a b r a v e r esi s t a n c e b u t w a s soon d r i ven b a c k down t h e

,

hi ll.

Wh i le t h e po ssessi on of Pr at zen w a s b ei n g con t est ed ,

L a n n es Mu r a t a n d B ern a d ot t e wer e d eli ver in g a s t ron g

,

a t t a ck o n t h e l eft an d g a i n in g grou n d st ea d i ly H er e .

t h er e w as a sh a rp figh t b et ween t h e Fren c h c a v a l r y u n d er

Mu r at a n d t h e Imperi a l Russ i a n Gu a rd s comm an d ed by ,

G r a n d Duk e Con st an t i n e To pu t a n en d t o t h i s con fl i ct

.
,

N a poleo n o r d er ed i n B essi er es wit h t h e c a v a l r y of t h e

Imp er i a l Gu a rd a n d t h es e sup erb squ a dron s ea si ly rod e
,

d own t h e Ru ssi a n c a v a lry B er n a d ot t e a n d L a n n es a g ai n

.

a d v a n c ed a n d by el ev en o c lo c k t h e whole Russ i a n ri gh t
,

w a s i n full r et r ea t o n Au st er l it z I n t h e m ea n t i m e fa r
.
,

a w ay t o t h e sou t h t h e a ll i ed l eft w a s b ei n g h eld i n ch eck

,

E 1 84 ]
 AU STERLITZ
by t h e sup erb work of t h e Fren ch r i gh t u n d er D a vou t .

A huge ga p of t h ree m i l es l ay b et ween t h e t w o a lli ed win gs ,

wh ere Soult w as dri v in g b a ck t h e wea k a lli ed c en t re As .

a n exh i b i t i o n of gr an d -t a c t i cs Aus t erl i t z wi ll ever r em a i n

a mod el .

B efo r e n oon Soult w as i n full poss essi o n of t h e Pr at zen ;

t h e a ll i ed a r my h a d b een cu t i n t w o a n d t h ei r l eft fight i n g , ,

o n t h e Goldb a c h h a d b een c a ugh t i n t h e t r i an gl e b et ween

,

t h e brook t h e pon ds a n d t h e Li t t aw a wit h i t s l i n e of r e

, , ,

t r ea t compl et ely sev er ed .

Th e Emp ero r h a d follow ed t h e a dv an c e of h i s l eft wi n g ,

u n t i l h e sa w t h a t t h ere w a s n o fu r t h er d a n ger fr om t h a t
qu a rt er H e t h en g a llop ed ov er t o Soul t followed by t h e
.
,

Gu a rd I n p a ssi n g h e t old hi s m en t h a t t h e b a t t l e w a s
.
,

w on a n d t h e ch eers swe p t l i k e a t i d a l w a v e a lon g t h e

,

en t i r e li n e .

Soult n ow t urn ed sout h from t h e P r a t zen a n d t ook t h e

a ll i ed l i n e i n r ev erse wh i l e D a vou t w h o h a d b een st a n d
, ,

i n g on t h e d efen s i v e a t t a c ked i n fo r ce By t w o o c lo c k
’

, .

t h e Russ i a n s w er e c ompl et ely su r r ou n d ed a n d m en a n d ,

gun s wer e c a pt u r ed by whol es a l e Tw o t hou sa n d m en .

,

a t t emp t i n g t o c r o ss t h e po n ds wer e d es t r oyed by t h e ,

F r en c h a rt i ll ery wh ic h b r oke t h e ice

, .

From S a i n t An t hon y s Ch a p el sout h of t h e P r a t zen

’
, ,

t h e Emp eror w a t ch ed t h e d est ruc t i o n of t h e a ll i ed l eft

Wi n g .

At t h e fa ll of n i gh t t h e v a ll ey of t h e Lit t aw a sep a r a t ed
,

t h e t w o a r m i es T h e F r en ch b i vou a c k ed i n t h e pos i t i o n t h e
.

Alli es h a d h eld t h e n i gh t b efo r e Th e t w o Emp er ors were .

a t Aus t er l it z prep a r i n g t o r et r ea t i n t o Hu n g a r y .

N a pol eon h a d un d er hi s [colo r s a t Aus t er l it z a bout

m en a n d hi s loss es w er e n ot fa r fr om seven t hou
s a n d T h e All i es p u t i n li n e a bout
. a n d t h ei r loss i n

ki ll ed wou n d ed a n d m i ss i n g w a s fully
,
m en a n d ,

on e hu n dred a n d si xt y gu n s B u t t h es e lo sses a re n o
.

a d equ a t e m ea su r e of t h e v i ct ory T h e b ea t en a r my w a s .

compl et ely d emo r a l i zed Th er e w as n o lon ger a n y org a n

.

iz ed forc e o n ly a d i sord ered b a n d of m a r a ud ers Few

,
.

£ 1 85 21
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
vi ct ories h ave b een more spl en d i d t h a n Aus t er l it z or
b et t er d eserv ed N a pol eo n n ever cea s ed t o feel t h a t Aust er
.

li t z w a s h i s most bri ll i a n t b a t t le M a ren go U lm J en a

.
, ,

were b a t t l es w on as t h e r esul t of a bl e s t ra t egi c C o mb i

n a t i on s R i vol i Aus t erl it z D r esd en exh i b i t ed N a pol eon s
’
.
, , ,

gran d-t a ct i cs on t h e b at t l e-fiel d a s t h e ot hers d i d n ot .

At dusk N a pol eon rod e over t h e fi eld a ccordi n g t o h is ,

h a b it a dd r ess in g e a ch regi men t a s h e p a ssed for h e kn ew

, ,

by h ea r t t h e hi st ory of every on e To t h e fift y -s even t h h e

.

“
s ai d R em emb er yea rs a go I n a m ed you t h e
, ,

Th e I n fa n t ry of t h e Gu a r d sh ed t ea rs of r a ge at n ot h a vi n g
b een p u t i n .

By m id n i gh t N a pol eon t ook up h i s qu a rt ers at t h e po st

house of Posorsit z a bout t h ree mi l es n ort hwes t of Aust er
,

lit z on t h e ro a d from B r ii n n t o O l m ii t z Hi t h er a t ea rly .

d a wn on t h e t h i rd c a m e P ri n c e Li cht en st ei n fr om t h e
Emp er o r Fr an c i s wi t h t h e request for a t ruc e a n d a p er
son a l i n t erv i ew Th e m ess a ge fr om t h e Aust ri an Emp er or
.

w a s t h e fi r st i n t i m at i o n N a poleo n h a d of t h e full eff ect s

of hi s vi ct ory an d he resolved a t on ce t o secu r e a l l i t s
fr u it s He refused t h e t r uc e b u t m a d e a n a ppoi n t m en t t o
.
,

m eet Fr a n ci s on t h e followi n g d a y At t he s a m e t i m e h e .

g a v e Mur a t ord ers t o pu r su e t he en emy To T a ll eyr an d .

who w a s a t Vi en n a t ryi n g t o a rra n ge t erms of p ea c e h e ,

“
sen t a c ouri er s a yi n g : I c a n wr it e you on ly t w o wo r d s
, .

An a rmy of on e hun d r ed t hous a n d m en comm a n d ed by

t h e t w o Emp erors i s en t i r ely d est royed Al l p r ot ocols b e .

”
com e un n ecess a ry Th e n egot i a t i on s b ecom e n ull
. .

O n t h e a ft er n oo n of t h e fou r t h t h e Emp eror of Aus t ri a

v i si t ed N a pol eon at hi s h ea dqu a rt ers n ea r t h e m i ll of
S a rochi t z wh ere an a gr eem en t w a s m a d e t o s t op hos t i l i t i es .

Th e Russi an s were t o ret i r e t o Pol an d an d t erm s of p eac e

were t o b e a rr an ged at on c e a t Pr esburg .

By t h e t reat y si gn ed t h e 2 6 D ecemb er 1 80 5 Aust ri a

p ai d h ea vi ly To I t a ly sh e c ed ed Ven et i a an d p a rt of
.

Ist ri a an d D al m at i a a n d t o B a va ri a t h e Tyrol Th e Ki n g
, , .

“ ”
of N a pl es c ea s ed t o rei gn Th e El ec t ors of B a v a r i a a n d
.

Wii rt em b erg were recogn i zed a s Ki n gs an d so by t h e ,

[ 1 86 ]
 CHAPTER THI RTEEN

J ENA AND AU ER STADT

Family Allian ces — Joseph Kin g f Na pl It ali an Tit l Fi f

, o es — The u ar e s

Lo is K i g of Hol l an d — Th Qu st i o
u , n f H an ov er P Ov t e e n o eace er ures

Co f d t io f t h Rhi — E d f t h Holy Ro m Em pi
n e er a n o e ne n o e an re

N pol o s D i e f r P a e — Q Lo i — D pl i it y f P i
’
a e n es r o e c ueen u sa u c o r uss a

H Ul
ert i m t m t o N pol o a u S t gt h f t h T w
a Co m b t
e nt — Th ren o e o a an s e

S t f W r — Ad v
ea o of t h
a P i A m y — Mov m t f t h
an ce e r u ss a n r e en s o e

F h — Th B tt l -fi l d f J
ren c e d A rst ad t — Th P
a e e s o i D en a an ue e r u ss an s e

f t d t Bot h Pl
ea e a Di p i on f Th i A my N pol E t
aces s ers o e r r a eon n ers

B li i Tri m ph
er n n u

ROM t h e t a ct i c a l poi n t of vi ew Aust erlit z w a s

N a pol eon s great est b at t l e He w as s t i ll t o g a i n
’
.

m a n y ot h er vi ct o r i es b u t n o n e so bri lli a n t or so ,

d ec i si v e Up t o t hi s t i m e For t u n e h a d a lwa ys smi l ed upo n

.
,

h i m Th e hour h a d n ot y et com e wh en h e w a s t o m a k e
.

t oo g r ea t d em a n ds upo n h er fa vors Fourt een mo n t hs .

l a t er a mi dst t h e blood a n d sn ow of t h e c em et e ry on t h e
, ,

fr ozen pl a i n of Eyl a u he w a s t o h a ve somet hi n g li ke a ,

gloomy vi si on of t h e fut u r e a p r oph et i c p erspect i ve of t h e ,

Ru ssi a n d i s a st er t h e fi r st wa r n i n g of an out ra ged Provi

,
“
d en c e H e wa s t h en t o rem a r k
. Thi s sc en e i s en ough t o ,
”
i n sp i r e i n pri n c es t h e love of p ea c e an d t h e h a t r ed of w a r .

B u t n o such t hough t s c a m e t o hi s m i n d a t Aus t erli t z W a r .

t h en a pp ea r ed t o hi m o n ly on i t s b r i ll i a n t s i d e .

O n t h e t h i rd an d fou r t h of D ec emb er N a pol eo n s en t ,

Jos eph i n e l et t ers gi vi n g a full d escri p t i on of t h e ext en t of

h i s vi ct ory Pea ce wit h Aus t ri a h a d b een a gr eed upon
.
,
“
a n d t h e Russ i an s w ere goi n g hom e Th e b a t t le of Aus t er .

lit z i s t h e fi n est of all t h a t I h a ve fough t : fort y-fiv e fl a gs ,

mo r e t h a n on e hun dred an d fift y p i eces of c a n n on t h e ,

st an d a rds of t h e Russi a n Gu a rd more t h a n t wen t y ,

”
t hous a n d ki ll ed a hor r i bl e si ght .

[ 1 88 ]
MAR SHAL D AVO UT
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
i
r a ge, S t eph an i e d e Bea u h a m a i s; a n d t h at of his brot h er
J ero m e wit h t h e Pri n cess C a t h erin e d a ught er of t h e ,

Ki n g of Wii rt em b u rg .

O n New Yea r s ev e N a pol eon en t ered Mu n i ch a n d er

’
,

a t ri umph a l a rch erec t ed i n h i s hon or Four d a ys l a t er h e .

wr ot e Eugen e t o s t a rt a t on ce for Mun i ch a n d t o t r a vel

in c ogn i t o a s r a p i dly as pos si ble Na pol eon w a s d esi r ou s
.

of ret u rn i n g at o n c e t o P a r i s wh ere hi s presen c e w a s n ec es

s a r y b u t h e rem ai n ed a t Mun i ch t o overcom e t he o bj ec
,

t i on s of t h e Qu een t o t h e m a r r i a ge I n a l l jus t i c e t o N a po
.

leon i t mu st b e s a id t h at h e en d ea vored t o g ain h i s en d s

on ly by plea s an t m ean s He exerc i s ed a ll of hi s powers of
.

s educt i on a n d w as so at t en t i ve t o t h e Queen t h a t h e even

,

a r ous ed t h e j ea lousy of Jose ph i n e .

Eugen e a rri ved at Mun i c h on t h e t en t h of J a n u a r y .

Th e Vi ce roy of I t a ly w a s t hen t wen t y-four yea rs of age .

Wit hout b ein g h an dsom e h e h a d a p erfect figu re Li k e

, .

his fa t h er h e d a n c ed well a n d exc elle d in a ll k i n d s of

, ,

phys ic a l exerc i ses He w a s fr a n k a n d si mple i n hi s m a n n er s

.

an d a ff a bl e w i t h everybody H e h a d a v ery g a y d i spo si t i on

.

a n d w as a lw a ys h a ppy N a pol eon w a s very fon d of hi m

.

a n d t reat ed h i m l i k e a son .

Eu gén e showed mu ch t a ct i n his r el at i o n s wi t h hi s

fut ure wi fe a n d cou rt ed h er a s a ss i duously a s if t h ei r
,

m a r ri a ge w as n ot a lready a rr an ged Th e fea r s of t h e .

youn g p r in c ess soon ga ve pl ace t o joy a n d wh a t w a s t o ,

h a ve b een a m a r i age d e m i m e b ec a m e a rea l m a r i a ge

’
d a m ou r .

Th ewedd in g t ook pl a c e on t h e 1 4 J an u a ry 1 80 6 i n t h e
r oy a l ch a p el a n d was c el ebr a t ed wi t h g r ea t pomp N a po .

leon form a lly a dopt ed Eu gEn e a n d i n t h e m ar r i a ge con

,
“ ”
t r a ct g a v e h i m t h e n a m e of N a pol eon Euge
- n e d e F r an ce .

I n t h e fut ure h e a lwa ys a dd r ess ed hi m i n hi s l et t ers a s

“ ”
M on fil s The P r in c ess August a proved t o b e a mo d el
.

wi fe a n d mot h er an d t h e m a rr i a ge w as a very h a ppy on e .

Aft er t h e down fa ll of t he Empi r e sh e resi st ed a l l t h e effo rt s

of her fa m i ly t o h ave h er a b a n don h er husb a n d a n d t e
m a i n ed fa it hful t o t he en d .

[ 1 90 ]
 JENA AN D AU ERSTADT
A w eek a ft er t h e wedd i n g Eugen e a n d h i s wi fe l eft for
M i l a n wh i le t h e Emp er or a n d Empress st a r t ed for P a ri s
, ,

a rriv i n g a t t h e Tu i l eri es t h e n i gh t of t h e 2 6 J a n u a r y .

O n t h e fi r s t of J an u a ry 1 80 6 t h e r epubli c an c a l en d a r
c a m e t o a n en d a ft er t h i r t een yea rs t hree mon t hs a n d ,

t en d a ys So t h e l a s t v es t i ge of t h e R epubl i c w a s eff a c ed
.
,
“
exc ep t t h e i n scr i p t i o n R epubli qu e Fr an c ai se N a pol eon
”
Emp ereu r on t h e c oi n s .

O n t h e ei gh t h of Apri l 1 8 0 6 i n t h e ch a p el of t h e Tu i l eri es
w as c elebr a t ed w i t h grea t pomp t h e m a rri a ge of S t eph a n i e
d e B ea u h a m a i s wi t h Pri n ce Ch a rl es of B a d en If an yt h i n g .

could p r ov e t h e power wh i c h t h e vi ct or of Aust erl it z t h en

exer c i s e d over t h e Co n t i n en t i t w a s c ert a i n ly t h i s m a r r i a ge

of t h e d a ugh t er of a F r en ch S en at o r wi t h a prin ce b elon g

i n g t o on e of t h e old es t a n d mos t i llus t r i ous fa m i lies i n
Europ e who by his t h ree si s t er s w as t h e brot h er-i n -l aw
,

of t h e Cz a r of Russ i a of t h e Kin g of Swed en a n d of t h e

,

Kin g of B a v a ri a .

Wh at t h en w a s t h e o ri gin of t h e you n g gi r l whom t h e

Pri n c e h a d m a r r i ed ? T h e M a r qu i s d e B ea u h a m a is t h e ,

fa t h er of Jos eph i n e s fi r st hu sb a n d h a d a b r ot h er Cl a ud e
’

, ,

who h a d a son of t h e s a m e n a m e who w a s t h e fa t h er of

,

S t eph an i e bo r n a t P a ri s t h e 2 8 August 1 78 9 Aft er t h e

, .

d ea t h of h er mot h er sh e w a s co n fid ed t o t h e c a re of an
a u n t a r el i gi eu se who b r ough t h er up H er m a t er n a l u n c l e
, , .

h a d t h e h a ppy t hough t of t a ki n g h er t o P a r i s a n d p r es en t
i n g h er t o t h e wi fe of t h e F i r st Co n sul Jos eph i n e w h o w a s.
,
“ ”
h er a u n t a l a m od e d e B r eta gn e t ook a n i n t er est i n t h e
’

gi r l a n d s en t h er t o t h e sc hool of M a d a m e C a mp a n Wh en .

she c om e t o t h e Tu i l er i es a ft er fi n i sh i n g h er educ a t i o n ,

Na pol eon t ook a gr ea t fa n cy t o h er a n d a mon t h b efo r e ,

h er m a r r i a ge h e form a lly a dop t ed h er a s his d a ugh t er t hus ,

gi vi n g h er prec ed en c e a t Court over hi s ow n si st er s Th i s .

s ec on d m a r r i a ge a r r an ged by N a pol eo n a lso p r oved a very

h a ppy on e S t eph a n i e w on t h e a ff ect i o n s of h er n ew
.

fa m i ly an d of h er subj ec t s a n d h er d ea t h i n 1 860 du r i n g
,

t h e S econ d Emp i r e w a s m u c h regret t ed bot h i n B a d en

a n d a t Pa r is Her eld es t d a ugh t er Lou i s e b ec a m e t h e
.
, ,

E 1 91 ]
 NAPOLEON THE F IRST
mot h er of t he Qu een of S a xon y ; t h e secon d Jos eph in e , ,

w a s t h e mot h er of t h e firs t Ki n g of Roum a n i a a n d of t h a t

Prin c e of Hoh en zollern w ho a s c an d i d at e for t h e Sp an i sh
thron e i n 1 870 w as t h e i n d i r ec t c a us e of t h e Fi a n c o
Germ a n w a r The youn gest d a ught er M a ri e m a rri ed t h e
.
, ,

Duke of H a mi lt on a grea t Scot ch lord, .

Th e d a y a ft er t he si gn a t ure of t h e Treat y of Presbu r g ,

N a pol eon a n n oun ced i n a mi lit a ry ord er a ddressed t o t h e

Ar my t h a t t h e Bourbo n dyn a st y i n N a pl es h a d c ea s ed
”
t o r ei gn .Even t he Aust r i a n h i st ori a n Fourn i er s a ys , ,
“
t h at, Th e pret ext for t h i s s t ep h a d it mus t b e a c k n ow l ,

edged , b een fu rn i sh ed by t h e Nea pol i t an Cou r t i t s elf

~
.

Du r in g t h e c a mp ai gn of Au st er l it z Qu een C a r oli n e h a d ,

d eli b er at ely broken h er p r om i se gi ven t o Fr a n c e i n August

t o rem a i n n eut r a l a n d h a d op en ed t h e port of N a ples t o
B r it i sh an d Russi an t roops Aft er t h e b a t t le t he Cza r re
.

c a ll ed hi s t roops a n d t h e En glish Go vern m en t followed

h i s ex a mpl e N a pol eon m a d e n o r eply t o t h e a bj ect let t er
.

of t h e Queen i mplorin g h i s c l em en cy a n d s en t h is t roops

t o t a k e poss essi on of N a pl es wh en c e t h e roya l fa m i ly ,

h a d t a ken fli gh t O n t h e 30 M a rch 1 80 6 Na pol eon a n

.
,

n ou n c ed h i s i n t en t i o n of m a ki n g h i s brot h er Joseph K i n g of

N a pl es wi t hou t forfei t u r e of h i s right s t o t he Imp er i a l

,

su cc essi on .

At t h e s a m e t i me i n a n ot h er d ecree t h e Emper or a n
, ,

n ou n c ed t h e form a t i o n of t wen t y t it ul a r duchi es i n t h e

n ewly-a cqu i red I t a li an t er r it or y on e fift een t h of t h e,

r ev en u e from t h es e l an d s a mou n t i n g t o from si xt y t o on e

,

hun d r ed t hous an d fra n cs a yea r i n ea ch c a s e t o s erv e a s ,

a n en d owm en t Th e n ew d u c h i es w er e con ferred upo n t h e

.

m a r sh a l s a n d ot h er d i gn it a ri es of t h e Empi r e Followi n g .

i s a p a rt i a l l i s t of t he duk es a s l a t er a ppo in t ed D a lm a t i a .

( Soul t ) Ist ri a ( B essi eres) F r i uli (Duroc ) B ellun o (Vi c

, , ,

t or) Trevi so ( Mo rt ier) B a ss a n o ( M a r et ) Vi c en z a (Ca u

, , ,

l ain cou rt ) Rovi go (S av a ry) Ot r an t o ( Fouch e) Ta r an t o

, , ,

(M a c don a ld ) a n d R eggi o (O u d in ot )
, .

Amon g t h e ot h er t it l es c on ferr ed by t he Emp eror a t t hi s

t i m e or l at er were : Mu r at Gr a n d Duc d e B erg et d e
,

[ 1 92 2]
 NAPOLEON TH E FIRST
was on h i s wa y t o joi n his a r my i n Mo r a vi a Qu een Lou i sa
.

a t t h i s t i m e c o n cei v ed t h e i d ea of u n i t i n g t h e t w o sov er

ei gn s by a sol em n o a t h , a n d a t m i d n i gh t on t h e fou r t h of
Novemb er 1 80 5 Al exa n d er a n d F r ed er i ck W il l i a nb w en t
t o t h e G a r r i so n Chu r c h a t Pot sd a m wh er e ov e r t h e t omb
of F r ed eri c k t h e Grea t t h ey boun d t hems elves t o suppo r t
t h e a ll i ed c a us e
.

P r us si a , however, w a s n ot t h en rea dy for w a r a n d d e

m a n d ed u n t i l t h e m i d d le of D ec emb er t o c ompl et e h er
p rep a r a t i o n s B efor e t h at d a t e a r r i ved t h e b a t t le of Aust er
.

lit z w a s fough t a n d A us t r i a sued for p ea ce Un d er t h e .

c h a n ged c on d i t i on s N a pol eo n w a s n o lo n ger wi ll i n g t o

a llow P r u ssi a t o m a i n t a i n ev en a n eu t r a l po si t i on , a n d

d em a n d ed a n a lli a n ce wi t h F r a n ce Th i s c omp a c t w a s
.

si g n ed a t Vi en n a t h e 1 5 D ecemb er 1 8 0 5 .

At t h e sa m e t i m e E n gl a n d w a s a l so en d ea vo r i n g t o
ob t a i n t h e suppo r t of P r u ssi a a n d F red eri c k Wi lli a m w a s
pl a c ed i n a n emb a r r a ssi n g posit i on He h a d t o c hoo se b e
.

t ween t h e h a lf of B elg i um , a n d t h e Rh i n el a n d , a s offer ed

by E n gl a n d , a n d H a n over a s a gi ft fr om N a poleon .

O n t h e t h i r d of J a n u a ry 1 8 0 6 a n i mpo r t a n t S t a t e
Cou n c i l w a s h el d a t B er li n a t wh ic h it w a s d ec id ed t o d e
m a n d of N a pol eo n som e i mpo r t a n t mod i fi c at i on s t o t h e
S ch on b r u n n Tr ea t y P r ussi a w a s en d ea vo r in g in sho r t t o
.

st eer h a lfw a y b et w een F r a n c e a n d E n gl a n d a n d ga i n

H a n ov er Th e P r ussi a n Govern m en t w a s so su re of N a po
.

l eon s a ccep t a n c e of t h e p r oposed ch a n ges t h a t i t w a s d e

’

c id ed t o p u t t h e a r my a t o n ce on a p ea ce-foot i n g Th e .

Emp er o r , however , t ook t he gr ou n d t h at a s P r ussi a h a d

n ot fo r m a lly r a t i fi ed t h e t rea t y a s dr awn , i t w a s n ull a n d

voi d H a vi n g t ho r oughly fr i gh t en ed t h e P r u ssi a n en voy,

.

N a poleon c a m e a t on ce t o t h e poin t h e wi sh ed t o g a in
a n d d em a n d ed t h a t t h e No r t h S ea po r t s of Ger m a n y
shoul d b e c los ed t o E n gli sh c omm er c e Th i s a g r eed t o,
.

H a n over w a s h a n d ed over t o Pru ssi a I t w as i n d eed a

.

Greek gi ft ! The a c cep t an ce of H a n over o n t hos e t er ms

m ea n t t h e d i s a pp r ov a l of Russi a a n d t h e host i li t y of
E n gl a n d .

[ 1 94 ]
 JENA AND AU ER STADT
I n t he sp ri n g of 1 80 6 overt u res of p ea c e w ere exch an ged
b et w een P a ri s Lon don an d S a i n t P et ersbu r g a n d t h ere
, ,

s eem ed som e hop e t h a t a ft er fourt een yea rs of a lmost con

t i n u a l w a r Europ e m i gh t fin d som e repos e Ev en t h e En g .

l i sh h i st ori a n s reluct an t ly a dm i t t h at N a pol eon s eems t o

h a v e w a n t ed p ea c e for t he con soli d a t i on of h i s power i n
,

Eu r op e a n d t h e ext en si on of h i s colon i es a n d comm er c e .

Aus t r i a w a s s t i ll d a zed from t h e effec t s of t h e blow sh e

h a d r ec ei v ed at Aus t erl i t z a n d ev en t h e Cz a r w a s n o
lon ger i n a w a r l i ke mood Th e n ew E n gl ish m i n i s t ry w a s
.

st r o n gly i n c l i n ed t ow a r ds p ea c e Holl a n d Sou t h G e rm an y

.
,

a n d I t a ly wer e u n d er t h e c o n t r ol of N a pol eo n Th e o t h e r .

Power s were ei t h er h elpl ess o r i n er t .

Fox who h a d a lw a ys b een fa vo r a bl e t o a good u n d er

,

st an d i n g wi t h F r a n c e w a s a ssu r ed by T a ll ey r a n d of t h e
,

p a ci fic d esi res of t h e F r en ch Emp ero r ; F r a n c e d esi red n ot

a t r uc e b u t a p er m a n en t p ea ce Wh en in form ed t h a t
.

Geo r ge t h e Thi rd a bove a l l t hi n gs would r equi r e t h e

rest o r a t i on of H a n over Ta lleyr a n d a ft er c on sult in g
,

t h e Emp eror d ec l a r ed t h a t t h a t shoul d n ot st a n d i n

t he w ay .

Wh i l e t h es e n egot i a t i o n s were goin g on t h e 1 2 July ,

1 80 6 w a s si g n ed t h e Act of t h e Co n fed er a t i on of t h e Rh i n e ,

t h a t en d ed t h e old G er m a n i c Emp i r e Aft er a t hou sa n d

.

yea rs of exi s t en c e w a s sou n d ed t h e d ea t h-kn ell of a n

Emp i re wh i ch Volt a i r e wit h equ a l w it a n d t r ut h h a d
d esc r i b ed a s n eit h er Holy n or Rom an n or a n Emp i re
, , .

Th e Emp ero r Fr a n c i s t h e S eco n d m a d e n o prot es t a n d

, , ,

a ssum ed t h e t i t l e of Fr an c i s t h e F i rst of Au st r i a .

“ ” “
Thus sa ys Rose feebly fl i ckered ou t t h e l i gh t wh i c h
, ,

h a d sh ed spl en d ou r on m ed i ev a l Ch ri st en dom Ki n dl ed .

’
i n t h e b a si li c a of S a i n t P et er s on Ch r i st m a s d a y of t h e
yea r 80 0 i n a n a lmost myst i c a l u n i on of sp i r it u a l a n d
ea r t hly pow er by t h e bl essi n g of Pop e Leo on K a rl t h e
,

G rea t i t w a s n ow t rodd en u n d er foot by t h e ch i ef of a

,

mo r e t h an F r a n ki sh S t at e who a sp i r ed t o u n qu es t i on ed
,

sw a y over a dom in i on a s great a s t h a t of t h e m ed i ev a l

E 1 95 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
h er o For N a pol eo n as P r ot ec t o r of t h e Rh en i sh Con fed er
.
,

a t i on ,n ow c o n t r oll ed mos t of t h e G er m a n l a n d s t h at

a c k n owl edged Ch a r l em a gn e W h i l e hi s hold on I t a ly w a s

,
”
i mm ea su r a bly st r on ger .

Th e old G er m an l a ws wer e soo n r epl a c ed by t h e Cod e

N a poleon a n d a clos e off en si ve a n d d efen si ve a lli a n ce w a s
,

for m ed b et ween N a poleon a n d t h e s i xt een P r i n c es of t h e

n ew Con fed er a t i on w h o a g r eed t o fu r n i sh t roops
a t t h e d em a n d of t h e n ew Prot ect o r T h e p r i n c i p a l s t a t es
.

i n clud ed i n t h e Con fed er a t i on were B a v a ri a W ii r t em b er g , ,

B a d en H esse-D a r mst a d t a n d N a ssa u

, .

At t h e sa me t i m e a n umb er of fr ee ci t ies a s well a s of ,

Imp eri a l Cou n t s a n d Kn i gh t s wer e wi p ed ou t Augsbu r g, .

a n d Nu remb er g w er e gi v en t o t h e K i n g of B a v a r i a an d ,

F r a n kfo r t w a s b est owed o n D a lb erg t h e P r in ce Pri m a t e ,

of t h e Con fed er a t i on I t wi ll t hus b e seen t h a t t h e fi r st

.

st eps t ow a r d Germ a n u n i t y wh i ch B i sm a r c k w as t o c a r ry
,

t o a con c lus i o n t w o gen er a t i on s l a t er wer e t a k en by t h e ,

n ew Ch a r l em a g n e .

Th e c o r r espo n d en ce of N a pol eo n a t t h i s t i m e p r ov es
t h a t h e w a s mo re p r eoc cup i ed wi t h t h e affa i r s of I t a ly t h a n
wit h t hose of Ger m a n y For on e l et t er t h a t h e wr ot e a bout
.

H a n over h e s en t t wen t y t o Joseph o r Eugen e i mp r es si n g

,

upon t h em t h e n ecessi t y of k eep i n g a fir m h a n d a n d a bov e ,

a ll of c o n qu er i n g S i c i ly B u t i f S i ci ly w a s a s t umbl i n g-bloc k
.

in t h e n egot i a t i o n s wi t h En gl a n d H a n over w a s t h e c a u s e
,

of t h e w a r wit h P r u ssi a Queen Loui s a co n st a n t ly u r ged

.

h er wea k a n d v a ci ll a t i n g husb a n d t o resi st t h e co n t i n u ed

F r en ch a ggra n d i zem en t s i n Ger m an y a n d t o a lly h i msel f
wit h Russi a .

Loui s a at t h a t t i m e w a s t h i rt y yea rs of a ge T he d a u gh .

t er of on e of t h e m i n or Ger m a n p ri n c es h er you t h h a d ,

b een sp en t i n povert y a n d obs c u r i t y un t i l h er c h a r m s

c a pt u r ed t h e h ea rt of t h e Crown P r i n c e of P r u ssi a A .

c omp a r i son h as oft en b een d r awn b et ween Loui s a a n d

M a rie-An t oi n et t e Bot h were m a t ed wit h cold a n d u n
.

i n t erest i n g co n so rt s F red eri c k Wi lli a m li k e Lou i s could

.
, ,

o n ly i n sp i re t he respect d u e t o a n i n si gn i fic an t b u t w ell
E 1 96 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
at t he out brea k of t h e w a r P r ussi a could on ly coun t on
,

t h e feeble support of S a xon y a n d Wei m a r .

Th e Pruss i a n w a r-p a rt y h a d n ow g a in ed complet e con

t rol an d a n ult i m a t um w a s s en t N a pol eo n on t h e0 6 Sep
,

t emb er d em an d in g t h a t h e should i mm ed i at ely ev a cu a t e

Germ an y an d should s en d an a n swer b efore t h e ei ght h
of Oct ob er No mo r e short -si ght ed a ct c an well b e con
.

cei v ed t h an t h i s t hrowi n g down t h e g a un t l et t o N a pol eon

who h ad v et er a n s a l r ea dy i n Germ an y whi le ,

Prussi a s a lly t he Cz a r could n ot get hi s t roops on t he

’

fi eld of op er at i on s fo r mon t h s t o c om e .

N a poleon a t t hi s t i me h a d a popul a t i on of n ea rly s i xt y

mi lli on s from wh ic h t o d r a w t r oop s an d duri n g t h e Jen a
,

c a mp a i gn h e h a d m en i n t r ai n i n g i n Fr an c e i n
a dd i t i on t o t h e G r a n d A r my of m en i n Germ a n y .

As N a pol eon h i m self s t ood l i ke a gi an t a mon g all t he

c a pt ai n s of hi s a ge so a l so t h e Gr a n d Army w a s i n a cl a ss
,

by i t self Th e wo r l d h a d n ever b efo r e kn own so sup erb a

.

fight i n g org a n i z a t i on .

Pruss i a i n clud i n g i t s a lly S a xon y h a d a popul a t i on of

, ,

some t welve m i lli on s fr om wh ic h t o d r a w it s a rmy Th e .

coun t ry w as n ot ri ch a n d t h e gover n men t w as hop elessly

,

ou t of d a t e Not h i n g h a d b een c h a n ged s i n c e t h e d a ys of

.

F red eri ck b ut t h e i n spi r in g soul of t he Great Ki n g w a s

,

n o lon ger t h ere At t h e b egi n n i n g of hos t i li t i es t h e Prus

.

s i an a rmy i n clud i n g t h e S ax on c on t in gen t d i d n ot muc h

, ,

exc eed m en rea dy fo r d ut y Th e a rmy w a s a lso .

poorly a rm ed a n d equi pped Li ke t h e F r en ch a rmy a t t h e

.

out brea k of t he Fra n co-Ger m an w a r i t w a s li vi n g on t h e ,

t r a d i t i on s of t h e p a st an d b eli eve d i t se lf t o b e t h e first

a rmy i n t h e world b u t wi t h n o soli d b a si s for i t s con fi
,

d en c e The comm an d er s were n ot d eficien t i n a b i li t y b u t

.

wer e l a cki n g i n experien ce As Dodge pi t hi ly sums up t h e

.

“
s it u at i on : Th e Fren ch a r my b el iev ed i t s elf t o b e sup eri or
a n d w as a c t u a lly so ; t h e P r uss i a n a rmy b el i eved i t self t o
”
b e sup eri or a n d w as n ot .

Aft er t h e P ea c e of Presbu r g t h e Gr a n d Army h a d n ot

'

return ed hom e b u t on on e pret ext or an ot h er h a d b een

,

[ 1 98 ]
 JENA AND AU ER STADT
k ept i n Sout h G er m a n y I n Augus t 1 80 6 t h e a r my l a y
.

most ly i n B a v a r i a a n d w a s u n d er t h e c omm a n d of
,

B er t h i er whos e h ea dqu a r t er s wer e a t Mu n i ch As a fu r t h er.

proof t h at N a pol eon a t t h e b egin n i n g of S ep t emb er w as

n ot exp ect i n g w a r t h e r e m a y b e c i t ed h i s l et t er of t h e
,

fourt h t o B ert h i er a ut ho r i zi n g hi m t o gi v e l ea ves of

a bs en c e t o a n umb er of o ffi c er s an d t o t a k e o n e h i ms elf
, .

A few d a ys l a t er t h e sit u a t i on b ec a m e mo r e m en a ci n g .

O n t h e t en t h t h e Emp er or w r ot e B er t h i er fr om P a ri s t h a t
h is hor ses wer e st a rt i n g t h e n ext d a y a n d t h a t t h e Gu a rd
,

w a s soo n t o follow Th i s body of . p i ck ed m en ,

u n d er t h e c omm a n d of B essi eres w as t r an spor t ed fr om

,

P a r i s t o M a y en c e by post i n s ev en hun d r ed fou r-ho r se

w a gon s a n d cov ered t h e d i st a n c e of 2 60 m i les i n ei ght
d a ys .

F r om M a yen ce n o r t h ea s t t h r ough Erfu r t a n d Wei m a r

t o B er l i n r a n t h e mo st i mpo r t a n t r o a d i n G er m a n y M id .

w a y b et ween Wei m a r a n d t h e c a p i t a l i t c r o ssed a t r i gh t

a n gl es t h e Elb e wh i ch w a s d efen d ed by sev er a l l a r g e

fo r t r ess es Th i s r o a d fo r m ed t h e d i r ec t r out e fr om P a r i s
.

t o B er l i n a n d w a s t o figu r e co n sp i cuously i n t h e c a mp a i gn
n ow a bout t o op en .

Th e P r u ssia n a r my a ft er p a ssi n g t h e Elb e a dv a n c ed

slowly i n a g r ea t sem i c i r c le st r et c hi n g ou t o n eit h er si d e
of t h e M a yen c e r o a d O n t h e fift h of O ct ob er t h e h ea d
.

qu a rt er s wer e a t E r furt a n d t h e a rmy w a s ext en d ed on a

fr on t of n i n et y m i l es fr om C a ss el t o Ru d o l st a d t sout h of
Jen a w at chi n g t h e Thu r i n gi a n for es t fr om wh i ch t h e
,

Fren c h wer e exp ect ed t o d ebou c h .

I n t h e m ea n t i m e N a pol eo n w a s p r ep a ri n g t o c on c en
t r a t e h i s co r ps a t B a mb er g a n d B a i reu t h a n d swi n g a r ou n d
t h e l eft fl a n k of t h e Pru ssi a n a r my c u t t i n g i t off fr om i t s
,

b a se o n t h e Elb e just a s h e h a d t u r n ed M a c k s ri gh t t h e
,
’

p revi ous yea r a n d cu t h i m off fr om t h e I n n O n t h e fift h .

t h e fro n t of t h e F r en c h a rmy coveri n g n ot mo re t h a n

,

t h i rt y-fiv e m i l es w a s b et w een Cobu r g a n d Hof

, .

P ressi n g o n by lo n g m a r ch es a week l a t er t h e Fren ch

,

left w a s i n c o n t a c t wit h t h e ext rem e left of t h e Pruss i a n s

E I 99 J
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
at S a a lfeld a li t t le sout h of Jen a wh i le t h e F ren ch cen t re
,

a n d r i gh t w a s get t i n g i n t o a li n e roughly i n d i c a t ed by

J en a a n d N a umburg Th e Gr an d Army w a s movi n g i n

.

t h r ee c olum n s : Soul t a n d N ey o n t h e ri gh t ; B er m d ot t e
a n d D a vou t wi t h t h e Gu a r d i n t h e c en t re an d L a n n es a n d
,

Au gereau a t t h e left Th e fi r st c olumn w a s fift y t hous a n d

.

St r on g t h e s econ d s even t y a n d t h e t hi rd fo rt y
, , , , .

Wh en t h e P r uss i an comm a n d er t h e Duk e of Bru n swi ck

, ,

lea rn ed t h a t t h e Fren ch h a d t u rn ed hi s left fl an k an d were

r a p i d ly a d v a n ci n g on h i s li n e of commu n i c a t i o n s h e ,

i ssu ed o r d er s for a gen er a l movem en t east wa r d i n t h e

hop e of b ei n g a bl e t o ret r ea t t ow a rds t h e Elb e by w a y of
Jen a a n d N a umburg ; b u t h e w a s a few hours t oo l a t e a n d
w a s obli ged t o fight w i t h t h e en emy on hi s li n e of com
m u n i ca t i o n s
.

O n t h e t h i rt een t h t h e Emper o r rec ei ved a d i sp at ch fr om

L a n n es st a t i n g t h at h e h a d foun d t h e Prussi an s i n fo r c e
a t Jen a a n d w a s hourly exp ect i n g an at t a ck N a poleon .

i mm ed i a t ely s t a rt ed for t h a t pl a c e O n his a r ri v a l h e

:
.

foun d t h a t t h e en emy h a d wit h d r a wn from t h e t own a n d ,

t h a t L a n n es h a d t a k en po ssessi o n of i t a n d h a d a ls o,

occ up i ed t h e s t eep h ei gh t s of t h e L an d grafen b erg lyi n g

b eyon d i t At four o c loc k N a pol eon rod e up o n t hi s
’
.

pl at ea u whi ch domi n a t es t h e en t i r e coun t ry t o t h e wes t .

Di smoun t i n g h e w a lked t o t h e edge of t h e pl at ea u a n d

’
st u d i e d t h e en emy s pos i t i on He t hough t t h a t h e h a d t h e
.

m a i n P r u ssi a n a rmy b efo r e h i m a lt hough h e c oul d on ly

see fo r t y or fift y t hou sa n d t r oo ps H e ord ered L a n n es t o
.

pl a c e hi s en t i re co r ps on t h e h ei gh t s ; an d t h e Gu a r d a n d
Soult a s w ell as Ney a n d Au gerea u w ere i n st r u ct ed t o
, ,

m a r ch on J en a wit h al l possi bl e sp eed M ea n whi le D a vou t

.

a n d B ern a dot t e h a d rea c h ed N a umburg a n d Mu r a t wi t h

t h e c a v a lry w as i n t h a t v i ci n i t y .

Th e fi eld on wh i ch w as fough t t h e double b at t le of J en a

a n d Au er st ii d t l i es wi t h i n a t h ea t re a bou t fourt een mi les

n o rt h a n d sou t h by ei ght een m i les ea s t an d west At t h e .

sout hw est corn er li es t h e b ea ut i ful cit y of Wei m a r Ten .

mi l es t o t h e ea st b etween t he st eep a n d rugged pl a t ea u

,

[ 200 ]
 JENA AND AU ER STADT
of t h e L a n d g r a fen b er g a n d t h e S a a le i s si t u at ed t h e old
u n i v ersit y t own of Jen a Th e ri ver S a a l e r u n s i n a n o rt h
.

ea st er ly d i r ec t i o n fr om J en a t o N a umbu r g fiv e m i l es t o ,

t h e w est of wh i c h i s loc at ed t h e b a t t l e-fiel d of Au er st a d t .

Exc ellen t ro a ds l ea d from Wei m a r t o Jen a an d from bot h

pl a c es t o N a umbu r g T he cou n t ry i s much cu t up by
.

b ill a n d d a l e b u t t h er e a re few woods a n d t h e grou n d

,

i s sui t a ble for a ll a r ms To d ebouch fr om J en a t ow a rd s

.

Wei m a r howev er i s n ot ea sy owin g t o t he h i lls a n d ,

r a vi n es an d t h e poss ess i on of t h e dom in a t i n g pl at ea u i s

,

very es sen t i al O n t h e sou t h t h e h ei ght s s i n k a wa y i n t o

.

a v a ll ey t h e M ii h l Th a l t hrough wh i ch r u n s t h e Wei m a r
, ,

roa d .

Th e P r u ssi a n c omm a n d er Hoh en loh e t h in ki n g t h e

, ,

M ii hl Th a l w a s t h e o n ly fea s i bl e li n e of a ppro a ch pos t ed ,

mo st of hi s forc es t h ere l ea vi n g t h e pl at ea u fr ee U n d er
, .

c ov er of t h e d a r k n ess N a pol eo n n ot on ly c r owd ed a ll of

,

L a n n es c orp s o n t h e h ei gh t s b u t a lso h a d d r a gged up

’

whol e b a t t eri es of a r t i ll er y T h e t a sk w a s t r em en dou s a n d

.

would n ot h a v e b een a c c ompl i sh ed wi t hou t t h e i n spi r a t i on

of t h e p r esen c e of t h e Emp er o r a n d hi s p r a ct i c a l ski ll .

Wh i le hi s o ffi cers wer e a sl ee p h e p er son a lly d i r ect ed t h e

,

wo r k By su c h u n t i r i n g en er gy d i d h e a ssu r e vi c t o r y Jen a
. .

w a s w o n by t h e r a p i d co n c en t r a t i o n of h i s t r oop s a n d t h e
sei zi n g of a comm a n d i n g posit i on a lmost u n d er t h e eyes
of a n u n su sp ect i n g en emy Du r i n g t h e n i gh t t he c o r ps of
.

Soult a n d Ney c a m e up a n d wen t i n t o li n e on t h e r i gh t

wh i le Au g er ea u on hi s a rr i v a l w a s post ed in t h e v a ll ey on
t h e l eft .

A d en se fog ea r ly i n t h e mo r n i n g scr een ed t h e posit i on s

of t h e t r oop s b u t by t en o c loc k t h e fog l i ft ed a n d r evea l ed
,
’

t o t h e a s t o n i sh ed ey es of t h e P r us si an s t h e whol e Fr en c h
a rmy i n l i n e of b a t t l e T h e a t t a c k w a s b egu n by L a n n es
.

i n t h e c en t r e a n d w a s followed by t h e a d v an ce of Soul t
a n d Au ger ea u on ei t h er w i n g Wh en t h e a t t a c k h a d fully
.

d ev eloped t h e Emp ero r l a u n c h ed t h e Gu a r d a n d M u r a t s

,
’

c a v a lry on t h e lin es of t h e w a veri n g P r uss i a n s Th e i mp a ct .

’
w a s i rresi s t i ble a n d Hoh en l oh e s forc e w a s sw ept a w a y .

[ 20 1 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
At t he cri si s of t he b a t t l e a ft er t h e a rri v a l of rei n forc e
,

m en t s u n d er R ii ch el t h e Prussi an s h a d o n ly
, m en
on t h e fi eld wh i l e N a pol eon t h en h a d t roops a t hi s
d i spos a l
At t h e s a me t i m e a t Au erst a d t a bout t en m i s
.

, s t o t he

n ort h , D a vout wi t h hi s si n gle co r ps of m en w a s

fac in g t h e m ain Prus si an a rmy compos ed of of t hei r
choi cest t roops Th e Ki n g a n d B r u n swi ck were m a rchin g
.

on N a umburg i n ord er t o g a i n t h e m ai n ro a d t o B erli n

an d m a ke su r e t h ei r li n e of ret r ea t t o t he Elb e wh en t h ei r ,

a dv an c e c a v a lry u n d er B l ii c h er sa w a soli d li n e of F ren ch

i n fa n t ry l oom t hrough t h e mo r n in g mi st I t w as p a rt of .

t h e corps of D a vout st r on gly post ed i n an d a ro un d t h e

vi ll a ge of H a ssen h a us en mi dw a y b et ween N a umburg an d
Au er st ad t Bl ii ch er a t on ce ch a r ged b u t w a s r epuls ed wi t h
.

h eavy loss Ag ain a n d a g a i n B ru n swi ck s en t h i s t roops

.

to t h e a t t a ck b u t t h e st ea d y fire of t he F ren ch i n fa n t ry
,

l ai d h im low wit h most of hi s ofli cers The Prussi an s .

,

a ccord i n g t o t r a d i t i on a dv a n c ed i n sol i d m a ss es
, wh i le ,

t he Fr en ch fough t i n sk i r m i sh l i n es an d fired at wi ll ,

from b ehi n d h edges a n d w a lls t r ees a n d rocks an d ou t , ,

of d it ch es an d su n ken r o a d s Thi s fir e w as murd erous.

,

a n d t h e g a ll a n t Pru ssi a n o ffi cer s wer e pi cked off on e

by on e F a i lin g t o m a ke a n y h ea d w a y t h e Prussi a n s
.
,

b egan t o fa ll b a ck i n d i sord er D a vout n ow pressed t h e .

a t t a ck an d n ot h i n g could r esi st t h e Fren ch a rdor Th e .

Kin g ga ve t h e ord er t o r et r ea t on Wei m a r wh ere h e hoped

t o rejoi n hi s ri gh t wi n g an d r en ew t h e b a t t l e on t h e
morrow B u t i n st ea d of a n a rmy i t w a s a t erri fied mob
.

flyi n g b efore M u rat s c a v a lry t h a t h e m et h a lfwa y b e

’

t ween Au erst ai d t an d Wei m a r T h e Fren ch vi c t ory w a s

'

complet e an d n o pr ai se i s t oo h i gh fo r D a vout s i n t elli

,
’

gen ce a n d cour a ge .

B ern a dot t e w as very seri ou sly cri t i ci zed by t h e Emp eror

for hi s con duc t on t h e d a y of t h e t w o b a t t l es At t en .

o clock on t h e even i n g of t h e t h i r t een t h N a pol eon i n t h e

’ “

, ,

b eli ef t h at t h e en t i re P r u ssi a n a rmy w as b efore h i m h a d ,

s en t an ord er t o D a vout t o a dv an ce t o Apold a t o t h e ,

[ 20 2 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
P a ri s t he swo r d a n d h a t a n d sa sh of t h e g r ea t w a r ri or
wh i ch l a y upon h i s t omb .

D ep a r t i n g n ow for t he first t i m e fr om h i s usu a l p r a ct i ce ,

t h e Emp er o r a r r a n ged t o en t er B er l in i n t rfi m p h on
Mon d a y Let u s t r y t o p i ct u re t h i s sc en e wort hy of t h e
.
,

p ai n t er s b r u sh
’
.

At t h e fu r t h er en d of Un t er d en Li n d en a w a y from t h e
,

Roy a l P a l a c e t h a t fa mou s a ven ue b r o a d en s ou t i n t o t h e

,

P a r i ser Pl a t z Th en ce on e c a n g a ze t h r ough t h e st a t ely

.

B r a n d en bu r ger Thor a n d Vi ew t h e Th ier g a rt en wi t h i t s

gr een a lleys a n d i t s gli n t s of sn owy m a r bl e .

Th e wid e a ven u e i s li n ed wi t h t hou sa n d s of sp ect a t o r s .

Wh i l e t h e a ssembl ed c r owd a wa it s wit h i n t en se ex p ec

t a n ey fr om t h e d i r ect i o n of Ch a r lot t en bu r g t h er e c om es a
,

fa i n t mu r m u r l i k e t h e fa r-aw a y sou n d of su r f upo n t h e

sho r e I t g r ow s a n d swell s an d t h en i t d eep en s i n t o a so r t
.
,

of mu ffl ed t hu n d er p i erced by t h e r oll of d i st a n t d r um s .

Soon ca n b e seen t h e gli n t of su n on st eel Now r i n gs ou t .

t h e c l ea r c a ll of t h e bugl es a n d d own on e of t h e b r o a d
,

a ll e es c om e t h e M a m eluk es o n t h ei r su p er b ho r s es a n d

d r a w r ei n b es i d e t h e B r a n d en bu r ger Tho r Th en follows .

a g r ea t floo d of spl en d i d c a v a l r y sq u a d r on u pon squ a d r o n

,

of t h e c ui r a ssi ers of t h e Imp eri a l Gu a r d wea ri n g t h e st eel

,

h elm et s wit h b r a ss c rest s a n d flowi n g ho r seh a i r O n t h ey .

r i d e n ot wi t h t h e st ol id su r ly m i en of t h e P r u ssi a n s b u t
, ,

swi n gi n g li gh t ly i n t h ei r sa d d l es t h ei r fa ces a glow wi t h

,

t h a t a r d or wh i ch b elon gs t o t h e mo st m a r t i a l n a t i o n i n
t h e wo r l d .

F a r a s t h e ey e c a n rea c h follow r egi m en t s of t h e st u r dy

i n fa n t ry of t h e Gu a r d wi t h t h ei r h i gh b ea r-ski n c a ps
, ,

fillin g t h e whol e v a st a r ea of t h e Thi er g a rt en .

R i d i n g a hu n d red p a ces a h ea d i s t h e Emp er o r o n a ,

sm a ll wh it e Ar a b i a n ho r s e He wea r s a pl a in g r a y r ed i n got e
.

a n d t h e well-kn ow n h a t w i t h a bl a c k c o r d w i t hou t a n y ,

o rn a m en t sa ve t h e l it t l e cock a d e Hi s un but t o n ed ov er
.

co at en a bl es on e t o see t h e u n i fo r m of t h e Ch a s seu r s d e l a
Ga r d e wit h it s green c o at upo n wh i c h gli st en t h e st a r a n d
’
t h e pl a qu e of t h e L e gi on d hon n eu r Th e w a i st co a t a n d
.

E 204 ]
 M A P O F

PR U S S I A PQ M ND
to I ll u str a t e th e

CA M P A I G N S 0 ? 1 8 0 6 ET C .

S
'
E XP L A X A T I O N
TO N of m u tt of j a ooo inha b i tant:
To w n s o f 0-50 urh a b www
B A L ga t e:
y

en !

L E ‘ I B T N‘:
 C HAPTER FO U RTEEN

TH E CAM PAI GN I N PO LAND

The B li D
er n — H —
C l d S xo y — N got i t io f P
ecree esse a sse an a n e a ns or eace

Th Pol i h Q
e t io s Th T h t uesf W n Ad t owe d th ea re o ar v an ce ar s e

E t as B t t l f P l t k M d m W l w k B ig
a e o u us Mov a a e a e s a en n sen s
’
e

N pol o Co t m h B t t l f Eyl W in t Q t
’
m t en a e n s u n er arc a e o au er ua r ers

N got i t i o
e w it h P
a i d A t i
ns R m pt i o f Ho t il it i
r uss a an us r a esu n o s es

B t t l f F i d l d — T t y f Til it D t h f N pol o Ch l
a e o r e an r ea o s ea o a e n a r es
B i t h f Lo i N pol o
r o G d
u s f t h Em p i
a e n M i g f Ki g ran eu r o e re a rr a e o n

eé mr Th Co t t Fo t i bl
e e ur a n a ne ea u

MONTH a ft er hi s a r r i v a l a t Pot s d a m on t h e 2 1 ,

Novemb er 1 8 0 6 N a pol eon i ssu ed t h e fa mous ,

B erl in D ec r ee wh i ch p r oc l a i m ed w a r on B r it i sh
c omm erc e Gr ea t B r i t a i n w a s d ecl a red t o b e i n a s t a t e of
.

block a d e ; a ll c omm er c e wi t h h er w a s fo r b id d en h er good s ,

were t o b e sei zed a n d h er subj ec t s i mp r i son ed wh er ever

fou n d by Fren c h o r a ll i ed t r oops .

Th i s i d ea of st r a n glin g En gl i sh commer ce w a s n ot
o r i gin a l wit h N a pol eon : it w a s a p et sc hem e of t h e J a co
b in s a p a rt of t h e polit i c a l st oc k-in -t r a d e of t h e Rev ol u
,

t ron .

Th e B er l in D ec r ee h a s a lw a ys b een b it t erly at t a c ked by

E n gli sh h i st o ri an s b u t it i s n ow so mu c h a m a t t er o f
,

a n c i en t h i s t ory t h a t i t i s h a r dly wor t h wh i l e t o g i ve an y

sp a ce t o t h e c on t rov er sy Th e on ly qu es t i on t o b e con .

si d er ed h ere i s t h e u n d erly i n g mot i v e wh i c h i n flu en ced

N a poleon a n d t h i s is a v er y d i ffi c ult m a t t er t o d et er m in e

, .

B u t t h ere i s n o doub t as t o t h e fa t a l eff ect upo n hi s c a reer

of t he en t er pri s es t o wh i ch t h i s a ct l ed t h e o cc up at i on of
Sp a in an d t h e Russ i a n C a mp a i gn bot h of wh i c h a d v en ,

t u r es wer e p r omp t ed l ess by a mb i t i o n t h a n by t h e feel i n g

t h a t t h ey were n ec es sa r y t o t h e c ompl et e t r i umph of h i s
Con t i n en t a l Syst em As Ros e well s a ys t h i s qu est i on of
.
,

[ 206 ]
 THE CAM PAI GN IN POLAND
t he un d erlyi n g mot i ve must at t i m es ca us e every op en
’
mi n d ed st ud en t of N a pol eon s c a reer t o p a us e rn u t t er
d oub t .

Wh i l e a t B erli n N a pol eo n t ook ot h er st eps t o c em en t

h i s power He d epos ed t h e El ect o r of H ess e-C a ss el an d
.

s en t hi s t roops t o occupy t h e Elect or a t e wh i ch w as sub

,

s equ en t ly i n corpo r at ed i n J er o m e s Kin gdom of West

’

ph a l i a Tow a r d s S a xon y h e a ct ed wit h grea t clem en c y

. .

T h e El ect o r i n D ec emb er en t er ed t h e Con fed er a t i o n of

, ,

t h e Rh i n e wi t h t h e t i t l e of Ki n g a n d b ec a m e a n a lly of
, ,

t h e Emp er o r .

On t he d a y a ft er t h e b at t l e of J en a Fred eri c k Wi lli a m

sen t a n a i d e d e c a mp t o N a pol eo n t o t r ea t fo r p ea c e, b u t
t h e Emp er o r r efus ed t o c o n si d er t h e m a t t er u n t i l h e
r e a c h ed B er l i n . H er e h e r ecei ved t h e P r us si a n en voy who
h a d full powers t o s i gn p r el i m i n a r i es of p ea ce B u t t h e
.

c o n d it i o n s were so sev ere t h a t t h e K i n g r efu sed t o r a t i fy

t h e a g r eem en t wh en p resen t ed t o h i m N a pol eo n a t first

.

d em a n d ed a l l t er ri t o r y t o t h e sout h of t h e Elb e up t o
M a gd ebu r g, a n d a w a r-in d emn it y of a hu n d red m i ll i on
fr a n cs L a t er b e i n cr ea sed hi s d e m a n d s, a n d would o n ly
.

gr a n t a su sp en si on of host i li t i es , a n d even t h a t un d er
most opp ressi v e c on d it i on s : t h e F r en c h t o oc c upy t h e
whol e c oun t r y up t o t h e Bug R iv er ; ei ght fort res ses, 1 n
c lud i n g D a n t z i c , t o b e su r ren d er ed ; an d t h e Ru ss i an s t o

b e o r d er ed o u t of E a st P r u ssi a

In o r d er t o wea ken Russi a N a poleon n ow en cour a ged

,

t h e Pol es i n t h ei r hop es fo r i n d ep en d en c e To a Pol i sh

.

d eput a t i o n wh i ch a pp ea red a t B er li n i n Novemb er h e

st a t ed t h a t Fr a n c e h a d n ever a ckn owl ed ged t h e p a rt i t i o n
of t h ei r c ou n t r y a n d t h at h e would feel a d eep i n t er es t i n
s eei n g t h e n a t i o n a l sover ei gn t y r eest a bl i sh ed .

A week l a t er h e wen t i n p er so n t o Po sen t o furt h er

st i mul a t e t h e i n su r r ec t i on a g a in st t h e Cz a r A feat u r e of
.

t h e si t u a t i o n v ery e mb a r r a ss i n g t o hi s pl a n s w a s t h a t

Aust r i a h a d p a rt ic i p a t ed wit h P r uss i a a n d Russi a i n t h e

E 20 7 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
p a rt it i on of Pol a n d a n d h e could n ot at t h a t t i m e a ff o r d
,

t o a d d t h a t Pow er t o t h e l i st of hi s fo es H e a ccord i n gly .

sugges t ed t o t h e Aus t r i an Gover n m en t a n exc h a n ge of h er

’

Poli sh p r ovi n ces for S i l esi a whi ch h a d b een st ol er’ fr om

M a r i a Th eresa by F red eri ck t h e G rea t B u t Au st r i a d i d .

n ot c a re t o b ec om e i n volv ed i n t r oubl e w i t h ei t h er of t h e

b elli geren t s a n d d ec lin ed t he p r opos it i o n .

I t i s doub t ful i f N a pol eo n ever seri ously t hough t of

rest o rin g t h e Kin gdom of Pol a n d n o m a t t er how st r on g ,

h i s symp a t h i es m a y h a ve b een wi t h t h at opp r essed p eopl e .

I t m ea n t t o t a ke v a st t er r it o r i es a w a y fr om A u st r i a Prus ,

si a a n d Russ i a an d i n c u r t h e l a st i n g en m i t y of t hos e g r ea t
,

Powers a s a g ai n st wh i c h t h e g r at i t u d e of Pol a n d would

,

coun t b u t lit t le .

The th ea t r e of t h e C a mp a i gn of Pol a n d wh i ch n ow ,

b eg a n l i es b et ween t h e r i ver s Vi st ul a a n d N i em en Th e
, .

cou n t ry for t h e most p a r t i s fla t m a r shy a n d t h i ckly , ,

wood ed I n t h e fi el d of t h e m i li t a r y op er a t i on s of 1 80 7
.

t h er e wer e a n umb er of l a k es a n d m a n y m a r sh es T h e .

Vist ul a ev en a t Wa r sa w i s a l a r ge st rea m sever a l hun d r ed

, ,

y a r d s wid e B elow t h e ci t y t h e ri v er flows b et ween low

.
,

m a rshy b a n ks About t wen t y m i l es b elow Wa r sa w t h e

.
,

Bug jo in s t h e Vi st ul a Bot h r i vers a r e m i l it a r y ob st a cl es

.

of i mpo r t a n c e fo r d a ble o n ly i n sea so n s of d r ough t I n t h i s

, .

a r ea t h ere w er e o n ly d i r t r o a d s fir m en ough fo r a r t i ll er y
,

duri n g t h e h ea t of summ er or t h e fr ost s of wi n t er b u t ,

a lmos t i mp a ss a bl e wh en so a k ed w i t h r a i n o r d i ssolv ed by

t h aws Du r i n g t h e m i ld w ea t h er of D ecemb er 1 8 0 6 t h e
.

i n fan t ry sa n k i n t h e slush up t o t h ei r kn ees t h e gu n s t o ,

t h ei r a xl es .

I n t h e sou t h ern p a r t of t h e t h ea t re of w a r o cc up i ed by ,

t h e Pol es t h e cou n t r y w a s sp a r s ely popul a t ed a n d t h er e

,

were n o l a r ge t own s F a r t h er n o r t h i n t h e G er m an
.
,

sp ea k i n g t er r i t o r y w er e fou n d m a n y vi ll a ges
, a n d t h er e ,

w a s a gen er a l a i r of prosp er i t y .

Th e c li m a t e w a s ver y t r yi n g a lmos t a r ct i c i n i t s s ev er it y
,

i n wi n t er a n d very h ot i n summ er I n con n ec t i o n wi t h

, .

[ 20 8 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
n ot freeze an d t h e ro a d s were in b a d c on d it i on N a pol eon
,
.

a lso fou n d much t rouble i n supplyi n g h i s a rmy He w as .

n ot n ow i n t h e v a ll ey of t he P0 or t h e D an ub e an d hi s

m en coul d n ot l i ve off t h e c ou n t r y .0
N a poleon i n person r ea ch ed Wa rs aw on t he 1 9 D ecem
b er a n d fou n d t h a t B en n i gsen w a s a t Pult usk a bout ,

t h i rt y m i l es t o t h e n ort h He i mmed i a t ely hea d ed hi s

.

c o r p s i n t h a t d i r ect i o n a n d h i ms elf r ea c h ed t h e fr o n t o n
,

t h e mo r n i n g of t h e 2 3 D ecemb er He n ow a dop t ed a pl an .

of op er a t i on s whi c h i s ver y puzzli n g t o t h e s t ud en t of h i s

ea r l i er c a mp a i gn s I n st ea d of c on cen t r a t in g h i s forc es i n
.

t h e w a y t h at h a d a lw a ys won h i m su ccess h e wo r k ed on ,

ext er i o r l i n es an d fa i l ed t o st ri ke t h e en emy a sol i d blow

,

o r b ea t h i m i n d et a i l H e w a s su ccessful however i n i n t e r
.

po si n g t h e c o r p s of Ney a n d B er n a d ot t e b et ween t h e
Alli es a n d compell ed t h e P r u ssi a n s t o r et reat a wa y fr om
,

t h e Ru ssi a n r i ght t ow a r d s Kon i gsb er g b u t h i s r el i a n ce on ,

Soult a n d N ey t o c om e up i n t i me t o b e of u se p r ove d
v a i n Th e bot t omless r o a d s wer e t oo g rea t a n ob st a c l e
. .

T h e b a t t le of Pult u sk fought on t h e 2 6 Decemb er

p r oved i n d eci si ve T h e F r en ch who wer e i n fer i or in n u m
.
,

b er s c ould m a ke lit t le p r og ress a g a i n st t h e st ubbor n t e

,

si st a n ce of t h e Ru ssi a n s Th e sho r t d a y wh i c h woul d en d

.
,

a t fou r o c loc k w a s m a d e ev en sho r t er by t h e p r em a t u r e

’

d a r kn ess d u e t o t h e st o r my c lou d y wea t h er .

Du r in g t he n i gh t t h e Ru ssi a n s d eci d ed t o ret r ea t .

L a n n es who h a d fought a l l d a y a g ai n st d ou bl e h i s n umb er s

w a s i n n o st a t e t o pu r su e Bot h si d es l a id c l a i m s t o t h i s
.

well-c on t est ed b at t le Wh a t gr oun d L a n n es g a i n ed h e

.
,

lost a g a i n B en n i gsen t hough h e h a d r epul sed t h e a t t a ck

.
,

of a very i n fer i o r force h a d n ot b een a bl e or h a d n ot d a red

,

t o pu r su e it Bu t t h e F r en ch rem a in ed m a st er s of t h e
.

fi eld a n d c oul d t h er efore cl a i m t h e vi ct o ry wit h b et t er

,

g r a ce Wit h t hi s b at t l e t h e c a mp ai gn pr a ct i c a lly en d ed
.

a n d bot h a rm i es wen t i n t o wi n t er qu a rt ers .

The quest i on h a s oft en b een sked Wh at i mport a n c e

a ,
”
di d N a pol eon at t a ch to love aff a i rs duri n g his c a reer ?
E21 0 ]
 THE CAM PAIGN IN POLAND
We rea d i n on e of t h e m é moi res of t he t i me : Th e Em
pero r w a s very fo n d of wom en b u t n ev er a ll owed th em
,

to obt ai n an y i n flu en c e over h i s m i n d He looked upo n lov e.

as a d i v ers i o n a n d i n t h i s resp ec t h e could n ot h av e b een

,

more m at eri a l for t h e obj ect of hi s aff ect i on s of yest erd a y

,
”
w a s a s n ot h i n g t o h i m o n t h e morrow .

