Chapter III: Part 3
_June 20th._--Turin surrenders to Austro-Russians.
_June 22nd._--Turkey, Portugal, and Naples join the coalition
against France.
_July 14th._--French carry their prisoner, Pope Pius VI., to
Valence, where he dies (_August 29th_).
_July 22nd._--Alessandria surrenders to Austro-Russians.
_July 30th._--Mantua, after 72 days' siege, surrenders to Kray.
_August 15th._--French defeated at Novi by Suwarrow. French lose
Joubert and 20,000 men.
_August 17th._--French, under Lecombe, force the St. Gothard.
_August 27th._--English army disembark at the Helder.
_August 30th._--Dutch fleet surrendered to the British Admiral.
_September 19th._--Brune defeats Duke of York at Bergen.
_September 25th._--Massena defeats allies at Zurich, who lose
16,000 men and 100 guns. "Massena saves France at Zurich, as
Villars saved it at Denain."--_Montgaillard._
_October 6th._--Brune defeats Duke of York at Kastrikum.
_October 7th._--French take Constance.
_October 16th._--Saint-Cyr, without cavalry or cannon, defeats
Austrians at Bosco.
_October 18th._--Capitulation at Alkmaar by Duke of York to
General Brune. "The son of George III. capitulates at Alkmaar as
little honourably as the son of George II. had capitulated at
Kloster-Seven in 1757."--_Montgaillard._
_November 4th._--Melas defeats French at Fossano.
_November 13th._--Ancona surrendered to the Austrians by Monnier,
after a six months' siege.
_November 24th._--Moreau made commander of the armies of the Rhine
(being in disgrace, has served as a volunteer in Italy most of
this year); Massena sent to the army of Italy.
_December 5th._--Coni, the key of Piedmont, surrenders to the
Austrians.
_December 14th._--Death of George Washington.
_December 15th._--Battle of Montefaccio, near Genoa. Saint-Cyr
defeats Austrians.
EVENTS OF 1800.
_February 11th._--Bank of France constituted.
_February 20th._--Kleber defeats Turks at Heliopolis.
_May 3rd._--Battle of Engen. Moreau defeats Kray, who loses 10,000
men, and--
_May 5th._--Again defeats Austrians at Moeskirch.
_May 6th.--Napoleon leaves Paris._
_May 8th.--Arrives at Auxonne, and on the 9th at Geneva, from
thence moves to Lausanne (May 12th), where he is delighted with
reception accorded to the French troops, and hears of Moreau's
victory at Bibernach (May 11th). On the 14th he hears of Desaix's
safe arrival at Toulon from Egypt, together with Davoust, and
orders the praises of their past achievements to be sung in the_
Moniteur. _The same day writes Massena that in Genoa a man like
himself (Massena) is worth 20,000. On the 16th is still at
Lausanne._
No. 1.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PARIS.
_Lausanne, May 15, 1800._
I have been at Lausanne since yesterday. I start to-morrow. My health is fairly good. The country round here is very beautiful. I see no reason why, in ten or twelve days, you should not join me here; you must travel incognito, and not say where you are going, because I want no one to know what I am about to do. You can say you are going to Plombieres.
I will send you Moustache,[16] who has just arrived.
My very kindest regards to Hortense. Eugene will not be here for eight days; he is _en route_.
BONAPARTE.
No. 2.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PARIS.
_Torre di Garofolo, May 16, 1800._
I start immediately to spend the night at Saint-Maurice. I have not received a single letter from you; that is not well. I have written you by every courier.
Eugene may arrive the day after to-morrow. I have rather a cold, but it will have no ill effects.
My very kindest regards to you, my good little Josephine, and to all who belong to you.
BONAPARTE.
_May 17th-19th.--At Martigny, "struggling against ice, snow-storms,
and avalanches," and astonishing the great St. Bernard "with the
passage of our 'pieces of 8,' and especially of our limbers--a new
experience for it." On May 20th he climbed the St. Bernard on a
mule, and descended it on a sledge. On May 21st he is at Aosta,
hoping to be back in Paris within a fortnight. His army had passed
the mountain in four days. On May 27th he is at Ivrea, taken by
Lannes on the 24th._
No. 3.[17]
[_From Tennant's Tour, &c._, vol. ii.]
11 P.M.
I hardly know which way to turn. In an hour I start for Vercelli. Murat ought to be at Novaro to-night. The enemy is thoroughly demoralised; he cannot even yet understand us. I hope within ten days to be in the arms of my Josephine, who is always very good when she is not crying and not flirting. Your son arrived this evening. I have had him examined; he is in excellent health. Accept a thousand tender thoughts. I have received M.'s letter. I will send her by the next courier a box of excellent cherries.
We are here--within two months for Paris.--Yours entirely,
N. B.
_To Madame Bonaparte._ (Address not in Bonaparte's writing.)
* * * * *
_June 1st._--First experiments with vaccination at Paris, with
fluid sent from London.
_On June 2nd Napoleon enters Milan, where he spends a week._
No. 4.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PARIS.
_Milan._
I am at Milan, with a very bad cold. I can't stand rain, and I have been wet to the skin for several hours, but all goes well. I don't persuade you to come here. I shall be home in a month. I trust to find you flourishing. I am just starting for Pavia and Stradella. We are masters of Brescia, Cremona, and Placentia.
Kindest regards. Murat has borne himself splendidly.
* * * * *
_June 5th._--Massena gives up Genoa, but leaves with all the
honours of war.
_June 7th._--Lannes takes Pavia, 350 cannon, and 10,000 muskets.
_June 9th.--Battle of Montebello. Bonaparte defeats Austrians, who
lose 8000 men._
_June 14th.--Bonaparte wins Marengo, but loses Desaix--"the man I
loved and esteemed the most." In his bulletin he admits the battle
at one time was lost, until he cried to his troops "Children,
remember it is my custom to sleep upon the battlefield." He
mentions the charges of Desaix and Kellermann, and especially
eulogises the latter--a fact interesting on account of the false
statements made of his ignoring it. In the bulletin of June 21st
he blames the "punic faith" of Lord Keith at Genoa, a criticism
the Admiral repaid with usury fifteen years later._
_June 14th._--Assassination of Kleber, in Egypt.
_June 16th.--Convention of Alessandria between Bonaparte and
Melas; end of the "Campaign of Thirty Days."_
_June 19th._--Moreau defeats Kray at Hochstedt, and occupies Ulm.
_June 23rd._--Genoa re-entered by the French.
