Chapter V: Part 5

_July 14th.--Bessieres defeats 40,000 Spaniards at Medina de Rio
Seco._

_July 15th.--Murat declared King of Naples._

_July 20th.--Joseph enters Madrid._ Mahmoud deposed by his younger
brother at Constantinople.

_July 22nd.--Dupont capitulates at Baylen--"the only stain on
French arms for twenty years (1792-1812)."_--Montgaillard.

_July 30th.--French protest against Austrian armaments._

_August 1st.--Wellington landed in Portugal._

_August 21st.--Battle of Vimiera, creditable to Junot._

_August 25th.--Spanish troops reoccupy Madrid._

_August 30th.--Convention of Cintra. French only hold Barcelona,
Biscay, Navarre, and Alava, in the whole of Spain._

_September 8th.--Convention of Paris (Prussia and France);
Prussian army not to exceed 40,000 men._

FOOTNOTES

[28] Charles Louis Napoleon, afterwards Napoleon III.

[29] At 17 Rue Lafitte.

SERIES J

"When he shows as seeking quarter, with paws like hands in prayer,
_That_ is the time of peril--the time of the truce of the Bear!"

--KIPLING.

SERIES J

(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 269-273.)

LETTER PAGE

No. 1. _I have rather a cold_ 270
_I am pleased with the Emperor_ 270

No. 2. _Shooting over the battlefield of Jena_ 271
_The Weimar ball_ 271
_A few trifling ailments_ 271

No. 3. _I am pleased with Alexander_ 272
_He ought to be with me_ 272
_Erfurt_ 273

LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING HIS STAY AT ERFURT, 1808.

No. 1.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_Erfurt, September 29, 1808._

I have rather a cold. I have received your letter, dated Malmaison. I am well pleased with the Emperor and every one here.

It is an hour after midnight, and I am tired.

Adieu, dear; take care of yourself.

NAPOLEON.

No. 2.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_October 9, 1808._

_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. I note with pleasure that you are well. I have just been shooting over the battlefield of Jena. We had breakfast (_dejeune_) at the spot where I bivouacked on the night of the battle.

I assisted at the Weimar ball. The Emperor Alexander dances; but not I. Forty years are forty years.

My health is really sound, in spite of a few trifling ailments.

Adieu, dear; I hope to see you soon.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 3.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT ST. CLOUD.

_My Dear_,--I write you seldom; I am very busy. Conversations which last whole days, and which do not improve my cold. Still all goes well. I am pleased with Alexander; he ought to be with me. If he were a woman, I think I should make him my sweetheart.

I shall be back to you shortly; keep well and let me find you plump and rosy.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

SERIES K

"The winter campaign commenced on the 1st of November 1808, and terminated on the 1st of March 1809, to the advantage of the French, who, for that reason, denominate it the _Imperial Campaign_. The Spaniards were long before they could recover from the terror caused by the defeat of their armies, the capture of Madrid, the surrender of Saragossa, and the departure of the English from Corunna."--_Sarrazin's History of the War in Spain and Portugal_, 1815.

SERIES K

(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 273-278.)

LETTER PAGE

No. 5. Aranda 273

No. 6. Madrid 273
_Parisian weather_ 273

No. 8. _Kourakin_ 274

No. 9. _The English_ appear to have received reinforcements 274

No. 10. _Benavente_ 274
_The English flee panic-stricken_ 274
_The weather_ 274
_Lefebvre_ 275

No. 11. _Your letters_ 275-6

No. 12. _The English are in utter rout_ 276

Nos. 13 & 14. Valladolid 277
_Eugene has a daughter_ 277
_They are foolish in Paris_ 277

LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING THE SPANISH CAMPAIGN, 1808 AND 1809.

_October 29th.--English enter Spain._

_October 31st.--Blake defeated by Lefebvre at Tornosa._

No. 1.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_November 3, 1808._

I arrived to-night[30] with considerable trouble. I had ridden several stages at full speed. Still, I am well.

To-morrow I start for Spain.

My troops are arriving in force.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_November 4th.--Napoleon enters Spain._

No. 2.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Tolosa, November 5, 1808._

I am at Tolosa. I am starting for Vittoria, where I shall be in a few hours. I am fairly well, and I hope everything will soon be completed.

NAPOLEON.

No. 3.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Vittoria, November 7._

_My Dear_,--I have been the last two days at Vittoria. I am in good health. My troops are arriving daily; the Guard arrived to-day.

The King is in very good health. I am very busy.

I know that you are in Paris. Never doubt my affection.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_November 10th._--Battle of Burgos. _Soult and Bessieres defeat
Spaniards, who lose 3000 killed and 3000 prisoners, and 20
cannon._

_November 12th._--Battle of Espinosa. _Marshal Victor defeats La
Romana and Blake, who lose 20,000 men and 50 cannon._

No. 4.

_November 14th._--Third revolution at Constantinople. _Mahmoud IV.
assassinated (November 15th)._

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Burgos, November 14, 1808._

Matters here are progressing at a great rate. The weather is very fine. We are successful. My health is very good.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_November 23rd.--Battle of Tudela. Castanos and Palafox
defeated, with loss of 7000 men and 30 cannon, by Marshal
Lannes. "The battle of Tudela makes the pendant of that of
Espinosa."_--NAPOLEON.

No. 5.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_November 26, 1808._

I have received your letter. I trust that your health be as good as mine is, although I am very busy. All goes well here.

I think you should return to the Tuileries on December 21st, and from that date give a concert daily for eight days.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

Kind regards to Hortense and to M. Napoleon.

* * * * *

_December 3rd.--French voluntarily evacuate Berlin._

_December 4th.--Surrender of Madrid. Napoleon abolishes the
Inquisition and feudal rights._ ("_He regards the taking of a
capital as decisive for the submission of a whole kingdom; thus in
1814 will act his adversaries, pale but judicious imitators of his
strategy._"--Montgaillard.)

