Chapter IV: Part 4

_Posen, December 2, 1806._

To-day is the anniversary of Austerlitz. I have been to a city ball. It is raining; I am in good health. I love you and long for you. My troops are at Warsaw. So far the cold has not been severe. All these fair Poles are Frenchwomen at heart; but there is only one woman for me. Would you know her? I could draw her portrait very well; but I should have to flatter it too much for you to recognise yourself;--yet, to tell the truth, my heart would only have nice things to say to you. These nights are long, all alone.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 18.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_December 3, 1806, Noon._

Yours of November 26th received. I notice two things in it. You say I do not read your letters: it is an unkind thought. I take your bad opinion anything but kindly. You tell me that perhaps it is a mere phantasy of the night, and you add that you are not jealous. I found out long ago that angry persons always assert that they are not angry; that those who are afraid keep on repeating that they have no fear; you therefore are convinced of jealousy. I am delighted to hear it! Nevertheless, you are wrong; I think of nothing less, and in the desert plains of Poland one thinks little about beauties....

I had yesterday a ball of the provincial nobility--the women good-looking enough, rich enough, dowdy enough, although in Paris fashions.

Adieu, dear; I am in good health.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 19.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Posen, December 3, 1806_, 6 P.M.

Yours of November 27th received, from which I see that your little head is quite turned. I am reminded of the verse--

"Desir de femme est un feu qui devore."

Still you must calm yourself. I wrote you that I was in Poland; that, when we were established in winter quarters, you could come; you will have to wait a few days. The greater one becomes, the less one can consult one's wishes--being dependent on events and circumstances. You can come to Frankfort or Darmstadt. I am hoping to send for you in a few days; that is, if circumstances will permit. The warmth of your letter makes me realise that you, like other pretty women, know no bounds. What you will, must be; but, as for me, I declare that of all men I am the greatest slave; my master has no pity, and this master is the nature of things.

Adieu, dear; keep well. The person that I wished to speak to you about is Madame L----, of whom every one is speaking ill; they assure me that she is more Prussian than French woman. I don't believe it, but I think her an idiot who talks nothing but trash.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_December 6th.--Thorn (on the Vistula) occupied by Ney._

No. 20.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Posen, December 9, 1806._

Yours of December 1st received. I see with pleasure that you are more cheerful; that the Queen of Holland wishes to come with you. I long to give the order; but you must still wait a few days. My affairs prosper.

Adieu, dear; I love you and wish to see you happy.

NAPOLEON.

No. 21.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Posen, December 10, 1806_, 5 P.M.

An officer has just brought me a rug, a gift from you; it is somewhat short and narrow, but I thank you for it none the less. I am in fair health. The weather is very changeable. My affairs prosper pretty well. I love you and long for you much.

Adieu, dear; I shall write for you to come with at least as much pleasure as you will have in coming.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

A kiss to Hortense, Stephanie, and Napoleon.

* * * * *

_December 11th.--Davoust forces the passage of the Bug._

No. 22.

_December 12th.--Treaty of peace and alliance between France and
Saxony signed at Posen._

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Posen, December 12th, 1806_, 7 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I have not received any letters from you, but know, nevertheless, that you are well. My health is good, the weather very mild; the bad season has not begun yet, but the roads are bad in a country where there are no highways. Hortense will come then with Napoleon; I am delighted to hear it. I long to see things shape themselves into a position to enable you to come.

I have made peace with Saxony. The Elector is King and one of the confederation.

Adieu, my well-beloved Josephine.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

A kiss to Hortense, Napoleon, and Stephanie.

Paeer, the famous musician, his wife, a virtuoso whom you saw at Milan twelve years ago, and Brizzi are here; they give me a little music every evening.

No. 23.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_December 15, 1806_, 3 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I start for Warsaw. In a fortnight I shall be back; I hope then to be able to send for you. But if that seems a long time, I should be very glad if you would return to Paris, where you are wanted. You well know that I am dependent on events. All my affairs go excellently. My health is very good; I am as well as possible.

Adieu, dear. I have made peace with Saxony.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_December 17th._--Turkey declares war on Russia. (_So Montgaillard;
but Napoleon refers to it in the thirty-ninth bulletin, dated
December 7th, while Haydn dates it January 7th._)

No. 24.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Warsaw, December 20, 1806_, 3 P.M.

I have no news from you, dear. I am very well. The last two days I have been at Warsaw. My affairs prosper. The weather is very mild, and even somewhat humid. It has as yet barely begun to freeze; it is October weather.

Adieu, dear; I should much have liked to see you, but trust that in five or six days I shall be able to send for you.

Kindest regards to the Queen of Holland and to her little Napoleons.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_December 22nd.--Napoleon crosses the Narew, and the next day
defeats Russians at Czarnowo; also_

_December 24th.--At Nasielsk._

_December 26th.--Ney defeats Lestocq at Soldau; Lannes defeats
Beningsen at Pultusk_;

_December 28th.--And Augereau defeats Buxhowden at Golymin._

No. 25.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Golymin, December 29, 1806_, 5 A.M.

I write you only a line, my dear. I am in a wretched barn. I have beaten the Russians, taken thirty pieces of cannon, their baggage, and 6000 prisoners; but the weather is frightful. It is raining; we have mud up to our knees.