_June 26th.--Bonaparte leaves Massena in command of the Army of
Reserve, now united with the Army of Italy._
_July 3rd.--The First Consul is back in Paris unexpectedly--not
wishing triumphal arches or such-like "colifichets" In spite of
which the plaudits he receives are very dear to him, "sweet as the
voice of Josephine."_
_September 5th._--Vaubois surrenders Malta to the English, after
two years' blockade.
_September 15th._--Armistice between France and Austria in
Germany.
_September 30th._--Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between
France and U.S.--agreed that the flag covers the goods.
_October 3rd._--To facilitate peace King George renounces his
title of King of France.
_November 12th._--Rupture of Armistice between France and
Austria.
_December 3rd._--Moreau wins the battle of Hohenlinden (Austrian
loss, 16,000 men, 80 guns; French 3000).
_December 20th._--Moreau occupies Lintz (100 miles from Vienna).
_December 24th.--Royalist conspirators fail to kill Bonaparte with
an infernal machine._
_December 25th._--Armistice at Steyer between Moreau and Archduke
Charles (sent for by the Austrians a fortnight before as their
last hope).
FOOTNOTES
[16] Bonaparte's courier.
[17] The date of this letter is May 29, 1800. See Notes.
SERIES D
"The peace of Amiens had always been regarded from the side of
England as an armed truce: on the side of Napoleon it had a very
different character.... A careful reader must admit that we were
guilty of a breach of faith in not surrendering Malta. The promise
of its surrender was the principal article of the treaty."
_England and Napoleon in 1803._
(Edited for the R. Hist. S. by Oscar Browning, 1887.)
SERIES D
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 225-231.)
LETTER PAGE
Date 225
No. 1. _The blister_ 225
_Some plants_ 225
_If the weather is as bad_ 226
_Malmaison, without you_ 228
No. 2. _The fat Eugene_ 228
No. 3. _Your letter has come_ 229
_Injured whilst shooting a boar_ 229
"_The Barber of Seville_" 229
No. 4. _The Sevres Manufactory_ 230
No. 5. _Your lover, who is tired of being alone_ 230
_General Ney_ 231
JOSEPHINE'S TWO VISITS TO PLOMBIERES,
1801 AND 1802.
EVENTS OF 1801.
_January 1st._--Legislative Union of Great Britain and Ireland.
_January 3rd._--French under Brune occupy Verona, and
_January 8th._--Vicenza.
_January 11th._--Cross the Brenta.
_January 16th._---Armistice at Treviso between Brune and the
Austrian General Bellegarde.
_February 9th._--Treaty of Luneville, by which the Thalweg of the
Rhine became the boundary of Germany and France.
_March 8th._--English land at Aboukir.
_March 21st._--Battle of Alexandria (Canopus). Menou defeated by
Abercromby, with loss of 2000.
_March 24th._--The Czar Paul is assassinated.
_March 28th._--Treaty of Peace between France and Naples, who
cedes Elba and Piombino.
_April 2nd._--Nelson bombards Copenhagen.
_May 23rd._--General Baird lands at Kosseir on the Red Sea with
1000 English and 10,000 Sepoys.
_June 7th._--French evacuate Cairo.
_July 1st._--Toussaint-Louverture elected Life-Governor of St.
Domingo. Slavery abolished there. The new ruler declares, "I am
the Bonaparte of St. Domingo, and the Colony cannot exist without
me;" and heads his letters to the First Consul, "From the First of
the Blacks to the First of the Whites."
_July 15th.--Concordat between Bonaparte and the Pope, signed at
Paris by Bonaparte, ratified by the Pope (August 15th)._
_August 4th._--Nelson attacks Boulogne flotilla and is repulsed.
_August 15th._--Attacks again, and suffers severely.
_August 31st._--Menou capitulates to Hutchinson at Alexandria.
_September 29th._--Treaty of Peace between France and Portugal;
boundaries of French Guiana extended to the Amazon.
_October 1st._--Treaty between France and Spain, who restores
Louisiana. Preliminaries of Peace between France and England
signed in London.
_October 8th._--Treaty of Peace between France and Russia.
_October 9th._--And between France and Turkey.
_December 14th._--Expedition sent out to St. Domingo by the French
under General Leclerc.
No. 1.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PLOMBIERES.
_Paris the "27" ..., 1801._
The weather is so bad here that I have remained in Paris. Malmaison, without you, is too dreary. The fete has been a great success; it has rather tired me. The blister they have put on my arm gives me constant pain.
Some plants have come for you from London, which I have sent to your gardener. If the weather is as bad at Plombieres as it is here, you will suffer severely from floods.
Best love to "Maman" and Hortense.
BONAPARTE.
* * * * *
EVENTS OF 1802.
_January 4th.--Louis Bonaparte marries Hortense Beauharnais, both
unwilling._
_January 9th.--The First Consul, with Josephine, leaves for Lyons,
where,_
_January 25th.--He remodels the Cisalpine Republic as the Italian
Republic, under his Presidency._
_March 25th._--Treaty of Amiens signed in London. French lose only
Ceylon and Trinidad. Malta to be restored to the Order of Knights,
reconstituted.
_May 7th._--Toussaint surrenders to Leclerc.
_May 19th._--Institution of the Legion of Honour.
No. 2.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PLOMBIERES.
_Malmaison, June 19, 1802._
I have as yet received no news from you, but I think you must already have begun to take the waters. It is rather dull for us here, although your charming daughter does the honours of the house to perfection. For the last two days I have suffered slightly from my complaint. The fat Eugene arrived yesterday evening; he is very hale and hearty.
I love you as I did the first hour, because you are kind and sweet beyond compare.
Hortense told me that she was often writing you.
Best wishes, and a love-kiss.--Yours ever,
BONAPARTE.
No. 3.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PLOMBIERES.
_Malmaison, June 23, 1802._
_My Good Little Josephine_,--Your letter has come. I am sorry to see you have been poorly on the journey, but a few days' rest will put you right. I am very fairly well. Yesterday I was at the Marly hunt, and one of my fingers was very slightly injured whilst shooting a boar.
Hortense is usually in good health. Your fat son has been rather unwell, but is getting better. I think the ladies are playing "The Barber of Seville" to-night. The weather is perfect.
Rest assured that my truest wishes are ever for my little Josephine.--Yours ever,
BONAPARTE.
No. 4.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PLOMBIERES.
_Malmaison, June 27, 1802._
Your letter, dear little wife, has apprised me that you are out of sorts. Corvisart tells me that it is a good sign that the baths are having the desired effect, and that your health will soon be re-established. But I am most truly grieved to know that you are in pain.