Pr a c t i c a lly a l l of t h e i n fo r m at i o n a v a i l a bl e on t h i s sub
j ect h a“s b een b rought t oget h er by” Fred eri c M a sso n i n hi s
work N a pol eon et l es F emm es a n d h e m en t i on s o n ly
, ,

a bou t h a lf a doz en li ai so n s a ll of wh i ch wi t h on e exc ep t i o n

,

were of very brief dur a t i on Th e re w as M m e Foures i n

. .

Egyp t a n d Gr a ss in i a t M i l a n b efore M a ren go ; a n d t h ere

,

were a lso Mlle Georges a n d Mll e Den u ell e a t P a ri s I n

. . .

fa ct N a poleon n ever a t an y t i m e or i n an y pl a c e a llow ed

,

wom en t o in t erfer e wi t h aff a i r s of w a r or s t at e an d i n t h i s ,

resp ect h e set a n excell en t ex a mpl e t o h i s m a rsh als an d

m i n i st ers He h i ms elf d r ew a t t en t i on t o M u rat s con duc t
.
’

an d poi n t ed ou t how h e h a d comm i t t ed m an y fa ul t s

durin g hi s c a mp a i gn s owi n g t o t h e fa ct t h a t h e li ked t o
h a v e hi s h ea dqu a r t er s ev er y ev en in g i n a ch at ea u wh ere
t h er e w a s a pret t y wom an Th i s a b st i n en c e on t h e p a r t of
.

N a pol eon i s a ll t h e mo r e r em a r k a bl e wh en w e rem emb er

h i s a ge at t h e h ei gh t of h i s c a r eer a n d t h e co n st an t t emp
t at ion t o wh i ch h e w a s subj ec t e d All t h e wom en of Europ e
.

were on t h ei r k n ees b efor e t h e grea t est m a n of hi s a ge .

Th e o n ly s eri ous love aff a i r of Na poleon w a s t h at wi t h

M m e Wa l ew sk a wh i c h b egan duri n g t h e c a mp ai gn i n
.
,

Polan d an d on ly en d ed wi t h h i s d ep a rt ure for S a in t

“
H el en a Th i s w as n o o r d in a ry a m ou r : sh e w as h is Pol i sh
.

”
wi fe h i s wi fe i n a l l b u t n a me .

Th e firs t d a y of J an u a ry 1 80 7 wh en N a poleon w a s re
,

turn in g from Pult usk t o Wa r sa w h e st opp ed a mom en t ,

a t t h e ga t e of t h e l i t t l e c i t y of B ron i e t o ch a n ge hors es .

Duroc d esc en d ed from t h e c a rri a ge a n d push ed his w ay

t o t h e pos t -hous e t h r ough a n en t hu si a s t i c crowd wh i ch
”
h a d g at h er ed t o see t h e li b er a t or of Pol an d H ere a .

“
voi c e s ai d t o h i m in F r en ch Mon s i eur can you n ot ar
, ,
”
r an ge for m e to sp ea k t o t h e Emp er or a mom en t ? Th e
[ 21 1 ]
 NA POLEON THE FI RST
l a dy who h a d a ddress ed hi m seem ed a lmost a c hi ld Sh e .

w a s blon d wit h l a rg e i n n o cen t blu e eyes ; h er b ea u t i fu l

,

fa ce fresh as a ros e w a s flu sh ed wit h exci t em en t ; h er

, ,

figure w a s sm a ll b u t p er fec t ly proport i on ed a n d o er y

, ,

gra ceful Sh e w as very s i mply d r ess ed a n d wo r e a bl a c k

.

h at wi t h a h ea vy vei l .

D u r oc c on duc t ed h er t o t h e door of t h e c a rri a ge a n d ,

s a i d t o Na pol eon H ere i s a l a d y who h a s bra ved a ll t h e

,
”
d a n ger s of t he crowd for you Th e Emp eror t ook off hi s .

h a t a n d b eg a n t o sp ea k t o h er b u t sh e d i d n ot a llow h i m ,

t o fi n i sh a n d c a r r i e d a w a y by h er en t hus i a sm sh e wi sh ed
, , ,

h i m a t hou sa n d welcom es t o h er n a t i v e l a n d an d exp r essed ,

h er pl easu r e a n d h er gr a t i t u d e for wh at h e h a d d o n e t o
upli ft it .

T a kin g a bouquet whi ch h e h a d in t h e c a r ri a ge Na pol eon

“
presen t ed it t o h er s a yi n g : G a r d ez-l e comm e g a r a n t d e
,

m es bo n n es i n t en t i on s Nou s n ou s r ev er r o n s a Va rsovi e
.
,
”
j e l esp er e et j e r ecl a m er a i n u m er ci d e vot r e b ell e bou c h e
’
, .

Th is you n g l a dy w as M a r i e W a l ew sk a Of an o l d b u t .

i mpover i sh ed Poli sh fa mi ly a t t h e a ge of s i xt een sh e h a d ,

m a rr i ed t h e h ea d of on e of t h e most i llus t ri ous fa m i l i es of

Pol an d a m an s even t y y ea r s of a ge w h o h a d a g r an d
, ,

c h i l d n i n e y ea r s old er t h a n h er self S i n c e t h en t w o y e a r s .

h a d p a ssed All Pol an d w a s n ow a gi t a t ed over t h e vi si t

.

of t h e Emp eror t o Wa r sa w wh i ch mi gh t d eci d e t h e fa t e ,

of t h e n a t i on W a l ewsk i who w as as i n t en sely p a t ri ot i c

.
,

as hi s you n g wi fe wen t t h er e a n d op en ed hi s m a n si o n
, .

Th e Emp eror w a s s t a y i n g a t L a Bl a ch a t h e p a l a ce of ,

Pri n ce Po n i at owski Aft er m an y i n qui ri es Du r oc fi n a lly

.

suc c eed ed in a scert a in i n g t h e n a m e of t h e b ell e i n con n u e

of t h e post -hous e of Br on i e a n d t h e Pri n c e c a ll ed on e ,

a ft ern oon i n p erso n t o i n vi t e h er t o a b a ll t o b e g i v en a t

t h e p a l a c e Sh e refus ed a n d h e i n si s t ed b u t sh e woul d n ot
.
, ,

yi eld Fi n a lly sh e w as per su a d ed t o go at t h e r equ est of

.

h er husb a n d joi n ed t o t h at of som e of t h e mos t i n flu en t i a l

,
“
m a gn at es of t h e cou n t ry who sa i d Who kn ows b u t t h at
’

, ,

H ea v en wi ll m a k e u se of you t o rees t a bli sh ou r n a t i v e

”
la n d ?
[ 21 2 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
Elys ee an d at M a l m ai son up t o t h e mom en t of hi s fi n a l
d ep a r t u re .

B u t a ft er N a poleon w a s s en t t o S ai n t H el en a sh e felt
h ers elf fr ee Her husb an d h a vin g d i ed t wo y ea r s b ob re
. .

i n 1 8 1 6 a t Li ege wh ere sh e w a s li vi n g a ft er t h e s econ d

ret urn of t h e Bourbon s sh e m a rri ed a cousi n of t h e
,

Emperor s G en er a l Comt e d O rn a n o on e of t h e mos t

’

,
’

b ri lli a n t o ffi c ers of t h e Gr a n d Army .

M a r ie d i d n ot lon g en joy h er n ew h a ppin ess She d i ed .

at h er h o t el i n t h e R u e d e l a Vi c t oi re t h e 1 5 D ec emb er

t h e followi n g y ea r a t t h e ea rly a g e of t w en t y-eig h t .

Wh en N a pol eon h ea rd a t S a i n t H el en a of h er m a r ri a ge
h e w a s much aff ect ed Sh e w a s t h e on e gr eat love of h i s
.

li fe a n d h e a lwa ys fel t fo r h er t h e d eep es t a tt a chm en t

, .

Wit h h er d eat h for hi m wa s s ever ed t h e l a st t i e of ea rt hly

,

aff ect i o n Jos e

. phi n e t h e wi fe of hi s yout h was gon e a n d
, , ,

t h e i gn obl e M a ri e-Lou i s e w a s l i vi n g i n op en con cub i n a ge

wi t h Comt e d e Nei pp erg .

Th e b r i lli a n t c a r eer of t h ei r son Al ex an dre Wa l ewsk i

u n d er t h e S econ d Emp i re i s well kn own His l i fe a s a .

sol d i er wr i t er d i plom a t
, , a n d st a t esm a n forms p a r t of t h e
,

h i st or y of t h e n i n et een t h c en t u ry .

Aft er t h e b at tle of Pult usk o r d ers were i ssu ed for t h e

a r my t o go i n t o c a n t on m en t s a n d o n t h e seven t h of
,

Ja n u a r y t h e d et a i led pl a n s for wi n t er qu a rt ers were gi ven

ou t. B ern a dot t e w a s t o gu a rd t h e lower Vi st ul a an d cu t
t h e Russ i a n s off from Da n t z i c Ney w a s t o prot ec t t h e .

a ppro a ch es t o Thor n wi t h hi s h ea dqu a r t ers a t t h a t pl a c e

, .

Th e ot h er corps u n d er Soult Au ger eau D a vou t a n d , ,

L a n n es were t o prot ect ot h er st r at egi c poi n t s Th e Gu a r d .

a n d g en er a l h ea dqu a rt er s w er e a t W a rs aw wh er e t h e ,

Emper or ret urn ed on t h e fi r s t d a y of J a n u a ry .

I n c a se t h e en emy shoul d a d v a n c e duri n g t h e wi n t er ,

ord ers were i ssu ed i n d ic a t in g t h e poi n t s a t whi ch t h e seven

cor p s wer e t o ren d ezvous Great m a g azi n es were erect ed
.

a n d a bu n d a n t suppl i es p r ocured .

”
Th e curt ai n t hus fell sa ys Dodge , on t h e firs t ,

[ 214 2]
 TH E CAM PAIGN IN POLAND
m emor a bl e c a mp a i gn wh i ch should h a v e t a ugh t N a po l eon
,

more a bou t Russi a a n d it s p eopl e a bout t h e Cz a r an d ,

”
h i s sold i ers t h a n i t rea lly d i d
,
.

Aft er t h e b at t l e of Pult usk t h e Russi an s ret i r ed a bout

h a lfw a y t o Grod n o on t h e N i em en wh er e t h e t wo corp s ,

w ere u n it ed u n d er t h e comm an d of B en n i gs en .

N a pol eon at on c e m a d e vi gorous eff o rt s t o pu t hi s a r my

on a sou n d foo t i n g for t h e r eop en i n g of hos t i l it i es a n d soon

h ad m en a t hi s d i spos a l .

Th e wi n t er w a s u n usu a lly m i ld for Pol a n d a n d N a poleon ,

hop ed t h e c a mp ai gn would n ot op en b efo r e sprin g I n t hi s .

h e w a s d oom ed t o d i s a ppoi n t m en t B en n i gs en h a d fo r m ed .

t h e pl a n of at t a cki n g N ey a n d B er n a do t t e who wer e o n

'

t h e low er Vi st ul a d r i vi n g t h em a c r oss t h e r i v er an d s ei z
, ,

i n g D an t zi c He would t hus s ec u re b et t e r wi n t er qu a r t er s
.

i n E a s t P r u ssi a an d b e i n a fa vo r a bl e pos i t i o n a t t h e
,

op en i n g of t h e n ext c a mp a i gn H e h a d b een rein fo r ced .

a n d n ow h a d a bout m en Aft er m eet i n g wi t h som e

.

succ ess i n h i s fo rw a r d movem en t t h e Russ i a n c omm a n d er ,

sud d en ly a b a n do n ed hi s sch em e a n d d eci d ed t o fa ll b a c k ,

a n d a g a i n p u t h i s t roops i n t o c a n t o n m en t s .

Not wi t hst a n d i n g hi s r elu c t a n c e t o u n d ert a ke a wi n t er

c a mp a i gn t h is mov e of t h e Russi a n s d et er m in ed N a poleon
,

t o b egi n a n off en si v e op er a t i on of hi s ow n H a v i n g d i v i n ed .

B en n i gsen s i n t en t i o n h e p r opos ed t o mov e a rou n d hi s

’

rea r an d d r i v e h i m i n t o t he a n gle b et ween t h e Vi s t ul a a n d

t h e sea N a pol eo n m a rc h ed a g a i n st t h e en emy wi t h t h e
.

c a v a lry u n d er Mu r a t a n d t h e fou r corp s of D a vou t ,

Au ger ea u Ney an d Sou l t a bou t

, .
, m en B ern a dot t e .

w a s t o hold t h e Vi st ul a N a pol eo n s pl an s wer e w ell l a i d

’

,
.

an d t h er e w a s pro sp ect of a n ot h er J en a .

Th ere n ow h a pp en ed on e of t hos e u n fo rt u n at e a c ci d en t s
wh i ch som et i m es occur i n w a r a n d ups et t h e a bl est c a l cu
l a t i on s A di sp a t ch from t h e Emp er o r t o B er n a dot t e gi vi n g
.

h i m i n d et a i l t h e whol e pl a n of op er a t i on s a n d p r es c ri b i n g ,

h i s ow n mov em en t s fa i led t o r ea c h t h e m a r sh a l a n d fell

,

in t o t h e h an d s of t h e en emy Th e Ru ss i a n comm a n d e r .

w a s t hus on t h e fi r s t of F ebru a ry pu t i n full po ss ess i o n of

[ 21 5 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
t he F ren c h pl a n s wh i le B er n a d ot t e r em a i n ed for s ever a l
,

d a ys i n c ompl et e i gn o r a n ce of t h e gen er a l op er at i o n s .

Th e m a rsh a l c on sequ en t ly d i d n ot move a n d B en n i gsen ,

m a d e h a st e t o get ou t of t h e t r a p p rep a r ed for Mn He .

r a p i dly d rew hi s t r oop s t oget h er a t All en st ei n wh er e ,

N a pol eon a t t a c ked h i m on t he secon d of F eb r u a r y He .

i mm ed i a t ely fell b a ck a n d a ft er a r et r ea t of t h ree d a ys

,

rea c h ed Eyl a u wh er e t h e r o a d s t o K en i g sb er g a n d F r i ed
,

l a n d d i vi d e Th er e h e sa w t h a t h e mu st m a k e a st an d if h e
.

w a s t o sa ve h i s a r my fr om c ompl et e d i so r g an i z a t i on O n .

t h e sev en t h t h e F r en c h cen t r e c olum n d r ov e t h e Ru ssi a n

rea r g u a r d i n t o t h e t own a n d t h e F ren c h a r my a dv a n c ed
,

a n d t ook up i t s posi t i on opposi t e t h e t own Th e r e w er e i n .

an d a bou t t h e vi ll a ge t h e c o r p s of Mu r a t Soul t an d ,

Au ger ea u a n d t h e Gu a r d wh i l e N ey a n d D a vou t wer e a

, ,

h a lf a d a y s m a rc h a w a y Th e Emper o r b i vou a c ked on t h e

’
.

h i ll b eh i n d Eyl a u u n cer t a i n wh et h er t h e R u ssi an s woul d

,

st a n d on t h e mo r r ow o r c on t i n u e t h ei r r et r ea t .

T h e m a i n Ru ssi a n a r my of a bo u t m en w a s
d r a wn u p on t h e pl a i n a lon g t h e low pl a t ea u a t hou sa n d
y a r d s ea st a n d n o r t h of Eyl a u Th er e were m a n y low h i ll s
.
,

an d m a n y b r ooks a n d pon d s wh i c h wer e fr oz en ov er a n d

,

c ove r ed w i t h sn ow .

T h e fo rces wer e n ot fa r fr om equ a l b u t D a vo u t a n d ,

Ney h a d n ot y et a r r i ved a n d t h e Emp er o r h a d on ly

m en a t hi s d i spo sa l Though n ot sup er i o r i n fo r ce a s h e
.
,

a lw a ys p refer r ed t o b e N a pol eo n r esolv ed t o a t t a c k a n d

, ,

felt su r e of success Th e Ru ss i a n s h a d b een r et r ea t i n g for

.

a week, a n d most t roops u n d er su c h c on d it i on s would b e

p ret t y well d emo r a li zed B u t N a pol eon h a d n ev er y et seen

.

t h e Ru ssi a n sold i er a t hi s b est t h a t i s i n r ev er s e T h e

, , .

F ren c h a r my a l so h a d b een m a r ch in g for a wee k wi t h lit t l e ,

o r n o sh el t er a n d w a s much fa t i gu ed
, .

Th e b a t t l e b eg a n wit h a h ea vy c an n on a d e by t h e Rus
si a n s who wer e mu c h sup er i or i n t h i s a r m
, Th en t h ey .

a t t emp t ed t o rec a p t u r e t h e t own of Eyl a u wh i ch h a d b een

t a k en by So u l t a t t h e po i n t of t h e b a yo n et t h e ev en i n g
b efore a n d t h er e w a s s er i ou s figh t i n g in t h e st reet s an d
,

[ 21 6 ]
 NAPOLEON THE F I RST
ques t i on of supp l ies was m a d e muc h ea si er L efebv r e wi t h .

hi s corp s h a d i n v es t ed t h e pl a ce a bou t t h e m i ddle of

M a rc h a n d i t fi n a lly surren d ered t h e 2 5 M ay Hi s corps
,
.

w as t h en broken up t o r ei n forc e Mort i er a n d a g serv e ,

c orps w a s form ed u n d er t h e c omm a n d of L an n es i n pl a c e

‘

, ,

of Au ger eau s corps wh i ch suffered so s everely at Eyl a u

’

t h a t i t h a d t o b e d i sb a n d ed .

Th e Russ i an s u n d er B en n i gs en h ad b een i n c a n t on
“

m en t s s i n c e M a rch a lon g t h e r i ver A l le L at er h e moved .

forw a rd t o H ei lsb erg .

Aft er t h e fa ll of Da n t z ic N a pol eon who h a d b een , ,

h ea vi ly r ein forced h a d i n h a n d fiv e corps wi t h t h e Gu a r d

, ,

a n d L a n n es r es erv e corp s a t o t a l of a bou t

’
m en .

An ot her corps of a bou t m en w a s n ea r Pult usk u n d er

M a ss en a who h a d b een c a lled up from I t a ly Ot h er d e .

t ach m en t s brough t t h e a r my up t o a t ot a l of 2 8 m en .

Th e m a in Russ i an a r my un d er B en n i gs en comp r i sed

a bou t m en wit h , Prussi an s i n a dd it i on u n d er
Lest ocq a n d t h ere wer e a l so a bou t
, Russi a n s i n
reserve i n t he rea r .

Th e Emp eror wa s o n ly w a i t i n g for t h e fa ll of Da n t zi c

b efo re resumi n g a ct i ve op er a t i on s O n t h e fift h of Ju n e .

h e i ssu ed ord ers for t h e whol e a r my t o b e r ea dy t o a dv a n ce

a t t h e en d of fiv e d a ys .

Th e Russ i an s however a n t i ci p a t ed h i s at t a ck For

, , .

some t i me t h e Cza r h a d b een pressi n g B en n i gs en t o a d

v an ce b u t h e felt t h at h e w a s n ot s uffi ci en t ly p r ep a r ed
, .

At l en gt h t h e compl ai n t s b ec a m e so loud t h at h e resolved

t o a ssum e t h e offen s i ve Th e fi rst week i n Ju n e h e b eg an
.

a n a dv a n ce i n t hree colum n s fr om H ei lsb er g Hi s pl a n .

’
w a s t o t a ke a dv a n t a ge of Ney s expos ed pos it i on a n d
t hrow t h e bu l k of hi s a rmy u po n h i m i
News of t hi s a dv an c e mov em en t rea ch ed N a pol eon a t “

Fi n cken st ein on t h e fift h a t mi dd a y an d t h e s a m e ev en i n g ,

h e i ssu ed n ew ord ers for t h e con c en t ra t i on of h is m a in

body un d er Mur at L an n es Mort ier an d D a vout b et ween
, ,

Ost erod e an d S a a lfeld t o whi ch li n e Ney an d Soult were

,

t o fa ll b a ck i f h a rd pr ess ed .

[ 21 8 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Th i s d et ai l wi ll b e rem a r ked i n t h e cel eb r a t ed p a i n t i n g of
t h e b a t t l e by M ei sson i er wh i c h n ow h a n gs i n t h e M et r o
polit an Mus eum a t New York .

Wh en t h e b at t l e b eg a n a t n i n e o c lock i n t h e rfi r n i n g
’

L an n es h a d on ly m en on t h e fi el d t o fa c e n ea r ly
t h ree t i m es a s m a n y Russ i a n s An hour l a t er Mo r t i er s
’
.
,

c o r p s a rr i v ed , a n d t h e n umb er s were mo r e n ea r ly ev en .

Th e Emper o r rea c h ed t h e fi el d a bout n oon a n d fr om ,

t h e el ev a t i on n ea r Post h en en surv ey e d t h e g r ou n d On .

t h i s b r i ght summ er mo rn i n g t h e scen e w a s v er y d iff e r en t

fr om t h a t whi ch h e h a d wit n essed un d er t h e wi n t ry sk y of
Eyl a u fou r mon t h s b efo r e H e a t o n c e g r a sp ed t h e sa l i en t
.

feat u r es of t h e b at t le-fiel d a n d saw t h e w e a kn ess of t h e

Ru ssi a n posit i on wit h t h ei r c o r p s sep a r a t ed by t h e M i ll
,

St r ea m a n d a d eep u n fo r d a bl e r i v er i n t h e r ea r c ross ed
, , ,

by o n ly on e p er m a n en t b r id ge .

N a pol eon h a d su ffi ci en t fo r ce i n h a n d t o hold off t h e

en emy , a n d h e d ec i d ed n ot t o p r ess t h e figh t u n t i l N ey ,

Vi ct o r a n d t h e Gu a r d a r r i v ed Un t i l fiv e o cloc k t h e a ct i o n
.
’

on bot h si d es w a s m a i n t a i n ed c h i e fly by t h e a rt i ll er y .

Th en t h e Gu a r d an d Vi ct o r h a vin g c om e up N a pol eo n
, ,

o r d ered t h e a t t a c k t o b egin By ei gh t o c loc k Ney w a s

.
’

i n poss essi o n of Fri ed l a n d a n d t h e b a t t l e w as w on Th e .

Ru ss i an s suff er ed v er y s ever e lo sses i n t h ei r ret rea t ov er

t h e on ly b r i d g e t h a t w a s l eft op en t o t h em .

Th ere w a s n o pu r sui t of t h e d emo r a l i zed Russi a n s wh i ch ,

w a s co n t r a ry t o N a pol eo n s u su a l pr a ct i ce T h e ex pl a
’
.

n at i o n prob a bly i s t h at h e w a s i n fluen ced by polit ic a l

con si d er at i on s A pursui t su c h a s t h at o f t h e P r us si a n s
.

a ft er J en a would h a v e i n fl i ct ed v er y h ea vy loss es on t h e
er y b i t t er feel i n gs
en emy b u t would a lso h a v e c a u sed v
.

N a pol eon d id n ot w an t t o m a ke a p er m a n en t en emy of

e Russ i a n a l l ra n c e
t h e Cz a r He a l rea dy h a d i n m i n d t h
.

wh i ch w a s soon t o b e con c lu d ed .

O n t h e 1 9 Ju n e N a pol eon r eac h ed Trl s1 t n ea rly s1 xt y

m i l es fr om F r iedl an d Hi s a r my h a d m a r c h ed 1 40 m i l es
.

h r d ys figh i g w b t t l es o n t h e w a y
i t
n i t e e n a ,
t n t o a .

propos d p r so n a l m eet rn g b e
At T i ls i t N a pol e o n e a e

[ 2 20 ]
 THE CAM PAIGN IN POLAND
tween t he Cza r an d h i m self t o a rr a n ge t h e t erms of p ea c e .

An en ormous r a ft w as c o n s t r uct ed by t h e F r en ch en gin eer s

a n d moor ed i n m i d st re a m O n t h e 2 5 Ju n e a t o n e o clock
’
.

N a pol eon a ccomp a n i ed by Mu r a t B er t h i er B ess i er es

, , , ,

Duroc an d C a ul a i n cou r t l eft o n e b an k of t h e r i v er a t t h e

,

s a m e mom en t t h a t Alex a n d er wit h t h e Gr a n d Duk e ,

Con s t an t i n e B en n i g sen a n d t hree a i d es d e c a mp left t h e

,

ot h e r Th e t w o Emp er o r s m et on t h e r a ft embr a c ed a n d
.
, ,

t h en en t er ed on a d i sc u ssi o n wh i ch l a s t ed t w o hour s .

By t h e T rea t y of Ti l sit si gn ed on t h e s even t h of July

, ,

P r ussi a w a s r ed u c ed t o t h e t errit ory lyi n g b et ween t h e

Elb e a n d t h e Od er F r om h er sh a re of t h e an c i en t Ki n g
.

d om of Pol an d w a s fo r m ed t h e Gr a n d Duchy of W a r s aw .

T h e n ew Kin gdom of West ph a l i a w a s fo r m ed ou t of

P r ussi a n l a n ds wes t of t h e Elb e a n d b est owed upo n
er om e .

Th e 1 4 M a y a t F i n c ken st ei n N a pol eo n w a s i n form ed by

a sp ec i a l c ou r i er of t h e d ea t h a t Th e H a gu e n i n e d a y s

b efore of N a pol eon Ch a r l es t h e eld est son of Lou i s a n d

,

Hort en se Th e li t t l e P r i n c e Roya l of Holl a n d w a s a t t a c k ed

.

by t h e c r oup on t h e even i n g of t h e fou r t h a n d d i ed a t t en

o c lo c k t h e followin g n i gh t Hi s gr an dmot h er Jo seph i n e
’
.

h a d c h er i sh ed t h e hop e t h a t h e would on e d a y i n h er i t t h e
Imp er i a l t h r on e T h e c h i l d w a s r em a r k a bl e fo r h i s i n t el li
.

gen ce a n d b ea ut y a n d w a s mu c h b eloved by t h e Emp er or ,

whom h e st r on gly r es embl ed Th e g r ief of Joseph i n e w a s

.

i n t en s e S h e d i d n ot d a r e t o l ea ve t h e t er r i t o r y of t h e
.

Empi r e wit hout t h e p er m i ssi on of t h e Emp er o r b u t sh e ,

wen t at on ce t o t h e c h at ea u of L a eken n ea r B r ussel s ,

wh en ce sh e w r ot e Ho r t en se t o c om e a n d jo i n h er Loui s .

a n d Hort en se w i t h t h ei r o n ly r em a i n i n g son N a pol eon ,

Lou i s t h en t w o a n d a h a lf yea r s old a r r i ved a t L a eken

, ,

t h e n ext ev en i n g .

A few d a ys l a t er t h e Emp r ess ret u rn ed t o P a ri s wi t h

,

Ho r t en se a n d h er c h i l d Aft e r a sho r t st a y a t M a lm ai son

.
,

Ho r t en s e l eft fo r C a ut er et s i n t h e Pyr en ees t o t a ke t h e

w a t er s for h er h ea l t h H er e sh e w a s r ejoi n ed by her hus
.

b a n d a n d for t h e l a s t t i m e t h ey r esum ed t h ei r li fe i n
,

[ 22 1 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
commo n N in e mo n t hs l a t er at t h e t own house of Qu een
.

Ho r t en se 8 Ru e Cer ut t i n ow t h e R u e La fli t t e P a ri s w a s
, , , , ,

bo r n t h ei r t h i r d a n d youn gest son Loui s N a poleon a ft er , ,

w a rds t he Emper or N a pol eon t h e Th i r d 0 .

O n t he 2 8 July 1 80 7 t h e Emp er o r wh o h a d a rr i ved t h e

, ,

p revi ous ev en i n g a t S a in t -Cloud r ec ei ved t h e gr a n d ,

d i gn i t a r i es of t h e S t a t e who c a m e t o off er t h ei r feli ci t a

,

t i o n s T h e v i ct o r of Au st er l i t z of J en a a n d of F r i ed l a n d
.
, ,

t h e con qu er o r of t h e t h ree g rea t est n a t i o n s of t h e Co n

t i n en t w a s t h en a t t h e h ei gh t of h i s power T h e d om i n i o n s
, .

d i rect ly or i n d i r ect ly u n d er h i s c on t r ol ext en d ed fr om t h e

Vi st ul a t o t h e S t r a it of Gi b r a l t a r fr om t h e No r t h Sea t o ,

t h e mou n t a i n s of Boh em i a fr om t h e Alp s t o t h e A d r i a t i c

, .

Not even Ch a r lem a gn e h a d ev er r uled so g r eat a n emp i re .

Th e fet e of N a poleo n 1 5 Augu st w a s c eleb r a t ed t h a t

, ,
.

yea r wit h un u su a l splen d o r I n t h e even i n g t h e Emp er or .

a pp ea red on t h e b a l c o n y of t h e Tu i l er i es hol d i n g t h e h a n d ,

of Joseph i n e a n d w a s a cc l a i m ed by a n i mm en se c r ow d
,

whi c h filled t h e i llum i n a t ed G a r d en s .

A week l at er w a s c eleb r a t ed t h e m a r r i a ge of Jer o m e

wit h t h e yo u n g P r i n cess C at h er in e of W ii r t em b erg N a po .

l eon h a d h a d mu c h d i ffi cult y i n sec u r i n g t h e a n n ulm en t

of h i s b r ot h er s m a r r i a ge wi t h M iss P a t t er son T h e Pop e
’
.

h a d repli ed t o t h e r equ est of t h e Emp er o r by a fo r m a l

r efu sa l B u t t h e F r en c h a ut ho r it i es wer e mo re a m en a bl e
.

a n d i n Oc t ob er 1 8 0 6 h e ob t a i n ed a d ec r ee wh i c h pro

n ou n ced t h e m a r r i a ge n ull a n d vo i d .

Th e K in g of W ii r t em b er g who owed h i s c r own t o ,

N a pol eon w a s a r egul a r colossu s Th e Queen who w a s

, .
,

t h e st ep -mot h er of C a t h eri n e w a s t h e d a ugh t er of K i n g ,

Geo r ge t h e Th i r d a n d sh e w a s n a t u r a lly oppos ed t o t h e

,

m a r r i a ge Sh e d id n ot ven t ur e however t o r a i se a n y
.

obj ect i on s .

Jero m e w h o w a s t h e you n gest of t h e Bon a p a rt es an d

, ,

a lso t h e mos t wor t hl ess h a d just recei v ed fr om hi s

,

b r ot h er t h e crown of West ph a li a Born a t Aj a cci o t h e .

1 5 Novemb e r 1 784 h e w a s n ea r ly t wo y ea r s you n ger

,

[ 22 2 ]
 C HAPTER FI F TEEN

S PAI N

En gl S iz t h D i h Fl t — N pol o d t h Czar — T
an d e es e an s y dee a e n an e u sc a n an

t h P p l St t
e a Aa x d D m d po Po t g l —Aff i i Sp i
a es n ne e e an s u n r u a a rs n a n

Th Roy l F m ily - Th P i
e a f P a
— T t y f Fo t i bl e r n ce o ea ce rea o n a ne ea u

J o t t
unLi bo — Ab d i t i o
a f Chs l — Th B yo
n Co f ca n o a r es e a nn e n eren ce

Jo ph Ki g f Sp i — Th E f t M t i g — Th Sp i h U p
se , n o a n e r ur ee n e an s

i i g — Th G
r sn d A my E t e Sp i — Topog phy f t h Co t y
ra n r n ers a n ra o e un r

C pt a f M d id
u re oD t h f Si Joh Moo — N pol o R t
a r ea o r n re a e n e ur n s

t oP i ar s

N t he m i d st of t h e fet es a t Fon t a i n ebl ea u c a m e t h e

un expect ed n ews t h a t E n gl a n d h a d s en t a fl eet a n d
a n exp ed i t i o n a r y fo rc e a g a i n s t D en m a r k an d t h at ,

a ft er a t h r ee d a s bomb a r dm en t of Cop en h a gen t h e

’

y ,

D a n i sh fl eet h a d b een sei zed a n d c a r ri ed a w a y I t d e .

v el o ped l a t er t h a t t h r ough a n i n d i sc r et i on a secr et c l a u se

of t he Trea t y of Ti lsit h a d b ecom e k n own t o t h e E n gli sh

C a b in et wh i ch jumped t o t h e c on c lu sion t h a t D en m a r k
,

w as t o b e c on s t r a i n ed by F r a n c e t o clo se i t s port s a ga i n s t
Brit i sh good s Thi s w a s t h e En gli s h excuse for t h i s out r a ge
.

upon a n eut r a l a n d i n off en si ve Powe r Th e i mm ed i a t e .

r esul t w a s t h e con c lu si o n of a n a ll i a n c e b et ween D en m a r k

an d Fr a n c e b u t wi t hout t h e fl eet t h er e w a s n o po ssi b i l i t y

,

of clos in g t h e Soun d a ga i n st B rit i sh v ess els .

Th e Cz a r who h a d u n d er t a ken a t Ti ls it t o m ed i a t e
,

b et ween F r a n ce a n d E n gl a n d w a s n ow forced t o a c k n ow l ,

edge t h a t h i s effo r t s would b e v a i n a n d i n a cco rd an c e ,

wit h t h e t er ms of t h e a lli an c e on t he seven t h of Novemb er ,

1 8 0 7 h e d ecl a r ed w a r on E n gl a n d Th e Cz a r t ook t h i s .

st ep wi t h g r ea t r elu ct an c e fo r Russ i a w a s n ot a m an u ,

fa ct u ri n g n a t i o n a n d w a s ver y d ep en d en t on Bri t i sh goods

, ,

wh i ch i t p a i d for by t he export of t h e product s of i t s ri ch

[I 2 24 3]
 S PAIN
fi elds a n d forest s Th e oppos it i on i n Russ i a t o joi n i n g t h e
.

Con t i n en t a l Block a d e w a s a lmost un i vers a l a n d t h i s ,

feel i n g h a d much t o do l at er wi t h t he fi n a l r up t ure wi t h

Fr a n c e For t h e mom en t however Alex a n d er w a s wi lli n g
.

t o y i eld t o t h e wi sh es of N a pol eo n ; b u t h e a t o n c e m a d e
a d em an d t h a t a s propos ed a t Ti l si t h e should b e a llow ed
, ,

t o t a k e pos sessi o n of t h e D an ub i a n p r i n ci p a l i t i es Mol ,

d a v i a a n d W a ll a c h i a a s well a s of F i n l a n d wh i c h s t i ll
, ,

b elon ged t o Swed en N a pol eon refused per empt o r i ly t o

.

c o n s en t t o t h i s d i sm emb er m en t of Turkey b u t h e u r g ed ,

t h e Cz a r t o p r o c eed t o t h e c o n qu es t of F i n l a n d an d ,

off er ed for t h i s pu r pose t o sen d t h e co r p s of B ern a d ot t e

t o h i s a s si s t a n c e .

Alt hough t h e h ea rt of Al ex a n d er w a s mo r e set upo n

s ecuri n g t h e P r i n ci p a l it ies h e a c cep t ed t h e ot h er p r opo
,

s iri on a n d t h e l a st of Feb r u a ry su d d en ly i n v a d ed Fi n
,

l a n d B u t t h e c o n qu est d i d n ot t u r n ou t t o b e a s ea sy a s
.

h e h a d exp ec t ed Th e Swed es wi t h t h e a ssi st a n ce of En g

.

l i sh t r oop s p u t up a st out resi st an c e ; t he p r om i sed c o r p s

of B er n a dot t e d i d n ot m a t er i a li ze ; a n d t h e Cz a r owi n g ,

t o t h e c o n t i n u ed F r en ch occup a t i on of P r u ssi a d i d n ot ,

li ke t o r ei n force h i s exp ed it i on a r y a r my fr om t h a t qu a r t er .

H e w a s t h er efore forced t o rec a ll hi s t r oops fr om t h e

D a n ub e, wh i c h w a s ju st wh a t N a pol eon d esi red a s i t ,

m ea n t gi vi n g up a n y hop es of con qu est t here for t h e

p r es en t .

N a poleon n ow t u r n ed hi s a t t en t i on t o I t a ly Th e youn g .

dow a ger Queen of Et r u r i a w h o w a s su r rou n d ed by a d

,

v i ser s u n fri en dly t o Fr an c e h a d op en e d t h e po r t of L i vo r n o

,

t o E n gl i sh goods wh i ch were brough t i n u n d er t h e Am er i

c an fla g Th e l a s t of August N a pol eon s en t a sm a ll forc e
.
,

t o t a k e pos se ss i o n of Tusc a n y T h e Qu een w a s i n fo r m ed

.

t h a t prov i s i o n would b e m a d e fo r h er i n t h e p a r t it i o n of
Port ug a l wh i ch w as t h en b ei n g a rr an ged wit h Sp a i n
,
.

Tusc a n y a n d t h e i sl a n ds of Corsi c a a n d Elb a were i n

, ,

cor p or a t ed i n t o t h e Emp i r e a n d a ppor t i on ed i n t o t hree

d ep a rt m en t s .

E 225 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Th ere n ow r em a in ed i n I t a ly on ly on e sm a ll st a t e wh i ch
’
w a s n ot subj ec t t o N a pol eo n s power t h a t of t h e Po p e .

Th i s must b e con t r olled i f t h e Con t in en t a l Block a d e w as

t o b e r i gi dly en fo r c ed As t h e Holy F a t h er a fa r pro
.
,

lon ged n egot i at i on s fi n a lly r efus ed t o c omply wi t h N a po

,

l eon s d em a n ds ea r ly i n F eb r u a r y 1 80 8 t h e P a p a l S t a t es
’
,

wer e o cc up i ed by F r en ch t roops a n d l a t er wer e form a lly ,

a n n exed t o t h e Emp i re .

At Ti l si t i t h a d b een a rr a n g ed b et ween t h e Cz a r a n d
N a poleon t h a t Po r t ug a l shoul d b e r equ est ed t o en t er t h e
Con t in en t a l Syst em a n d i n t h e even t of h er refu sa l should
,

b e t rea t ed a s a commo n en emy I n t h i s a c t i on Sp a i n w a s .

t o b e c a ll ed on t o c od p er a t e Th i s w a s m a ki n g n o sm a ll
.

d em a n d on t h a t gov ern m en t for t h e C r own P r in ce Joh n

,

of Port ug a l r egen t fo r hi s mot h er who w a s of u n sou n d

, ,

m i n d h a d m a r r i ed t h e d a ugh t er of Ch a r l es t h e Fourt h
, .

N eve r t h el ess Sp a in a c qui esced .

B efor e t elli n g t h e st o r y of t h e Sp a n i sh d r a m a upon

wh ic h t h e c u r t a i n i s a bout t o r i se it wi ll b e well t o t a k e ,

a look a t t h e c h a r a ct er s w h o a r e t o pl a y t h e pri n ci p a l

r al es .

Th e fa mi ly of t h e Sp an i sh Bou r bon s w a s d es c en d ed
fr om Ph i li p of An jou a gr an dson of Lou i s t h e Fou rt een t h
,

of Fra n ce w ho b ec a m e Kin g i n 1 70 0 u n d er t h e t it le of
,

Ph i li p t h e Fi ft h I n t h at yea r t h e m a l e l in e of t h e Sp a n i sh
.

H a p sbu r gs b ec a m e ext in c t a n d t h e c onfl i ct i n g c l a i m s t o

,

t h e t h r o n e g a v e r i se t o t h e W a r of t h e Sp a n i sh Su c cessi o n .

Th e n ea r est n a t u r a l h ei r t o t h e t h r o n e w a s of t h e r oy a l
Bourbon li n e of F r a n c e t h e el d er si st er of t h e l a t e Kin g
, ,

Ch a r l es t h e S ec on d h a vi n g m a r r i ed Loui s t h e Fou r t een t h

, .

F a i lin g t h e Bou r bon s t h e n ext h ei rs w ere t h e d escen d a n t s

,

of a youn ger s i st er of Ch a r les w h o h a d m a r r i ed t h e Em

per o r Leopold t h e Fi r s t of Aus t r i a Lou i s c l a i m ed t h e .

t hron e for hi s g r a n d so n Ph i l i p who w a s procl a i m ed Ki n g

,

i n 1 70 0 a n d w a s c o n fi r m ed by t h e Pea c e of Ut r echt i n
1 71 3 .

In fa mi ly w as compo sed of seven p erso n s of

1 80 8 t he ,

whom on ly four con cern u s : t h e Ki n g Ch a rles t h e Fourt h , ,

[ 2 26 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
at t h e h ea d of F r en ch a rmy of
a m en h a d c r oss ed
t h e Bid a ssoa t h e 1 8 Oc t ob er 1 8 0 7 an d h a d a dv a n ced wi t h
,

ou t d i fli cu l t y t o t h e g a t es of L i sbon B efore h i s a r r i v a l
.

t h ere t h e roy a l fa mi ly of Po r t ug a l a n d a l l t h e p r h ci p a l
,

fa mi li es of t h e ki n gd om h a d emb a rk ed on t h e fl eet wi t h ,

a l l of t h ei r v a lu a bl es a n d s a i l ed for Br a zi l
, .

O n t h e first d a y of M a rc h 1 80 8 N a pol eon n o t i fi ed t h e,

Cou r t of M a d r i d of hi s i n t en t i on t o a n n ex a ll of Sp a i n
n ort h of t h e Eb r o t o t h e F r en ch Emp i r e At t h e s a m e .

t i m e h e off er ed t o t h e Sp a n i sh Mon a r c hy by w a y of co m ,

p en sa t i on a ll of Po r t ug a l Th e K i n g w a s st u p efied by t h i s
, .

p r oposit i on b u t d i d n ot d a r e t o m a ke a n y op en oppos i t i on
, .

I n g r eat s ec recy h e m a d e p r ep a r a t i on s t o follow t h e ex

a mpl e of t h e roy a l fa m i ly of Port ug a l a n d flee t o Am e r i c a .

B u t t h e n ews i n som e w a y l ea ked ou t a n d t h ere w a s a

popul a r up r i si n g i n wh i c h t h e t r oops joi n ed t o oppo se
, ,

t h e d ep a r t u r e of t h e r oy a l fa m i ly Th e Ki n g t er r i fi ed by
.
,

t h e t umult a b d i c a t ed t h e cr own i n fa vo r of hi s son w h o

'

, ,

t ook t h e n a m e of F er d i n a n d t h e S even t h .

Th e quest i on n ow w a s wh et h er t h i s a b d i c a t i on woul d
,

b e recogn i zed by N a poleo n A F r en c h a r my u n d er M u r a t

.

w a s a l rea d y a d v a n ci n g on M a d ri d a n d o n t h e 2 4 M a r c h
,

i t en t er ed t h e c it y Th e n ew Kin g m a d e hi s en t r y t h e sa m e
.

d a y a n d a s t h e popul a t i on i m a gin ed t h a t t h e Emp er o r w a s

,

t h e a lly of t h e n ew sov er ei gn t h e F r en ch t r oop s r ec ei v ed

,

a w a r m w el c om e .

Ch a r les who w a s at t h e Esc u r i a l n ow w r ot e t h e

, ,

Emper o r t h at hi s a bd i c a t i on h a d b een fo rced upon hi m ,

a n d a sk ed fo r a s si st an ce i n rec over i n g hi s t h r o n e At t h e .

sa m e t i m e Fer d i n a n d a lso a pp ea led ; a n d o n t h e t en t h of

,

Apri l he set ou t t o m eet t h e Emp er o r a t B a yon n e wh er e ,

Ch a rl es a n d hi s qu een h a d a lrea d y b een summon ed .

N a poleon a t t h i s t im e w a s a t t h e c h at ea u of M a rr a c a t
B a yon n e wh er e h e w a s join ed by t h e Emp r ess on t h e
,

2 7 Apri l H ere Ch a rl es a n d h i s wi fe a r r i v ed t hr ee d a ys
.

l at er a cc omp a n i ed by Godoy
, .

M ea n whi l e g r a ve ev en t s h a d h a pp en ed a t M a d ri d Th e .

p eopl e en ra ged at t h e t r ea t m en t o f t h ei r sover ei gn s on

, ,

[ 2 28 ]
 S PA I N
the s econ d of M a y b r oke ou t i n op en revol t a g a i n st t h e
F r en ch b u t t h e em eut e w as vi ol en t ly suppress ed by
,

Mu r a t .

Wh en t h i s n ews rea ch ed B a yon n e t h e old K in g who , ,

w a s co n t i n u a lly h a u n t ed by t h e sp ec t r es of Ch a rl es t h e
Fi r s t a n d Lou i s t h e S i xt een t h volu n t a r i ly c ed ed t o N a po
,

l eon hi s ri gh t s t o t h e c r own of Sp a i n for wh i ch h e rec ei ved

,

i n r et u r n t h e Ch at ea ux of Comp i egn e a n d Ch a mbord a s

resi d en c es wit h a c ivi l li st of s ev en m i ll i on s an d a h a lf
,

of fr a n c s Fi ve d a ys l at er F erd in a n d a lso res i gn ed hi s

.
,

c l a i m s t o t h e t hro n e a n d r ec ei v ed t h e ch at ea u of N a v a r r e
,

wit h a n i n com e of a m i lli on fr an c s .

H i st o r y cer t a i n ly h a s n ev er record ed a more rem a rk a bl e

b a r g a i n t h a n t h i s s a l e for a p a lt ry su m of t h e c r own of
Sp a i n a n d t h e I n d i es by t h e d esc en d a n t s of t h e Gr a n d
Mo n a r qu e t o t h e son of a n ob sc ure Corsi c an gen t l em an !
O n t h e t en t h of M a y Ch a r l es a n d hi s wi fe accom
, ,

p a n i ed by t h e you n g Qu een of E t rur i a a n d Godoy l eft ,

fo r Fo n t a in ebl ea u wh ere t h ey were t o l i ve u n t i l t h e

ch at ea u of Comp i egn e w a s p rep a r ed for t h ei r rec ept i on .

Th e followi n g d a y F er d i n a n d set ou t for t h e ch at ea u of

,

Va l en c a y wh er e h e w a s t o b e for a t i m e t h e gues t of M d e .

Ta ll eyr a n d .

O n t h e seven t h of Ju n e Jos eph a rri v ed a t B a yo n n e

, ,

t o b e p r ocl a i m ed Ki n g of Sp a i n a n d t wo d a ys l a t er h e
,

l eft t h er e t o t a ke po ssess i on of hi s n ew t h r on e O n t h e .

t w en t i et h of t h e sa m e mon t h N a pol eo n a n d Jos eph i n e

st a r t ed on a r ou n d of vi si t s t o t h e p r i n c i p a l c i t i es of t h e

sout h a n d w est of Fr a n c e a n d r ea c h ed S a i n t -Cloud t h e

,

1 4 Augu st I t w a s duri n g t h i s t r i p t h a t t h e Emp er o r h ea r d

.

of t h e c a p it ul at i on of Dupon t a t B a y l en t h e fi r s t st ri kin g ,

d i sa st er t o h i s a r ms .

Th e yes of a l l Europ e were n ow t u r n ed t o t h e lit t l e

e

Ger m a n c i t y of Erfurt wh ere N a pol eon w as t o m eet t h e

,

Cz a r The con feren c e b eg a n t h e 2 7 S ept emb er an d l a s t ed

.

un t i l t h e 1 4 Oc t ob er All t h e a llies of t h e Emp eror were

.

pres en t : t h e kin gs of S a xon y B a v a ri a Wii rt em b erg an d

, ,

E 2 29 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
West ph al i a ; t h e P r i n c e-P r i m at e a n d a ll t h e prin c es of
t h e Con fed er a t i on of t h e Rh i n e Th e a ct o r s of t h e Com é d i e
.

“ ”
F r an c a i s e pl a yed b efore a p a r t er r e of ki n gs O n e even .

“ ”
i n g wh en t h e CEd i p u s of Volt a i re w a s b ein g p er fofi n ed ,

a s T a lm a d ecl a i m ed t h e wo r ds :

Th e fri en d shi p of a gr eat m an

”
I s a t r u e gi ft o f t he go d s,

t he Cz a r a mi d st t h e a ppl a u se of t h e a ud ien ce p r es sed i n

, ,

t h e mo st co r d i a l m a n n er t h e h a n d of hi s fo r m er a n d
fut u re foe .

To h er g r eat r eg ret Joseph in e h a d n ot b een a llowe d t o

,

a c comp a n y t h e Emp er o r a n d sh e d i v i ned t h a t h er d i vo r ce

,

would b e on e of t h e subj ect s of d i sc u ssi on I n t hi s sh e w a s .

n ot m i st a k en T h e Cz a r h a d t w o si st e r s of a m a r r i a gea bl e
.

a ge : t h e gr a n d d u c h esses C a t h er i n e a n d A n n e T a ll ey r a n d
.
,

whom N a pol eo n h a d t a ken wit h h i m b r o a c h ed t h e subj ect ,

t o Al ex a n d er T h e Cz a r wh i l e p r ot est i n g hi s ea r n es t d esi re
.
,

t o b ec om e t h e b r ot h er -i n -l a w of t h e Emp er o r st a t ed ,

fr a n kly t h a t hi s mot h er woul d b e st r on gly opposed t o t h e

pl a n a n d t h a t t h e on ly w a y t o ob t a in h er c on sen t w a s t o
,

sa t i sfy t h e hop es of Ru ssi a wi t h r eg a r d t o Con st a n t i n opl e .

I t i s p er h a p s u n n ec essa ry t o st a t e t h a t N a pol eon w a s n ot

wi llin g t o p ay t hi s p r i c e fo r t h e hon o r of a n a lli a n c e wit h
t h e Imp er i a l fa m i ly of Rus si a .

Th e c h i ef p r a ct i ca l r esult s of t h e E r fu rt con feren ce c an

b e sum m ed up i n a few wo r d s : Th e F r a n co-Russ i a n
a ll i a n c e w a s c o n t i n u ed t hough o n som ewh a t s t r a i n ed
,

t er m s ; t h e D a n ub i a n P r i n ci p a l i t i es w er e r elu ct an t ly con
c ed ed t o t h e Cz a r ; a n d h e w a s gi ven a fr ee h a n d i n d ea l i n g

wit h Swed en .

For h i m self N a pol eon h a d g a i n ed n ot h i n g exc ep t a

brea t h i n g sp ell d u r i n g wh i c h h e c ould p r oc eed wi t hout ,

d a n ger of i mm ed i at e i n t er feren ce t o t h e r egu l a t i on of

,

a ff a i r s i n Sp a i n I t w as n ot h in g l es s t h a n a d i plom a t i c
.

d efea t He a l so m a d e a g r ea t m i st a ke i n t a kin g T a lley r a n d

.

wi t h hi m Th i s un p r in ci pl ed mi n i st er h a d a l r ea d v b egu n
.

t o t u r n a g a i n s t hi s m a st er an d h e emb ra c ed t h e o
, p por
E 2 30 ]
 SPA I N
t u n it y t o gi v e Al ex an d er a dvi c e wh i ch w as l a t er t o prove
very d et ri m en t a l t o t h e Emp ero r .

Wh en Jos eph a rri ved a t M a dri d i n July 1 80 8 h e b r ough t

w it h h i m a n ew con st i t ut i on a n d a l so c a p a bl e m i n i s t er s
t o ex ec u t e i t H e c a m e wi t h t h e b es t of i n t en t i o n s t o r a i se
.

t h e d ec a d en t k i n gdom t o n ew h ei gh t s of pow er an d
splen d o r B u t t h e p eopl e woul d h a v e n on e of it Th ei r
. .

n a t i on a l pri d e h a d b een wou n d ed by t h e t r eat m en t of

t h ei r l eg i t i m a t e sov er ei gn s a n d t h ei r r el i gi ous fer vo r h a d

,

b een a r ous ed by N a poleon s a ct i on i n robb in g t h e Pop e

’

“
of h i s t h r on e Th e n a t i on refus ed r a t i fic at i on t o t h e
.

”
Trea t y of B a yon n e a n d sp r a n g t o a r ms a s on e m a n .

Th e revol t sprea d wi t h fu r i ous r a p i d it y B efore t h e en d.

of July Joseph w a s c ompell ed t o a b an don h i s c a p i t a l a n d

wit hd r a w b eh i n d t h e Ebro wi t h t h e en t i r e Fren ch a r my .

Th e Sp a n i a r d s h a d sen t m essen ger s t o Lo n d on t o a sk

a s si st a n c e a n d i n Augus t E n gl i sh t r oop s l a n d ed i n Po rt u
,

g a l Th e l a st of t h a t mon t h Ju n o t w a s fo r c ed t o c a p i t ul at e
.
,

a l t hough o n t er m s mos t ho n or a bl e t o t h e F ren c h a r my .

Wh en N a pol eon l eft B a yon n e i n July h e h a d felt n o

d oub t t h a t t h e r evolt i n Sp a i n woul d soon b e p u t down ,

a n d h e w a s n ot a l i t t l e d i s t u r b ed by t h e n ews of t h e n ext

t w o mo n t hs For t h e s a k e of hi s ow n p r est i ge i t w a s n eces

.

sa ry t o c r ush t h i s r eb ell i ou s mov em en t a t o n c e a n d rest ore ,

h i s b r ot h er t o t h e t h r on e H e t h erefor e r esolved t o en t er
.

Sp a i n h i m self wit h t h e G r a n d A r my t h e i n vi n ci bl e,

vet er a n s of Aust er lit z Jen a a n d F r i ed l a n d

, .

Con fid en t of a n ea sy suc cess ov er t h e u n t r a i n ed Sp an i sh

’
levi es N a poleon li ght ly e mb a r ked on t hi s fiv e yea r s
,

w a r wh i c h w a s t o b a ffl e hi m a t ever y st a ge t o d r a i n hi s
, ,

r esou rc es t o cos t h i m
, v a lu a bl e li ves a n d t o en d ,

i n fa i lure He w as t o en cou n t er fo r t h e fir st t i m e t h e s a m e
.

ki n d of n a t i on a l upri si n g wh i ch du r in g t he R evolut i on
h a d m a d e F r a n c e i n vi n c i bl e a g a in st t h e a r m ed ho st s of
Europe Hi s p r evi ous w a rs h a d b een w a ged wi t h gov ern
.

m en t s wh i ch r eli ed for t h ei r d efen c e on professi on a l a r mi es .

Now h e w a s t o fa c e a whol e n at i on i n a r ms resolved t o ,

d i e r at h er t h a n t o subm it t o t h e i n v a d er T h e Sp an i sh .

[ 2 31 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
risi n g w a s t o b e t h e fi r st of a series of popul a r n a t i on a l ,

movem en t s wh i c h were t o p r ove N a poleon s u n doin g ’

.

“
At S a i n t H el en a h e s a i d I t w as t h e Sp a n i s h ulcer wh i ch
,
”
rui n ed m e . o

Thi s p eculi a r l a n d so fa t a l t o F r en ch a rm s d es erves a

, ,

wo r d of d es c ri pt i on Th e Pyren ees wh i ch s ep a r a t e F r a n c e
.
,

fr om Sp ai n exc ept at t h e t w o en d s n ea r t h e B a y of B i s c a y
,

a n d t h e M ed i t er r a n ea n for a d i s t an ce of 2 50 m i les wer e

, ,

t h en c r oss ed o n ly by mul e t r a c ks Th e m a i n h i ghw ay .

fr om Fr an ce s t a rt s a t B a yon n e c r oss es t h e moun t a i n s ,

t o Vi t t o r i a a n d ru n s t h en ce v i a M i r a n d a on t h e Eb r o
t h r ough Bu r gos t o M a d r i d Th e c en t r a l pl a t ea u of t h e
.

c ou n t r y i s b a r r en t h e fert i l e d i st r i ct s lyi n g n ea r t h e c o a st s
, .

M a d r i d i s a polit i c a l r at h er t h a n a comm erc i a l cen t r e .

From t h e c a p it a l r a d i a t e h i ghw a ys l ea d in g t o t he p r i n c i p a l
c it i es .

I n t h e p a rt s of Eu r op e wh ere N a pol eo n h a d c on d u ct ed
h i s p revi ou s c a mp a i gn s t h e r i v er s a n d mou n t a i n s h a d
p r esc r i b ed t h e st r a t egy b u t i n Sp a i n geog r a phy w a s
,

a g a i n st hi m Bot h t h e r i ver s a n d t h e moun t a in s r a n i n

.

t h e w r o n g d i r ec t i o n r i gh t a cr oss hi s p a t h Th e c ou n t r y
, .

w a s t oo poo r t o suppo r t a n a r my a n d t h e m ea n s of co m ,

m u n i c a t i on w er e execr a ble I t w a s a c ou n t r y a dm i r a bly

.

d esi gn ed for t h e d efen si ve ver y diffi cult for t h e off en s i ve

, .

I n t h e p a sses a n d v a ll eys b et ween t h e succ essi ve mou n t a i n

r a n ges i t w a s n ot ea sy fo r l a r ge a r m i es t o op er a t e a n d ,

t h e c ou n t ry w a s well a d a p t ed for gu er ri ll a w a r fa r e As .

“
H en r i
Q u a t re wi s ely sa i d I n Sp a i n l a r ge a r m i es wi ll
,

st a r ve a n d sm a on es wi ll get o a s to

l learnt h E s l es s at e .

By t h e en d of Oct ob er N a poleon h a d ov er , m en
rea dy t o m a r ch i n t o Sp a i n About . h a d b een t a ken
fr om I t a ly a n d sout h ern F r a n c e a n d t he co r p s of Vi c t o r , ,

Ney Mo r t i er L a n n es a n d Soul t h a d b een b r ought b a c k

, ,

from Germ a n y l ea vin g on ly , t roops a cross t h e

Rh i n e .

As soon a s t h e Erfu rt con feren c e w as o v er N a pol eon

[ 2 32 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
Du r in g t h e few weeks t h at N a pol eon st a yed i n M a d r i d
h e w as con st a n t ly occup i ed wit h pl a n s fo r t h e upbu i l d i n g
of t h e coun t r y He a boli sh ed t h e I n qui sit i on ; a lso t h e
.

rem a in s of t h e feud a l syst em ; a lso t h e t a r iff b ofl n d a r ies

wh i c h shut off provi n c e from prov i n c e He a lso clo sed t w o
.

t h i r d s of t h e mo n a s t er i es
.

P r ob a bly N a poleon i f h e h a d h a d t h e opport u n it y

, ,

would h a ve so fi r mly est a bli sh ed t h e n ew i n st i t ut i on s

t h a t t h ey would h a ve fi n a lly t a k en root a n d Sp a i n t o-d a y
,

woul d b e a fa r more p r og r essi ve S t a t e b u t t i m e w a s

,

n ec ess a ry, an d t i m e h e could n ot c omm a n d O n t he 1 8

.

J an u a ry 1 80 9 N a pol eon l eft t h i s coun t ry wh i ch h e a lon e

could h a ve c on qu er ed whi c h h e n ever w a s t o see a g ai n
, ,

a n d wh i c h w a s d es t i n ed t o ru i n hi s Emp i r e H e l eft b eh i n d
.

him m en a n d fiv e M a r sh a ls of F r a n c e . t he
J a n u a ry h e w as P a ri s
.
 C HA PTER SIXTEEN

WAGRAM
W hy Napol o L ft Sp i
e n Fo he d T ll y d A t i Th t
e a n uc an a e ra n us r a r ea en s

W ar Sit t io i G m y N pol o
ua n P p t io
n A t i
er an a e n s
’
re a r a ns us r a s
’

Pl f C m p ig — E o f B t hi — N pol o Joi t h A m y
an o a a n rr r s o er er a e n ns e r

Hi B ill i t S t t gy
s r Hi V i t o i
an i B v i
ra e C pt f Vi s c r es n a ar a a ure o en n a

B ttl f A p
a e D th f L
o s Bot h A m i R i fo d
er n ea o a n n es r es e n rce

B ttl f W g m P
a e o f S ho ba ra Th Co t t Fo t i b le
ea ce o c n ru n n e ur a n a ne au

and t h T il ie Th D ivo
u f J o eph i
er es H L t D ye r ce o s ne er as a s

H E Emp er o r s sud d en a n d u n exp ect ed ret urn t o

’

P a ri s h a d b een c a us ed by even t s of mom en t ous

!
i mport a n c e i n t h e i n t ern a l a n d ext ern a l poli t i c s
of F r an c e Ev en a s ea r ly a s 1 80 5 hi s m i n i st er of Fi n a n c e
.
,

G a ud i n h a d m a d e t h e r em a r k t o hi m t h a t t h e Emp i r e
,

h a d b een i n c r ea sed t o a po i n t wh ere o n ly h e w a s c a p a bl e

of gov er n i n g i t Two y ea r s l at er M et t er n i c h t h e Au st r i a n
.
,
“
d i plom a t m a d e t h e s a m e ob ser v a t i o n
, I t i s rem a r k a ble ,

t h a t N a pol eo n h a s n ot y et t a k en t h e fi r s t st ep t ow a rds
”
a ssu r i n g t h e ex i st en ce of hi s suc c es sors I n 1 8 0 9 h e a d d ed .
,
“
Hi s d ea t h wi ll b e t h e si gn a l for a n ew a n d t er r i bl e
”
b ou l ever sem en t Th ese si gn s of t h e t i m es h a d n ot esc a p ed
.

t h e n ot i c e of t h e cl ea r -h ea d ed T a ll ey r a n d O n t h e s econ d .

of J a n u a r y N a pol eon r ecei v ed a t h i s h ea dqu a r t ers i n

Sp a in t h e r epo r t s of a r a ppr ochem en t of t hos e u su a lly
en vi ous r i v a l s T a ll ey r a n d a n d Fouch e who n ow w a lked ,

a r m in a rm h el d p r i v a t e c on fer en c es a n d s eem ed t o h a v e
, ,

som e s ec r et u n d er st a n d i n g w i t h h i s a m b i t i ous b r o t h er-i n

'

l aw Mur at I n sp i t e of t h e a ss er t i o n s of L an fr ey a n d ot h er
.

h i st o r i a n s t h er e i s evi d en c e of a n i n t r i gu e by n o m ea n s
i n s i gn i fi c a n t c o n duc t ed by t h es e m in i st er s an d o t h er s who
wer e a l a r m ed over t h e Co n t i n en t a l Syst em of t h e Emp eror
i n gen era l a n d t h e Sp a n i sh en t erp ri s e i n p a r t i cul a r
'

.
,

E 2 35 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
But wh a t ev er i mpressi on t h i s n ews m a y h a ve m a d e on
t h e Emp er o r t h e c o n s i d er a t i on of Au st r i a s a t t i t ud e w a s
’

of great e r wei gh t i n d et er m i n i n g hi m t o lea ve Sp a i n .

Du ri n g hi s a bs en c e t h a t Power h a d b een push i n g fi rwa r d

i t s m i l i t a r y pr ep a r a t i on s a n d a pp ea red d et er m i n ed upo n
w a r Wi t h N a poleo n a n d mos t of hi s v et er a n t r oop s d eeply
.

i n volved i n t h e Sp a n i sh u n d ert a kin g Au st ri a t hough t ,

t h a t t h e mom en t w a s oppo r t u n e t o r ecov er h er lo st p os

sessi on s . Her d esp er a t e fi n an ci a l si t u a t i on fu r n i sh ed

a n ot h er a r gum en t i n fa vo r of i mm ed i a t e a ct i o n for t h e ,

a r my coul d b e m a i n t a i n ed a t i t s full compl em en t o n ly

u n t i l sp r i n g Th e sub sid i es wh i c h h a d b een a sked fr om

.

E n gl a n d h a d b een p r omi s ed on ly upon t h e a ct u a l com

m en cem en t of hos t i li t i es Au st r i a h a d a l so hop ed for as
.

si st a n c e fr om P r u ssi a , b u t t h e Ki n g on hi s r et u r n fr om
a v i si t t o t h e Cz a r a t S a i n t Pet er sbu r g h a d pos i t i vely

r efu sed t o t a k e a n y p a r t i n w a r l i k e op er a t i o n s an d st r o n gly

,

a d vi s ed Au st r i a t o p reser v e t h e p ea c e Th i s st a n d of
.

F red er ic k Wi lli a m w a s ver y d epressi n g t o t h e Vi en n a

Court a s i t showed t ha t t h e Cz a r w a s st i ll s i n cer e i n h i s
,

fr i en d sh i p for F r a n ce Not wit h st a n d i n g a l l t h ese d i s

.

c ou r a gem en t s Au st r i a d eci d ed t o go a h ea d .

I t i s i mposs i ble t o s t at e t o wh a t ext en t N a poleo n w a s

a d v i sed of t h e Au st r i a n pl an s b efo r e h i s r et u rn t o P a ri s ,

b u t h e cer t a i n ly h a d en ough i n fo r m at i o n t o p u t h i m on h i s
gu a r d At t hi s t i m e h e h a d on ly
. m en i n Ger m a n y ,

u n d er D a vout a n d O u d i n ot H e i mm ed i at ely t ook st ep s

.

t o o r g a n i z e a n ew a r my of youn g r ecrui t s H e .

wit hd r ew t wo d iv i si o n s a n d t h e Gu a rd fr om Sp a i n a n d
ord er ed som e t r oop s wh i c h were on t h ei r w ay t h er e t o
fa ce a bout a n d p r oceed t o Ger m an y .

’
N a poleo n s fi r st o r d er s wer e for D a vout t o lea ve good
ga rri son s in t h e fo rt r es ses a n d wit h m en t o r en
d ezv ou s a t B a mb er g O u d i n ot w a s o r d er ed t o Augsbu r g
.
,

L a n n es w a s c a lled b a c k fr om Sp a in a n d M a ssen a who, ,

wa s a c t u a lly a t Lyo n wi t h m en en r ou t e for t h e

P en i n sul a w a s sen t t o S t ra sbou r g T h e Con fed er a t i on of
, .

t h e Rh i n e w as c a ll ed on t o mob i l i ze m en By t h e .

E 2 36 ]
 WAGRAM
en d of M a rch t h e Emp eror cou n t ed on h a vi n g
t roops i n B a v a r i a wh i l e t h e Gu a rd would soo n b e t h ere
, .

