Chapter II: Part 2

The French Senate complimented the Emperor on his success; and received from him the ensigns won from the enemy in that splendid campaign. Three hundred and forty banners and standards taken at Jena, as well as the sword, scarf, collar, and ribbon of Frederic the Great, were sent to the deputies to be placed under their care in the _Hotel des Invalides_.

THE SWORD OF FREDERIC THE GREAT.

Marshal Davoust, and the third division entered Berlin. This honor was the recompense for the glorious part which these brave troops had taken in the battle of Jena. A favor so simple, rivalling in that respect the oak leaf chaplet of the Romans, intoxicated the soldiers who received it, and they swore to be to the Emperor, what the Tenth Legion was to Cæsar.

He visited the vault where the remains of Frederic were deposited in a coffin of cedar-wood, encased in another of brass, without ornament or pompous inscription. Napoleon forbade the passage of the colors, eagles and cannon taken from the Prussians, over the place where the ashes of the illustrious monarch reposed lest it might distress his shade, or seem an insult to his tomb.

The memorable spoils of which we have spoken in giving an account of Napoleon’s visit to Frederic’s grave, were received in Paris with wild delight, and deposited with much pomp in the _Hotel des Invalides_, under guard of the veterans. Amongst these were yet alive 900 who had borne arms against Frederic, and they received with gratitude, presents which in their old age renewed remembrances of the army and its immortal chief. Like the warriors of Sparta, they were proud of being surpassed by their children.

THE BATTLE OF JENA.

Napoleon arrived at Jena on the 18th of October, 1806, and soon divined that it was the intention of the Prussians to fight on the morrow.

Giving orders to Davoust and Bernadotte, and not waiting for the guard, which were thirty hours’ march away, he determined on beginning the attack himself.

Lannes ranged his corps on a plateau in front of Jena, which the Prussians had unwisely neglected to occupy. Lefebvre and the Imperial Guard formed in a square upon the summit, and Napoleon bivouaced in the midst of his troops.

He offered rewards for every piece of artillery that was dragged on to the plateau, and reminded his men that the Prussians were fighting for their lives--and not for honor; and that if hard pressed they were sure to be entirely routed. Such was the result; 20,000 Prussians were either killed or taken prisoners, among them twenty generals; 300 guns, and sixty standards were part also of the spoil.

MARSHAL NEY AT ELCHINGEN.

At break of day on the 14th of October, 1806, Marshal Ney attacked the bridge of Elchingen, with Loison’s division. The enemy occupied their position with 15,000 or 16,000 men and upon them the 69th regiment of the line began the attack in admirable order and with the greatest _sang froid_, supported by the 76th regiment of infantry, the 18th of dragoons, and the 10th of _chasseurs_. These four regiments rivalled each other in intrepidity and bravery. Repulsed in two successive charges, they began a third attack with still more fury; and after four hours of a murderous fusilade the enemy were driven back, abandoning their position at Elchingen, and were pursued into their entrenchments in front of Ulm. One Major-general, and 3000 men were made prisoners, and several pieces of artillery were lost to the French on this brilliant day; which afterward procured for Ney the title of Duke of Elchingen.

NAPOLEON’S CLEMENCY.

Prince Hatzfeld, the Prussian Governor of Berlin, at the time that city was taken by the French, imprudently sent Prince Hohenloe, by letter, certain information respecting the movements and condition of the French army. This letter was intercepted; upon which Napoleon directed the appointment of a military commission to try the Prince on the charge of treason and espionage.

Previous to the sitting of the commission, however, the Princess Hohenloe sought and gained admittance to the Emperor, by the aid of Duroc. Napoleon appeared touched by her situation; and directed his _aid-de-camp_ to write to Marshal Davoust, who was at the head of the commission, to suspend judgment.

The Princess protested the innocence of her husband. Napoleon said with kindness, “Your husband has placed himself in an awkward situation; according to our laws he merits death.” Then taking the fatal letter he requested her to read it. The Princess trembled with fear. Napoleon took the letter again, and threw it into the fire; saying “Now, Madam, I have no proof of your husband’s crime--he is pardoned!”

THE FIELD OF BATTLE AT EYLAU.