Yesterday I went to see the Sevres manufactory at St. Cloud.
Best wishes to all.--Yours for life,
BONAPARTE.
* * * * *
_June 29th.--Pope withdraws excommunication from Talleyrand._
No. 5.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT PLOMBIERES.
_Malmaison, July 1, 1802._
Your letter of June 29th has arrived. You say nothing of your health nor of the effect of the baths. I see that you expect to be home in a week; that is good news for your lover, who is tired of being alone!
You ought to have seen General Ney, who started for Plombieres; he will be married on his return.
Yesterday Hortense played Rosina in "The Barber of Seville" with her usual skill.
Rest assured of my love, and that I await your return impatiently. Without you everything here is dreary.
BONAPARTE.
* * * * *
_August 2nd.--Napoleon Bonaparte made First Consul for life._
"_The conduct and the language of Bonaparte represents at once
Augustus, Mahomet, Louis XI., Masaniello_" (Montgaillard, _an
avowed enemy_).
_September 22nd._--Opening of the Ourcq Waterworks for the supply
of Paris.
_September 25th.--Mass celebrated at St. Cloud for the first time.
In this month Napoleon annexes Piedmont, and the next sends Ney to
occupy Switzerland._
_October 11th.--Birth of Napoleon Charles, son of Louis Bonaparte
and Hortense._
_October 29th.--Napoleon and Josephine visit Normandy, and,
contrary to expectation, receive ovations everywhere. They return
to Paris, November 14th._
EVENTS OF 1803.
_February 19th._--New constitution imposed by France on
Switzerland.
_April 14th.--Bank of France reorganised by Bonaparte; it alone
allowed to issue notes._
_April 27th._--Death of Toussaint-Louverture at Besancon.
_April 30th._--France sells Louisiana to U.S. for L4,000,000 (15
million dollars).
_May 22nd.--France declares war against England, chiefly
respecting Malta. England having seized all French ships in
British harbours previous to war being declared, Napoleon seizes
all British tourists in France._
_May 31st.--His soldiers occupy Electorate of Hanover._
_June 14th.--He visits North of France and Belgium, accompanied by
Josephine, and returns to Paris August 12th._
_September 27th._--Press censorship established in France.
_November 30th._--French evacuate St. Domingo.
SERIES E
1804
"Everywhere the king of the earth found once more, to put a bridle on his pride, the inevitable lords of the sea."--BIGNON, v. 130.
SERIES E
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 232-237.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. _Madame_ 232
_Pont de Bricques_ 232
_The wind having considerably freshened_ 232
No. 2. _The waters_ 233
_All the vexations_ 233
_Eugene has started for Blois_ 234
No. 3. _Aix-la-Chapelle_ 234
No. 4. _During the past week_ 235
_The day after to-morrow_ 235
_Hortense_ 235
_I am very well satisfied_ 235
No. 5. Its authenticity 236
_Arras, August 29th_ 236
_I am rather impatient to see you_ 236
No. 6. _T._ 237
_B._ 237
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING HIS JOURNEY ALONG THE COAST, 1804.
EVENTS OF 1804.
_February 15th._--The conspiracy of Pichegru. Moreau arrested,
Pichegru (_February 28th_), and Georges Cadoudal (_March 9th_).
_March 21st._--Duc D'Enghien shot at Vincennes.
_April 6th._--Suicide of Pichegru.
_April 30th.--Proposal to make Bonaparte Emperor._
_May 4th.--Tribune adopts the proposal._
_May 18th.--The First Consul becomes the Emperor Napoleon._
_May 19th.--Napoleon confers the dignity of Marshal of the Empire
on Berthier, Murat, Moncey, Jourdan, Massena, Augereau,
Bernadotte, Soult, Brune, Lannes, Mortier, Ney, Davoust,
Bessieres, Kellermann, Lefebvre, Perignon, Serrurier._
_July 14th._--Inauguration of the Legion of Honour.
No. 1.
TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE.
_Pont-de-Bricques, July 21, 1804._
_Madame and dear Wife_,--During the four days that I have been away from you I have always been either on horseback or in a conveyance, without any ill effect on my health.
M. Maret tells me that you intend starting on Monday; travelling by easy stages, you can take your time and reach the Spa without tiring yourself.
The wind having considerably freshened last night, one of our gunboats, which was in the harbour, broke loose and ran on the rocks about a league from Boulogne. I believed all lost--men and merchandise; but we managed to save both. The spectacle was grand: the shore sheeted in fire from the alarm guns, the sea raging and bellowing, the whole night spent in anxiety to save these unfortunates or to see them perish! My soul hovered between eternity, the ocean, and the night. At 5 A.M. all was calm, everything saved; and I went to bed with the feeling of having had a romantic and epic dream--a circumstance which might have reminded me that I was all alone, had weariness and soaked garments left me any other need but that of sleep.
NAPOLEON.
[_Correspondence of Napoleon I., No. 7861,
communicated by M. Chambry._]
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT AIX-LA-CHAPELLE.
_Boulogne, August 3, 1804._
_My Dear_,--I trust soon to learn that the waters have done you much good. I am sorry to hear of all the vexations you have undergone. Please write me often. My health is very good, although I am rather tired. I shall be at Dunkirk in a very few days, and shall write you from there.
Eugene has started for Blois.
_Je te couvre de baisers._
NAPOLEON.
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT AIX-LA-CHAPELLE.
_Calais, August 6, 1804._
_My Dear_,--I arrived at Calais at midnight; I expect to start to-night for Dunkirk. I am in very fair health, and satisfied with what I see. I trust that the waters are doing you as much good as exercise, camp, and seascape are doing me.
Eugene has set off for Blois. Hortense is well. Louis is at Plombieres.
I am longing to see you. You are always necessary to my happiness. My very best love.
NAPOLEON.
No. 4.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT AIX-LA-CHAPELLE.
_Ostend, August 14, 1804._
_My Dear_,--I have had no letter from you for several days; yet I should be more comfortable if I knew that the waters were efficacious, and how you spend your time. During the past week I have been at Ostend. The day after to-morrow I shall be at Boulogne for a somewhat special fete. Advise me by the courier what you intend to do, and how soon you expect to end your baths.
I am very well satisfied with the army and the flotillas. Eugene is still at Blois. I hear no more of Hortense than if she were on the Congo. I am writing to scold her.
My best love to all.
NAPOLEON.
No. 5.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT AIX-LA-CHAPELLE.