In two days I shall be at Warsaw, whence I shall write you.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 26.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Pultusk, December 31, 1806._

I have had a good laugh over your last letters. You idealise the fair ones of Great Poland in a way they do not deserve. I have had for two or three days the pleasure of hearing Paeer and two lady singers, who have given me some very good music. I received your letter in a wretched barn, having mud, wind, and straw for my only bed. To-morrow I shall be at Warsaw. I think all is over for this year. The army is entering winter quarters. I shrug my shoulders at the stupidity of Madame de L----; still you should show her your displeasure, and counsel her not to be so idiotic. Such things become common property, and make many people indignant.

For my part, I scorn ingratitude as the worst fault in a human heart. I know that instead of comforting you, these people have given you pain.

Adieu, dear; I am in good health. I do not think you ought to go to Cassel; that place is not suitable. You may go to Darmstadt.

NAPOLEON.

No. 27.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Warsaw, January 3, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. Your grief pains me; but one must bow to events. There is too much country to travel between Mayence and Warsaw; you must, therefore, wait till circumstances allow me to come to Berlin, in order that I may write you to come thither. It is true that the enemy, defeated, is far away; but I have many things here to put to rights. I should be inclined to think that you might return to Paris, where you are needed. Send away those ladies who have their affairs to look after; you will be better without people who have given you so much worry.

My health is good; the weather bad. I love you from my heart.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_January 5th.--Capture of Breslau, with 7000 men, by Vandamme and
Hedouville._

No. 28.

_January 7th.--English Orders in Council against Berlin Decree._

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Warsaw, January 7, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I am pained by all that you tell me; but the season being cold, the roads very bad and not at all safe, I cannot consent to expose you to so many fatigues and dangers. Return to Paris in order to spend the winter there. Go to the Tuileries; receive, and lead the same life as you are accustomed to do when I am there; that is my wish. Perhaps I shall not be long in rejoining you there; but it is absolutely necessary for you to give up the idea of making a journey of 750 miles at this time of the year, through the enemy's country, and in the rear of the army. Believe that it costs me more than you to put off for some weeks the pleasure of seeing you, but so events and the success of my enterprise order it.

Adieu, my dear; be cheerful, and show character.

NAPOLEON.

No. 29.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Warsaw, January 8, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I received your letter of the 27th with those of M. Napoleon and Hortense, which were enclosed with it. I had begged you to return to Paris. The season is too inclement, the roads unsafe and detestable; the distances too great for me to permit you to come hither, where my affairs detain me. It would take you at least a month to come. You would arrive ill; by that time it might perhaps be necessary to start back again; it would therefore be folly. Your residence at Mayence is too dull; Paris reclaims you; go there, it is my wish. I am more vexed about it than you. I should have liked to spend the long nights of this season with you, but we must obey circumstances.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 30.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Warsaw, January 11, 1807._

Your letter of the 27th received, from which I note that you are somewhat uneasy about military events. Everything is settled, as I have told you, to my satisfaction; my affairs prosper. The distance is too great for me to allow you to come so far at this time of year. I am in splendid health, sometimes rather wearied by the length of the nights.

Up to the present I have seen few people here.

Adieu, dear. I wish you to be cheerful, and to give a little life to the capital. I would much like to be there.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

I hope that the Queen has gone to the Hague with M. Napoleon.

No. 31.

_January 16th.--Capture of Brieg by the French._

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_January 16, 1807._

MY DEAR,--I have received your letter of the 5th of January; all that you tell me of your unhappiness pains me. Why these tears, these repinings? Have you then no longer any fortitude? I shall see you soon. Never doubt my feelings; and if you wish to be still dearer to me, show character and strength of mind. I am humiliated to think that my wife can distrust my destinies.

Adieu, dear. I love you, I long to see you, and wish to learn that you are content and happy.

NAPOLEON.

No. 32.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Warsaw, January 18, 1807._

I fear that you are greatly grieved at our separation and at your return to Paris, which must last for some weeks longer. I insist on your having more fortitude. I hear you are always weeping. Fie! how unbecoming it is! Your letter of January 7th makes me unhappy. Be worthy of me; assume more character. Cut a suitable figure at Paris; and, above all, be contented.

I am very well, and I love you much; but, if you are always crying, I shall think you without courage and without character. I do not love cowards. An empress ought to have fortitude.

NAPOLEON.

No. 33.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Warsaw, January 19, 1807._

_My Dear_,--Your letter to hand. I have laughed at your fear of fire. I am in despair at the tone of your letters and at what I hear. I forbid you to weep, to be petulant and uneasy; I want you to be cheerful, lovable, and happy.

NAPOLEON.

No. 34.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_Warsaw, January 23, 1807._

Your letter of January 15th to hand. It is impossible to allow women to make such a journey as this--bad roads, miry and unsafe. Return to Paris; be cheerful and content there. Perhaps even I shall soon be there. I have laughed at what you say about your having taken a husband to be with him. I thought, in my ignorance, that the wife was made for the husband, the husband for his country, his family, and glory. Pardon my ignorance; one is always learning from our fair ladies.

Adieu, my dear. Think how much it costs me not to send for you. Say to yourself, "It is a proof how precious I am to him."

NAPOLEON.

No. 35.

_January 25th.--Russians defeated at Mohrungen by Bernadotte._

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MAYENCE.

_January 25, 1807._

I am very unhappy to see you are in pain. I hope that you are at Paris; you will get better there. I share your griefs, and do not groan. For I could not risk losing you by exposing you to fatigues and dangers which befit neither your rank nor your sex.