The battle of Eylau, fought on the 8th of February, 1807, was a scene of carnage which lasted from morning until night, and the field of battle presented a most horrible scene. Let any one imagine upon a square league of ground nine or ten thousand dead bodies, four or five thousand horses killed, whole lines of Russian knapsacks, broken muskets and sabres, cannon balls, howitzer shells, and ammunition, twenty-four pieces of cannon, near which were lying the bodies of their drivers, killed as they were trying to carry them off!--and all this on a field covered with snow.

About noon on the 9th, Napoleon rode over the field, stopping continually to question the wounded, to console and succor as many as possible. The Russians, instead of the death they expected, found a generous conqueror, and prostrating themselves before him, held up their hands in token of their gratitude.

The Emperor, mounted upon a light bay horse, was accompanied by Princes Murat and Berthier, Marshals Soult, Davoust, Bessieres, and General Caulaincourt, Mouton, Gardaune, and Le Brun.

The original painting of this subject, by M. Gros, is now in the Luxembourg.

THE BATTLE OF FRIEDLAND.

On the 14th of June, 1807, the Russian General was compelled to accept battle. “This is a day of good fortune,” said the French Emperor; “it is the anniversary of the battle of Marengo!” Napoleon reconnoitred the enemy’s position, and detailed to raze the city of Friedland. Ney commenced operations under cover of a battery of thirty pieces, placed in the centre, causing severe loss to the Russians. The imperial Russian guard lying in ambush in a ravine, intrepidly advanced, and charged the left wing of Ney’s division, which was for a moment broken; but Dupont’s division marched to their support and brought most horrible carnage with them. The field of battle at the conclusion of the day was dreadful to behold; the Russians lost 18,000 men, while the French loss was only from 4000 to 5000. Cannon, to the number of 120 pieces, 20,000 prisoners, and an immense number of flags remained in the hands of the French.

THE SIMPLON PASS.

The early history of the Simplon Pass is involved in much obscurity, and nothing certain is known even of the origin of its name. It was under Napoleon’s orders that the present road was constructed.

The new Simplon Road was, in its intention and execution, a military work. It was determined upon immediately after the battle of Marengo, whilst the difficulties of the passage of the Great St. Bernard, and the almost fatal check received at Fort Bard were fresh in the recollection of Napoleon. It was executed between 1800 and 1807, under the direction of M. Ceard, the engineer-in-chief of the department of Leman, by whom the road was begun and completed. It now stands as one of the most extraordinary and daring achievements of man.

BATTLE OF ESSLING.

On the 19th of May, 1809, Napoleon took possession of the villages of Asperne and Essling, with so little opposition, that it was evident the Archduke wished the battle, now unavoidable, to take place with the river between the enemy and Vienna.

On the 21st of May, at day-break, the Archduke Charles appeared on a hill at some distance from the French, whose army consisted of 20,000 men. The Austrians began by a furious assault on the village of Asperne, which was taken and re-taken several times. Essling was also attacked three times; but there the French held their own.

Night interrupted the battle; the Austrians exulting in their partial success. On the following morning the French recovered the church of Asperne. The right wing of the Austrians renewed their assaults with increased energy on that point. Napoleon seeing them in such numbers, judged that the centre and left had been reduced, in order to strengthen the right wing, and instantly moved an immense body on the Austrian centre, so as to shake the Archduke’s line, and for a few minutes victory seemed secure. From this time the battle continued with varied success; the Austrians at length succeeded in destroying the bridge connecting the island of Lobau with the right bank. On this Napoleon fell back on Lobau; when the Austrians perceiving their retreat recovered their order and zeal, charged in turn, and finally made themselves masters of Asperne.

NAPOLEON WOUNDED AT RATISBON.

In five days, Napoleon defeated the elaborate efforts of the Austrians, with whom were allied, perhaps, the greater part of Germany; and a defensive war upon their own territory seemed now to be their only resource.

At the battle of Eckmulh, the French took 1500 prisoners, and sixteen pieces of cannon; and the Austrian army lost nearly 5000 men, killed or wounded; while the loss of the French and their allies amounted to only about 2000 men, killed and wounded.

Napoleon was wounded in the right foot at Ratisbon. He expressed his surprise that the enemy’s gun had reached him, seated upon a little hillock beyond the range of their fire. Too impatient to allow sufficient time for the dressing of the wound, he mounted his horse in haste, and restored the confidence of the army, which had been somewhat staggered at this disaster, by riding along the lines.