Th e Archd uke Ch a rl es who h a d b een for m a n y mon t hs

,

i n ch a r ge of Aus t r i a n m i l it a r y m a t t ers h a d m a d e a ,

supr em e eff ort t o r a i se a forc e c a p a bl e of c omp et in g wit h

N a pol eon a n d h e h a d don e hi s wo r k well Th e a ct i v e
, .

a rmy co n s i s t ed of ov er m en d i vi d ed o n t h e Fren c h
,

syst em i n t o t en c orps S even corps u n d er Ch a rl es wer e

.

a ss embl ed i n Boh em i a rea dy t o d ebouch i n t o B a v a r i a a t

R at i sbo n ; Joh n w as t o h ea d t wo c orp s i n I t a ly wh i l e ,

F erd i n an d w a s t o i n v a d e Pol a n d wi t h t h e rem a i n i n g

corps .

I n an ord er i ssu ed fr om P a r i s t h e l a st of M a r ch t h e ,

Emp er o r pl a c ed B ert h i er i n ch a r ge of op er a t i o n s a n d ,

i n d i c a t ed t o hi m t h e gen er a l pl a n h e w a s t o pu r su e u n t i l
h e h i m self should r ea ch t h e fr o n t Th e k ey -n o t e of t h i s
.

ord er wh i ch t h e Emp er or soun d ed a g a i n a n d a g a i n w a s

, , ,
“
Should t h e Aust ri a n s a t t a ck t h e a r my i s t o con c en t r a t e
,
” “
b eh i n d t h e L ec h By t h e wo r d at t a c k h e m ea n t of
.

c ou r se a n a dv an c e i n t o B a v a r i a wi t h t h e i n t en t of a t t a ck

i n g t h e Fr en ch fo r ces No t h i n g c oul d b e c lea r er Arm ed

’

. .

wi t h t h es e ord er s wh i c h n o d oub t wer e suppl em en t ed by

,

ver b a l i n st r uc t i o n s B er t h i er l eft P a r i s t h e l a st d a y of
,

M a r ch a n d a rri v ed a t S t r a sbou r g on t h e fou r t h of Ap r i l .

O n t h e ei gh t h of Ap ri l t h e Emp eror i ssu ed t h e ord er for

t h e fi n a l org an i z a t i o n of t h e a r my Th ere w er e t o b e si x
.

co r ps u n d er t h e comm a n d of L a n n es D a vout M a ssen a , , ,

L efebvre Au ger ea u a n d B er n a d ot t e t h e c a v a lry r es er ve

, ,

u n d er B ess i er es a n d t h e Gu a r d a bou t
, , m en i n
a ll .

Th e ot a l Aus t r i a n l evi es were a l so a bout

t m en
u n d er t h e colo r s wit h , l a n d wehr i n r eserv e M i li .

t a ry sk i ll qu i t e a p a rt i t w a s a bout a n ev en m a t ch b u t
, ,

wit h N a poleo n i n comm a n d t h e Fren ch h a d a m a r ked

sup er i o rit y Th e en emy a lwa ys r eg a r d ed hi s p r es en ce on
.

t h e fi eld of b a t t l e a s equ a l t o a n a rmy c o r ps of fift y

t hous an d m en .

H a vin g l ea r n ed a t P a ri s l a t e on t h m Apri l t h a t t h e
e
E 2 37 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Aus t ri an s h a d c r oss ed t h e I n n on t h e t en t h t h e Emp ero r ,

st a rt ed for t h e fr on t a t d ayli ght t h e n ext morn i n g At .

t h a t t i m e m essa ges wer e t r a n sm i t t ed by a n umb er of

“ ”
t el eg r a ph o r sem a pho r e st a t i o n s wh i ch h a d b a n es

t a b l i sh ed i n c en t r a l a n d sou t h ern Germ a n y a l l c o n v er gi n g

on S t r a sbourg fr om wh i ch pl a c e t h er e w er e som e fo r t y
,

st a t i on s t o P a r i s .

O n h i s a r r i v a l a t Don a n wor t h on t h e mo rn i n g of t h e
1 7 Ap r i l t h e Emp er o r l ea r n ed wi t h d i sm a y t h a t B er t h i er
h a d blu n d er ed t er r i bly i n c a r r yi n g ou t h i s o r d er s T h e .

en emy s t ood sub st a n t i a lly i n on e bo d y i n fr o n t of L a n d

shut on t h e I sa r wh i l e t h e i sol a t ed F r en c h left wi n g u n d er

, ,

D a vout w a s i n d a n ger of b ei n g cu t off a t R a t i sbon l ess t h a n

t h i rt y m i l es t o t h e n o r t h ; t h e F r en c h r i gh t wi n g a t Augs
burg seven t y m i les a w a y w a s equ a lly i sol a t ed a n d t h e ,

sp a rsely-h el d cen t re c ould ea si ly h a v e b een p i erc ed As .

“
Jom i n i sa ys t wen t y c a mp a i gn s h”a d i mp r essed n o com
,

p reh en si o n of st r a t egy on B er t h i er I n st ea d of b ei n g con

.

cen t r a t ed t h e a r my w a s wi d ely sca t t er ed i n t h e fa c e of t h e

”
en emy . I s t h er e a n y wo n d er a sk s Do d g e
, wh en t h e
,

m a n n ea r est t h e Emp er o r w a s so ob t u se t h a t N a poleo n s

’
,
”
n ew m et ho d of w a r so lon g r em a i n ed a puzzl e ?

Th e on ly t h i n g wh i c h sa v ed t h e F r en c h a r my fr o m
d i s a st er w a s t h e A rc h d uke s a w e of his fo r m id a bl e op
’

po n en t a n d h is excess of c a ut i on Fo r t u n at ely t h e Emp er o r

.

a rr i v ed i n t i m e D esp i t e t h e d a n ger ou s si t u a t i on t h er e w a s
.

y et hop e i n sp eed a n d pu r pos e Almo st a n y ot h er gen er a l

.

would h a v e o r d ered D a vout t o fa ll b a c k by w a y of t h e

n o r t h b a n k of t h e D a n ub e b u t t h e Emp er o r a ssum ed t h a t
,

a bol d fr on t w a s t h e sa fest d efen ce an d ,D a vo u t w a s

d i rect ed t o m a rc h on t h e sout h b a n k i n b a t t l e o r d er a n d
r ea d y fo r a t t a c k At t h e sa m e t i m e M a sse
. n a a t Augsbu r g

w a s o r d ered t o st a r t i n li gh t o r d er a n d m a r c h t ow a r ds
I n gol st a d t Owi n g t o t h e A rchduke s slown ess t h e Emp er o r
.
’

t hu s r ec ov ered t h e i n i t i a t i v e a n d t u r n ed a d a n g er ou s
posit i on i n t o t h e off en sive I n on e d ay h i s m a st er-m in d h a d
.

complet ely c h a n ged t h e c on d it i o n s I n a post s cr i p t t o

.

“
M a s sen a s o r d ers h e w rot e i n h i s ow n h a n d : Ac t i v it y !
’

[ 2 38 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
an d t h e most bri lli a n t a n d a bl e of hi s c a reer L i ke Ce s a r h e .

m i ght h a ve s a i d : oen i ai d -
“
i vi ci, , .

“
I n h i s Pro cl a m a t i o n t o t h e Army i ssu ed t h e 2 4 Apri l
a t R a t i sbo n t h e Emp er or s t a t ed t h a t a hu n d r ed i ec es
of c an n o n fo r t y fl a gs a n d fift y t hou san d p rison e h a d
, ,
“
b een c a pt ured I n co n clusi on h e s a i d B efore a mo n t h w e
.
,
”
sh a ll b e i n Vi en n a T h e Emp ero r w a s mi st a ken H e w a s
. .

t h er e i n t h r ee week s !
I n t h i s c a mp a i gn N a pol eo n for t h e l a st t i m e showed a l l
t h e a ct i vi t y o f t h e d a ys of I t a ly H e w a s a lw a ys i n mot i o n
.
,

a lw a ys p r esen t a t t h e i mpo r t an t poi n t h a r d ly gi vin g a n ,

i n s t a n t t o r est o r foo d Th er e wer e n o bou n d s t o hi s

.

c a p a cit y for wo r k .

N a pol eo n soo n a b a n d on ed t h e id ea of pu r sui n g Ch a rl es

a lon g t h e l eft b a n k of t h e D a n ub e Th er e we r e m a n y .

excell en t d efen s i ve posi t i o n s i n Boh em i a wh i c h woul d

d el a y h is a d v a n ce t o Vi en n a H e t h er efore d ecid ed t o
.

follow t h e ol d r out e a lon g t h e r i gh t b a n k O n t h e t en t h .

of M a y ju st o n e mo n t h a ft er Ch a r l es h a d i n v a d ed B a v a r i a
, ,

N a pol eon st oo d i n fr on t of Vi en n a wh i ch su rr en d ered ,

a ft er a feebl e d efen c e t h r ee d a y s l a t er .

N a pol eon s c h i ef p reo cc up a t i on n ow w a s t h e m ea n s of

’

c r o ssi n g t h e D a n ub e so a s t o a t t a c k t h e Au st r i a n a r my .

I t wi ll b e r eca ll ed t h a t i n 1 80 5 M u r a t h a d w on t h e Fl or i d s
d o r f b r id ge by a r u se d e gu er r e b u t t h i s t i m e i t h a d b een
,

d est r oyed Every d a y s d el a y wo u l d gi ve t h e en emy t i m e

’
.

t o fo r t i fy t h e po si t i o n s oppo si t e a l l t h e k n own cr o ssi n g s ;

No op er a t i on i n w a r i s mo r e d iffi c ult t h a n t h e p a ssa ge

of a r i ver i n t h e fa ce of t h e en emy An d y et t h e op er a t i o n .

i s equ a lly d i ffi c ult t o r esi st a n d p r i o r t o t h e G rea t W a r

, ,

wh en t h e r i vers were h el d i n fo r c e a lon g t h ei r en t i r e

cou r se i t w a s gen er a lly su ccessful
, .

Down t o wit h i n a few m i les of Vi en n a t h e D a n ub e flows

i n a ki n d of a go r ge w i t h i t s c h a n n el n a r r owed by t h e
,

mou n t a i n s on eit h er s i d e b u t just a bov e t h e c it y t h e c h a n

,

n el op en s ou t i n t o a ser i es of a r m s c on t a i n i n g n um erou s

sm a ll a n d sever a l l a r ge i sl an d s aff o r d i n g m a n y pl a ces for

,

crossi n gs B elow Vi en n a t h er e i s on e ver y l a rg e i sl a n d

.
,

E 2 40 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
By n oon on t h e t wen t i et h t h e b ig b r i d ge fr om t he sout h
’
shore w as compl et ed a n d a t si x o cloc k t h e sa m e a ft er n oon
,

a pon t oo n w as t h r own a cr os s t h e n a r r ow a r m t o t h e n o r t h

shore an d B ess i eres wit h t w o d i vi si on s of c a v a l r y p a ssed

over a n d t ook poss es si on of t h e g r ou n d b et ween Afii ern
a n d Essl i n g Ot h er t r oop s followed du r i n g t h e n i gh t Su c h
. .

con fli ct i n g r epo r t s wer e b r ough t i n by t h e r ec on n oit r i n g

l i gh t -ho r se t h a t a t m i d n igh t t h e Emp er o r sen t M a ssen a
over t o a scer t a i n wh a t w a s i n fr on t H e moun t ed t h e c loc k
.

t ower of Asp er n , a n d sa t i sfi ed h i ms elf t h a t t h e Au st r i a n

a r my w a s en c a mp ed a lon g t h e Ru ssb a c h a bou t t en m i l es

t o t h e n o r t h ea st At d a yb r e a k t h e Emp er o r h i m self r o d e
.

ou t wi t h B esse r es L a n n es a n d M a sse
, na .

A gl a n ce a t t h e m a p wi ll show t h at t h e essen t i a l t h i n g
t o d o w a s t o o cc upy t h e t w o v i ll a ges wi t h a fo r c e c a p a bl e
of hol d in g t h em u n t i l t h e r est of t h e a r my h a d t i m e t o
c r o ss D odge s a ys t h a t n o o r d er s t o t h i s ef
. f ect wer e gi ven ,

an d t h a t t h e n e gl ec t on N a pol eo n s p a r t i s h a r d t o expl a i n
’
.

B u t t h i s st a t em en t d o es n ot seem t o b e co r r ect .

Th e n umb er s of t h e oppo si n g fo r ces a t Vi en n a a n d i n

t h e n ei ghbo r hoo d were a bout F r en c h a n d
Au st r i a n s Th e Ar c h d uk e w h o h a d b een c lo sely w a t c h i n g
.
,

t h e F r en c h mov em en t s h a d l a i d h i s pl a n s t o w a i t u n t i l
,

p a r t of t h ei r a r my h a d c r oss ed a n d t h en t o a t t a c k i t i n
for ce At m i d d a y on t h e t wen t y—first t h e Au st ri a n a d v a n ce
.

b ega n T h e n ecessa r y m a t er i a l s for b rea ki n g t h e b r i d ges

.

h a d p revi ou sly b een c ollect ed .

Th e Au st r i a n s n umb ered a bou t to Fren c h ,

w h o u n d e r M a ssen a a t Asp ern a n d L a n n es a t E ssl i n g h a d

occup i ed a n d st r on gly fo rt i fi ed t h es e t w o n a t u r a l r ed oub t s .

N a pol eon s pl an w as t o hol d on t o t h es e t w o st r on g fl a n k

’

po sit i on s a n d t hus g ai n t i m e for hi s r em a in in g d ivi si o n s t o

d ebou c h i n t o t h e M a rc hfel d .

Th e b r u n t of t h e fi rst d a y s b at t l e fell on Asp er n wh i c h

’

w a s t a ken an d r et a ken sever a l t i m es a n d a t even i n g r e

,

m a i n ed i n t h e h a n d s of t h e Au st r i a n s Th ei r a t t a c ks on
.

Essli n g w ere l es s su c c essful .

E a r ly i n t h e d a y a r a pi d r ise of t h e w a t er s i n t h e r i ver
E 2 42 ]
 WAGRAM
s er i ously d a m a ged t h e m a i n bri dge b u t by m i d n i gh t it ,

w a s su ffi c i en t ly res t o r ed t o en a bl e on e c a v a l r y a n d fou r

i n fan t r y d i vi s i o n s m a k i n g a t ot a l of
,
m en t o cros s , .

Wh en t h e b a t t l e w a s resum ed on t h e followi n g d a y ,

N a pol eo n d et a i led t h r ee d i vi si on s t o rec a p t u r e a n d hol d

Asp er n a n d s en t t w o t o r ein fo rce Essl in g wh i l e t h e Gu a r d
, ,

a n d t w o i n fan t r y an d t h r ee c a v a l r y d i v i s i o n s form ed t h e

c en t r e At t h r ee o c lock i n t h e mo r n i n g M a ss en a sei zed

.
’
,

Asp er n by a sud d en a t t a c k wh i l e L an n es a t Esslin g re

,

p ul sed t w o Aus t r i an colum n s At seven t h e Emp er or .

,

l a u n ch ed h i s c en t re i n a st ron g at t a c k upon t h e Au st r i a n
c en t r e wh i c h b eg a n t o w a ver a n d w as on ly r a lli ed by t h e
p er son a l eff o r t s of t h e A r chduk e .

About n i n e o c lo c k N a pol eon l ea r n ed t h a t t h e b r i dges

’

h a d o n c e mo r e b r oken down a n d t h a t D a vout would b e

u n a ble t o c r o ss t h a t d ay At on e o c loc k h e ord er ed a
.
’

r et r ea t t o Lob a u Th e r et r ea t w as c overed by M a ssen a

.

w h o d id n o t ret i r e fr om Asp er n a n d E ssl in g u n t i l t h r ee

o c loc k t h e followi n g mo rn in g wh en h e fi n a lly wit hd rew
’

t o t h e i sl a n d wi t h t h e Gu a r d u n pu r su e d a n d d est royi n g
, ,

t h e pon t oo n b r i d g es b eh i n d hi m .

Th e figh t i n g of t h e F ren ch h a d b een b eyo n d words t o

p r ai s e a n d Ch a rl es who h a d rea lly p u t i n h i s l a st m a n
, , ,

w a s obli ged t o r est c on t en t w i t h t h e l a u r els a l r ea d y w on .

Wi t h ov erwh elm i n g sup er i o r it y i n n umb er s h e h a d fough t

wh a t w a s p r a ct i c a lly a d r awn b at t le wi t h hi s gr eat op
pon en t b u t wh i ch would a lmo st cer t a i n ly h a v e b een a
,

F r en ch vi ct o r y if D a vout s c o r ps h a d b een a bl e t o c r oss

,
’
.

I n t h e fa c e of t h es e fa c t s t h e h i st o r i a n s hos t i l e t o N a pol eo n
h a ve cl a i m ed t h a t h e w a s d efea t ed .

Tow a r ds t h e en d of t h e b at t l e L an n es w h o w a s sit t i n g ,

wi t h h i s l egs c r os sed w a s st ru c k on t h e kn ee by a c a n n on
,

b a ll wh i ch ri coch et ed off t h e g r ou n d just i n fr on t of hi m .

H e w a s removed t o t h e r ea r a n d t h e su r geon s d ecid ed t h a t

i t w a s n ec ess a r y t o a mpu t a t e hi s r i gh t l eg Th e M a r sh a l .

bo r e t h e op er at i o n well He w a s r emoved t o Vi en n a wh er e
.
,

h e d i ed a week l at er fr om i n fect i o n of t h e wou n d wh i c h i n

, ,

t hos e d a ys b efor e t h e d i scov er y of an t i s ept i c s w a s d i ffi c ul t

E 2 43 2]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
to preven t He was t h e fi rst of t h e m a rsh als to l ose hi s
.

li fe At S ain t H el en a t h e Emp eror s ai d : L an n es w a s a

.

m an of ext r a ord i n a ry b r a ver y As a gen er al h e w a s i n .

”
fi n it ely sup eri or t o Morea u a n d Soult Na pol eog w a s .

much affect ed by hi s d eat h whi ch h e rega rd ed as a great

,

p erson a l loss .

At t hr ee o clock on t he morn i n g of t h e 2 3 M ay i n a
’
,

r a gi n g t hun d ers t orm N a pol eon a n d B ert h i er m a d e i n a

sm a ll bo a t t h e p eri lous p a s sa ge a cross t h e st i ll r i si n g
w a t er s of t h e D an ub e fr om Lob a u t o Eb ersdorf H er e t h e .

Emp er or i s s a i d t o h a ve sl ep t for t wen t y-four hou r s Th i s .

i s n ot prob a bl e i n h i s c a s e a lt hough h e h ad h a d l i t t l e if
a n y sl eep for two d ays a n d h a d b een a l l t h e t i m e i n t h e

t hi ck of t h e figh t N a pol eon un li ke som e mod ern com

.
,

m a n d ers w a s n ot i n t h e h a b i t of con duct i n g op era t i on s

,

from a bomb -proof ch at ea u m a n y lea gu es from t h e fron t .

Th e op er at i o n s i n I t a ly
b eg a n durin g t h e s econ d week i n
Ap r i l a ft er Archduke Joh n a r r i ved on t h e scen e Eug en e
, .

w a s d efea t ed a n d t hrown b a c k a cross t h e Pi a ve t o C a l

d i er o ea st of Veron a wh er e N a pol eon m et hi s on ly r ever s e
i n t h e C a mp a i gn of I t a ly Joh n pursu ed b u t m a d e n o
.

furt h er at t a ck I t w as a l r ea d y k n own t h a t t h e Arc h d uke

.

Ch a r l es h ad b een dri ven fr om B a v a ri a a n d John r ec ei ved ,

ord ers t o ret r eat Hi s fi r st i n t en t i on w a s t o ret i re slowly

.
,

b u t wh en h e h ea rd of N a pol eon s ra pi d a dv an c e on Vi en n a
’

h e h a st en ed hi s m a rch He w a s c los ely followed by Eu gé n e

.

a n d M a cdon a ld .

Aft er Asp ern both comm an d ers employed t h e n ext few

d a ys i n c a llin g up rei n forcem en t s Ch a rl es ord er ed t wo .

c o r ps t o jo i n hi m a n d d i r ect ed Joh n t o fa ll b a ck t o P r es
,

bu r g N a pol eon dr ew i n B er n a dot t e an d V an d a mm e a n d

.
,

s en t Eugen e an d M a cdon a ld i n t o Hun g a ry t o con t ai n

t h e Ar chduke Joh n Vi go r ously pursu ed by t h e Vi c eroy
.
,

Joh n on t h e 1 4 Ju n e t ook up a posit i o n for a ct i on on t h e

h ei gh t s sout h ea st of R a a b b u t w as a g ain worst ed an d
,

E 2 44 ]
 WAGR AM
forc ed t o con t i n u e h i s ret reat He d i d n ot fi n a lly rea ch
.

P r esburg u n t i l t h e fourt h of July .

An ot h er s i d e op er a t i on i n t h e c a mp ai gn w a s M a rm on t s ’

m a rch from D a lm at i a t o t h e D a n ub e S t a rt in g t h e l a st
.

of Apri l a ft er fr equ en t en c oun t ers on t h e w a y h e fi n a lly

, ,

rea c h ed Vi en n a on t h e t h i r d of July .

N a pol eon h a d a r r a n ged t o con cen t r at e a ll of hi s forces

a t Vi en n a t h e l a st w ee k i n Ju n e r eg a r dl ess of hi s com
,

m u n i c at i o n s a n d a l l of hi s m a r sh a ls wer e ord er ed up by
,

forc ed m a r ch es H e l eft o n ly som e 3

. m en d et a ch ed
a t v a ri ous po i n t s a n d o n t h e fou r t h of July h e w a s
, pr e
p a red t o d ebouch i n t o t h e M a rchfeld wi t h m en
a n d 50 0 gu n s .

Ch a rles w a s n ot so succ essful i n d rawi n g i n hi s d et a ch ed

bod i es an d wh en t h e c r i si s d ev elop ed h e h a d m en
a t d i s t a n t poi n t s a n d o n ly m en a n d 40 0 gu n s i n
h a n d H i s fo r c es wer e group ed t o st r i k e a t t h e F ren c h
.

a rmy wh i l e i t w a s crossi n g t h e r i v er
,
an d b efo r e t h e
,

op er at i on w a s compl et ed a s h e h a d don e a t Asp ern or

, ,

i n c a s e t h i s pl a n fa i l ed t o r ec ei v e t h e en emy s a t t a c k a t
’

W a gr a m b eh in d t h e Ru ssb a ch .

N a pol eon s pl an w a s t o eff ec t t h e c r ossi n g a s r a p i dly a s

’

possi bl e a n d a t a n u n exp ec t ed poin t Th e a r my w as o n c e

.

mo r e t o b e con c en t r a t ed i n t h e Lob a u a n d sen t over i n a

m a ss by t h e sout h ern en d of t h e S t a dler b r a n c h oppos it e
t h e ext r em e l eft wi n g of t h e Aus t ri a n s Th e t roops wer e
.

t o c r oss o n t en po n t oo n b ri dges wh i ch w er e t o b e t h r own

over a t t h e l a st mom en t a n d t h e whol e mov em en t w a s

,

t o b e c ov ere d by t h e n um er ou s b a t t er i es wh i ch h a d b een
e rec t ed on t h e n ort h shore of t h e Lob a u a n d a rm ed wi t h

1 0 0 h eavy gu n s .

Duri n g t h e mon t h of Ju n e t wo v er y sol i d bri dges p r o

t ect ed by s t ock a d es h a d b een bu i l t fr om t h e sou t h sho r e
over t o t h e Lob a u An el a bor at e pret en ce w a s a lso m a d e of
.

prep a ra t i on s t o c r os s a t t h e old poi n t opposit e A sp ern .

Th e en emy fell i n t o t h e t r a p a n d m a ss ed t roop s t h ere .

Wh en a ll hi s p r ep a r a t i on s wer e c ompl et ed on t h e ev en
,

i n g of t h e fourt h of July i n s t ormy wea t h er t h at fa vor ed

,

E 2 45 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
s ecrecy Na pol eon s en t hi s a rmy a c r oss by t h e sout h ern
,

ext remi t y of t h e S t a dl er b r a n ch . By n oon t h e followi n g

d ay i n cr ed i bl e a s i t m a y s eem h i s whole a r my of a bout
, ,

m en w as i n l i n e of b at t le n ort h of t h e D a flu b e .

Durin g t he first fiv e d a ys of July pun c t u a l t o a mom en t

, ,

t h e four co r ps of D a vout M a r mo n t Eug e

, , n e a n d Wr ed e

h a d a ll c om e up by forc ed m a rch es an d jo in ed N a pol eo n

'

a t t h e Lob a u .

Wh en t he d a y of b a t t l e a r r i v ed t he Aust ri an s on t h e
fi el d n umb ered a g a i n s t N a pol eo n s
’
m en .

Fin d i n g t h a t t he m a in body of t h e Aust r i a n s w a s a s

sembl ed a t W a g r a m b eh i n d t h e Ru ssb a c h som e si x m i l es

a w a y N a pol eo n d eci d ed t o a dv an c e i n t o t h e M a r c hfel d .

Thi s movem en t w a s compl et ed a bout six o c lock an d ’

,

n ot wit h st an d i n g t h e l a t en ess of t h e hou r t h e Emp ero r

,

or d er ed a n i mmed i a t e a t t a ck on Wa gr a m i n o r d er t o p i er c e
t h e Aus t r i a n li n e wh i c h w a s ext en d ed ov er a fr on t of
a bou t t en m i l es Hi s t a c t i c a l d eploym en t w a s n ot com
.

p l et e b u t h e w a n t ed t o st r i ke hom e b efo r e t h e A rc hduke

,

h a d t i m e t o con cen t r a t e Th e a t t emp t however fa i led

. .

Th e gr a n d-t a ct i cs of t h e b at t l e on t h e followi n g d a y
were very s i mi l a r to t hos e of Aust er lit z Th e A r chduk e
.

d esi gn ed a n en velopi n g a t t ac k fr om bot h wi n gs Th e ri gh t .

win g un d er Kl en a u a dv an c ed t owa r ds Asp er n wi t h t h e

i d ea of cut t i n g t h e F r en ch li n e of r et r ea t t o Lob a u a n d
Vi en n a M a ss en a w as o r d ered t o i n cl i n e t o t h e l eft t o m eet
.

hi m At t h e sa m e t i me t h e Aust r i a n s left u n d er Rosen b er g

.

st a rt ed ou t t o d r i ve b a c k D a vout on t h e F r en c h r i gh t so
a s t o cl ea r t h e r o a d for t h e a ppro a c h of A r ch d uke Joh n

who w as expect ed t o a rri ve from Presbu r g Th i s mov e .

men t fa i l ed a n d Ros en b er g fell b a ck a g ai n .

Th en N a pol eon o r d er ed D a vout t o a dv a n ce a g a in st t h e

Aust ri a n l eft whi ch b e rolled up un t i l li ke t he Russi a n
win g a t Eyl a u i t st ood at r i gh t a n gl es t o i t s ea rli er posit i on .

As soon a s t h e Emp eror saw t h at D a vout h a d a cc ompli sh ed

hi s t a sk h e form ed t h e co r ps of M a cdon a ld i n t o a soli d
,

colum n suppo rt ed by a 1 0 0 -gu n b at t ery an d l a u n ch ed i t

, ,

a g a i n s t t h e Aus t ri an c en t r e I t w a s li k e a blow i n t h e sol a r

.

E 2 46 21
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
S a lzburg t o B a v a ri a B esi d es losi n g t h ree m i lli on a n d a
.

h a lf subj ects Austri a h a d t o p ay an i n d emn ity of ei gh t y

,

fiv e mi lli on fr a n cs .

Na poleon h a d n ever lea rn ed t o follow t h e s a ge d i ce

“
of old Fred eri ck t h e Grea t Never m a lt reat a n en em y by
,
” “ ”
h a lv es . Th e o n ly s t at esm an l i k e a l t ern at i v es
- s a ys
,

Ros e wer e t o win hi s fri en d sh i p by gen erous t reat m en t

, , ,

o r t o crush h i m to t h e ea r t h so t h a t h e could n ot r i se t o
”
d ea l a n ot h er blow If N a pol eon at t hi s t i m e h a d b een a s
.

wi s e a s w as B i sm a rck a ft er S a d owa t wo gen er a t i on s l a t er ,

h e m i gh t h a v e con v ert ed hi s fut ure fat h er-in -l aw i n t o a

firm fr i en d an d ally who woul d h a v e i n sured h is dyn a st y ,

b u t h i s p a ra mou n t t hought w a s st i ll t h e E n gli sh ven d etta .

Rus si a wi t h her ext en si ve sea c o a st s eem ed t o h im of fa r

, ,

mo re i mport a n c e i n h i s Con t i n en t a l Syst em t h an l a n d

loc ked Aust ri a H e t h erefo re p r eferred t h e u n c ert ai n a l
.

l i a n t e of Al ex an d er t o t h e a lmost ce rt a in fri en dshi p of

F r a n ci s .

At Vi en n a in t h e summ er of 1 8 0 9 N a poleon st oo d a t t h e
p a rt i n g of t h e wa ys an d h e t ook t h e wron g p at h He n o .

lon ger h ad t h e l evel-h ea d ed Ta ll eyr an d by hi s si d e t o

a d vi se h i m .

Wh en N a pol eon l eft P a ri s on t h e 1 3 Apri l h e w a s a c

c omp a n i ed by Jos e phi n e a s fa r a s S t ra sbourg wh er e t h ey
,

a r ri ved on t h e s i xt een t h a t fou r o clock i n t h e morn i n g

’
,

i n t h e a lmos t i n cred i bly sho r t t i m e of t hr ee d ays Th e .

fa st est express n ow t a kes n i n e hours t o m a ke t h e r u n of

3 1 2 m i l es At S t r a sbourg t h ey sai d a d i eu an d t h e Emp eror
.

i mm ed i a t ely cross ed t h e Rh i n e wh i l e t h e Empress t e

,

m a i n ed for s ever al weeks Du r i n g t h e c a mp a i gn N a pol eon

.

sen t Jos e phi n e from t i m e t o t i m e bri ef n ot es t elli n g of

hi s h ea l t h an d hi s movem en t s
'

v ery d ifl eren t from t h e

bu rn i n g l et t ers of h i s fi r s t c a mp a ign Th e i n c r ea si n g
.

an xi et y of Jos e ph in e aff ect ed h er h ea lt h an d i n Ju n e sh e

wen t t o Plomb i eres to t a ke t h e w at ers Sh e w a s t h ere a
.

mon t h l a t er wh en she rec ei ved t h e let t ers an n ou n ci n g t h e

vic t ory of Wa gr a m a n d t h e t ru c e of Z n ai m Sh e would .

E 2 48 ]
 WAGRAM
h a ve l i ked t o joi n t he Emperor at Vien n a , b u t h e wrot e
h er t h at t h e wea t h er w a s v ery hot an d a dvi sed h er t o go
t o M a lm a i so n He w a s en joy i n g t h e soc i et y of t h e lov ely
.

M me W al ewsk a a n d d id n ot c a re for t h e comp an y of hi s

wr i
e .

N a pol eon l eft Schon bru n n on t he 1 5 Oc t ob er b efore

rec ei vi n g n ews of t h e fi n a l r at i fic a t i on of t h e t rea t y of
p ea c e a n d p r oc eed ed t o Mun i ch F r om t h ere h e s en t a
.

couri er t o an n oun c e h is a rri v a l a t Fon t a in eblea u on t h e

even i n g of t h e t w en t y-s ev en t h on w , h i ch d a t e h e wi sh ed
t o h a v e t h e Court i n res i d en c e t h er e B u t h e t r a v ell ed
.

wi t h such sp eed t h a t h e a r r i ved t h i r t y hours a h ea d of

t i m e a n d fou n d n o on e exc ep t t h e co n c i er g e t o r ec ei v e hi m .

To p a ss t h e t i m e h e vi s it ed t h e n ew a p a rt m en t s of t h e
ch at ea u wh i ch h a d b een furn i sh ed wit h great m a gn i fic en c e
, .

To C a mb a c eres who a r r i ved ea r li er t h an t he ot h er cou rt i ers

h e a n n ou n c ed hi s fixed d et er m i n a t i o n t o r epud i a t e Jos e
ph i n e a n d m a r ry a p r i n cess of Russ i a o r of Aust ri a .

O n Jos eph i n e s a r r i v a l from S a in t -Cloud l a t e i n t h e

’

a ft ern oo n sh e h a d a very col d r ec ep t i o n from t h e Emp er o r ;

y et l a t e r t h ey d i n ed t oget h er an d h e w as plea s a n t a n d
a lmos t g a y B u t a t t h e en d of t h e ev en i n g sh e d i scov e red
.

t h a t t h e d oo r of t h e p r i v a t e st a i r c a s e wh i ch commu n i c at ed
wi t h t h e a p a r t m en t of t h e Emper or h a d b een clos ed a n d ,

sh e k n ew t h en t h a t t h e d i vorc e w as o n ly a qu es t i o n of

t i me .

More a b solut e a n d mo r e i mp erious t h a n ev er N a pol eo n

n o lon ger a llowed a n y co n t r a d i c t i o n i n hi s fa m i ly or fr om

h i s m in i s t er s Every on e ob eyed a n d kep t si len t I n t h e

. .

“
words of M Th i er s : Hi s p er son a l a sp ec t h a d rem a rk a bly
.

ch a n ged a t t h i s p er i od From b ei n g sombre a n d t h i n a s

.
,

h e w as form erly h e h a d b ecom e op en a ssur ed pl ei n

, , ,

d em bon poi n t wi t hou t his fa c e b ei n g l ess h a n dsome From

’
, .

b ei n g t a c i t u r n h e h a d b ecom e a grea t t a lker I n a wo r d .

hi s a l l -powerful n a t u re h a d compl et ely blossom ed ou t ,

an d i t w as t o fa d e a w a y l i k e h i s fo rt u n e for n ot h i n g
'

s t an ds s t i ll .

Th e o n ly t h i n g wh i ch t roubl ed N a pol eo n i n t h e m i ds t
E 2 49 J
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
of a l l p r osp er it y w a s t h e fa c t t h a t hi s i mm en se emp i r e
hi s
h a d n o h ei r B u t wit h t h e d i vor ce t h i s would b e r em ed i ed
. .

He would m a r r y t h e p r i n c ess of h is choi c e an d sh e would

hea r h i m a son .

S i n c e she h a d b ecom e Empress, Jos ephi n e h a d gi ven

h im n o c a u se for r ep r o a ch Sh e w as a mod el of sweet n es s,
.

of subm i ssi on , of r esi gn at i on an d of fi d el it y Sh e en .

d eav ored co n s t a n t ly t o m eet hi s wi sh es, t o a n t i ci p a t e hi s

l ea st d esi res, a n d N a pol eon w as rea lly t ouch ed t o see h er
so a ff ect i on a t e a n d so subm i ss i ve .

Wh en t h e Cou r t l eft Fon t a i n ebl ea u t h e fourt een t h of

Novemb er Jos eph in e w a s n ot y et i n for m ed of h er fa t e .

N a poleon h a d n ot y et spoken , a n d sh e st i ll h a d hop e .

Th ey d i d n ot m a ke t h e t ri p t o P a r is t oget h er a s t h e
Emp er o r r od e most of t h e d i st a n ce on hors eb a c k O n en t er
.

i n g t h e c a p it a l a t n i gh t fa ll, a ft er a n a bs en ce of jus t seven

mon t hs N a pol eon st opp ed a t t h e Elys ee t o m a ke a shor t
,

c a ll on t h e Ki n g of S a xon y who h a d a r ri ved t h e n i ght

b efo r e a n d t h en wen t on t o t h e Tuil eri es for d i n n er
, .

Th ere w as soon a regul a r a ssembly of c r own ed h ea d s a t

P a ri s B esi d es t h e Ki n g of S a xon y t h e Ki n g of W ii r t em
.
,

b erg t h e Ki n g a n d Queen of Holl an d t h e Ki n g a n d Queen

, ,

of West ph a li a a n d t h e p r i n ces of t he Con fed er at i on of t h e

,
“
Rh in e c a m e t o p ay t h ei r c ourt t o t h e sover ei gn of sov e
,
”
rei gn s I t w a s i n t h e p r esen ce of so m a n y pri n ces t h a t
.

t h e c r u el s a cri fic e of t h e d i vorc e w a s t o b e c on summ a t ed ,

a n d by t h e i r on y of fa t e t h e Court h a d n ev er b een so

b ri lli a n t as at t h e mom en t t h at t h e Empress w as t o lea ve

i t fo r ever .

N a pol eon usu a lly so promp t t o p u t hi s pl a n s i n t o

,

execu t i o n h esit a t ed wh en t he mom en t a ppro a ch ed t o

,

b r ea k wi t h t h e wi fe who for fourt een yea r s h a d b een a sso

c i a t ed wi t h h i s d es t i n y a n d who rec a ll ed t h e mos t b r i ll i an t

d ays of h i s yout h a n d hi s glory Th e ch a rm of t h e p a s t

.

c a m e b ac k a n d h e could n ot m a ke up h i s m in d t o brea k
a h ea r t so t en d er an d so d evot ed Th e Pr e . fet d u P a l a i s,

M d e Ba u sset draws t h is sket ch of Jos eph in e at t h e

.
,

t i m e of t h e d i vorc e

E zso J
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
h ad b een broken t o Jos eph i n e Th e Emper o r t h en rea d a n
.

a dd r ess i n wh i ch h e spoke of t h e n ecessi t y for a n h ei r t o

t h e t h r on e a n d of t h e loss of hop e t h at h e could av e

“ ”
'

chi ld r en by hi s b eloved spouse t h e Em press Josep hrn e ,

wh ic h r en d ered n ec ess a ry t h e d i s solut i on of t h ei r m a rr i a ge .

Joseph i n e t h en r ea d h er st a t em en t i n wh i c h sh e exp r essed

h er wi lli n gn ess t o gi ve t h is g r eat p r oof of h er a t t a c hm en t
a n d d evot i o n t o t h e o n e who h a d c r own ed h er a n d t o

whose ki n d n ess sh e owed ever yt hi n g .

Th e followi n g d a y Jo seph i n e l eft t h e Tui l eri es fo r ever ,

t o t a k e up h er r esi d en ce a t M a lm a i son Sh e k ep t t h e t i t l e
.

of Emp r ess a n d recei ved a n a llowa n ce of t wo m i ll i on

fr a n c s fr om t h e S t a t e .

Th e Emp er o r kn ew t h a t i t w a s u sel ess t o a sk t h e Pop e

t o r ec ogn i z e t h e d i vo r ce b u t t h e Ch a n cer y of t h e A r c h
,

b i shop i n P a r i s w a s n ot so d iffi c ult a n d b efor e t h e en d of

,

J a n u a ry 1 8 1 0 t h a t bod y d ecl a r ed hi s r el i gi ous m a r r i a ge

“ ”
n ull upo n t h e g r ou n d of mo r a l coer ci on .

Du r i n g t h e week s i mmed i a t ely followi n g t he d i vor c e

N a pol eo n wr ot e Joseph i n e a lmo st ev er y d a y a n d v isit ed
h er very frequ en t ly O n Ch r i st m a s d a y t h ey d i n ed t o
.

get her a t t h e Tr i a n on fo r t h e l a st t i me Th e Emp er or

, .

w a s very gen er ou s i n t h e fi n an ci a l a r r a n gemen t s h e m a d e

for h i s fo r mer wi fe H e ga v e h er a m i ll i o n fr a n cs fo r r e
.

p a i r s t o M a lm a i son a n d for t h e pu r c h a se of si lver a n d

lin en a n d o r d ered a n ot h er mi lli on a d v an c ed t o h er fr om
,

h er ci vi l li st fo r 1 8 1 0 t o p a y h er d eb t s He a l so g a ve hi s
.

c ou r t i ers t o u nd er st a n d t h a t i n n o w a y c oul d t h ey a ff o r d

hi m gr ea t er plea su r e t h an by ca lli n g on t h e Emp r ess .

Aft er t h is t h e r o a d t o M a lm a i son w a s o n ce mo r e c ov ered

wit h t h e c a r ri a ges of vi s it o r s .

Th e fi r s t week in F eb r u a r y Jos eph i n e r et u r n ed t o P a ri s

t o r esi d e a t t h e Ely se e wh i c h N a pol eo n h a d g i v en h er for

a t own hous e Th i s p a l a ce bu i l t i n 1 7 1 8
.
, h a d b een t h e
,

resi d en ce of M a d a me d e Pomp a dou r up t o t h e t i m e of h er

d eat h Con d emn ed a s n a t i on a l p r op er t y d u r in g t h e R evo
.

l u t ion it w as bough t i n 1 80 3 by Mu r a t w h o sol d i t t o

N a poleon i n 1 80 8 a t t h e t i m e h e b ec a m e Kin g of N a pl es .

E 2 52 3
 WAGRAM
I t is n ow t he offi c i a l r es i d en ce of t h e presi d en t s of t h e
Fren c h R ep u bl i c .

B u t Jos eph i n e s res i d en ce t h er e w as v ery short Wh en

’
.

t h e n ews b ec a m e k n ow n t h e firs t of M a rch of t h e ea rly

, ,

a rri v a l of M a ri e-Lou i s e sh e r et urn ed t o M a lm a i son

, an d ,

a t t h e en d of t h a t mo n t h sh e wen t t o t h e ch at ea u of

N a v a rre wh i ch t he Emperor h a d gi ven h er Th i s c h at ea u .

w a s a v ery l a r ge bu i ld i n g b u t at t h e t i m e i n a b a d st a t e
of rep a i r I t w a s surroun d ed by a n ext en si ve p a r k wit h
.

m a gn i ficen t t rees B efo re t h e R evolut i o n it h a d b een t h e

.

p r op ert y of t h e p r i n c es of Bou i llon who r ec ei ved it fr om

Loui s t he Fou r t een t h H ere Jos eph i n e sp en t t h e mon t h of
.

Ap r i l a n d t h en ret u r n ed t o M a lm a i so n L a t er sh e m a d e
,
.

a v i s i t t o Ai x-en — S a voi e a n d t o G en ev a a n d i n Novemb er ,

sh e ret u rn ed t o N a v a r r e wh ere sh e rem a i n ed n ea rly a y ea r .

I n S ep t emb er 1 8 1 1 Jos eph i n e w a s o n c e mor e b a c k a t

M a lm ai son wh ere sh e r e m a i n ed mos t of t h e t i m e duri n g
t h e t w o followi n g y ea rs Aft er hi s m a r r i a g e t h e Emp eror
.

w r ot e h er ver y r a r ely a n d p a id h er on ly a few v i s it s At .

t h e t i m e t h e All i es en t e r ed P a r i s t h e l a s t of M a r ch 1 8 1 4 ,

Jo seph i n e wen t t o N a v a r re for a mon t h a n d t h en r et urn ed

a g a i n t o M a lm a i so n H er e sh e w a s fr equ en t ly vi s i t ed by
.

t h e Cz a r Al ex a n d er a n d t h e ot h e r a ll i ed sov er ei gn s w h o
, ,

showed h er ev ery poss i bl e c ou r t esy T h e l a s t of M a y sh e .

b ec a m e ver y il l a n d a co n sult a t i on of physi c i a n s d ec i d ed

,

h
t a t sh e h a d a v e ry -
s er i o u s a t t a c k of qu in sy for wh i ch
t h e r e w a s n o hop e O n Su n d a y t h e 2 9 M a y 1 8 1 4 sh e p a ss ed
.

w y h v g ly compl d h fif -first y ea r
a a , a i n n ea r e t e e r t y .

”
“
Th e Emp r ess Jos e ph i n e s a y s S a i n,
t -
Am a n d h ad ,

m erit ed a v ery r a r e t h in g t h e symp a t h i es of a ll p a rt i es

, ,

a n d t h e es t eem of a l l n a t i o n s S h e h a d w on t h e r esp ec t
.

bot h of t h e p a t ri ot s who d efen d ed F r a n ce a n d of t h e

st r a n gers who i n v a d ed it All cl a s ses spok e of h er d ea t h
.

wit h emot i on Th e c a u se of t h i s u n i ver sa l t ri bu t e of r eg ret

.

i s ea sy t o fin d : Jos eph in e a v a i t t oujou r s et e bo n n e .

E 2 53 ]
 CHA PTER S EVENTE EN
1 8 1 0—1 8 1 1

MAR I E—LO U I SE
I p i l F mily Jo ephi F vo t h H ap b g All i
The Au st r i an m er a a s ne a rs e s ur an ce

Na pol o C ll Co f
e n a — Th R
s a i N got i t i o Ab d o d
n eren ce e u ss a n e a ns an ne

Co t t S ig d f M i g wit h M i -Lo i
n ra c ne or Th C m o y t
arr a e ar e u se e ere n a

Vi — M i -Lo i
en n a t
ar eCo m pieg — H P o l App
u se a ne er ers n a ea r a n ce

T h Ci v i l
e d R l i g io
an M i g — N pol o t Fo t y- — Vi it t
e us a r r a es a e n a r on e s o

B l Th Fet t P i Th S hw z b g B ll B i t h f t h
r u sse s e es a ar s e c a r en er a r o e

Ki g f R o m
n o Th P i v t B pt i m
e Vi it t Holl d T h Em pi
e r a e a s s o an e re

t It
a Z it hs Ho o B t ow d po t h M h l Th Legio
en n rs es e u n e a rs a s e n

d H
’
—V l
on n eu r f th M h l Th Co mmo Sold i
a ue o Th O l d
e a rs a s e n ers e

G d N pol o Pop l it y wit h Hi M

ua r a e n s
’
u ar s en

ARIE—LOUISE A r c h d u c h ess of Au st ri a w a s , ,

bo r n a t Vi en n a t h e 1 2 D ecemb er 1 79 1 Sh e w a s .

t h e eld est ch i l d of t h e A r ch d uk e F r a n c i s, who a

yea r a ft er h er b i r t h u pon t h e d ea t h of hi s fa t h er L eopol d
,

t h e S econ d b ec a m e Emp er o r of G e rm an y u n d er t h e n a m e
,

of F r a n ci s t h e S eco n d .

L eopold w a s t h e son of t h e g rea t Emp r ess M a r i a

Th er esa a n d w a s t h e b r ot h er of M a ri e-An t oi n et t e Queen
, ,

of F r a n ce a n d of M a r i e-C a roli n e Queen of N a pl es

, , .

M a r i e-Th er ese t h e eld est d a ugh t er of t h e Queen of

,

N a ples m a r r i ed h er fi r st c ous i n F r a n c i s so M a r i e-Loui s e

, ,

w a s t h e g r ea t -gr a n d d a ught er of M a ri a Th er es a on bo t h
h er fa t h er s a n d h er mot h er s si d e
’ ’
.

A si st er of M a r i e-Th er es e m a r r i ed Loui s Ph i li pp e a ft er ,

w a r ds Ki n g of t h e F ren ch a n d w a s t h e g r a n dmot h er of t h e ,

Comt e d e P a r i s ; a n d h er brot h er Fr a n c is m a rried h is

cous in M a ri e-Cl em en t in e d a ught er of L eopold t h e S econ d , ,

a n d t h ei r d a ught er b ec a m e t h e w i fe of t h e Duc d e B er r y ,

son of Ch a rl es t h e Ten t h of Fra n ce a n d wa s t he moth er ,

of Comte d e Ch a mbord .

It thus a pp ea r s cu ri ous a s I t m ay s eem t h at t h e son

, ,

E 2 54 J
 MARI E—LOU I S E
of N a pol eo n an d M a ri e-Lou i s e t h e Duke of R ei chst a dt
, ,

ch i ef of t h e I mp eri a l dyn a st y t h e Com t e d e Ch a mbord

, ,

h ea d of t he eld er br an ch of t h e Bourbon s an d t he Com t e ,

d e P a ri s repr es en t at i ve of t he you n ger br an ch of t h e

,

s a m e fa m i ly w er e a l l t hree d esc en d a n t s i n d i rect l in e from

,

M a ri a Th eres a Emp r ess of Ger m a n y a n d h er d a ught er

, ,

M a ri e-C a rol i n e Qu een of N a ples

, .

Wh at ph i losoph i c a l refl ect i on s com e t o t h e m i n d wh en

on e t h i n ks of t h e fa t e of t h es e t hree cous i n s a ll born h ei rs ,

t o t h e t hro n e of F r a n c e whos e b i r t h w a s a n n ou n c ed by
,

t h e boom i n g of t h e c a n n o n of t h e I n v a l i d es b u t n o n e of ,

whom w a s d est i n ed t o w ea r a c r own !

As p r ev i ously s t a t ed t h e d i vo r c e of Jos ephi n e w a s firs t
,

o ffi c i a lly d i s c ussed a t t h e Erfurt m eet i n g i n S ep t emb er

1 80 7
. At t h at t i m e N a pol eon d i rect ed T a ll eyr a n d a n d
C a ul ai n court t o sou n d Al ex an d er reg a r d in g a n a lli an c e
wi t h on e of hi s si st er s Th e r espon s e w a s equ a lly v a gue
.

a n d d i screet B u t a week a ft er hi s r et urn hom e h i s s i s t er

.

C a t h eri n e w a s a ffi a n ced t o t h e h ei r of t h e Duchy of

Old en b u r g Th ere could b e n o doub t s i n N a pol eon s m in d
.
’

a s t o t h e s i g n i fic a n c e of t h i s even t .

Duri n g t h e t w o followi n g yea rs a lt hough Na poleon h a d

,

n ot by a n y m e a n s a b a n d o n ed t h e i d ea of repud i a t i n g

Jos eph i n e t h e m a t t er r em a i n ed i n a b ey an c e Fo r a lon g

, .

t i m e p a s t t h er e h a d ex i st ed i n F r a n c e a very gen er a l d e
s i re t h at t h e Emp eror should a ssure t h e st a b i lit y of t h e
t hron e by co n t r a ct i n g a n ew m a r r i a ge a n d a cqu i ri n g a
d i rec t h ei r t o hi s dyn a st y To t h i s wi sh N a poleon w a s n ow
.

rea dy t o a cc ed e .

N ei t h er b efo r e n or a ft er t h e con clusi on of t h e P ea c e of

Vi en n a h a d t h ere b een a word exch an ged wit h t h e Aus
t ri a n C a b i n et upo n t h e subj ect of a m a t ri mon i a l a ll i an c e .

N a pol eon s t hough t s s t i ll t urn ed t o t h e Gr an d Duch ess

’

An n e t h e ot h er s i s t er of t h e Cz a r O n t h e 2 2 Novemb er
,
.

1 80 9 a w eek b efore t h e form a l n ot i fic at i o n t o Jos eph i n e

,

o f h i s i n t en t i o n s t h e Emp eror i n st ruct ed Ch a mp a gn y

, ,

t h e M i n i st er of Fo r ei g n Aff a i rs t o s en d a d i sp a t ch t o
,

C a ul ai n court t h e Fren ch a mb a ss a dor at S ai n t Pet ersburg

, ,

E 2 55 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
d i rect i n g hi m t o a sk t h e Cz a r t o st a t e fr a n kly wh et h er
“ ”
h e could c ou n t upo n hi s s i s t er . At t h a t t i m e i t t ook
t wo weeks for a c ou r i er t o go fr om P a r i s t o S a i n t P et ers
bu r g an d N a poleon h ad r ec ei ved n o r eply t o h i s ck m a n d
wh en on t h e l a st d a y of Novemb er h e i n form ed Jos eph i n e
t h a t t h e d i vorc e w a s i r revoc a bly d ec i d ed .

A mon t h l a t er n o a n swer h a d y et com e fr om Russi a

, ,

a n d i n t h e m ean t i m e n o s t eps h a d b een t a ken t ow a r d s

op en i n g m at ri mon i a l n egot i a t io n s wit h Aust ri a I t i s a .

very rem a rk a bl e fa ct t h a t i t w a s Jos eph in e who t ook t h e

i n i t i at i ve O n t h e s eco n d of J a n u a ry 1 8 1 0 sh e a sk ed t h e
.

Comt esse d e M et t ern i ch t o com e a n d see h er a t M a l

m a i son .

B efo r e t h e c a mp a i gn of Wa gr a m M et t ern i ch who w a s

, ,

t h en a cou n t a s hi s fa t h er P r i n ce d e M et t er n i ch w a s st i ll
,

livi n g h a d b een t h e Aust ri a n a mb a s sa d o r a t P a r i s wh er e

, ,

h e h a d h a d mu c h su ccess bot h a s a d i plom a t a n d a s a

m a n of t h e wo r ld O n t h e d ec l a r a t i on of w a r h e h a d b een
.
,

rec a ll ed t o Vi en n a b u t h a d l eft hi s wi fe i n P a r i s S i n c e .

t h e p ea c e b e h a d b een m a d e M i n i s t er of Fo r ei g n Aff a i r s
i n pl a c e of t h e b elli c os e S t a d i o n.

To M a d a m e d e M et t ern i ch Joseph i n e sa i d : I h a ve a
pl a n for t h e Emp er o r t o m a rr y you r A r chduc h ess I spoke .

t o h i m a bou t i t y es t er d a y a n d h e repli ed t h a t hi s choi c e

,

h a d n ot y et b een d efi n i t el y m a d e B u t I t h i n k t h a t i t
.

would b e i f h e wer e c ert ai n to b e a c c ep t ed by you .

M a d a m e d e M et t er n i ch ver y much su r p ri s ed a t t h i s
,

overt ure h a st en ed t o s en d t h e n ews t o h er husb a n d in a

,

l et t er writ t en t h e followin g d a y .

Th e Russ i a n reply w as s t i ll a w ait ed an d n o o ffi ci a l

,

commu n i c at i on s h a d b een a dd r essed t o Aust ri a wh en t h e ,

Emp er o r a ft er m a ss on Su n d a y t h e 2 1 J an u a r y 1 8 1 0 c a lled
a m eet i n g of t h e p r i n ci p a l d i gn i t a r i es of t h e Emp i r e t o ,

d i scus s t h e resp ect i v e a d v a n t a ges an d d i s a dv a n t a ges of

a m a t ri mon i a l a ll i a n c e wi t h Russi a Aus t r i a or S a xon y
, .

The a rch -ch an cello r C a m b acertes an d Ki n g Mur a t d e

‘

, ,

c l a r ed for t h e Gr an d Duch ess An n e ; Prin c e Eugen e ,

Ta lleyran d Ch a mp a gn y B ert h i er an d M a ret for t h e

, , ,

E 2 56 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
M a rie-An t oi n et t e s ign ed fort y yea rs b efore At t he Court .

of t h e Tui ler i es t h e s at i sfa ct i on w a s u n i ver s a l .

Th e c ouri er d i sp a t ch ed by t h e Au st ri a n a mb a a dor
brought t h e n ews t o Vi en n a a week l a t er Th ere t h e elin g
. fi
w as on e of surpri s e r a t h er t h an of pl ea sur e B u t n o oh .

j ect ion s were r a i s ed i n a n y qu a r t er Th e fo r m a l a n n oun c e

.

m en t w a s m a d e in t h e govern m en t g a zet t e un d er d a t e of
t h e 2 4 F eb r u a r y
.

Th e m a rr i a ge w a s c el ebr at ed wit h grea t pomp on t h e

1 1 M a rc h i n t h e Churc h of t h e Augu st i n s t h e Archd uk e ,

Ch a r l es r ep r es en t i n g t h e Emp er o r N a pol eon Tw o d a ys .

l a t er t h e n ew Emp r ess st a rt ed o n h er jou rn ey t o P a r i s .

At t h e B a v a r i a n fr on t i er sh e w a s r ecei ved by t h e l a d i es of
h er fut u r e hou sehol d w h o wer e t o ser ve a s h er esc o r t
,

d u ri n g t h e r em a i n d er of t h e jou rn ey .

O n t h e 2 3 M a r c h M a ri e-Loui se c ro ssed t h e Rh i n e a n d
a rr i ved a t S t r a sbou r g on F r en ch soi l Th e Emp er o r h a d
.

a l r ea d y b een for t h r ee d a ys a t Comp i egn e wh ere h e

a w a i t ed wi t h i mp at i en ce t h e a r r i v a l of h i s n ew wi fe Th e .

c h fit eau h a d b een r ep a i r ed a n d sump t uou sly r efu r n i sh ed ,

a n d t h e m emb er s of t h e I m p eri a l fa mi ly h a d a r r i ved .

Th e fo r m a l m eet i n g b et ween t h e Emp ero r a n d M a r i e

Loui se w a s t o h a ve t a ken pl a c e wit h much ceremon y a t a
poi n t b et ween Soisso n s a n d Comp i egn e b u t N a pol eon ,

c oul d n o t r est r a i n h i s i mp a t i en ce All a t o n ce h e d eci d ed

.

t o a b a n don t h e et i qu et t e a r r an ged for t h e followi n g d a y

a n d r u sh t o m eet h er Wi t h Mu r a t a s h i s on ly c omp a n i on
.
,

h e en t er ed a mod est ca l eche wit hou t a r mo r i a l b ea ri n gs ,

con du ct ed by a ser v a n t wi t hout li very a n d set ou t I t, .

w as r a i n i n g i n t o r r en t s wh en t h ey a rri ved a t Courcelles ,

wh er e t h e Empress would st op t o c h a n ge ho r s es Th ey .

d es cen d ed fr om t h e c a rri a g e a n d t ook r efuge fr om t h e

r a i n u n d er t h e po r ch of a chu r c h oppos i t e t h e r el a y

st a t i on No on e i n t he vi ll a ge i m a gi n ed t h at t h ese t wo
.

u n kn own t r a vell ers were t he Emp er o r of t h e Fren ch a n d

t h e K i n g of N a pl es .

As soo n a s t h e c a rri a ge of t h e Empress a rri v ed N a pol eo n ,

ru sh ed t o t h e door a n d en t er i n g preci pit at el y embr a c ed

,

E 2 58 J
 MARI E—LOUISE
h is wi fe Th e c a rri a ge t h en c o n t i n u ed it s cours e wi t h t h e
.

Emp eror a n d M u r a t a n d t h ei r wi v es At t en o clock t h ey

.
’

r ea ch ed Comp i e gn e At t h e ch at ea u t h e m emb ers of t h e

.

Court w ere a w a it i n g t h em a t t h e foot of t h e s t a i rc a s e .

N a pol eon presen t ed t h em t o t h e Emp r ess a n d t h en con

duc t ed h er t o h er own a p a rt m en t wh ere t h ey h a d supp er
t oget h er Acco r d i n g t o t h e et i qu et t e a rr a n g ed i n a dv a n c e
.

t h e Emp eror w a s t o h a v e p a ssed t h e n i gh t a t t h e h Ot el of

t h e Ch a n c ell er i e b u t t h i s p r og r a m w en t t h e w a y of t h a t
,

of t h e firs t m eet i n g a n d N a pol eon follow ed t h e ex a mpl e

,

of H en r i Qu at re wit h M a r i e d e M ed i ci s .

“ ” “
M a r i e Loui s e wri t es M en ev al w a s t h en i n a ll t h e
-
, ,

bloom of yout h ; h er fo r m w a s p er fec t ; h er l i gh t c h est n u t

h a i r fin e a n d a bu n d a n t fr a m ed a v i s a ge wh i ch w a s fr esh
, ,

a n d full t o wh i ch h er soft eyes g a v e a ch a rm i n g expr es

,

si on ; h er l i p s wh i c h wer e som ewh a t l a r g e r ec a ll ed t h e

t yp e of t h e r ei g n i n g fa m i ly of Au st ri a a s t h e sl i gh t ly
,

a qu i l i n e sh a p e of h er n os e m a d e o n e t h i n k of t h e Hous e of

Bou r bo n .

Th e Cou r t l eft C o m pl egn e t h e l a st d ay of M a rc h a n d

a r r i v ed a t S a i n t -Clou d t h e sa m e ev en i n g H ere t h e c i vi l
.

m a r r i a ge w a s c el ebr a t ed t h e followi n g d a y i n t h e p r es en ce
,

of n ea r ly a l l t h e m emb ers of t h e Imp er i a l fa mi ly .

O n M o n d a y t h e sec on d of Ap r i l N a pol eo n a n d M a r ie
Lou i se w en t t o P a r i s fo r t h e r el i gi ous ceremon y Th ey .

us ed t h e m a gn i fi cen t c o r o n a t i o n c a r ri a ge a n d w er e es
co r t ed by t h e c a v a lry of t h e Imp er i a l Gu a r d T h e b ea ut i ful
.

a v en u e of t h e Ch a mp s-Ely see s w a s l i n e d wi t h t r oop s who

kept b a ck t h e c r owd s of en t hu si a st i c sp ect at o rs Th ey .

en t er ed t h e Tu i l er i es by w a y of t h e G a r d en s a n d a sc en d ed

t h e g r a n d s t a i rw a y t o t h e fir st floo r . F r om t h ere t h ey
p a ss ed by t h e P a vi llo n d e Flo r e t h r ough t h e g r a n d g a l
l er i es of t h e Louv r e t o t h e S a lo n -C a r r e wh i c h h a d b een
t r a n sfo r m ed i n t o a c h a p el for t h e rel i gi ous c er emo n y .

N a pol eon w a s v er y h a ppy i n h i s m a r r i a g e a n d w a s ,

very d evot ed t o hi s you n g wi fe At t h i s t i m e h e w a s n ot

.

e t fo t y-on e y ea r s of a e He h a d b ec om e much h a n d
y r g .

som er in hi s m aturit y t h a n du r i n g hi s yout h He w as much .

E 2 59 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
less brusque i n h i s m a n n ers an d w a s fa r more a m i a bl e .

He h ad b ecom e fa m i li a r wit h Cou r t r ul es a n d et i qu et t e

an d pl a y ed hi s rOl e of sov erei g n wi t h a l l t h e t a l en t a n d
'
ea s e of a bo r n a c t or From b ei n g t a ci t u r n h e h a d b ecom e
.

a b r i lli a n t t a lker wi t h a c omm a n d of l a n gu a ge wh i ch sur

,

pri sed every on e Wh en h e wi sh ed t o plea se t h er e w as a

. ,

ch a r m i n his smi le wh i ch n o on e could resi st He en d ea vo red .

n ot on ly t o pl ea se b u t t o fa sc i n a t e hi s you n g wi fe He w a s .

n ot o n ly h a ppy b u t a lso proud t o b e a ll i ed wi t h so o l d

,

a n d so d i s t i n gui sh ed a fa m i ly a n d t h i s feel i n g of sa t i sfi ed
,

p rid e g a ve hi m a n ev en n ess of t emp er a s er en i t y a g a i et y , , ,

wh ic h d eli gh t ed h is cou r t ie r s .

From S ai n t -Cloud t h e soverei gn s wen t on t h e fift h of

Apri l t o Compi egn e wh en ce t h ey d ep a r t ed a t t h e en d of
,

t h e mo n t h fo r a t r i umph a l t o u r t h r ough t h e n o r t h ern

d ep a r t m en t s Th ei r t ri p w a s a lo n g ov a t i o n Th ey were
. .

a c c omp a n i ed by JerOm e a n d hi s wi fe C a r ol i n e Euge ne, , ,

S c hw a r zen b er g a n d M et t ern i ch .

Du r in g t h e c ou r s e of t h ei r jou r n ey t h e Emp er or a n d
Emp ress sp en t s ever a l d a ys a t t h e c h at ea u of L a eken
n ea r B r us sel s a n d t h e M a r qu i se d e L a Tou r d u Pi n who se
, ,

hu sb a n d w a s t h en prefect of t h a t ci t y h a s gi v en u s i n h er ,
”
Recoll ect i on s a n i n t er est i n g a ccou n t of t h i s vi si t S h e .

foun d M a r i e-Loui se st upid a n d i n si gn i fic a n t t o t h e l a st

d egr ee a b solu t ely l a c ki n g i n t a ct a n d sa voi r fa i r e O n t h e
, .

con t ra r y sh e w a s c h a r m ed wi t h t h e Emp er o r of whom ,

sh e a lw a y s sp ea ks i n t h e h i gh est t er m s .

O n t h e fi rst of Ju n e t h ey wer e b a c k a t S a i n t -Cloud

wh ere t h ey p a ssed t h e summ er Th e li fe of N a pol eon a t
,
.

t h i s t i m e w as o n e c o n t i n u a l ov a t i o n N ev er h a d Loui s t h e
.

”
Fou r t een t h t h e Roi Sol ei l b een so fl at t ered i n p r os e or
, ,

i n verse Ev en h i s mi li t a r y a dver sa ri es h a d b ec om e hi s
.

a dm i rer s Th e mos t i llus t r i ou s of t h em a l l t h e A r c hduke

.
,

Ch a rles wrot e h i m i n t er m s of t h e gr ea t est a dm i r at i on

, ,

in a c kn owl edgi n g t h e g r an d cordo n of t h e L egi o n d ho n

’

n eu r wh i c h t h e Emp eror h a d sen t hi m

, a ccomp a n i ed by ,

a s i mpl e cros s of c h ev a l i er of ev en g reat e r v a lu e b ec a us e

, ,

he h a d wo rn i t h i ms elf .

E 2 60 3
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
M a ri e-Loui s e w a s a l so very h a ppy i n h er m a rri ed l i fe .

“
Th e Empress wr ot e h er fat h er a t t hi s t i m e : I a s sure you ,

d ea r p a p a t h at t h e Emp eror h a s b een much c a lum n i a t ed

, .

Th e mor e you see h i m d e pr és t h e more you a ppr eci at e

,
”
a n d lov e h i m . Th e s a t i sfa c t i on of N a pol eo n w a s even
g r ea t er wh en h e lea rn ed t h a t h i s youn g wi fe w a s en cei n te .

Hi s joy h a d n o bou n ds a n d h e w a s i f poss i ble even m o r e

,

a t t en t i v e t h a n b efo r e T h e o ffic i a l s t a t em en t of t h e com i n g

.

even t w a s n ot m a d e u n t i l l a t e i n Nov emb er .