I wish you never to receive T---- at Paris; he is a black sheep. You would grieve me by doing otherwise.

Adieu, my dear. Love me, and be courageous.

NAPOLEON.

No. 36.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Warsaw, January 26, 1807, Noon._

_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. It pains me to see how you are fretting yourself. The bridge of Mayence neither increases nor decreases the distance which separates us. Remain, therefore, at Paris. I should be vexed and uneasy to know that you were so miserable and so isolated at Mayence. You must know that I ought, that I can, consider only the success of my enterprise. If I could consult my heart I should be with you, or you with me; for you would be most unjust if you doubted my love and entire affection.

NAPOLEON.

No. 37.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Willemberg, February 1, 1807, Noon._

Your letter of the 11th, from Mayence, has made me laugh.

To-day, I am a hundred miles from Warsaw; the weather is cold, but fine.

Adieu, dear; be happy, show character.

NAPOLEON.

No. 38.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_My Dear_,--Your letter of January 20th has given me pain; it is too sad. That's the fault of not being a little more devout! You tell me that your glory consists in your happiness. That is narrow-minded; one should say, my glory consists in the happiness of others. It is not conjugal; one should say, my glory consists in the happiness of my husband. It is not maternal; one should say, my glory consists in the happiness of my children. Now, since nations--your husband, your children--can only be happy with a certain amount of glory, you must not make little of it. Fie, Josephine! your heart is excellent and your arguments weak. You feel acutely, but you don't argue as well.

That's sufficient quarrelling. I want you to be cheerful, happy in your lot, and that you should obey, not with grumbling and tears, but with gaiety of heart and a little more good temper.

Adieu, dear; I start to-night to examine my outposts.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_February 5th.--Combats of Bergfriede, Waltersdorf, and Deppen;
Russians forced back._

_February 6th.--Combat of Hof. Murat victorious._

_February 8th.--Battle of Eylau; retreat of Russians._

No. 39.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Eylau, February 9, 1807_, 3 A.M.

_My Dear_,--Yesterday there was a great battle; the victory has remained with me, but I have lost many men. The loss of the enemy, which is still more considerable, does not console me. To conclude, I write you these two lines myself, although I am very tired, to tell you that I am well and that I love you.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 40.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Eylau, February 9, 1807_, 6 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I write you a line in order that you may not be uneasy. The enemy has lost the battle, 40 pieces of cannon, 10 flags, 12,000 prisoners; he has suffered frightfully. I have lost many: 1600 killed, 3000 or 4000 wounded.

Your cousin Tascher conducts himself well; I have summoned him near me with the title of orderly officer.

Corbineau has been killed by a shell; I was singularly attached to that officer, who had much merit; I am very unhappy about him. My mounted guard has covered itself with glory. Dahlman is dangerously wounded.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 41.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Eylau, February 11, 1807_, 3 A.M.

_My Dear_,--I write you a line; you must have been very anxious. I have beaten the enemy in a fight to be remembered, but it has cost many brave lives. The bad weather that has set in forces me to take cantonments.

Do not afflict yourself, please; all this will soon be over, and the happiness of seeing you will make me promptly forget my fatigues. Besides, I have never been in better health.

Young Tascher, of the 4th Regiment, has behaved well; he has had a rough time of it. I have summoned him near me; I have made him an orderly officer--there's an end to his troubles. This young man interests me.

Adieu, dear; a thousand kisses.

NAPOLEON.

No. 42.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Preussich-Eylau, February 12, 1807._

I send you a letter from General Darmagnac. He is a very good soldier, who commanded the 32nd. He is much attached to me. If this Madame de Richmond be well off, and it is a good match, I shall see this marriage with pleasure. Make this known to both of them.

NAPOLEON.

No. 43.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Eylau, February 14, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I am still at Eylau. This country is covered with dead and wounded. It is not the bright side of warfare; one suffers, and the mind is oppressed at the sight of so many victims. My health is good. I have done as I wished, and driven back the enemy, while making his projects fail.

You are sure to be uneasy, and that thought troubles me. Nevertheless, calm yourself, my dear, and be cheerful.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

Tell Caroline and Pauline that the Grand Duke and the Prince[22] are in excellent health.

* * * * *

_February 16th.--Savary defeats Russians at Ostrolenka._

No. 44.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Eylau_, _February 17, 1807_, 3 A.M.

Your letter to hand, informing me of your arrival at Paris. I am very glad to know you are there. My health is good.

The battle of Eylau was very sanguinary, and very hardly contested. Corbineau was slain. He was a very brave man. I had grown very fond of him.

Adieu, dear; it is as warm here as in the month of April; everything is thawing. My health is good.

NAPOLEON.

No. 45.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Landsberg_, _February 18, 1807_, 3 A.M.

I write you two lines. My health is good. I am moving to set my army in winter quarters.

It rains and thaws as in the month of April. We have not yet had one cold day.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 46.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Liebstadt_, _February 20, 1807_, 2 A.M.

I write you two lines, dear, in order that you may not be uneasy. My health is very good, and my affairs prosper.

I have again put my army into cantonments.

The weather is extraordinary; it freezes and thaws; it is wet and unsettled.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 47.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Liebstadt_, _February 21, 1807_, 2 A.M.

Your letter of the 4th February to hand; I see with pleasure that your health is good. Paris will thoroughly re-establish it by giving you cheerfulness and rest, and a return to your accustomed habits.