THE COMBAT AT SOMO SIERRA.

On the 29th of November, 1808, the French headquarters were at the village of Bocequilas. They found the pass of Somo Sierra in the chain of mountains named _Carpetanos_, and through which the main road to Castile runs, in the possession of the enemy. The Spaniards could not have chosen a stronger position--the defile was narrow, and excessively steep; and the road completely swept by sixteen pieces of artillery. At day-break on the 1st of December, the French endeavored to turn the flank of St. Juan. While the infantry were vainly attempting to ascend the heights in every direction, under a double fire from the artillery and the Spanish musketry, Napoleon came up, attended by his Polish lancers. The Emperor stood in the entrance of the pass, and attentively examined the enemy’s position. While thus occupied, the Spanish fire was redoubled in intensity--numerous bullets falling around the emperor, or passing over his head. Sensible of the disadvantages under which the troops labored, he decided on taking a most bold and daring course: he ordered his own squadron of Polish lancers to charge right up the pass, in face of the battery. This brave troop, conducted by Kozietulski, threw itself into columns of four, the roadway not admitting more at a time. The Poles speared the gunners, and took possession of the cannon, and the Spaniards continued their flight in such disorder, that they were at last fain to quit the road to Madrid, and escape in different directions, some to Segovia, others to Talaveyra.

NAPOLEON’S INTERVIEW WITH THE PRUSSIAN QUEEN.

Napoleon has been accused of having hastened the death of this beautiful Princess by his treatment of her at Tilsit. It is said he admitted that if she had been present at the beginning of the negotiations for peace, she would have had considerable influence upon the result. Napoleon observed that she received him in truly tragic style--demanding and crying for justice.

The Prussians were blind to Buonaparte’s power. They had dared to combat a hero--to oppose themselves to the destiny of France, and reject the friendship of Napoleon. The Queen solicited, supplicated, and implored; but in vain. Magdeburg, above all, was the object she sought for.

The Emperor asked the Queen to dinner. Before they were seated, he took a very beautiful rose, and presented it to her. The motion of her hand seemed to express a refusal; but altering her mind she said, “_Oui, mais au moins avec Magdeburg_.” On this, the cruel Emperor replied, “I should observe to your Majesty, that it is I who give, and you who receive.” The dinner passed off in conversation of similar nature.

On the morrow the Queen was much enraged on learning that the treaty deprived her of Magdeburg. She appears to have parted from the French Emperor with feelings of hatred.

THE RETREAT FROM MOSCOW.

On the 24th of October, 1809, Napoleon, in effecting his retreat from Moscow, rose early in the morning to reconnoitre. While occupied in this hazardous duty, a party of Cossacks was observed rapidly approaching, when Rapp said to the Emperor, at the same time seizing the reins of his bridle, “It is the Cossacks; you must turn back.” Napoleon refused to retreat, and placed himself, with his attendants, on the highway side. The Cossacks, being more intent on plunder than prisoners, passed within a lance’s length, and failing to notice the prey which was within their grasp, threw themselves upon some wagons, which were more attractive. This retreat is well known to have been most disastrous to the French army. The men sank under the heavy sufferings they were compelled to endure from cold and privation--their route was marked by dead bodies; and the army presented a scene of greater misery than can possibly be conceived.

THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF MONTEBELLO.

Lannes was born at Lectour, in 1769, of a poor and obscure family. He joined the Republican army, and made his first campaign in the Eastern Pyrenees. “_Il était alors un pigmée, il devint un géant plus tard._” Napoleon so said of the hero who was attached to him alike in his good and bad fortune.

A Colonel in 1795, he followed Buonaparte to Italy, where he distinguished himself in the battles of Millesimo, Lodi, and Arcola. He was Brigadier-General at Pavia, where he took two of the enemy’s flags. He was opposed to the Papal troops at Immola and defeated them. He then accompanied Napoleon into Egypt, where he was made General of a division. At Aboukir, he exhibited uncommon intrepidity. He returned with him to France, and took an active part in the occurences of the 18th Brumaire. He again signalized himself at Marengo, and at the battle of Montebello in 1804; where he was created a Peer with the title of Duke of Montebello, having already received a Marshal’s baton. From that time he continued to take an active part in various campaigns, and was in command at the siege of Saragoza, in 1809.