No. 6.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_December 7, 1808._

Your letter of the 28th to hand. I am glad to see that you are well. You will have seen that young Tascher has distinguished himself, which has pleased me. My health is good.

Here we are enjoying Parisian weather of the last fortnight in May. We are hot, and have no fires; but the nights are rather cool.

Madrid is quiet. All my affairs prosper.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

Kind regards to Hortense and to M. Napoleon.

No. 7.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Chamartin, December 10, 1808._

_My Dear_,--Yours to hand, in which you tell me what bad weather you are having in Paris; here it is the best weather imaginable. Please tell me what mean these alterations Hortense is making; I hear she is sending away her servants. Is it because they have refused to do what was required? Give me some particulars. Reforms are not desirable.

Adieu, dear. The weather here is delightful. All goes excellently, and I pray you to keep well.

NAPOLEON.

No. 8.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_December 21, 1808._

You ought to have been at the Tuileries on the 12th. I trust you may have been pleased with your rooms.

I have authorised the presentation of Kourakin to you and the family; be kind to him, and let him take part in your plays.

Adieu, dear. I am well. The weather is rainy; it is rather cold.

NAPOLEON.

No. 9.

_December 22nd.--Napoleon quits Madrid._

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Madrid, December 22, 1808._

I start at once to outmanoeuvre the English, who appear to have received reinforcements and wish to look big.

The weather is fine, my health perfect; don't be uneasy.

NAPOLEON.

No. 10.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Benavento, December 31, 1808._

_My Dear_,--The last few days I have been in pursuit of the English, but they flee panic-stricken. They have pusillanimously abandoned the remnant of La Romana's army in order not to delay its retreat a single half day. More than a hundred waggons of their baggage have already been taken. The weather is very bad.

Lefebvre[31] has been captured. He took part in a skirmish with 300 of his chasseurs; these idiots crossed a river by swimming and threw themselves in the midst of the English cavalry; they killed several, but on their return Lefebvre had his horse wounded; it was swimming, the current took him to the bank where the English were; he was taken. Console his wife.

Adieu, dear. Bessieres, with 10,000 cavalry, is at Astorga.

NAPOLEON.

A happy New Year to everybody.

No. 11.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_January 3, 1809._

_My Dear_,--I have received your letters of the 18th and 21st. I am close behind the English.

The weather is cold and rigorous, but all goes well.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

A happy New Year, and a very happy one, to my Josephine.

No. 12.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Benavento, January 5, 1809._

_My Dear_,--I write you a line. The English are in utter rout; I have instructed the Duke of Dalmatia to pursue them closely (_l'epee dans les reins_). I am well; the weather bad.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 13.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_January 8, 1809._

I have received yours of the 23rd and 26th. I am sorry to see you have toothache. I have been here two days. The weather is what we must expect at this season. The English are embarking. I am in good health.

Adieu, dear.

I am writing Hortense. Eugene has a daughter.

Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 14.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_January 9, 1809._

Moustache brings me your letter of 31st December. I see from it, dear, that you are sad and have very gloomy disquietudes. Austria will not make war on me; if she does, I have 150,000 men in Germany and as many on the Rhine, and 400,000 Germans to reply to her. Russia will not separate herself from me. They are foolish in Paris; all goes well.

I shall be at Paris the moment I think it worth while. I advise you to beware of ghosts; one fine day, at two o'clock in the morning.

But adieu, dear; I am well, and am yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

FOOTNOTES

[30] At Bayonne.

[31] General Lefebvre--Desnouettes.

SERIES L

"Berthier, incapable of acting a principal part, was surprised, and making a succession of false movements that would have been fatal to the French army, if the Emperor, journeying night and day, had not arrived at the very hour when his lieutenant was on the point of consummating the ruin of the army. But then was seen the supernatural force of Napoleon's genius. In a few hours he changed the aspect of affairs, and in a few days, maugre their immense number, his enemies, baffled and flying in all directions, proclaimed his mastery in an art which, up to that moment, was imperfect; for never, since troops first trod a field of battle, was such a display of military genius made by man."--NAPIER.

SERIES L

(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 278-295.)

LETTER PAGE

Napoleon's position in Europe 278

No. 1. _Donauwerth_ 281
The Ratisbon proclamation, and first successes of
the campaign up to April 23rd 281-2

No. 2. _May 6th_ 282
_The ball that touched me_ 283

No. 3. Baron Marbot's foray; and memories of Richard
Coeur de Lion 284

No. 4. _Schoenbrunn_ 284-5
_May 12th_ 285

No. 5. _Ebersdorf_ 286
_Eugene... has completely performed the task_ 287

No. 6. _May 29th_ 288

No. 7. _I have ordered the two princes_ 288-9
_The Duke of Montebello_ 289
_Thus everything ends_ 289

No. 9. _Eugene won a battle_ 290

No. 11. _Wagram_ 290
_Lasalle_ 291
_I am sunburnt_ 291

No. 12. _A surfeit of bile_ 291
_Wolkersdorf_ 291

No. 16. _My affairs follow my wishes_ 292

No. 17. _August 21st_ 292

No. 18. _Comedians_ 292
_Women ... not having been presented_ 293

No. 19. _All this is very suspicious_ 293

No. 20. _Krems_ 293
_My health has never been better_ 293

No. 23. _October 14th_ 294

No. 24. _Stuttgard_ 295

LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING THE AUSTRIAN CAMPAIGN, 1809.

EVENTS OF 1809.

_January 7th._--King and Queen of Prussia visit Alexander at St.
Petersburg.

_January 12th._--Cayenne and French Guiana captured by Spanish and
Portuguese South Americans.

_January 13th._--Combat of Alcazar. Victor defeats Spaniards.

_January 14th._--Treaty of Alliance between England and Spain.

_January 16th._--Battle of Corunna. Moore killed; Baird wounded.

_January 17th._--English army sails for England.