I am wonderfully well. The weather and the country are vile. My affairs are fairly satisfactory. It thaws and freezes within twenty-four hours; there can never have been known such an extraordinary winter.

Adieu, dear; I love you, I think of you, and wish to know that you are contented, cheerful, and happy.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 48.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Liebstadt, February 21, 1807, Noon._

_My Dear_,--Your letter of the 8th received; I see with pleasure that you have been to the opera, and that you propose holding receptions weekly. Go occasionally to the theatre, and always into the Royal box. I notice also with pleasure the banquets you are giving.

I am very well. The weather is still unsettled; it freezes and thaws.

I have once more put my army into cantonments in order to rest them.

Never be doleful, love me, and believe in my entire affection.

NAPOLEON.

No. 49.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode_, _February 23, 1807_, 2 P.M.

_My Dear_,--Your letter of the 10th received. I am sorry to see you are a little out of sorts.

I have been in the country for the past month, experiencing frightful weather, because it has been unsettled, and varying from cold to warm within a week. Still, I am very well.

Try and pass your time pleasantly; have no anxieties, and never doubt the love I bear you.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_February 26th.--Dupont defeats Russians at Braunsberg._

No. 50.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode, March 2, 1807._

_My Dear_,--It is two or three days since I wrote to you; I reproach myself for it; I know your uneasiness. I am very well; my affairs prosper. I am in a wretched village, where I shall pass a considerable time; it is not as good as the great city! I again assure you, I was never in such good health; you will find me very much stouter.

It is spring weather here; the snow has gone, the streams are thawing--which is what I want.

I have ordered what you wish for Malmaison; be cheerful and happy; it is my will.

Adieu, dear; I embrace you heartily.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_March 9th._--The Grand Sanhedrim, which assembled at Paris on
February 9, terminates its sittings.

No. 51.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode_, _March 10, 1807_, 4 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I have received your letter of the 25th. I see with pleasure that you are well, and that you sometimes make a pilgrimage to Malmaison.

My health is good, and my affairs prosper.

The weather has become rather cold again. I see that the winter has been very variable everywhere.

Adieu, dear; keep well, be cheerful, and never doubt my affection,--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 52.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode, March 11, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I received your letter of the 27th. I am sorry to see from it that you are ill; take courage. My health is good; my affairs prosper. I am waiting for fine weather, which should soon be here. I love you and want to know that you are content and cheerful.

A great deal of nonsense will be talked of the battle of Eylau; the bulletin tells everything; our losses are rather exaggerated in it than minimised.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 53.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode_, _March 13, 1807_, 2 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I learn that the vexatious tittle-tattle that occurred in your salon at Mayence has begun again; make people hold their tongues. I shall be seriously annoyed with you if you do not find a remedy. You allow yourself to be worried by the chatter of people who ought to console you. I desire you to have a little character, and to know how to put everybody into his (or her) proper place.

I am in excellent health. My affairs here are good. We are resting a little, and organising our food supply.

Adieu, dear; keep well.

NAPOLEON.

No. 54.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode, March 15, 1807._

I received your letter of the 1st of March, from which I see that you were much upset by the catastrophe of Minerva at the opera. I am very glad to see that you go out and seek distractions.

My health is very good. My affairs go excellently. Take no heed of all the unfavourable rumours that may be circulated. Never doubt my affection, and be without the least uneasiness.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 55.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

Osterode, March 17, 1807.

_My Dear_,--It is not necessary for you to go to the small plays and into a private box; it ill befits your rank; you should only go to the four great theatres, and always into the Royal box. Live as you would do if I were at Paris.

My health is very good. The cold weather has recommenced. The thermometer has been down to 8 deg..--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 56.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode_, _March 17, 1807_, 10 P.M.

I have received yours of March 5th, from which I see with pleasure that you are well. My health is perfect. Yet the weather of the past two days has been cold again; the thermometer to-night has been at 10 deg., but the sun has given us a very fine day.

Adieu, dear. Very kindest regards to everybody.

Tell me something about the death of that poor Dupuis; have his brother told that I wish to help him.

My affairs here go excellently.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 57.

_March 25th.--Abolition of slave trade in Great Britain by
Parliament._

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_March 25, 1807._

I have received your letter of March 13th. If you really wish to please me, you must live exactly as you live when I am at Paris. Then you were not in the habit of visiting the second-rate theatres or other places. You ought always to go into the Royal box. As for your home life: hold receptions there, and have your fixed circles of friends; that, my dear, is the only way to deserve my approbation. Greatness has its inconveniences; an Empress cannot go where a private individual may.

Very best love. My health is good. My affairs prosper.

NAPOLEON.

No. 58.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode_, _March 27, 1807_, 7 P.M.

_My Dear_,--Your letter pains me. There is no question of your dying. You are in good health, and you can have no just ground for grief.

I think you should go during May to St. Cloud; but you must spend the whole month of April at Paris.

My health is good. My affairs prosper.

You must not think of travelling this summer; nothing of that sort is feasible. You ought not to frequent inns and camps. I long as much as you for our meeting and for a quiet life.

I can do other things besides fight; but duty stands first and foremost. All my life long I have sacrificed everything to my destiny--peace of mind, personal advantage, happiness.

Adieu, dear. See as little as possible of that Madame de P----. She is a woman who belongs to the lowest grade of society; she is thoroughly common and vulgar.