_Arras, Wednesday, August 29, 1804._
_Madame and dear Wife_,--I have just reached Arras. I shall stay there to-morrow. I shall be at Mons on Friday, and on Sunday at Aix-la-Chapelle. I am as well satisfied with my journey as with the army. I think I shall pass through Brussels without stopping there; thence I shall go to Maestricht. I am rather impatient to see you. I am glad to hear you have tried the waters; they cannot fail to do you good. My health is excellent. Eugene is well, and is with me.
Very kindest regards to every one.
BONAPARTE.
[_Translated from a Letter in the Collection of Baron Heath,
Philobiblon Society, vol. xiv._]
* * * * *
_October 2nd._--Sir Sydney Smith attacks flotilla at Boulogne
unsuccessfully.
No. 6.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT ST. CLOUD.
_Treves, October 6, 1804._
_My Dear,_--I arrive at Treves the same moment that you arrive at St. Cloud. I am in good health. Do not grant an audience to T----, and refuse to see him. Receive B---- only in general company, and do not give him a private interview. Make promises to sign marriage contracts only after I have signed them.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 1st.--Plebiscite confirms election of Napoleon as
Emperor, by 3,500,000 votes to 2000._
_December 2nd.--Napoleon crowns himself Emperor, and Josephine
Empress, in the presence and with the benediction of the Pope._
GENERAL EVENTS.--_October 8th._--The negro Dessalines crowned
Emperor of St. Domingo, under title of James I.
_December 12th._--Spain declares war against England.
SERIES F
CAMPAIGN OF AUSTERLITZ, 1805.
"To convey an idea of the brilliant campaign of 1805 ... I should,
like the almanack-makers, be obliged to note down a victory for
every day."--BOURRIENNE, vol. ii. 323.
"Si jamais correspondence de mari a femme a ete intime et
frequente, si jamais continuite et permanence de tendresse a ete
marquee, c'est bien dans ces lettres ecrites, chaque jour presque,
par Napoleon a sa femme durant la campagne de l'an XIV."--F.
MASSON, _Josephine, Imperatrice et Reine_, 1899, p. 427.
SERIES F
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 237-243.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. _To Josephine_ 237
_Strasburg_ 237
_Stuttgard_ 237
_I am well placed_ 237
No. 2. _Louisburg_ 238
_In a few days_ 238
_A new bride_ 238
_Electress_ 238
No. 3. _I have assisted at a marriage_ 238
No. 5. The abbey of Elchingen 238
No. 6. _Spent the whole of to-day indoors_ 238
_Vicenza_ 238
No. 7. _Elchingen_ 239
_Such a catastrophe_ 239
No. 9. _Munich_ 239
_Lemarois_ 239
_I was grieved_ 239
_Amuse yourself_ 239
_Talleyrand has come_ 240
No. 10. _We are always in forests_ 240
_My enemies_ 240
No. 11. Lintz 240
No. 12. Schoenbrunn 241
No. 13. _They owe everything to you_ 241
No. 14. _Austerlitz_ 241
_December 2nd_ 241
No. 17. _A long time since I had news of you_ 241
No. 19. _I await events_ 242
_I, for my part, am sufficiently busy_ 242
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, DURING THE AUSTERLITZ CAMPAIGN, 1805.
EVENTS OF 1805.
_March 13th.--Napoleon proclaimed King of Italy._
_May 26th.--Crowned at Milan._
_June 8th.--Prince Eugene named Viceroy of Italy._
_June 23rd.--Lucca made a principality, and given to Elisa
Bonaparte._
_July 22nd._--Naval battle between Villeneuve and Sir Robert
Calder, which saves England from invasion.
_August 16th.--Napoleon breaks up camp of Boulogne._
_September 8th._--Third Continental Coalition (Russia, Austria,
and England against France). Austrians cross the Inn, and invade
Bavaria.
_September 21st._--Treaty of Paris between France and Naples,
which engages to take no part in the war.
_September 23rd._--_Moniteur_ announces invasion of Bavaria by
Austria.
_September 24th.--Napoleon leaves Paris._
_September 27th.--Joins at Strasburg his Grand Army(160,000
strong)._
_October 1st.--Arrives at Ettlingen._
_October 2nd.--Arrives at Louisbourg. Hostilities commence._
No. 1.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_Imperial Headquarters, Ettlingen_,
_October 2, 1805_, 10 A.M.
I am well, and still here. I am starting for Stuttgard, where I shall be to-night. Great operations are now in progress. The armies of Wurtemberg and Baden have joined mine. I am well placed for the campaign, and I love you.
NAPOLEON.
No. 2.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_Louisbourg, October 4, 1805, Noon._
I am at Louisbourg. I start to-night. There is as yet nothing new. My whole army is on the march. The weather is splendid. My junction with the Bavarians is effected. I am well. I trust in a few days to have something interesting to communicate.
Keep well, and believe in my entire affection. There is a brilliant Court here, a new bride who is very beautiful, and upon the whole some very pleasant people, even our Electress, who appears extremely kind, although the daughter of the King of England.
NAPOLEON.
No. 3.
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_Louisbourg, October 5, 1805._
I continue my march immediately. You will, my dear, be five or six days without hearing from me; don't be uneasy, it is connected with operations now taking place. All goes well, and just as I could wish.
I have assisted at a marriage between the son of the Elector and a niece of the King of Prussia. I wish to give the young princess a wedding present to cost 36,000 to 40,000 francs. Please attend to this, and send it to the bride by one of my chamberlains, when they shall come to rejoin me. This matter must be attended to immediately.
Adieu, dear, I love you and embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 6th-7th.--French cross the Danube and turn Mack's army._
_October 8th.--Battle of Wertingen. (Murat defeats the Austrians.)_
_October 9th.--Battle of Gunzburg. (Ney defeats Mack.)_
No. 4.
_October 10th.--French enter Augsbourg._
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_Augsbourg, Thursday, October 10, 1805_,
11 A.M.
I slept last night[18] with the former Elector of Treves, who is very well lodged. For the past week I have been hurrying forward. The campaign has been successful enough so far. I am very well, although it rains almost every day. Events crowd on us rapidly. I have sent to France 4000 prisoners, 8 flags, and have 14 of the enemy's cannon.
Adieu, dear, I embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 11th.--Battle of Hasslach. Dupont holds his own against
much superior forces._
No. 5.
_October 12th.--French enter Munich._
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_October 12, 1805_, 11 P.M.