_January 22nd._--King Joseph returns to Madrid.

_January 27th._--Soult takes Ferrol (retaken by English, June
22nd).

_February 21st._--Lannes takes Saragossa.

_February 23rd._--English capture Martinique.

_March 4th._--Madison made President of United States.

_March 29th._--Soult fights battle of Oporto. Spaniards lose
20,000 men and 200 guns. Gustavus Adolphus abdicates throne of
Sweden.

_April 9th._--Austrians under Archduke Charles cross the Inn,
enter Bavaria, and take Munich. _Napoleon receives this news April
12th, and reaches Strasburg April 15th._

_April 15th._--Eugene defeated on the Tagliamento.

_April 16th._--And at Sacile.

_April 19th._--Combat of Pfafferhofen. Oudinot repulses Austrians,
while Davoust wins the Battle of Thann. _Napoleon joins the
army._

_April 20th._--Battle of Abensberg. Archduke Louis defeated.
Austrians take Ratisbon, and 1800 prisoners. Poles defeated by
Archduke Ferdinand at Baszy.

_April 21st._--Combat of Landshut; heavy Austrian losses.
Austrians under Archduke Ferdinand take Warsaw.

_April 22nd.--Battle of Eckmuehl. Napoleon defeats Archduke
Charles._

_April 23rd._--French take Ratisbon.

_April 25th._--King of Bavaria re-enters Munich.

_April 26th._--French army crosses the Inn.

_April 28th-30th._--French force the Salza, and cut in two the
main Austrian army--"One of the most beautiful manoeuvres of
modern tactics" (_Montgaillard_).

_April 29th._--Combat of Caldiero. Eugene defeats Archduke John.

_May 3rd._--Russia declares war on Austria, and enters Galicia.

_May 4th._--Combat of Ebersberg. Massena defeats Austrians, but
loses a large number of men.

No. 1.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.

_Donauwoerth, April 17, 1809._

I arrived here yesterday at 4 A.M.; I am just leaving it. Everything is under way. Military operations are in full activity. Up to the present, there is nothing new.

My health is good.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 2.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.

_Enns, May 6, 1809, Noon._

_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. The ball that touched me has not wounded me; it barely grazed the tendon Achilles.

My health is very good. You are wrong to be uneasy.

My affairs here go excellently.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

Kind regards to Hortense and the Duke de Berg.[32]

* * * * *

_May 8th._--Eugene crosses the Piave, and defeats Archduke John.

No. 3.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.

_Saint-Polten, May 9, 1809._

_My Dear_,--I write you from Saint-Polten. To-morrow I shall be before Vienna; it will be exactly a month to the day after the Austrians crossed the Inn, and violated peace.

My health is good, the weather splendid, and the soldiery very cheerful; there is wine here.

Keep well.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_May 13th._--French occupy Vienna, after a bombardment of
thirty-six hours.

_May 17th._--Roman States united to the French Empire.

_May 18th._--French occupy Trieste.

_May 19th._--Lefebvre occupies Innsbruck.

_May 20th._--Eugene reaches Klagenfurt.

_May 21st-22nd._--Battle of Essling. A drawn battle, unfavourable
to the French, who lose Marshal Lannes, three generals killed, and
500 officers and 18,000 men wounded. The Archduke admits a loss of
4200 killed and 16,000 wounded.

_May 22nd._--Meerveldt with 4000 men surrenders at Laybach to
Macdonald.

_May 25th._--Eugene reaches Leoben in Styria, and captures most of
the corps of Jellachich.

_May 26th._--Eugene joins the army of Germany, at Bruck in
Styria.

No. 4.

_May 12th._--Soult evacuates Portugal. Wellington crosses the
Douro, and enters Spain.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.

_Schoenbrunn, May 12, 1809._

I am despatching the brother of the Duchess of Montebello to let you know that I am master of Vienna, and that everything here goes perfectly. My health is very good.

NAPOLEON.

No. 5.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.

_Ebersdorf, May 27, 1809._

I am despatching a page to tell you that Eugene has rejoined me with all his army; that he has completely performed the task that I entrusted him with; and has almost entirely destroyed the enemy's army opposed to him.

I send you my proclamation to the army of Italy, which will make you understand all this.

I am very well.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

_P.S._--You can have this proclamation printed at Strasburg, and have it translated into French and German, in order that it may be scattered broadcast over Germany. Give a copy of the proclamation to the page who goes on to Paris.

* * * * *

_May 28th._--Hofer defeats Bavarians at Innsbruck.

No. 6.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.

_Ebersdorf_, _May 29, 1809_, 7 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I have been here since yesterday; I am stopped by the river. The bridge has been burnt; I shall cross at midnight. Everything here goes as I wish it, viz., very well.

The Austrians have been overwhelmed (_frappes de la foudre_).

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 7.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.

_Ebersdorf May 31, 1809._

Your letter of the 26th to hand. I have written you that you can go to Plombieres. I do not care for you to go to Baden; it is not necessary to leave France. I have ordered the two princes to re-enter France.[33]

The loss of the Duke of Montebello, who died this morning, has grieved me exceedingly. Thus everything ends!!

Adieu, dear; if you can help to console the poor Marechale, do so.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_June 1st._--Archduke Ferdinand evacuates Warsaw.

_June 6th._--Regent of Sweden proclaimed King as Charles XIII.

No. 8.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT STRASBURG.

_Schoenbrunn, June 9, 1809._

I have received your letter; I see with pleasure that you are going to the waters at Plombieres, they will do you good.

Eugene is in Hungary with his army. I am well, the weather very fine. I note with pleasure that Hortense and the Duke of Berg are in France.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_June 10th._--Union of the Papal States to France promulgated in
Rome.

_June 11th.--Napoleon and all his abettors excommunicated._

_June 14th._--Eugene, aided by Macdonald and Lauriston, defeats
Archduke Ferdinand at Raab.

No. 9.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIERES.