NAPOLEON.

I have had occasion to find fault with M. de T----. I have sent him to his country house in Burgundy. I wish no longer to hear his name mentioned.

No. 59.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode, April 1, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I have just got your letter of the 20th. I am sorry to see you are ill. I wrote you to stay at Paris the whole month of April, and to go to St. Cloud on May 1st. You may go and spend the Sundays, and a day or two, at Malmaison. At St. Cloud you may have your usual visitors.

My health is good. It is still quite cold enough here. All is quiet.

I have named the little princess Josephine.[23] Eugene should be well pleased.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 60.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Finckenstein, April 2, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I write you a line. I have just moved my headquarters into a very fine chateau, after the style of Bessieres', where I have several fireplaces, which is a great comfort to me; getting up often in the night, I like to see the fire.

My health is perfect. The weather is fine, but still cold. The thermometer is at four to five degrees.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 61.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Finckenstein_, _April 6, 1807_, 3 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I have received your letter, from which I see you have spent Holy Week at Malmaison, and that your health is better. I long to hear that you are thoroughly well.

I am in a fine chateau, where there are fireplaces, which I find a great comfort. It is still very cold here; everything is frozen.

You will have seen that I have good news from Constantinople.

My health is good. There is nothing fresh here.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 62.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Finckenstein_, _April 10, 1807_, 6 P.M.

_My Dear_,--My health is excellent. Here spring is beginning; but as yet there is no vegetation. I wish you to be cheerful and contented, and never to doubt my attachment. Here all goes well.

NAPOLEON.

No. 63.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Finckenstein_, _April 14, 1807_, 7 P.M.

I have received your letter of April 3rd. I see from it that you are well, and that it has been very cold in Paris. The weather here is very unsettled; still I think the spring has come at length; already the ice has almost gone. I am in splendid health.

Adieu, dear. I ordered some time ago for Malmaison all that you ask for,--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 64.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Finckenstein, April 18, 1807._

I have received your letter of April 5th. I am sorry to see from it that you are grieved at what I have told you. As usual, your little Creole head becomes flurried and excited in a moment. Let us not, therefore, speak of it again. I am very well, but yet the weather is rainy. Savary is very ill of a bilious fever, before Dantzic; I hope it will be nothing serious.

Adieu, dear; my very best wishes to you.

NAPOLEON.

No. 65.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Finckenstein_, _April 24, 1807_, 7 P.M.

I have received your letter of the 12th. I see from it that your health is good, and that you are very happy at the thought of going to Malmaison.

The weather has changed to fine; I hope it may continue so.

There is nothing fresh here. I am very well.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 66.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Finckenstein_, _May 2, 1807_, 4 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I have just received your letter of the 23rd; I see with pleasure that you are well, and that you are as fond as ever of Malmaison. I hear the Arch-Chancellor is in love. Is this a joke, or a fact? It has amused me; you might have given me a hint about it!

I am very well, and the fine season commences. Spring shows itself at length, and the leaves begin to shoot.

Adieu, dear; very best wishes.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 67.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Finckenstein, May 10, 1807._

I have just received your letter. I know not what you tell me about ladies in correspondence with me. I love only my little Josephine, sweet, pouting, and capricious, who can quarrel with grace, as she does everything else, for she is always lovable, except when she is jealous; then she becomes a regular shrew.[24] But let us come back to these ladies. If I had leisure for any among them, I assure you that I should like them to be pretty rosebuds.

Are those of whom you speak of this kind?

I wish you to have only those persons to dinner who have dined with me; that your list be the same for your assemblies; that you never make intimates at Malmaison of ambassadors and foreigners. If you should do the contrary, you would displease me. Finally, do not allow yourself to be duped too much by persons whom I do not know, and who would not come to the house, if I were there.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 68.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Finckenstein, May 12, 1807._

I have just received your letter of May 2nd, in which I see that you are getting ready to go to St. Cloud. I was sorry to see the bad conduct of Madame ----. Might you not speak to her about mending her ways, which at present might easily cause unpleasantness on the part of her husband?

From what I hear, Napoleon is cured; I can well imagine how unhappy his mother has been; but measles is an ailment to which every one is liable. I hope that he has been vaccinated, and that he will at least be safe from the smallpox.

Adieu, dear. The weather is very warm, and vegetation has begun; but it will be some days before there is any grass.

NAPOLEON.

No. 69.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Finckenstein, May 14, 1807._

I realise the grief which the death of this poor Napoleon[25] must cause you; you can imagine what I am enduring. I should like to be by your side, in order that your sorrow might be kept within reasonable bounds. You have had the good fortune never to lose children; but it is one of the pains and conditions attached to our miseries here below. I trust I may hear you have been rational in your sorrow, and that your health remains good! Would you willingly augment my grief?

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 70.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Finckenstein, May 16, 1807._

I have just received your letter of May 6th. I see from it how ill you are already; and I fear that you are not rational, and that you are making yourself too wretched about the misfortune which has come upon us.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 71.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT LACKEN.

_Finckenstein, May 20, 1807._

I have just received your letter of May 10th. I see that you have gone to Lacken. I think you might stay there a fortnight; it would please the Belgians and serve to distract you.

I am sorry to see that you have not been rational. Grief has bounds which should not be passed. Take care of yourself for the sake of your friend, and believe in my entire affection.

NAPOLEON.

No. 72.