His last campaign was not the least glorious of his military career. At the battle of Essling, May 22d, 1809, he was mortally wounded at the very moment he was showing the troops a wonderful example of firmness and heroic courage.

NAPOLEON AT THE TOMB OF FREDERICK THE GREAT.

The Court of Berlin had fled from Potsdam so precipitately that all the treasures which it contained were left for Napoleon and his army, who took possession on the 26th of October 1809. Buonaparte visited Frederick’s tomb; where he found his sword, sash, and the badges of several orders of knighthood. These he took, saying that he preferred them to all the treasures of the King of Prussia; that he would send them to the old soldiers who had served in the Hanoverian campaign, and direct that they should be placed in the _Hotel des Invalides_, as memorials of the victories achieved by the grand army, and as evidence of the vengeance it had taken for the disasters of Rosbach.

THE PEASANT OF THE RHINE.

Some time after his alliance with the house of Austria, Napoleon, with the view perhaps of making the new Empress known and popular accompanied her on several journeys. One day while walking on the banks of the Rhine, he took a fancy to dine on one of its islands. They sat down at a table which overlooked a little farm. Napoleon desired to see the farmer, and despatched a messenger to summon him. Full of surprise, and doubt, the poor peasant hesitated to approach the Emperor; he advanced awkwardly, and his countenance fully expressed the embarrassment he suffered, and was unable to overcome.

Napoleon questioned him respecting his farm, his family, and his necessities. The poor fellow could scarce find words to reply. The Emperor kindly encouraged him, and offered him something to drink, when the farmer, abashed at so much honor, hardly dared carry the glass to his lips; he attempted several times, and as often failed. At length he overcame his fear, and not only did he give all the information that was required of him, but ventured to point out changes which he would be glad to see.--1810.

THE REDOUBT OF KABRUNN.

The brave Captain Chambure commanded a select troop called the _Compagnie Franche_.

On the attack of the redoubt of Kabrunn, Chambure at the head of these troops threw himself into the redoubt, and cut the Russians to pieces--not one escaped,--for those who avoided the bayonet fell under the fire of the battalions of Clamon and Dubowski.

A lieutenant, Connard, showed extraordinary coolness on this occasion; a ball having shattered his shoulder he continued to fight, throwing himself into the hottest of the battle. Chambure observing this, said, “You are wounded, your place is not here; go, and tell the General we are in the redoubt.” “Captain,” answered the lieutenant, “I still have my right arm; you have only the left!” And with this he reentered the battle.

Chambure pursued the enemy as far as Kabrunn. At this place he wrote as follows to the Prince of Wurtemberg:--

“Prince, your bombs have disturbed my sleep. I have resolved to make a sortie and spike the mortars which throw them. Experience shall teach you, Prince, that it is dangerous to rouse the sleeping lion.

AUG. DE CHAMBURE.

Midnight, Nov. 6, 1813.”

“IS IT TRUE THAT THINGS ARE GOING SO BADLY?”

In the latter part of the year 1813, Napoleon rode through the _Faubourg St. Antoine_, accompanied by only two of his aide-de-camps. He was soon recognized, and surrounded by a crowd so dense as to impede his progress, and oblige him to stop frequently. The faces of all the people seemed to express an interrogation; as the great reverse of fortune had caused general disquietude, at length one of the crowd, bolder than the rest, questioned the Emperor, “Is it true that things are going so badly?” To which Napoleon replied, “I regret I cannot say that they go very well.” “What will be the end of it?” said another. “_Ma foi!_ God knows!” replied the Emperor coolly. “Will our enemies be able to enter France?” said a third. “That they may easily do, and even reach Paris, if none will help me: I cannot prevent them by myself,” said Napoleon. “We will support you!” was the universal cry. “Then,” said Napoleon, “I shall still oppose the enemy and maintain our glory.” “What shall we do, then?” asked several voices. “Enrole yourselves in the army,” answered the Emperor. “We will do that,” said one, “but we will do it only conditionally.” “What condition?” he inquired. “We will not pass the frontier.” “Be it so.” “We wish to be of the guards.” “Well enrole in the guards.”

THE BATTLE OF MOSCOW.

Near the end of August, 1812, Napoleon arrived on an elevated plain, called Borodino, which the Russians had previously fortified with redoubts and batteries.