_Schoenbrunn, June 16, 1809._

I despatch a page to tell you that, on the 14th, the anniversary of Marengo, Eugene won a battle against the Archduke John and the Archduke Palatine, at Raab, in Hungary; that he has taken 3000 men, many pieces of cannon, 4 flags, and pursued them a long way on the road to Buda-Pesth.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_June 18th._--Combat of Belchite. Blake defeated by Suchet near
Saragossa.

No. 10.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIERES.

_Schoenbrunn, June 19, 1809, Noon._

I have your letter, which tells me of your departure for Plombieres. I am glad you are making this journey, because I trust it may do you good.

Eugene is in Hungary, and is well. My health is very good, and the army in fighting trim.

I am very glad to know that the Grand Duke of Berg is with you.

Adieu, dear. You know my affection for my Josephine; it never varies.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_July 4th-5th._--French cross Danube, and win battle of
Enzersdorff.

_July 5th-6th._--Pope Pius VII. carried off from Rome by order of
Murat; eventually kept at Savona.

_July 6th.--Battle of Wagram._ The most formidable artillery
battle ever fought up to this date (900 guns in action). The
Austrians had 120,000 men, with more guns and of larger calibre
than those of the French.

No. 11.

_July 7th._--St. Domingo surrenders to the English.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIERES.

_Ebersdorf_, _July 7, 1809_, 5 A.M.

I am despatching a page to bring you the good tidings of the victory of Enzersdorf, which I won on the 5th, and that of Wagram, which I won on the 6th.

The enemy's army flies in disorder, and all goes according to my prayers (_voeux_).

Eugene is well. Prince Aldobrandini is wounded, but slightly.

Bessieres has been shot through the fleshy part of his thigh; the wound is very slight. Lasalle was killed. My losses are full heavy, but the victory is decisive and complete. We have taken more than 100 pieces of cannon, 12 flags, many prisoners.

I am sunburnt.

Adieu, dear. I send you a kiss. Kind regards to Hortense.

NAPOLEON.

No. 12.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIERES.

_Wolkersdorf_, _July 9, 1809_, 2 A.M.

_My Dear_,--All goes here as I wish. My enemies are defeated, beaten, utterly routed. They were in great numbers; I have wiped them out. To-day my health is good; yesterday I was rather ill with a surfeit of bile, occasioned by so many hardships, but it has done me much good.

Adieu, dear. I am in excellent health.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_July 12th._--Armistice of Znaim. Archduke Charles resigns his
command.

No. 13.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIERES.

_In the Camp, before Znaim, July 13, 1809._

I send you the suspension of arms concluded yesterday with the Austrian General. Eugene is on the Hungary side, and is well. Send a copy of the suspension of arms to Cambaceres, in case he has not yet received one.

I send you a kiss, and am very well.

NAPOLEON.

You may cause this suspension of arms to be printed at Nancy.

* * * * *

_July 14th._--English seize Senegal. Oudinot, Marmont, Macdonald
made Marshals.

No. 14.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIERES.

_Schoenbrunn, July 17, 1809._

_My Dear_,--I have sent you one of my pages. You will have learnt the result of the battle of Wagram, and, later, of the suspension of arms of Znaim.

My health is good. Eugene is well, and I long to know that you, as well as Hortense, are the same.

Give a kiss for me to Monsieur, the Grand Duke of Berg.

NAPOLEON.

No. 15.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIERES.

_Schoenbrunn, July 24, 1809._

I have just received yours of July 18th. I note with pleasure that the waters are doing you good. I see no objection to you going back to Malmaison after you have finished your treatment.

It is hot enough here in all conscience. My health is excellent.

Adieu, dear. Eugene is at Vienna, in the best of health.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_July 28th.--Battle of Talavera._ Wellington repulses Victor, who
attacks by King Joseph's order, without waiting for the arrival of
Soult with the main army. Wellington retires on Portugal.

_July 29th-31st._--Walcheren Expedition; 17,000 English land in
Belgium.

No. 16.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PLOMBIERES.

_Schoenbrunn, August 7, 1809._

I see from your letter that you are at Plombieres, and intend to stay there. You do well; the waters and the fine climate can only do you good.

I remain here. My health and my affairs follow my wishes.

Please give my kind regards to Hortense and the Napoleons.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_August 8th._--Combat of Arzobispo. Soult defeats the Spaniards.

_August 15th._--Flushing surrenders to the English.

No. 17.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Schoenbrunn, August 21, 1809._

I have received your letter of August 14th, from Plombieres; I see from it that by the 18th you will be either at Paris or Malmaison. The heat, which is very great here, will have upset you. Malmaison must be very dry and parched at this time of year.

My health is good. The heat, however, has brought on a slight catarrh.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 18.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Schoenbrunn, August 26, 1809._

I have your letter from Malmaison. They bring me word that you are plump, florid, and in the best of health, I assure you Vienna is not an amusing city. I would very much rather be back again in Paris.

Adieu, dear. Twice a week I listen to the comedians (_bouffons_); they are but very middling; it, however, passes the evenings. There are fifty or sixty women of Vienna, but outsiders (_au parterre_), as not having been presented.

NAPOLEON.

No. 19.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Schoenbrunn, August 31, 1809._

I have had no letter from you for several days; the pleasures of Malmaison, the beautiful greenhouses, the beautiful gardens, cause the absent to be forgotten. It is, they say, the rule of your sex. Every one speaks only of your good health; all this is very suspicious.

To-morrow I am off with Eugene for two days in Hungary.

My health is fairly good.

Adieu, dear.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 20.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Krems, September 9, 1809._

_My Dear_,--I arrived here yesterday at 2 A.M.; I have come here to see my troops. My health has never been better. I know that you are very well.