_May 24th.--Dantzic surrenders to Lefebvre after two months'
siege, with 800 guns and immense stores._

TO THE EMPRESS, AT LACKEN.

_Finckenstein, May 24, 1807._

Your letter from Lacken just received. I am sorry to see your grief undiminished, and that Hortense has not yet come; she is unreasonable, and does not deserve our love, since she only loves her children.

Try to calm her, and do not make me wretched. For every ill without a remedy consolations must be found.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 73.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT LACKEN.

_Finckenstein, May 26, 1807._

I have just received your letter of the 16th. I have seen with pleasure that Hortense has arrived at Lacken. I am annoyed at what you tell me of the state of stupor in which she still is. She must have more courage, and force herself to have it. I cannot imagine why they want her to go to take the waters; she will forget her trouble much better at Paris, and find more sources of consolation.

Show force of character, be cheerful, and keep well. My health is excellent.

Adieu, dear. I suffer much from all your griefs; it is a great trouble to me not to be by your side.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_May 28th.--Lefebvre made Duke of Dantzic by Napoleon._

_May 29th._--Selim III. deposed in Turkey by Mustapha IV., his
nephew.

_June 1st.--22,000 Spanish troops, sent by Charles IV., join the
French army in Germany._

No. 74.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Dantzig, June 2, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I note your arrival at Malmaison. I have no letters from you; I am vexed with Hortense, she has never written me a line. All that you tell me about her grieves me. Why have you not found her some distractions? Weeping won't do it! I trust you will take care of yourself in order that I may not find you utterly woebegone.

I have been the two past days at Dantzic; the weather is very fine, my health excellent. I think more of you than you are thinking of a husband far away.

Adieu, dear; very kindest regards. Pass on this letter to Hortense.

NAPOLEON.

No. 75.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Marienburg, June 3, 1807._

This morning I slept at Marienburg. Yesterday I left Dantzic; my health is very good. Every letter that comes from St. Cloud tells me you are always weeping. That is not well; it is necessary for you to keep well and be cheerful.

Hortense is still unwell; what you tell me of her makes me very sorry for her.

Adieu, dear; think of all the affection I bear for you.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_June 5th.--Russians defeated at Spanden; Bernadotte wounded._

No. 76.

_June 6th.--Russians defeated at Deppen by Soult._

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Finckenstein, June 6, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I am in flourishing health. Your yesterday's letter pained me; it seems to me that you are always grieving, and that you are not reasonable. The weather is very fine.

Adieu, dear; I love you and wish to see you cheerful and contented.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_June 9th.--Russians defeated at Guttstadt by Napoleon, and_

_June 10th.--At Heilsberg._

_June 14th.--Battle of Friedland, completing the "Campaign of Ten
Days."_

No. 77.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Friedland, June 15, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I write you only a line, for I am very tired, by reason of several days' bivouacking. My children have worthily celebrated the anniversary of the battle of Marengo.

The battle of Friedland will be as celebrated for my people, and equally glorious. The entire Russian army routed, 80 pieces of cannon captured, 30,000 men taken or slain, 25 Russian generals killed, wounded, or taken, the Russian Guard wiped out. The battle is worthy of her sisters--Marengo, Austerlitz, Jena. The bulletin will tell you the rest. My loss is not considerable. I out-manoeuvred the enemy successfully.

Be content and without uneasiness.

Adieu, dear; my horse is waiting.

NAPOLEON.

You may give this news as official, if it arrives before the bulletin. They may also fire salvoes. Cambaceres will make the proclamation.

No. 78.

_June 16th.--Koenigsberg captured by Soult--"what was left to the
King of Prussia is conquered."_

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Friedland_, _June 16, 1807_, 4 P.M.

_My Dear_,--Yesterday I despatched Moustache with the news of the battle of Friedland. Since then I have continued to pursue the enemy. Koenigsberg, which is a town of 80,000 souls, is in my power. I have found there many cannon, large stores, and, lastly, more than 160,000 muskets, which have come from England.

Adieu, dear. My health is perfect, although I have a slight catarrh caused by bivouacking in the rain and cold. Be happy and cheerful.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_June 17th.--Neisse, in Silesia, with 6000 men, surrenders to the
French; also_

_June 18th--Glatz._

No. 79.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Tilsit, June 19, 1807._

This morning I despatched Tascher to you, to calm all your fears. Here all goes splendidly. The battle of Friedland has decided everything. The enemy is confounded, overwhelmed, and greatly weakened.

My health is good, and my army is superb.

Adieu, dear. Be cheerful and contented.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_June 21st.--Armistice concluded at Tilsit._

No. 80.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Tilsit, June 22, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I have your letter of June 10th. I am sorry to see you are so depressed. You will see by the bulletin that I have concluded a suspension of arms, and that we are negotiating peace. Be contented and cheerful.

I despatched Borghese to you, and, twelve hours later, Moustache; therefore you should have received in good time my letters and the news of the grand battle of Friedland.

I am wonderfully well, and wish to hear that you are happy.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 81.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Tilsit, June 25, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I have just seen the Emperor Alexander. I was much pleased with him. He is a very handsome, young, and kind-hearted Emperor; he has more intelligence than people usually give him credit for. To-morrow he will lodge in the town of Tilsit.

Adieu, dear. I am very anxious to hear that you are well and happy. My health is very good.

NAPOLEON.