My army has entered Munich. On one side the enemy is beyond the Inn; I hold the other army, 60,000 strong, blocked on the Iller, between Ulm and Memmingen. The enemy is beaten, has lost its head, and everything points to a most glorious campaign, the shortest and most brilliant which has been made. In an hour I start for Burgau-sur-l'Iller.
I am well, but the weather is frightful. It rains so much that I change my clothes twice a day.
I love and embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
_October 14th.--Capture of Memmingen and 4OOO Austrians by
Soult._
_October 15th.--Battle of Elchingen. Ney defeats Laudon._
_October 17th.--Capitulation of Ulm._
No. 6.
_October 19th.--Werneck and 8000 men surrender to Murat._
TO JOSEPHINE, AT STRASBURG.
_Abbaye d'Elchingen, October 19, 1805._
_My dear Josephine_,--I have tired myself more than I ought. Soaked garments and cold feet every day for a week have made me rather ill, but I have spent the whole of to-day indoors, which has rested me.
My design has been accomplished; I have destroyed the Austrian army by marches alone; I have made 60,000 prisoners, taken 120 pieces of cannon, more than 90 flags, and more than 30 generals. I am about to fling myself on the Russians; they are lost men. I am satisfied with my army. I have only lost 1500 men, of whom two-thirds are but slightly wounded.
Prince Charles is on his way to cover Vienna. I think Massena should be already at Vicenza.
The moment I can give my thoughts to Italy, I will make Eugene win a battle.
Very best wishes to Hortense.
Adieu, my Josephine; kindest regards to every one.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 20th.--Mack and his army defile before Napoleon._
No. 7.
_October 21st._--Battle of Trafalgar; Franco-Spanish fleet
destroyed after a five hours' fight. "The result of the battle of
Trafalgar compensates, for England, the results of the operations
of Ulm. It has been justly observed that this power alone, of all
those who fought France from 1793 to 1812, never experienced a
check in her political or military combinations without seeing
herself compensated forthwith by a signal success in some other
part of the world" (_Montgaillard_).
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Elchingen, October 21, 1805, Noon._
I am fairly well, my dear. I start at once for Augsbourg. I have made 33,000 men lay down their arms, I have from 60,000 to 70,000 prisoners, more than 90 flags, and 200 pieces of cannon. Never has there been such a catastrophe in military annals!
Take care of yourself. I am rather jaded. The weather has been fine for the last three days. The first column of prisoners files off for France to-day. Each column consists of 6000 men.
NAPOLEON.
No. 8.
_October 25th._--The Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia swear,
at the tomb of the Great Frederick, to make implacable war on
France (Convention signed November 3rd).
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Augsburg, October 25, 1805._
The two past nights have thoroughly rested me, and I am going to start to-morrow for Munich. I am sending word to M. de Talleyrand and M. Maret to be near at hand. I shall see something of them, and I am going to advance upon the Inn in order to attack Austria in the heart of her hereditary states. I should much have liked to see you; but do not reckon upon my sending for you, unless there should be an armistice or winter quarters.
Adieu, dear; a thousand kisses. Give my compliments to the ladies.
NAPOLEON.
No. 9.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Munich, Sunday, October 27, 1805._
I received your letter per Lemarois. I was grieved to see how needlessly you have made yourself unhappy. I have heard particulars which have proved how much you love me, but you should have more fortitude and confidence. Besides, I had advised you that I should be six days without writing you.
To-morrow I expect the Elector. At noon I start to support my advance on the Inn. My health is fair. You need not think of crossing the Rhine for two or three weeks. You must be cheerful, amuse yourself, and hope that before the end of the month[19] we shall meet.
I am advancing against the Russian army. In a few days I shall have crossed the Inn.
Adieu, my dear; kindest regards to Hortense, Eugene, and the two Napoleons.
Keep back the wedding present a little longer.
Yesterday I gave a concert to the ladies of this court. The precentor is a superior man.
I took part in the Elector's pheasant-shoot; you see by that that I am not so tired. M. de Talleyrand has come.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 28th._--Grand Army cross the Inn. Lannes occupies
Braunau.
_October 28th to October 29th-30th.--Battle of Caldiero._--Massena
with 55,000 men attacks Archduke Charles entrenched with 70,000;
after two days' fight French repulsed at this place, previously
disastrous to their arms.
No. 10.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Haag, November 3, 1805_, 10 P.M.
I am in full march; the weather is very cold, the earth covered with a foot of snow. This is rather trying. Luckily there is no want of wood; here we are always in forests. I am fairly well. My campaign proceeds satisfactorily; my enemies must have more anxieties than I.
I wish to hear from you and to learn that you are not worrying yourself.
Adieu, dear; I am going to lie down.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 4th._--Combat of Amstetten. Lannes and Murat drive back
the Russians. Davoust occupies Steyer. Army of Italy takes
Vicenza.
No. 11.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Tuesday, November 5, 1805._
I am at Lintz. The weather is fine. We are within seventy miles of Vienna. The Russians do not stand; they are in full retreat. The house of Austria is at its wit's end, and in Vienna they are removing all the court belongings. It is probable that something new will occur within five or six days. I much desire to see you again. My health is good.
I embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 7th._--Ney occupies Innsbruck.
_November 9th._--Davoust defeats Meerfeldt at Marienzell.
_November 10th._--Marmont arrives at Leoben.
_November 11th._---Battle of Diernstein; Mortier overwhelmed by
Russians, but saved by Dupont.
_November 13th._--Vienna entered and bridge over the Danube
seized. Massena crosses the Tagliamento.
_November 14th._--Ney enters Trent.
No. 12.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_November 15, 1805_, 9 P.M.
I have been at Vienna two days, my dear, rather fagged. I have not yet seen the city by day; I have traversed it by night. To-morrow I receive the notables and public bodies. Nearly all my troops are beyond the Danube, in pursuit of the Russians.
Adieu, Josephine; as soon as it is possible I will send for you. My very best love.
NAPOLEON.
No. 13.
_November 16th._--Jellachich surrenders to Augereau at Feldkirch
with 7000 men.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Vienna, November 16, 1805._
I am writing to M. d'Harville, so that you can set out and make your way to Baden, thence to Stuttgard, and from there to Munich. At Stuttgard you will give the wedding present to the Princess Paul. If it costs fifteen to twenty thousand francs, that will suffice; the rest will do for giving presents at Munich to the daughters of the Electress of Bavaria. All that Madame de Serent[20] has advised you is definitely arranged. Take with you the wherewithal to make presents to the ladies and officers who will wait upon you. Be civil, but receive full homage; they owe everything to you, and you owe nothing save civility. The Electress of Wurtemberg is daughter of the King of England. She is an excellent woman; you should be very kind to her, but yet without affectation.