Th e ch i ld so ea rn est ly d esi r ed w a s bo r n a t n i n e o c lock

’

, ,

o n t h e mo r n i n g of t h e 2 0 M a r c h 1 8 1 1 An en o r mous crowd
.

a w a it ed i n t h e G a r d en s of t h e Tu i l er i es t h e n ews of t h e

b i r t h wh i ch would b e a n n ou n ced by t h e t hun d er of t h e

,

c an n o n of t h e I n v a l i d es If t h e c h i l d w a s a gi r l on ly
.
,

t wen t y-on e shot s woul d b e fi red : i f a boy o n e hu n dre d ,

a n d on e . Su d d en ly t h e c a n n on b eg a n t o boom All t h e .

wi n d ows i n t h e c it y a r e op en T h e c a r r i a ges st op i n t h e
.

st r eet s a n d t h e p ed est r i a n s h a lt on t h e s id ew a lks Ev ery

, .

o n e c ou n t s t h e r epo rt s At t h e t wen t y-sec o n d t h er e i s an

.
,

explo si on of joy : ev er y on e k n ows t h a t t h e Emp eror h a s

a son ; a t l a st t h ere i s a n h ei r t o t h e t h r o n e of F r a n c e I t .

w a s t h e h a pp i est d a y i n t h e li fe of N a pol eon Hi s eyes wer e .

fill ed wi t h t ea r s of joy .

Th e d ecr ee a n n exi n g t h e P a p a l st a t es h a d m a d e t h e
Et ern a l Cit y t h e sec on d c it y i n t h e Emp i r e I n i mi t a t i on .

of t h e a n ci en t c u st om by wh i c h t h e p r i n ce d est i n ed t o
suc ceed t o t h e G er m a n C e s a r w a s c a ll ed t h e Ki n g of t h e

Rom a n s N a pol eon h a d d ec i d ed t h at hi s son should b e

,

giv en t h e t it l e of Kin g of Rom e .

T h e d ay of h is b i rt h t h e l it t l e Ki n g of Rom e w a s p ri
v a t el y b a pt i z ed a t n i n e o cloc k i n t h e ev en i n g i n t h e c h a p el
’

of t h e Tui l eri es All of t h e Imp er i a l fa m i ly a n d t h e pri n

.

c i p a l d i g n i t a r i es of t h e S t a t e wer e p r esen t T h e M a rqu i s e

.

“ ”
d e L a Tou r d u Pi n h a s gi ven i n h er R ecoll ec t i on s a
vi vid d escr i p t i on of t h e scen e :
“
We h a d h a d t o en t er by t h e P a v i llo n d e Flor e a n d p a s s
t hrough a l l t h e a p a r t m en t s a s fa r a s t h e S a ll e d es M a r e
,

ch a ux Th e s a lon s wer e full of t h e d i gn it a ri es of t h e Em

.

[ 2 62 ]
 MARI E—LOUIS E
p i re m en an d wom en Ever y on e en d ea vored t o b e a t t h e
, .

edge of t h e p a ss a ge-w a y kept op en by t h e ush ers wh ere

, ,

t h e proc ess i o n w a s t o p a ss t o d esc en d t o t h e Ch a p el We .

m an a ged t o m a n e uv r e so as t o fin d ours el ves on t h e l a n d

i n g of t h e s t a i rw a y From t h i s poi n t w e en joy ed a v ery
.

r a re s i gh t t h at of t h e old gr ogn a r d s of t h e Vi ei lle G a rd e

, ,

a r r a n ged i n o r d er upo n ea ch s t ep every on e w ea ri n g t h e

,

c ross upo n h i s b r ea s t Th ey w ere forb i dd en t o m a ke a

.

movem en t b u t a v ery vi vi d emot i on w a s d ep i c t ed upon

,

t h ei r st ern fa c es a n d I sa w t ea rs of joy i n t h ei r eyes Th e

,
.

Emp eror a pp ea red a t t h e s i d e of M m e d e Mon t esqui ou .

,

who bore t h e ch i ld wit h h i s fa ce u n cov ered upon a cush i on

, ,

of wh i t e s at i n cover ed wit h l a ce I h a d t h e opport u n it y t o

.

ob t ai n a good look a t h i m .

On t he 2 2M a r c h wh en t h e Emp ero r recei ved i n t h e

Th r on e Room of t h e Tui l er i es t h e g r ea t d i g n i t a r i es of t h e
S t a t e t h e Presi d en t of t h e S en a t e s a i d
,

Your p eople s a lut e wit h u n a n i mous a c c l a m at i o n s t h i s

n ew s t a r wh i c h h a s a r i s en upon t h e hori zo n of Fr a n c e ,

whos e fi r s t r a y d i ssi p at es ev en t h e l a st sh a dows of t h e

”
d a r kn ess of t h e fut u re .

Wh a t symp at h et i c h ea r t c a n a voi d a feeli n g of s a d n ess

“
a t t h e t hough t of how t h i s n ew w a s so soon t o d i s
a pp ea r b elow t h e ho r i zon ; o f how t h i s l i t t l e Ki n g of Rom e

w as t o b e d epri ved n ot o n ly of h i s r oy a l t i t l e b u t ev en of ,

hi s n a m e of N a pol eo n Bon a p a rt e ; t h a t h e w as d est i n ed

t o b e c a ll ed on ly Fr an c i s Duke of R ei c h st a d t a n d t o b e
, ,

l a i d t o h is et er n a l rest i n t h e Church of t h e C a puch in s a t

Vi en n a i n a n Aus t r i an un iform !
,

Short ly a ft er hi s r et urn fr om Wa gr a m N a pol eon m a d e ,

“
t h e rem a rk En voi l a a ss ez d u m et i er d e sold at l e t emp s
, ,
”
est a r ri v e d e fa i r e c elu i d u r oi Du rin g t h e yea r s 1 8 1 0
.

a n d 1 8 1 1 i t w a s gen er a lly b eli eved t h a t F r an c e h a d s een

t h e en d of w a r s for t h e r est of hi s rei gn Th e vi ct o r i n so

.

m an y c a mp a i gn s s eem ed t o b e a mb it i ous o n ly for t h e

glo r i es of p ea c e .

O n t h e 1 9 S ept emb er t h e Emp eror l eft Com pregn e for

E 2 63 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
x d ed t ou r t o B elgi um Holl an d a n d t h e b a n ks of
a n e t en ,

t h e Rh i n e Th r ee d a ys l a t er t h e Empr ess wi t h h er Cou r t

.

set ou t for t h e c h at ea u of L a eken n ea r Bruss els Th e Em .

p er o t w a s t o r ejoi n h er t h e l a st of t h e mon t h a t Afl tw er p
a ft er a vi si t t o t h e po r t s on t h e Ch an n el .

O n t h e n i n t h of Oct ob er t h e sov er ei gn s en t er ed Ams t er

d a m i n st a t e H ere t h e Court rem a i n ed for t w o weeks
.
.

Th e c omp a n y of t h e Th eat r e F r a n ca i s h a d b een sum

m on ed fr om P a r i s a n d Ta lm a a pp ea red i n hi s b es t r Ol es
,
.

T h e p eopl e of Holl a n d h a d b een mu c h d i ssat isfi ed si n c e

t h e a b d i c a t i on of Ki n g Lou i s t h e p r evi ou s y ea r wh i ch h a d
,

b een followed by a r i gid en forc em en t of t h e Con t in en t a l

Syst em T h e Low Coun t r i es h a d b een a n n exed t o t h e
.

Empi re a n d L eb r u n w a s t h e gover n or-gen er a l T h e mo r e

,
.

t h e Holl a n d e r s wer e d i sc on t en t ed t h e mo re t h e Emp eror

,

w a s d et er mi n ed t o w i n t h ei r rega r d H e g a v e h i s en t i r e
.

t i m e t o t h e st udy of t h ei r w a n t s a n d wi sh es wi t h t h e i d ea
of i mp r ovi n g t h ei r con d it i on .

T h e fi rst of Novemb er t h ey l eft for Cologn e wh en c e ,

t h ey r et u rn ed by w a y of L i ege t o Comp i e gn e a n d wer e

,

b a c k a t S a i n t -Cloud t h e l a st of Nov emb er a ft er a t r i p of

,

n ea r ly t h ree mon t hs t h e lon g es t wh i c h t he Emp er or ev er

,

m a d e t o t h e F ren c h p r ovi n ces .

At t h e b egi n n i n g of t h e yea r 1 8 1 2 N a pol eon w a s at t h e

h ei gh t of hi s glory To t he d emoc r a t i c p er i od of t h e ea r l ier
.

d a ys of t h e Emp i r e h a d succ eed ed an a ri st ocra t i c r egi m e .

“ ”
Th e wo r d s R epubl i qu e F r a n c ai se h a d d i sa pp ea red fr om
“ ”
th e coi n s, wh i c h n ow bore t h e l egen d Emp i re Fr a n c ai s .

Th e Emp er o r pos ed a s t h e n ew Ch a rlem a gn e, t h e c h i ef of

a fa m i ly of sov er ei gn s Th e k i n gs of B a v a ri a , W ii r t em b er ,
.
g
S a xon y, West ph a li a , N a pl es an d Sp a i n owed t o hi m t hei r
r oy a l c r ow n s Th e r ei gn i n g p ri n c es of t h e Co n fed er a t i o n
.

of t h e Rh i n e wer e h i s subs er vi en t v a ss a ls No mo n a rc h
.

i n h i st o r y h a d ever h eld swa y over so m an y l a n ds a n d so

m a n y p eopl es F r om t h e B a l t i c t o t h e S t ra it of Gi b r a lt a r,
.

from t h e Ch an n el t o t h e Adri at i c, h i s wi ll w as l a w .

Th e gr a n d d ignit a ri es an d m a rsh a ls of t he Empi re con

E 2 64 ]
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
i n g hi s a rmy, N a poleo n a d d ed ot h ers i n wh i c h i m a gin a
t i on pl a y ed a l ea d i n g p a r t Ch i ef a mo n g t h es e w a s t h e
.

Legi O n d h on n eu r, wh i ch ev en t o—d a y i s t h e mos t h i ghly

’

est eem ed d eco r a t i o n i n t h e wo r ld Th e ord er w a sfl i v i d ed

.

in t o fiv e cl a ss es : Ch ev a li er s , ofli c i er s, comm a n d eurs, g r a n d s

o ffici er s a n d g r a n ds-c r o i x R a n k s i n t h e L e
. gion wer e hi gh
ho n o r s wh i c h w ere n ot d ist r i but ed i n d i scri m in a t ely .

Bullet i n s , ord er s of t h e d ay , word s of p r a i se, a mo r e

— o n e of t ho se ch a r m i n g
a ff ec t i on a t e m a n n er or sm i l e

sm i l es wh i c h w o n t h e h ea r t s of gen er a ls a s mu c h a s t ho se

of si mple gren a d i er s wer e s t i ll ot h er m ea n s a d op t ed by

N a pol eon t o gi ve h i s a rmy at fi n a l i n crea s e of en ergy, i n
cen t i v e a n d d a sh .

Th e i mpulsi on t hus gi ven w a s a t fi rst i r r esi s t i bl e B u t .

t h e t i m e c a m e wh en t h e m a r sh a l s a n d g en er a l s w a n t e d t o
en joy t h ei r hon o r s a n d t h ei r wea l t h a t hom e i n p ea ce a n d ,

n o lon ger c a r ed fo r t h e d a n ger a n d fa t i gu e of c a mp a i gn s

fr om whi ch t h ey h a d l it t l e fu rt h er t o g a i n Th en t h i s a pp ea l
.

t o selfi sh i n t er es t s r ea c t ed upo n h i ms elf a n d h a d n ot a

lit t l e t o d o wi t h hi s fi n a l d own fa ll B u t wh at c on summ a t e
.

a r t h e showe d i n h an dl i n g an d i n flu en c i n g m en a n d i n

fo r mi n g t h em i n t o t h e fi n est a r my i n t h e wo r l d !
Alt hough N a pol eon n ever c l ea r ly exp r essed hi s op i n i on
r eg a r d i n g t h e v a lu e of h i s m a r sh a ls h e c ert a i n ly es t a b
,

l i sh ed d iff er en c es a mo n g t h em an d gr a d ed t h em wit h
r eg a r d t o i n t ell i gen c e c h a r a c t er a n d a b i li t y for i n d e en d
, , p
en t c omm a n d . Th is i s c l ea r ly shown i n t h e t a sks a llot t ed
t o t h e d iff eren t m a rsh a ls a n d t h e n umb e r of d i vi s i o n s
a ssi gn ed t o t h ei r comm an d . M a ss en a Soul t an d D a vout
,

wer e t h e on ly on es h e co n s i d er ed comp et en t for c hi ef c om

“ ”
m a n d N ey t h e br a vest of t h e b r a ve a n d Mu r a t t h e
.
, , ,

bea u sa br eu r wer e essen t i a lly figh t er s L an n es w a s a n excel

, .

“
l en t c or ps comm an d er : He w a s sup er i or t o a l l t h e gen
er a l s of t h e Fr en ch a r my o n t h e fi el d of b a t t l e wh en it w a s
”
a qu est i on of m an e uvr i n g i n fan t ry m en .

Of a l l t h e gen er a ls of t h e R evolu t i on Hoch e D es a i x , ,

a n d Kl e b er wer e t h e on ly on es h e t hough t m i gh t h a ve
go n e fa r He h a d a v ery poor op i n i on of Morea u
. .

[ 2 66 ]
 MARI E—LOUIS E
N a pol eon a lw a ys seems t o h a ve preferred ofli cers of
b r i ll i a n c y a n d d a sh l i ke Ney a n d Mu r a t t o m en of mo r e
, ,

sol i d a n d m et hod i c a l ch a r a c t er s l i k e D a vou t a n d S a i n t

,

Cyr To t h e Emp ero r D a vout s b r i lli an t vi c t ory at

.
,
’

Au er st ad t w a s a r evel a t i on an d h i s spl en d i d work a t

,

Eyl a u a n d W a g r a m could b u t m a gn i fy hi s wo r t h .

T h e Emp er o r w a s a lso slow t o a pprec i at e t h e firm n ess

of ch a r a ct er joi n ed t o gr eat in t elli gen c e wh i ch d i st in
, ,

u i s h e d Gouv i o n -S a i n t -C r who d id n ot r ec ei v e h i s b fit o n
g y ,

u n t i l 1 8 1 2 M a r bot who w a s u n d er hi s o r d ers durin g t h e

.
,
“
Russ i an ca m p a ign sa y s : He w a s on e of t h e most c a p a ble
,

m i l i t a ry m en i n Eu r op e I h a ve n ever kn own a n y on e who

.

d i r ec t ed hi s t r oop s b et t er on t h e fi eld of b a t t l e.I t w a s i m

”
.

poss i bl e t o fin d a c a lm er m a n Yet c h i efly owi n g t o po .

,

li t i c a l r ea so n s h e w a s a lw a y s gi ven a s econ d a ry pl a c e by
,

t h e Emp er o r .

Bu t N a pol eon s gr eat vi ct o r ies wer e n ot d u e en t i r ely t o

’

t h e b r i ll i a n c y of h i s st r a t egy a n d t a c t i cs a n d t h e a b i l i t y ,

of hi s m a r sh a l s a n d gen er a l s Mu c h c r ed it mu st a lso b e
.

gi ven t o hi s sol d i er s who w er e t h e b est i n Eu r op e Com i n g

, .

fr om t h e mo st m a rt i a l n a t i o n on ea r t h t h ey were fo r m ed ,

by t h e Emp er o r i n t o t h e g r ea t est fight i n g m a c h i n e t h e

wo r l d h a s ev er kn own N a pol eon h a d t h e power of a n i
.

m a t i n g t h e c ommon sol d i er a n d fill i n g h i m wit h en t h u si

“
a sm ; h e w a s i n t h e h i gh es t d eg r ee a n i n ci t er of en er gy He .

” “
sp a red n o p a i n s s a ys M m e d e R em u sa t t o en c ou r a ge
, .
,
”
an d s a t i sfy hi s sol d i er s All t h e m a t er i a l a n d mo r a l m ean s
.

a t h i s d i spos a l wer e e mploy ed wi t h t h i s obj ect i n vi ew .

“ ” “
Prob a bly n o l ea d er of a n a rmy sa ys V a ch ee g a v e , ,

mo r e ord er s t h a n N a pol eo n t o a ssu re t h e upk eep a n d sub

”
s i st en c e of h i s a r m i es .

Wh i le t h e t en d en cy i n mod er n a r m ies i s t o m a ke ev ery

t h i n g u n i fo r m t h e Emp er o r c r ea t ed p i ck ed c o r ps a mo n g
,

hi s t r oop s i n ord er t o furt h er s t i mul a t e t h e feel in g of em u

l a t i o n T h e b es t k n own of t h es e fa vo r ed org an i z a t i o n s
.

wer e t h e Gu a r d s T h e O l d Gu a r d whom t h e m en c a ll ed
.
,
“
t he Immort a ls ,b ec a us e t h ey were r a rely s en t i n t o
[ 2 67 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
a ti
c o n were b et t er p a i d b et t er fed a n d b et t er c lot h ed
, ,

t h an t h e c ommo n sold i er s Th e You n g Gu a r d a lso r e

.

cei v ed h i gh p a y an d sh a r ed t h e r en own of i t s eld er All .

t h e r egi m en t s wer e j ea lou s of t h i s sa c r ed bo d y of t roop s ,

wh ich i n a d d it i o n t o t h ei r m a t er i a l a dv a n t a ges a n d fa sci

,

n a t i n g ren own h a d t h e ho n or of d a i ly w a t c h i n g over t h e

,

s ec u r i t y of t h e Emp er o r a n d of b ei n g h i s sup rem e r esou rce

“ ” “
i n b a t t le . Hi s sold i er s s a ys M en ev a l n ever cea sed t o
, ,

b ecom e en t hus i a s t i c a bout h im t o com e u n d er h is c h a r m

, ,
”
a n d t o ob ey hi s wi ll Alt hough h e w a s fi n a lly a b a n d on ed
.

by m an y of hi s m a r sh a l s whom h e h a d lo a d ed wi t h fa vo r s
, ,

t h e c ommon sold i er s r em a i n ed fa i t hful t o t h e en d an d ,

loved him wh en h e w a s n o lon ger t h ere .

“ ”
I n h i s M é moi r es M en ev a l t hu s expl a in s t h e s ecret of
,

N a poleon s myst er i ous power :

’

“
Th e s t udy of t h e h um a n h ea r t h a d t a ugh t h i m t h e
a r t of a t t a ch i n g m en t o h i m a n d subjug a t i n g t h em Hi s .

p resen ce a n d wo r d s a r ou sed en t hu si a sm Hi s eloqu en ce .

w a s ea r n est a n d r a p i d ; h i s wo r d s w er e en er get i c p r ofou n d , ,

a n d oft en subl i m e Hi s si mpl e ext er i o r h ei gh t en ed by a n

.
,

a i r of g r a n d eu r a n d t h e h a b i t of c omm a n d an d t h e fa sc i ,

n a t i on of h i s look i n spi r ed r esp ect m i n gl ed w i t h fea r a n d

, ,

a ff ect i on No l ea d e r i n h i s t o r y w a s mo r e popul a r a n d y et
.
,

n ev er woul d h e co n s en t t o humbl e h i m self t o a cqu i r e t h a t

popul a r it y .

Alt hough h e m i ght hol d hi m self a loof i n h i s gr a n d eu r

fr om t h e m a rsh a l s t h e r el at i on s b et ween t h e Emp er or
,

a n d t h e humbl e c omp a n i o n s w h o sh a r ed hi s glo r y w er e

a lw a y s fa m i l i a r a n d c o r d i a l H e w a s l i ke a fa t h er wi t h
.

“
hi s c h i l d r en To t h em h e n ev er c ea s ed t o b e L e p et i t
.

”
c a po r a l.

[ 2 68 ]
 C HA PT ER EI GHTEEN

M O SCO W
P l
en i n su a Wa r — o V
The Lin es of T rres ed r a s — Effect s of t he nti Co
n en t a l Sy st em F o h
I v bl
— r i ct i n w i t R ussi a — W a r n e i t a e — Ad an ce of v
t heG y
r a n d Ar m P p C p go Co
re a r at i n s for t h e a m ai n - T h e g
m m an d in
O ffi cers pol o NaD e n at Pl
resd en The R ussi an an s Th e F h
ren c

Co r ss t h e N iem en v S ol k H vy o
T h e Ad an ce t o m en s ea L sses B l
att e

ofS ol k V oyI
m en s — The i ct r v pol o M h
n d eci si e Na e n a rc es on Mo osc w

B l Bo o o
a t t e of Py h V o y
r d in A F h
rr ic ict r Th e ren c En t er Mo osc w
— T heC yB it pol o F l D l y
u rn ed Na e n s
’
at a e a Bg
The Ret rea t e un
o b o Bg
Th e New R ut e A a n d n ed g W vl
e in n in of in t er S ol k
Arri a a t m en s
o
— A New R ut e t oVl P g i n a — Th e a ssa e of t h e Beresin a — Th e Ar m y
o
R ec r sses t h e Niem en pol o v Na P e n L ea es for a ri s o
Reas n s for
F la i u re

UT l it t l e sp a ce c a n b e gi ven t o t h e m i lit a ry a n d
poli t i c a l even t s of t h e t w o yea r s p r eced in g t h e
Rus si a n w a r Aft er t h e W a gr a m c a mp a i gn N a
.
,

p ol eon would h a v e d o n e well t o ret u r n t o Sp a i n b u t h e ,

rem a i n ed a t P a r i s wh er e h e c oul d b et t er sup er vi se t he

,

Co n t i n en t a l Syst e m a n d d evot e h i m self t o M a r i e-Loui s e

,

a n d a r ou n d of fet es a n d p r ov i n c i a l v i si t s I n t h e m ea n
.

t i m e t h e P en i n sul a W a r d r a gg ed o u t i t s w ea r y l en g t h .

Soul t a n d l a t e r M a ss en a w er e p u t i n comm an d t h ere

, ,

wi t h a bu n d a n t r ei n fo r c em en t s Kin g Joseph t hought t h a t

.

t h e p a c ific a t i O n of t h e cou n t r y would b e b r ough t a bou t

more sp eed i ly by t h e o cc up a t i o n of An d a lus i a wh i l e ,

N a pol eon s op i n i o n w a s t h a t t h e En gli sh should b e a t

’

t a ck ed a t L i sbo n a n d d r i ven o u t of Po r t ug a l wh en t h e ,

i n su r rec t i o n i n Sp a i n woul d en d for l a c k of suppo r t U n .

fo r t u n a t ely h e a llow ed h i ms elf t o b e ov er p er su a d ed by

h i s b r o t h er I n 1 8 1 0 Soul t co n qu er ed a n d o cc up ied
.

An d a lus i a b u t t h e
, m en employ ed t h er e c ould
h a v e b een us ed t o b et t er a dv an t a ge el sewh ere .

E 2 69 ]
 NAPOL EON THE FI RST
Thus i t h a pp en ed t h a t t he whol e t a sk of d ri vin g ou t
Wellin gt on fell on M a ss en a For hi s d escen t i n t o Po r t ug a l
.

i n M ay 1 8 1 0 M a ss en a h a d a bout
,
m en i n c lu d i n g ,

t h e co r ps of Ney Ju n ot a n d R eyn i er Well i n gt on felPb a c k

'

.
,

b eh in d t h e c eleb r at ed l i n es of Torres Ved r a s wh i c h h e h a d

b een p r ep a r in g for mon t h s b efo r e Th ese li n es w ere con .

st r uct ed on t h e h ei gh t s n o rt h of L isbon a bout t wen t y

m i l es fr om t h e c a p it a l wh er e t h e fou r m a in r o a d s fr om
,

t h e n o r t h a n d ea s t co n v er g ed Th ey wer e p r a c t i c a lly i m .

pregn a ble a g ai n st a n y fo rc e M a ssen a c oul d b r in g a ga i n st

t h em . Aft er sp en d i n g fiv e mon t h s b efo re t h es e wo r ks ,

M a ssen a w a s obli ged t o r et rea t j u st a s Soul t w a s fi n a lly

comi n g t o h i s a ssi st a n c e So t h e whole op er a t i on a g a i n st
.

L i sbon fa i l ed t h r ough l ac k of c ooper a t i on an d un it y of

lea d ershi p Thi s woul d n ev er h a ve h a pp en ed if N a poleon
.

h a d go n e t o Sp a i n .

M a ssen a followed by Welli n gt o n r et i red t o S a l a m a n c a

, , ,

wh er e h e p u t hi s t r oop s i n t o qu a rt er s I n Ju n e 1 8 1 1 .

M a r mon t t ook over t h e c omm a n d fr om M a ssen a wi t h

o r d ers t o joi n Soul t a n d r en ew t h e a t t a c k on L isbon .

Not h i n g d efin it e however w a s a cc ompli sh ed

, , .

E a r ly i n 1 8 1 2 b efo r e en t eri n g on t h e Ru ssi a n c a mp ai gn

, ,

N a pol eo n d ecid ed t o wit h d r a w sea son ed t r oop s

fr om Sp a i n a n d t o c on t en t h i m self wit h t h e occ up a t i on

,

of t h e p r ovi n ces n o r t h of t h e Ebro wh ic h h a d b een a n ,

n exed t o t h e Emp i r e Th i s wi se pl a n w a s oppos ed by

.

Joseph a n d t h e m a r sh a l s i n Sp a i n a n d on c e mor e most , ,

un fo r t u n a t ely fo r h im t h e Emp er o r a llowed h i m self t o b e

,

won over by t h ei r a r gum en t s H e l eft n ea r ly .m en

i n Sp a i n : u n d er t h e comm a n d of Jos eph i n a n d a r ou n d ,

M a d r i d ; of Soul t i n An d a lu si a ; of M a r mo n t n ea r S a l a
, ,

m a n c a a n d of Such et i n V a l en ci a At t hi s t i m e Welli n gt on
, .

h a d a n a rmy of a bout E n gli sh Por t uguese a n d ,

Sp an i sh t roop s a n d t h ere were ov er

, mo r e Sp a n
i a r d s a ct in g i n d ep en d en t ly .

At t h e en d of 1 8 1 0 E n gl a n d s eem ed on t h e v erge of r u i n
,

from t he st r a n glin g g r i p of t h e Co n t in en t a l Syst em Th e .

t hree p er c en t con suls h a d fa ll en t o 2 5 a n d t h e b a n k

.
,

E 2 70 ]
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
na ti on a l gl ory an d h a t red of En gl an d l ed t h e F r en ch to
, ,

en dure wi t hou t compl ai n t i n crea s ed t a xes hi gh pri c es , ,

a n d even ch i cory .

F or Germ a n y t he h a rdsh i ps wer e fa r gr ea t er aod t h e

b en efi t s fa r l ess an d t h e u n popul a ri t y of t h e Con t in en t a l
,

Syst em w a s on e of t h e p ri n ci p a l un d erlyi n g c a uses of t h e

n a t i on a l upri si n g i n 1 8 1 3 .

Upon Russi a a lso t h e i n flu en c e of t h e Sys t em w a s more

an d more opp ress i v e N a pol eon s compl a i n t s of t h e Rus
’
.

si a n l a xit y of a d mi n i st r a t i on were con s t a n t An ot h er c a us e .

of frict i on w a s t h e a n n ex at i on of Ol d en burg T h e h ei r t o .

t h i s d u c hy h a d m a r ri ed Al ex a n d er s eld er s i st e r C a t h eri n e
’
, ,

for whose h a n d N a poleo n h a d n egot i a t ed a t Erfurt Th e .

d epo si t i on of t h e duke w as n ot on ly a p erson a l affr on t it ,

w a s a vi ol at i o n of t h e Trea t y of Ti l si t B u t ev en b efore .

t h e n ews of t h i s even t rea c h ed Russi a t h e Cz a r h i ms elf ,

broke t h e t rea t y I n st e a d of a dmi t t i n g on ea sy t er ms a s

.
,

a r r an ged a t Ti ls i t t h e a r ti cl es cl e l u x e of F r en ch m an u
,

fa ct u r e h e l evi ed a heavy d ut y on t h em Wh en c a lled t o

, .

a ccou n t by N a pol eon Alex an d er pl ea d ed t h e ec on om i c

,

n eeds of h i s c ou n t r y a n d p r o t es t e d hi s fi d el i t y t o t h e
,

Con t i n en t a l Sys t em wh i l e at t h e s a m e t i m e c a l li n g a t t en
,

t i on t o t h e Old en burg g r i ev a n c e B u t N a pol eon would n ot .

“ ”
li st en H ere i s a grea t pl a n et t a ki n g a w r on g d i r ec t i on
.
,
“ ”
h e exc l a i med ,I do n ot un d er s t a n d i t s cou rse a t a l l To .

b ri n g t h i s pl a n et b a c k i n t o i t s orb i t h al f a m i lli on m en ,

were t o p eri sh a m i d st t h e s n ows of Russi a a n d N a pol eon ,

w as t o d i e a n exi le a t S a i n t H el en a !
Alt hough t h ere wer e m an y subsi d i a ry rea son s for t he
brea c h wit h t h e Cz a r t h e real c a us e of t he w a r w a s
,
’
Na pol eon s d et erm in a t i on t o forc e Russi a t o a cc ept t h e
co n d it i on s of t h e Con t i n en t a l B lock a d e i n ord er t o d e
’
st r oy E n gl an d s t r a d e an d comm erce I t wa s n ot h i s a mb i .

t i o n for a bsolut e sov er ei gn t y i n Eu r ope wh i ch c a rri ed h i m

t o Moscow b u t t h e u n dyi n g ven d etta
, .

Fo r t w o y ea rs it h a d b een evi d en t t h at a brea k wit h

Russi a must c om e soon er or l a t er an d Na poleon h a d b een ,

st ea d i ly prep a ri n g h i ms elf d uri n g t h i s t i m e He s ecured .

E 2 72 J
 MOSCOW
t he a lli a n ce of Aust ri a a n d comp ell ed Pru ssi a to furn i sh
hi m t roops a n d supp li es .

Th e Cz a r a l so fores aw t h e w a r a n d m a d e p r ep a r a t i o n s
for i t Th e Russ i an s howev er h a d n o form a l pl an b u t
.
, , ,

m erely p r opos ed to act on t he d efen s ive Th ey were i n .

doub t a s t o wh et h er t h ey should m eet t he a t t a ck by a d

v a n ci n g t o t h e Vi s t u l a o r a w a i t i t b eh i n d t h ei r ow n fro n

t i er s T h e st r a t egy wh i c h t h ey a ft erw a rds employed so

.

successfully w a s t he result of ci rcumst an c es r a t h er t h an

a n y pr eco n c ei v ed pl an .

Aft er t h e Treat y of Ti l si t i n 1 80 7 t h e Russ i a n a r my h a d

b een en t i r ely reorg a n i zed an d u n d er t h e n ew pl a n should
,

h a ve p r oduc ed i n 1 8 1 2 a n a ct i v e a rmy of h a lf a m i lli on

m en w i t h double t h a t n umb er i n r es erv e B u t wh en t h e .

a rmy w a s mob i l i z ed on t h e fron t i er i n t h e spri n g of t h a t

yea r it w a s foun d t h a t t h ere were less t h an m en .

N a pol eon moved h i s Gr a n d Army t o t h e li n e of t h e

Vi st ul a du r i n g t h e mon t hs of F eb ru a ry M a rch a n d Apri l , .

Th i s fi eld a rmy con s i st ed of t hi rt y-on e in fan t ry a n d

t wen t y-s ev en c a v a lry d i v i si o n s a n d n umb er ed
m en i n c lud i n g
, c a v a l r y an d 1 00 0 gun s Th i s forc e .

w a s org a n i zed i n n i n e cor ps d a r m ec u n d er t h e comm an d

’

of D a vout O u d i n ot Ney Eugen e Pon i at owski Gouvi on

, , , , ,

S ai n t -Cy r Reyn i er V an d a mm e a n d M a cdon a ld An a dd i

, ,
'
.

t i on a l corp s of m en u n d er Vi ct o r c a m e up l a t er ,

an d an el ev en t h corps of w a s i n r es erv e a t B e r li n
a n d M a y en c e u n d er t h e comm a n d of Au gerea u .

Tr an spo r t a t i on w a s o r g a n i zed on t h e l a r gest sc a le .

Ever y po ssi bl e sourc e h a d b een dr awn on fo r suppli es .

Not h i n g w a s n egl ect ed O n e t h i n g on ly N a poleon h a d

.

a pp a r en t ly forgot t en s i n c e hi s c a mp a i gn i n Pol a n d : t h e

fa c t t h a t t h ere were n o r o a d s wort hy of t h e n a m e i n

Russi a Th er e were t oo m a n y w a gon s an d fa r t oo m an y
.
,
“
s e rv a n t s Th ere were a lso m a n y wom en t h e love esc ort
.
,

wh i ch w a s t ol er at ed i n t h e a r m i es of t h e R epubl i c a n d t h e
Emp i re At t h e v ery out set it seem ed a s i f t h e exp ed it i on
.

woul d b e d est royed by it s i mp ed i m en t a S t i ll if N a pol eo n .

h a d b een a bl e t o b rin g on a b a t t l e n ea r t h e fron t i er or h a d ,

E 2 73 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
a dh ered t o h i s ori gi n a l pl an n ot t o gO b eyon d Smolen sk
t h e first yea r a ll m i ght h a ve gon e well
, .

More t h a n h a lf of t h e c a va lry wer e Fren ch an d n ea r ly ,

a l l of t h e a rt i ll er y b u t l ess t h a n h a lf of t h e i n f
, arm .

I n t h i s en ormous n umb er of fo r ei gn ers t h ere were t a li a n s ,

Ger m a n s a n d Poles a n d even b a t t a l i on s of Swi ss Sp an i sh

, , ,

Po r t ugu es e an d Cro at s Th e P r ussi a n a n d Aus t ri an con

.

t i n g en t s op er a t ed by t h ems elv es on ei t h er wi n g Th e .

Fren ch elem en t w a s l a rge en ough t o l ea ven t h e b at ch a n d ,

t h e fa i lure of t h e c a mp a i gn c a n n ot b e l a i d t o t h e i n d is
c i p li n e of t h e common sold i er s a l t hough som e of t h e ,

m a r sh a ls a n d d i vi s i on c omm a n d er s who were w ea ry of ,

w a r fa i led t o do t h ei r full dut y

, .

Th e Emp eror w a s a cc omp a n i ed by a hos t of execut i ves ,

i n c lud in g B ert h i er Ch i ef of S t aff ; L ebr un Mout on an d

, ,

R a pp a i d es d e c a mp ; D a r u S ecr et a r y of S t a t e ; M a ret
, , ,

M in i st er of Forei gn Aff a i rs ; C a ul a i n court a n d Du r oc ;

M en ev a l a n d F a i n pri v a t e sec r et a r i es an d Jom i n i h i s
, , ,

t o r i og ra p h er .

B ert hi er a s usu a l w a s t h e efli ci en t mout h -p i ece of t h e

Emp eror Jer6m e a n d Eugen e wer e in comm a n d b ec a use
.

of t h ei r rel at i on sh i p b u t t h e l a t t er w as a n a ble l ea d er
, .

D a vout a n d Ney h a d p r ov ed t h ei r wort h in previ ous c a m

i n B ss i er es O u d i n ot S a in t -Cyr Vi c t or a n d Ju n ot
p g
a s . e , , ,

wer e good corps comm a n d ers Soul t M a rmon t a n d Su c h et .

,

were st i ll i n Sp a i n a n d M a ssen a h a d ret i red i n b r oken

,

h ea lt h a ft er hi s fai lure t her e L efebvre comm a n d e d t h e .

O l d Gu a rd of n ea rly,
m en i n a ll wh i l e Mur a t w as ,

a t t h e h ea d of t h e l a r ge c a v a l r y r es e rv e of horsem en .

O n t h e n i n t h of M ay N a poleo n a ccomp a n ied by M a ri e

, ,

Loui se a n d a l a rge p a rt of h i s Cou rt l eft S a i n t -Cloud for ,

D r esd en wh ere h e a rri ved a week l a t er H ere h e exp ect ed

,
.

t o m a k e a st a y of t w o o r t h r ee weeks b efor e pu t t i n g hi m ,

self a t t h e h ea d of hi s t r oop s a n d t o r ec ei v e t h e v i si t s of
,

a ll t h e a ll i ed sover ei gn s T h e first mor n i n g t h e p ri n c es who

.

h a d a lrea dy a rri v ed c a ll ed t o pr esen t t h ei r hom a ge t o

t h e Emp eror who w a s lodged i n t h e s t a t e a p a rt m en t s of
,

t h e roy a l p a l a c e Th e sec o n d d a y t h e Emp eror an d Em

.
,

1: 2 74 1
 MOSCOW
press ofAust ri a a rrived t o t h e grea t joy ofM a rie-Lou i s e who
, ,

h a d n ot s een h er fat h er s i n c e h er m a r r i a ge t w o y ea rs b efo r e .

Th e soj ourn a t Dresd en w a s t h e a pogee of t h e power of

N a pol eon No mo rt a l h a d ever b efo r e r ea ch ed su c h a pi n
.

n a cl e of glo r y a s t h e n ew Ch a r l em a gn e Th e a ss embl ed .

sov erei gn s a pp ea red t o b e t he c ou rt i er s r a t h er t h a n t h e

equ a ls of t h e Emp eror H i s l ever sa y s S e
. gu r furn i sh ed a
, ,

r em a r k a bl e sp ec t a cl e wh er e sov erei gn s c a m e t o a t t en d
,

t h e a ud i en c e of t h e c o n qu er or of Eu r op e .

At S a i n t H elen a t h e Emp er o r i n r ec a lli n g t h e m emo ri es

,
“
of t h es e p a ssed spl en d o r s s a i d : T h e D resd en m eet i n g
,

w a s t h e epo c h of t h e g r e a t est power of N a pol eo n Th er e h e .

”
seem ed t o b e t h e Ki n g of Ki n gs H e h a d summo n ed fr om
.

P a r i s t h e c omp a n y of t h e Th eat r e Fr a n c a i s a n d a s a t ,
“ ”
E r fu r t Ta lm a pl a yed b efore a p a r t er r e d e r oi s .

B u t N a pol eo n w a s fa r fr om b ei n g en t i r ely t a ken up wi t h

pl ea su r e wh i le a t D r esd en He w a s oc c upi ed wi t h t h e m a n y
.

mi n ut e d et a i l s of t h e i mm en s e exp ed it i on wh i c h h e w a s
a bou t t o u n d er t a k e .

Just b efore N a pol eon l eft Dresd en t h e Ki n g of P r u ssi a ,

a r r i ve d H e h a d a g r eed t o fu r n i sh for t h e c om i n g c a mp a i g n
.

t wen t y t hou sa n d m en u n d er t h e c omm a n d of a P r u ssi a n

gen er a l As for Aust ri a sh e h a d p r om i s ed a c on t in gen t of
.
,

t h i r t y t hou sa n d t r oops c omm a n d ed by a n Aust r i a n g en

,

er a l u n d er t h e o r d er s of N a pol eon
, .

Th e 2 9 M ay 1 8 1 2 N a pol eo n l eft D r esd en t o pl a ce h i m

self a t t h e h e a d of hi s a rmy Aft er a s t op of t w o d a y s a t
.

Pos en h e pro ceed ed t o Tho r n a n d fr om t h er e t o D a n t zi c

, , .

By lon g m a r c h es t h e t r oops h a d r ea c h ed t h e Vi s t ul a wh er e
t h ey w er e sp r ea d o u t o n a fro n t of fou r hu n d r ed m i l es .

Th i s pl a n h a d b een a dop t ed by t h e Emp er or wit h t h e

d esi gn of k eep i n g t h e Ru ssi a n s u n cert a i n a s t o hi s m ai n
li n e of a dv a n ce a n d r esul t ed a s h e wi sh ed i n t h ei r sep a r a t
,

i n g t h ei r a rm i es .

Th e n umb e rs of t h e Russ i a n a rmi es a r e h a r d t o d et er

m i n e b u t t h ey prob a bly a mou n t ed t o l ess t h a n 2
,

m en Wi t h t h es e forc es t h ey w er e t o m eet h a lf a m i ll i o n
.

i n v a d er s u n d er t h e g r ea t es t c a pt a rn of mod ern t i m es Th e .

[ 2 75 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
s t a t em en t h a s oft en b een m a d e t h a t t h e Russi a n s exp ected
t o m eet t h e Fren c h a dv a n c e by a con s t a n t ret r ea t a n d ,

t h a t Al ex a n d er h a d s a i d t h a t b efo r e yi eld i n g h e would

a b a n do n Mos c ow a n d r et i r e i n t o S i b eri a B u t t h e fi c t t e
.

m ai n s t h a t t h e Russ i a n gen er a ls exp ect ed t o fight an d ,

t h a t t h e d efen si v e c a mp a i gn w a s t h e r esul t of t h e Russi an

u n p r ep a red n ess a t t h e b egin n i n g a n d t h e ove rwh elmi n g
,

sup er i o r i t y of t h e F r en c h fo r c es Thus it h a ppen ed t h a t

.

t h e v ery si z e of N a pol eo n s a r my w a s t o b e t h e p r i n ci p a l
’

r ea son fo r hi s fa i lu r e I t w a s physi ca lly i mpossi bl e t o k eep

.

su c h a n en o r mou s host suppl i ed a n d t h e g rea t d i sc r ep a n c y

,

i n n umb er s m a d e t h e Ru ssi a n s a fr a id t o r i sk a b a t t l e .

“ ” “
F r om a mi lit a r y poi n t of v i ew sa ys D od ge t h e r e
, ,

t i r i n g s c h em e o f t h e Ru ssi a n s a g a i n st a st r o n ger a n d mo re
a bl e foe w a s t h e b est B u t t h e Cz a r h a d t o look a t som e
.

pol i t i c a l qu est i on s If a syst em of ret rea t w a s a d opt ed t h e

.
,

Poli sh p r ovin c es woul d fa ll a w a y fr om t h ei r a ll egi a n ce a n d ,

t h e oppo si t i on of t h e a n t i-w a r p a r t y m i gh t b e g r a v e a s ,
”
well a s t h e eff ect u pon fr i en d ly n a t i on s .

Th er e wer e b u t t h r ee r o a d s l ea d in g a c r os s t h e Rus si a n
fr on t i er by wh i c h t h e m ai n p a r t of t h e Gr a n d Ar my c ou l d
a dv an c e : a t Kovn o a n d Gr o d n o on t h e Ni em en a n d ,

fu rt h er sout h a n d west a t B rest Li t ov sk on t h e Bug .

Du r i n g t h e win t er t h e Ru ssi an t r oop s h a d b een sp rea d ou t

ov er a fron t of fiv e hu n d r ed mi l es b u t i n M a y wh en t h e
,

F ren c h a pp r o a c h ed t h e Vi st ul a t h e t r oop s d rew t oget h er

,

i n t o t w o l a r ge bo d i es u n d er B a rc l a y a n d B a g r a t i on wi t h
, ,

h ea dqu a r t er s a t Vi l n a a n d Lut sk Th es e t w o a r mi es were

.

sep a r a t ed by t h e mo r a sses of t h e upp er P r i p et a n d t h ei r

,

d i st a n c e fr om ea c h ot h er w a s d u e t o t h e b r o a d fr o n t of
’
N a pol eon s a dv a n ce As soon a s i t b eca m e a pp a r en t t h a t
.

N a poleon w a s m a r ch in g on t h e Ni em en t h e Cz a r wi t h ,

d rew t r oops fr om B a gr at i o n a n d st ren gt h en ed B a r c l a y s

’

a r my a t Vi l n a t o m en wh i l e B a gr a t i o n wi t h
,

t r oops c a m e up t o V ol k ov i sk sou t h of G r od n o Th e .

t wo Russ i an a r m i es t hus st ood a c r o ss t h e t h r ee ro a d s t o

Moscow .

N a poleon do es n ot seem t o h a v e h a d an y p a rt i cul a r

E 2 76 J
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
I n a sho rt t i m e t h e r e w a s a n ep i d em i c of en t er i c d i s ea ses .

At t h e en d of J u ly t h e Emp er o r w a s c omp elled t o c a ll a h a lt

fo r ei gh t d a y s o n a ccou n t of t h e exh a us t i o n of h i s t r oops
a n d t o a llow t h e supply t r a i n s t o c om e up . 9

Aft er t h e t wo Ru ssi a n a r m i es h a d m et a t Smolen sk,

B a r c l a y fou n d h i ms elf comp elled by t h e g r owin g d i scon
t en t a mon g h i s t r oop s t o off er b a t t l e So on t h e sev en t h
.

of Augu st h e mov ed wes t t ow a r ds t he F ren c h Aft er a t wo .

’
d a ys m a rch h e c a m e upo n t h e en emy s ou t pos t s , b u t h ere
’

h i s c ou r a ge fa i led h i m a t t h e t hough t of a t t a cki n g Na

pol eon i n p e r son , a n d h e c a m e t o a h a lt .

O n lea r n i n g of t h i s movem en t N a poleon d ec i d ed t o

m a rc h sout h t o t h e D n i ep er , c r oss t h e r i ver an d a dv an ce
by t h e sout h b a n k t o a su r p r i s e a t t a c k upon Smol en sk a n d
so forc e B a rcl a y t o gi ve b a t t l e Th i s pl an w a s ca r r i ed o u t so
.

ef f ect iv ely t h a t t h e Ru ss i a n s r em a i n ed i n en t i re i gn or a n c e
of t h e movem en t O n t h e 1 7 August N a pol eon a pp ea r ed
.

b efore t h e c it y, wh i c h t w o Ru ssi a n co r p s h a st i ly occu

p i ed , a n d t o wh i c h B a r cl a y fell b a c k wit h a l l possi ble sp eed .

O n t h e followi n g even i n g Na pol eo n mov ed fo rwa r d t o

t h e a t t a c k a n d bomb a r d ed t h e t own .B a rcl a y fou n d it
i mpos si ble t o hol d t h e pl a ce, so h e ev a cu at ed i t du r i n g t he
n i ght a n d ret rea t ed t o t h e n o r t h b a n k of t h e r i v er Th i s .

l eft t h e r oa d t o Moscow op en , b u t i n sp it e of t h e v igor ous

p r essu re of t h e F r en ch h e m a n a ged t o get b a c k on t o t he
r o a d t h e followi n g ev en i n g an d se cu r e hi s l i n e of r et rea t

ea st w a r d.

Th e cit y of Smol en sk li es on t h e sou t h b a n k of t he

Dn i ep er , i n a b ea u t i ful a mph i t h ea t r e of h i ll s w i t h t h e
,

subu r b of S a i n t P et er sburg on t h e oppos i t e b an k Th e .

pl a ce i s d i fli cu l t of d efen ce a s it i s comm a n d ed by t h e su r
roun d in g h ei gh t s Th e c it y p r op er w a s fo r t i fi ed wit h a
.

b r i ck w a ll t en feet t h i c k a n d t wen t y-fiv e feet h i gh wi t h a ,

u seles s d r y d i t ch Th e w a ll s would ea si ly r esi st t h e fi eld

.

gu n s of t h a t p eri od a n d c ould h a rdly b e esc a l a d ed

, .

I t w a s a n old sa cred c i t y wit h n um er ou s church es a n d

,

con ven t s a n d m a n y g a r d en s Th e hous es i n t h e subu r bs

.

E 2 78 J
 MOSCOW
w er e n ea rly a l l of wood I t w a s on e of t h e old est ci t i es i n
.

Ru ssi a a n d h a d a t on e t i m e c on t a i n ed ei gh t y t hou sa n d
,

i n h a b i t an t s b u t h a d dwi n d l ed t o n ot mor e t h an a qu a r t er
of t h a t n umb er Th e r i v er w as c r oss ed by a wood en b r i dge
.
,

a n d fr om t h e n ort h b a n k r an t h e m a i n r o a ds t o Moscow

a n d S a i n t P et ersbu r g .

Assum i n g t h e Emp er o r s d esi gn t o h a ve b een t h e c a p

’

t ur e of Smol en s k hi s m a n oeuv r e h a d b een w ell co n duc t ed ;

,

b u t t h i s w a s o n ly a n i n ci d en t : t h e r ea l obj ec t w a s t o sei z e
t h e Mo sc ow ro a d c u t off t h e Ru ssi a n a r my a n d comp el
, ,

i t t o figh t a t a d i s a dv a n t a ge Th i s h e fa i led t o a c compli sh

. .

“
By ext en d in g hi s r i gh t a c r oss t h e ri v er a n d est a bl i sh i n g
”
a c o r p s su i t a bly suppo r t ed upo n t h e Mo sc ow r o a d s a ys ,
“
Do d ge t h e lo n ged -fo r b a t t l e could b e fo r ced or t h e
, ,

en emy t hrown b a c k o n t h e S a i n t P et er sbu r g r o a d eccen ,

t ri c a l l y t o h i s t r u e l i n e of r et r ea t For t h r ee d a y s t h e
.

st r a t egi c a lly wor t hl ess t own h a d a rres t ed t h e Gr an d Army

”
wh en t i m e w a s of t h e essen ce .

Smol en sk w a s t h e n a t u r a l t er mi n u s of t h e c a mp a i gn of
1 8 1 2 wh er e N a pol eon h a d fi rst i n t en d ed t o st op a n d wh ere
, ,

h e should h a ve st opp ed a n d p u t hi s a r my i n t o qu a r t er s As .

h e w a s d r a i n i n g t h e suppli es fr om a l a r ge p a r t of t h e em
p i r e t h e Ru ssi a n s would soon er o r l a t er h a v e b een com
,

p el l ed t o a dv a n ce a n d a t t a c k hi m If fo r pol it i c a l r ea son s
.

h e w a s u n wi ll i n g t o r et rea t t h i s w a s t h e on ly sou n d m i li
,

t a r y c ou r se op en t o h i m H i s si t u a t i on w a s n ot d i ssi m i l a r
.

t o t h a t i n Pol a n d duri n g t h e wi n t er of 1 80 7 b efo r e F r i ed

l a n d Al t hough h e could p r ob a bly r ea c h Moscow t h er e
.
,

w a s n o c er t a i n t y t h a t h e c ould b r i n g o n a d ec i s i v e b a t t l e
t h ere a n d d i ct a t e p ea ce t o t h e Cz a r Ev en i f h e r ea c h ed
.

Moscow h e mu st h a ve kn own t h at h e c oul d n ot m a i n t a i n

h i ms elf t h er e wi t h a li n e of c ommun i c a t i on s over fiv e
hu n d red m i l es lon g Of t h e l a r ge fo r ce wit h wh i ch h e
.

cr os sed t h e N i em en h e h a d l ess t h a n h a lf l eft At Smol en sk .

,

fr om t h e m i lit a ry poi n t of v iew t h er e w as s t i ll hop e ; at

,

Moscow t h er e w as n on e Th e sit u a t i on i s well summ a r i zed

.

by Dodge a s follows :
E 2 79 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
If N a pol eon st opp ed at Smol en sk h e r a n a cert a i n ri sk ,

of pol it i c a l d a m a g e ; if h e a dv a n ced t o Mosc ow a l l m i lit a ry

c h a n ces w er e a g a i n st hi m B u t wi t h a n a r my at Smol en sk
.

h e coul d p erson a lly r et u rn t o F r a n ce o r g an i ze a fr esh ca m ,

p a i gn a n d i n 1 8 1 3 b e b et t er equi pp ed for a n a dv a n c e fo r
, ,

h e would h a ve t i m e t o p r ep a r e p r op er t r a n spo r t at i on Th i s .

pl a n off er ed h im a show of su ccess po lit ic a l a n d m i lit a r y , .

Th e a d v a n ce on Mo sc ow n ow co u ld su c ceed o n ly if Al ex a n
d er c ould b e i n t i m i d a t ed by a show of m i l it a r y power N a
pol eon n o lon ger po ssessed Yet Jom i n i a n d Cl a us ewi t z
.

bot h a pp r ove N a poleon s d eci si on a s hi s o n ly p r op er c ou r s e

’
.

I t i s d iffi c ult t o a g ree wi t h t h es e em in en t a ut ho r i t i es .

N a pol eo n st i ll h a d a bou t m en a ct u a lly i n h a n d

wh en he l eft Smol en sk He followed c losely upon t h e h eels
.

of t h e r et rea t i n g R u ssi a n s w h o h a d n ow b een rei n fo r ced

,

to m en Th e Cz a r who w a s d i sa ppo i n t ed wi t h
.
,

B a rcl a y s F a b i a n t a ct i cs wh i c h wer e ult i m a t ely t o b ri n g

’

h i m su cces s n ow a ppoi n t ed K u t u sov t o succ eed h i m wi t h

, ,

i n st r u ct i on s t o a cce p t t h e b a t t l e for wh i c h ever y on e w as

lon gin g K u t u sov wi ll b e r ememb er ed i n con n ec t i on wi t h
.

t h e Au st er l i t z c a mp a i gn He w a s n ow seven t y t oo po r t ly
.
,

t o r id e a n d ver y i n a ct i v e
, .

A few d a ys l a t er wh en t he a r my r ea c h ed Bor od i n o i t
, ,

w a s d eci d ed t o t a ke up a posi t i o n t h er e t o c over Mo scow .

Th ere wer e t w o post -r o a d s fr om Smol en sk t o Mos c ow a n ,

ol d o n e a n d a n ew o n e wh i c h wer e h er e a bou t t w o an d
,

a h a lf m i l es a p a r t T h e v i ll a ge of Bo r o d i n o l a y on t h e
.

n ew r o a d wh er e i t cr o ssed t h e K o l o t sa a n a ffl u en t of t h e ,

Mo skov a H er e K u t u sov d r ew up hi s t r oops on a fron t a ge

.

of over fiv e m i l es a t ri ght a n gles t o t h e t w o r o a d s .

T h e cou n t r y i s rolli n g b u t qu i t e flat ; t h e n um er ou s

brooks r u n t h r ough d eep r a v in es Th ere were m a n y woo d s .
,

som e of whi c h h a d b een cu t T h e K ol ot sa r u n s fo r sev er a l

.

m i les p a r a ll el t o t h e n ew r o a d u n t i l n ea r Bo r o d i n o it
c r o sses a n d l ea ves i t t o fl ow n o r t h er ly t ow a r d s t h e
Mo skov a Th e r i v er i s ford a ble i n pl a ces E a st of t h e
. .

v i ll a ge t he l a n d r i ses i n t o a pl at ea u a m i le wi d e Som e .

[ 2 80 ]
 MOSCOW
si mpl e fiel d -wo r k s h a d b een er ect ed by t h e Russi an s The .

pos i t i o n w a s li a bl e t o b e t urn ed b u t it w as a lso on e ea sy

,

t o d efen d B et ween t h e t w o r o a ds t h er e a r e a n umb er of

.

h a mlet s a n d vi ll a ges t h e p r i n c i p a l on e b ei n g Sem en ov sk a i

, .

N a pol eon a ft er a short h a lt t o gi v e hi s m en a r est con

t i n n ed h i s a dv a n c e i n t hr ee colum n s O n t h e fift h of .

S ept emb er t h e lea d i n g t roops of h i s r i gh t a n d c en t re

colum n s c a m e i n con t a c t wi t h t he Russi an l eft wi n g a n d
forc ed i t b a ck T h e followi n g d a y N a poleon a dv a n c ed t o
.

t h e at t a ck His l eft wi n g u n d er Eug en e kep t clos e t o t h e

.

n ew ro a d an d w a s m a ss ed a g a i n s t Borod i n o T h e c en t r e .

colum n mov ed t ow a rds S em en ov sk a i a n d furt h er sout h ,

t h e ri gh t wi n g u n d er Pon i a t owsk i a dv an c ed a lo n g t h e old

ro a d Th e whol e fron t a g e w a s a bout t hree m i les a n d a h a lf
. .

I n t h e b a t t l e of Borod i n o fought on t h e s ev en t h of
,

S ept em b er t h e F r en c h n umb ered

, a ga in st

Russi a n s N a poleon s pl a n w a s qui c k ly form ed a ft er a

.
’

recon n oi ss a n ce of t h e en emy s posi t i on O n t h e l eft Eug en e

’
.

w as t o con t ai n Ku t u sov s r i gh t ; D a vou t a n d N ey i n t h e

’

c en t re were t o brea k down h i s l eft wi n g wh i l e Pon i at owski ,

on t h e r i gh t should t ur n h i s l eft fl an k Th e obj ec t w a s t o .

t h r ow t h e Ru ss i an s b a ck on t h e Moskov a wh er e h e c ould
fight t h em t o a fin i sh T h e F ren ch showed t h e u t mos t
.

cour a ge a n d t h e Russ i a n d efen ce w a s very st ubbo rn T he

,
.

loss es on b ot h s i d es wer e en ormous I t w a s cer t a i n ly a .

Fren c h vi ct ory a s K u t u so v i n t h e en d d r ew off hi s a r my

,

i n b r ok en con d it i on a n d r et re a t e d t ow a r d s Moscow si xt y ,

mi les a w a y I t en a bl ed N a pol eon t o rea ch t he s a cred c it y

.
,

b u t h i s lo sses were so g r ea t t h a t h e could n ot r em a i n t h ere

u n less t h e Cza r t rea t e d for p ea c e Th e Emp er or d id n ot .

p u t i n t h e Gu a rd h i s fi n a l r es erve wh i ch m i gh t h a ve m a d e
, ,

t h e vi c t o r y d ec i s i v e an d c a u se d Al ex a n d er t o op en n ego
t i a t ion s For t h i s N a pol eon h a s b een much c rit i c i z ed by
.

m i lit a ry w r it ers ; b u t h e w a s t wo t hous a n d m i les from

hom e a n d t h e Old Gu a r d w a s h i s l a st resou r ce Wh et h er .

h e w a s r i gh t or w r o n g wi ll a lw a ys b e a subj ect of d i scus

s i on At t h e d eci s i v e mom en t a bout t h e m i ddle of t h e
.
,

a ft ern oon if h e h a d s en t i n t h i s sup erb body of p i cked

,

[ 281 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
troops st rll t went y t hous an d st r on g wit h wh i ch h e h a d
,
,
so m an y t u es st ruck a d ecis ive blow at t he c r it ic a l mo
n
men t he mi ght h ave mad e Borod in o a crush in g Russi a n
,

d efeat O n t he other h an d h a d h e pu t i n hi s l a st r a erv es

.

,
wrt hout success a s lat er at Wa terloo h i s a rmy woul d
, ,

h ave b een a flyi n g mob i n h a lf an hour At Bor od i n o h i s .

“ ”
rot t was s afety first ; at Wa t erloo he w as pl a yi n g a ll
gor ap l

Aft er t he b at tle t he Russi a n s r et reat ed slowly t o Mos

cow followed by t he F ren ch Th e vi ct ors were t oo much
, .

exh a ust ed t o pursu e wi t h t h e vi go r of former ca mp a i gn s .

I n fron t of Moscow Ku t usov c a lled a coun c i l of w a r t o

,

d ecide whet h er t he ci t y should b e d efen d ed an d t h e vot e ,

w as in favor of fight in g t o t he d ea t h B u t K u t u sov t hough t .

t h at t he a r my wa s mo re i mport an t t o Russ i a t h an t h e ci t y
an d refused t o b e boun d by t h e c oun ci l O n t h e 1 4 S ep t em .

b er h e m arch ed t hrough t h e c it y an d ret i red t o P a n ki At .

t he s a me t ime most of t h e popul a t i o n d ep a rt ed Mu r a t .

a n d hi s c av alry a rrived at t w o o clock t h e s a m e a ft er n oo n

’

a n d t ook poss ess i on of t h e c i t y The Gu a rd wh en i t

.
,

a r r ived w as s en t i n t o o cc upy t h e Kremli n ; Ney a n d

,

D avout t ook up a posit ion west of t h e cit y Pon i a t owski ,

on t he sout h an d Euge ,
n e t o t h e n ort h Mura t w a s st a .

t ion ed on t he road t o t he sout h ea st Th e Impe ri a l h ea d .

qu a rt ers were est a blished t empor a ri ly i n t he west subu r b .

Moscow li ke Rome l i es upon seven h i lls I t w a s t h e

, ,
.

”
s a cred cit y of Russ i a a n d i t s t w o hun dred chu r c h es
, ,

wit h colored domes an d b elfr i es g a ve i t a most pi ct u resqu e

,

a pp ea r a n ce more Ori en t a l t h a n Eu r op ea n i n i t s a sp ec t
,
.

Durin g t he first n ight fi r es b eg a n t o b rea k ou t a n d by ,

t he morni n g of t he s econ d d a y t h e whol e c it y w as a fla m e .

Emp ror who h d t ken up h is qu a rt ers i n t h e Krem

Th e e a
,
a

l in wa s forced to ret i re t o a c a st l e out s i d e t h e wa lls of t h e

,

cit y O n t he eight een th a ft er some ei ght t hous a n d houses

. ,

h fir e w a s con t roll ed a n d N a pol eon

h ad e b e n co n sum ed t e ,

return ed t o t he Kreml in .

It w i ll a lw ays b e a d i spu t ed qu est i on wh eth er Moscow

[ 2 82 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Al t hough t h e rel at i ve st r en gt h of t h e a dvers a ries w a s
n ot y et u n fa vo r a bl e t o N a pol eon i t w as c er t a i n t o b ecom e
,

so a s t i m e w en t by Abov e a ll t h e s er i ous l a ck of ho r s es for

.
,

t h e c a v a l r y a n d a rt i ll er y could n ot ea s i ly b e m a d O u p .

I n o r d er t o gi v e hi s r et r eat t h e a pp ea r a n ce of an off en
si ve movem en t an d t o d i r ec t i t t h r ough pa r t s of t h e c oun
,

t r y wh i ch h a d n o t a lr ea d y b een d ev a st a t ed t h e Emp er or ,

propos ed t o ret i r e by t h e ol d h i ghw a y t ow a r ds K a lug a ,

an d fr o m t h er e by a sou t h er ly r ou t e t o Smol en sk .

O n t h e 2 4 Oc t ob er N a pol eon fou n d K u t u sov a t M a lo

Ja rosl owi t z post ed a c r oss t h e r o a d fr om Mos c ow t o
K a lug a a n d a n a ct i on w a s fough t t h ere b et ween t h e l ea d
,

i ng c olumn s of t h e t wo a r m i es E a c h gen er a l k ep t hi s
.

m a i n body b a c k a s n eit h er w a n t e d t o b e d r a wn i n t o a
d eci si ve en g a gem en t a t t h i s poi n t Th e n ext d a y t h e Rus
.

si a n s r et r ea t ed t o K a lug a a n d N a pol eo n t u r n ed b a c k t o
,

t h e n ort hwest t ow a r ds Borod i n o Th er e w a s a n ew r o a d

.

t o Smol en sk v i a J u k n o v a n d J el n i a of wh i ch N a pol eon

h a d d es i r ed t o t a ke a d v a n t a ge a n d why h e d i d n ot do so
,

a ft er K u t u sov w i t h d r ew wi ll ev er r em a i n a n u n solved

myst er y Thi s h as b een c a ll ed by som e h i st ori a n s t h e

.

t u r n i n g-poi n t of h i s c a r eer b u t i t w a s n ot so mu c h so a s
,

hi s d eci si o n a t Smol en sk t o a dv a n ce t o Mo sc ow T h e .

m a n oeuvre t ow a rds K a lug a w a s st r at egi c a lly soun d for ,

t h e n ew ro a d h e p r opos ed t o t a k e l ed t hrough a n u n d ev
a st a t ed regi on t o Smol en sk a n d o n ly a s a l a st r eso r t
, ,

a ft er a d efea t , w a s i t excus a ble t o follow t h e ol d r ou t e .

O n l ea rn i n g of t h i s movem en t of t h e F r en ch K u t u sov ,

s t ruc k off t o t h e n ort hwes t i n pursu it .

Th e fa i lu r e of t h e Ru ssi a n c a mp a i gn h a s gen er a lly b een

a scr i b ed t o t h e w ea t h er b u t t h i s i s o n ly p a rt i a lly t r ue
, .

For n ea r ly t h r ee w ee ks a ft er t h e a rmy l eft Mo sc ow t h e

wea t her w a s p er fec t Th e wi n t er sea son w a s d el a yed an d
.

t h er e w a s l ess c old an d sn ow t h a n usu a l T h e t e mp er a t u r e

. .

a ver a ge d fr om 1
5 t o 2 5 F a h r en h ei t Few of t h e s t r ea m s
° °
.

w er e fr ozen a n d i t w as t h e s even t h of Nov emb er b efo re

,

r ea l col d set i n Aft er t hi s d at e t h er e w a s great suffe ri n g

.

i n t h e b i vou a cs an d t h e s n ow d est roy ed a ll t h e for a ge for

E 2 84 ]
 MOSCOW
t he an i m a l s Th i s r a p i d l y d ecrea s ed t h e F ren ch forc es an d
.
,

N a pol eon en t ered Smol en sk wi t h h i s a r my reduced t o

m en a n d a bou t o n e hu n d r ed ho r s es .

H ere N a pol eo n r ec eiv ed i n t elligen ce t h at S a in t -Cyr an d

Vi c t or h a d b een d efea t ed an d d r i v en b a c k t ow a r ds Vit ebsk ,

a n d l a t er t h a t t h a t pl a c e h a d b een occup i ed by t h e R u s

s i a n s Un d er t h e ci r c um st a n c es h e h a d n o a lt ern a t i ve ex
.

c ept t o t ry t o rea ch Vi l n a by w ay of Bor i sov .

Th e ret rea t fr om Smol en sk b eg an t h e 1 2 Novemb er .

Th e v i go r ous eff ort s of t h e Ru ss i a n s t o i mp ed e t h e r et rea t

l ed t o s ever a l sm a ll a ct i on s a r ou n d K r asn oi fiv e d a ys l a t er .

B u t N a pol eon h a l t ed wit h t h e Gu a r d a n d p er so n a lly

d i rec t ed a c ou n t er-at t a c k upon K u t u sov who drew off hi s
t r oops a n d cea sed t o pu r su e t h e F r en ch .

At t h i s t i m e N a pol eo n r ec ei ved t h e d i sc ou r a gin g n ews

t h a t t h e Rus si a n s h a d s ei z ed Bo r i sov a n d t h e c r oss i n g of
t h e B er esi n a r i v er a n d st ood wi t h m en upon hi s
m a i n lin e of r et r ea t At t h i s mom en t N a pol eon w a s ei gh t y
.

m i l es a w a y Yet i n sp it e of t h e fa ct t h a t h e h a d on e a r my
.

i n fr o n t of hi m a n d t w o ot h ers t h r ea t en i n g h i s fl a n k a n d
rea r ea c h st r on ger t h an h i s ow n N a pol eon w a s successful
, ,

in forci n g t h e p a ss a ge of t h e r i v er By t h i s a c h i ev em en t i n
.

a sit u a t i on wh i ch wi t h a lmost a n y ot h e r g en er a l woul d

h a v e l ed t o t h e surr en d er of hi s en t i r e a r my t h e Emp er o r
w on fr esh l a u r els .