No. 82.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Tilsit, July 3, 1807._

_My Dear_,--M. de Turenne will give you full details of all that has occurred here. Everything goes excellently. I think I told you that the Emperor of Russia drinks your health with much cordiality. He, as well as the King of Prussia, dines with me every day. I sincerely trust that you are happy. Adieu, dear. A thousand loving remembrances.

NAPOLEON.

No. 83.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Tilsit, July 6, 1807._

I have your letter of June 25th. I was grieved to see that you were selfish, and that the success of my arms should have no charm for you.

The beautiful Queen of Prussia is to come to-morrow to dine with me.

I am well, and am longing to see you again, when destiny shall so order it. Still, it may be sooner than we expect.

Adieu, dear; a thousand loving remembrances.

NAPOLEON.

No. 84.

_July 7th.--Peace signed between France and Russia._

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Tilsit, July 7, 1807._

_My Dear_,--Yesterday the Queen of Prussia dined with me. I had to be on the defence against some further concessions she wished me to make to her husband; but I was very polite, and yet held firmly to my policy. She is very charming. I shall soon give you the details, which I could not possibly give you now unless at great length. When you read this letter, peace with Prussia and Russia will be concluded, and Jerome acknowledged King of Westphalia, with a population of three millions. This news is for yourself alone.

Adieu, dear; I love you, and wish to know that you are cheerful and contented.

NAPOLEON.

No. 85.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Tilsit, July 8,[26] 1807._

The Queen of Prussia is really charming; she is full of _coquetterie_ for me; but don't be jealous; I am an oil-cloth over which all that can only glide. It would cost me too much to play the lover.

NAPOLEON.

No. 12,875 of the _Correspondence_ (taken from Las Cases).

* * * * *

_July 9th.--Peace signed between France and Prussia, the latter
resigning all its possessions between the Rhine and the Elbe._

No. 86.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Dresden, July 18, 1807, Noon._

_My Dear_,--Yesterday I arrived at Dresden at 5 P.M., in excellent health, although I remained a hundred hours in the carriage without getting out. I am staying here with the King of Saxony, with whom I am highly pleased. I have now therefore traversed more than half the distance that separates us.

It is very likely that one of these fine nights I may descend upon St. Cloud like a jealous husband, so beware.

Adieu, dear; I shall have great pleasure in seeing you.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_July 25th._--Plot of Prince Ferdinand of Asturias against his
parents, the King and Queen of Spain.

_July 27th.--Napoleon arrives at St. Cloud,_ 5 A.M.

_August 19th.--Napoleon suppresses the French Tribunate._

_August 20th.--Marshal Brune captures Stralsund from the Swedes._

_September 1st.--The Ionian Isles become part of the French
Empire._

_September 5th to 7th._--Bombardment of Copenhagen by the
English.

_September 7th.--Occupation of Rugen by Marshal Brune._

_October 6th._--War between Russia and Sweden.

_October 16th.--Treaty of alliance between France and Denmark._

_October 17th.--Junot with 27,000 men starts for Portugal, with
whom France has been nominally at war since 1801._

_October 27th.--Treaty of Fontainebleau signed between France and
Spain. (Plot of Prince Ferdinand against his father discovered at
Madrid the same day.)_

_November 8th._--Russia declares war against England.

_November 15th.--Napoleon constitutes the kingdom of Westphalia,
with his brother Jerome as king._

_November 26th.--Junot enters Abrantes, and on_

_November 30th, enters Lisbon._

_December 9th._--Trade suspended between England and the United
States (_re_ rights of neutrals).

_December 23rd.--France levies a contribution of 100 million
francs on Portugal._

FOOTNOTES

[22] Murat and Borghese.

[23] Eugene's eldest daughter, the Princess Josephine Maximilienne
Auguste, born March 14, 1807; married Bernadotte's son, Prince
Oscar, June 18, 1827.

[24] _Toute diablesse._

[25] Charles Napoleon, Prince Royal of Holland, died at the Hague, May
5, 1807.

[26] Presumed date.

SERIES H

"Napoleon was received with unbounded adulation by all the towns of Italy.... He was the Redeemer of France, but the Creator of Italy."--ALISON, _Hist. of Europe_ (vol. xi. 280).

SERIES H

(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 264-267.)

LETTER PAGE

No. 1. _Milan_ 264
_Mont Cenis_ 264
_Eugene_ 264

No. 2. _Venice_ 265
_November 30th_ 265

No. 3. _Udine_ 265-7
_I may soon be in Paris_ 267

LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING THE JOURNEY HE MADE IN ITALY, 1807.

_November 16th.--Napoleon leaves Fontainebleau._

_November 22nd-25th.--At Milan._

No. 1.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Milan, November 25, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I have been here two days. I am very glad that I did not bring you here; you would have suffered dreadfully in crossing Mont Cenis, where a storm detained me twenty-four hours.

I found Eugene in good health; I am very pleased with him. The Princess is ill; I went to see her at Monza. She has had a miscarriage; she is getting better.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_November 29th to December 7th.--At Venice (writes Talleyrand,
"This land is a phenomenon of the power of commerce")._

No. 2.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Venice, November 30, 1807._

I have your letter of November 22nd. The last two days I have been at Venice. The weather is very bad, which has not prevented me from sailing over the lagoons in order to see the different forts.

I am glad to see you are enjoying yourself at Paris.

The King of Bavaria, with his family, as well as the Princess Eliza, are here.