I shall be very glad to see you, the moment circumstances permit me. I start to join my vanguard. The weather is frightful; it snows heavily. Otherwise my affairs go excellently.
Adieu, my dear.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 19th.--French occupy Brunn, and Napoleon establishes his
headquarters at Wischau._
_November 24th._--Massena occupies Trieste.
_November 28th._--Army of Italy joins troops of the Grand Army at
Klagenfurt.
_December 2nd._--Battle of the Three Emperors (Austerlitz). French
forces 80,000; allies 95,000.
No. 14.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.
_Austerlitz, December 3, 1805._
I have despatched to you Lebrun from the field of battle. I have beaten the Russian and Austrian army commanded by the two Emperors. I am rather fagged. I have bivouacked eight days in the open air, through nights sufficiently keen. To-night I rest in the chateau of Prince Kaunitz, where I shall sleep for the next two or three hours. The Russian army is not only beaten, but destroyed.
I embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 4th.--Haugwitz, the Prussian Minister, congratulates
Napoleon on his victory. "Voila!" replied the Emperor; "un
compliment dont la fortune a change l'addresse."_
No. 15.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.
_Austerlitz, December 5, 1805._
I have concluded a truce. The Russians have gone. The battle of Austerlitz is the grandest of all I have fought. Forty-five flags, more than 150 pieces of cannon, the standards of the Russian Guard, 20 generals, 30,000 prisoners, more than 20,000 slain--a horrible sight.
The Emperor Alexander is in despair, and on his way to Russia. Yesterday, at my bivouac, I saw the Emperor of Germany. We conversed for two hours; we have agreed to make peace quickly.
The weather is not now very bad. At last behold peace restored to the Continent; it is to be hoped that it is going to be to the world. The English will not know how to face us.
I look forward with much pleasure to the moment when I can once more be near you. My eyes have been rather bad the last two days; I have never suffered from them before.
Adieu, my dear. I am fairly well, and very anxious to embrace you.
NAPOLEON.
No. 16.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.
_Austerlitz, December 7, 1805._
I have concluded an armistice; within a week peace will be made. I am anxious to hear that you reached Munich in good health. The Russians are returning; they have lost enormously--more than 20,000 dead and 30,000 taken. Their army is reduced by three-quarters. Buxhowden, their general-in-chief, was killed. I have 3000 wounded and 700 to 800 dead.
My eyes are rather bad; it is a prevailing complaint, and scarcely worth mentioning.
Adieu, dear. I am very anxious to see you again.
I am going to sleep to-night at Vienna.
NAPOLEON.
No. 17.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.
_Brunn, December 10, 1805._
It is a long time since I had news of you. Have the grand fetes at Baden, Stuttgard, and Munich made you forget the poor soldiers, who live covered with mud, rain, and blood?
I shall start in a few days for Vienna.
We are endeavouring to conclude peace. The Russians have gone, and are in flight far from here; they are on their way back to Russia, well drubbed and very much humiliated.
I am very anxious to be with you again.
Adieu, dear.
My bad eyes are cured.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 15th.--Treaty with Prussia._
No. 18.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.
_December 19, 1805._
_Great Empress_,--Not a single letter from you since your departure from Strasburg. You have gone to Baden, Stuttgard, Munich, without writing us a word. This is neither very kind nor very affectionate.
I am still at Brunn. The Russians are gone. I have a truce. In a few days I shall see what I may expect. Deign from the height of your grandeur to concern yourself a little with your slaves.
NAPOLEON.
No. 19.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.
_Schoenbrunn, December 20, 1805._
I got your letter of the 16th. I am sorry to learn you are in pain. You are not strong enough to travel two hundred and fifty miles at this time of the year. I know not what I shall do; I await events. I have no will in the matter; everything depends on their issue. Stay at Munich; amuse yourself. That is not difficult when you have so many kind friends and so beautiful a country. I, for my part, am sufficiently busy. In a few days my decision will be made.
Adieu, dear. Kindest and most affectionate regards.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_December 27th.[21]--Peace of Presburg._
_December 31st.--Napoleon arrives outside Munich, and joins
Josephine the next morning._
FOOTNOTES
[18] _J'ai couche aujourd'hui_--_i.e._ a few hours' morning sleep.
[19] The month _Brumaire--i.e._ before November 21st.
[20] Countess de Serent, the Empress's lady-in-waiting.
[21] _VI. Nivose_, which for the year 1805 was December 27 (see Harris
Nicolas' "Chronology of History"). Haydn, Woodward, Bouillet,
all have December 26th; Alison and _Biographie Universelle_
have December 27th; but, as usual, the "Correspondence of
Napoleon I." is taken here as the final court of appeal.
SERIES G
"Battles then lasted a few hours, campaigns a few days."
--BIGNON, _On Friedland_ (vol. vi. 292).
SERIES G
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 243-264.)
LETTER PAGE
No. 1. _Princess of Baden_ 244
_Hortense_ 244
_The Grand Duke_ 244
_Florence_ 244
No. 2. _Bamberg_ 244
_Eugene_ 244
_Her husband_ 245
No. 3. _Erfurt_ 245
_If she wants to see a battle_ 245
No. 4. _I nearly captured him and
the Queen_ 246
_I have bivouacked_ 246
No. 5. _Fatigues, bivouacs
have made me fat_ 246
_The great M. Napoleon_ 247
No. 7. _Potsdam_ 247
No. 8. _You do nothing but cry_ 247
No. 9_a_. _Madame Tallien_ 247
No. 10. _The bad things I say
about women_ 248
No. 11. _Lubeck_ 250
No. 13. _Madame L._ 250
No. 17. _December 2nd_ 250
No. 18. _Jealousy_ 250
No. 19. _Desir de femme est un feu
qui devore_ 251
No. 23. _I am dependent on events_ 251
No. 26. _The fair ones of Great
Poland_ 251
_A wretched barn_ 252
_Such things become common
property_ 252
No. 27. _Warsaw, January 3rd_ 252
No. 28. _Be cheerful--gai_ 253
No. 29. _Roads unsafe and detestable_ 253
No. 35. _I hope that you are at Paris_ 254
_T._ 254
No. 36. _Paris_ 254
No. 38. Arensdorf 254
No. 39. _The Battle of Preussich-Eylau_ 254
No. 40. _Corbineau_ 256
_Dahlmann_ 256
No. 41. _Young Tascher_ 256
No. 42. Napoleon's Correspondence 256
No. 43. _I am still at Eylau_ 257
_This country is covered
with dead and wounded_ 257
No. 50. _Osterode_ 257
_It is not as good as the
great city_ 258
_I have ordered what you
wish for Malmaison_ 258
No. 54. _Minerva_ 259
No. 55. The first use of _Vous_ 259
No. 56. _Dupuis_ 260
No. 58. _M. de T._ 260
No. 60. _Marshal Bessieres_ 260
No. 63. Date 260
No. 67. _Sweet, pouting, and capricious_ 260
No. 68. _Madame_ ---- 261
_Measles_ 261
No. 69. _I trust I may hear you
have been rational_ 261
No. 71. _May 20th_ 262
No. 74. _I am vexed with Hortense_ 262
No. 78. _Friedland_ 263
No. 79. _Tilsit_ 264
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO
THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING THE
CAMPAIGN AGAINST PRUSSIA AND RUSSIA,
1806-7.