Aft er m a ki n g a d emon st r a t i on a t on e poi n t a s i f h e ,

i n t en d ed t o c ro ss t h er e a n d d r a wi n g off t h e Ru ssi a n s t o
,

t h e sou t h N a pol eon t h r ew t w o b r i d g es a c r o ss a t a pl a c e

,

fa r t h er west by wh i c h t h e m a i n bod y c r oss ed T h e ri ver

, ! .

w a s a bout a hu n d r ed y a r ds b r o a d an d t h e i ce-floes ,

i n c r ea sed t h e d iffi c ult y Th e b r i dges were t h en d es t r oy ed

. .

At t h i s s t a g e t h e Fr en c h a r my c o n s i st ed of a bout
t r oops a n d n ea rly t wi c e a s m a n y c a mp -follow er s .

N a poleon d i d n ot r et r ea t t h r ough M i n sk a s h e o r i gin a lly

i n t en d ed b u t d i r ect ed h i s a r my on Vi l n a B efo r e r ea c h in g .

t h ere h e t urn ed t h e comm an d ov er t o Mur a t a n d h a s t en ed

'

to l) a rrs .

Vi ln a a lso h a d to be a b an do n ed , an d Mur at re cross ed

E 2 85 J
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
t he Ni em en on t h e 1 5 D ec emb er wit h a m i s er a bl e body of
500 0 comb at an t s an d ot h er s wh i l e D a vout a n d ,

Pon i at owski l ed t h e r em n a n t s of t h r ee ot h er co r p s a cr oss

a t a n ot h er po i n t .

O n ly Cos sa cks con t i n ued t he pu r suit wes t of t h e B er e

sin a Th e Ru ssi an a r my a lso r edu c ed t o a bout
.
,

m en en t e red Vi ln a t h e m i d d le of D ecemb er
, .

N a pol eon h a d l ed m en a c r oss t h e N i em en i n

Ju n e a n d h a d r ec ei v ed rein fo rcem en t s of Of t h es e
on ly a bout ret u r n ed Thu s t h e F r en c h lost a bout
.

m en p r ob a bly on e t h i r d si c k o r p r i son ers t h e

, ,

b al a n ce ki lled a n d m i s si n g Th e Ru ssi a n lo sses wer e a bout

.

o r p r opo r t i on a t ely even g r ea t er t h a n t h e F r en c h .

On l ea vi n g my t h e Emper o r t ook C a ul a i n c ou r t
t he ar ,

wi t h hi m i n t h e c a r r i a ge a n d Rou st a n on t h e box Du r oc
, .

a n d Mout on followed Aft er c on sul t i n g wi t h M a ret a t

.

Vi l n a h e d r ove t o W a r saw a n d t h en ce t o D r esd en a n d

, ,

P a r is t r a velli n g d a y a n d n i gh t a s w a s h i s l i felon g h a b it
, .

He rea c h ed t h e Tu i ler i es on t h e 1 8 D ecemb e r .

Th e cr i t ic ism of N a poleo n fo r a b a n d on i n g h i s a r my i s
a bsolu t ely u n w a r r a n t ed Th e fa t e of t h e G r a n d A r my w a s
.

sea l ed a n d n ot h i n g h e c oul d do n ow woul d c h a n g e i t

, An y .

o n e of h i s g en er a l s c oul d l ea d t h e r em n a n t s b a c k t o t h e

Ni em en a s well a s h e Th e pl a ce of t h e Emp er o r a s h ea d
.
,

of t h e S t a t e w a s n ow a t P a r i s
, .

Th e s t a t em en t i n hi s l a st Bullet i n t h a t t h e h ea l t h of
”
Hi s M aj est y h a s n ever b een b et t er h a s a l so b een poi n t ed
o u t a s selfi sh ; b u t h a s n ot t h e h ea l t h of a sov er ei gn a lwa ys

b een c on s i d er ed even in t i m es of p ea ce a s a m a t t er of
, ,

pri me i mpo r t an c e t o t h e S t a t e ?How mu c h mo r e t h en t h e

h ea lt h of t h e Emp er o r a t t h e en d of a g r eat c a mp a i gn ,

wh en report s of h is d eat h h a d b een ci r c ul a t ed a t P a r i s !

I t is r em a rk a bl e t h at n ot on e of t h e F r en ch c omm a n d er s
a bove t h e r a n k of gen er a l of d i v i si o n los t h i s l i fe ; a lso t h a t

t h e proport i on of o ffi cer s who r et u r n ed w a s m u c h a bove

t h a t of t h e m en If t h i s h a d n ot b een t h e c a se N a pol eon
.

would h a ve b een un a bl e t o r a i se a n effi c ien t a r my in 1 8 1 3 .

[ 2 86 ]
 CHA PTER NI N ETEEN

LEI PZ I G

Na pol o ft Mo ow Hi R li
e n a er sc A t i P p r t io f t h
s e a n ce on us r a re a a ns or e

C m p ig
a a Pl n f t h All i B t t l f Lii t
an s o d B tz
e es Th a es o zen a n au en e

Vi t o i I d i iv D l i
c r es n ec sf N pol o
e St gt h Th F t l
ec ne o a
’
e n s ren e a a

A mi t i
r s Co d it io f P
ce n A t i Joi
ns o t h All i Ho t ili t i
ea ce us r a ns e es s es

R esu m d — N pol o
e B a th Elb
e n s
’
D g f Hi Po it io
a se on e e an er o s s n

B ttl f D d
a e o D f t f t h M h l N pol o I d i io
res en e ea s o e a rs a s a
’
e n s n ec s n

B t t l f L i pzig F h D f t R t t t t h R hi
a e o e ren c B ttl f
e ea e rea o e ne a e o

H an a u

HOM Jup it er wi sh es t o d est r oy sa id t he a n ci en t ,

Rom a n s h e fi r st m a kes m a d (Qu os vu l t 7u pi ter

, .

per d er e el em en ta l pr i u s ) Aft er t h e Ru ssi a n

, .

c a mp a i gn N a pol eo n seem s t o h a ve lost h i s m en t a l b a l a n c e .

He h a d l i ved so lon g i n a n a t mosph er e of fl at t ery an d

a d ul a t i on t h a t h e w a s n o lon g er w i ll in g t o a ccep t su g ges
“ ”
t i on s much l ess cr i t i c i sm fr om a n y on e
, By d eg rees
, .
,
“
s ays Ros e t h e p a ssi on fo r t he gr an d i ose h a d over
,

m a st ered t h e c a lc ul a t i n g fa cul t ies wh i ch i n ea r ly l i fe gen

er a ll y h el d a mb i t i on i n l ea sh T h e s a m e power s were .

t h er e ev en t o ex c ess b u t t h e sou n d judgm en t wh i c h c oo r

, ,
”
d i n a t ed t h em n o lon ger exer ci s ed a sov erei g n c o n t r ol .

At t h e b egi n n i n g of 1 8 1 3 N a pol eon w a s s t i ll i n a pos it i o n

t o sa v e hi s emp i r e n ot w it hs t a n d i n g t h e t er r i bl e Russi a n
d i s a st er He s t i ll h a d a t his comm a n d i mm en se r esourc es
.

of m en a n d mon ey Th ere w er e a t l ea st a qu a rt er of a
.

m i lli on s ea son ed t r oops i n t h e Pen in sul a an d on e h u n ,

d red a n d fift y t hous an d more i n t h e fo r t resses of Germ an y .

He shoul d h a ve rec a ll ed h i s a rmy from Sp ai n a n d sen t

Fe rd i n a n d b a c k t o hi s t h r on e Two a r my corps of fift y .

t hous an d m en could ea s i ly h a v e d efen d ed t h e o n ly t wo

[ 2 88 ]
 L E I PZ IG

pr a c t i c a b le p a ss es of t he Pyren ees Th i s wou l d h a v e g iven

.

h i m a vet er a n a rmy of m en wit h a res e rv e fo r c e

,

of t h e s a m e s i ze i n t r a in in g i n t h e d ep6t s of F r a n c e Wit h .

such a n a rmy h e cou l d ea si ly h a ve d efen d ed t h e l i n e of

t h e Elb e a g a in s t t h e Russi a n s an d Pruss i an s a n d Aus t ri a ,

woul d n eve r h a ve en t ered t h e co a lit i on a ga in st h i m B u t .

h e w a s n o lon ger t h e Bon a p a rt e who in 1 796 h a d r a i sed

t h e i n v es t m en t of M an t u a d es t roy ed h i s s i ege t r a i n a n d
, ,

m a rch ed wit h every a v a i l a bl e sold ier to m eet t h e Au s

t r i a n s ; n or w as h e t h e s a m e N a pol eon who a t Eyl a u a n d
Essl in g h a d dr a wn b a ck i n ord er t o l ea p furt h er N a pol eon .

w as n ow t h e spo i l ed ch i ld of Fort u n e .

“
H e who s eeks t o hold ev er y t h i n g w i ll en d by los in g
”
ev eryt h i n g ,h a d s ai d wi se old Fr ed eri ck t h e Grea t By .

forget t i n g t h i s m a xi m N a pol eon w a s t o l ose hi s t h ron e .

Ha d h e r ecogn i zed h i s d a n ge r a n d co n c en t ra t ed a l l hi s
,

fo r ces h e would n ot h a ve b een out n umb ered I n s t ea d of

, .

t h a t t h e Emp eror l i ke a d esp er a t e g a mbl er pl a c ed hi s

, , ,
“
en t i re fo r t u n e on a s i n gl e c a r d , an d pl a y ed for a ll or
”
n ot h i n g .

T h e p r in c i p a l c a us e of t h es e m i s t a kes of N a pol eo n w a s
t h a t fr om t h e pol i t i c a l po in t of vi ew h e a t t a ch ed a n ex
, ,

a gger a t ed i mport a n c e t o hi s m a r ri a g e wi t h a n a rch d uch ess .

He should h a ve rea li zed t h at b efore b ecom in g t h e fa t h er

i n —l aw of t h e Emp eror of t h e Fren ch t h e fat h er of M a ri e
,

Lo u i s e w a s t h e Emp eror of A u st ri a an d t h at a l l h i st ory

,

shows t h e litt l e con s equen c e of m a t ri mon i a l a lli a n ces wh en

t h ey c o n fl i c t wit h a ff a i r s of s t a t e N ev ert h el ess i t seems
.
,

p r ob a bl e t h at at t h i s t i m e F r a n c i s w a s fa vor a bly d i spos ed

t ow a r d s N a pol eon a n d h a d n o d es i re t o see t h e Bou r bon s
,

rest ored to t h e t h ron e of F r a n c e Th ere n ever h a d b een

.

a n y love los t b etw een t h e H a psburgs an d t h e r oy a l fa m i ly

of F r an ce an d t h e Au st r i a n emp eror s in c erely wi sh ed t o

,

see t h e n ew Imp e ri a l dyn a st y m a i n t a i n ed B u t t h i s d es i re

.

d id n ot go t o t h e l en gt h of b ei n g wi llin g t o s a cri fice t h e

i n t er est s of t h e S t at e t o t h e p erson a l i n cli n a t i on of t h e
sover ei gn .

O n t h e oth er h an d N a pol eo n s eems t o h ave t hought

,

E 2 89 2]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
t h at Aus t r i a would b e his a lly d efen sive a n d off en si v e
, ,

an d ,
wi t hout a skin g a n yt h i n g in r et u r n would a id h i m
,

t o co n ser v e t h e en t i r e F r en c h Emp i r e i n c lu d i n g t h e p a rt s
,

wh ic h h e h a d t o rn fr om her own dom ai n ! I t w a s efi p ect i n g

t oo mu c h .

I n t h e m ea n t i m e N a poleon , full of sp i ri t s a n d con fid en c e,

w a s d i spl a yi n g a p r od i gi ou s a ct i vi t y i n a ss embli n g a n d
e qu i pp i n g a n ew a r my I n l ess t h a n t h ree m O n t h s h e r a i s ed
.

a fr esh l evy of 2 m en Th es e t r oops , a d d ed t o a force

.

of a bout m en w h o h a d b een en li st ed a s a hom e

gu a rd i n 1 8 1 2 , an d m en wi t hd r a wn fr om Sp a i n ,
g a v e h i m a n ew Gr a n d A r my of over t r oop s, b u t

t h ey w er e c h i efly u n t r a i n ed m en .

N a pol eon s o r i gi n a l i n t en t i on w a s t o op er a t e on t h e li n e
’

of t h e Vi st ul a a g a i n , b u t h e soon h a d t o gi ve up t h i s i d ea .

By t h e en d of Ap r i l h e h a d m en i n t h e vi ci n i t y of
L ei pzi g Th e Allies wer e compl et ely t a ken by s u r p r i se
. .

I t h a d n ev er o cc u rred t o t h e wi ld est i m a gi n a t i o n t h at t h e
Emp eror woul d b e a bl e t o fa c e t h em wi t h such a for ce .

Th ey d eci d ed a t on ce t o m a k e a fl a n k a t t a c k on N a pol eo n
a t L ii t z en as h e a dv a n ce d t ow a r ds L ei pzi g .

Th e gen er a l pl a n of t h e Allies w a s excellen t , b u t i t w a s

n ot well c a r ri ed ou t . O n t h e a ft ern oo n of t h e sec o n d of
M ay t h ey a d v a n ced t o t h e a t t a ck, b u t t h ey m et wit h a
more vi gorous r esi st a n c e t h a n t h ey exp ec t ed Th ey t ri ed
.

t o en v elop N ey , b u t i n t h e en d t h ey w er e en v elop ed t h em
s elves, for N a pol eon s en t M a cdon a ld r ou n d t o t he l eft ,
a n d B er t ra n d an d M a r mon t t o t h e r i gh t of Ne
y t o t a ke
t h em on bot h fl an k s Abou t fiv e o clo c k h e s en t up t h e
’
.

Gu a rd a s well t o suppo r t Ney , wh ereupon t h e All ies re

t rea t ed Th e P r us si a n s fell b a c k t o t h e ea s t as i f t o c ov er
.

B er l in , wh i le t h e Rus si a n s ret i red t ow a r d s Dresd en Th e .

Emp eror w a s t oo wea k in c a v a l r y t o pursu e vi gorously,

a n d t h e v i ct ory w as t h er efore i n d ec i s i v e .

’
N a pol eon s b at t l e of Lut zen w a s fought , n ot on t h e fi eld
wh ere Gust a vus Adolphu s fell in 1 632 , b u t sever a l m i les
t o t h e sout h of i t Th e cou n t ry i s a b i
.
g rolli n g pl ai n wh i ch
E 2 90 ]
 LEI PZ IG

rea ch es up t o t h e Boh em i a n moun t ain s I t i s t r a vers ed by .

s ever a l ri v ers an d i s c overed by vi ll a ges a n d fa r ms

, .

Th e Emp eror could con g r a t ul at e h i ms elf on a br i lli an t

a n d much - n eed ed v i ct o r y A l a rge p a r t of h i s fo r c es wer e
.

n ot p u t i n a n d t h e Old Gu a r d d i d n ot fir e a sho t
, Th e .

a ll i ed a rmy of s even t y t hous a n d m en a c t u a lly en g a g ed h a d

b een p u t t o rou t by less t h a n s i xt y t hous a n d F r en c h .

N a pol eon en t er ed Dresd en on t h e ei gh t h of M a y a n d ,

S a xon y r eturn ed t o h er a lli an ce wi t h hi m Ney wit h t h r ee .

c o r ps , a forc e of m en w a s sen t forw a r d t ow a r d s

,

B er lin Eug en e ret u rn ed t o I t a ly t o t a ke c h a r ge of op er a

.

t i o n s t h er e Th e All i es a g a i n jo i n ed fo r ces an d r et r ea t ed
.

t oget h er t o B a ut z en On ly Bulow w a s d et a c h ed t o fa ll
.

b a ck on B erli n a n d cover t h e c a p it a l .

N a pol eon n ow h a d t h e c hoi ce of t w o c ou r s es : t o m a r ch

on B er l i n o r on t h e a ll i ed a r my
, O n t h e d a y h e en t ered .

D r esd en Ney w as a t To r g a u w h er e t h e m a i n roa d t o

, ,

B er l in c r o sses t h e Elb e T h e b r i dge a t D r es d en h a d n ot

.

b een en t i r ely d est royed a n d t h e rest of t h e Gr a n d A r my

i m m ed i a t ely c r o ssed t o t h e r i gh t b a n k of t h e r i ver Th e .

Emp eror w a s s t i ll much i n t h e d a rk as t o t h e movem en t s

of t h e Allies He surm i s ed t h at t h ey h a d s ep a r a t ed a ft er
.

t h e b a t t l e a n d hi s pl a n w as t o d efi n i t ely prev en t t h ei r
,

com i n g t oget h er a g a i n wh i l e Ney t h r ea t en ed B er lin

, .

A week l at er t he Emperor fi n a lly l ea rn ed t h a t t h e All ies

h a d u n it ed n ea r B a u t z en a bou t t h ree d a ys m a rch es fr om
’

hi m a n d wer e a pp a ren t ly p r ep a rin g for b a t t le He i mme

, .

d i a t el y resolved t o a t t a ck t h em a n d rec a ll ed Ney As t h e , .

m a rsh a l w a s ei ght y m i les a w a y a n d c oul d n ot b e exp ect ed

,

t o rea ch B a u t z en b efore t h e t wen t y-fir st N a pol eon t i m ed ,

hi s ow n movem en t s so a s t o arri v e t h ere t h e n i gh t b efore

t h a t d a t e a n d a t t a ck t h e followi n g morn i n g wi t h t h e
,

suppo rt of Ney .

N a poleon w a s a ga in a ppro a ch in g cl a ssi c gr oun d I t w as .

h er e t h a t Fred eri ck a ft e r his d efea t a t Hochki rch t ook up

hi s s t a n d an d d efi ed t h e mu c h sup er i o r fo rc es of D a u n .

Th e cou n t ry i s full of sm a ll s t rea ms wh i ch w an d er a r ou n d

£ 2 91 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
b etween t he m an y h i llocks whi ch i n crea s e i n h ei ght t o t h e
,

sout h n ea r t he B oh emi a n moun t a in s The l an dsc a p e is

.

mos t ly op en a n d i s dot t ed wit h v i ll a ges

, .

T h e a llied a rmy at B a ut zen mus t ered o n ly

wh i le Na poleon i f he could b ri n g al l of h i s t roop s i n t o
a ct i on would h a ve n ea rly m en Th e Alli es were
.

un d er t h e n om in a l comm an d of t h e Cz a r Alex an d er Th e .

Russi a n a rmy h eld t h e l eft a n d t he Prussi an s u n d er

,

Bl ii c h er t h e ri gh t .

Th e result of t h e first d a y s a ct i o n on t he 2 0 M ay w as
’

t h a t t h e Fr en ch drove t he All i es ou t of B a ut zen a n d g a i n ed

fir m foot i n g on t h e ri gh t b a n k of t h e Spree t h e en emy ,

ret i rin g t o a s t ron gly fort i fi ed secon d l in e of d efen ce .

’
N a poleon s pl an of b at t le for t h e followi n g d ay w a s t o
con t a in t h e Alli es i n t h ei r works by fei gn ed a t t a c ks un t i l
Ney should d ebouch i n force on t h ei r ri ght a n d rea r a n d ,

t h en t o t h r ow i n a ll h i s t roops a n d gi v e t he kn ock-ou t blow .

No fi n er pl an of b a t t l e h a d ev er b een per fec t ed by t h e

Emp er o r Bu t Ney fa i l ed t o act wit h hi s usu a l en er gy If
. .

’
h e h a d fully c a rried ou t t h e Emp eror s ord ers t h e bulk of
t h e a ll i ed a rmy a n d a ll of i t s gu n s would h a ve b een t a ken .

On ly t h e l eft wi n g a n d t h e c a v a lry could h a ve got t en

a wa y an d B a ut zen would h a v e b een a s d eci si v e a vi ct ory
,

as Aust erli t z an d a lmos t c e rt a i n ly h a ve en d ed t h e c a m

,

p a1 gn .

Some of t h e crit i cs s eem t o t h i n k t h at t h e Emp eror s ’

or d ers t o Ney were n ot su ffi c ien t ly expli ci t b u t Na pol eon

,

prob a bly felt t h a t n o more n eed b e s ai d t o a m a n who h a d

a ct ed wi t h such vi gor a t Fri edl a n d an d Boro d i n o As i t .

w as t h e Fren ch t ook n o p r i son ers a n d t h e b a t t le w a s i n d e

,

c i si v e I t w a s v ery u n fo r t u n a t e t h a t t h e Emp er or g a v e
.

D a vout t h e h ero of Au er st ad t an d Wa gr a m a r 61e so

, ,

i n feri or t o t h at of Ney i n t h i s c a mp a i gn Ney w as a b ri lli a n t

.

c orp s comm a n d er wh en u n d er t h e d i rect ord ers of t h e Em

p er or b u t h e w a s n ot c a p a ble of a c t i n g wi s ely i f left t o

,

h i m self a n d N a pol eo n should h a ve kn own t h i s

, .

Th er e i s on e s a li en t fa ct whi ch st an ds ou t i n t h e h i st ory
of N a pol eon s c areer, an d t h a t i s t h e sm a l l m a rgin of s a fet y
’

E 2 9 2 2]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
a g ai n st hi m a ft er t h e d efeat s of Lut zen a n d B a ut z en w as
, ,

on t he po i n t of b r ea k i n g up If N a pol eo n i n t en d ed to c on
.

t i n ue t he w a r h e should n ot h a ve a greed t o a susp en si on

,

of host i l it i es i f hewi shed for p ea ce h e should h a b een

, ,

wi llin g t o m a ke some rea son a ble con c essi on s .

Th e con d it i on s pu t forwa rd wer e : ( 1 ) Th at t he Gr an d

Duchy of Wa rs aw should b e a bolished ; (2 ) Th a t Prussi a
should rega in h er fo r mer boun d a ries ; (3) Th at t he Con
fed er at i on of t he Rhin e shoul d b e d issolved ; a n d (4) Th a t
Triest e a n d D a lm a t i a should b e r est ored t o Aust ri a .

Un d er t he ci rc umst a n ces t h ese con d i t i on s were very

fa vor a ble t o N a poleon He would h a ve r et a in ed a ll of I t a ly
.
,
“ ”
an d Fr an c e wi t h h er n a t ur a l boun d a ri es t h e fr on t i er of
,

t h e Rh i n e wh i ch i n c lu d ed B elgi um an d Holl a n d
, No .

F r en ch mon a r ch n ot even Ch a r lem a gn e h a d ever ruled

, ,

ov er so ext en si ve a dom a i n I t w a s b ec a us e N a poleon wa s

.

n ot wi ll i n g t o m a k e so sl i gh t a c on cessi on t h a t h e los t h i s
-
t hron e I t i s d i fli cu l t t o expl a i n hi s c on duc t H e s eems t o
. .

h a ve s t i ll vi ewed even t s t h r ough t h e d i st ort in g m ed i um of

h i s Co n t i n en t a l Sys t em an d t o h a ve b een govern ed by
,

t h e ven d et t a i n st i n c t s of h i s r a c e .

He n ow succ eed ed i n b r i n gin g a bout wh at Ch a rl es

J a mes Fox h a d d ecl a red t o b e i mposs i bl e I n 1 80 6 t he .

E n gli sh Foreign M in ist er h a d s a i d t o Ta lleyr an d The ,

proj ect of comb i n in g t h e whole of Eu r op e a gai n s t Fr a n ce

”
i s t o t he l a st d egree chi mer i c a l For t h e firs t t i m e s i n ce
.

t h e R evolu t i on t h e Europ ean Power s buri ed t h ei r p et t y

j ea lousies a n d an i mosi t i es a n d Aust ri a Prussi a Russi a
, , ,

a n d Swed en r an ged t h em selve s o n t h e si d e of Grea t Bri t ai n

an d t h e Sp an i sh p a t ri ot s who for four yea rs h a d b een

c a rryi n g on an a lmost hop eless s t ruggle a g a in st t h e Con

q u eror .

Aft er t h e b at t l e of B a ut zen B a rcl a y who h ad on c e more

, ,

a ssum ed comm an d on t h e d ea t h of K u t u sov l ed t h e Rus ,

s i an t roops b a ck t o W a rsaw t o reorg a n i ze t h em t h ere The .

Prussi a n s were forced b a c k i n t o t h e ext rem e sout h of

S i l es i a an d t he out look fo r t h e co a l it i o n s eemed d a rk
,

in d eed .

E 2 94 ]
 LE I PZ IG
At h i s mom en t Aus t ri a i n t erv en ed an d s a v ed t h e si t u a
t
t i o n M et t er n i ch h a d b een en d ea vo ri n g for s ev er a l mo n t hs
.

t o b r in g a bou t a gen er a l p ea c e a n d h e n ow a ppro a ch ed

,

N a pol eo n a n d Alex a n d er on c e more a s a n egot i a t or Dur .

i n g t h e a rm ist i c e wh i ch w a s even t u a lly ext en d ed t o t h e

,

t en t h of Augu st n egot i a t i on s b et ween M et t er n i ch

, Na ,

pol eon a n d t h e All i es w er e a c t i vel y push ed fo rw a r d .

N a pol eon a s w e h a v e seen refused t o give up a n i n c h of

, ,

t h e t er r i t ory h e h a d co n qu ered a n d a t t h e c on clus i o n of

,

t h e a r m i s t i c e Au st ri a d ec l a red w a r a g a i n s t hi m .

Co n t in uou s rein forc em en t s h a d brough t t h e Fren ch

forc es i n Germ a n y up t o m en an d t h e Emp er o r
,

exp ect ed t o out n umb er t h e All i es ev en wh en jo i n e d by

Au st r i a .

By t h e t i m e Aust r i a a n d Swed en h a d join ed t h em how ,

ev e r , t h e All i es could d i spo se o f m en I n t h ree .

mon t h s Aus t ri a pu t t r oop s i n t h e fi el d u n d er t h e

,

c omm a n d of S c hw a r z en b er g a n d by t h e en d of t h e y ea r
,

b r ough t t h is n umb er up t o ov er h a lf a m i lli on Prussi a .

r a i s ed t h e Ru ssi a n s c on t ri bu t e d a bout
a n d B ern a dot t e b r ough t Swed es .

At t h e op en i n g of t h e a u t um n c a mp a i gn t h e m a i n a r my
of t h e Alli es a bout 2, st r o n g un d er S c hwa r zen b er g
, ,

w a s on t h e Elb e ; a n ot h er a rmy of un d er Bl ii c h er
w a s i n S i l es i a ; a n d t h e Nort h ern Army u n d er B ern a do t t e ,

w a s n ea r B e rl i n .

N a poleon wit h m en w a s i n a cen t r a l po si t i on

n ea r D r esd en wh en c e h e c oul d st r i ke fr om in t er i o r li n es
,

wh er ev er h e m i gh t d et ect a we a k poin t whi le D a vout a n d ,

O u d in ot wi t h m en wer e fa c i n g t h e No r t h ern A r my .

Th e b a se of N a po l eo n s op er a t i on w a s t h e Elb e wh i c h
’

w a s s t ro n gly fo r t i fi ed a t a l l t h e cr o ssi n gs Hi s m a i n li n e of
.

c ommu n i c a t i o n s w a s by t h e g r ea t h i gh r o a d fr om M a y en c e

v i a E r fu r t t o L ei pz i g ,a n d l a rge st o r es a n d a mmu n i t i o n

d epOt s w er e set up ever yw h er e .

I t i s o n ly n ec essa ry t o gl a n ce a t t h e m a p t o see t h e
wea kn ess of N a pol eo n s posi t i on a ft er Au st r i a en t ered t h e
’

w a r I t i s t r ue a s h e cl a i m ed t h a t D r esd en w a s t h e p i vot
.
, ,

E 2 9 5 2]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
on wh i ch a l l h is movem en t s turn ed a n d t h a t t h e All ies
,

were st ret ch ed ou t on a n a r c ext en d i n g fr om B er l in t o

Pra gue wh i le h e op era t in g from t he cen t r e on i n t er i or
, ,

lin es could out m an oeuvre t h em B u t h is l in e of coifl m u n i

,
.

c at i on s wi t h Fr a n c e w as expos ed an d a n Aus t r i a n a r my
,

d ebou c h i n g from t h e Boh em i a n moun t a i n s c oul d cu t h i m

“
of f fr om t h e Rh in e If t h ey ven t ure b et ween my for t i fi ed
.

” “
lin es of t h e Elb e a n d t he Rh in e s a i d N a pol eon I wi ll
, ,
”
en t er Boh em i a a n d t hus t a k e t h em i n t h e rea r The Em .

p et or must i n d eed h a v e d esp i s ed h is foe t o ven t ure al l on

so h a z a r dous a pl a n ! I n v a i n d i d hi s m a r sh a l s r em i n d hi m

t h a t h e w as i n a p er i lous pos i t i on so fa r from F r an c e He .

r et o r t ed t h a t at M a r en go Aus t erl i t z a n d W a gr a m h e w a s
,

i n great er d an ger a n d t h a t glory would b e t h e pri ze of

,

m ed i ocre m in d s if n o r isks wer e ever t a k en i n w a r .

I n a cc o r d a n ce wit h t h e a lli ed pl a n of O p er at i on s at t h e ,

out b rea k of host i lit i es t h e S i les i a n Army a dv a n c ed t owa rd s

t h e Boh em i a n fro n t i er Th e gen er a l i d ea w a s t o en v elop e
.

N a pol eon on t hree si d es from B erli n B resl a u an d Bo

, , ,

h em i a ; t o t h r ea t en hi s li n e of commu n i c at i on s a n d t o wea r ,

h i m o u t wit hout ri ski n g a p it ch ed b at t l e i n wh i ch t h e ,

Alli es fr om sa d exp er i en c e fea red his pow ers of gen er a lshi p .

N a pol eon firs t t urn ed his at t en t i on t o t h e A r my of

S i lesi a wh i c h he propos ed t o a t t a ck i n forc e wh i le hold in g
, ,

t h e Boh em i an p a ss es sou t h of B a ut zen so as t o p rev en t

a n y i n v a si o n of S a xon y I n a dop t i n g t h i s pl a n h e t ook t h e
.

ri sk of l ea vi n g D r esd en an d h i s li n e of commun i c a t i on s
op en t o a t t a ck .

Th e Emp eror l eft B a ut zen on t h e 1 7 August a n d p ro

ceed ed ea s t t o GOr li t z Aft er much m a r ch i n g a n d cou n t er
.

m a r ch in g h e fa i led t o brin g Bl ii ch er t o a n a ct i on The .

P r ussi a n gen er a l usu a lly as bold a s a l i on w as n ow a s wi ly

, ,

a s a fox H e wi t hdrew t o t h e sou t h ea s t

. hop in g t o lure
,

N a poleon i n t o t h e wi lds of S i lesi a a n d gi ve t h e Aust ri an s

t i m e t o seize Dresd en .

Bu t t h e Emp eror w a s n ot t o b e dr awn fu r t h er a fi eld .

L at e on t h e even i n g of t h e t wen t y-t h i r d h e r ec ei ved at

G6rli t z a d i sp at ch fr om S ai n t -Cyr t elli n g hi m t h a t Dresd en
E 2 96 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
As h ad so oft en h a pp en ed b efo r e, t he Allies h a d los t a
“

spl en d i d oppo r t u n it y by t h ei r d el a y an d i n d ec i si on .

Wi t h t he a r riv a l of N a pol eon a l l d oub t s an d feag h a d

v an i sh ed in t h e Fren c h a r my At t h e s i ght of t h e well
.

kn own figu re i n t he gra y red in got e fa t i gues a n d d i scom

“ ”
fo r t s were fo r got t en , an d t h e c r i es of Vi ve l Em p er eu r !
’

ren t t he a i r, c a rr yin g i n sp ir a t i on t o t he d efen d ers, d i s m a y

t o t h e en emy .

Th e n ews of Na poleon s a rri va l so shook t h e n erves of

’

t h e Cz a r t h a t h e fa vored a n i mm ed i a t e ret rea t B u t t h e.

ori gi n a l pl an w a s c a r ri ed ou t As n i gh t fell t h e Alli es drew

.

off, wit h h ea vy loss es , a b a n d o n i n g a ll t h e po i n t s of v an t a ge

t h ey h a d ga i n ed duri n g t h e d a y .

For t h e b a t t l e of t he s econ d d ay N a pol eon ord ered

Mur a t t o a t t a ck t h e wea k poi n t of t h e All ies , t h ei r left
win g, wh i c h w a s sep a r a t ed fr om t h e cen t re by t h e d efil e
spoken of a bove Th e F ren c h c en t re w a s on ly t o hold t h e
.

en emy i n fro n t of i t , wh i l e t h e l eft wi n g a t t a c ked B a rcl a y

a lon g t h e Pi r n a ro a d .

Alt hough N a pol eon w a s c on si d er a bly out n umb ered h e

h a d t h e a dv a n t a ge of a n i n n er l i n e o n ly h a lf t h e len gt h
of t h a t of t h e Alli es, a n d coul d t h erefo re ea s i ly b e super io r
i n forc e a t a n y poi n t h e cho se t o a t t a ck .

Th e d ren ch i n g r a i n r en d ered th e mu sket s pr a c t i c a lly

us el ess for s ervi c e a n d t h e b a t t le w a s d eci d ed by t he
a rt i ll ery an d cold s t eel Th e Fren ch a d v a n ce a g a i n s t t h e
.

a ll i ed ri ght w a s a t fi rst su ccessful , b u t w a s fi n a lly ch eck ed .

Alon g t he c en t r e t h er e w a s a h ea vy a r t i ller y d uel , t he most

n ot ewort hy r esul t of wh i ch w a s t h e d ea t h of t h e F r en ch

t r a i t o r Mo r ea u , w h o w a s i n t h e Cz a r s su i t e, a n d h a d bot h
’

legs c a rri ed off by a st r a y shot from a fi eld b a t t er y .

B u t on t h e F r en ch r i gh t a b r i lli a n t success w as g ai n ed
by Mu r a t , who overwh elm ed t w o Aust ri a n d iv i si on s, a n d
c a pt ured t en t hous a n d m en Th e n ews of t h i s d i s a st er
.

d ec i d ed t he Alli es t o r et i r e i n t o Boh em i a , an d duri n g t he

n i gh t b egan t h a t fa mous r et r ea t wh i ch soon b ec a m e a r ou t .

Dresd en w a s o n e of N a pol eon s most b r i lli an t t a c t i c a l

’

b a t t l es a n d t h e l a st of h is g r ea t v i ct ori es I t i s t h e on ly on e
.

E 2 98 J
 LEI PZ IG
of h is b a t t l es in wh i ch h e a dv a n c ed bot h wi n gs He i s .

sev er ely cri t i c i z ed by Dodge b ec a us e h e d i d n ot m a k e hi s

vi ct ory mo re d ec i s i ve by a sh a rp a d v a n ce in forc e Th e .

r ea so n of t h e sudd en ch ec k i n t h e pu r su i t of t h e d i sor ga n

ized a ll ied a r my a s st a t ed by Com t e d e Roch echou a rt i n

,
”
hi s M emo i rs w a s t h a t t h e t orren t s of r a i n wh i ch b eg an
,

t o fa ll t h e s econ d d a y of t h e b a t t l e a n d l a s t ed wi t hou t
i n t erm i ssi o n for t hree d a ys b r ough t on a ch i ll followed by
a v i ol en t a t t a ck of fever wh i c h comp ell ed N a pol eon t o

r et u rn t o D r esd en i n s t ea d of goi n g on t o P i rn a Th e a b .

sen ce of ord er s fr om t h e Fren ch h ea dqu a rt ers p r even t ed

t h e pu r su it wh i c h m i gh t h a ve b een d ec i s i v e N a pol eo n h a d
.

a c c u st om ed hi s gen er a ls t oo much t o r ec ei v e a l l t h ei r

o r d er s fr om h ea d qu a rt er s a n d t o h a ve n o in it i a t i ve .

Alt hough N a poleon c ould c l a i m a b r i lli a n t succ ess for

h i ms elf d u r i n g t h e n ext few d a ys n ews rea ch ed h i m from
,

a l l qu a r t er s of d i sa st er s t o hi s m a rsh a ls V a n d a mm e wi t h
.

hi s si n gl e c o r p s of m en i ssu ed o u t of t h e mou n t a in s
on t h e fl a n k of t h e All i es t h r ew h i m self a c ro ss t h ei r l i n e
,

of r et r eat a n d w a s ov erwh elm ed by sh eer wei gh t of n u m

,

b er s a n d h i s en t i re co r p s d est r oyed About t h e s a m e t i m e

.
,

O u d i n ot w a s sev er ely b ea t en n ea r B er li n a n d M a c don a ld

,

w a s b a d ly d efea t ed by B l ii c h er .

“
Th i s b ei n g t h e Emp er o r s fi r st d efen si v e c a mp a i gn
’

,
“
sa y s Do d ge , h e fa i led t o c o n du ct i t on l i n es h e h a d a lw a ys
shown t o b e c o r r ect ; h e left t oo b i g a t a sk t o M a c don a l d ;
h e org a n i z ed t h r ee off en s i ve mov em en t s a t t h e sa m e t i m e
from a d efen si v e po sit i on ; h e d id n ot m a ke sure of h is v i c
”
t o r y ov er t h e a r my of t h e Sov er ei gn s .

Th e movem en t s of t h e g r ea t c a p t a i n d u r in g t h e n ext
mon t h d o n ot exh i b it hi m t o a dv an t a ge Aft er t h e b a t t le
.

of D resd en i n st ea d of followi n g up h is vi ct or y h e shut

, ,

h i mself up i n h i s s t udy for t w o d a ys a n d d i ct at ed a lon g

r ev i ew of t h e m i l i t a r y ou t look wh i c h h a s b een a puzzl e t o

st r a t egi c a l s t ud en t s ev er si n c e.

I n t h i s No t e on t h e G en er a l S i t u at i o n of My Aff a i r s
h e sudd en ly t h r ows a s i d e every pri n c i ple wh i ch h e h a d l a i d
down an d so oft en d emon st r a t ed i n hi s bri ll i a n t c a reer To .

E 2 99 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
the a dm i rer of h i s gen i us i t i s a m a zi n g t o see N a pol eon
w r it i n g n ot es i n st ea d of a ct i n g H a vin g un d ert a ken a d e
.

fen siv e fo r t h e first t i m e i n his li fe h e seem s t o h a ve lost

, ,

a l l hi s i n i t i a t i v e Th e r es t of t h e mon t h h e sp en t fl i s t i m e
.

movi n g a l l a r oun d D r esd en wi t hout a t t a c ki n g an ybod y

s er i ously O n t h e fourt h of Oct ob er h e a g a in d r ew up a
.

r evi ew of t h e s i t u a t i on i n wh i c h h e a pp a r en t ly s eri ou sly

c on t empl a t ed t h e i mpo ssi bl e sch em e of gi vi n g up hi s com

m u n i c a t i on s wi t h Fr a n ce a n d wi n t eri n g i n a n d a r ou n d
D r es d en !
Sudd en ly N a pol eon compl et ely ch a n ged hi s pl a n s a n d
d eci d ed t o giv e up D r es d en a s a b a se a n d fa ll b a ck
t ow a r ds E r fu r t B u t a ft er c a lli n g u p S a i n t -Cy r fr om
.

D r esd en h e c an celled t h e o r d er a n d l eft hi m t h er e o n ly

, ,

t o b e fi n a lly c a pt u red by t h e All i es H a v i n g d r a wn up a

.

b r i ll i a n t pl a n i n whi c h on e a ga i n r ecogn i zes t h e old com

,

m a n d er N a pol eon for t h r ee d a ys r em a i n ed in a ct i ve on ce

, ,

mo re a p r ey t o t h e mo st ext r a or d in a ry i r r esolut i on .

I n t h e m ea n t i m e wh i le t h e gr ea t c a p t a i n w a i t ed a n d
,

w a it ed t h e Alli es wer e put t i n g t o u se a g a in st h i m his ow n

,

m et ho d s Th ey h a d d i st in ct ly out m a n e uv r ed h i m a n d
.

st ood i n full fo r ce upon h i s l i n e of r et rea t wi t h t h ei r ow n

open He w a s in a s b a d a p r ed i c a m en t a s h e h a d ever
.

pl a ced on e of his en em ies a n d h e a lon e w a s t o bl a m e I t

, .

“
i s i n d eed i mpossi ble t o r ec ogn i ze N a poleon du r i n g t h i s
”
c a mp a i gn He n ow d eci d ed t h at t h ere w a s n ot h in g t o d o
.

except t o m a rc h o n L ei pz i g a n d a cc ep t b a t t l e t h er e wh i ch
,

u n d er t he c i r c um st a n c es w a s si mply t o i n vi t e d est r uc t i on .

He shoul d h a ve a voi d ed b a t t l e a n d m a n oeuvr ed t o t urn

t h e fl a n k of hi s en em i es so a s t o r ea ch t h e Rh i n e .

At n oo n on t h e 1 3 Oct ob er t h e F r en ch c o r ps b eg a n t h e
m a rc h t o L ei pzi g Not h i n g n ow coul d sa ve t h e sit u a t i on
.

b u t a g r ea t vi c t o r y a n d i t w a s n ot po ssi ble for hi m t o con

,

c en t r at e his forc es i n t i m e Up t o t h e p r es en t mom en t t h e

.

All ies h a d con st a n t ly refus ed t o m eet hi m a n d N a pol eon

,

s eemed t o i m a gin e t h a t t h ey would n ev er d a re t o a t t ac k

h i m a n d t h a t h e c ould c om e t o b at t l e wh en an d how b e
,
“
plea s ed A fa t a l er r o r ! I n goi n g t o L ei pzi g t o fight a
.

E 300 3
 LEI PZ IG
b at t l e s a ys Dodge h e d el i b er a t ely comm it t ed s t r at eg i c
, ,

sui ci d e An y m a n oeuvre w as b et t er
. .

Th e old u n i v er si t y t own of L ei pzi g i s s i t u a t ed i n a l a r ge

pl a i n on t h e ri ght b a n k of t h e Els t er a t t h e poi n t wh ere it
,

i s j o i n ed by t h e Pl eisse B et ween t h e ri v er s for s ev er a l

.
,

m i l es a bov e a n d b elow t h e c it y t h er e is low m a rshy ,

mea dow-l a n d O n t h e n ort h of t h e c i t y a sm a ller st r ea m

.
,

t h e P a rt h a com es i n fr om t h e ea st Th e on ly ou t l et fr om
, .

L ei pzi g t o t h e west t ow a rds E r fu r t a n d Ma yen ce i s ov er

, ,

t h e lo n g c a us ew a y bri dge t h a t c r oss es t he sev er a l a rms of

t h e t wo ri v ers ; a n d a t t h e wes t ern en d of t h i s b r i dge i s
L i n d en a u T h e old r o a d from H a lle by wh i c h Bl ii ch er
.
,

a r ri v ed ru n s p a r a ll el t o t h e n o r t h b a n k of t h e Els t er Th er e
, .

a r e m a n y vi ll a ges i n t h e roll i n g pl a i n t o t h e ea s t of t h e

c it y a ll so bui lt a s t o b e c a p a ble of st out d efen ce Th es e

, .

vi ll a ges were a n i mport a n t feat u r e of t h e b a t t l e-fiel d .

O n t h e 1 5 Oct ob er t h e ri v a l a rm i es l in ed up for b a t t l e .

’
To t h e sout h ea st of t h e c it y N a pol eo n s m ai n body of
m en fa c ed Schw a r zen b er g w it h At
Moc ker n t o t h e n ort h st oo d Ney a n d M a r mon t wi t h
oppos ed t o Bl ii ch er wi t h m en N ea r L i n .

d en a u B er t r a n d wit h m en oppos ed a st r o n g c olum n

u n d er Gi u l a y who w a s worki n g a r ou n d to j oi n t he P r u s
si a n s on t h e n o r t h .

Gi u l a y op en ed t h e b a t t l e on t h e s i xt een t h wi t h a n at t a ck
o n t h e F r en c h po si t i o n a t L i n d en a u ; b u t h e w a s repul se d

a n d r et re a t ed up t h e Els t er t o rejoi n t h e m a i n body of t h e

All ies Th e bru n t of t h e figh t i n g t ook pl a ce a r oun d Wa c h a u

.

a bou t t w o m i l es a n d a h a lf t o t h e sou t h ea s t of t h e c i t y .

H er e t h e F r en ch b a t t er i es broke up t h e a t t a ck of t w o Au s
t r i a n colum n s A c ou n t er -a t t a c k of t h r ee c a v a l r y d i vi s i o n s
.

u n d er Mu r a t wh i ch N a poleon sen t d i rect a g a in st t h e

,

Au st r i a n cen t re fa i led of suc c ess on a cc ou n t of t h e m a rshy

,

g r ou n d An ot h er a dv a n ce of t h e F r en ch a g a i n st t h e Aus
.

t r i a n r i gh t w a s a l so r epul sed Th e figh t i n g on bot h s i d es

.

w a s mo st ob st i n a t e O n t h e n ort h however Ney a n d

.
, ,

M a r mon t were forc ed b a ck by Bl ii ch er who c a m e wit h in

a m i l e of t h e g a t es of t h e c i t y .

E 30 1 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
The n ext d ay Na poleon w a s r ei n forc ed by t h e a r r i v a l
of Reyn rer s corps, wh i ch wen t i n t o posit i on t o t h e ea s t of
’

t he crt y O n t h e a lli ed s i d
.
e, B er n a do t t e c a m e up fr om
H al le an d
formed up his t roops opposit e Reyn i er. t hus
c l osrn
g t he gap b et ween t h e Au st r i a n s a n d P r u ssi a n s At .

t he s a me t i me Schwa r zen b erg s r i gh t wi n g w a s s t r en gt h

’

en ed by B en n i s en Th e r ai n fell wit hout c ea si n g an d a

g .
,

gen er a l rest seemed t o b e i mposed Du ri n g t h e d a y t h e .

Fren ch lin e of b at t l e w a s wit h d r a wn n ea r ly a lea gue

fart her b a ck .

’
Napoleon s fron t n ow ext en d ed i n a sem ici r c l e over
eleven m i les i n len gt h fr om t h e n o r t h er n si d e of t h e c i t y

t o t he Pl eisse on t h e sout h On ly B e rt r a n d r em a i n ed on
.

t he l eft b a n k of t h e ri ver a t L i n d en a u c ov er i n g t h e l i n e of
ret rea t The Fren ch n ow n umb er ed
. a g a i n st

of t he Allies .

O n t h e ei ght een t h S c hw a r zen b er g s i n t en t i on w a s t o

’

a d v a n c e wit h hi s m a i n bo d y a lo n g t h e Pl ei sse a n d t u r n

t he Fren ch righ t an d c u t t h em o ff fr om L ei pzi g a n d t h ei r

lin e of ret reat The fight in g a ga i n w a s most ob st i n a t e a n d
.

t he Alli es fa i l ed t o g a i n a n y d ec i si ve a d v a n t a ge B u t ea r ly .

i n t he a ft ern oon t h e t roop s fr om B a d en W ii rt em b er g a n d ,

S a xon y d esert ed t he Fren c h a n d wen t ov er t o t h e Allies a ,

d efect ion which in t he wo r d s of t h e r oy a list Roc h ec hou a rt

m a y b e c a lled i n fa mou s t r ea c h er y a d i sgr a ceful a ct i on
, ,

un preced en t ed in t h e a n n a l s of mod er n w a r fa r e ; for n ot

on ly h a d t h es e t roops d eser t e d t h e F r en c h b u t t h ey a t ,
”
t a cked t h em a lmost a t on c e All hop e of s a vi n g t h e b a t t l e
.

h ad n ow t o b e given up b ut t h e F r en c h cov ered t h ei r

,

ret reat wi t h great st ubbo rn n ess a n d by d a yb r ea k t h e n ext

,

morn in g on e-h a lf of t h e a r my w as a l r ea d y filin g a lon g

t he roa d t o E r furt wh i c h h a d so fort u n a t ely b een l eft for
t h em Na pol eon r ea ch ed L ii t z en t h a t d a y wi t h hi s m a i n
.

body whi le t he Allies st orm ed L ei pzi g By a n er r o r t h e

,
.

bri dge a cross t h e El st er w as blown up b efore a l l t h e

Fren ch h a d crossed an d p a rt of t he r ea rgu a r d w a s t hus
,

c u t off Pon i at owski who h a d j u st r ec ei v ed hi s m a r sh a l s

’
. ,

b at on lost his life i n t ryi n g t o swi m t h e r i ver

,
.

E 30 2 ]
 CHAPTER TWENTY

THE CAM PAI G N O F FRANCE

Napol eon Ret u rn s t o P a r is — Th e Sov erei g n s O ffer P eace — An Ev asive
An swer — The All ies I n v ad e F r an ce — D efect i on of M ura t — Pl a n of
t he All i es — Na pol eo n s P rep ara t i on s — T he T h ea t re of W a r — B a t t l es
’

of Bi d L R ot h i e
r en n e an Bl h D f t d S hw z b g
a re uc er e ea e c a r en er

D iv B k B t t l f L o
r en ac Th Co g
a f Ch fit il l
e o — Th a n - e n ress o on e
All i Ad v P i N pol o Mov t t h E t — Th Alli ’
es a n c e on ar s a e n s e o e as e es

T k P i — N pol o
a e ar s t Fo t i bl — Th Fi t Ab d i t io
a e n a n a ne eau e rs ca n

Ma m t r T ono Th S o d Ab d i t io N pol o At t m p t
’
s r ea s n e ec n ca n a e n e s

S i id — Th Ad i x d Fo t i b l
u c e e Th I l d f Elb — N
eu e n a ne eau e s an o a a

p l Lif Th
’
o eon s e er e

H EN N a pol eon h a d recros sed t h e Rh in e a t

M a yen c e a n d foun d h i m self o n ce mor e on t h e
soi l of t h e Emp i r e h e h a d a feeli n g of d i sc ou r
a gem en t wh i c h i t w a s d i ffrc u l t for hi m t o co n c ea l H e w a s .

n o lon ge r t h e Co n qu er o r r et u r n i n g i n t r i umph t o hi s

peopl e Th e Ru ssi a n d i sa st er h e h a d b een a ble t o d issem

.

b l e a n d a t t ri but e t o t h e fo r ces of N at u r e b u t n o su c h
, ,

c ou r se w a s poss i bl e t o t h e g en e ra l w h o h a d b een v an

q ui sh ed a t Lei pzi g H e r em a i n ed a few d a ys a t M a yen ce

.

a n d t h en l eft fo r Pa r i s .

O n t h e even i n g of t h e n i n t h of Novemb er h e r ea c h ed
S a in t -Clou d wh ere h e w a s w el c om ed by t h e Empress .

H e h a d n ot a word t o sa y r eg a r d i n g t h e r esult s of t h e
c a mp a i gn a n d a d d r essed n o r epro a c h es t o M a r i e-Loui se
,

o n a cc ou n t of hi s d es er t i o n by h er fa t h er .

T h e 1 4 Novemb er t h er e a r r i ved a t S a i n t -Cloud a n

em i ss a ry of p ea c e fr om t h e a ll i ed Sov e rei g n s Th is w a s .

B a r o n d e S a i n t -Ai gn a n N a poleon s mi n i st er a t Wei m a r

,
’
.

He w as a ut ho r i zed t o sa y t o t h e Emp ero r t h a t t h e Alli es

wer e wi ll i n g t o t r eat for p eace o n t h e b a s i s of t h e n at u r a l
”
fr on t i ers of Fr an ce t h e Rh i n e t h e Alps a n d t he Pyren ees
, , .

E 30 4 3
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
fift y thous an d vet er an t roops wer e hol d i n g t h e Germ an
fortress es an d a s m a n y mo re were s t i ll fight in g i n Sp ai n ,

wh i le i n Fr a n c e t h ere wer e n ot en ough sold iers t o gu a rd

t he Rh i n e .

O n t h e 1 1 D ecemb er 1 8 1 3 N a poleon h a d con clud ed a

,

t reat y wi t h F erd i n a n d by wh i c h t he l a t t er w a s t o b e re
st ored t o t he t hron e of Sp a i n a n d t h e Fren ch ga rri son s
,

were t o com e home Ag a in it w a s t O O l a t e Th ese sold iers

.
'

who mi ght h a ve sa ved t h e Empi re d id n ot ret u r n i n t i me

t o figh t t h e i n v a d er s .

O n l ea rn in g of t h e s i gn at ure of t h i s t r eat y Jos eph w a s

profoun dly mort i fi ed b u t t h er e w a s n ot h in g t o do b u t t o
,

submit He ret a i n ed h is t it le of kin g, a n d t h e d i gn i t y of

.

pri n c e of t h e Empi re a n d t ook up h i s resi d en c e i n t h e

,

Lux embourg .

At t h e mom en t t h at t h e b ro t h ers b ec a m e r econ ci l ed

N a pol eo n w a s cu t t o t h e qui ck a t l ea rn i n g t h a t h is si st er
C a rol in e a n d h er husb a n d Mu r a t h a d d esert ed h i m an d
gon e over t o t h e Allies S t r a n gest t hin g of al l i t was t h e
.
,

ot h er C a rolin e t h e si st er of M a r i e-An t oin et te t h e d eposed

,
'
,

Queen of N a ples from whom t h e Emp eror rec ei ved t he

,

first w a rn in g of t h i s d efect i on ; a n d it w a s t h i s s a m e C a ro
lin e who h a d so mu c h r ea son t o d et est N a pol eon who a
, ,

few mo n t hs l a t er r ep r o a ch ed h er gr a n d-d a ugh t er M a rie

Loui s e for a b an don i n g h er un fort un a t e husb an d .

Aft er t h e b at t le of Lei pzi g t h e m a i n a rmy of t h e Allies

a dv a n ced t o t h e Rhi n e wh er e t hey r em a i n ed s t a t i on a ry

duri n g t h e mon t h of Novemb er Th ere were n o a ct ive .

operat i on s exc ept i n Holl a n d a n d a roun d t he fort resses

a lon g t he Elb e a n d t h e Od er Th e si t u a t i o n w a s so u n cer
.

t ain t h at t h e Alli es d id n ot feel j u st i fied i n a dv an ci n g on

P a ri s I t w as report ed t h a t N a pol eon h a d r a i s ed a n ew
.

a rmy of m en an d a ft er t h e su r p r i s e of t h e previ
,

ous spri n g t h ey w ere r ea d y t o b el i eve an yt h i n g I t w as at .

t h i s t i m e t h a t t he Sove rei gn s m a d e t h e v ery fa vor a bl e

offers of p ea c e whi ch N a poleon w a s so i n sen s at e a s n ot t o
a cc ept Th ey d id n ot t h en k n ow t h a t t h e Fr en ch a rmy w as
.

E 30 6 I]
‘
 THE CAM PA I GN OF FRANCE
fa r short of i t s s t ren gt h on p a p er ; t h a t it w a s n ot , a n d
could n ot b e, p r op er ly equi pp ed ; a n d t h at it w a s suff erin g
sever ely from a n ep i d em i c of t yphus .

At t he clos e of t h e yea r 1 8 1 3 t h e m a i n a ll i ed a r my of
a bou t m en u n d er Schw a r zen b erg w as on t he Rh i n e
b et ween B i l e a n d M a n n h ei m a n d a n ot h er a r my of
,

w as a t M a yen c e a n d Cobl en z u n d er Bl ii ch er B er n a do t t e .

h a d go n e t o Hols t ei n ; B en n i gs en w a s co n fron t in g D a vou t

a t H a mburg ; a n d B ii l ow w a s i n Holl an d wi t h o n e P r uss i a n

a n d on e Russ i an co r ps m en i n a l l Th i s ga ve t h e
, .

All ies a n a r my for a c t i v e op er a t i o n s of a bout 3

in a ll .

At t h e sa me ti m e N a pol eo n
ot a l a v a i l a bl e fo rces d i d
’
s t
'

n ot exc eed m en a n d t h ey w ere sc a t t er ed a t a

,

dozen d iff eren t poi n t s fr om B i l e t o B r ussel s If t h ere w a s .

ev er a t i m e wh en N a pol eon n eed ed t o p u t t o u se hi s r ul e

of c on c en t r a t i on i t w a s n ow If a ft er L ei pzi g h e h a d d r awn
.

in S ai n t -Cyr a n d D a vout from G erm a n y Eugen e fr om ,

I t a ly a n d Such et a n d Soul t from Sp ai n t o a d d t o h is fi eld ,

a r my t h er e i s n o qu es t i o n t h a t h e could h a v e kep t t h e
,

All i es b ey on d t h e Rh i n e a n d r et a i n ed hi s t h r on e wit h t h e
en l a r ged bou n d a r i es of F r a n c e B u t fo r t h e t i m e b ei n g t h e
.

gen er a l w a s su n k i n t h e mo n a rc h a n d h e w a s gov er n ed by
,

polit i c a l r at h er t h a n m i l it a r y c on si d er at i on s Th e wi d e .

se p a r a t i o n of t h e sm a ll Fr en ch for ces w a s i n t h e h i gh es t

d ec r ee u n wi s e H e shoul d h a v e a b an d o n ed for t h e momen t

.

hi s c o n qu est s i n B elgi um I t a ly a n d Sp a i n c o n cen t r a t ed

, ,

a l l hi s fo r c es o n t h e Rh i n e b e a t en t h e s ev er a l a lli ed a r m i es
,

i n d et a i l a n d d r i ven t h em fr om t h e soi l of t h e Emp i r e H e .

woul d t h en h a v e r ecov er ed hi s p r es t i ge a n d hi s t errit or y

a t o n e blow Bu t t h e Emp er o r d i d n ot h i n g of t h e ki n d
.
,

a n d i t i s d i ffi c ult t o r ecogn i z e a t t h i s t i m e t h e m a n who se

first p ri n ci ple of w a r w a s t o m a s s every m a n a n d every gu n

for b a t t l e .

If t h ere w a s n ot t i m e t o c o n cen t r a t e hi s forc es a lon g t h e

fr on t i er h e should c ert a i n ly h a ve don e so fo r t he d efen ce
of t h e c a p it a l If h e lost P a ri s a ll w a s lost fo r a l l hi st ory
.
,

shows t h a t P a r i s i s t h e h ea r t of F r an c e .

E 30 7 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
N a pol eon d i d n ot exp ec t t h a t t h e Alli es woul d att empt
t o i n v a d e F r a n c e b efore sp ri n g a n d h e t hus hop ed t o h a ve
,

a mple t i m e for h i s prep a r a t i o n s I n t h i s h e wa s t o b e d i s

.

a ppoi n t ed Th i s t i m e t h ey
.
d i d n o t i n t d to giv Gi e Em
en e
‘

e r o r a n oppor t u n i t y to reorg a n rze a n d recrui t h i s a rmy

p
.

Th e pl a n of op er a t i o n s a dopt ed by t h e Alli es w a s si m
l i i t i t s elf P a r i s w as t h ei r ob j ect rv e an d t h ey purpose d
p c y . ,

t o m a rc h on t h e c a p i t a l i n t h ree colum n s Th e mos t d i r ect

.

r out e fr om G erm an y i s t hrough M et z t o Ch fil on s a n d ,

Na poleon exp ect ed t h em t h i s w a y But t h e m ain a r my .

u n d er S c hwa rzen b erg a dv a n ced from B i le t ow a rds D ijon ,

wh i l e t h e s econ d a r my un d er B l ii ch er w as t o move on
Met z t h e momen t t h a t t h e fi rst h a d cross ed t h e Jur a
Moun t a in s As soon a s t h e t w o a r mi es were i n t ouc h wi t h
.

eac h ot h e r t h ey were t o m a r ch on P a r i s by t h e v a ll eys of

t h e S ei n e a n d t h e M a rn e If N a pol eo n a ssum ed t h e off en

.

si ve t h ey pu r pos ed t o t h rea t en hi s fl a n ks wh i le a vo i d i n g

a d eci si v e en g a gem en t .

At t h e s a m e t i m e t h e t h i r d a r my u n der B u l ow w a s t o
a d v a n ce from Hol l an d t h r o u gh N a mur on L a on an d a p

p ro a c h P a ri s from t he n o r t h .

W e d o n ot propos e t o en t er i n t o t h e d et ai ls of t h e i n v a
si on u n t i l N a pol eon h i m self a pp ea rs upo n t h e sc en e t h e

l a st of J an u a ry No s eri ous d efen c e w a s possi bl e fr om t h e

.

feeble cor d on of Fren ch t r oops fa c in g t h e Rhi n e a n d t h e ,

a d v a n ce of t h e Alli es t o t h e M a rn e w as on ly a pr om en a d e

m i l i ta i r e
.

F r om t h e t i m e of h i s ret u rn t o P a ri s ea rl y i n Novemb er
t h e Emp er or h a d b een b u sy t ry in g t o r a i s e a n ew a r my .

H e mi gh t h a ve wit hdr a wn t ra i n ed sold i er s fr om

t h e fo r t ress es of G erm a n y a n d from his a rm i es i n Sp a i n
a n d I t a ly b u t as w e h a v e seen h e w a s d et erred by poli t i c a l
,

c o n si d er a t i o n s a l t hough t h e m i l i t a ry s it u at i o n d e m a n d ed
,

i t O n p a p er h e succ eed ed i n r a i si n g a n ew l evy of n ea r ly a

.

mi lli on m en b u t Houss a ye c a lcul a t es t h a t n ot more t h a n

,

o n e- t h i rd were a ct u a lly c a lled up a n d n ot over on e-ei ght h

,

ever fough t From Suchet a n d Soul t i n Sp ai n he wi t hd rew

.

a bou t 2 m en ; from I t a ly n on e ; a n d t h e t roops

,

E 30 8 ]
 or fl at s or

t o I ll us tr a te th e

CA M PA I G N S or 1 8 1 41 5

S cal e of En gl i sh Mi l es

“3 c rul a fl e]

J or b n nb
 THE CAMPAIGN OF FRANCE
l eft i n Germ a n y were soo n i n ves t ed an d u l t i m at ely forc ed
t o surren d er .

I n t o t h e d et ai ls of N a pol eo n s eff ort s t o r a i s e a n ew

’

a rmy w e c a n n ot en t e r Wh en h e fi n a lly fa ced t h e en emy a t

.

Ch elo n s t h e l a st wee k i n J an u a ry he h a d o n ly t roop s

a v a i l a bl e for i mm ed i a t e op er a t i on s .

Th e t h eat r e of t h e C a mp a i gn of F r a n ce i s a n i r regul a r
p en t a gon of wh i c h t h e fiv e c o rn er s a r e P a r is L a on S a in t , ,

D i zi er Ch a umon t a n d Fon t a i n ebl ea u Th e cou n t r y i s

, , .

gen er a lly fla t a n d i n p a r t s sc an t i ly popul at ed Th e t w o .

p r in c i p a l r iver s i n t h i s a rea a r e t h e M a rn e a n d t h e S ein e ,

wh i ch flow mo r e o r l ess p a r a llel t o ea c h ot h er u n t i l t h ey

b egin t o con v er ge t o un it e ju st out si d e Pa r i s t o t h e ea s t . .

Th ey a r e r a r ely fo r d a bl e i n wi n t er a n d a re a lwa ys s eri ous

m i l it a ry obs t a cl es Th er e a r e a l so m a n y l a r ge t r i but a r i es
.

t o t h ese r i v er s wh i c h wer e of i mpo r t a n c e i n t h e c a mp a i g n

, .

Ac r oss t h e t h eat r e of w a r t h er e wer e t h r ee g r ea t r o a ds

t o P a r i s : ( I ) From Ch elo n s v i a Ch et ea u— Th ier ry ; (2 ) F r om
Ch a umon t v i a Tr oyes; a n d (3) F r om Auxer r e v i a S en s ,

jo i n in g t h e sec on d r out e a t t h e c r o ssi n g of t h e M a rn e o u t

sid e P a r i s .

Th es e r o a d s p a sse d m a n y t i m es over t h e M a r n e a n d
S ei n e a n d ot h er st r ea m s a n d t h e d est r uct i on of t h e b r i dges
,

h a d a n i mpo r t a n t eff ect on t h e c ou r s e of op er a t i o n s .

O n t h e 2 6 J a n u a ry N a pol eo n t ook c omm a n d a t Ch elon s

,

of t h e fo r ces of N ey Vi ct o r M a r mon t a n d a l it t l e l a t er
, , ,

of Mort i er a s well — i n al l a bout m en F r om t h er e .

h e a dv a n c e d up t h e M a rn e t o S ain t -D i zi er wh er e h e ,

l ea r n e d t h at B l ii c h er h a d m a rch ed t o B r i en n e N a pol eon .

followed a n d at t a cked Bl ii ch er w h o n a r rowly esc a p ed c a p

,

t u r e i n t h e C h at ea u of B r i en n e Th e Ar my of S i l es i a fell
.

b a ck t o B a r-su r-Aub e t o g et i n t ouch wit h S c hw a r zen b erg .

Aft er w a it in g t wo d a ys a t B r i en n e t h e Emperor pre

p a r ed t o m a rc h t o Tr oyes At La Rot h i er e on t h e fi r s t of
.

F ebru a ry h e w a s a t t a cked by t h e fi r st a n d sec on d a llied

a rm i es wh i ch ou t n umb ered h i m four t o o n e B u t t h e a t t a ck .

w a s b egu n l a t e i n t h e d a y a n d N a pol eo n w as a bl e t o hold

,

E 30 9 2]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
h is ow n un t i l d a r kn ess fell Th e followi n g d ay h e ret r ea t ed
.

t o Troyes hot ly pursu ed by t h e All i es

,
.

Aft er t h e b at t l e i t w a s d ec i d ed t h a t t h e t wo a lli ed a rm ies

should a gai n sep a r a t e ; t h at Bl ii c her shoul d m a r ch Q C hi
lon s a n d t hen ce by t he v a ll ey o f t h e M a rn e t o P a ri s ; t h at t he
A r my of Boh em i a should a dv an ce on T r oyes a n d t h en ce by ,

bot h b a n ks of t h e S ei n e o n P a ri s ; a n d t h a t t h e Cossa c ks
should fo r m a c on n ect i n g li n k b et ween t h e t w o a r m i es .