The Emperor passed the night before the battle in giving orders. At day-break he was on foot, and summoned Caulaincourt to his presence. Throwing aside the curtains of his tent, he advanced towards his officers who had already assembled in great numbers. “It is somewhat cold,” said he, “but behold a splendid sun! It is the sun of Austerlitz!” Each one answered in the same spirit, by some allusions to this happy presage.

Previous to this engagement, September 6th, Napoleon issued the following address:--

“Soldiers!--This is the conflict which you have so much desired. The victory depends upon you. Victory is necessary to us--it will yield us plenty--good quarters--and ensure a speedy return to France. Act as you did at Austerlitz, at Friedland, at Vitepsk, and at Smolensk; and the most remote posterity shall refer with pride to your conduct on this occasion. It shall be said of each of you, ‘He was in the great battle fought on the plains of Moscow!’”

“This battle,” says the French historian, “opened to Napoleon the gates of Moscow! Alas! that this new victory should have been so fatal to us!”

THE SKIRMISH.

The French army, spread over all the provinces of the Peninsula, was surrounded by enemies; but could encounter none. The guerillas showed themselves on every side, but they could not be come at any where. Invisible foes, Proteus-like,--they ceaselessly dispersed or rallied at the voice of their chiefs. Well-informed on all points, the enemy’s most trivial movements were signalled to them, and prompt and faithful reports reached them through the peasants. Was a weak garrison left in a small village,--it was next day swept away by a guerilla! Was any considerable force of troops led against these free-booters,--not a soul was to be met. At the order of the chiefs the soldiers concealed their arms, and dispersed, only to unite at a totally different point! Mark well the Spanish guerilla, the _guerillero_ of the Peninsula, the _kleft_ of the Greeks, and the bandit of Italy, such as are known to be men of spirit, and think not that this insurgent is looked on with an unfavorable eye in his own country; far otherwise, he renders too many services, and performs his business with too much _conscience_, not to be occasionally visited with notions of valor and glory. He assassinates, martyrs, and mutilates; but thinks no offering more acceptable to one of the old saints he invokes, or to his guardian patron.

EVERYONE TO HIS OWN CALLING.

One day Napoleon, followed by three or four officers, passed through the market on his way to the Tuileries. The customary acclamations followed him. A green-grocer cried out that he ought to make peace: “Good woman,” answered the Emperor, smiling, “continue selling your cabbages, and leave me to do that which concerns me,--every man to his own calling.” At this the crowd laughed and shouted, “_Vive l’Empereur!_”

THE DEATH OF PONIATOWSKI.

In escaping from the field of Leipzig, Poniatowski attempted to cross the Elster by swimming, but unfortunately was drowned. Vernet has given us an admirable picture and has conveyed in lines not to be mistaken, the courage and fearlessness of the General in his daring attempt.

Previous to the battle of Leipzig, which occurred on the 19th of November, 1813, Poniatowski had received his orders from Napoleon, and on leaving him observed “we are all ready to die for your majesty.”

NAPOLEON AT LUTZEN.

The misfortunes at Moscow had disappointed the French Nation; the 29th bulletin was published at Paris when Napoleon arrived at the Tuileries; he alone could save the country, he alone could repair the disasters of the grand army! France was not indifferent to the voice of her chief; she knew well how to value his ardent patriotism.

The Emperor opened a new campaign, in which he commanded 250,000 men. He did not deceive himself as to the crisis which menaced France; he therefore decided to attempt everything, and, if needful, to make political sacrifices, if the chances of war were against him.

Napoleon opened the campaign on May 2d, 1813, by gaining the battle of Lutzen; a surprising victory, and one that acquired for him immortal honor. The General of Marengo had not lost his genius; and the troops he commanded understood him well, performing wonders which astonished the old soldiers of Italy and Egypt. Masses of infantry advanced in squadrons flanked by heavy artillery, and seeming like movable fortresses; 81,000 foot and 4000 horse combatting 107,000 Russians or Prussians, of which more than 20,000 were cavalry. Alexander and the King of Prussia were there in person; and their old guards, so vain and so proud, were not able to contend against French conscripts.

THE BATTLE OF MONTMIRAIL.