1806.
_January 1st.--The Elector of Bavaria and the Duke of Wurtemberg
created Kings by France._
_January 23rd._--Death of William Pitt, aged 47.
_February 15th.--Joseph Bonaparte enters Naples, and on_
_March 10th is declared King of the Two Sicilies._
_April 1st.--Prussia seizes Hanover._
_June 5th.--Louis Bonaparte made King of Holland._
_July 6th.--Battle of Maida (Calabria. English defeat General
Reynier. French loss 4000; English 500)._
_July 12th.--Napoleon forms Confederation of the Rhine, with
himself as Chief and Protector._
_July 18th.--Gaeta surrenders to Massena._
_August 6th.--Francis II., Emperor of Germany, becomes Emperor of
Austria as Francis I._
_August 15th.--Russia refuses to ratify peace preliminaries signed
by her ambassador at Paris on July 25th._
_September 13th._--Death of Charles James Fox, aged 57.
No. 1.
_October 5th.--Proclamation by the Prince of the Peace against
France (germ of Spanish War)._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_October 5, 1806._
It will be quite in order for the Princess of Baden to come to Mayence. I cannot think why you weep; you do wrong to make yourself ill. Hortense is inclined to pedantry; she loves to air her views. She has written me; I am sending her a reply. She ought to be happy and cheerful. Pluck and a merry heart--that's the recipe.
Adieu, dear. The Grand Duke has spoken to me about you; he saw you at Florence at the time of the retreat.
NAPOLEON.
No. 2.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Bamberg, October 7, 1806._
I start this evening, my dear, for Cronach. The whole of my army is advancing. All goes well. My health is perfect. I have only received as yet one letter from you. I have some from Eugene and from Hortense. Stephanie should now be with you. Her husband wishes to make the campaign; he is with me.
Adieu. A thousand kisses and the best of health.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 8th.--Prussia, assisted by Saxony, Russia, and England,
declares war against France._
_October 9th.--Campaign opens. Prussians defeated at Schleitz._
_October 10th.--Lannes defeats them at Saalfeld. Prince Louis of
Prussia killed; 1000 men and 30 guns taken._
_October 11th.--French peace negotiations with England broken
off._
No. 3.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Gera_, _October 13, 1806_, 2 A.M.
_My Dear_,--I am at Gera to-day. My affairs go excellently well, and everything as I could wish. With the aid of God, they will, I believe, in a few days have taken a terrible course for the poor King of Prussia, whom I am sorry for personally, because he is a good man. The Queen is at Erfurt with the King. If she wants to see a battle, she shall have that cruel pleasure. I am in splendid health. I have already put on flesh since my departure; yet I am doing, in person, twenty and twenty-five leagues a day, on horseback, in my carriage, in all sorts of ways. I lie down at eight, and get up at midnight. I fancy at times that you have not yet gone to bed.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 14th.--Battles of Jena and Auerstadt._
No. 4.
_October 15th.--Napoleon at Weimar, He releases 6000 Saxon
prisoners, which soon causes peace with Saxony._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Jena_, _October 15, 1806_, 3 A.M.
_My Dear_,--I have made excellent manoeuvres against the Prussians. Yesterday I won a great victory. They had 150,000 men. I have made 20,000 prisoners, taken 100 pieces of cannon, and flags. I was in presence of the King of Prussia, and near to him; I nearly captured him and the Queen. For the past two days I have bivouacked. I am in excellent health.
Adieu, dear. Keep well, and love me.
If Hortense is at Mayence, give her a kiss; also to Napoleon and to the little one.
NAPOLEON.
No. 5.
_October 16th.--Soult routs Kalkreuth at Greussen; Erfurt and
16,000 men capitulate to Murat._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Weimar_, _October 16, 1806_, 5 P.M.
M. Talleyrand will have shown you the bulletin, my dear; you will see my successes therein. All has happened as I calculated, and never was an army more thoroughly beaten and more entirely destroyed. I need only add that I am very well, and that fatigue, bivouacs, and night-watches have made me fat.
Adieu, dear. Kindest regards to Hortense and to the great M. Napoleon.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 17th.--Bernadotte defeats Prussian reserve at Halle._
_October 18th.--Davoust takes Leipsic, and an enormous stock of
English merchandise._
_October 19th.--Napoleon at Halle._
_October 20th.--Lannes takes Dessau, and Davoust Wittenberg._
_October 21st.--Napoleon at Dessau._
No. 6.
_October 23rd.--Napoleon makes Wittenberg central depot for his
army._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Wittenberg, October 23, 1806, Noon._
I have received several of your letters. I write you only a line. My affairs prosper. To-morrow I shall be at Potsdam, and at Berlin on the 25th. I am wonderfully well, and thrive on hard work. I am very glad to hear you are with Hortense and Stephanie, _en grande compagnie_. So far, the weather has been fine.
Kind regards to Stephanie, and to everybody, not forgetting M. Napoleon.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 7.
_October 24th.--Lannes occupies Potsdam._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Potsdam, October 24, 1806._
_My Dear_,--I have been at Potsdam since yesterday, and shall remain there to-day. I continue satisfied with my undertakings. My health is good; the weather very fine. I find Sans-Souci very pleasant.
Adieu, dear. Best wishes to Hortense and to M. Napoleon.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_October 25th.--Marshal Davoust enters Berlin; Bernadotte occupies
Brandenburg._
_October 28th.--Prince Hohenlohe surrenders at Prenzlau to Murat
with 16,000 men, including the Prussian Guard._
_October 30th.--Stettin surrenders with 5000 men and 150 cannon._
No. 8.