Mean wh i le N a poleon wit h h i s u su a l i n t uit i on h a d a l

rea d y d i vi n ed t he p r ob a bl e movem en t s of t h e en emy He .

i mm ed i a t ely moved a c r o ss t o Nogen t Th er e h e l eft Vi ct o r

.

a n d O u d i n ot wi t h h a lf h i s fo rce t o hold b a c k S c hw a r zen

b er g whi le h e c ross ed t h e S ei n e wi t h t h e Gu a rd
, ,

st r on g a n d m a r c h ed n o r t h
,
O n t h e t en t h a t Ch a mp a u~
.
,

b ert h e st ruck t h e cen t r e of t h e S i l esi a n A r my wh ic h w a s

,

st r u n g ou t o n a li n e a bout fo r t y-fiv e m i l es lon g a n d d e ,

st r oy e d o n e c o r ps Th en l ea vi n g M a r mon t t o c h eck
.

B l ii ch er s a d v a n ce h e t u rn ed t o t h e west a n d a t t a cked on e
’

of Yor c k s cor p s a n d fo rc ed i t t o ret r ea t t o Ch fit ea u

’

Thi er r y L ea vi n g Mo r t i er t o c on t a i n Yo rc k h e d a sh ed off
.
,

a g a i n wi t h h i s m a i n bo d y t o Mon t m i r a i l a t t h e sa m e t i me
,

sen d i n g M a r mo n t o r d ers t o fa ll b a c k o n t h a t pl a ce a n d ,

d r a w Bl ii ch er a ft er h i m T h e P r u ssi a n gen er a l fell i n t o t h e

.

t r a p a n d w a s d efeat ed by N a pol eon a n d fo r c ed t o r et i r e

,

t o Ch fil on s a d i st a n ce of fort y m i l es Th es e b r i ll i a n t v i c
.

t o r i es i n t h ree su ccessi v e d a y s r ec a ll ed t h e glo r i es of t h e

C a mp ai gn of I t a ly T h e whole S i l esi a n A r my h a d b een pu t
.

b ars d e com b a t a n d fo r c ed t o a b a n don i t s a d v a n ce on P a ri s

, .

For t h e t i m e-b ei n g N a pol eon h a d kn o c ke d ou t hi s mos t

d an ger ou s a n d i mpl a c a bl e en emy I n a l et t er t o his wi fe
.
,
”
Blucher s a i d I h a ve h a d a b i t t er t h ree d a ys ; b u t wit h
,
“
h is u su a l hop efuln ess an d plu c k h e a d ds : Do n t b e a fr a id
’

t h a t w e sh a ll b e b ea t en ; u n l ess som e u n h ea r d-of m i s t a k e

”
oc c u r s t h at i s n ot possi bl e
, .

Aft er d efeat in g Bl ii ch er it w as h igh t i m e for N a pol eon

,

t o r et u r n t o t h e a ss i st a n c e of h i s r et a i n i n g fo r c e o n t h e
S ein e L ea vi n g Mor t i er a n d M a r mon t t o look a ft er t h e
.

Army of S il esi a h e hur ri ed b a c k t o t h e v a lley of t h e S ei n e

E 31 0 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
In o r d er n ot t o i n t er r up t t h e n a r r at i ve of t he m i lit a ry
op er at i on s n o referen c e h a s y et b een m a d e t o t he pea c e
n egot i a t i o n s wh i c h wer e c a r r i ed o n for sever a l we s d ur

i n g t h e c ou r se of t h e c a mp a i gn a n d w e mu st n ow u r n for
,

a mom en t t o t h e d ulle r a ff a i r s of t h e d i plom a t i st s Th e .

co n gr ess w a s h eld a t t he lit t l e cit y of Ch fit ill on o n t h e

S ein e ver y n ea r t o t h e t h eat re of w a r Th ere wer e p resen t
,
.

t h e pl eni pot en t i a ri es of E n gl a n d Aus t r i a P r u ssi a Russi a

, , ,

a n d F r a n ce Th e Emp er o r w a s r ep r esen t ed by C a u l a i n
.

cou r t hi s M in i st er of Fo rei gn Aff a i r s

, .

Not h in g c oul d h a ve b een mo r e d i ffi c ul t t h a n t h e rOl e of

t h e Fr en ch c omm i ssi on er C a ul a i n c ou r t w a s a br a ve g en
.

er a l
, a m an of hon o r a p a t r i ot i f t h er e ever w as on e
, .

Absol u t ely d evot ed t o t h e Emp er or h e w a s n ever t h eless

,

si n c erely i n fa vo r of p ea ce wh i c h h e b el i ev ed t o b e t h e
,

on ly sa lv a t i on for N a poleo n a n d for F r a n ce If his p r ud en t .

a d v i ce h a d b een followed t he Emp ero r m i gh t h a v e sa ved

h i s t h r on e Na pol eo n coul d h a v e h a d p ea c e i f h e h a d b een

.

wi ll in g t o a ccep t t h e fr on t i er s of 1 792 b u t h e i n si st e d on
,
“ ”
t h e n a t u r a l bou n d a ri es wh i c h h e h a d o n c e r ej ect ed At .

t i m es t h e Emp er o r s eem ed r ea d y t o gi v e w a y b u t as soon ,

a s h e g a i n ed a m i li t a ry su c cess h e w a s a g a i n ob d u r a t e .

C a ul a i n c ourt fill ed wit h hon or a n d d i gn i t y h is t h a n kl ess

r Ol e .

Th e on gr ess op en ed a t Ch et ill on on t h e fou r t h of

c

F eb r u a r y just a ft er N a pol eon s d esp er a t e d efen si v e b a t t le

,
’

a t L a Rot h i ere At t h a t t i m e t h e Emp er o r g a v e C a u l a i n

.

“
c o u rt car te bl a n che t o co n duc t t h e n ego t i a t i o n s t o a h a ppy
”
fi n i sh .

Th ree d ays l at er t h e Powers m a d e kn own t h ei r ul t i

m a t um t h at Fra n c e should wit hd r a w wi t h i n t he l i m it s of
1 79 2 a n d should h a v e n o vo i ce i n t h e d i spos it i on of t h e
,

c ed ed t er r it o ry An i mm ed i at e r eply w a s d em an d ed y es
.
,

or n o wi t hout a n y pou r a r l er s C a ul a i n court expr ess ed hi s

, p .

wi llin gn ess t o a cc ep t even t h es e h a r d t er m s b u t upon ,

co n d it i on t h a t t h ere should b e a n i mm ed i at e susp en si o n of

host i lit ies Th i s con d it i on w a s r ej ect ed by t h e All ies a n d t he
.
,

followi n g d a y t h e con fer en c es were suspen d ed for a week .

E 31 2 ]
M PERO R F RANCIS I
E
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
rea d in g t h i s l ett er t h e Cz a r d eci d ed t o i ssue ord ers for an
i mmedi at e m a rch on t h e c a p it a l .

At t h e s a m e mom en t t h a t t h e Allies b egan t h ei r a dv a n ce

on P a ri s N a pol eon sudd en ly eff ec t ed a m an e u vf e t h a t
,

h a s b een differen t ly crit i ci ze d bl a med by m a n y a p ,

proved by few t h e result of whi ch w a s t o bri n g a bout h i s

,

fa ll wit hi n a few d ays Th i s m a n oeuvre con si st ed i n p a ssin g

.

t o t h e r ea r of t he a ll ied a r m i es i n ord er t o cu t off t h ei r

,

commun i ca t i on s Na pol eon hope d t h a t t h ey woul d follow

.

hi m a n d t hus b e dr awn a wa y fr om P a ri s Th e Allies how .

,

ev er d i vi d e d t h ei r forc es l ea vi n g t wo Russ i a n a n d P r u s
, ,

si a n cor ps t o w a tch Na pol eon whi le t h e rest of t h e a r my

m a r ch ed d i rect ly on P a ri s d ri vi n g b efore t h em t he co r ps
,

of M a r mon t a n d Mort i er I n t hi s sudden a n d r a pi d move

.

men t t h e Emperor of Aust ri a b ec a me sep a rat ed from hi s

a lli es a n a pp a ren tly u n i mport a n t i n ci d en t
,
wh i ch how , ,

ever d epri ved N a pol eon of t h e prot ect i on of hi s fa t h er

,

i n -l aw a n d of Pri n c e M et t er n i c h a t a very crit i c a l mom en t

for h i mself a n d hi s dyn a s t y .

M a r mon t a n d Mort i er wer e dri v en b a ck t o Pa ri s wh er e

t h ey t ook up a pos it i o n a t Mo n t m a rt r e for t h e d efen c e of
t h e ci t y wh i ch w a s n ot fort i fi e d at t h at t i m e
, .

Th e 2 9 M a rch t h ere w a s figh t i n g a t t h e g at es of P a r i s

a lon g a n i mmen s e li n e Th e a ll i e d a rm i es form ed a n eff ec
.

t i ve fo r ce of a t lea st m en To t h es e t h e Fren ch
.

c ould n ot oppos e more t h a n m en who mo reove r ,

were d ish ea rt en ed by r ecen t d efeat s The two m a r sh a ls .

d i d n ot a gr ee a n d would n ot a ct i n co n c ert Th e c o n fus i on .

w a s grea t an d t h e c a pt u r e of P a ri s i n evit a ble .

Th e a lli ed a rmy h a d m a rch ed on P a ri s in t h e form of a

l a rge s emi ci rcl e lea vi n g o n ly t h e rout e to Or l ea n s op en
, .

By t hi s ro a d t h e R egen t t h e Empress M a ri e-Loui se wi t h

, ,

h er son Ki n g Joseph a n d t h e Imp eri a l Govern men t re

,

t i red a n d t ook up t h ei r res i d en c e at Bloi s thus lea vi n g ,

t h e c a pi t a l w it hout gov ern m en t a n d a pr ey to a l l t h e el e

m en t s of i n tri gu e th a t were wi t hi n it Th e result was t h e .

surren d er of t h e cit y t o t h e Alli es on t h e l ast d ay of M a rch

a lmos t wit hout firi n g a shot .

E 31 4 ]
 THE CAMPAIGN OF FRANCE
Wh en N a poleon fou n d t h at h i s movem en t t o t h e E ast
t o cu t t h e a lli ed commu n i c a t i o n s d i d n ot c a us e t h em t o
fa ll b a c k as h e h a d expect ed h e wa s for t h e mom en t un d e
,

c i d ed wh et h er t o pursu e t h em or t o lea ve h i s a rmy a n d

h a st en h i ms elf t o t h e d efen ce of hi s c a p it a l Not drea m i n g
.

t h a t P a r i s would c a p i t ul a t e a lmos t wi t hout r es i s t a n c e h e ,

d ec i d ed on t h e l at t er cours e an d t r a velled post -h a st e v i a

Troyes t o Fon t a i n ebl ea u Pu sh i n g on fr om t h ere t o P a ri s
.
,

a t a poi n t t welve m i l es sou t h of t h e c a p i t a l h e l ea rn ed of

t h e c a p i t ul a t i o n H e t h en t urn ed b a ck t o Fo n t a i n ebl ea u
.
,

a n d b eg an t o a ss embl e hi s t roops who h a d followed hi m ,

by forc ed m a rch es wi t h t h e i d ea of r ec a pt u r in g P a ri s
, .

As soon a s t h e Emperor rea c h ed Fon t a i n ebl ea u h e s en t

C a ul a i n court t o P a ri s t o see t h e Cz a r Al ex a n d er wi t h a ,

l et t er of c r ed en t i a ls i n wh i c h h e g a ve h i m full power t o
n egot i a t e an d c o n clu d e p ea ce a n d prom i s ed t o r a t i fy a n y
,

a r r a n ge m en t h e mi gh t m a ke .

Th e first of Ap ri l t h e d ay a ft er t h e Emp er o r s a r ri v a l
’
, ,

t h e h ea ds of t h e colum n s fr om Ch a mp a gn e b eg an t o c om e
i n fr om t h e d i rect i on of S en s a n d a lso t h e a dv a n c e gu a r d
,

of t h e t roops fr om P a r i s Th e m a r sh a ls a lso b eg a n t o
.

a pp ea r a n d soo n t h er e could b e s een a t t h e Imp er i a l h ea d

,

qu a rt er s : Mon c ey t h e comm an d er of t h e N a t ion a l Gu a r d

,

of P a r i s ; Lefebvre who a t t h e a ge of si xt y h a d s erved

,

t hrough t h e c a mp a i gn ; N ey O u d i n ot a n d M a cdon a ld
,

who c a m e from Troyes an d Mort i er an d M a r mon t who

,

a rri ved fr om P a ri s .

Th e t roops a s t h ey c a m e i n were pl a c ed i n pos it i o n

b eh i n d t h e Es son n es a bout t en mi l es fr om P a ri s Th e d ay .

a ft er hi s a rri v a l N a pol eo n a lrea dy h a d m en i n li n e .

Th e Emp eror whos e feeli n g of l ass it ud e h a d p a ss ed a w a y

, ,

w as a lrea dy l a yi n g h is pl a n s t o s ei ze P a r i s by a cou p d e
m a i n H e o n ly aw a it ed t h e a r r i v a l of furt h er r ei n fo r c e
.

m en t s a n d t h e r et urn of C a ul ai n court from P a r i s .

Th e firs t co n fer en c e b et ween t h e Alli es w as h eld t h e

first d a y of Apri l a t t h e resi d en c e of Ta lleyr an d Th e d e .

p a rt u r e of M a ri e-Loui s e for Bloi s wit h h er son an d t h e

Imp eri a l Gov ern m en t a n d t h e a bsen c e of t h e Emp er or of
,

E 31 5 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
Aust ri a who w a s o n ly a bl e t o a r r i ve on t h e fift een t h wh en ,

a l l w a s over h a d l eft t h e fi eld fr ee t o t h e en em i es of t h e

,

Empi r e .

Th e n ews wh i ch C a ul ai n cou r t b r ough t fr om t lfi c a pi t a l

t h e n i gh t of t h e sec on d w a s most d i scou r a gi n g Th e Cz a r .

w a s lodged i n t h e h at e] of T a lley r an d t h e cen t r a l figu re of

,

t h e r oy a l i st plot w h o h a d ju st b een n a m ed a s t h e h ea d of
,

t he p r ovi si on a l govern m en t wi t h fou r coll ea gu es ; b u t t h e

,

rest o r a t i on of t he Bourbon s w a s n ot y et d eci d ed a n d t h e ,

t h r o n e m i gh t st i ll b e s a ved i f t h e Emp er o r a b d i c a t ed i n
fa vo r of t h e Kin g of Rome C a ul a i n cou r t urged Na pol eon
.

t o t a k e t h i s c ou r se .

Th e followi n g mo r n i n g t h e Emp er o r a ssembl ed t h e Old -

Gu a r d i n t h e c ou r t of t he Ch ev a l—Bl a n c a n d a d d ress ed
t h em He w a s r ec ei v ed wi t h suc h en t hu si a sm t h a t fo r t h e
.

mom en t h e r et u r n ed a g a in t o hi s pl an of m a r c h i n g on
Pa r i s B u t i f t h e sol d i ers a n d t h e o ffi cer s were st i ll ea ger
.

for w a r t h e c a s e w a s fa r d iff er en t wit h t h e m a rsh a ls who

, ,

were n ow a lmost wit hout except i on d et ermi n ed t o fo r ce

, ,

t h e a bd i c a t i o n Ney t ook t h e l ea d i n sp ea kin g d ec i si vely

.

an d even d i s r esp ect fully t o t h e Emp er o r .

At n oon on t h e fou r t h N a poleo n c a lled t h e m a r sh a ls t o

h i s sa lon a n d ord er ed his sec ret a r y F a i n t o rea d t h e a ct
, , ,

of a bd i c a t i on wh i c h h e t h en si gn ed A c a r eful r ea d i n g of
, .

t h i s p a p er wi ll show t h a t i t w a s m er ely a c o n d i t i o n a l off er

“ ” “
to d escen d from t h e t hron e subj ect t o t h e r i ght s of
”
hi s son , a n d w a s n ot a n a b solu t e a bd i c a t i o n C a u l a in .

c ourt Ney a n d M a c d o n a l d wer e d i rec t ed t o t a k e t h e p a p er

,

t o P a r i s a n d m a k e a fi n a l sup re me eff o r t a t l ea st t o sa v e
t h e dyn a st y .

O n t h ei r w ay t o t h e ci t y t h e t h ree pl en i pot en t i a r ies

st opp ed a t Esson n es t o see M a r mo n t Th i s l it t le vi ll a ge
.
,

si t u a t ed a bou t fiv e m i l es from Co r b ei l w a s t h e h ea d q u a r
,

t ers of t h i s m a r sh a l a n d of t h e S i xt h Corp s wh i ch h a d b een

un d er hi s comm a n d durin g t h e c a mp a i gn Th e vi ll a ge .

b ea rs t he s a m e n a m e a s t he r i v er whi ch en t er s t h e S ei n e
a t Corb ei l a n d wh i ch s ep a r a t ed t h e t r oops of M a r mon t
,

fr om t hose of t he Alli es
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
t h ei r t roops a cross t he Esson n es wi t hin t he Aust ri an
l in es .

Wh en t h e un fort u n at e sold i ers i n t he mi ddle of t he ,

n i ght recei ved t h ei r o r d er s t o c r oss t h e Essofl res a n d

,

m a r ch t owa r d s P a r i s t h ey t hough t n at u r a lly t h a t t h ey

,

wer e a bout t o t a ke p a rt i n a movem en t for t h e recov er y

of t h e c a pi t a l B u t t h ei r susp i ci on s wer e soon a roused
.

wh en t h ey sa w t h a t t he Allies d id n ot oppose t hei r m a r ch ,

“ ”
a n d t h e wo r d t rea son r a n t h r ough t h e r a n ks Wh en t h e .

su n r o se a n d t h e si t u a t i o n b ec a me cl ea rer t h e r ea r c olum n ,

un d er Gen er a l Ch a st el whi c h w a s n ot y et su r r oun d ed by

,

t h e en emy t u r n e d b a c k a n d rec r oss ed t h e b ri dge

,
.

Wh en a n a i d e d e c a mp b r ough t t h e n ews t o M a rmon t

a t h i s h Ot el i n P a r i s h e wen t i mm ed i a t ely t o fin d Ney w h o
, ,

was o n t h e poi n t of ret u rn i n g wi t h h i s coll ea gu es t o see

t h e Cz a r a n d r ecei ve h i s a n swer M a r mon t t old t h em of .

“
t h e a ct i on of h i s gen er a l s a n d a d d ed I would gi ve my ,
” “ ”
a r m if t h e r epo r t w a s n ot t r ue S ay you r h ea d
. c ri ed ,
“ ”
M a r sh a l Ney a n d even t h at would n ot b e en ough !
,

Wh en t h e plen i pot en t i a ri es a r ri ved a t t h e h 6t el of Ta lley

r an d wh ere t h e n ews h a d a l rea dy b een r ecei ved t h ey
, ,

foun d t h a t t h e l a st c h a n ce t o sa ve t h e Imper i a l t h r on e h a d
d i sa pp ea r ed a n d t h a t t h e r est o r at i o n of t h e Bou r bon s w a s
c er t a i n .

Fo r of hi s l i fe t he wret c h ed m a r sh a l w a s p u r
t h e rest
sued by a feeli n g of r emo r se I n v a i n t h e Bou r bon s lo a d ed
.

h i m wit h hon o r s At t h e l a s t i n 1 8 30 h e w a s t o p r ove t h ei r

.
, ,

evi l gen i u s a s h e h a d b een t h a t of N a pol eo n i n 1 8 1

, 4 .

Dri ven i n t o exi l e by t h e fa ll of Ch a r l es t h e Ten t h h e en d ed

hi s c a r eer a t Sch On b r u n n wh er e h e ga ve lesson s i n st r a t egy
,

t o a n ot h er exi l e n ot l es s u n fort u n a t e t h an h i ms elf a you n g ,

m a n w h o h a d b een c a lled t h e Ki n g of Rom e a n d wh o w a s ,

t h en k n own on ly a s t h e D u ke of R ei c hs t a d t .

In t he
m ea n t i me N a poleon a t Fon t a i n ebl ea u a w ait ed
i mp a t i en t ly t h e reply fr om P a r i s I n c a se of a n u n fa vo r .

a ble respon s e h e w as d et ermi n ed t o m a r ch i mm ed i a t ely

on t h e c a p i t a l fa ll upon t h e Alli es whose t roops were

, ,

E 31 8 ]
 TH E CAMPAIGN OF FRANCE
sc at t ered i n an d a rou n d t h e c it y d efea t t h em i n d et a i l a n d ,

recon quer h is t hro n e Who ca n sa y t h at h e would n ot h a ve

.

succ eed ed ?
At t h i s momen t c a m e t h e n ews of t he t rea son of M a r
mon t wh i ch r ui n ed a ll hi s pl an s N a pol eon on ly pron oun c ed .

“
t h es e words L i n g r a t il s er a plus m a lh eureux q ue m oi !
’
, ,

Wh en C a ul a i n c ou rt Ney a n d M a cdon a ld ret u r n ed t o

,

Fon t a i n ebl ea u on t h e even in g of t h e fift h a n d report ed t h e

fa i lu re of t h ei r mi s si on t h ey fou n d t h e Emp eror c a lm an d
d i gn i fi ed wi t h n o r epro a c h es for a n y on e
, .

Aft er a n i gh t of r eflexi on N a pol eo n fi n a lly d ec i d ed t o ,

submi t t o t h e i n ev it a bl e I n t h e mo r n in g h e summon ed t h e
.

m a rsh a ls t o hi s c a b i n et a n d t h ere on a lit t le roun d m a

, ,

bog a n y t a bl e h e si gn ed hi s s econ d a ct of a bd i c a t i o n :
,

Th e a ll ied Power s h a vi n g d ec l a red t h at t h e Emp er o r

w a s t h e on ly ob st a c le t o t h e r eest a bli shm en t of p ea c e i n
Europ e t h e Emp er o r fa it hful t o hi s o at h d ecl a r es t h at
, , ,

h e r en ou n c es fo r h i ms elf a n d h i s h ei rs t h e t h r o n es of ,

F r a n c e a n d I t a ly a n d t h a t t h er e i s n o sa c r i fi ce even t h at
, ,

of h i s l i fe wh i ch h e i s n ot rea dy t o m a ke i n t h e i n t er est s
,
”
of F r a n c e .

From t h e s i xt h t o t h e t wen t iet h of Apri l N a poleon re

m a i n e d a t Fon t a in ebl ea u i n a st at e of grea t d ep r ess i on .

O n t h e t welft h C a ul ai n c ou rt b r ough t for hi s si gn a t u r e t h e

t r ea t y wh i c h h a d b een c on c lud e d a t P a r i s t h e n i gh t b efore .

Th i s t reat y g a ve t o N a poleon t h e t it le of Emperor wit h

‘

t h e sov erei gn t y of t h e i sl an d of Elb a a n d an a llow a n ce of ,

t w o m i l li on fra n cs a yea r I t a l so c on t a i n e d p ec u n i a r y
.

provi si on s for h i s mot h er Jos eph i n e Jos eph Loui s Hor , , , ,

t en s e El i sa a n d P a uli n e H e w a s a lso a c co r d e d t h e pri vi

, .

l ege of t a kin g wit h h i m a body-gu a r d of four hun d red m en .

Th i s t rea t y wh i c h t h e Alli es con si d er ed t h e h ei gh t of

,

gen e rosit y a pp ea r ed t o N a pol eon t o b e a n act of t h e mos t

,

profoun d humi li a t i on He s a i d t h at h e woul d ra t h er d ie

.

t h a n a ffix h i s n a m e t o so i gn omi n i ous a con v en t i on Th a t .

n i gh t h e t ook a dos e of poi son wh i c h h e h a d c a rri ed i n a

s a c h et at t a ch ed t o a co r d a roun d hi s n eck du ri n g t h e
ret reat from Moscow B u t t h e poi so n h a d lost it s st ren gt h
.

E 31 9 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
an d on ly c a us ed hi m i n t en s e p a i n wi t hout en d in g h i s l i fe .

Hi s phys i ci a n Yv a n g a ve hi m a n a n t i dot e wh i c h soo n re

“ ’
liev ed hi m Tout , j usqu e l a mo r t , m a t r a h i, lg s a i d,
.
’

“ ”
su i s co n d a m n es viv r e en c ore
j e .

Wh en h e a woke th e followi n g morn i n g h e en joi n ed upon

h i s su it e a bsolut e secr ecy r eg a r d i n g t h i s a t t emp t of wh i ch
h e w a s n ow a sh a m ed He h a d en t i r ely r ec overed h i s usu a l
.

c a lm self-possess i on , a n d du r in g t h e cou r s e of t h e d ay h e
si gn ed t h e t r ea t y .

In r
t h e c a eer of N a pol eon h i st or y a n d l egen d a re con
,

fou n d ed To us t h e G rea t Emp er o r a ppea rs li ke a h ero of

.

An t i quit y a n d t h e v et er a n s of hi s O ld Gu a r d a r e a lmo st
,

myt hi c a l p er son a ges li ke t h e legi on a r i es of Ce sa r T h e .

“ ”
Ad ieux d e Fon t a i n ebl ea u t h e c elebr a t ed s cen e of t he
,

Emper or wi t h t h e g r en a d ier s of t h e Vi ei lle G a r d e i n t h e

c ou r t of t h e Ch ev a l— Bl a n c seem s li ke t h e fi n a l a ct of a
,

g reat h i st o r ic a l d r a m a .

I t i s t h e t wen t i et h of Ap r i l t h e d a y of h i s d ep a rt u r e
, .

I n t h e cou r t t h e O l d Gu a r d i s d r a wn up i n ser r i ed r a n ks .

T h e t r a v elli n g c a r ri a ges a r e a l r ea d y w a i t i n g O n t h e st r oke

.

of m i d d a y t h e fa it hful B er t r a n d a n n oun ces t o t h e Em

p er o t t h a t a l l i s r ea d y He t r a verses t h e g a llery of F r a n ci s
.

t h e Fi rs t a n d d escen d s t h e st a i r w a y of t h e Fer -e-Ch ev a l

wit h a fir m a n d r a p i d st ep Th e d r ums b ea t t h e c h a r ge
. .

At t h e foot of t h e s t a i r s t h e Emp er or m a k es a si gn t h a t
h e wi sh es t o sp ea k a n d t h e d r ums a r e si len t
, .

“ ” “
Sol d i er s of my O l d Gu a r d h e sa i d I bid you fa r e
, ,

well For t wen t y yea rs I h a ve a lwa ys fou n d you i n t h e

.

p at h of hon or an d glor y Aft er a few mo r e wo r d s hi s

.

“
voi c e b r oke Th en h e con t i n ued : Ad i eu my c h i l d ren I
.
, .

woul d li k e t o p r ess you a ll a g a i n s t my h ea r t L et m e a t .

”
lea s t emb r a ce you r fla g ! At t h es e wo r ds Gen er a l P et it
s ei zed t h e fla g a n d c a m e forwa r d N a pol eon r ecei v ed hi m
.

i n h i s a r ms a n d k i ss ed t h e ea gl e of t h e s t a n d a r d Th en
, .

ov erc ome wi t h emot i on h e en t ered t h e c a r r i a ge wh i ch w a s

t o b ea r h i m a w a y t o exi l e .

O n t h e 2 7 Ap r i l N a poleo n a rri ved a t Frej us a n d t h e ,

followin g d a y h e emb a rked Th e vess el drop ped a n chor i n

.

E 32 0 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
a bout four mi llion fr a n cs n ea rly a l l of whi ch h e t reat ed
,

a s a r es erv e fu n d o n ly t o b e u sed i n c a se of n e c ess i t y as ,

h e exp ect ed t o li ve on t h e reven u es of t h e i sl an d a d d ed

t o h i s a llow a n c e The exp en ses of t h e a d m i n i st r fi i on of
.

his l it t le kin gdom c a m e t o a bout fr an cs an d t h e ,

r even u es t o n ea r ly t hree t i m es t h a t su m so t h a t t h e bud

,

get w a s mos t s a t i sfa ct ory Th ere rem a i n ed t o b e m et how

.
,
’
ev er t h e Emp er o r s c urr en t exp en s es an d t h e m a i n t en an c e
,

of h is lit t l e a rmy wh i ch a lo n e cost n ea rly on e hun d r ed

,

t hous a n d fr an c s a mon t h .

Th e Emp er o r s hors es h a d com e over wi t h t h e Gu a rd

’

t o joi n t h ei r ol d m a s t er i n exi l e Th ey wer e seven i n n u m

.

b er an d h a d b een r id d en by hi m i n m an y c a mp a i gn s of t h e
Emp i re fr om M a dri d t o Moscow Th ere were a lso fort y .

ei gh t ho r s es t o dr a w t h e v a ri ous c a r r i a ges i n c lud i n g t h e

,

l a r ge sleep i n g-co a ch i n wh i ch N a poleon h ad m a d e t he

jou r n ey t o t h e c o a st .

Du r in g t h e yea r N a p oleon r ecei ved t wo vi sit s from h i s

fa m i ly Hi s si st er P a ul in e c a m e t h e l a st of M a y b u t a t t h a t
.
,

t i m e o n ly s t a yed t wo d a ys Th e fi r s t of Augus t hi s mot h er

.

a r r i ved A mon t h l at er h e r ec ei ved a vi sit from M m e

. .

Wa l ewsk a who c a m e t o sh a re h is exi le B u t N a poleon

, .

on ly a llowed h er t o rem a i n for t wo d a ys a s h e w a s s t i ll ,

hopi n g t h at M a r ie-Loui s e a n d h i s son would joi n hi m ,

a n d h e wi sh ed t o a voi d a n y s c a n d a l Th e Empress how

.
,

ev er h a d a l r ea dy co n sol ed h er s elf wi t h Nei pp erg a n d h a d

,

n o i d ea of r ejoi n i n g h er h u sb a n d .

O t h er c a res n ow b ega n t o t roubl e t h e Em per or Th e .

F r en ch Gover n men t h a d fa i le d t o p a y h i s i n com e a n d he

h a d b een fo r ced t o dr aw h ea v i ly on h i s r es erve fu n d s Hi s .

l et t er s h a d n o eff ect Fran c e w a s a s s i len t on t h i s poi n t

.
,

a s w as Au st ri a rega rd i n g M a r i e- Lou i se Th e Con gress of

.

Vi en n a w a s a lso d eb a t i n g wh et her i t would n ot b e s a fer t o

“ ”
remove t h e Emp eror t o a po i n t m ore d i s t a n t fr om
F r a n ce Th e out look w as fa r fr om rea ssu r i n g
. .

Th e first of Novemb er P a ulin e ret urn ed a n d ch eered

Na poleon wit h h er b r i ght sm i l es Th e l ife of t h e household
.

w as t horoughly dom es t i c Th e even i n gs were d evot ed t o

.

E 32 2 ]
 THE CAM PA I GN O F F RANCE
ga mes of c a rds o r ch ess Th e Emp eror usu a l l y ret i r ed a t
.

’
n i n e o clock an d ros e a n hour b efo r e d e
, j eu n e r He p a s sed
.

mos t of h i s d a ys i n excursi on s over t he i sl an d sup ervi sin g

,

t h e work whi ch w as go in g on H e occup i ed h i ms elf wit h t h e

.

a ffa i rs of hi s l i t t l e k i n gdo m wit h t h e s a m e a t t en t i on t h a t

h e form erly g a ve t o h i s i mm en s e em pi re O n t h e whol e h i s

.

l i fe w a s n ot so u n h a ppy Aft er so m an y emot i on s h e

.

n eed ed a l i t t l e r es t
.

I n t h i s qu i et rout i n e p a ss ed t h e fi n a l mon t h s of 1 8 1 4
a n d t h e firs t ei gh t weeks of t h e followi n g y ea r Th en c a m e
.

“ ”
t he Ret urn fro m Elb a on e of t h e most dr a m a t i c even t s
,

i n t h e h i s t ory of t h e world .
 CHA PTER TWENTY—O NE

Na poleon Decid es t o L ve El b R o f Hi Ret urn — Th Lan d in g

ea a eas n s or s e

at C nn s a M h t t h e Nort h —Th D fil f L ffr y — Arriv l t

e a rc o e e e o a a a a

Paris -The N w Mi ist ry N pol on s R pt io t t h Ca pit al

e n a e
’
ece n a e

Th Ch m p d e M i —Th S it t i o C h a g
e a a P so el f t he Arm y
e ua n n es er nn o

N pol on s P l The Th t re of W The Fre h Cross t h

’
a e an s ea ar nc e

S am b Li gn y d Qu at re B N pol o H lt h Th G o hy ’
re an r as a e n s ea e r uc

O rd ers The Ad v t W at loo The Fi l d f B t t l

a n ce o T h e E gl i h
er e o a e n s

R si t
e Ar iv l f t he P
s a n ce r i a
— Th G at C av l y Ch rge
o r u ss a n s e re a r a

Th O ld G uard — Th C se f N po leon s F l l The Em p or Ret u s

’
e e au o a a er rn

t o P ris a The Fi l Abd icat i o na n

HE rea son s for N a pol eon s d ec i s i on to ret urn fr om ’

Elb a were p a rt ly person a l an d p a rt ly poli t i c a l .

Th e p erson a l rea son s whi ch h a ve a l r ea dy b een ,

a llud ed t o were t he refus a l of t he Emper or of Aus t ri a t o

, ,

a llow h i s wi fe a n d son t o rejoi n h i m ; t h e fa i lu r e of t h e

Fren ch Govern men t t o pay h is allow an ce ; an d t h e t a lk a t

Vi en n a of removin g hi m to t he Azores or S ain t H elen a .

There were a l so n umerous polit i c a l r ea son s The Bour .

“ ”
bon s who h a d l ea r n ed n ot h i n g a n d for got t en n ot h i n g
, ,

duri n g t h ei r lon g exi le were ext rem ely u n popul a r i n

,
“
Fran ce Th e Ki n g d at ed hi s firs t doc um en t fr om t h e
.

m n et een t h yea r of my rei gn ” a s if t h ere h a d n ever b een ,

a R epubl i c an d an Emp i re ; h e r es t or ed t he wh i t e fla
g an d
b a n rsh ed t he gl o ri ous t ri color wh i ch h a d b een born e i n
t ri umph t o ev er y c a p i t a l i n Eu rop e H e d i ssolv ed t h e Old .

“
Gu a rd a n d form ed t h e M a i son d u Roi a cor ps of 60 00 ,

Roy al i st s The p ea sa n t s by fa r t h e mos t n um er ous cl ass

.
,

i n F r a n c e were a l a rm ed a t t h e d em a n ds of t h e n obl es a n d
,

t he clerg y for t he res t or a t i on of t h ei r l an ds whi ch h a d b een

con fisc at ed an d sold t o t h e p eopl e Mor eov er t h e Powers .

,

E 32 4 ]
 WATE RLO O
at t he Con gress of Vi en n a were qu a rrel li n g ov er t h e d i vi
,

si on of t h e spoi ls a n d t h e form er a lli es s eem ed on t h e bri n k

of w a r .

O n S a t urd a y t h e 2 5 F ebru a ry 1 8 1 5 a t Port o-F err a jo

, , ,

t h e o n ly subj ec t of co n v ers at i on w as t h e b a ll t o b e gi v en
by t h e P ri n c es se P a uli n e The Emp eror w a s presen t t h a t
.

ev en i n g a n d w as full of l i fe Wh en h e l eft a t a l at e hour

, .
,

h e c a lled B ert r a n d a n d Drouot t o h is room a n d i n form ed ,

t h em of h i s in t en t i o n t o s a i l t h e n ext n i gh t .

O n Su n d a y a t fiv e o clock t h e li t t le a rmy of 1 1 0 0 m en
’

rec ei v ed t h e ord er t o emb a rk o n t h e si x sm a ll v ess els

wh i ch compos ed t h e fl eet As h a d h a pp en ed so m an y .

t i m es b efo r e i n h i s c a r eer wi n d a n d w a v e were fa vor a bl e

,

t o N a pol eo n an d t h e sout h w i n d wh i ch bore h i m t o

,

F r a n c e kept C a mpb ell t h e En gl i sh comm i ss i on er b ec a lm ed

i n t h e h a r bor of L i vorn o .

O n t h e a ft er n oo n of t h e fourt h d ay N a pol eo n s ai led i n t o

t h e Golfe Ju a n a n d l a n d ed n ea r C a n n es Arou n d t h e h ea d .

l a n d t o t h e left w a s Frejus wh er e h e h a d b een welc omed

hom e from Egyp t a n d wh en c e h e h a d s a iled for Elb a A
, .

l it t l e fa rt h er t o t h e west w as Toulo n wh ere h i s n a m e first

b ec a m e kn own a n d wh en ce h e s a i l ed for t h e Ori en t
, .

B eyo n d t h e c a p e t o t h e ea st w a s N i c e wh ere h e t ook com

m a n d of t h e Army of I t a ly T h e whole lit t ora l for h im w as
.

full of m emori es To-d a y on t he a ven ue from C a n n es t o

.
,

Ni c e t h e t ou r i st s ees i n t h e sh a d e of a t ree by t h e ro a ds i d e
a s i mpl e sh a ft of st on e b ea r i n g on ly t h e i n scri pt i on :
“
Souv en i r d u I m a rs Th i s m a r ks t he spot wh er e
Na pol eo n l a n d ed .

Turn in g a w a y from t h e roya l i st t own s of t h e co a st of

Proven c e t h e Emp eror a t on c e m a r ched n o r t h i n t o t h e
,

mou n t a i n s H is first obj ect i ve w a s Gren oble a d i st r i ct

.
,

wh i ch h e b eli eved would b e fa vo r a bl e t o hi m Jus t b efore .

rea ch in g t h i s pl a c e o n t h e s ev en t h of M a r ch t h ere oc
, ,

curred a s cen e wi t hout p a ra llel i n t h e h i s t ory of t h e world

'
.

I n t h e d efile of L afi ra y t h er e i s a n a r row ro a d b et ween

l a ke a n d h i lls H ere h e foun d a b at t a li on of i n fan t ry dr a wn
.

up i n ord er of b a ttl e comm a n d ed by Del essa rt Th i s

, .

[ 32 5 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
o ffi c er wh o w as on ly n i n et een yea r s of a ge w a s a n eph ew
, ,

of Gen er a l M a rch a n d t he comm a n d er of Gr en oble Al

, .

t hough h e w a s t h en v ery b i t t er a g a i n s t Na pol eon u n d er ,

t h e S econ d Emp i re h e b ec a m e M a r sh a l of F r a n & a n d

Mi n i st er of Wa r .

N a poleon who h a d ri dd en up wit h hi s l an c er s n ow d is

, ,

mou n t ed He o r d ered his sold i er s t o c a r r y t h ei r musket s

.

reversed u n d er t h ei r l eft a r m s an d a t t h ei r h ea d a dv a n c e d
,

t owa r d s t h e b a t t a l i on H e wo re hi s well-k n own h a t wit h

.

t h e li t t l e co c k a d e a n d t h e t r a d i t i o n a l gr a y red i n got e
, .

“ ”
Th ere h e i s ! Fi re ! c r i ed C a pt a in R an don Th e sol d i er s .

wer e liv i d t h ei r kn ees shook a n d t h ei r h a n ds t rembled

‘
, .

Wh en h e w a s Wit h in a few p a ces Na pol eo n op en ed h i s

“
overc o a t a n d sa i d : If t h er e i s a mon gst you a sold i er who
”
would sl a y his Emper o r h ere I a m ! A g r eat shout ,
“ ”
a r o se of Vi v e l Em pereu r ! Th e sold i ers t o r e off t h ei r
’

whit e co c k a d es broke r a n ks a n d rush ed t o su r r ou n d t h ei r

, ,

b eloved comm a n d er R an don set spurs t o his ho r s e a n d

.

r o d e a w a y wh i l e Del essar t b urs t i n t o t ea r s a n d su r ren

,

d ered hi s swo r d t o t h e Emperor who comfo rted h i m , .

“
B efore lea vi n g Elb a N a pol eon h a d s ai d I sh a ll a r ri ve ,
”
i n P a ri s Wit hout fi r i n g a shot ; a n d i n h i s procl a m a t i on t o
“
t h e Army h e h a d w r i t t en The ea gle wi ll fly fr om st eeple
,
”
t o s t eepl e even t o t h e t owe rs of Not r e D a m e
,
- Bot h of .

t h es e pred i c t i on s were veri fi ed F r om Gren obl e t o P a ri s .

N a pol eon s jou rn ey w a s on e lon g ov a t i on At Lyon a l a rge

’
.
,

fo r ce un d er M a cdon a ld m el t ed a wa y a t hi s a ppro a ch N ey .
,

who h a d promi sed t h e Ki n g t h at h e would b r i n g Bon a

”
p a rt e b a ck i n a n i r on c a ge w a s d es ert ed by h is own ,
“ ”
sold i ers who l eft h i m wit h cri es of Vi ve l Em pereu r !
,
’

Un a bl e t o r es i st t h e gen er a l con t a gi on h e t oo wen t t o ,

off er hi s sword t o N a pol eon who recei ved hi m wi t h open

,

a rms .

T h e mo n a r chy fell t o p i ec es l i ke a hou se of c a r ds Th e .

’
t roops s en t to st 0 p N a poleon s m a rch jo i n ed his a rm y A .

“
pl a c a r d w as a t t a ch ed t o t he Ven d om e Colum n : N a pol eon
to Lou is XVIII My good b rot her i t is us el ess t o sen d an y
.
,
”
more t roops : I h ave en ough .

E32 6 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
an d C a mb a c eres M i n i st er of Ju st i ce w
, h i le Ga ud i n t ook
,

c h a rge of t h e F i n an ces I t i s r em a rk a bl e t h at a ll t hree

.

wer e m emb er s of t h e Con sul a r Govern m en t a ft er t h e 1 8

Brum ai re D a vout c on s en t ed wit h some r eluct a nce t o b e
.

Mi n ist er of W a r C a ul a i n cou r t a g a i n t ook t h e port fol i o of

.

Forei gn Aff a i rs S a v a ry refused t he pos t of h ea d of t h e

.

poli ce a n d N a pol eon r eluc t an t ly a ppoi n t ed t h a t n ot o r i ous

,
“
t u r n c o a t Fou ché Th e v et er a n C a rn ot
. t h e o r g a n i zer ,
”
of vi ct ory w a s m a d e M i n i st er of t h e I n t eri o r I t
, .

w a s a s t ron g M i n i s t ry m a d e up of m en of t a len t a n d
,

exp eri en c e .

B u t N a pol eo n s fa t e w a s t o b e d ec i d ed a t Vi en n a a n d
’

n ot a t P a r i s Wh en t h e n ews of hi s ret u r n w a s r ec ei v ed
.

t h ere a d ec l a r a t i o n w a s d r a wn up a n d s i gn ed pl a c i n g
,

N a pol eon un d er t h e b a n of Europe a s a publi c en emy Th e .

ri gor of t h i s d ec r ee h a s b een gen er a lly con d em n ed a n d t h e ,

E n gli sh h i s t o r i a n s t r y i n v a i n t o d efen d it .

Th ere wer e a few c i vi l d i st u r b a n ces i n t he Ven d ee a n d ,

t he Sout h b u t t h e Imp er i a l Gover n m en t w a s i mm ed i a t ely

,

recogn i zed a lmo st ever yw h er e .

Alt hough N a poleon at on ce m a d e ov ert u r es of p ea ce ,

h i s a r r iv a l a t t h e Tui l eri es w a s r eg a r d e d by t h e o t h er
Power s as a d ec l a r at i on of w a r Hi s ci r cul a r a ddress t o t he
.

sov er ei gn s w a s st opp ed a t t h e fr on t ier s Th e m emb er s of .

t h e Bon a p a r t e fa m i ly who we re out sid e t h e l i m i t s of

Fr a n ce wer e in t er n ed .

B u t if t h es e were t h e s en t i m en t s of t h e r ul er s t h e feeli n g ,

of t h e peoples w a s very d i fferen t I n I t a ly i n B elgi um a n d

.
, ,

a lo n g t h e Rh i n e t h e ret ur n of N a pol eo n w a s h a i led wi t h

,

joy B ut t he gen er a l vo i c e of Germ an y c a lled ou t fo r a n

.

i n v a si o n of F r a n c e I n E n gl an d publi c op i n i on w as d ivi d ed
. .

Th e Gov ern m en t w a s i n fa vor of w a r wh i le t h e Wh i gs ,

m a d e a popul a r h er o of N a pol eon .

At P a r i s N a pol eon i n o r d er t o rea ssure t h e p eople d i d

, ,

hi s b est t o c o n cea l t h e ho st i le d es i gn s of t h e Powers a n d ,

t h e c i t y rem a i n ed qu i t e c a lm At t h e s a m e t i m e h e re
.

vi ewed ev er y d a y i n t h e C a rrousel t h e sold iers who were

lea vi n g for t h e fr o n t i er He a lso showed h i m self con
.

E 32 8 ]
 WATERLOO
st a n t l y t o t h e p eopl e ri d i n g a bout t h e st reet s a lmost a lon e
, .

A very i n t eres t i n g a c cou n t of N a poleon a t t h i s t i m e i s

gi ven i n t h e let t ers of Joh n C a m Hobhouse t o Lord Byron .

I n t h e cou rt of t h e C a r rous el h e s t ood wit h i n t en p a ces of

t h e Emp er o r a t a r ev i ew N a poleon fixed hi s eyes a n d
.

fill ed hi s i m a gi n a t i on He a lso saw hi m a t t h e Fr an c a i s

.
,

a t hi s fi r s t v i si t t o t h e t h eat r e a ft er hi s r et urn a n d s a ys
,

t h a t i t i s i mposs i bl e t o gi ve a n y i d ea of t h e joy wi t h wh i ch
“
N a pol eon w a s r ecei ved N a pol eon en t er ed a t t h e t h i r d
.

sc en e T h e whol e m a ss r ose wit h a shout wh i ch s t i ll

.

t hu n d er s i n my ea r s I saw t h e Bou r bo n pri n c es r ec ei ved

.
,

for t h e fi r s t t i m e i n t h e sa m e pl a c e l a s t y ea r Th ei r gr eet
, .

i n g wi ll b ea r n o comp a ri son wit h t h a t of N a poleon n or ,

wi ll a n y of t hose a cc ord ed t o t h e h er o es of t h e very m an y

c eremon i es I h a v e witn ess ed i n t h e c ou r s e of my li fe .

“
Hobhou se con c lu d es wit h t h e r em a r k : Th er e i s som et h i n g
m a gi c a l in t h a t power of p er son a l a t t a c hm en t wh i ch i s
p rov ed by a t hou sa n d n ot o r i ous fa ct s t o b elon g t o t h is
e xt r a o r d i n a r y m a n ; a n d n ev er h a d a n y on e who wo r e a
”
c r own so m a n y fr i en d s o r r et a i n ed t h em so lon g .

O n t h e fi r s t of Ju n e t ook pl a ce t h e fa mous a ssembly of

t h e Ch a mp d e M a i W h en t h e Emp er o r p r esen t ed t h e
,

ea gl es t o t h e sol d i ers who fil ed b efo r e h i m Hob .

hou se who w a s p r es en t s a ys t h a t t h e scen e w a s mor e

, ,

m a gn i fic en t t h a n a n y p en c a n d es cr i b e .

Wh en N a poleon en t ered t h e Tu i l eri es on t h e 2 0 M a rc h

h e w a s el a t ed a t hi s t r i umph a n d full of en er gy resolu t i o n ,

a n d hop e B u t i n a few wee k s t h e ou t l ook c h a n ged d ec i d

.

ed l y fo r t h e wor se T h e Power s pl a c ed hi m u n d er t h e b an
.

of Eu r op e a n d a r m ed a m i ll i o n m en t o over t hrow hi m .

Th e si t u a t i o n i n F r a n c e w a s mos t d i s c ou r a gi n g : t h e a r my
w a s i n w a n t of m en t h e a rsen a ls of suppli es t h e t r ea su r y
, ,

of fun ds Everywhe r e h e foun d hos t i l it y a n d susp i ci on

. .

’
Even N a pol eon s i r on c o n s t it ut i on c ould n ot st an d t h e
st ra i n of t h i s m en t a l t ort ure o n t op of almost con t in u a l
l a bor t o bri n g ord er o u t of ch a os Wh en h e l eft P a ri s t o
.

pl a ce h i ms elf a t t h e h ea d of t h e a r my h e w a s n o lon ger t h e

s a m e m a n mor a lly or phys i c a lly Fo r t h e fi r st t i m e h e w as
.

subj ect t o bod i ly a i lm en t s of a very p ain ful n at ure He .

E 32 9 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
h ad lost hop e a n d en ergy a n d w a s n o lon ger con fid en t
,

of success .

I n ord er t o r es t or e co n fid en ce a t home a n d con qu er

p eac e a bro a d N a pol eon r ea l ized a s n ever b efore fi a t h e
must g ai n a g r eat vict ory He h a d d eci d ed t o l ea ve for
.

t h e fron t on t h e 1 2 Ju n e Th e ev en in g of t h e eleven t h h e
.

d in ed wi t h hi s mot h er h is b r ot h er s a n d t h e p r i n cesses a t
,

t h e Elys e e wh er e h e h a d mov ed fr om t h e Tu i l eri es i n

,

Ap ri l Aft er d in n er t he t w o ch i ldren of Ho rt en s e were

.

brought t o hi m a n d lit t l e Loui s b egged hi m n ot t o go t o

,

t h e w a r N a pol eo n t urn ed t o M a rsh a l Soul t a ft er t h e boy

.

“
h a d gon e a n d m a d e t h e p r oph et i c r em a rk He i s p er h a ps ,
”
t h e hop e of my r a c e .

B efo re en t er in g on t h e d escri pt i on of hi s l a st c am p a i gn
it i s n eces sa r y t o con si d er t h e c on d it i on of t h e forcesw i t h
wh i ch N a pol eon hoped t o secu r e t h e vi ct ory By t h e fi rst .

of Jun e h e h a d m en i n t h e fi eld ; t h e N a t i on a l
Gu a r d n umb ered t h e sa m e a n d mo r e wer e d e
,

t a c h ed i n d ep ot s .

’
Comin g n ow t o t h e person n el of t h e a rmy : N a pol eon s
ol d c h i ef of st a ff B er t h i er who h a d served hi m i n t h i s
, ,

c a p a c i t y for t wen t y yea rs h a d r et i r ed t o B a v a r i a a n d hi s

, ,

loss w a s b a d ly felt du r in g t h e c a mp a i gn To supply his .

pl a ce t h e Emper or selec t ed M a r sh a l Soult a very b a d ,

c hoi ce Soul t h a d g rea t qu a l i t i es b u t w a s n ot fi t t ed by

.
,

t emp er a m en t or exp er i en ce for t h i s po si t i on wh ere ot h ers ,

woul d h a ve don e b et t er N a pol eon w a s obli ged t o l ea ve

.

D a vout b eh in d a t P a r i s b ec a u se t h ere w a s n o on e els e t o

whom h e coul d i n t r ust t h e c a r e of t h e c a pit a l Au gereau .

h a d b een s t r u c k fr om t h e l i s t a n d M a r mo n t a n d Vi ct or
,

h a d followed t h e Ki n g M a cdon a ld refus ed t o s er ve a n d

’

.
,

O u d i n ot a n d S a in t -Cyr wer e n ot employed M a ss en a a n d .

Mort i er were il l B r un e w a s sen t t o t h e Sout h a n d Jourd a n

.
,

a n d Such et wer e a lso employed Ney w a s summon ed a t .

t h e l a st mom en t an d gi v en a n i mpo rt a n t comm a n d b u t it ,

woul d h a ve b een b et t er i f N a poleon h a d l eft h i m at P a ri s .

G r ouchy who h a d just rec ei ved h i s b at on h a d a g reat

, ,

reput a t i on a s a c a v a l r y o ffic er a n d N a pol eon could n ot

,

kn ow how fat a l hi s s er vi ces were t o prove .

E 330 3
 WATERLOO
On t he first of Ju n e a l a r ge Aust ri an a r my u n der
Schw a rzen b erg w a s n ea ri n g t h e Rh i n e a n d Russ i a w a s ,

a lso m a ki n g g r ea t m i l it a ry prep a r a t i on s Across t h e fr o n .

t i er i n B elgi um an An glo-Pru ssi an a r my w a s a ss embl ed

n ea r Bruss els .

N a pol eon con s i d ered t wo pl a n s of op er at i on s He could .

ei t h er a w a i t t h e en emy s a t t a ck wh i ch would gi ve h i m
’
,

m ore t i m e t o org an i ze a n d equ i p hi s a rmy a n d a b et t er ,

ch an c e of succ ess o r a dv an c e t o t h e a t t a ck h i ms elf a n d

,

en d ea vor t o c r ush a p a rt of t h e a ll i ed fo r ces b efo r e t h e

r est could com e up For m a n y r ea son s h e c hose t h e l a t t er

.

cou r s e Of h i s
. m en h e k ep t in h a n d a s hi s
m a i n a rmy a n d s en t t h e r em a in d er t o t h e Ven d ee I t a ly
, , ,

t h e Rh i n e a n d t h e Pyren ees .

Th e m i li t a ry s i t u a t i o n a t t h e op en in g of t h e c a mp a i gn
w a s fa vor a bl e t o N a pol eon Th e a lli ed a rmy w as sprea d
.

o u t o n a l i n e of ov er ei gh t y m i l es a lo n g t h e B elgi a n fr on

t i er Th ey n eed ed t w o en t i re d a y s t o a ss embl e on t h e sa m e
.

b a t t l e-field Well i n gt on s h ea dqu a rt ers wer e at B r ussel s

.
’

B l ii c h er s a t N a mu r T h e E n gli sh lin e of commu n i c a t i on s

’
.

r a n t h r ough Bru ss els t o An t wer p t h e P r u ssi a n t h r ough

, ,

L iege t o Cologn e ; i n c a s e of d i s a st er t h e l in es of r et rea t

would d i verge .

I t i s i n t er es t i n g t o n ot e t h a t i n h i s l a st c a mp ai gn N a
pol eon w a s c o n fr o n t ed by ex a c t ly t h e sa m e p r obl em a s i n
h is first an d t h a t h e solved i t i n t h e sa m e w a y Now a s
,
.
,

in 1 796 hi s oppon en t s wer e sup er i o r i n n umb ers o cc up ied

, ,

a n ext en d ed fr o n t a n d h a d d i v ergen t l i n es of c ommu n i

,

c a t i on s He d eci d ed a s b efore t o st r i ke i n full fo r c e a t t h e

.

poin t of ju n c t i on d ri v e a wedge b et ween t h e t w o a r mi es

, ,

a n d t hrow t h em b a ck o n t h ei r resp ect i v e b a ses T h e pl a n .

w a s a N a pol eo n i c m a s t er p i ec e b u t i t s exec u t i o n w as fa r
,

fr om p erfect N evert h el ess i t a lmos t suc c eed ed a n d w a s

.
,
’
lost by b u t a few hours d el a y .

Th e h ea t re of t h e 1 8 1 5 c a mp a i gn i s boun d ed on t h e
t
sout h by t h e S a mb re fr om M a ub euge t o N a mu r About .

m i dw a y b et ween t h es e t wo pl a c es li es Ch a rl er o i wh e re
on e of t h e m ai n ro a ds t o Bruss els c r oss es t h e ri ver Ten .

E 331 ]
 NA PO LEON THE FI RST
mi l es t o t he n or t h t h is ch a uss é e i s c u t by t h e p a ved roa d
wh i ch run s from Ha l t h r ough Ni velles t o N a mu r a n d t h i s ,

crossro a ds is kn own a s Qu at r e B r a s Li gn y li es a m i le sout h

.

i ’
of h s r o a d n or t h ea st of Ch a r l er oi About t wen t y m il es
t , . ,

t o t h e n o rt h of Ch a r l er oi i s t h e l i t t l e v i ll a ge of W a t erloo ,

a sho rt t en m i l es t o t h e ea st of wh i c h i s W a v r e Th e .

grou n d is r ollin g a n d most l y op en wi t h coun t r y r o a ds

, ,

r un n i n g i n every d i r ec t i o n a n d n o s t r ea ms of a n
, y i mpo r
t a n ce All of t h e op er a t i o n s of t h e c a mp a i gn w er e con
.

d uct ed wit h i n t h e i rregul a r t ri a n gl e whos e a p ex i s B r u ssels ,

an d t h e b a s e a li n e d r a wn from Mo n s t h r ough Ch a r l er oi

t o N a mu r .

I n t h e ea r ly hou rs of t h e I 5 Ju n e t h e F r en c h a r my
c r os sed t h e S a mb r e a t Ch a r l er oi Wi t hou t opposi t i o n an d ,

t ook Welli n gt on a n d Bl ii c h er compl et ely by surp r i se Th e .

first d efi n it e in fo r m at i on t h ey recei v ed w a s fr om Bourmon t

t h e c omm an d er of t h e v a n gu a r d of t h e F r en c h r i ght

colum n who wen t over t o t h e en emy a n d b et r a yed t h e

Emperor s pl a n s Du r in g t h e d a y t h e Fren c h l eft wi n g
’
.

u n d er Ney pu sh ed b a ck t h e en emy s ou t post s t ow a r d s

’

Qu a t re B r a s b u t fa i led t o r ea c h t h a t poi n t O n e co r p s .

un d er Van d a mm e en c a mp ed n ea r Fl eu r us ju st sout h of ,

Li gn y whi le t he Gu a r d a n d t h e c o r p s of G er a r d a n d Lob a u
,

were n ea r Ch a r l er oi At t h e sa me t i m e Bl ii c h er t ook up a
.

b at t le posit ion n ea r Li gn y a n d Wellin gt on h u r r i ed up r ei n

fo r cemen t s t o h is t roop s a t Qu at r e Br a s Th es e a r r a n ge
.

m en t s l ed t o t h e t wo b a t t les of t h e si xt een t h .

I n t he b at t le of Li gn y fough t o n t h e 1 6 Ju n e Blu c h er ,

h a d a bout m en a g ai n s t t h e of N a poleon .

Wh en t he Emperor foun d t h e P r uss i a n s w ere i n fo r c e a t

Li gn y he sen t ord ers t o Ney a n d a lso d i r ect t o E r lon
, , ,

for t h e Fi rs t Corps t o suppo r t hi s fr on t a l a t t a ck upon

Li gn y Bu t wh en E rlon d i d n ot a pp ea r h e fi n a lly sen t i n
.

t he Gu a rd w h o drov e t h e P r u ss i a n s fr om t h ei r posi t i on
, .

At t h e s am e t i me Ney h a d a t t a c k ed t h e E n gli sh a t
.
’
Qu at re Br a s wi t h Reill e s c o r p s Owi n g t o t h e c on t r a d i c
.

t ory ord ers r ec ei v ed by E r lon fr om N a pol eo n an d N ey ,

hi s corps sp en t t he a ft ern oo n i n m a rch i n g a n d cou n t er

E 332 3
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
w as publ i sh ed i n wh i c h N a pol w n s a ys t h a t it i s i mport a n t,
“
to p en et r at e whet h er t h e Prussi a n s a r e sep a r at i n g t h em
s elves from t h e E n gli sh or wh et h er t h ey a re i n t e in g st i ll
t o u n i t e t o cover B r us sels or Li ege i n t ryi n g t e fa t e o f
”
, y
a n ot h er b a t t l e Th is ord er cl ea r ly shows t h at N a poleon
.

d i st i n ct ly r ec ogn i zed t he possi b i lit y of t h e P r u ssi a n s un it

i n g wit h t h e E n gli sh a n d t h a t i n t h i s c a s e h e exp ect ed
, , ,

Gr ouchy t o a ct i n c on j un ct i on wit h t h e m a i n a r my Th a t .

Gr ou c hy i n sp it e of hi s m a n y d en i a l s fully u n d er st ood h i s
, ,

t a sk i s shown by h i s d i sp a t ch of t h e 1 7 Ju n e a t I O P M , . .
,

i n wh i c h h e sa ys t h a t i f t h e P r u ssi a n s r et i r e on W a vre h e
“
wi ll follow t h em i n t h a t d i r ect i on i n o r d er t h a t t h ey m a y
n ot b e a bl e t o g a i n B r u ss el s a n d t o s ep a r a t e t h em fr om
,

Wellin gt on .

Aft er gi vi n g t h ese o r d er s t o Gr ouchy N a pol eon wi t h ,

t h e r em a i n d er of h i s a r my m a r c h e d t o Qu a t re B r a s t o joi n
l

N ey O n r ea c h i n g t h ere a t on e o c loc k h e fou nd t h at

’
.

Wellin gt on h a d gon e H e i mm ed i a t ely followed a n d on h is

.
,

a r r i v a l a t L a B elle-All i a n ce t h e sa m e ev en i n g h e fou n d t h e

E n glish a r my d r awn up a t Mon t —S a i n t —Jea n evi d en t ly ,

resolved t o gi ve b at t l e .

Sout h of B r ussel s for m an y m i l es st ret ch es t h e l a rge

Fo rest of Soi gn es At a d i st a n c e of t hree l ea gu es fr om t he
.

c a p i t a l o n t h e ed ge of t h e wood s l i es t h e l i t t l e v i ll a ge of
, ,

W a t er loo t h e h ea dqu a r t er s of Welli n gt on whi ch g a ve i t s

, ,

n a m e t o t h e b a t t l e Two m i l es fa r t h er on i s Mon t -S a i n t
.

Jea n wh er e t h e b a t t le w a s fought .

A gl a n c e a t t h e m a p wi ll show t h at t h e s a l i en t poi n t s of
t h e b a t t l e-fiel d of W at er loo fo r m a n a lmo st p er fect l et t er
A Th e t op of t h e l et t er wh er e t h e t wo high r o a d snfrom
.
,

Ni velles an d Ch a rleroi t o Bruss els joi n i s Mon t -S a i n t -Jea n

t h ere i s Well in gt on ; t h e lowe r r i ght po i n t i s L a B elle
'

Allia n ce : t h ere is N a pol eon ; t he lower left poin t is Hon go

mon t a n ol d st on e ch at ea u wh i c h l a y i n a l a r ge g r ove
, , ,

a n d wit h i t s en c losi n g w a lls s t ood l i k e a k i n d of for t r ess

j ust i n fron t of t h e F r en ch l in es .

Th e cord or crosspi ec e of t h e A i s a b y -ro a d wh i ch i n t er

E 334 ]
 WATERLOO
s ect s t h e t wo h i ghro a d s a t ri ght a n gles an d li ke m a n y of , ,

t h e B elgi a n ro a d s i n pl a c es i s sun k much b elow t h e l evel

,

of t h e fi elds .

Th i s ro a d wh i ch bord er s t he c res t of t he pl at ea u of
Mon t -S a in t -Jea n an d cut s t h e Bruss els r out e a t ri ght
a n gl es cover ed a lmos t t h e en t i r e E n gl i sh pos i t i o n wi t h a

l in e of n a t ur a l obst a cles To t h e ea s t of t h e h i ghw a y t h e

.
,

ro a d w a s o n a l evel wit h t h e fi el d s b ut a double bord er of ,

h i gh a n d t h i ck h edges ren d ered i t i mp a ss a bl e by c a v a l r y .

To t h e west t h e ro a d w a s sun k fr om fiv e t o t en feet

, ,

b et ween t w o b an ks a n d t hus form ed for a d i s t a n ce of

,

ov er fou r hu n d r ed y a rds a for m i d a ble i n t ren chm en t By .

m a n y h i st o r i a n s t he exi st en ce of t h i s su n ken r o a d i s en
t i r el y i gn ored wh i l e ot h ers s eem t o doub t t h a t t h er e w a s
,

such a n obst a cl e Th i s i s per h a ps d u e t o t he fa ct t h at t h i s

.

p a rt of t h e fi el d w a s much c h a n ged a few yea rs a ft er t h e

“
b a t t le i n t h e con st ru ct i on of t h e i mm en s e Mou n d of t h e
”
B el gi a n Li on At t h at t i m e t h e h edges were cu t down a n d
.

t h e su n k en ro a d w a s obl i t er a t ed Th a t t h es e t w o fea t ur es
.

exi s t ed a t t h e t i m e of t h e b a t t l e howev er i s cl ea r ly , ,

shown i n t h e o ffi ci a l en gi n eer s m a p d r a wn up i n 1 8 1 6
’
.

Th i s ro a d mus t n ot b e for got t en as i t pl a yed a very i m ,

port an t p a rt i n t h e b at t l e .

Just b elow t h e poin t wh ere t he cord joi n s t h e ri gh t

down -st roke of t he A i s L a H a i e—S a i n t e whose bui ld i n gs ,

a n d w a lls wer e fort i fi ed a n d h eld l i ke t h oseZof H ou gom on t

by t h e En gl i sh Th e t ri a n gl e compri s ed b et ween t he poin t

.
,

t h e t w o down -s t rok es a n d t h e cord of t h e A rs t h e pl a t e a u

,

of Mon t -S a i n t -Jean t h e cen t r e of t he Bri t i sh li n e Th i s

, .

pl a t ea u i n a w a y dom in at es t he su r r oun d i n g coun t ry ; a n d

’
on i s sou t h e rn slop es w a s d r a wn up Welli n gt o n s a rmy

n umb eri n g a bout m en I n i t s fron t a lon g a lower

.
,

cres t less t h a n a m i l e aw ay w as t h e a r my of N a poleon ,

whi ch w a s of a bou t t h e s a m e si ze B et ween t he pl at ea ux .

on wh i ch t h e t w o a r m i es wer e po st ed t h e g r ou n d i s mu c h ,

lower so t h a t t h e Fren ch h a d t o m a rc h u p-hi ll t o a t t a ck

,
.

Oppos it e L a H a i e—S a i n t e n ea rer t h e ot h e r d own -st roke

,
“ ”
of t h e A n ow ri s es t h e
,
Mou n d of t h e B elgi an L i on Th e .