I shall be in Paris at a moment when nobody will expect me. Everything here goes excellently and to my satisfaction.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 21.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Schoenbrunn, September 23, 1809._

I have received your letter of the 16th, and note that you are well. The old maid's house is only worth 120,000[34] francs; they will never get more for it. Still, I leave you mistress to do what you like, since it amuses you; only, once purchased, don't pull it down to put a rockery there.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 22.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Schoenbrunn, September 25, 1809._

I have received your letter. Be careful, and I advise you to be vigilant, for one of these nights you will hear a loud knocking.

My health is good. I know nothing about the rumours; I have never been better for many a long year. Corvisart was no use to me.

Adieu, dear; everything here prospers.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_September 26th._--Battle of Silistria; Turks defeat Russians.

No. 23.

_October 14th._--Treaty of Vienna, between France and Austria.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Schoenbrunn, October 14, 1809._

_My Dear_,--I write to advise you that Peace was signed two hours ago between Champagny and Prince Metternich.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_October 19th._--Mortier routs Spaniards at Ocana.

No. 24.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Nymphenburg, near Munich, October 21, 1809._

I arrived here yesterday in the best of health, but shall not start till to-morrow. I shall spend a day at Stuttgard. You will be advised twenty-four hours in advance of my arrival at Fontainebleau.

I look forward with pleasure to seeing you again, and I await that moment impatiently.

I send you a kiss.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 25.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Munich, October 22, 1809._

_My Dear_,--I start in an hour. I shall be at Fontainebleau from the 26th to 27th; you may meet me there with some of your ladies.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_November 25th._--Disappearance of Benjamin Bathurst, erroneously
thought to have been murdered by the French, really by robbers.

_December 1st._--Capture of Gerona and 200 cannon by Augereau.

_December 16th.--French Senate pronounce the divorce of Napoleon
and Josephine._

_December 24th._--English re-embark from Flushing.

FOOTNOTES

[32] Napoleon Louis, Prince Royal of Holland, and Grand Duke of Berg
from March 3, 1809.

[33] Her two grandsons, who, with Hortense, their mother, were at
Baden.

[34] Boispreau, belonging to Mademoiselle Julien.

SERIES M

"Josephine, my excellent Josephine, thou knowest if I have loved thee! To thee, to thee alone do I owe the only moments of happiness which I have enjoyed in this world. Josephine, my destiny overmasters my will. My dearest affections must be silent before the interests of France."--BOURRIENNE'S _Napoleon_.[35]

FOOTNOTES

[35] Also MEME'S _Memoirs of Josephine_, p. 333.

SERIES M

(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 295-304.)

LETTER PAGE

No. 1. A Family Council 295

No. 2. _Savary_ 297
_Queen of Naples_ 298
_The hunt_ 298

No. 4. _The weather is very damp_ 298

No. 5. _King of Bavaria_ 299

No. 6. Their last dinner together 299

No. 7. _Tuileries_ 299

No. 8. _A house vacant in Paris_ 299

No. 9. _Hortense_ 300

No. 10. A visit to Josephine 300

No. 11. _What charms your society has_ 300

No. 12. _King of Westphalia_ 301

No. 13. _Sensible_ 301

No. 14. _D'Audenarde_ 302

No. 16. The choosing of a bride 302

No. 17. Date 302

Nos. 18 & 19. _L'Elysee_ 302-3

No. 20. _Bessieres' country-house_ 303

No. 21. _Rambouillet_ 303
_Adieu_ 303

LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE AFTER THE DIVORCE AND BEFORE HIS MARRIAGE WITH MARIE LOUISE.

DECEMBER, 1809, TO APRIL 2, 1810.

No. 1.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_December 1809_, 8 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I found you to-day weaker than you ought to be. You have shown courage; it is necessary that you should maintain it and not give way to a doleful melancholy. You must be contented and take special care of your health, which is so precious to me.

If you are attached to me and if you love me, you should show strength of mind and force yourself to be happy. You cannot question my constant and tender friendship, and you would know very imperfectly all the affection I have for you if you imagined that I can be happy if you are unhappy, and contented if you are ill at ease.

Adieu, dear. Sleep well; dream that I wish it.

NAPOLEON.

No. 2.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Tuesday, 6 o'clock._

The Queen of Naples, whom I saw at the hunt in the Bois de Boulogne, where I rode down a stag, told me that she left you yesterday at 1 P.M. in the best of health.

Please tell me what you are doing to-day. As for me, I am very well. Yesterday, when I saw you, I was ill. I expect you will have been for a drive.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 3.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Trianon_, 7 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I have just received your letter. Savary tells me that you are always crying; that is not well. I trust that you have been for a drive to-day. I sent you my quarry. I shall come to see you when you tell me you are reasonable, and that your courage has the upper hand.

To-morrow, the whole day, I am receiving Ministers.

Adieu, dear. I also am sad to-day; I need to know that you are satisfied and to learn that your equilibrium (_aplomb_) is restored. Sleep well.

NAPOLEON.

No. 4.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Thursday, Noon, 1809._

_My Dear_,--I wished to come and see you to-day, but I was very busy and rather unwell. Still, I am just off to the Council.

Please tell me how you are.

This weather is very damp, and not at all healthy.

NAPOLEON.

No. 5.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Trianon._

I should have come to see you to-day if I had not been obliged to come to see the King of Bavaria, who has just arrived in Paris. I shall come to see you to-night at eight o'clock, and return at ten.

I hope to see you to-morrow, and to see you cheerful and placid.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 6.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Trianon, Tuesday._

_My Dear_,--I lay down after you left me yesterday;[36] I am going to Paris. I wish to hear that you are cheerful. I shall come to see you during the week.

I have received your letters, which I am going to read in the carriage.

NAPOLEON.

No. 7.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Paris, Wednesday, Noon, 27th December 1809._

Eugene told me that you were very miserable all yesterday. That is not well, my dear; it is contrary to what you promised me.

I have been thoroughly tired in revisiting the Tuileries; that great palace seemed empty to me, and I felt lost in it.

Adieu, dear. Keep well.

NAPOLEON.