On the 11th of February, 1814, Napoleon arrived before Montmirail. At eleven o’clock the Allies formed themselves in battle array. The French divisions arrived successively, and Napoleon wished to wait for the whole, but at three o’clock, as night was approaching, he directed the Duke of Treviso to boar down on Montmirail. General Friant with four battalions of the old guard, received orders to attack the Farm of l’Epine-au-Bois, a position on which depended the success of the day, and which was defended by the Allies with forty pieces of cannon. To render this attack more easy, Napoleon ordered General Nansouty to extend his troops upon the right, to oblige the Allies to thin their centre. At the same time the Russian and Prussian troops were charged briskly in the centre by the old guard, commanded by Marshal Ney. The _tirailleurs_ fled in dismay; and the artillery could no longer be used with effect; but the fusilade became dreadful. This success, however, was counterbalanced when the lancers, the old dragoons, and the grenadiers of the guard arrived in the rear of the infantry, and breaking their lines, threw them into disorder, and killed or made prisoners the whole body. The Duke of Treviso seized upon the village of Fontenelle, that of Marchais was attacked on both sides, and all the inhabitants were either killed or taken prisoners. In less than a quarter of an hour the most profound silence succeeded to the fusilade.

NAPOLEON AT MONTEREAU.

The Emperor is here seen pointing a cannon. This was not the first occasion on which he had served a piece of artillery. It has been asserted by some that he was an admirable marksman, while others have maintained the contrary. At Montereau all the ardor of youth seemed to revive within him, and his military genius appeared as vigorous as in his early engagements.

On the 18th of February, 1814, General Briancks had taken his position with two divisions of Austrians, and two of Wirtemburgians, upon the heights before Montereau, covering the bridges of the city. General Chateau attacked him in vain, and was obliged to retire. The troops commanded by General Gerard kept up the fighting all the morning. Napoleon arrived on the field of battle, and immediately attacked the heights, and the effect of these successive charges was to drive the enemy with a loss of nine thousand men, in every direction. The French filed over the bridges which the Allies had not been able to destroy.

This series of unexpected triumphs revived the hopes of Napoleon. Instead of the doubtful battle which he would willingly have avoided, he had won four memorable victories: namely--those of Mormant, Valjouan, Montmirail, and Montereau.

At the close of the last decisive combat, Napoleon observed “My heart is satisfied. I will return to defend the capital of my Empire.”

NAPOLEON’S FAREWELL AT FONTAINBLEAU.

On the 20th of April, 1814, everything was in readiness for Buonaparte’s departure from Fontainbleau. He ordered that the guard should be summoned, and advancing toward them, signified that he would speak to them.

“Soldiers! my old guard!” said he, “I bid you adieu! For twenty-eight years I have found you constantly in the way of honor and glory. In these latter times, as in the days of our prosperity, you have not ceased to be models of bravery and fidelity. With such men as you our cause need not be lost, but the war would be interminable; it would be a civil war and France would be more than ever unhappy! I have then sacrificed all our interests to those of our country; I leave you; do you, my friends, continue to serve France. Her happiness has been my only wish; it will always be the object of my prayers! Regret me not. If I live, it is only to advance your glory farther. I wish to record with my pen the great things we have done together! Farewell, my children! I would gladly embrace you all--I embrace your general!” General Petit brought forward the Eagle: Napoleon took him in his arms and kissed the standard. “Farewell, once more, my brave companions--farewell!”

THE BATTLE OF HAINAU.

The Austro-Bavarians had taken up their position in the woods near Hainau before the Emperor approached the Maine. He came up with them on the morning of the 30th, and his troops charged on the instant with the fury of despair. Buonaparte cut his way through ere nightfall; and Marmont, with the rear, had equal success on the 31st. In these actions there fell 6000 of the French; while the enemy had 10,000 killed or wounded, and lost 4000 prisoners; and these losses would have been far greater, but for the ready wit of a patriotic miller, who, watching the tide of battle, suddenly let the water into a mill-stream, and thus interposed a seasonable obstacle between the French cavalry and some German infantry, whom they had been driving before them; a service which was munificently rewarded by the King of Prussia later.

The pursuit had been entrusted to the Austrians, who urged it with far less vigor than the Prussians, under the fiery guidance of Blucher, would probably have exerted. No considerable advantage, therefore, followed the battle of Hainau. The remains of the French host at length passed the Rhine; and the Emperor having quitted them at Mentz, arrived in Paris on the 9th of November.