[ 335 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
moun d is t wo hun d red feet i n h ei gh t a n d i s su r moun t ed by
a huge l i on c a st fr om t h e m et a l of F r en c h c a n n on ca p t u r ed

i n t h e b at t l e I n o r d er t o bu i ld t h i s l a r ge mou n d m an y
.
,

t hou sa n d w a gon -lo a ds of ea rt h w er e t a ken fr om t he p l a

t ea u a n d t h i s h a s much ch a n ged t h e c o n t ou r of t h e c ou n
,

t r y so t h a t a t t h e p r esen t t i m e i t i s n ot ea sy t o recogn i ze
,

m a n y of t h e sa lien t poin t s I n t h e B a n qu et i n g H a ll of t h e
.

o ld p a l ac e of Wh i t eh a ll i n Lo n d on n ow o cc up i ed by t h e ,

Roya l Un i t ed S er vi c e Museum t h ere i s a l a r ge mod el of ,

t h e b a t t l e wh i ch gi ves a b et t er i d ea of t h e d i spos i t i o n a n d
movem en t s of t h e fo r ces on t h e even t ful d ay t h a n a n ,

a ct u a l vi si t t o t h e fi el d .

Alt hough n a t u r a lly st r on g fo r d efen si ve pu r pos es t he

, ,

B r it i sh posit i on w a s subj ect t o t h e d efec t of h a vi n g it s l i n e

of ret r eat a lon g a si n gl e n a r r ow r o a d t h r ough a d en se
forest a n d i n c a se of d efea t t h e E n gli sh a r my woul d h a ve
,

b een p r a ct i c a lly a n n i h i l a t ed .

At Wa t er loo a s i n Ru ssi a t h e Emp er o r owed h i s d efea t

, ,

l a r gely t o t h e el em en t s I t w a s a lwa ys hi s h a b i t t o b egi n

.

hi s b a t t les a t d ay -b r ea k O n t h e 1 8 Ju n e a lmost t h e
.
,

lon gest d ay i n t h e yea r t h e su n i n t hi s n ort h er n l at it ud e

,

r ose a bout fou r o c loc k a n d t h e b a t t l e i f comm en c ed a t

’

, ,

d a wn i n al l p r ob a b i lit y wou l d h a ve b een over a n d t h e

,

E n gli sh a r my d est r oyed b efor e n oon B u t i t h a d r a i n ed i n .

t o r ren t s t h e p revi ou s n i gh t a n d t h e g r ou n d w a s t oo soft

for a rt i ller y m a n ce u v res N a pol eon who h a d a l a r ge
.
,

sup er i o r i t y i n gu n s a n d who h a d n ever fo r go t t en t h a t h e

,

w a s on c e a n o fli cer of a r t i ll er y t h er efo r e w a it ed u n t i l ,

n ea r ly n oo n fo r t h e g r o u n d t o d r y a n d h a r d en b efo r e
gi v
i n g t h e si gn a l for a t t a c k .

Alt hough t h e E n gli sh m ad e a b r a ve r esi st a n c e a t fou r ,

o clock t he b a t t l e w a s d ec i d ed ly goin g a g a i n st t hem

’
.

“
Wellin gt on frequen t ly looke d a t his wat c h a n d wi sh ed ,
”
t o Go d t h a t n i ght o r Bl ii c h er woul d c om e .

At t h i s cri si s of t h e b a t t l e wh en a d eci si ve F r en ch v ic
’

t ory s eem ed ce rt ai n t h e P r u ssi a n s b eg a n t o a r ri ve o n t h e

,

fi eld a n d t h e Emp eror h a d t o sen d a p a rt of hi s r es er v es

t o hol d t h em i n c h ec k .

E 336 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
ret i re Th ere is lit t l e doub t t h a t t h is c h a r ge b ut for t h e
.
,

c at a st rophe of t h e su n ken ro a d would h a ve b r oken t h e ,

B r it i sh cen t re a n d d eci d ed t he b a t t l e Wellin gt on who .

w as so n ea r ly d efea t ed could n ot repr ess a n excl a a t i on

,
“ ”
of a dm i r at i on He s a i d : Spl en d i d !
.

Wh en fi n a lly exh a us t ed t h e F ren c h c a v a lry t urn ed a n d

, ,

d r i ft ed down t h e slop e it w as followed by t h e en t i re En g

,

li sh a r my Th e F r en ch were b ecom in g d emor a li zed a n d

.

N a pol eon w a s obli ged t o p u t i n hi s l a s t r es erv e t he i n ,

fan t r y of t h e Old Gu a r d .

Th e sk y h a d b een covered a l l d a y All a t o n ce a t t h i s .

,

ver y mom en t a b out ei ght o c lock i n t h e even in g t h e

,
’
,

cloud s p a rt ed i n t h e west a n d t h ere a pp ea r ed t h e l a rge

,

red b a ll of t h e set t i n g su n I t w a s t h e r i s i n g su n wh i ch h a d
.

g reet ed N a pol eon o n t h e fi eld of Au st er l it z !

Fo r t h i s l a st eff ort ev ery b at t a li on of t h e Gu a rd w as
,

c omm a n d ed by a gen er a l Wh en t h e t a ll b ea r -ski n c a p s of

'

t h e g ren a d i er s a pp ea red a m i d s t t h e gloom of t h e fa lli n g

n i gh t , t h e en emy for a mom en t rec oi l e d a t t h e si gh t of
t h ese v et er a n s of so m an y w a r s of t h e Emp i re who n ev er ,

y et h a d a dv an c ed excep t t o v i ct o r y K n owi n g t h a t t h ey .

wer e goi n g t o d i e t h ey s t i ll s a lut ed N a pol eon a s of o l d

,
“ ”
wit h c ri es of Vi v e l Em p ereu r ! ’

Alt hough t h e Gu a r d h ea r d t h e c ri es of S a uve q u i

”
p eut ! a n d saw t h ei r fellow-sold ier s r et i r i n g a ll a r oun d
t h em , t h ey con t i n u ed t o a dv a n ce Th ey wer e l ed by .

“
M a r sh a l Ney t h e b r a v est of t h e b r a ve Aft er h a v in g
, .

fiv e hor ses shot u n d er h i m h e a d v a n ced on foot a b roken , ,

“
swo r d i n hi s h a n d cryi n g t o t h e En gl i sh : Ven ez voi r
,

c omm en t m eu r t u n M a r é ch a l d e Fr a n c e su r l e c h a mp d e
”
b at ai lle ! B u t i n v a i n : h e bo r e a c h a r med li fe He w a s t o .

m eet h i s fat e from F r en ch bull et s !

Ni ght h a d n ow com e a n d on ly a few squ a r es of t h e
,

Gu a r d r em a i n ed Ab an don ed by a ll t er r i bl e i n t hei r expi r

.
,

in g a gon y t h ey st i ll fought on Aust erlit z Jen a Fri ed

, .
, ,

l an d Wa g r a m w er e dyi n g i n t h em
, .

At n i n e o c lock o n ly on e squ a re w a s l eft at t h e foot of

’

t h e pl a t ea u of S a in t -Jean Th e E n gl i sh fill ed wit h a dm i r a

.
,

E 338 ]
MAR SHAL B LUCH ER
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
myst eri ous d es i gn s for t h e upli ft in g of t h e r a ce I t c a st s .

t h em a s i d e wh en t h ei r r en ov a t i n g wo r k i s a cc ompl i sh ed .

N a pol eon saw n ot wh en t h a t t i m e h a d com e H e s ru ggl ed

s
.

on t ow a rds t h e I n d i es C a d i z an d Moscow a s t hough t h e

, ,

n ew a ge of n a t i on a l it y h a d n ot d a wn ed ; an d t h er efore h e
”
en d ed hi s d a ys a t S a i n t H el en a .

S ays M a ré ch a l Foch in a n ess a y publ ish ed on t h e on e

“
hun dret h a n n ivers a r y of t h e d ea t h of N a poleon : I n my
op i n on t h e d eep rea son for t h e d i s a s t er whi ch ove r
whelm e d hi m w as t h a t h e forgot t h at a m a n c a n n ot b e
God ; t ha t a bove t he in d i v i du a l th ere is t h e N a t i on ;
, ,

t h a t a bov e m en the r e is t h e Mo ra l L aw ; a n d t h at w a r
,
”
is n ot t h e h i gh est go a l si n c e a bove w a r t her e is p ea ce
, , , .

N a poleon rea ch ed Ch a rleroi a t fiv e o c lock on t h e mor n ’

i n g a ft er t h e b a t t le L ea vi n g ord ers fo r t h e a r my t o r en d ez
.

vous at L a on h e i mm ed i at ely p r oc eed ed t o P a ri s wh ere

,

h e a r ri ved ea r ly on t h e t wen t y-fir st a n d wen t t o t h e

Elysee He w as compl et ely wo r n ou t wit h fat i gue
. .

Hi s b r ot h er Luc i en a dvi s ed hi m t o s ei ze t h e rei n s of

power by a c oup d et at b u t N a pol eon w a s n o lon ger equ a l
’
,

t o su c h a cou r se He sen t h i s b r ot h er wi t h a m essa ge t o

.

t h e Ch a mb er of D eput i es a sk i n g t h em t o c o n c er t m ea su r es
for t h e n at i on a l d efen ce I n t h e even i n g C a rn ot wen t t o
.

t h e P eer s a n d Lu c i en t o t h e D epu t i es t o a pp ea l for a u n i t ed

f ort a ga i n st t h e Powers b u t t h ei r plea s wer e of

n a t i o n a l ef ,

n o eff ect . O n t h e 2 2 Ju n e u n d er t h e a d vi ce of hi s m i n i s
,

t ers N a pol eo n t ook t h e fi n a l a c t of hi s o ffi c i a l c a r eer a n d

,

a b d i c at ed i n fa vor of h i s so n B u t t h e D eput i es r efus ed t o

.

rec ogn i ze N a poleon t h e S econ d a n d a t o n c e a ppoi n t ed a n

,

exec ut i v e Co m mi s si on of fiv e m emb er s of wh i ch Fou c h é

w as chos en Presi d en t .
 CHAPTER TWENTY—TWO
1 8 1 5—1 82 1

SAINT HEL ENA

Na pol eon Leav es for Ro ch efor t S

d ers t o En an d
u rren gl S en t to Sain t
Hle en a v
Arr i es at J
a m est w n o
L n w d His o g oo Com p an io ns in
xl
E ie B
The ert ran d s Th e M on t h ol on s Las ases C Go g ur au d
H is Jo u rn al The Book
s of La s C
ases a n d M on t hol on An t o m m a rc hi
Si r H o
u d s n L we oNa
’
e n s pol o G v
r i e an ces Last Por t r ai t o f t h e

p o
Em er r oo
The R ms at L n w d o g oo pol o
Na e n s
’
B ook
s His O ccu
p o
a ri n s La st Ill
n ess a n d eat D h
His Rem ains r B o gh t B k
u ac to
Fr an ce o b
His T m i n t he n a id es I vl
N t h e Su n d a y a ft er t h e b a t t le of Wa t erloo t he 2 5 ,

Ju n e N a pol eon left hi s c a p it a l for t h e l a st t i m e

,

a n d w en t t o M a lm a i so n H ere h e rem a i n ed for

.

fou r d a ys i n a s t at e of i n d eci si o n very for ei gn t o hi s u su a l

ch a r a ct er B u t t h e Alli es wer e fa st a ppro a ch in g P a r i s a n d
.
,

h e w as forc ed t o l ea ve O n Thursd a y for t h e fi rst t i m e in

.
,

m a n y yea rs h e p u t on ci vi li a n d ress a n d s ai d a d i eu t o his

, ,

mot h er a n d Qu een Hort en se O n t h e l awn a t M a lm a i son a

.

st on e s t i ll m a rks t h e spot wh e re h e en t er ed t h e c a r r i a ge

t h a t w a s t o b ea r hi m a w a y t o exi l e Th a t n i ght a t t h e .

ch at ea u of R a mboui llet h e sl ept for t h e l a st t i m e b en ea t h

a p a l a c e roo f Th e n ext d a y h e p roc eed ed by w a y of Tours
.

t o t h e n a v a l port of Roch efort H ere he hoped t o fin d a

.

ves sel t o t a ke h i m t o t h e Un i t ed S t at es hi s chos en pl a ce ,

of r efuge b u t h e fou n d t h e h a rbor block a d ed by t h e

,

Brit i sh fl eet Even t o t h e l a s t t he wood en w a ll s of

.
,

E n gl a n d w ere t o prove a n obst a cl e wh i ch he could n ot

ove rc om e Jos eph offered hi m t h e c a b i n whi ch h e h a d
.

en g a ge d a bo a rd a n Am eri c a n sh i p s a i li n g from Bord ea ux ,

b u t N a pol eon refus ed t o s ec ure h is own s a fet y a t t h e

’
exp en s e of h i s b ro t h er s .

F i n a lly h e d eci d ed t o surren d er t o Great B ri t a i n an d ,

t hrow h i ms el f on t h e m er cy of h i s most b i tt er foe O n t h e .

[ 34 r l
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
I July t h n a t i on a l fet e d a y h e wen t a bo a r d t he B el
4 .
, e ,
”
l eroph on wh i ch i mm ed i a t ely set s a i l for E n gl a n d Aft er a
,
.

slow voy a ge of a week t h e ves sel dropped a n c hor i n t h e

lov ely h a r bo r of Torb a y wh i ch N a poleon s a i d r an i n d ed
,

h i m of Po rt o -F er r ajo Two d a ys l at er t h e c a p t a i n r ecei v ed

.

ord ers t o p r oceed t o Plymout h Aft er fou r d a ys of suspen se .

i n t h e h a r bo r t h ere Admi r a l Lo r d K eit h a r ri ved wit h an

,
“ ”
ord er t h at Gen er a l Buon a p a rt e shoul d b e con v eyed t o
t h e i sl a n d of S a i n t H el en a .

Th e Govern m en t a llowed t h e c a p t i ve t o choos e t h ree

o ffi c er s an d a physi ci a n t o a c comp a n y h im N a poleon .

sel ect ed B ert r a n d M on t h ol on a n d Gourga ud for h i s

, , ,

c omp a n i o n s i n exi l e a n d L a s C a s es w as a d d ed t o t h e
,
“
n umb er i n t h e cov et ed po st of sec r et a ry Th e Bell ero .

”
phon t h en sa i led for Tor b a y wh er e t h e Emp eror a n d hi s
su i t e wer e t r a n sfer r ed on t h e sev en t h of Augu st t o a
“ ”
n ewer sh i p , t he Nor t humb er l a n d whi ch h a d b een ,

ch osen for t h e voy a ge At t h i s t i m e B ert r a n d a sk ed t h a t

.
,
”
O Mea r a t h e su r geon of t h e B ell er ophon b e d esi gn a t e d
’
, ,

t o a cc omp a n y t h e Emp er o r i n pl a ce of t h e phy si c i a n o r i gi

n a lly selec t ed a n d t h e a dm i r a l c o n sen t ed t o t h e c h a n ge
, .

Du r in g t h e voy a ge N a pol eon p a ssed most of h i s d a ys

i n h i s c a b i n wh er e h e a t o n ce b eg a n t o d i c t a t e h i s r ecol l ec
,

t i o n s t o L a s C a ses H e d i n ed ev er y d a y wit h t h e a d m i r a l
.

a n d t h e sh i p s o ffi cer s wit h whom h e c o n v er s ed fr eely I n

’
, .

t h e ev en i n g h e pl a y ed c a r d s or ch ess i n t h e gen er a l c a b i n .

Aft er a voy a ge of si xt y-seven d a ys t h e exi l es si ght ed ,

“
t h e fr own i n g c l iff s of S a i n t H el en a t h a t bl a c k w a r t r i s
,

i n g ou t of t h e o cean Aft er d a r k t h e n ext d ay t h e 1 7

.
,

Oct ob er N a pol eon l an d ed an d p a ss ed t h e n i ght at a

, ,

hou se prep a r ed for hi s r ec ept i on at J a m est own O n t h e .

mor r ow h e w a s up at d awn a n d rod e wit h Admi r a l Cock

bu r n a n d B er t r a n d t o Lon gwood wh i ch h a d b een s el ect ed ,

for h i s res i d en c e N a pol eon s eem ed s at i sfied wi t h t h e

.

a r r a n gem en t a n d express ed a d es i r e t o occupy t h e hous e

,

a s soon a s i t could b e a l t er ed fo r h i s oc c up a n cy I n t he .

m ean t i m e h e t ook up hi s a bod e for s even weeks i n a l it t l e

“ ”
bun ga low n ea r t h e t own n a m ed Th e Bri a rs .

E 342 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Un fort un at ely N a poleon s household at Lon gwood w a s
,
’

h a r dly more con gen i a l t h a n t h e surroun d i n gs of t he i sl a n d .

T h e p er so n a ges of t h i s lon g t r a gedy a re few i n n umb er ,

an d of som e of th em w e c a t ch o n ly occ a s i o n a l gl i mp s es .

B er t r a n d t h e form er M a ré ch a l d u P a l ai s an d a id e d e
, ,

c a mp of t he Emp eror w a s an en gi n eer o ffi ce r of d i st i n c

,

t i on H e w a s d evot ed t o hi s m a s t er an d n ot less d evot ed

.
,

t o hi s wi fe He poss ess ed t h e s i n gul a r d i s t in c t i on a mon g

.

t h e c omp an i on s of t h e Emp eror of b ein g t h e on ly on e who

d i d n ot writ e a book Th i s i n a wa y is to b e regr et t ed for
.
, , ,

excep t M on t h ol on h e i s t h e on ly on e who s t a yed t i ll t h e

en d a n d of t h e l a s t t hr ee y ea r s of N a pol eon s li fe w e k n ow
’
,

b u t li t t le I n hi s loy a l s i len c e h e rem ai n s t h e most symp a

.

t h et i c figure of t h e E m p er o r s en tou r a ge
’
.

M a d a me B ert ran d w a s t h e d a ughter of Art hur Di ll on ,

Colon el of t he Di llon Regi men t c elebr at ed i n t h e hi st ory ,

of Fr a n ce By his first m a r ri a ge h e h a d on e d a ught er who

.

m a r ri ed t h e M a rqui s d e L a Tour d u Pi n a n d w a s t h e
a ut ho r of t h e i n t er es t i n g R ec ollec t i on s of t he R evolut i on
”
a n d t h e Emp i r e Aft er t h e d ea t h of hi s wi fe D i llon
.

m a r r i ed a wi dow M m e d e L a Touch e a firs t cous in of

, .
,

t h e Emp r ess Jos e ph in e Wh en F a n n y D i llon wa s t wen t y

.

t h r ee yea r s of a ge i n 1 80 8 t h e Emp eror h i mself a r r an g ed

, ,

h er m a r ri a ge wi t h h is fa vori t e ai d e d e c a mp who w as ,

t welve yea r s h er s en i o r Sh e w a s a mos t en g a gi n g fa sci n a t

.
,

in g wom a n wi t h somet hi n g of t h e Creole ch a rm of Jose

,

phi n e Sh e spoke En gli sh wi t h p erfect flu en cy At Pl y m

.
.

c u t h sh e en t reat ed h er husb a n d n ot t o follow N a pol eon

t o S a i n t H el en a m a d e a scen e i n h is c a b i n a n d t h en
, ,

a t t emp t ed t o drown h ers elf Aft er t h i s first t umult of Creole

.

p a ssi on sh e s eems t o h a ve b ec om e recon ci l ed t o h er l ot ;

sh e w on t h e reg a rd an d good - wi l l of a l l who kn ew h er ,

an d w a s t h e p ea c e-m a k e r of t h e l it t l e commu n i t y O n e .

t r a i t of humor i s r ecord ed of h er At S a in t H el en a a c h i ld .

w as bor n t o h er whom sh e presen t ed t o t h e Emp er or as

,
“
t h e first Fren ch vi s it or who h a d en t er ed Lon gwood wi t h
ou t Lor d B at hurs t s p erm i ss i o n
’
.

Of t h e p erson al ity of M a n d M m e d e Mon t hol on we . .

E 344 J
 SAINT H ELENA
cat ch but a fai n t Vi ew at S a in t H elen a He h a d k n own .

N a po leon ever s i n c e h e was a ch i ld wh en h e w en t t o,

Cors i c a wit h hi s mother a n d h i s st epfat h er M d e S emo n .

vi ll e He was a ft erwa rds at school i n P a ri s wi t h Jerome

.
,

a n d Eu ge n e d e Beau h a m a i s I t w as hi s s t ran ge fat e t o sh a re

.

for si x yea rs t h e exi le of t h e Great Emp eror an d t h en ,

t wen t y yea rs l at er a ft er t h e fi a s c o of Boulogn e t o sh a r e

, ,

for t h e s a me p eri od of t i m e i n t h e fort ress of Ha m t h e i m

, ,

p r i son m en t of h i s n eph ew t h e fut ure N a poleon t h e Th i r d

, .

Aft er t h e d ep a rt ure of L a s C a s es h e succ eed ed t o t h e

v a c a n t pl a ce of s ecret a ry a n d b ec a m e t h e most n ec essa r y
,

memb er of t h e Emp eror s s t aff He wi sh ed however t o

’
.
, ,

a ccomp a n y hi s wi fe wh en sh e left i n 1 8 1
9 an d on ly r e,

m a i n ed at t h e urgen t r equest of N a poleon .

z Of h is wi fe we kn ow b ut li t t l e Curi ously en ough h er

.

m a rr i a ge wi t h M on t h ol on h a d at on e t i me b een for b i dd en
by t h e Emperor b ec a u se sh e h a d t wo d ivorced hu sb a n d s
li vi n g but h e w as a ft erw a r ds t ri cked i n t o gi vin g h i s con
,
“
s en t t o M on t h ol on s m a r ri a ge wit h t he n i ec e of t h e
’

”
P r esi d en t S égu i er wit hout rea li zin g t h at t h e b r i d e w a s
,

t h e s a m e wom an un d er a n ot h er d escr i p t i o n .

L a s C a s es h a d h a d a ver y ch ecker ed c a r eer I n h is yout h .

h e h a d en t ered t h e F ren ch n a vy an d h a d ri s en t o t h e
,

comm an d of a bri g At t he b egi n n in g of t he R evolut i on

.

h e w as a mo n g t he firs t t o emi gr at e Aft er t he 1 8 B r um a i r e

.

h e ret urn ed t o F r an ce a n d b ec a me a coun ci llor of s t a t e

,
.

At t h e t im e of t he Rest or a t i on h e reti red t o E n gl a n d b u t ,

a g ai n r et urn ed t o F r an c e d uri n g t h e Hu n dred D a ys a n d ,

a ft er W at erloo b esough t N a pol eo n t o t a k e h i m t o S a i n t

H elen a B orn t hree yea rs b efor e t h e Emperor h e su r vi ved

.
,

hi m by t wen t y-on e Wi t h h i m w a s h i s son t h en a boy w h o

.
, ,

i n 1 8 40 ret urn ed wi t h t h e exp ed it i on t o bri n g b a ck N a

po l eon s rem a i n s ; h e aft erw a rds b ec a m e a s en a tor u n d er
’

t h e S eco n d Emp i re .

Gourga ud w as born i n 1 78 3 at Vers a i lles wh ere h i s

fa t h er w as a mus i ci an at t h e roy a l ch a pel At a very ea r ly
.

a g e h e en t ered t h e a rmy an d fough t wi t h d i st i n ct i on i n

,

a l l t h e c a mp a i gn s of t h e Emp i r e from Aust er li tz to Wa t er

[ 345 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
10 0 . For except i on a l ser vi c es i n Rus si a h e r ecei ved t h e
t i t l e of b a r on Du r in g t he Hun d r ed D a ys he w a s n a m ed
.

gen er a l an d a id e d e c a mp by t he Emp er o r Aft er t h e b a t t le .

of Wat er loo h e r et urn ed wi t h N a pol eon t o Pa n s a n d

'

a c comp a n i ed h i m t o Roch efo r t a n d E n gl an d an d b ec a m e ,

on e of h i s c omp a n i on s i n exi l e .

At Lon gwood his ext r em e v a n it y soon b r ough t h i m i n t o

collisi on wit h L a s C a ses a n d M on t h ol on Ti ri n g of t h e li fe .

a t S a i n t H el en a h e r et u r n ed t o E n gl a n d I n 1 8 40 h e w a s a .

m emb er of t h e p a rt y wh i c h b r ough t b a ck t h e r em a i n s of
t h e Emp er o r He d i ed i n 1 8 52 o n t h e ev e of t h e procl a m a
.

“
t i on of t h e S eco n d Emp i r e b u t hi s Jou r n a l d e S a i n t e
,

H elen e w a s n ot publi sh ed u n t i l 1 8 99 .

I n t h e op in i on of Lo r d Roseb er y t h e on e c a p i t a l a n d
sup r em e r eco r d of t h e li fe a t S a i n t H el en a i s t h e p r i v a t e

jou r n a l of Gou r ga ud wr i t t en for h is ow n ey e wi t hout

, ,

fl a t t er y or even p rej ud i ce a lmost brut a l i n i t s r aw r ea li sm

, .

He a lo n e of a l l t h e c h r on i c l er s st r ove t o b e a cc u r a t e a n d on
t h e whol e su cc eed e d Hi s port r a i t of N a pol eo n i s t h e most
.

plea si n g whic h exi st s B u t t h e c u rse of his li fe w a s his

.

j ea lous t emp er a m en t wh i ch r en d er ed h i m a n i mpo ssi bl e

c omp a n i on a n d m a d e N a pol eon gl a d t o get r i d of h i m .

He qu a r r elled wi t h everybo d y t h e Emp er o r i n c lu d ed By , .

a ll who k n ew hi m an d d id n ot h a ve t o li ve wi t h hi m
, he ,

w a s h i ghly est eem ed B u t i n t h e li t t le commu n it y a t Lon g

.

wood he w a s ou t of pl a c e .

Wh a t m a kes Gou rg a u d s book p r ofoun d ly i n t er est in g

’

an d v a lu a ble i s t h e n ew a n d i n t er es t i n g v i ew i t a ffo r d s of

N a poleon s rea l ch a ra ct er We a r e a pt t o t h i n k of hi m a s
’
.

s elfi sh a n d dom in eer in g B ut i n t hi s reco r d w e see a n ew

'

N a poleon st r a n ge a n d con t r a ry t o our i d ea s a N a pol eon

, ,

such as few b u t R a pp h a ve h it h e rt o pres en t ed t o u s R a pp .

,

t h e most i n d ep en d en t a n d u n fl a t t er i n g of a l l N a poleo n s
’

gen er a ls a n d who a s hi s ai d e d e c a mp w a s con st an t ly a t

,
“
hi s si d e s a ys : M a n y p eopl e d escri b e N a pol eo n a s a h a r sh ,

vi olen t p a ssi on at e m a n I t i s b ec a us e t h ey n ev er k n ew
, .

hi m Absorb ed as h e w a s i n h i s aff a i rs oppos ed i n hi s pl a n s

.
, ,

h a mpered i n hi s proj ect s hi s hu m or w a s som et i m es i m

,

E 346 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
For t h e fi n a l d a ys of t h e Emper o r w e h a ve n o chro n i cles
exc ept t hos e of An t om m a r c hi t h e l ea s t reli a bl e of t h em ,

a ll He w a s a you n g Co r s i c an surgeo n of som e r epu t a t i o n

.
,

an d a r r i ved a t S a i n t H elen a ei ght een m on t lB b efo r e

N a poleon s d eat h He d id n ot get on well wit h t h e Em
’
.

p ero t who c on s i d er ed hi m t oo you n g a n d i n exper i en ced

,
.

’
He c ert a in ly m a d e a w r on g d i a gn os i s of N a pol eon s c a s e ,

a n d t r ea t ed hi m fo r a li v er t r oubl e wh i ch h e con s i d ered

t r i fl i n g H e r en d ered on e ser vi ce howev er wh i c h a lmos t

.

m a kes up for hi s m en d a ci ous book : h e t ook a c a st of

N a pol eon s fa ce a ft er h is d ea t h T h e o r i gi n a l of t h i s n ow
’
.
,
“
a t B r u ssels r ep resen t s t h e exqu i s i t e an d ea rly b ea u t y of
,

t h e c ou n t en a n ce wh en i ll n ess h a d t r a n smu t ed p a ssi on

,

i n t o p a t i en ce a n d wh en d eat h wit h it s l a st ser en e t ou c h

, , ,
”
h a d r est o r ed t h e r egul a r it y a n d r efi n em en t of you t h .

“ ”
Of O M ea r a s Voi ce fr om S a in t H elen a t h e l ess sa i d
’ ’

t h e b et t er Un k n own t o N a pol eo n t h e m a n w a s t h e con

.

fid en t i a l a gen t of Lowe a n d hi s book i s so obvi o usly,

t a i n t ed a s t o b e wo rt hl ess .

Th e y ea r s sp en t a t S a i n t H el en a wer e of i mm en se ser v
i ce t o t h e N a pol eon i c t r a d i t i on Most h i st o r i a n s seem t o .

r eg a r d t h e Hu n d r ed D a y s a s a m er e ep i logu e t o t h e g r ea t
’
d r a m a of t h e F i rst Emp i r e s fa ll n ot r ea li zi n g t h a t i t w a s ,

i n po i n t of fa ct a p r ologu e t o t h e st r a n ge r om an ce of
t h e ri se of t h e S econ d Emp i r e Th i s a t t i t ud e i s r evea l ed .

i n t h e most i n t er est i n g E n gl i sh st u d y of N a pol eon s c a p

’

t i v it y a t S a i n t H el en a To Lo r d Ros eb er y t h a t c a p t i vi t y
.

“ ”
i s t h e l a st ph a s e a n d n ot h i n g mor e B u t t h e i mpo rt
, .

a n ce of t h i s ph a se c a n n ot b e r i gh t ly a pp r ec i a t ed i f w e

over look t h e c on st r uct i ve wo r k of N a poleon du r i n g h is

c a pt i vit y S a i n t H el en a saw n ot on ly t h e en d of a great
.

c a r eer b ut t h e b egin n i n g of a gr eat cr eat i on : it w as t h e

,

sc en e n ot merely of t h e d ea t h of N a poleon b ut of t he ,

b i r t h of t h e N a pol eon i c L egen d .

I t i s i mpo ssi ble even a ft er t h e l a ps e of a c en t ury t o sp ea k

i n t er m s of mod er at i on of E n gl an d s t r eat m en t of N a ’

“
pol eon Lo r d Ros eb ery s a ys : Were i t poss i bl e we would
.
,

i gn o re all t h i s l it er at ure as it i s p eculi a rly p ai n ful for an

,

[ 348 ]
 SAI NT HELENA
E n gl i shm a n to rea d He must regret t h at hi s gov ern m en t
.

ev er u n d ert ook t h e cus t ody of N a po l eon a n d h e mus t ,

regret st i ll more th a t t h e dut y should h a v e b een d i sch a r ged

i n a sp i ri t so i gn ob l e an d t hrough a gen t s so u n fort u n at e .

Th e d eli c at e post of Govern or of S a in t H elen a d uri n g

N a poleon s c a pt i vi ty w as en t r ust ed to Si r H udson Lo we
’

a n a rrow i gn or an t m an wi t hout a v es t i ge of t a ct or sym

, ,

p at hy He w as i n n o s en s e of t h e word a gen t lem a n Al

. .

t hough h i s i n t en t i o n s m a y h a v e b een good h e w a s i n ev er y

,

wa y u n fit t ed for t h e t a sk Th es e r em a rks a r e n ot t h e i m
.

pressi on s on ly of t he presen t w r i t er : t h e v erd i ct of h i st o r y

i s almos t u n a n i mous Even t h e D uke of Wel l in gt o n sa ys :
.

“
Lowe w a s a v ery b a d choi c e ; h e w a s a m an w a n t i n g i n
educ a t i on a n d j udgm en t Aft er a few i n t ervi ews six in
.
,

a l l an d t hos e i n t h e fi rs t t h r ee mo n ths of hi s t erm of c fli ce

, ,

N a pol eon refus ed t o see h i m an d d u ri n g t he l a st fiv e yea r s

,

of hi s life t h ey n ever m et .

Th e gr iev a n c es of wh i ch N a pol eon compl a in ed m a y b e

r an ged u n d er t hr ee h ea ds : t hos e r el a t in g t o t it l e t o fi n a n c e, ,

a n d t o cus t ody .

Wh en Lowe i n vi t ed N a pol eo n to d i n n er soo n a ft er hi s

“ ”
a rri v a l h e a d dress ed h i m a s G en er a l Buon a p a r t e The .

Emper or rega rd ed t h i s a s a n aff ron t I t i s i mpossi bl e t o

.

con cei ve a n y grou n d on wh i ch hi s t it l e w a s d i sput ed .

He h a d b een recogn i z ed a s Emp eror by every Power i n

t h e worl d exc ep t Grea t B ri t a i n a n d even E n gl a n d h a d
,

i n form a lly r ecogn i z ed h i m a s E mpe ror of t h e F r en ch a s ,

a lso h i s h ei rs a n d succ esso r s i n p erp et u it y i n t h e ofli ci a l

.
,

doc um en t s of t h e p ea c e n egot i a t i on s at Ch at i llo n i n 1 8 1 4 ,

wh ic h w ere s ign ed by t h e pl en i pot en t i a ri es of a ll t h e

“
Alli es i n c l ud i n g Hi s M a j est y t h e Ki n g of t h e Un it ed
,

Ki n gdom of Grea t B rit a in a n d I rel an d He h a d b een .

an oi n t ed Emp eror by t h e Pop e h i ms elf a n d twi c e sol ,

em n l y crown ed on c e as Emp eror a n d on c e a s K i n g He

, .

h a d recei ved every s a n ct i on whi ch t r a d it i on or reli gi on

or d i plom a cy could gi ve t o t h e Imperi a l t it l e I t i s d iffi cul t .

’
to i m a gin e an y rea son for En gl a n d s a ct i on exc ept t h a t of
p ett y a n n oy an c e t o a h a t ed foe Th e att it ud e of t h e
.

E 349 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Bri t i sh Govern m en t would b e p it i a ble were i t n ot r i d i cu
lous I t s eems a lmos t in cr ed i ble b u t it i s t r ue t h a t t h i s
. , ,

co n t emp t i bl e poli c y d i d n ot en d ev en wit h t h e E mp er o r s ’

d eat h His follower s wi sh ed t o p u t on h is t omb t h e s i mple

.

“
i n s c r i pt i on N a pol eon wit h t h e d at e a n d pl a c e of his
, ,

b ir t h a n d d ea t h B u t Lowe r efus ed t o a llow t h i s u n less

.

”
Bon a p a rt e w as a dd ed so t h e t omb bor e n o i n scr i p t i on
, .

Next w a s t h e qu est i on of fi n a n ce wh i c h m a y b e t r ea t ed ,

b ri efly N a pol eon a n d hi s hous ehol d of fift y -on e p erson s i n

.

a ll were t o co st £ 8 0 0 0 whi le t h at exp en si ve luxury Si r

,

Hudson Lowe a lon e r ec ei v ed a sa l a r y of If t h e

Emp er o r r equi red a n yt hi n g mo re h e coul d p r ovi d e i t h i m
s elf Alt hough N a pol eon s ow n w a n t s wer e v er y si mple
.
’
,

t h e t ot a l exp en s es seem t o h a v e b een c on si d er a bly mo re

t h a n doubl e t h e a llow a n ce N a pol eon o r d ered h i s si lv er
.

sold t o m a k e up t h e d efi ci t a n d t h e gov er n o r gen er ou sly

,

i n c rea sed t h e a llowa n c e t o a n a mou n t equ a l t o h i s sa l a r y .

B u t B at hu r s t hi s o ffi ci a l c h i ef a g a i n cu t t h e a mou n t d own

, ,

t o t h e o r i gi n a l su m All t h i s howev er so fa r a s N a pol eon

.
, ,

w a s c o n cer n ed w a s mo r e or less of a c om ed y H e d id n ot
, .

n eed t o s ell a s i n gl e spoon for h e h a d a mpl e fu n d s a t P a r i s

, ,

a n d even a t S a i n t H el en a H e w a s on ly t r y i n g t o show u p
.

t h e m ea n n ess of t h e E n gl i sh Gov ern m en t a n d i n t hi s h e ,

su cceed ed .

T h e l a st g r oup of g r i ev a n ces r el a t ed t o t h e qu est i o n of

c u st o d y , a n d i n i t s r el a t i o n t o t h e h ea l t h a n d c omfo r t of

t h e c a pt i ve t h i s w a s b y fa r t h e mo st ser i o u s of a l l T h e .

p reca ut i on s t a ken t o p reven t N a pol eon s esc a p e would

’

h a ve b een lud i cr ous i f t h e effect on hi s h ea l t h h a d n ot

b een so g r a ve Th e pl a t ea u of Lon gwood i s sep a r a t ed fr om
.

t h e res t of t h e i sl a n d by a fri ght fu l gully wh i c h ent i r ely

su r r ou n ds i t , a n d i s o n ly a pp r o a c h ed by a n a r r ow t on gu e

of l a n d t wen t y feet bro a d I n spi t e of t h ese fa ct s t h i s p a t h

.

w a y w as gu a r d ed by a r egi m en t of sold i e rs a n d a p a r k of
a rt i ll ery At n i ght t h e ch a i n of sen t r i es w a s so c los e t h ey
.

could a lmost t ouch ea ch ot h er F r om t h e si gn a l s t at i on s .

a n a ppro a ch i n g v ess el c ould b e s een a t a d i st a n ce of s i xt y

m i l es Two b r i gs-of-w a r p a t r oll ed a r ou n d t h e i sl a n d n i ght

.

[ 350 3
 NAPOLEON TH E FI RST
h is own , w ascon fi n ed for h i s pri v at e suit e to t wo
n ow
rooms a bout twelv e feet by fourt een i n s i ze E a ch of t h es e .

roo m s h a d two sm a l l wi n dows looki n g t owa rds t he regi

m en t a l c a mp I n on e corn er of hi s b edroo m w as t h m m a ll
.

c a mp-b ed wh i ch N a poleon h a d used duri n g his c a mp a i gn s .

B et ween t h e fir epl a c e a n d t he s c reen wh i ch hi d t h e b a ck

doo r w a s a sofa on whi ch h e p a ssed mos t of h i s d a ys As .

o rn a m en t s of t h e room t h ere wer e port rait s of M a rie

Loui se a n d t h e Ki n g of Rom e a mi n i at ure of Jos ephi n e, ,

a n d t h e a l a rm— clock of Fred er i ck t he Great t a ken fr om

S a n s Souci I n t h e study t h ere wer e som e book-sh elves a
. ,

wri t in g t a bl e a n d a n ot h er b ed on wh i ch t h e Emp eror

,

c ould r es t i n t h e d a yt i m e or t o wh i ch h e could ch a n g e a t
,

n i gh t wh en r es t l ess or sl eepl es s a s oft en h a pp en ed , .

At S a i n t H el en a t h e Emp ero r brea kfa st e d a lon e a t

el even dress ed for t h e d a y a bou t t wo a n d d i n ed a t v a r i ou s
, ,

hou r s fr om t hree t o s even Soon a ft er hi s a rri v a l h e a b an

.

d on ed hi s u n i form a n d gen er a lly wore a green hu n t i n g

co at , b u t h e r et a in ed t h e lit t l e c ocked h a t alt hough h e ,

l aid a si d e t h e cock a d e He p a ss ed a l l hi s d a ys a t t h e h u t
.
,

r ea d i n g writ i n g an d t a lk i n g
,
.

’
T h e on e gr eat pl ea su r e of N a pol eon s l i fe a t S a i n t
H el en a w a s t h e a rri v a l of a box of books All t h r ough li fe .

h e w a s a great rea d er At Bri en n e a l l of hi s sp a r e hou r s

.

wer e spen t i n t h e s c hool li br a r y wh ere h e lit er a lly d e

v ou red C aes a r a n d Plu t a rch a n d d ev elop ed hi s a dmi r a t i on
,

for t h e h eroes of An t i qui t y L a t er i n li fe h e wrot e of t hose

.

joyou s hours wh en h e l i ve d a mon g hi s books

, h i s o n ly
fri en d s As a youn g li eut en a n t of a rt i ll ery a t Va l en ce a n d
.

Auxon n e h e rea d H er odot u s t h e fat h er of h i st o r y

, , ,

t h en ju st t r a n sl at ed i n t o F ren c h M a chi a velli a n d V ol

,

t a i re H i st ory w as a lw a ys hi s fa vorit e b u t h e a l so s ei zed

.
,

upon works o f t r a vel b i ogr a phy an d p a rt i cul a r ly geog

, ,

r a ph y Th er e i s s t i ll on fil e a l i s t of t h e books h e t ook t o
.

Egypt Th ere wer e over 30 0 volum es n ea rly h a lf of wh i ch

.
,

wer e on H i st or y ; 40 volumes on Geogra phy ; as m a n y o n

Poet r y ; an d m a n y E n gli sh n ovels i n F ren ch tran sl a t i on , ,

a s well as t h e B i bl e t h e Kor an an d so on
, .

[ 352 11
 SAI NT HELENA
As Emp eror h e h a d m a d e for hi m a t ra velli n g li bra ry
of a t hous an d volum es To s a ve sp a c e t h e books were
.

pri n t ed on t h i n p a p er wit hout m a r gi n s a n d were bou n d

, ,

i n fl exi bl e moro c co cov ers Th ey were a ll p a ck ed i n boxes

.

li n ed wi t h v elv et s i xt y i n a box Th e l i st in clud ed books

, .

o n R el i gi on Po et r y a n d t h e D r a m a b u t w a s m os t ly m a d e
, ,

up of H i st ory B i ogr a phy a n d M emoi rs A box of books

, .

w as a lw a ys pl a c ed u n d er t h e s eat of h i s t r a v ellin g c a r r i a ge
wh i ch w a s so a rra n ged t h a t it c ould b e m a d e up i n t o a
b ed a t n i ght Th er e w a s a n overh ea d li gh t wh i ch en a bled
.
,

t h e Emp ero r t o r ea d a t n i gh t a n d h e d evou r ed m an y

,

volum es a s b e roll ed t h r ough t h e cou n t ry t hrowi n g ou t ,

of t h e win dow t h e books h e d i d n ot c a re t o keep W h er .

ever h e h a lt ed for t h e n i ght a box w a s a lw a ys brough t t o

hi s room wh er e h e r ea d t o p a s s a w a y h i s sl eepless hou r s

, .

Wh en h e wen t t o Elb a t h e books h e s elec t ed from t h e

,

l i br a ry a t Fon t a i n ebl ea u filled t hree l a rge v an s I n a dd i .

t i o n h e subs c ri b e d t o a l l t h e ci rc ul at i n g l i b r a r i es a n d g a ve ,

a s t a n d i n g o r d er t o h a ve s en t hi m a ll n ew volum es of h i s

t o r i c v a lu e a s t h ey w er e publ i sh ed .

At S a i n t H el en a N a pol eo n a sked for som e b ooks wh i c h

h e n eed ed m a i n ly i n o r d er t o writ e h i s m emoi rs Th e
, .

E n gl i sh Gove rn m en t w a s gr a ci ou sly pl ea sed t o furn i sh t he

volum es b u t t h ey sen t hi m a d em an d for t h e a mou n t p a i d
, .

T h e Emp eror ord ered B ert r an d n ot t o s et t l e t h e a c c ou n t

u n t i l h e r ec ei v ed a n i t em i zed b i ll So on h i s d ea t h t h e .

books were s ei zed by Lowe a n d sold i n Lon don for l ess

t h an a qu a rt er of t h ei r o r i gi n a l cost som e fou r t een h u n ,

d red pou n ds As t h e books a l l bo r e t r a ces of hi s st udy of

.

t h em an d wer e cover ed wit h n ot es i n t h e Emp er or s ’

h a n dwri t i n g wh i ch h a d a dd ed gr ea t ly t o t h ei r v a lue
, ,

t h e Gov er n m en t by t h i s p et t y sp it eful pol i cy lost t o t h e

,

n at i o n a pri c el ess coll ec t i o n wh i ch should h a v e b een p r e

s erv ed i n t h e B r i t i sh Mus eum .

N a poleon h at ed w r it in g a n d wh a t h e d i d wri t e w a s
,

a lmos t i ll egi bl e B u t h e li ked t o d i ct a t e a n d som et i m es d i d

.
,

so for h a lf a d a y a t a st ret ch on ly st oppi n g occ a si on a lly

,

t o rea d ov er wh a t h a d b een writ t en Sho rt h a n d w as t h en .

[ 353 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
p r a ct i c a lly u n kn own an d hi s poor s ec ret a ri es h a d much
,

d iffi cult y i n keep i n g p a ce wi t h hi s r a p i d d i ct at i on Wo r s t .

of a l l wh en w a keful h e d i ca t ed a l l n i gh t a n d (b u r ga ud
, , ,

would b e sen t for a t fou r i n t h e mo rn in g t o t a k e t h e pl a c e

of t h e exh a ust ed M on t h ol on .

B esi d es rea d in g a n d d i ct at i on N a pol eon h a d few d is

t r a c t i on s He s t a yed so mu c h i n doo r s t h a t h e b ec a m e i l l
.

fr om t h e l a c k of exerci se ; so t h e l a st yea r of hi s li fe he t ook

up g a r d en i n g P a ul D el a r o c h e p a in t ed a po r t r a it of hi m
.

i n h i s ga r d en wea r i n g r ed sli pp ers a n d a wid e-b r i mmed

,

st r aw h at sp a d e i n h an d rest i n g fr om h i s l a bo r s
, , .

He som et i mes pl a yed a ga me of b i lli a r d s a t wh i c h h e ,

w a s n ot exp ert o r of c h ess i n wh i c h h e w a s fa r fr om

, ,

ski lful As h e d id n ot li k e t o b e b ea t en
. i t sever ely t a xed ,

t h e c ou r t l i n ess of hi s su i t e t o l et hi m w i n At c a r d s h e .

a lw a y s c h eat ed b u t refu sed t o t a k e t h e st a k es h e t hu s w o n

, .

Of t h e l a st d a ys of N a pol eon w e kn ow b u t lit t l e Not .

wit h st a n d i n g t h e a t mo sph ere o f su r vei ll a n c e i n wh i c h h e

li ved his d ea t h w a s n ot exp ect ed a n d t h e en d c a m e su d
, ,

d en l y Duri n g t h e fi rst weeks of 1 8 2 1 hi s d i sea se m a d e

.

r a p i d p r og ress b u t even h i s physi c i a n d i d n ot r ea l i ze t h a t

,

it w a s mo rt a l u n t i l a few d a y s b efo r e h is d ea t h He b ec a me .

fa i n t a n d wea r y l ay upon hi s b ed or r ec li n ed on h i s sofa

,

a ll d a y an d g a v e up h i s d i ct a t i n g H e c oul d h a r d ly ret a i n
, .

a n y food a n d lo st fl esh p er c ept i bly O n t h e 1

, 5 Ap ri l h e
.

d i ct a t ed h i s t est a men t t o M on t h ol on I n t h i s h e d i st r ib .

u t ed a mo n g h i s most fa i t hful follower s t he si x m i ll i on

fr a n cs h e h a d d epos it ed wi t h h i s P a r i s b a n ker s ; a lso som e
souven i r s For t h e l a st t w o d a ys of h i s li fe he w a s con
.

st a n t l y d el i r i ous He yi eld ed hi s l a st b r eat h on t h e fift h

.

d ay of M ay a t t en m i n ut es b efo r e si x i n t h e ev en i n g .

A t er r i bl e st orm w a s r a gi n g ou t si d e a s t h e soul of t h e
exi l e t ook fl i gh t Th e v i ol en t w i n d shook t h e fr a i l hu t s of
.

t h e sol d i er s a n d t o r e up t h e t r ees t h a t t h e Emp er or h a d

pl a n t ed .

T h e a ut opsy wh i ch w a s p erform ed a t h i s ow n requ est

, ,

showed t h at h e h a d d i ed of a c an c er of t h e st om a ch t he ,

E 354 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Moun t ed upon a st at ely fun era l ca r es c ort ed by t h e a ged
,

vet era n s of t he Old Gu a rd hi s body w as bor n e in t ri umph

,

down t h e b ea ut i ful a ven ue of t h e Ch a mps-Elys ees

his Ar c d e Tri omph e a c ross t h e Pl a ce d e l a Con co r d e
,
w d er,

a n d over t h e S ei n e t o t h e I n v a l i d es H ere t h e Ki n g of t h e
.

Fren ch su r roun d ed by t he roy a l fa m i ly an d a ll t h e d ign i

,

t a ri es of S t at e a w a i t ed t h e a rri v a l of t h e i llus t r i ous d ea d

, .

Sud d en ly a C h a mb erl a i n a pp ea red a t t h e door a n d b r ok e

t h e si len ce w i t h t h e a n n ou n c em en t : an d

t h e a ss embly a r os e w it h a common emot i on a s t h e body

w a s bo rn e slowly i n .

Un d er t h e gi ld ed dome of t h e I n v a l i d es t h e sp i rit of t h e
Gr ea t Emp er o r st i ll rei gn s Hi s t omb i s t h e fi r st spot t o
.

whi ch t h e vi si t or t o P a r i s t ur n s hi s st eps I n a n op en c i r
.

cul a t crypt d i r ect ly u n d er t h e dom e on e sees t h e m a ssi ve

, ,

s a rc oph a gus of r ed Fi n l a n d porphyry Li ke s en t i n els .

a rou n d t h e t omb st an d t welv e coloss a l Vi ct ori es i n C a rr a r a

m a rble b esi d e wh i ch a re t roph i es composed of si xt y st a n d

,

a r d s t a ken fr om t h e en emy I n t h e mos a i c of t h e p a v em en t

.

a re t r a ced t h e n a m es of ei gh t of N a pol eo n s grea t est v i c

’

t ori es : R i vol i Pyr a m i d es M a ren go Aust erli t z I é n a

, , , , ,

F r i ed l an d Wa gr a m Moskov a
, , .

H er e u n d er t h e soft blu e l i ght of t h e dom e of t h e

,

I n v a li d es on t h e b a n ks of t h e S ei n e i n t h e mi dst of t h e
, ,

F r en ch p eopl e h e loved so well r epos e for a ll t i m e t h e

,
:

a sh es of t h e g r ea t es t sold i er t h e world h as ev er k n own .

E 356 ]
 CHAPTER TWENTY—THREE
1 769—1 821

PERSO NALITY O F NAPO LEO N

His Pl ace Hist o y In flu

in r E op So i l Eq ualit y Pol it i l
en ce on ur e c a ca

Li b t y
er Hi gh Ed c t i o P bli it y P son al App
er u a n u c er earan ce

H lt h M t hod f Wo k Di t t i g W it i g M t l Eq i p
ea e o r c a n r n en a u

m en t F mily Relat io s Hi C
a nPhysical an d Mo l Co g
s a reer ra u ra e

S tat manshi p Mor l Im gin t io Ambit ion L ck f O g

es a a a n a o r an

izat i n oLead ersh i p C m p a d t C ar o re o aes .

HERE is n o p erso n a ge in h i st ory who h a s b een

so muc h wri t t en a bou t ! a s N a pol eon Th e .

boo k s on his l ife would fill a l a rge li b ra ry .

Yet upon on e poi n t o n ly i s t h ere pr a ct i c a l u n an i m it y

,

of op i n i on — t h at a s a sold i er t h e world h a s n ever seen

his equ a l A c en t ury h a s n ot b een lon g en ough t o a rr ive
.

a t a con clus i on a s to t h e full m ea n i n g of h i s l i fe n or

h a s i t produc ed an y m a n comp a r a bl e t o him i n forc e of

wi ll en er gy or i n sh eer power of in t ellect
, , .

I t h a s b een s a i d t h a t N a poleon h i ms elf n ever u n d er

st ood E n gl a n d b u t it i s c e rt a i n t h at t h e B rit i sh m in d
,

h a s n ev er b een a ble t o fully a ppreci a t e t h e Emp eror .

M a n y h a ve st ud i ed h im wi t h profit an d i n si ght b u t
'

, ,

n ev er en t i rel y free from t h e old in sul a r p re jud i c e In .

Fr an ce t h e cu lt of t h e N a poleon i c L egen d st i ll surviv es

, ,

b u t n o lon ger i n an I mp er i a li s t i c s en s e Th e n a t i on t o .

d ay i s profou n d l y p a ci fi c b u t i t i s n ot u n m i n dful of t h e
,

great figures of it s h i st ori c p a st Th i s cen ten n i a l yea r .

,

Fran ce h a s un it ed i n hon ori n g t h e greatn ess n a y t h e ,

gra n d eur of N a pol eon

, .

A c en t u r y h en c e it m a y b e possi b le to see in a t ruer

p ersp ec t i v e t h e i n flu en c e of N a pol eo n upon Europ e a n d
t h e world I t a l y a n d G er m a n y r ea lly owe to h im t h ei r
.

[ 357 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
u n i fic at i on . T he
st r uggl es of p eoples fo r t h ei r in d e
pen d en ce t h a t m a rk ed t h e cou r s e of t he l a s t c en t u r y
, ,

rec ei ved fr om h im t h ei r o r igin a l i mpulse an d i n t he ,

Eu r op e of t o—d a y hi s in flu en c e i s cl ea r ly t o b e s eem I n
t h e c a lm l i gh t of a c en t u r y of exp er i en c e t h ere ca n n ow
b e l it t l e r oom fo r ser i ou s h es it a t i on a s t o t h e pl a c e t o b e
a s si gn ed hi m i n t h e m a rc h of pol it i c a l an d soc i a l progress .

”
No sin gle m in d s a ys M r H A L Fi sh er
, . i s more
. . .
,

powerfully st a mp ed upon t h e i n st it ut i on s of con t empo

r a ry F r a n c e for by hi s r ea c t i o n a g a i n st i t s exc ess es h e
,

sa v ed a l l t h a t w a s p r eci ous i n t h e ph i losophy of t h e

R evolut ion .

Na poleon h a d n on e of t he i llu si on s of a d emocr at i c

“
st a t esm a n l i k e Bu r ke t h a t wh en ever t h e p eopl e h a ve
,
”
a feel i n g t h ey a re c ommon ly i n t h e r i gh t I n h i s op in i on .

a n i n t elli gen t b u t i lli t er a t e popul a t i on li k e t h a t of F r a n c e ,

d emo r a li zed by r evolut i on a ry a n a r chy a n d wit hout ex ,

per i en ce wi t h d emo cr a t i c i n st i t u t i on s w a s u n fi t for ,

polit i c a l li b er t y Wh a t t h e n a t i on n eed ed w a s soci a l

.

equ a li t y gu a r a n t eed by a st r on g a n d i n t ell i gen t gov er n

,

m en t The ol d Mon a r chy h a d b een w ea k b ec a use t h e

.

vit a l fo r ces of t h e st a t e h a d b een p a r a lys ed by soc i a l

p r ivi lege No m a t t er how a u t oc r at i c t h e a dm i n i st ra t i o n
.

of N a pol eon m i ght b e it st i ll p r ov i d ed a n op en c a reer t o

,

t a l en t of ever y k i n d .

I n t h e so ci a l st r u ct u re of Fr a n c e a s it w as l eft by ,

N a poleon equ a l it y w a s t h e rule Comp a red wit h t h e

, .

En gl a n d of Pit t a n d Fox t h e Fr a n ce of N a pol eon w a s ,

ess en t i a lly d emo cr a t ic I t i s for t h i s syst em of

.

“
equ a l it y sa i d t h e exi l e t o O M ea r a t h a t you r ol i
’
, ,
”
ga rc hy h a t es m e so much .

Wit h resp ect t o polit i c a l l i b ert y N a pol eon s a t t i t ud e ’

w as en t i rely d iff eren t Th e m emory of t h e wi ld o r gy of

.

t a lk a n d l egi sl a t i on i n t h e r evolu t i o n a ry a ssembl ies w a s

st i ll fresh i n his m in d a n d t h e t ry in g sc en es of t h e 1 9
,

Brum a i r e h a d n ever b een forgot t en H e fel t t h at a .

popul a r a s sembly so fa r fr om b ei n g a h elp t o t h e r ul er

, ,

w as a sourc e of p erpl ex it y a n d emb a rr a ssm en t If h e .

E 358 3
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
r at h er l a r g e wit h a so-c a lled Cup i don upp er l i p ; hi s
,

ch in r ou n d a n d d i mpled Durin g t h e ea rly yea rs of t he

.

Empi re b efore h i s fa ce b ec a m e t oo full hi s feat ures were

, ,

very h an dsom e wit h a c lea r c a m eo-li ke profile 0

, .

I n ea rly li fe hi s h ea lt h w a s u n i fo r mly good b u t l at er ,

h e b egan t o show s i gn s of l ess en ed a c t i vit y d u e p a rt ly ,

t o a great er love of ea s e a n d p a rt ly t o fa i li n g phys i c a l

,

st ren gt h He h a d i n h e ri t ed a soun d a n d t ough body

.
,

c a p a ble of st a n d i n g grea t fat i gue a n d wit h r em a rk a ble

,

n er vous s t r en gt h H e w a s very mod er a t e so fa r a s t h e

.

t a ble wen t a l t hough h e a t e t oo fa s t an d h e n ev er d r an k

, ,

a n y wi n e excep t a l i t t le Ch a mb e r t i n d i lut ed wi t h w a t er .

Wit hout b ein g en t ir ely ch a st e h e w as n ever i n a n y sen s e

,

a li b ert i n e .

Duri n g hi s c a mp a i gn s un t i l t h e d iff er en t a rmy cor ps

,

h a d n ea r ly r ea c h ed t h e pos it i on s a ss i gn ed t h em N a poleon ,

r em a i n ed a t g en e r a l h ea dqu a r t er s Th en h e p r oceed ed
.

r a p i d ly t o t he fr on t i n hi s t r a vellin g c a r ri a ge I n t he .

presen c e of t h e en emy h e a lwa ys a ccomp a n i ed h i s t roops

on hors eb a c k At h i s q u a rt er s i n t h e fi el d h e r ec eived
.
,

t h e report s of hi s m a r sh a ls a n d p e rson a lly d i rec t ed a l l

,

t h e co r ps mov em en t s I n t h e i n t erv a ls h e a t t en d ed t o
.
,

t h e i n t er n a l a dm i n i st r a t i on of F r a n ce a n d repl ied t o t h e
,

report s wh i ch were sen t hi m fr om P a r i s by hi s m i n i st ers ,

who wrot e hi m every d ay H e t hu s govern ed hi s Emp i re

.

a t t h e s a m e t i m e t h at h e d i re ct ed hi s a rmy H e h ad .

such a r em a r k a bl e con st i t ut i on t h at h e could sleep for a n

hou r b e a w a ken ed t o r ec ei v e a r eport a n d gi ve a n o r d er
, ,

an d i mm ed i a t ely fa ll a sl eep a g a i n wi t hout h i s repose or

,

his h ea l t h s ufferi n g Six hours of sl eep w a s su ffi c ien t for

.

him wh et h er h e t ook it co n s ecu t i vely or a t d iff eren t

,

in t er v a ls du r in g t h e t w en t y-fou r hou r s .

Th e d a ys wh i c h p rec ed ed a gr eat b at t le h e w a s con

st a n t l y on hors eb a ck t o recon n o it re t h e fo r c e an d t h e
,

posit i on of t h e en emy st udy t h e fi eld of b a t t l e an d vi sit

, ,

t h e b i vou a cs of h i s sold iers Even durin g t h e n i gh t h e

.
,

r od e a lo n g t h e en t i re fr o n t t o furt h er a ssu r e h i ms elf of t h e

st ren gt h of t h e en emy by t h e n umb er of h is c a mp fires ,

E 360 ]
 PERSONALITY OF NAPOLEON
an d h e wo r e ou t s ev era l hors es in a d ay Th e d a y of .

b a t t le h e t ook a pos it i on a t a c en t r a l po in t wh ere h e

could see ev eryt h i n g wh i ch t ook pl a c e He wa s sur .

roun d ed by h i s a i d es d e c a mp whom h e d i sp a t ch ed t o
,

c a r ry h i s o r d er s t o a l l po i n t s A short d i st a n ce b eh in d
.

h im w er e a lw a ys st at i o n ed four squ a d ro n s of t h e c a v a l ry
of t h e Gu a r d The m a r sh a ls wer e a dvi s e d of his posit i on
.
,

so t h at t h ei r report s could ea si ly r ea c h him If hi s pres .

en c e b ec a m e n ec es sa r y a t an y po i n t h e i mm ed i at ely,

g a llop ed t h ere followed by h i s escor t

, .

N a pol eon w a s a v ery h a rdy b u t a lso a v ery c a reless

,

ri d er H e sat hu n ch e d up i n t h e s a ddle hol d in g t h e

.
,

rein s loosely i n hi s ri gh t h a n d wit h hi s l eft a rm p en den t

,

by hi s s i d e Som et i m es h e w en t a t a w a lk o r a t r ot b u t
.
,

mo r e oft en a t full ga llop wit hout p a yin g t he sli ght est

,

a t t en t i o n t o t h e rout e .

B efore a dopt i n g t h e l egen d a ry g r a y red in got e N a ,

pol eo n prot ect ed h i ms e lf a ga i n st t h e c old of t h e b i vou a c

“ ”
w it h a li ght -blu e clo a k t h e m a n t ea u d e M a r en go
, ,

wh i ch he a lw ays kept a n d wh ic h c ov er ed hi s c offi n a t

,

S a in t H elen a a n d u n d er wh i c h he n ow sl eeps in t h e
,

I n v a l i d es
.

Upon t h e fi eld of b at t l e t h e t en t s of t h e Emp er o r were

erec t ed i n t h e m i d dl e of a squ a re of t h e Old Gu a r d .

Th ere wer e a lwa ys t h r ee prin c i p a l t en t s on e for t he ,

Emp eror on e for B ert hi er t h e Ch ief of S t aff an d a

, , ,

t h i r d for t h e offi c er s of t h e hous ehold Th e p erso n a l .

t en t of t h e Emp eror w a s i n t wo p a rt s t h e fi r s t c a ll ed ,

t h e ofli ce w a s fu r n i sh ed wi t h a sm a ll w r it i n g-t a bl e a n
, ,

a rm -ch a i r of r ed mo r occo for t h e Emp ero r a n d t wo

, ,

st ools for t h e s ec ret a ry a n d t h e a i d e d e c a mp on dut y

t h e t a bl e an d t h e c h a i rs w er e a l l fold i n g Th e s ec on d .

p a rt w a s us ed a s a b edroom h er e w a s er ect ed t h e lit t le

fold in g i r o n c a mp a i gn b ed wit h st r a ps en c l os ed wit h
, ,

d a rk green curt a in s Th e foot -r u g of t h e t ra vell in g

.

co a ch s erved for a d escen te d e l i t a n d t h e n écerr a i re d e,

voy a ge compl et ed t h e furn i sh i n g At n i gh t t he s ecret a ry

.
,

a n d t h e a i d e d e c a mp sl ep t on cush ion s i n t h e offi ce .

[ 361 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST

The s t he b ed an d t h e furn it u r e could a ll b e

t en t , ,

fold ed a n d rolled up a n d p a ck ed on t h e b a cks of mul es ,

for t r an spo rt a t io n Th e lit t le i ro n ca mp -b ed w a s a bou t

.

si x feet lon g a n d t h r ee feet wi d e I t w a s t h e b Ed us ed .

b y N a poleon at S a in t H el en a upon wh i ch h e d ied a n d , ,

is n ow at P a ri s .

M é n ev a l st at es t h a t N a poleon n ev er d i ct at ed except
wh i l e w a lkin g He som et i m es b eg a n wh i le seat ed b u t
.
,

a t t h e fi r s t ph r a se h e a r o se a n d b eg a n t o w a lk a r ou n d ,

t h e r oom con t in uin g t h i s p r om en a d e t h e en t i re t i m e

,

h e w a s d i ct a t i n g .

Word s t o exp ress h is t hought s c a m e t o him w it hout

eff o r t an d
, a l t hough som et i m es i n c o r rec t t h ey a lwa y s ,

c on vey ed h i s i d ea c l ea r ly I n h i s a d d resses t o t h e S en at e
.
,

i n hi s p r ocl a m a t i o n s i n h is d i plom a t i c n ot es t h e st yle

, ,

w a s a lw a ys well-c on si d er ed a n d a pp r opri a t e t o t h e
subj ec t .

N ap ol eon r a r ely w r ot e h i m self h e foun d it t oo fa t i gu

i n g a s h i s h a n d c oul d n ot keep p a c e wi t h t h e r a p i d i t y
,

of h is con c ept ion H e n ever t ook a pen i n h is h a n d

'
.

excep t o cc a s i o n a lly wh en h e w a s a lon e a n d t h er e w a s ,

n o on e wi t h i n c a ll t o a ct a s hi s a m a n u en si s H i s wri t in g .

w a s a n a ss embl a ge of c h a r a ct er s wi t hout c o n n ect i o n a n d

a lmo st u n rea d a bl e H a lf t he l et t er s of t h e wo r d s wer e
.

w a n t in g His sp ellin g w a s n ever c o r r ec t a lt hough h e

.
,

could a lw a ys fin d an y er r or s in t h e w r it in g of ot h er
p er son s Th i s w as d u e t o t h e fa ct t h a t h i s m in d moved
.

so r a p id ly t h a t h e would n ot i n t er r up t t h e flow of h i s

t hought s t o t a k e t i m e t o w r i t e co r r ec t ly .

N a poleon h a d n a t u r a lly a v ery a ct ive m ind Always .

,

a n d i n a l l t h i n gs h e w en t s t r a i gh t t o t h e poi n t
, I n a d is .

cu ssi on h e a lwa ys fou n d a t o n c e t h e con clus i v e a r gum en t

,

upon t h e fi eld of b a t t l e h e d isc over ed t h e d ec isi ve m a ,

n oeuv r e For h im t o t h in k t o d ec i d e t o a ct w a s a
.
, , , ,

s in gle in d i vi si bl e a ct so r a p i dly execut ed t h a t b et ween

,

t h e t hough t a n d t h e a ct t h er e w a s n ot a mom en t lost .

”
If s a ys Th i ers h e h a d chos en on e of t h e c i v i l c a reer s
, , ,

wh ere on e ca n on ly succ eed by p ersu a d i n g ot h ers i n ,

[ 362 3
 NAPOLEON THE FIRST
l hough h e k n ew full well t h a t
a t sh e wa s l i v i n g i n open
con cub i n a ge wit h Nei pp erg .