_November 1st.--Anklam surrenders, with 4000 men, to General
Becker._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_November 1, 1806_, 2 A.M.
Talleyrand has just arrived and tells me, my dear, that you do nothing but cry. What on earth do you want? You have your daughter, your grandchildren, and good news; surely these are sufficient reasons for being happy and contented.
The weather here is superb; there has not yet fallen during the whole campaign a single drop of water. I am very well, and all goes excellently.
Adieu, dear; I have received a letter from M. Napoleon; I do not believe it is from him, but from Hortense. Kindest regards to everybody.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 2nd.--Kustrin surrenders, with 4000 men and 90 guns, to
Davoust._
No. 9.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Berlin, November 2, 1806._
Your letter of October 26th to hand. We have splendid weather here. You will see by the bulletin that we have taken Stettin--it is a very strong place. All my affairs go as well as possible, and I am thoroughly satisfied. One pleasure is alone wanting--that of seeing you, but I hope that will not long be deferred.
Kindest regards to Hortense, Stephanie, and to the little Napoleon.
Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
No. 9A.
From the Memoirs of Mademoiselle d'Avrillon (vol. i. 128).
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Berlin, Monday, Noon._
_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. I am glad to know that you are in a place which pleases me, and especially to know that you are very well there. Who should be happier than you? You should live without a worry, and pass your time as pleasantly as possible; that, indeed, is my intention.
I forbid you to see Madame Tallien, under any pretext whatever. I will admit of no excuse. If you desire a continuance of my esteem, if you wish to please me, never transgress the present order. She may possibly come to your apartments, to enter them by night; forbid your porter to admit her.
* * * * *
I shall soon be at Malmaison. I warn you to have no lovers there that night; I should be sorry to disturb them. Adieu, dear; I long to see you and assure you of my love and affection.
NAPOLEON.
No. 10.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_November 6, 1806_, 9 P.M.
Yours to hand, in which you seem annoyed at the bad things I say about women; it is true that I hate intriguing women more than anything. I am used to kind, gentle, persuasive women; these are the kind I like. If I have been spoilt, it is not my fault, but yours. Moreover, you shall learn how kind I have been to one who showed herself sensible and good, Madame d'Hatzfeld. When I showed her husband's letter to her she admitted to me, amid her sobs, with profound emotion, and frankly, "Ah! it is indeed his writing!" While she was reading, her voice went to my heart; it pained me. I said, "Well, madame, throw that letter on the fire, I shall then have no longer the power to punish your husband." She burnt the letter, and seemed very happy. Her husband now feels at ease; two hours later he would have been a dead man. You see then how I like kind, frank, gentle women; but it is because such alone resemble you.
Adieu, dear; my health is good.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 6th and 7th.--Blucher and his army (17,000 men)
surrender at Lubeck to Soult, Murat, and Bernadotte._
_November 8th.--Magdeburg surrenders to Ney, with 20,000 men,
immense stores, and nearly 800 cannon._
No. 11.
_November 9th.--Napoleon levies a contribution of 150 million
francs on Prussia and her allies._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Berlin, November 9, 1806._
_My Dear_,--I am sending good news. Magdeburg has capitulated, and on November 7th I took 20,000 men at Lubeck who escaped me last week. The whole Prussian army, therefore, is captured; even beyond the Vistula there does not remain to Prussia 20,000 men. Several of my army corps are in Poland. I am still at Berlin. I am very fairly well.
Adieu, dear; heartiest good wishes to Hortense, Stephanie, and the two little Napoleons.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 10th.--Davoust occupies Posen. Hanover occupied by
Marshal Mortier._
No. 12.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Berlin, November 16, 1806._
I received your letter of November 11th. I note with satisfaction that my convictions give you pleasure. You are wrong to think flattery was intended; I was telling you of yourself as I see you. I am grieved to think that you are tired of Mayence. Were the journey less long, you might come here, for there is no longer an enemy, or, if there is, he is beyond the Vistula; that is to say, more than three hundred miles away. I will wait to hear what you think about it. I should also be delighted to see M. Napoleon.
Adieu, my dear.--Yours ever,
NAPOLEON.
I have still too much business here for me to return to Paris.
* * * * *
_November 17th.--Suspension of arms signed at Charlottenburg._
_November 19th.--French occupy Hamburg._
_November 20th.--French occupy Hameln._
_November 21st.--French occupy Bremen. Berlin decree. Napoleon
interdicts trade with England._
No. 13.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_November 22, 1806_, 10 P.M.
Your letter received. I am sorry to find you in the dumps; yet you have every reason to be cheerful. You are wrong to show so much kindness to people who show themselves unworthy of it. Madame L---- is a fool; such an idiot that you ought to know her by this time, and pay no heed to her. Be contented, happy in my friendship, and in the great influence you possess. In a few days I shall decide whether to summon you hither or send you to Paris.
Adieu, dear; you can go at once, if you like, to Darmstadt, or to Frankfort; that will make you forget your troubles.
Kindest regards to Hortense.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 25th.--Napoleon leaves Berlin._
No. 14.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Kustrin, November 26, 1806._
I am at Kustrin, making a tour and spying out the land a little; I shall see in a day or two whether you should come. You can keep ready. I shall be very pleased if the Queen of Holland be of the party. The Grand Duchess of Baden must write to her husband about it.
It is 2 A.M. I am just getting up; it is the usage of war.
Kindest regards to you and to every one.
NAPOLEON.
No. 15.
_November 27th.--Napoleon arrives at Posen._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Meseritz, November 27, 1806_, 2 A.M.
I am about to make a tour in Poland. This is the first town there. To-night I shall be at Posen, after which I shall send for you to come to Berlin, so that you can arrive there the same day as I. My health is good, the weather rather bad; it has rained for the past three days. My affairs prosper. The Russians are in flight.
Adieu, dear; kindest regards to Hortense, Stephanie, and the little Napoleons.
NAPOLEON.
* * * * *
_November 28th.--Murat enters Warsaw. French occupy Duchies of
Mecklenburg._
No. 16.
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
_Posen, November 29, 1806, Noon._
I am at Posen, capital of Great Poland. The cold weather has set in; I am in good health. I am about to take a circuit round Poland. My troops are at the gates of Warsaw.
Adieu, dear; very kindest regards, and a hearty embrace.
No. 17.
_December 2nd.--Glogau surrenders to Vandamme._
TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.
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Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812Chapter III: Part 3
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