I am spending December 2nd[27] here, and that past I shall be on my way home, and very glad to see you.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 3.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Udine, December 11, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I have your letter of December 3rd, from which I note that you were much pleased with the Jardin des Plantes. Here I am at the extreme limit of my journey; it is possible I may soon be in Paris, where I shall be very glad to see you again. The weather has not as yet been cold here, but very rainy. I have profited by this good season up to the last moment, for I suppose that at Christmas the winter will at length make itself felt.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_December 12th.--At Udine._

_December 14th.--At Mantua._

_December 16th.--At Milan (till December 26th)._

_December 17th.--His Milan decree against English commerce._

_December 27th-28th.--At Turin._

1808.

_January 1st.--At Paris._

FOOTNOTES

[27] His Coronation Day.

SERIES I

"The imbecility of Charles IV., the vileness of Ferdinand, and the corruption of Godoy were undoubtedly the proximate causes of the calamities which overwhelmed Spain."--NAPIER'S _Peninsular War_ (vol. i. preface).

SERIES I

(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 267-269.)

LETTER PAGE

No. 1. _Bayonne_ 267

No. 2. _A country-house_ 267
_Everything is still most primitive_ 267

No. 3. _Prince of the Asturias_ 268
_The Queen_ 268

No. 4. _A son has been born_ 268
_Arrive on the 27th_ 269

LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING THE STAY THAT HE MADE AT BAYONNE, 1808.

"This year offers a strange picture. The Emperor Napoleon was at
Venice in the month of January, surrounded by the homage of all
the courts and princes of Italy; in the month of April he was at
Bayonne, surrounded by that of Spain, and the great personages of
that country; and, finally, in the month of October he is at
Erfurth, with his _parterre_ of kings."--_Memoires du Duc de
Rovigo._

* * * * *

_January 27th.--Queen and Prince Regent of Portugal reach Rio de
Janeiro._

_February 2nd.--French troops enter Rome._

_February 17th.--French occupy Pampeluna, and_

_February 29th.--Barcelona._

_March 19th.--Charles IV. abdicates, and his son proclaimed
Ferdinand VII._

_March 20th.--Godoy imprisoned by Ferdinand._

_March 23rd.--Murat enters Madrid._

_March 27th.--Napoleon excommunicated._

_April 15th.--Napoleon arrives at Bayonne._

No. 1.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT BORDEAUX.

_Bayonne, April 16, 1808._

I have arrived here in good health, rather tired by a dull journey and a very bad road.

I am very glad you stayed behind, for the houses here are wretched and very small.

I go to-day into a small house in the country, about a mile from the town.

Adieu, dear. Take care of yourself.

No. 2.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT BORDEAUX.

_Bayonne, April 17, 1808._

I have just received yours of April 15th. What you tell me of the owner of the country-house pleases me. Go and spend the day there sometimes.

I am sending an order for you to have 20,000 francs per month additional while I am away, counting from the 1st of April.

I am lodged atrociously. I am leaving this place in an hour, to occupy a country-house (_bastide_) about a mile away. The Infant Don Carlos and five or six Spanish grandees are here, the Prince of the Asturias fifty miles away. King Charles and the Queen are due. I know not how I shall lodge all these people. Everything here is still most primitive (_a l'auberge_). The health of my troops in Spain is good.

It took me some time to understand your little jokes; I have laughed at your recollections. O you women, what memories you have!

My health is fairly good, and I love you most affectionately. I wish you to give my kind regards to everybody at Bordeaux; I have been too busy to send them to anybody.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_April 20th.--Ferdinand arrives at Bayonne._

No. 3.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT BORDEAUX.

_April 21, 1808._

I have just received your letter of April 19th. Yesterday I had the Prince of the Asturias and his suite to dinner, which occasioned me considerable embarrassment. I am waiting for Charles IV. and the Queen.

My health is good. I am now sufficiently recovered for the campaign.

Adieu, dear. Your letters always give me much pleasure.

NAPOLEON.

No. 4.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT BORDEAUX.

_Bayonne, April 23, 1808._

_My Dear_,--A son has been born to Hortense;[28] I am highly delighted. I am not surprised that you tell me nothing of it, since your letter is dated the 21st, and the child was only born on the 20th,[29] during the night.

You can start on the 26th, sleep at Mont de Marsan, and arrive here on the 27th. Have your best dinner-service sent on here on the 25th, in the evening. I have made arrangements for you to have a little house in the country, next to the one I have. My health is good.

I am waiting for Charles IV. and his wife.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_April 30th.--Charles IV. and the Queen arrive at Bayonne._

_May 1st.--Ferdinand gives back the crown to his father._

_May 2nd.--Murat subdues insurrection at Madrid._

_May 5th.--Treaty of Bayonne; Charles IV. and Ferdinand (May 6)
surrender to Napoleon their rights to the Spanish crown._

_May 13th.--Spanish Junta ask for Joseph Bonaparte to be their
king._

_June 6th.--King Joseph proclaimed King of Spain and the Indies by
Napoleon, in an imperial decree, dated Bayonne._

_June 7th.--French, under Dupont, sacked Cordova._

_June 9th.--Emperor of Austria calls out his militia._

_June 15th.--French fleet at Cadiz surrender to the Spanish._

_July 4th.--English cease hostilities with Spain, and recognise
Ferdinand VII._

_July 7th.--Spanish new constitution sworn to by Joseph and by the
Junta._

_July 9th.--Commences the siege of Saragossa._