No c a reer i n h i st ory h as b een so d ra m at i cg few so

p at het i c as t h a t of N a poleon I t covers just n in et een
.

y ea rs I t b egan i n 1 796 wit h t h e C a mp a i gn of I t a ly

.

it en d ed wit h Wat erloo i n 1 8 1 5 Look i n g b a ck wh en .

a l l w a s ov er fr om t h e lon ely r ock wh er e fa t e h a d ch a i n ed

,
“
h im he s a i d
, I m a y h a ve h a d m an y pl an s b u t I w a s ,

n ever fr ee t o c a r r y ou t a n y of t h em I t wa s a ll v ery well.

for m e t o hol d t h e h elm b u t howev er st ron g w a s t h e

,

h a n d t h a t gr a sp ed it t h e w a ves were much st r on ger st i ll

, .

I h a ve n ev er b een r ea lly my m a st er ; I h a ve a lw a ys
”
b een c on t roll ed by ci r c umst a n ces .

H e a lwa ys r ea li zed t h at hi s hold upon power w as i n

secu r e I t w a s t h i s feeli n g t h a t con st a n t ly urged him
.

“
o n t o d eed s t h a t b r ough t r u i n i n t h ei r t r a i n Y ou r .

”
sover ei gn s bor n on t h e t h r on e h e s a i d t o M et t ern i c h
, , ,
“
m ay b e b ea t en t wen t y t i m es a n d go b a ck t o t h ei r
c a p i t a ls ; I c a n n ot b ec a u se I a m a n up st a rt sold ier
, .

My d omi n a t i on wi ll n ot out li ve t h e d a y wh en I c ea s e
”
t o b e s t r on g a n d t o b e fea r ed b ec a u se I a m s t r o n g
, .

As a sol d ier N a poleon s p erson a l cou r a ge w a s a bove

,
’

rep r oa c h Of t h i s h e g a ve m a n y a d m i r a ble ex a mpl es

.
,

fr om t h e b r i d ge of Ar c ole in t h e first c a mp a ign i n I t a ly

, ,

t o h i s l a s t b a t t l e a t W a t er loo I t w a s however his

.
, ,

mor a l cou r a ge t h at won h i s c a mp a i gn s t h e c h a r a ct er

i st i c bol d n ess i n d esi gn a n d exec u t i on t h e wi ll i n gn ess t o ,

r i sk much t o w i n mu c h t h a t c oupl ed w i t h i n t ell ect

, , m a de ,

h i m t h e m a st er of Europ e .

No m an i n h i st ory h a s equ a lled N a pol eon i n for ce of

in t ellect an d ch a r a ct er an d p er h a ps n o on e h a s ever
,

b een more fa vo r ed by oppo rt u n it y Yet d espit e h is .

gr ea t a dm i n i st r a t i ve work N a pol eon w a s n ot a t ru e

,

st at esm a n H e h a d t h e power t o c r eat e b u t n ot t h e

.
,

t a l en t t o mould i n t o p er m a n en t form H a d h e b een .

con t en t t o r ule a F r a n c e li m it ed by h er n at ura l boun d

a ri es of t h e Rh in e t h e Alps an d t h e Pyren ees he
, ,

E 364 ]
 PE RSONALITY O F NAPOLEON
m ight h a ve fou n d ed a dyn a s t y wh i ch would b e t h e most
powerful in Europ e t o-d a y B u t a s F red eri ck p ut s it
.
,

h e sough t t o k eep t oo much a n d en d ed by keep i n g n o t h in g .

Succ ess i n wa r i n t h e op in i on of N a poleon h i mself is

, ,

l a rgely a qu est i on of m or a l in ot h er words of op i n i on or

, ,
“
reput at i on an d h e a dds
, , , t h e a r t i s t o pres erve t h e
reput at i on wh en on e h a s s ecu red i t Th i s view i s a lso
.

en dors ed by t h e g r ea t es t sold i er of our ow n d a y M a ré ch a l ,

Foch who i n s i st s upon it frequ en t ly i n h is writ in gs

, .

Every grea t comm an d er h a v in g est a bl i sh ed a reput a t i on

,

for bold n ess en t erpri s e a n d s ki ll w in s u n d er c i rc um

, ,

st an c es wh ere , wit hout t h i s m or a l h elp h e m i ght fa i l , .

Th i s fa ct i s oft en i llust r at ed in N a pol eon s c a reer p a r ’

t i cu l a r l y a t t h e op en i n g of t h e W a g r a m c a mp a i gn of
1 80 9 a n d duri n g t h e C a mp a i gn of Fr an ce i n 1 8 1 4 wh ere
, ,

his r epu t at i on of do in g sud d en u n exp ect ed an d d an gerous

,

t h i n gs puzzl ed a n d d i sm a yed hi s a n t a gon i st s .

No g r eat sold ier h a s ev e r a ch iev ed succ ess w it hout

m
i a g i n a t i o n t h e a b i l i t y t o see t h e r esul t of a fa r-rea c h i n g

op er a t i on a t it s v ery b egin n i n g a n d N a pol eon poss essed

,

t h i s t r a i t in a v er y m a r k ed d eg r ee S a ys Bou r rien n e
.
,
“
Alt hough h e w a s p er h a ps t h e most pos it ive m a n who
ever l i v e d y et I h a v e kn ow n n o o n e who a llowed h i m self
,

t o b e c a r r i e d a w a y m o r e e a s i ly by t h e c h a r ms of i m a g in a

t i on u n d er m a n y c i r c um st a n ces t o wi sh a n d t o b el ieve
,
”
wer e on e a n d t h e s a m e t h in g . Bu t t h i s wi ll t o see
n ot h i n g i mposs i bl e t h i s u n l i m i t ed rel i an c e on result s
, ,

wh i c h w a s at first on e of t h e c a uses of his succ ess en d ed ,

by b ecom in g fa t a l Th ere w a s d eveloped g r a d u a lly t h e

.

feel in g t h a t fa i lure w a s for him i mposs i bl e a n d t h at l l l S ,

‘

ow n v iews a n d a c t s were i n fa lli bly ri ght When h e .

c ea s ed t o t ol erat e d i ss en t d i scuss i on fell in t o d i sus e

, ,

ev en t hough h e k n ew
a n d ev e ry o n e ob ey ed h i s o r d ers ,
o

h
t a t t h e Emp e ro r w a s n o t sus t a i n e d by fa ct s Th i s w as .

most m a rke d durin g t h e u n fort u n at e c a mp ai gn of 1 8 1 3 ,

poo s h v r co duc d As M a r mo n t s a i d of
t h e r e t e e e n t e .

him , H e n o lo n g e r b e l i e v e d i n t ru t h wh en i t co n fl i c t ed
”
with hi s p a ssi on s h i s i n t erest s or h i s moods
, ,
.

E 365 II
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST
Th at N a pol eon w a s a mb it i ou s c a n n ot b e ga in sa id
a mb i t i ous n ot o n ly for t h e p r es en t b ut for t h e fut u r e .

Bou r r ien n e quot es h i m a s s a yin g F or m e t h e i m

'
mort a lit y of t h e soul is t h e i mpressi on on e l eav es on t h e
memor y of m an Thi s t hought lea ds t o great t h in gs
.

it were b et ter n ot t o h a ve li ved t h a n t o lea ve b eh in d ,

n o t r a c es of on e s exi s t en c e I t is t h e t hought express ed

’

in S c ot t s i mmort a l li n es
’

O n rowd d hoe c f gl o io s l ife

e ur o r u

I wort h g w t ho t a
”
s an a e im u na e
.

O n a n ot h er occ as i on h e d en i ed t h at h e h ad a mb it ion
t h en h e correc t ed h i m self a n d s a i d t h a t i t w a s
, so

n a t ur a l t o h i m so in n at e so a t t a ch ed t o his b ein g t h a t
, ,

it w a s li ke t h e blood t h at flowed i n his vein s or t h e a i r

”
h e b r eat h ed .

So lon g as Na poleon c omm a n d ed sm a ll a rm ies a n d ,

ret a in ed h is a b n orm a l n ervous vi gor h i s d es i r e t o keep ,

everyt h i n g i n hi s own h a n d s w a s on e of t h e ch i ef c a u ses

of h i s su ccess B ut wh en h is a r m ies grew l a rger a n d h is
.
,

physi c a l force b egan t o d eclin e h i s l a ck of a comp et en t

,

gen er a l st aff l ed t o fa i lu re I t w as i mposs i ble for h im

.

t o a t t en d p erson ally t o d et a i l s so ext en s i v e a n d h e h a d ,

t r a i n ed n o subord i n at es t o d o i t for h i m Li ke m a n y .

m en of ver y posit i ve ch a r a ct er Na poleo n w a n t ed a r ou n d

,

him on ly a ct i ve la bori ou s a n d ob ed i en t med i ocri t y

, Hi s .

'

n omi n a l ch i ef of st afl B e rt h ier w as on ly a very effi c ien t

, ,

an d d o ci le h ea d-clerk I t w a s t h e s a m e wi t h his m a r
.

sh a ls on ly a few l ike M a ssen a Soult an d D a vout wer e

, , ,

c a p a ble of in d ep en d en t c om m a n d Hi s ot h er gen er a ls .

were except i on al lieut en a n t s on ly .

Never w as a m an so born for l ea d ersh i p as N a poleon .

Thi s t r a it w a s d i spl ay ed ev en duri n g hi s sch ool d a ys a t

B r ien n e Wh en he t ook c omm a n d of t h e Army of I t a ly
.

in 1 796 h e fou n d a gr oup of gen e ra l ofli cer s al l old er a n d

,

more experien ced t h an h i mself a n d y et h e at on ce im ,

posed h i s wi ll upon t h em Th er e wa s n o at t empt t o

.

ev a d e a n ord er duri n g t h e c a mp a i gn Th i s power over .

m en ext en d ed bot h t o hi s gen er a ls a n d t o h i s t r oops .

E 366 ]
 NAPOLEON THE FI RST

Fift h I a m your Emp eror

, Ackn owl edge m e 1
Th en a s h e fl in gs b a ck h is coa t
,
If t h ere is a mon gst
”
a hi
you a sold i er who would sl y s Emp ero r h ere I a m ! ,

Fran ce w a s won t h e whole a rmy yield ed t o t l fi sp ell .

Th eat ri c a l it m ay h a ve b een b u t who exc ept t h i s m i ght y

,

pl a yer would h a ve h a d t h e d a ri n g t h e ski ll t h e profoun d

, ,

kn owledge of t he h ea rt t o p l a y t h a t d espera t e role ?

,

For t h i s m a n kn ew hum a n n a t ure a s t ho r oughly a s

Sh a kesp ea re an d cou l d pla y upon it wit h t h e s a m e su re
,

t ouch .

I t i s fut i l e as Ros e well s a ys t o a t t empt t o sum up

, ,

N a pol eon in a n y on e c at egory At t empt s h a ve b een

.

m a d e t o do so b u t wit h i n d iff eren t success Th ere is

, .

on ly on e m an i n h i st ory of fa c ult ies su fli c ien t l y v a ried

an d fo r ceful t o ch a ll en ge c omp a r i son wit h N a poleon .

Th e figu re of Juli us C aesa r d om in at es t h e Rom a n wo r ld ,

a s t h a t of t h e g r ea t Co r si c a n ov er sh a d ows t h e a ge of t h e

F r en ch R evolut i on Ta ke t h em a l l i n a l l a s sold ier s

.
, ,

s t a t esm en l aw -givers Caesa r a n d N a poleon

, , t h e t wo
g r eat est ch a r a ct er s i n h i st or y
.
 A PPENDI X

BI BLIO GRAPHY
 TH E BO NAPA RTE F A M I LY

FI RST G EN ERATI O N

1 . CHAR L E S B O NA PART E , b or n a t Aj a cc io, Cor sic a , 2 9 M a r ch ,

1 746 ; d i ed a t M on t pellier, F r an c e, 2 4 Feb r u a ry, 1 78 5;
m a rr i ed 2 J un e, 1 764, Let i t i a R am ol i n o , b orn a t Aj acc i o,
2 4 Au g u st , 1 750 ; d i ed a t R om e, 2 F eb r u a ry, 1 8 36 Chil
.

d ren : ( 2 ) J O S E P H , (3) NA P O L E O N , (4) L U CI EN , (S) LO U I S ,

(6) J EROM E, EL I S A, PA U L I N E , CARO L I N E .

S E C O N D G EN ERAT I O N

2 . JO S EP H Ki n g of S p a in , bor n a t Cor t e, Corsica , 7 J an u a ry ,

,

1 768 ; d i ed a t Flo r en ce, 2 8 J u ly, 1 844 ; m a r ri ed 1 Au g u st ,

1 794, J u li e C l a ry, bor n 2 6 Decem b er , 1 77 1 . No son s .

3 . NA P O L E O N I , Em pero r o f t h e F r en ch , b o rn a t Aj a ccio,
1 5 Au gu st , 1 769 ; d i ed a t S a in t Helen a , 5 M a y , 1 8 2 1 ;
ma rri ed , 1 st , 9 M arch, 1 796, Josephin e d e B ea u h a m a is,
b orn a t Tr oi s—Ilet s, M a rt i n i q ue, 2 3 J u n e, 1 763 ; d i ed a t
M a lm a i son , 2 9 M ay , 1 8 1 4 ; d ivor ced , 1 80 9 ; m a rri ed , 2 d ,
1 1 M a r c h , 1 8 1 0 , M a ri e-Lou i se, b o rn a t Vi en n a , 1 2 De
'

c em b er, 1 79 1 ; d i ed a t Vi en n a , 1 8 Decem b er , 1 847 .Son

(7) NA P O L E O N I I .

4 . L U CI E N, Pr in ce o f C an in o (i n I t a ly) , born a t Aj a c cio, 2 1 M a y ,

1 775; d i ed a t Vi t er bo, I t a ly, 30 J u n e, 1 840 ; m a rr i ed , I st ,

4 M ay , 1 794, C a t h er in e Boyer , b y whom h e h a d t wo

d a u ght er s; m a r r ied , 2 d , 2 3 O ct ober , 1 8 0 3, Alex an d ri n e d e
Bl esc h a m p (M a d am e Jou b ert h ou ) Ch ild r en : (8 ) CH AR L E S ,
.

(9) LO U I S L U C I EN , ( I o) PI ERRE, an d t wo ot h er son s an d

fou r d au ght er s .

5 . LO U I S , Ki n g of Holl a n d , b orn at Aj a cc io , 2 Sept emb er , 1 778 ;

d i ed a t Leghorn , I t a ly, 2 5 Ju ly, 1 846 ; m a r ri ed 4 J an u a ry,
1 80 2 , Hort en se d e Bea u h a m a i s, b or n at Par is, 1 0 Ap r il,
1 78 3; d i ed at Aren en b erg, Swit zerl an d , 5 O ct ober, 1 837 .

E 372 ]
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
C h i ld r en ( 1 1 ) NA P O L E O N C HAR L E S ( 1 2 ) NAP O L EO N
,

LO U I S ( 1 3) LO U I S NA P O L EO N (NA P O L EO N III )
, .

6
. J ER OM E, Kin g of West ph a l i a, bor n a t Aj acc io 1 5 Novemb er , ,

1 784 ; d ied n ea r Pa ri s, 2 4 J u n e, 1 860 ; m arr ied , 1 st , 2 4 De

c em b er , 1 80 3, El i z a b et h P a t t erso n , O f B a lt imo re, b o rn

6 Feb r u a ry, 1 78 5; d i ed 4 Ap r i l , 1 8 79 ; o n e son J ER O M E

NA P O L E O N , born a t C amberwell, En gl a n d , 7 J u ly, 1 80 5 ;
d ied a t B a lt i mo re, 1 7 J u n e, 1 8 70 H e h a d t w o son s :
.

J ERO M E NA P O L E O N , born a t B alt imore, 5 Novemb er , 1 8 32 ;

d ied at Pr id e s Cr ossin g, M a ss , 4 Sept em b er , 1 8 93; an d
’
.

C HAR L E S JO S E P H , born at B a lt imore, 9 J u n e, 1 8 51 ; d ied

a t B ell a Vi st a , n ea r B al t i mo r e, 2 8 J u n e, 1 9 2 1 Th e for m er
.

left a son O f t h e same n a me (b . t h e l a t t er h a d n o

c h i ld r en. Ki n g J EROM E m a rr i ed , 2 d , 2 2 Au g u st 1 8 0 7, a ft er
,

t h e a n n u lmen t O f h i s fi rst m a r r i a ge, Pr i n c ess C a t h er in e of

Wii rt emb erg, born 2 1 Feb r u a ry, 1 78 3 Child ren : J EROM E
.

NA P O L EO N, Pri n ce d e M on t fort , born 2 4 Au gu st , 1 8 1 4 ;

d ied 1 2 M ay , 1 847 ; ( 1 4) NA P O L E O N JO S E P H , a n d M a t h il d e,
born a t Tr iest e, 2 7 M ay , 1 8 2 0 ; d ied at P a ris, 2 J an u a ry,
1 90 4 ; m a rr i ed Pr i n ce Demi d ov .

EL I S A , G r an d D u c h ess o f T u sc a n y, b orn at Aj a ccio, 3 J an u

a ry , 1 777 ; d ied n ea r Tr iest e, 6 Au g u st , 1 8 2 0 ; m a rr i ed
1 M a y , 1 797, Fé li x B acc i och i ( b .

PA U L I N E , Pr i n cesse B o rgh é se, b o r n a t Aj acc io, 2 0 O ct ob er ,

1 78 0 ; d i ed a t Flo ren ce, 9 J u n e, 1 8 2 5 ; m a r ri ed , 1 st , 1 4 J u n e,

1 797, G en era l Lecl er c ( 1 772 m a r r ied , 2 d , 2 8 Aug u st ,

1 80 3, Pr in ce B or ghé se .

CAR O L I N E , Qu een of Na ples, born at Aj a ccio, 2 5 M a rch ,

1 78 2 ; d ied a t Flo r en ce, 1 8 M a y , 1 8 39 ; m a rr ied 2 0 J a n u
a ry , 1 80 0 , Gen er a l JO AC H I M M U RAT , w h o b ec a m e K i n g of

N a ples in 1 80 8 . He w a s born 2 5 M a r ch , 1 77 1
execu t ed i n I t a ly, 1 3 O ct o b er , 1 8 1 5 .C h il d ren : NA P O L EO N
AC H I L L E, born 2 1 J a n u a ry, 1 80 1 ; d ied 1 5 Ap ril , 1 847 ;
m a rri ed C a roli n e Du d ley ; an d NA P O L EO N LU C I E N CHARL E S ,
bor n 1 6 M ay , 1 8 0 3; d ied 1 0 Apri l, 1 8 78 ; m a r ried , 1 8 2 7,
G eo rgi an a Fr a ser , by wh om h e h a d t h ree son s : JO ACH I M
( 34
1 8 A C H I L L E ( 1 8 47 a n d LO U I S ( 1 8 51

E 373 ]
 THE BONAPARTE FAMILY

TH I RD GEN ERATI O N

NAP O L EO N II , Kin g of R ome, Du ke of R ei ch st a b orn at

Pa ri s, 20 M a rch , 1 81 1 ; d ied at Vien n a , 22 1 8 32 .

Never m arried .

8 . CHARL ES , born Par i s, 2 4 M ay , 1 80 3, d ied at Pa ri s, 2 9

at

J u ly, 1 8 57, m a rr ied a t B r u ssel s, 2 9 Ju n e, 1 8 2 2 , h i s cou sin

Z é n a rd e, b o r n 8 J u ly, 1 80 4, d i ed 8 Au gu st , 1 8 54, d au ght er
of K in g Joseph, by whom h e h a d t h r ee son s an d fiv e
d a u ght er s Th e b r an ch i s n ow ext i n ct
. .

LU CI EN LO U I S , born at Thor n grove, En gl a n d , 4 J an u ary,

1 8 1 3; d i ed 3 Novem b er , 1 89 1 ; m a rr i ed ; left n o ch i l d ren .

PI ERRE , bo r n a t R om e 1 2 Sept emb er , 1 8 1 5; d i ed a t Ver

,

sa i ll es, 7 Apr il , 1 8 8 1 ; m a r r i ed 3 Novemb er , 1 8 67, J u st i n e

El é o n ore R u ff m, b y wh om h e h a d , befor e h i s ma r r i a ge, t wo

c h i l d r en : ( 1 8 ) R O L AN D a n d J EA NN E I n J a n u a ry, 1 8 70 , h e
.

ki lled Vi ct or Noi r .

NA P O L E O N CHARL E S , b orn a t Pa ri s, 1 0 O ct ober, 1 80 2 ; d ied

a t Th e H a g u e, 5 M a y , 1 80 7 .

NA P O L EO N L O U I S , b orn at Pa r i s, 1 1 O ct ob er , 1 80 4 ; d ied at
Forli , I t a ly 1 7 M a rch , 1 8 31 ; m arr i ed hi s c ou si n , Ch a rlot t e,
39) d a u gh t er o f Ki n g Joseph No c h ild r en
—1 8
( 1 8 0 2 . .

NA P O L EO N I I I , Em per o r o f t h e F ren ch , b o r n a t Pa r i s, 2 0
April, 1 8 0 8 ; d i ed a t Chi sleh u rst , n ea r Lon d on , 9 J a n u a ry,
1 8 73 ; m a rr i ed 30 J an u a ry, 1 8 53, Eu g é n i e d e M on t ij o, b o rn

a t G r an a d a , S p ai n , 5 M ay , 1 8 2 6 ; d i ed a t M a d ri d , 1 1

Ju ly, 1 92 0 O n e son : ( 1 9) NA P O L EO N LO U I S, t he Pri n ce

.

I m per i al .

NA P O L E O N JO S E PH c al led Pr in ce Na pol eo n , born at Tr iest e,

,

9 S ept emb er , 1 8 2 2 ; d i ed a t R ome, 1 7 M a r ch 1 8 9 1 ; m a r ri ed

i n J an u a ry , 1 8 59, Pr in cess C l ot il d e, d a ught er O f K i n g Vict or
Em m an u el C hild ren .
( 2 0 ) VI CTO R, ( 2 1 ) LO U I S , an d
M a r ie Le t it i a b orn 20 Decemb er , 1 8 66, who m a rried in
Sept em b er , 1 888 , h er m a t er n a l u n cle Am ad eu s, D u ke of
Aost a , ex—Kin g of Spa i n , a n d b rot h er of K in g H um b ert of
I t a ly, by whom sh e h ad on e son , H u m b ert , born i n 1 8 89 .

E 374 ]
M A R SHA L S O F THE EM PI R E
B or n Appoi nted
C t i gl i on (D)
as e 1 757 1 80 4

Sw d (K)
e en 1 763 1 804

N f h at l ( P)
eu c e 1 753 1 80 4

I t i (D)
s r a 1 768 18 4 0

Comt e 1 763 18 4 0

E k m uh l ( P)
c 1 770 1 80 4

Comt e 1 766 1 81 5

Com t e 1 762 1 80 4

V lm y ( D)
a 1 735 1 80 4 .

Mo t b llo (D)
n e e 1 769 1 804 .

D t zi g (D)
an 1 755 18 4 0

T ar an t o ( D) 1 765 1 809

R ag u sa(D) 1 774 1 8 09
E l i g ( P)
ss n 1 756 1 80 4
Co gli o ( D)
ne an 1 754 1 80 4
.

T vi o ( D)
re s 1 768 1 80 4 .

N pl es ( K)
a 1 77 1 1 80 4
Mo kov ( P)
s a 1 769 1 80 4
R ggi o (D)
e 1 767 1 80 9
Co m t e 1 754 1 804
Pr i n ce 1 762 18 3 1

Comt e 1 764 18 2 1

C mt
o e 1 742 1 80 4

D lm t i a ( D)
a a 1 769 18 4 0

Al b fu er a ( D) 1 772 18 1 1

B ll un o (D)
e 1 764 18 7 0

Hon o a y M ar h al
r r s s.

E 376 ]
 TI TLES CO N F ER R ED BY NAPO LEO N
An a r ter r k i i: fi xed
a to the n a m e: f
o hi s Marr b al :
‘
AU GER EAU , Due d e ast i l i n e C g o .
‘
KELL ERMANN, D ue d e V al m y .

‘
B ERN A O TT E, ri nce d e n t o or
D P Po C vo .
‘
L ANN ES , Du e d e n t eb ell Mo o .

‘
B ERTH I ER, ief of t aff; ri n ce d e Ch S P LA V AL ETT E, C mt e; in ist er o M of

Neu fchz i t el , rin ce d e Wa r a m

‘

P g . Post s .

‘
B E SS I ERES, Due d I st ri a ; Com
'
L R N
EB U Due d e aisan ce
, Pl .

m an d er of t he O ld Gua rd .
‘
L EEEB V R E, Due d e an t i D zg .

BO NA PARTE, JO S E PH (Ki n of g ‘
M D D
A C O NAL , Due d e Taran t o .

Na les) , Kin of ain

p g Sp . M R M
A ET, in ist er of F rei n Affa irs o g
BO NA PARTE, LO U I S, Kin of an d g Holl .
( 1 8 1 1 —I 4) ; Due d e assan B o .

B O NAPARTE, JEROM E, Kin of est g W ‘

RM
M A O NT, Due d e Ra usa g .

ph a li a .
‘
M SS
A EN A , Due d e Ri i; r i n ce vol P
‘
B R U N E C o mt, e. d Essl i n g
’
.

CAM BACERES Arch-Ch an llo ; D , ce r ue M O LLI EN, mt e;Co M

in ist er of t he
d e P a ma r . Treasu r y .

CAU LAI NCO U RT D d Vi z ; , ue e cen a t M O NC EY, Due d e ne li a n Co g o .

M ast er of Ho ; M i i t f rse n s er o
'
M R R
O T I E , D ue d e Tre is v o .

F or i g Aff i s
e n a r M Co
O U TO N, mt e d e L au ob .

CHAM PAGNY Du d e C d o ; M i i , e a re n s
I"
G
M U RAT ( r an d Due d e er ) ; Kin B g g
t f F orei g Aff i s ( 8 7
er o n a r 1 0 pl
o f Na es .

CHA PTAL M i ist f t h I t io ;

, n er o e n er r
*
NEY , Du e d El ch in gen ;
’
rin ce d e l a P
Com t e d Ch an t lo p e e u . Mo kova
s .

CLARK E M inist er of War ; D d

, ue e
*
0 U D1 NO T, D ue d e Re i gg o .

Felt re .
P S R
A QU I E , Due d e; refect of P
ice Pol .

”DA V O UT D e d A
’
, t dt Pri u
’
uers a , n ce S RY
A VA , D ue d e R i o; ov g M
in ist er
d Eek I n iI hl
’ ‘

.
Pol
of ice ( 1 8 1 0
D RO U ET Com t e d Erl n
,
’
o .
‘ S ER U R I E
R, o mt e C .

DUR O C Gra n d M arsh al of t h e P l ace;

,
a
1"
S
O U LT , Du e d e Dl
a m at i a .

Du e d e F r i u l i .
*
S
A 1N T -CYR, M q
ar u i s d e .

EU GENE ( B EAU H ARNAI S ) Viceroy of SU CH ET, Due d Al b u fera

* ’
.
,

I t a ly .
TA LL E AN , YR D M in ist er of F rei n o g
F ES CH (Card in al) Gra d Al m o er , n n . Affa irs ( 1 799 Gran d C am h
FO U CH E M in ist er of Poli c ( 1 80 4
,
e b erl a in ( 1 80 4 rin ce d e P
Due d O t ran t o
’
. B v o
en e en t .

‘
GRO U CHY Co mt e , .
VAND MM E Comt
A , e.

‘
JO U RDAN Comt e , .
*
VI CTO R Due d e B ell un o
,

JU NO T Due d Ab rant és
’
.
,

E 377 ]
 CHRO NO LO GY

Na poleon bo n t Aj a io Co r a cc , re Lea v es k omm d

to t a e c an of

i s ca ,15 A g t u us A m y f I t ly 1 1 M
r o h a , a rc

S hool t B i
c a 2 5 Ap i l r en n e, r Vi t o y f Mo t ot t
c r o n en e,

Mil it y A d my t P i
ar ca e a ar s, Ap i l r

31 O t ob c er B t t l f Lo d i 1 0 M y
a e o , a

S o d-Li t t f A t ill y
ec n eu en an o r er , E t y i t o M il
n r 15 M y
n an a

1 S pt m b e e er Si g f M t
e e o b gi an u a e n s,

In g io t Vl a rr s n a a en ce or 30 M ay
A xo u x pt wh
n n e, h e ce en a C t iglio 5 A g t
as n e, u us

t
sen l v i Co i
on ea e n rs ca V o
er n a , B o M t assan , a n u a,

C pta f t h B t ill
u re o 14 e as e, 4
—1 2 S pt m b e e er

J ly u A ol 1 5 1 7 Nov m b
rc e, -
e er

Fi t -Li t t J
rs eu en an , un e R i vol i 1 4 J , y a n ua r

C pt i J ly
a a n, u F ll f M t 2 F b y
a o a n u a, e rua r

F h R p bli 2 1 S pt m b
ren c e u c, e e er L ob
e enp p limi i ea ce re n a r es,

Ex t io
ecu f L i n XVI o ou s , 1 8 Ap il r

21J yan ua r 18 F t i d o (4 S p t m b )
r uc r e e er

Bo p t l v Co i 1 1
na a r es ea e rs ca , P eace o f C m po Fo m i o 1 7 C
a r , c

J un e t ob er

M j o 9 S pt m b
a r, 2 e e er R t
e u rn t Pa i 5 D m b
o r s, ece er

C pt
a f To lo
u re o 19 D m u n, ece S il f Egypt 9 M y
a s or , 1 a

b er A iv
rr t M lt
es a 10 J a a, un e

G en era l of B igr a d e, 22 De Al x d i t k
e an 2 J ly
r a a en , u

cem b er Th Py m id 2 1 J l y
e ra s, u

I sp t o f Co t t Ni
n ec r o as s, a ce B t t l f t h N il 1 A g t
a e o e e, u us

F l l f Rob pi
a o 9 Th e m i
es erre, r J ff t o m d 6 M h
a a s r e , a rc

d (2 7 J ly)
or u Si g f A M h t M y
e e o cre, a rc o a

Ud r
n e t 1 0—23 A g
a r res t; , u us Mo t-T bo 1 6 Ap i l
n a r, r

t o ed t
res r k 14 S p o r an , e Abo ki 2 5 J ly
u r, u

t mb e er L v Egyp t 2 4 A g t
ea es , u us

O d
r d t P i M y
ere o a r s, a L d
an t F éj
s a 9 O t ob r u s, c er

Th 1 3 Ve d é m i i
e (5 O cn a re 18 B m i
ru (9 Nov mb )
a re e er

t ob ) er Fi t Co l 2 4 D m b r
rs n su , ece e

G al of Divi io 2 6 O
en er s n, e L v
ea P i f It ly 6 M ay
es ar s or a ,

t ob er C o s t h Alp 1 5-20 May

r sse e s,

M i g wit h J é phin
arr a e os e, M en go 1 4 J
ar , un e

9 M h arc

E 378 ]
Co gress of Vienna
n , 20 Sep
t mb r
e e

Napol n leaves Elb a

eo , 26 Feb Lea v es for R o h fo t
c e r , 29 J un e

r uary S rren d ers

u

Dis m barks n ear Cann es

e , S ils for St
a

1 M arch Arri v es at St Hel .15 O en a , e

Arriv es at P ari s 20 M arch

,
t ob r e

Ch mp d e Mai 1 J ne
a , u D i at Lon gwood 5 M y
es , a

L v s P aris 1 2 J une
ea e ,
D t h of Ki g o f Rom 2 2 J ly
ea n e, u

Rem in p l aced
a s I valides n ,

Decemb er
 B I BLI O GR A PHY

In a it is n ot d esi ra le t o gi e a c m let e bi li ra
w ok r o f t h is k in d b v o p b og phy
o
of s urces, or t o in d icat e at t he foot of t h e a e t h e aut rit on w ic eac p g ho y h h h
st a t em en t r est s I n t he f ll wi n
o o gb r ief i st n . t h e m re i m rt a n t w r s l o ly o po ok
o o v l bl
ar e m en t i n ed , an d t he m st a ua e o f t ese a re in d ic at ed b an ast eris h y k .

For a m re c m l et e B i bl i ra
o o p og phy t he r ea d er i s referred t o V l um e I X of t he o
Cam b ri d e d ern ist r
g Mo H oy .

B IO G RAPHI ES
FO U R NI ER A ,
Na pol eo n I ( 1 90 1 )
.
‘

'N pol o t h e Fi rst ( 1 90 3)

!
a e n RO P E S J C , . .

LAN R EY P P ,
Th Fi rst N poleon ( 1 88 5)
. e a

Hi t o y f N poleon (1 886)
s r SL NE W M
o a OA , . .

RO S E J H , . .N p leon B on a p art e ( 1 896) ’

a o

CAMPAIGNS
DO DGE , T A . . W a gram ( 1 909)
‘

N pol o ( 1 90 4) Lei pzig ( 1 9 1 2 )

‘ *
a e n

J M I NI H N RI F ( 1 9 1 4)
"
O E ran ce
,

Lif f N pol eo ( 1 863)

‘
e o a n S J C
RO P E , . .

M O RRI S W O C , .
’
.
‘
W t rloo ( 1 892 )
a e

C m p ign of 1 8 1 5 (mm )
*
a a SARGENT H H , . .

PETRE F L N pol eon s Fi rst Ca m p ai gn

!‘ ’
a
, . .

“
J ( 1 90 7)
*
en a M a e go ( 1 897)
r n

F i dl nd
’
r e a

GENERAL HISTO RI ES
DA I S W S
V , . .
Fren ch Revol ut ion
‘
an d Na poleon
H i t o y f Fran ce ( 1 920)
*
s r o ( 1 9 1 7)
Hu m C D ,
MACDO NALD J R M
. . , . . .

H i t ory of Fran e ( 1 9 1 5) s c

M EM O I R S
T L L EYRAND P RI NCE
A M AR EO T B aron
, ,

M m oi ( 1 89 1 )
e rs M émoires ( 1 892) ‘

LA T O U R DU PI N M ARQU I S E D E PASQU I ER CHANCELLI ER ,

,

R oll t i o
*
ec f t he Revol t io
ec M é moires (1 89 3)
ns o u n

d t h Empi re ( 1 920 )
an
R EM U SAT MME D E
e , .

M émo ires ( 1 884)

E 38 1 ]
 BI BLI O GRA PHY

PARTICULAR PERIO D S
AU LARD A , . RO S J H (Ed it or) E, . .

‘
F n h Revol t ion ( 1 9 1 0 )
re c N pol o
u L t Voya es ( 1 90 6) a e n s
’
as

BRO W NI NG O S CAR , RO S EB ERY LO RD g ,

”
N pol o t h Fi t Ph s ( 1 90 5)
a e n, N pol o ; t he L st Ph as ( 1 90 1 )
e rs a e
‘
a e n a e
‘
Th F ll f Napol o ( 1 90 7)
e a o STE PHENS H M e n , . .

CARLYL E TH MA S , O F h R vol t io ( 1 89 1 ) *
ren c e u n

F h R vol t io ( 1 900 )
ren c e H O U SSAY H
u n E
, .

C O NNARD PH I LI PP E , 1 8 1 4 ( 8 99)
*
1

Th Exi l
e f St H l ( 1 90 9)
e o .
( 1 90 5) e en a

GRU YE P UL
R, A

N pol o Ki g f El b ( 1 90 6) L A é m t d Bo a p a t e ( 1 90 2 ) ‘ ’
a e n, n o a v ne en e n r

GO U RGA D G EN ERAL
U ,

J o rn al ( 1 899)
u

MISCELLANEO U S
D U NN-PATT I S N R P O , . . LEW , A .

N pol o M h l ( 1 90 9) Na poléo I t im
’
a e n s ars a s n n e

HU D S O N W H , . . MASS O N F , .

Th M e N pol o ( 1 9 1 4)
an a e n N pol é
a t F mill
on e sa a e

MO RGAN J M ES , A N pol é o
a t l F mm n e es e es

I n th Foot t p f N poleon
e s e s o a N pol é on t
a Fil e son s

( 1 9 1 5) N pol é o
a h zl i n c e u

Ross, J H . .
José phin e
P o lit y f N pol o ( 1 9 1 2 )
*
ers n a o a e n

VACI I EE CO LO N EL
, SA1 NT-AM AND I DE , .

N poleon at W ork (1 9 1 4)
*
a F mm d T il
e es es u eri es
 INDEX
Bo log u n e, mi it ar l y school at , —1 0
7 ; Co p u d é t at , of 1 st h rumaire,
’
B 1 0 7;
b ttl a e of, 30 9 of 1 8t h r uct id r, 8 4 F o
Bi r en n e, 1 71

Br uey s, Ad m ir a , 98 l D lb g a er , Arc hbi hop s of M yen c a e, 1 95,

Br u m a ire, 1 81 h an d 1 9t h, 1 0 7-1 2 2 223 O

Bii l ow, 30 8 D an u b p in ip lit i s
e, r c a e on , 2 2 5

D a v i d ov it ch , 66, 67
Ca d ou d al , G or g e es, 1 2 2, 1 44 D vo
a u t , 1 72 , 2 46, 2 95

C o
a i r , 96 D m rk 2 24 30 3
en a , ,

C loa 9
n n e, 1 D ix 4 1 35 1 36
‘

esa , 2 , ,

C am b a cérés, 121 Di g it i f St t 1 57—8 2 56

n ar es o a e, ,

C am bo 3 1 339
r n n e, 2 , D i t ory 39 93 1 1
rec , , , 0

C a m po Fo m i o P f
r , eace o , 86, 8 7 D d 2 74; b t t l f 297
res en , a e o ,

C a p C di l L g t
rar a, ar na e a e, 1 63 D po t G
u l 2 29
n , en er a ,

C arn ot 56 , D o 80 1 75
ur c, ,

C ar oli Q n e, f N pl ueen o a es, 1 92 , 2 54, D T il G

u l 1 5 2 5 34
e , en er a , , ,

30 6
C t x 3
a r ea u , 2 Echm u hl , a t t e of, 2 39 b l
C t igli o b t t l f 65
as n e, a e o , ol M l
Ec e i i t a ire, 1 0
C th i Q
a f W t ph l i
a r n e, u een o es a a, 2 2 2 E gyp xp
t, e ed i t i n t o, 9 1 - 1 06 o
C th i G d D h
a a r n e, fR ran uc ess, o ussi a , lb
E a , 2 2 5, 320 —32 4
2 30 . 2 55. 2 72 gh ’
En ien , D u c d , 1 44
C l o
au a i n c ur t ,75 3 5 9
0 —1 1 , gl
En a n d . 9 2 , 1 54, 1 69. 2 2 4. 2 71 , 348 .
Ch a m p b t b ttl
au f 31 0
er , a e o , 349 ,
Ch a mp d M i 3 9e a , 2 v
Er fu rt , I n t er i ew a t , 2 2 9
Ch ar e l m g 63 a n e, 1 l g b l
Ess in , a t t e of, 2 41 -3
Ch ar erl oi 33 , 1 Q
Et ruri a, u een of, 2 2 5, 2 2 7
Ch l A hd k f A t i
a r es, rc u e o us r a, 76, 1 74, Et ru ri a , Ki n d m of, n ame go for
2 38—47. 2 60 Tu sca n , 2 2 5 y
Ch l a r es, G ran d D k u e of B a d en , 1 8 9, yl b l
E au , a t t e of, 2 1 6—1 7
1 91
Ch l IV a r es , ofSp ai n , 2 2 6, 2 2 9 F er d in an d , Ar c d u e, 1 78, 2 37 h k
og
Chi t il l on , c n ress a t , 31 2 —1 3 F erd in an d , of N a IV
es, 58 pl
S
Chu rch, t at es of, 2 2 6 F er d i n a n d , r wn Co
r in ce o f P Sp i
a n,
l y Jl
C a r , u ie, 31 ; Dé é sir e, 3 1 , 1 09 2 2 8, 2 2 9 , 30 6
Co l o S o
a it i n , ec n d , 1 1 1 F h l
esc , u n c e of N a e n , 2, 3 6
,
pol o
Co kb
c l
ur n , Ad m i r a , 342 F k i n en st ein , c a st e of, 2 1 7 l
“
Co d e Napol éo n,
”
1 41 F l in a n d , 2 2 4
Co o
n c rd a t , 1 4 1 Fv Hi e un d red , un ci of, 39, Co l 1 1 5,
Co o h
n fed era t i n of t h e R i ne, 1 9 5 1 1 8
Co g
n ress of V ien n a , 32 4, 32 8 Fo i bl
ea u , 2 2 3; Ad ieu
nt a ne d e, 320 x
Co G
n st a n t i n e, D k
r an d u e, 1 8 4 Fou ch é , in i st er of M ice, 2 35, 32 8 Pol
Co o y III
n st it u t i n , ear , 39 , 1 1 5 ; of Fox, 1 95. 2 94
y VIII
ea r p
, 1 2 1 ; of Em ire, 1 58 Fra n ce, 1 52 , 1 63; ca m ai n of, 0 —
3 9 20 p g
Co l F
n su , pol o
irst , Na e n as, 1 40 Fr a n cis I
, 1 86, 1 9 5, 2 89

Co l t 1 1 39
n su a e, 2 , 1 Fred er ic k
Au u st us, K in of a n , g g S xo y
Co t i t l Sy t m 2 06 2 70 2 71
n n en a s e , , , 30 2
Co v t io 39
n en n, F red eri c k t h G t 20 2 2 48 2 89 291
e r ea ,

P ri 1 65—6;
, , ,

Co o t io
r na t n, a a s at F red er ic k Will i m III 1 96 2 06 20 9
a , , , ,
M il 67 an , 1 21 7, 2 36
Co i 25
rs c a , 1, 2 Fréj u s, 1 0 5, 320

[ 38 4 ]
 I N D EX
F ried l an d b att le of , , 2 1 8 20— o b l
L a n , at t e of, 31 1
Fruct id or 1 8t h 84 , , b l
La Rot hiére, a t t e of, 30 9
Las ases, C Co un t , 345
Gaud in M in ist er , of Fin an ce , 2 35 o M q
La T ur d u Pin , ar uise d e, 2 60, 2 62
Gaza 1 00 , o G l
La ur ist n , en era , 8
G n oa 2 4 60 1 70
e , , , , b
Le run , 1 2 1
G or g III of En gl an d 1 69 1 92
e e , , , l G
Lec erc, en era , 8 1 , 1 52 l
G m Em pire 1 95
er an , bv
Lefe re, 1 1 7, 2 1 8
G m n y 2 71
er a , ég o ’
L i n d hon n eur , 1 42 , 2 66
God oy P i fP c ,
“
2 27 r n ce o ea e, pz g b l
Lei i , a t t e of, 3ocr 0 2
Gohi 1 1 4 er, ob p l
Le en , re im in aries of, 77
Go g d G
ur l 345
au , en era , gy b l
Li n , at t e of, 332
G go i C l d r
re r an est ablish ed a en a , re , ob l
L a u , is a n d i n a n u e, 2 0 - 6
4 4 D b
1 9° o b l
L di, a t t e of, 62
G o hy 333 4
r uc .
-
o o b l
L n at , a t t e of, 65
G d t h O l d 2 67
u ar , e , , 338 g oo
Lon w d , 343-54
o
L u is XV, 4
H n b ttl
a a u, a e o f, 30 3 o
L uis XV I , 1 8
H ov 1 92
an er , , 1 93, 1 94 o
L u is X V III , 32 4
Hay e S ain t e, La , 335 Q
Lo u isa, ueen of russia, 1 96 P
H lb g b l
ei s er , a t t e of, 2 1 9 Louisi a n a , 1 53
Ho h 37
c e, v
Lo u ert ure, 1 52
Hoh li d 1 39
en n en , o
L w e, Si r Hud s n , 349—53
Hoh loh 2 0 1 g
en e, b k
Lu ec , 20 3
Holl d 1 9 2 2 64 2 71
an , , , v ll P
Lun e i e, eace of, 1 39
Ho t Bo p rt Ho t
r en se, see na a e, r ense z b l
Lu t en , a t t e of, 2 90
Hou gom on t , 334
M acd o ld M h l 2 46
na a rs a
Ib h im B y 97
ra e , M ac k G
,

l 1 78—1 80
en er a
, ,

I f l M hi 1 43
n ern a ac n e,
M a
,
l m i o 1 0 8 1 46
a s n,
,

I t io A m y f t h 41
n er r, r o e,
M a lo-J l wit b t t l f
aros o
,

z, a e o , 2 84
I v li d HOt l d 356
n a es, e es,
M a lt 95 1 54
]

a,
It ly Vi oy f
a , B cer o , see ea u h am a is,
M a m l k
e u
3

96 1 0 3
es, ,
Eu g én e M a n t u a, 64, 75
It ly 58 89 1 2 8 1 67 2 2 5
a , , , , , M ar b Co t
e u f, un 4, 6,

J obi 32 M a ren go b t t l
, a e of, 1 33
ac

J ff 1 00 1 0 3
a a,
n s,
M ar e A t oi t t
i - n ne e, 1 8

J b t t l f 200
en a , a
,

e o
M ar Lo i
ie- 77u se, 3, 2 54, 2 64, 31 4
, 21

Mar mon t , 80 , 1 72 , 2 70 , 31 6-1 8

,

Joh C ow P i f Po rt ugal
n,
Joh Ar hd k 2 37 2 44
n,
r

c
n

u e,
r n ce o ,
Ma rsh al s, 1 59—1 60 , 2 66
,
M a ssén a , 1 1 1 , 1 2 7, 1 74, 1 78, 2 1 8, 2 41 ,
Jo b t 7 1 1 2
u er , 2,
2 43, 2 46, 2 69
Jo d 36
ur an ,
Mél as, 1 2 7- 1 37
J ot 79 2 2 7 2 3 1
un , , ,
M h Co
et t ern ic , mt esse, 2 56
Klé b er , 37, 1 0 2 , 1 0 4 M h P
et t ern ic , ri n ce, 2 35, 2 94

Kr asn oi , a t t l e of, 2 85 b Mli a n , 63, 78, 8 1 , 8 3

y
Kra , 1 2 8
Mo ov b l
nd i , at t e of, 62
K ut usov , 1 8 1 , 1 84, 2 80 —
84 Mo t ot t b t t l
n en e, a e o f, 61
M on t hol on , 2 7 344, 347 ,

La Fé re re gi m en t o f, 12 Mo S n t- ai n t
- ean J
, 334

Joh
.

Lan n es, 1 0 2, 1 32 , 1 73 ,
-
1 99, 2 43 4 Moo re, Si r n , 2 33

[ 38 5 ]
 I NDEX
Moreau 1 1 3 1 39 1 62, , , , 298 h is pl n f cam p i gn 60 ; his fi rst
a o a ,

Mo t i 31 4
r er, v o i s 61 ; fo s S d i i t
ict r e , rce ar n a o
Mo ow 2 82—3
sc , m k pa e e 62 ; h i
eac , odp l s sec n roc a
M r d B y 97
u a e , m at ion 63; b t t l , f Lo di 63; a e o ,

M t 40 1 20 1 24
ura , , , , 1 73, 20 3, 2 2 8, t
en ers Mil 63; an , o th cr sses e
2 98» 30 1 , 306 Mi n io 64; i v t
c , tn 64;
es s an ua,

b t t l f C t i glion 65; b t t l f
a e o as e, a e o

Na poleon Bon p t his bi t hpl a a r e, r ace, B assa n o 66 ; p l d t C ld i

, re u se a a ero,
2 ; th p d i t io f R o
e re c 2; n o ussea u , 67; b t t l a f A ol 68—70 ;
e o rc e, con

t h Bo e p t f mily 2 ; hi f t h
na ar e a , s a er su mm t l d hi p d i g t h
a e ea er s ur n e
an d m ot h 3; hi hild hood 5;
er, s c , c m p ig
a a 70 ; b t t l
n, f Rivo li 7 1 a e o ,

sc hool d y t B i a 7
—1 0 d t h
sa ; r en n e, ea 74; b t t l a f L e F vo it 75;
o a a r a,

o f h is f t h 9 ; m i li t y
a er,hool t ar sc a ca pt f M t
u re o 75; m a n u a,ht a rc o
P is 9-1 1 ; om m i io d o
ar , c ss ne s us T gli m t o 76; hi
a a en , p h il phi s
“
oso

li t t f t ill y 1 1 t
eu en an o ar er , s a ca l l tt e t er A h d k Ch l
"
o rc u e a r es,

t ion d t V l
e a 1 2 ; fi t vi it t
a en ce, rs s o 77; p l im i re i f L ob
n a r es 77; o e en ,

Co i rs c a ,3; vi it t 1 P i 1 4; s o a r s, ac t io g d i g V i 78 ; t
n re a r n en ce, re u rn

t
r e urn t Co i 1 4; t t io d t
o rs c a , s a ne a to Mil 79 ; t t y wit h t h Pop
an , rea e e,

A xo u 1 4; t h i d v i i t t
n n e, Co i r s o r s ca , 80 ; l t t e t J ép hi
er s o 8 ; lif os n e, 0 e

1 5; t k pa t i
a es vol t i o a y r n re u n r a t Mo t b llo 8 1 ;n e e g m
, a rr an es ar

m ov m t 2 2 ;
e t
en t A xo
, re u rn s o u n n e, i g
r a e o f P li 8 1 ; lif
au n e,t M il e a an ,

a ppoi t d li t t f 4t h 82 ; o t i o wi t h t h o p d ét t ’
2 3; n e eu en a n o c n n ec n e c u a

re gim t t V l en 2 4; t k
a o th
a en ce, a es a o f 8 F1 t id o ruc 84; g p
r, a rr an es ea ce

o f ll gia e t A s m bly
an ce 2 4; o s e , o f C m po Fo m io 86; r t
a r t , e urn s o

fo t h visit t
ur Co i 2 5; vi it o r s ca , s P i 8 7;
ar s, pt i o t h rece 88; n ere,

to P i 2 6; ppoi t d pt i 2 6;
ar s, a n e ca a n, a tt d b ll gi v
en s a by T ll y d en a e r an ,

fi ft h vi it t Co i 2 7; t k p t
s o rs c a , a es ar 89; p t T at y
resen s f C m po re o a

i M dd l
n a xp d it i o 8 ; fi
a en a e e n, 2 Fo mio t Di ct ors 92 ; ppoi t d
r o re , a n e

na lly l v Co i wit h f m ily 2 9;

ea es rs c a a , to c om m d f A my f E gl d an o r o n an ,

his p o l pp r ers n a 30 ; t
a ea a n ce, s a 9 2 ; pl Egypt i
an s xp d it io 93; an e e n,

il f om To lo pt
“
t ion ed at Nice, 32 ; wri t es Le sa s r 9 3; u n, ca ures

So p u d e ea uca ire, 32 ; i n com

er B ”
M l t 95 ;
a a, p E gl i h fl t
esca es n s ee ,

ll y
m an d of a rt i er a t T u n , 32 ; o lo 95; pt ca Al x d i
ures 9 5; e an r a,

g ly
reat g h d ist in uis es im se f, 33; h l m h
arc es C i o 96; b t t l f
on a r , a e o

a ppo g l
in t ed en era of r i a d e, 34; b g th e Py m id 96; d t t io f
ra s, es r uc n o

h
est i m a t e of h is c ar act er, 34; ap hi s fl t 98 ; v ee , t ili t y f hi ersa o s

po I p o
in t ed n s ect r of a st s at Co g i 98 ; d v s i t o P l
en us, a an ce n h
a es

Nice, 35; un d er a rrest , 35; a p ti n e, 1 00 ; pt J aff

ca ; ures a, 1 00

po o
in t ed t o c mm a n d o f art i er ll y si ge e o f A 1 1 — 1 0 3;
cre, b t tl f 0 a e o

for Co
rsic an e xp o
ed it i n , 35; o
r d ered Mo t-T bo 1 0 ; b d o i g
n a r, 2 a an ns s e e

to P
a r is, 36 ; re a t i n s wit l o hBa rr a s, o f Acr 1 0 3; e, t t C i o 1 0 3;
re u rn s o a r ,

p p pl
37; re a res a n s for t a ia n ca m I l b t t l f Abo ki 1 0 4; d id t
a e o u r, ec es o

p a ign , 38 ; c mm an d s t r o oop
s of t he t
r e u rn hom 1 04; l d t F éj e, an s a r us,

Co vn en t i n , 1 3 o V é
en d m i a i re, 40 ; 1 0 5; iv arr t P i 1 0 5; p d o
es a a r s, ar ns

a ppo g
in t ed en era of d i isi n an dl v o J é p hi
os 1 6; n e, p t io
0 hi rece n on s

o
c mm an d er Arm of y I o
n t eri r, 4 1 ; t
re urn , 2; fo m
1 1 lli wit h
r s a an ce

first m eet i n wit g h

José phin e, 42 ; Si ye 3; pl
e s, 1 1 o p d é t t 1 1 4;
an s c u
’
a ,

g
h is m ar ria e, 53; t a es c m m a n d k o hi s t io ac 18 B
n s on m ir 1 1 7; ru a e,

of t h e Arm of y I ly
t a , 56; rea s n s o ov t h ow Di t o y
er r s 19 B
rec r on ru

for h is a ppo
i n t men t , 56; his fi rst m i a re, 1 1 8 ; b om Fi t Co lec es rs n su ,

ol o
pr c a m at i n , 58 ; h is ofi cers, 59 ; 12 ; t k
1 a p hi es u esid nc i t he s r e e n

[ 38 6 ]
 I NDEX
a rm y Lob a u, 2 41 ;
to at t le of b of B z
a ut en , 2 92 —3; a r ees t o arm g i
p
As ern an d Ess in , 2 42-3; l g ri ef g st i ce, 2 93; o o refu ses c n di t i n s of
at d ea t h
of La nn es, 2 44; wit h p eace, 294 ; m ho t ilit i 2 95;
resu es s es,
ob o
d r aw s t o L au, 2 44 ; rein f rces g i b illi t vi t o y t D e d
a ns r an c r a r s en ,
y
arm , 2 44; g a ain cr sses D an u e,
o b 296- 7 ; i d i io f l h i g b t t l
n ec s n o vn a e,

2 45; v oy
ic t r Wg
of a ra m , 2 46; 2 97; m h t L i pzig 299 ;
ar c es o e , ov er
y
Treat of SchOn b r un n , 2 47 ; ret urn s wh l m d by t h All i
e e 30 2 ; e es, 1- te

t o Fo t i bln a ne 2 49 ; fi lly d
ea u, na e t t
rea s t th Rh io 3 3; e t n e, 0 re urn s

c id est d ivo o J é phi 2 50 ;

rce os n e, t o S i t-Clo d 30 4; f
a n u , w r e uses n e

hi ms i g ll d 2 51 ; fi
arr a e a nn u e , n an p eace p opo l 3 5; o l dr sa s, 0 c nc u es

i l p ovi io
c s r f J é p hin 2 52 ;
s ns or os e, t rea t y wit h F di d 30 6; p er n an , re

m t im o i l
a r g t i t io
n a wit h
ne o a ns p f w m p ig 30 7; m i
a res or n e ca a n, s

R i b ok
uss a ff 2 56;
r ll m t
en o , ca s ee t k a es t t hi a t im 30 7 ; t k
s e, a es

D
i n g of ign it ari es t o d iscuss m ar c om m d t Chfil an 3 9; b t tl
a on s, 0 a e

ri age, 2 57; m a es kr p opo l

sa for o f B i 30 9 ; vi t o i
r en n e, ov c r es er

h an d M
of a rie- Lou ise, 2 57; t h e Bl h 3 1 1 ; p
uc er, 10- g ti eace ne o a

g by p oxy V
m a rria e r at ien n a, 2 58 ; t io ns a t C h fit ill —
31 2 1 3; f on , re u ses

fi g
rst m eet in a t Com pi é gn e, 2 59 ; a lli d t m 3 3; d id t d
e er s, 1 ec es o a

vl g Clo
c i i m a rr i a e a t S a i n t - u d , 2 59 ; v a n ce t t h E t 3 4;
o e t ast , 1 re urn s o

l go g ov
re i i u s m a rr i a e a t t h e L u r e, Fo t i bl
n a ne 31 5 ; pl eau, t an s o re

2 59 ; vo o yo g
d e t i n t o his un wi fe, ca pt P i 3 1 5;
ure ar s,lt f resu s o

2 60 ;v B l
isit t o ru sse s, 2 60 ; fé t es M m t t ar on o 31 6; bdi t
’
s rea s n , a ca es

in ho o g
n r of t he m arr ia e, 2 6 1 ; t h e i f vo
n a f r o 31 6 ; fi l b d i
son , na a ca

Sh b g b ll
c w a rz en er b h
a , 26 1 ; i rt of t io n, 3 9; t t m pt
1 i id
a e
3 9; s su c e, 1

g o p v
t h e Kin of R m e, 2 62 ; t h e ri a t e bi d d i t t h O ld G d 3 ;
s a eu o e u ar , 20
bp a t ism , o
26 3; B lg
t ur t o e iu m , l v f Elb 32 0 ;
ea es or iv a, t a rr es a

Holl h ho o
an d an d t h e R in e, 264; n rs Po t o-F jo 3 ; hi lif t Elb
r er r a , 21 s e a a,

o
c n ferred on hl
t h e m a rs a s, 2 65 ; 3 21—
3; vi it f om hi m ot h s s r d s er a n

t he L ég o ’
i n d hon n eur, 2 66 ; h i s sist er, 32 2 ; d ecid es t o ret u rn t o
op o hl
in i n of t h e m a rs a s, 2 66 ; t he F r a n ce, 32 4 ; rea s n s for h is a ct , o
G
O l d ua rd , 2 67 ;pop l y h u ari t wit hi s 32 4; an d s n ea r l an n es, 32 5 ; t he C
ol
s d iers, 2 68 ; t he d r ain of t he fil
d e e of L affr ay , 32 6 ; r ea c es a ris, h P
Sp h p p o
an is W ar , 2 69 ; r e a ra t i n s for 32 7; a ppo
in t s n ew m in ist r , 32 8 ; y
p g o
Russia n c a m a i n , 2 70 ; rea s n s for o l
u t a wed byll
t he A i es, 32 8 ; pre
b k h Cz
t he rea wi t t h e ar , 2 7 1 ; effect s p a res f r w o m p ig 330 ;
ne ca a n,

of t he Co l Sy
n t in en t a st em, 2 72 ; l v s f t h f o t 330 ; pl f
ea e or e r n , an o

og z o y v
r a n i at i n of t he arm , 2 73; isit O p t io 331 —2 ; d f t P
er a n s, e ea s rus

to D o
resd en , 2 74 ; cr sses t he Ni e i
s an s t Li g ya —
332 3 ; b t t l n f , a e o

m en , 2 75 v v oy
in d ecisi e ict r at W t loo 334-9 ;
a er , o f th rea s n s or e

S ol k
m en s , 2 78-9 ; d ecid es t o a d Fr h d f t 339 ; l t bd i t io
en c e ea , as a ca n,

v an ce t oMo o b l
sc w, 2 8 0 ; at t e of 34 ; l v0 P i f M lm i o
ea es ar s or a a s n,

Bo o o
r d in , 2 8 1 ; p Mo o
occu i es sc w, 34 1 ; go t R o h fo t 34 ;
es o c e r , 1 sur

l ly h
2 8 2 ; fat a d e a bg
t ere, 2 8 3; e in s ren d t ersE gl d 34 ; i b
o n an , 2 s an

o g
ret reat , 2 8 3; c r ssin B of t he ere i h d t S i t H l
s e o 34 ; hoo
a n e en a , 2 c ses

sin a , 2 8 5;l v y
ea es t he a rm , 2 86 ; hi s co m p io i xil 342 ; hi an ns n e e, s

v
arri es a t P o
a ris, 2 8 7; h is r es u rces res id t Lo gwoo d
en ce a 343; hi n , s

a ft er t he Russia n d isast er, 2 88 ; g i v s g i st t h E gli h

r e an ce a a n e n s ,

po h
im rt a n ce a t t ac ed t o Aust r ian 349 ; t h q t ioe f t it l 349 ; t h
ues n o e, e

g
m a rr ia e, 2 89 ; pl
an s for t he n ew q t io f fi
ues n o 35 0 ; t h q ~
n a n ces, e u es

p g
c a m ai n , 2 9 0 ; b l
at t e of Lii t zen , t io n f st o d y
o 350 ; h i lov
cu f , s e o

2 90 ; o p
ccu ies D
resd en , 2 9 1 ; at t eb l rea di g 352 3; hi l st d ays 354;
n ,
-
s a ,

[ 38 8 ]
 INDEX
his d eat h b l
an d uri a , 355; hi s P in f P ce s God oy
r ce o ea , ee
r em ai n sb o gh b k
r u t ac to ran ce, F P i 1 92 1 97 1 98 2 2 1
russ a, , , ,

356; his t m o b in t h e n a id es, Ivl P lt k b t t l f 2 1 0

u us , a e o ,

p o l y
356; his ers n a it , 357; h is ace pl Py rm aid b at t l of 96 s, e ,
h oy
i n ist r , 357 ; in flu en ce on Eu r e, op
o l q l y
358 ; s ci a e ua it , 358 ; i t ica pol l Q uad ri a t era l l 64
lb y h gh
i er t , 358 ; i er ed uca t i n , 359 ; o Q u at re- ra s,
332 B
,

p bl y
u p o
icit , 359 ; his ers n a a ear l pp Quasd a n ov ich, Aust ri an G l 65
an ce, 359 ; h lh ea t , 360 ; m et d of ho en er a ,

ok g
w r , 360 ; d i ct a t in , 362 ; w ri t in , g
362 ; l q p
m en t a e u i m en t , 362 ;
R a m ol in o, Let it i a, see n a art e Bo p
fa m i ly l o
r e a t i n s, 363; his car eer, M
Ré m u sa t , a d a me d e,
54
o g S
364; c u r a e, 364; t at esm a ns i , hp M
Ren a u d in , a d a m e, 44 , 45

g
364; mor a l , 365; i m a in a t i n , 365; o Revol o F
ut i n , ren c , 1 7— 2 2, 26 h
b o
a m it i n , 366; l k ac of r an i a og z Rivol b l
i , at t e of, 72 -74
o
t i n , 366; l hp
ea d ers i , 366 ; com
ob p
R es ierre, 35
pa red t oC e sa r , 368
og D o
R er- uc s, 1 1 6, 1 1 8, 1 20
pol o g
Na e n ic Le en d , 348 Ro 2
usseau ,

pol o II g o Roust an , 1 75
Na e n (Ki n of R m e) , 262—3,
34°
oy l
R a ist s, 1 43
R ussi a, 1 70 , 2 69-2 87
Na e npol o III, 2 2 2 , 2 2 3, 330

o l bly
N a t i n a Assem , 2 1

o lG
Na t i n a u a r d , 2 2 , 39, 40 S ia nt-
A g
i n an , a r n d e, 30 4 B o
Na t u r a lbo
u n d a r i es, 2 94 S B
a in t - ern a r d , ass, 1 29 p
k
Nec er, 1 9 S Co
a in t - l u d , 1 1 8

lo l
Ne s n , Ad m i r a , 93, 98 S a in t -Cy r , 37, 2 67, 2 96, 300
Ney . x73. 2 9 2 . 31 6. 332 , 337-8 Do g
S a in t - m in ue, 1 52
l b l
Ni e, at t e of, 98 S a in t - Go h
t a rd , p g
assa e of, 1 29

ov
N i, 1 1 2 S a in t Hl
e en a , 342 —55
S a in t Joh
n , Kn i gh
t s of, 95

l b g
O d en u r , 2 7 1 S a in t -Ruff, A bb é
d e, 1 3, 1 6
l
O d en u r ,b g D k e of
u , 2 55 S a r d in i a , 62

O M ear a , 348
’
S a v a y 31 3
r ,

o
O st er d e, 2 1 7 S a xo y 2 07 2 9 1
n , ,

O udi n ot , 2 99 S c ho b n T eat y
n ru n, r of, 20 7
S c hw z b g P i
ar en er , r n ce d e, 2 57: 2 61 ,
Pagé ri e (fat er of h J osé ph in e ), 44 2 95. 2 97—30 1 . 30 8-1 1

P ol
a i , 4, 2 5, 2 8 Sé b a st i a n i, 1 16

P o on
a ri s, rec n st ruct i of, 1 -1 0
49 5 S en a t u s consul t um, 1 57

P l I 1 1 1 1 27
au , ,
Sé r urier, 2 4
P t it G r l 3
e , en e a ,
S ly
ici , 1 96
Phéli pp t i g
eaux, a se e o f Acre, 101 S y
ie es, 1 1 1 , 1 1 4
‘

Pichegr u, 36, 8 4, 1 44 S h S y
m it , Si r id n e , 1 0 1 , 1 04
P o
i ed m n t , 58— 62 S ol k b l
m en s , a t t e of, 2 78—80
Pit t , 1 39, 1 69, 1 87 So l
u t , 1 72 , 2 69

Pol an d , 20 8 So p B
u er d e ea u cai re, Le, 32
Po o
n i at ws i , 30 2k Sp a in . 2 2 4—34, 2 69
Pop P e i us , 58VI M
St aii l , ad am e d e, 89

Pop P e i us VII
, 1 64
St at -G e l 2 0
es en r a ,

Po t g l
r u a , 2 2 6, 2 2 7 St é p h an ie, m arried to Prince of

P sburg
re , Pe cea o f, 1 86, 1 89 B
ad en , 1 9 1

389 J
 I NDEX
Tabor, Mon t»
, 1 02 Van démi ai re, 1 3t h , 40
l
Ta isman , 1 64 Ven ice, 78

Ta le ran d , 8 7-89, 2 35, 30 5, 31 3, 31 6

l y V o
ict r Amad eus, 58
l y
Ti sit , Tr ea t of, 2 2 1
l
Ti t es, 1 92
ol o y
T en t in , Treat of, 80 Villen uve
e , Ad mira l?! 55
T rres Ved ras, 2 70
o
T u n , 30 —
o lo 34 W a gr am, b at t l f, 246—
e o 7
lg
Trafa a r, 1 55 W al ewska, M me, 1 48 , 2 1 1 -1 4, 322
Tuileri es, 1 26 W al ewski , Com t e, 1 48 , 214
go
Tur t , 1 9 W allach ia 2 2 5 ,

Tur key, 99 Warsaw Gran d Duchy f 2 2 1

, o ,

Wat erl oo b att le f 334—39

, o ,

Wel li n gt on Duke of 2 70 332—40

, , ,

West ph alia Ki n gd om of 2 2 1
, ,

W red e,

Vl 1 2
a en ce,

Vand amm e, 299