No. 8.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Paris, Sunday, December 31_, 10 A.M., 1809.

_My Dear_,--To-day I have a grand parade; I shall see all my Old Guard and more than sixty artillery trains.

The King of Westphalia is returning home, which will leave a house vacant in Paris. I am sad not to see you. If the parade finishes before 3 o'clock, I will come; otherwise, to-morrow.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 9.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Thursday Evening_, 1810.

_My Dear_,--Hortense, whom I saw this afternoon, has given me news of you. I trust that you will have been able to see your plants to-day, the weather having been fine. I have only been out for a few minutes at three o'clock to shoot some hares.

Adieu, dear; sleep well.

NAPOLEON.

No. 10.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Friday_, 8 P.M., 1810.

I wished to come and see you to-day, but I cannot; it will be, I hope, in the morning. It is a long time since I heard from you. I learnt with pleasure that you take walks in your garden these cold days.

Adieu, dear; keep well, and never doubt my affection.

NAPOLEON.

No. 11.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Sunday_, 8 P.M., 1810.

I was very glad to see you yesterday; I feel what charms your society has for me.

To-day I walked with Esteve.[37] I have allowed L4000 for 1810, for the extraordinary expenses at Malmaison. You can therefore do as much planting as you like; you will distribute that sum as you may require. I have instructed Esteve to send L8000 the moment the contract for the Maison Julien shall be made. I have ordered them to pay for your _parure_ of rubies, which will be valued by the Department, for I do not wish to be robbed by jewellers. So, there goes the L16,000 that this may cost me.

I have ordered them to hold the million which the Civil List owes you for 1810 at the disposal of your man of business, in order to pay your debts.

You should find in the coffers of Malmaison twenty to twenty-five thousand pounds; you can take them to buy your plate and linen.

I have instructed them to make you a very fine porcelain service; they will take your commands in order that it may be a very fine one.

NAPOLEON.

No. 12.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Wednesday_, 6 P.M., 1810.

_My Dear_,--I see no objection to your receiving the King of Westphalia whenever you wish. The King and Queen of Bavaria will probably come to see you on Friday.

I long to come to Malmaison, but you must really show fortitude and self-restraint; the page on duty this morning told me that he saw you weeping.

I am going to dine quite alone.

Adieu, dear. Never doubt the depth of my feelings for you; you would be unjust and unfair if you did.

NAPOLEON.

No. 13.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Saturday_, 1 P.M., 1810.

_My Dear_,--Yesterday I saw Eugene, who told me that you gave a reception to the kings. I was at the concert till eight o'clock, and only dined, quite alone, at that hour.

I long to see you. If I do not come to-day, I will come after mass.

Adieu, dear. I hope to find you sensible and in good health. This weather should indeed make you put on flesh.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_January 9.--The clergy of Paris annul the religious marriage of
Napoleon with Josephine_ (so _Biographie Universelle_, Michaud;
Montgaillard gives January 18). _Confirmed by the Metropolitan
Officialite, January 12_ (Pasquier).

No. 14.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Trianon, January 17, 1810._

_My Dear_,--D'Audenarde, whom I sent to you this morning, tells me that since you have been at Malmaison you have no longer any courage. Yet that place is full of our happy memories, which can and ought never to change, at least on my side.

I want badly to see you, but I must have some assurance that you are strong and not weak; I too am rather like you, and it makes me frightfully wretched.

Adieu, Josephine; good-night. If you doubted me, you would be very ungrateful.

NAPOLEON.

No. 15.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_January 20, 1810._

_My Dear_,--I send you the box that I promised you the day before yesterday--representing the Island of Lobau. I was rather tired yesterday. I work much, and do not go out.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 16.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Noon, Tuesday, 1810._

I hear that you are making yourself miserable; this is too bad. You have no confidence in me, and all the rumours that are being spread strike you; this is not knowing me, Josephine. I am much annoyed, and if I do not find you cheerful and contented, I shall scold you right well.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 17.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Sunday_, 9 P.M., 1810.

_My Dear_,--I was very glad to see you the day before yesterday.

I hope to go to Malmaison during the week. I have had all your affairs looked after here, and ordered that everything be brought to the Elysee-Napoleon.

Please take care of yourself.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 18.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_January 30, 1810._

_My Dear_,--Your letter to hand. I hope the walk you had yesterday, in order to show people your conservatories, has done you good.

I will gladly see you at the Elysee, and shall be very glad to see you oftener, for you know how I love you.

NAPOLEON.

No. 19.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Saturday_, 6 P.M., 1810.

I told Eugene that you would rather give ear to the vulgar gossip of a great city than to what I told you; yet people should not be allowed to invent fictions to make you miserable.

I have had all your effects moved to the Elysee. You shall come to Paris at once; but be at ease and contented, and have full confidence in me.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_February 2._--Soult occupies Seville. The Junta takes refuge at
Cadiz.

_February 6._--Guadeloupe surrenders to the English.

_February 7.--Convention of marriage between the Emperor Napoleon
and the Archduchess Marie Louise._

No. 20.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT THE ELYSEE-NAPOLEON.

_February 19, 1810._

_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. I long to see you, but the reflections that you make may be true. It is, perhaps, not desirable that we should be under the same roof for the first year. Yet Bessieres' country-house is too far off to go and return in one day; moreover I have rather a cold, and am not sure of being able to go there.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 21.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT THE ELYSEE-NAPOLEON.

_Friday_, 6 P.M., 1810.

Savary, as soon as he arrived, brought me your letter; I am sorry to see you are unhappy. I am very glad that you saw nothing of the fire.

I had fine weather at Rambouillet.

Hortense told me that you had some idea of coming to a dinner at Bessieres, and of returning to Paris to sleep. I am sorry that you have not been able to manage it.

Adieu, dear. Be cheerful, and consider how much you please me thereby.

NAPOLEON.

No. 22.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_March 12, 1810._

_My Dear_,--I trust that you will be pleased with what I have done for Navarre. You must see from that how anxious I am to make myself agreeable to you.

Get ready to take possession of Navarre; you will go there on March 25, to pass the month of April.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_April 1.--Civil marriage of Napoleon and Marie Louise._
(_Religious marriage, April 2._)

FOOTNOTES

[36] The Empress, with Hortense, had been to dine at Trianon.

[37] General Treasurer of the Crown.

SERIES N

1810

APRIL 2ND--DECEMBER 31ST

(_after the Marriage with Marie Louise_).

"Bella gerant alii, tu, felix Austria! nube."

SERIES N

(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 304-310.)

LETTER PAGE

No. 1. _Navarre_ 304
_To Malmaison_ 305

No. 1_a_. _It is written in a bad style_ 305

No. 2. Josephine's wishes 305

No. 2_a_. _Two letters_ 306

No. 3. The northern tour of 1810 306
_I will come to see you_ 307

No. 4. _July 8th_ 308
_You will have seen Eugene_ 308
_That unfortunate daughter_ 308

No. 5. _The conduct of the King of Holland_ 308

No. 6. _To die in a lake_ 309

No. 8. _Paris, this Friday_ 309

No. 9. _The only suitable places_ 310

No. 10. Malmaison 310
_The Empress progresses satisfactorily_ 310

No. 1.

LETTER OF THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE TO THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON.

_Navarre, April 19, 1810._

_Sire_,-I have received, by my son, the assurance that your Majesty consents to my return to Malmaison, and grants to me the advances asked for in order to make the chateau of Navarre habitable. This double favour, Sire, dispels to a great extent the uneasiness, nay, even the fears which your Majesty's long silence had inspired. I was afraid that I might be entirely banished from your memory; I see that I am not. I am therefore less wretched to-day, and even as happy as henceforward it will be possible for me to be.

I shall go at the end of the month to Malmaison, since your Majesty sees no objection to it. But I ought to tell you, Sire, that I should not so soon have taken advantage of the latitude which your Majesty left me in this respect had the house of Navarre not required, for my health's sake and for that of my household, repairs which are urgent. My idea is to stay at Malmaison a very short time; I shall soon leave it in order to go to the waters. But while I am at Malmaison, your Majesty may be sure that I shall live there as if I were a thousand leagues from Paris. I have made a great sacrifice, Sire, and every day I realise more its full extent. Yet that sacrifice will be, as it ought to be, a complete one on my part. Your Highness, amid your happiness, shall be troubled by no expression of my regret.

I shall pray unceasingly for your Majesty's happiness, perhaps even I shall pray that I may see you again; but your Majesty may be assured that I shall always respect our new relationship. I shall respect it in silence, relying on the attachment that you had to me formerly; I shall call for no new proof; I shall trust to everything from your justice and your heart.

I limit myself to asking from you one favour: it is, that you will deign to find a way of sometimes convincing both myself and my _entourage_ that I have still a small place in your memory and a great place in your esteem and friendship. By this means, whatever happens, my sorrows will be mitigated without, as it seems to me, compromising that which is of permanent importance to me, the happiness of your Majesty.

JOSEPHINE.

No. 1A.

(_Reply of the Emperor Napoleon to the preceding._)

TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT NAVARRE.

_Compiegne, April 21, 1810._

_My Dear_,--I have yours of April 18th; it is written in a bad style. I am always the same; people like me do not change. I know not what Eugene has told you. I have not written to you because you have not written to me, and my sole desire is to fulfil your slightest inclination.

I see with pleasure that you are going to Malmaison and that you are contented; as for me, I shall be so likewise on hearing news from you and in giving you mine. I say no more about it until you have compared this letter with yours, and after that I will leave you to judge which of us two is the better friend.

Adieu, dear; keep well, and be just for your sake and mine.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_April 23rd._--Battle of Lerida. Suchet defeats Spaniards.

No. 2.

REPLY OF THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE.

A thousand, thousand loving thanks for not having forgotten me. My son has just brought me your letter. With what impetuosity I read it, and yet I took a long time over it, for there was not a word which did not make me weep; but these tears were very pleasant ones. I have found my whole heart again--such as it will always be; there are affections which are life itself, and which can only end with it.

I was in despair to find my letter of the 19th had displeased you; I do not remember the exact expressions, but I know what torture I felt in writing it--the grief at having no news from you.

I wrote you on my departure from Malmaison, and since then how often have I wished to write you! but I appreciated the causes of your silence and feared to be importunate with a letter. Yours has been the true balm for me. Be happy, be as much so as you deserve; it is my whole heart which speaks to you. You have also just given me my share of happiness, and a share which I value the most, for nothing can equal in my estimation a proof that you still remember me.

Adieu, dear; I again thank you as affectionately as I shall always love you.

JOSEPHINE.

No. 2A.

TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT THE CHATEAU NAVARRE.

_Compiegne, April 28, 1810._

_My Dear_,--I have just received two letters from you. I am writing to Eugene. I have ordered that the marriage of Tascher with the Princess de la Leyen shall take place.

To-morrow I shall go to Antwerp to see my fleet and to give orders about the works. I shall return on May 15th.

Eugene tells me that you wish to go to the waters; trouble yourself about nothing. Do not listen to the gossip of Paris; it is idle and far from knowing the real state of things. My affection for you does not change, and I long to know that you are happy and contented.

NAPOLEON.

No. 3.

TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT MALMAISON.

_My Dear_,--I have your letter. Eugene will give you tidings of my journey and of the Empress. I am very glad that you are going to the waters. I trust they may do you good.

I wish very much to see you. If you are at Malmaison at the end of the month, I will come to see you. I expect to be at St. Cloud on the 30th of the month. My health is very good ... it only needs to hear that you are contented and well. Let me know in what name you intend to travel.

Never doubt the whole truth of my affection for you; it will last as long as I. You would be very unjust if you doubted it.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_July 1st.--Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland, abdicates in favour
of his son._

No. 4.

TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT THE WATERS OF AIX, IN SAVOY.

_Rambouillet, July 8, 1810._

_My Dear_,--I have your letter of July 8th. You will have seen Eugene, and his presence will have done you good. I learn with pleasure that the waters are beneficial to you. The King of Holland has just abdicated the throne, while leaving the Regency, according to the Constitution, in the hands of the Queen. He has quitted Amsterdam and left the Grand Duke of Berg behind.

I have reunited Holland to France, which has, however, the advantage of setting the Queen at liberty, and that[38] unfortunate girl is coming to Paris with her son the Grand Duke of Berg--that will make her perfectly happy.

My health is good. I have come here to hunt for a few days. I shall see you this autumn with pleasure. Never doubt my friendship; I never change.

Keep well, be cheerful, and believe in the truth of my attachment.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_July 9th._--Holland incorporated with the French Empire.

_July 10th._--Ney takes Ciudad Rodrigo, after twenty-five days
open trenches.

No. 5.

TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT THE WATERS OF AIX, IN SAVOY.

_St. Cloud, July 20, 1810._

_My Dear_,--I have received your letter of July 14th, and note with pleasure that the waters are doing you good, and that you like Geneva. I think that you are doing well to go there for a few weeks.

My health is fairly good. The conduct of the King of Holland has worried me.

Hortense is shortly coming to Paris. The Grand Duke of Berg is on his way; I expect him to-morrow.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 6.

TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT THE WATERS OF AIX, IN SAVOY.

_Trianon, August 10, 1810._

Your letter to hand. I was pained to see what a risk you had run. For an inhabitant of the isles of the ocean to die in a lake would have been a fatality indeed!

The Queen is better, and I hope her health will be re-established. Her husband is in Bohemia, apparently not knowing what to do.

I am fairly well, and beg you to believe in my sincere attachment.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_August 21st._--Swedes elect Marshal Bernadotte Crown Prince of
Sweden.

_August 27th._--Massena takes Almeida.

No. 7.

TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT THE WATERS OF AIX, IN SAVOY.

_St. Cloud, September 14, 1810._

_My Dear_,--I have your letter of September 9th. I learn with pleasure that you keep well. There is no longer the slightest doubt that the Empress has entered on the fourth month of her pregnancy; she is well, and is much attached to me. The young Princes Napoleon are very well; they are in the Pavillon d'Italie, in the Park of St. Cloud.

My health is fairly good. I wish to learn that you are happy and contented. I hear that one of your _entourage_ has broken a leg while going on the glacier.

Adieu, dear. Never doubt the interest I take in you and the affection that I bear towards you.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_September 27th.--Battle of Busaco._ Like Ebersburg, another of
Massena's expensive and unnecessary frontal attacks. He loses 5000
men, but next day turns the position of Wellington, who continues
to retire.

No. 8.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MALMAISON.

_Paris, this Friday._

_My Dear_,--Yours to hand. I am sorry to see that you have been ill; I fear it must be this bad weather.

Madame de la T---- is one of the most foolish women of the Faubourg. I have borne her cackle for a very long time; I am sick of it, and have ordered that she does not come again to Paris. There are five or six other old women that I equally wish to send away from Paris; they are spoiling the young ones by their follies.

I will name Madame de Makau Baroness since you wish it, and carry out your other commissions.

My health is pretty good. The conduct of B---- appears to me very ridiculous. I trust to hear that you are better.

Adieu, dear.

NAPOLEON.

No. 9.

TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT GENEVA.

_Fontainebleau, October 1, 1810._

I have received your letter. Hortense, whom I have seen, will have told you what I think. Go to see your son this winter; come back to the waters of Aix next year, or, still better, wait for the spring at Navarre. I would advise you to go to Navarre at once, if I did not fear you would get tired of it. In my view, the only suitable places for you this winter are either Milan or Navarre; after that, I approve of whatever you may do, for I do not wish to vex you in anything.

Adieu, dear. The Empress is as I told you in my last letter. I am naming Madame de Montesquiou governess of the Children of France. Be contented, and do not get excited; never doubt my affection for you.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_October 6th._--Wellington reaches the lines of Torres Vedras.

_November 9th._--Opening of St. Quentin Canal at Paris.

No. 10.

TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT NAVARRE.

_Fontainebleau, November 14, 1810._

_My Dear_,--I have received your letter. Hortense has spoken to me about it. I note with pleasure that you are contented. I hope that you are not very tired of Navarre.

My health is very good. The Empress progresses satisfactorily. I will do the various things you ask regarding your household. Take care of your health, and never doubt my affection for you.

NAPOLEON.

No. 11.

TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, AT NAVARRE.

I have your letter. I see no objection to the marriage of Mackau with Wattier, if he wishes it; this general is a very brave man. I am in good health. I hope to have a son; I shall let you know immediately.

Adieu, dear. I am very glad that Madame d'Arberg[39] has told you things which please you. When you see me, you will find me with my old affection for you.

NAPOLEON.

* * * * *

_December 3rd._--English take Mauritius.

FOOTNOTES

[38] So _Collection Didot_, followed by Aubenas. St. Amand has "ton
infortunee fille."

[39] Josephine's chief maid-of-honour.

SERIES O

1811

"Nun steht das Reich gesichert, wie gegruendet,
Nun fuehlt er froh im Sohne sich gegruendet.

* * * * *

Und sei durch Sie dies letzte Glueck beschieden--
Der alles wollen kann, will auch den Frieden."

--GOETHE (_Ihro der Kaiserin von Frankreich Majestaet_).

SERIES O

(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 311-312.)

LETTER PAGE

No. 1. _The New Year_ 311
_More women than men_ 311
_Keep well_ 311

No. 2. Birth of the King of Rome 311
_Eugene_ 311

No. 4. _As fat as a good Normandy farmeress_ 312