Thus terminated the campaign in Saxony.

NAPOLEON AT ARCIS-SUR-AUBE.

During the night between the 16th and 17th of February, 1814, Napoleon, accompanied by a small escort of Polish lancers, reconnoitred the enemy’s line, when, on leaving Arcis, he was attacked by a corps of Russian cuirassiers and Cossacks. The Poles, commanded by Skrzinecki, their captain, rapidly formed in a square about the Emperor; and though the enemy in their front were supposed to be six times their number, they succeeded in repulsing them, and rescued Napoleon from his imminent danger.

FILIAL ANXIETY OF A CONSCRIPT.

During the campaign of 1814, the services of every French soldier were required for the defence of that empire, then invaded from all quarters. On one occasion, as Napoleon was passing along the line on horseback, a soldier stepped out of the ranks, and presented his arms; “Sire,” said he, in offering a petition to the Emperor’s notice, “my mother is old and infirm, and is dependent solely on my labors for subsistence.” Napoleon was forcibly struck with these words, uttered with timidity, and took the petition and rode on. On arriving at head-quarters, his first care was to read the petition, which stated that the soldier’s poor mother was in great necessity; that her only son, who supported her was called upon to fight for his country; and that he now sought permission to return and perform his first and most important duty. On this, Napoleon issued an order to the sub-perfect of the _arrondissement_ where the old woman resided, to seek her out, and to tell her that the Emperor would take her under his protection, and give her 1200 francs with a pension. At the same time the poor fellow’s colonel was directed to tell him to be at ease on his mother’s account, as the Emperor would provide for her, but his services could not be dispensed with, as soldiers were required to oppose the enemies of his country.

THE TURNPIKE OF CLICHY.

Previous to Napoleon’s abdication the Allied army had approached and even entered Paris, and taking possession of the _Faubourg des Batignolles_, compelling the National Guard to repair to the Barrière de Clichy, where some slight skirmishing occurred, until it was announced that an armistice would forthwith be made.

This armistice was the precursor of those treaties in which Napoleon gave in his unconditional abdication, and retired on a pension, to the Isle of Elba, whence shortly after he succeeded in making his escape, and once more, though fortunately for the last time, disturbed the peace of Europe.

THE RETURN FROM ELBA.

It was about five o’clock in the afternoon of the 1st of March, 1815, that Napoleon landed at Cannes, in the Gulf of Juan. From thence he proceeded toward Paris with his little army, then consisting only of 500 grenadiers, of the guard, 200 dragoons and one hundred Polish lancers; these last being without horses, were obliged to carry their saddles on their backs.

When between Mure and Vizele, Cambronne, who commanded the advance guard of forty grenadiers, met a battalion which had been sent from Grenoble to arrest their march. Colonel La Badoyere, who headed the battalion, refused to parley with Cambronne; upon which the Emperor, without hesitation, advanced alone; followed at some distance by 100 grenadiers with their arms reversed. There was profound silence until Napoleon had approached within a few paces, when he halted, and throwing open his surtout exclaimed, “If there be amongst you a soldier who would kill his general--his Emperor, let him do it now!--Here I am!” The cry of _Vive l’Empereur_ burst instantaneously from every lip. Napoleon threw himself among them, and taking a veteran, covered with chevrons and medals, by the arm, said, “Speak honestly, old moustache, couldst thou have had the heart to kill thy Emperor?” The man dropped his ramrod into his piece to show that it was unloaded, and answered, “Judge if I could have done thee much harm,--all the rest are the same.”

NAPOLEON AT CHARLEROI.

Horace Vernet has attempted to present us with a portrait of Napoleon, as he appeared on the eve of his great conflict with the Allied Army. Buonaparte arrived at Charleroi about 11 o’clock, on the 15th of June, 1815, which place was evacuated by the Prussians, under General Ziethen, in great haste. Napoleon ordered Marshal Ney to repair to Gosselin, and take the command of the whole of the left wing of the army, occupying a position beyond Quatre-Bras with 40,000 men. The Prussians retired upon Fleurus.

On the 18th of June the battle of Waterloo took place.

NAPOLEON AT WATERLOO.

The battle of Waterloo is an occurence with which all England is so well acquainted, that it would be superfluous to give an account of it here. We may, however, mention, that the destruction of the French army on that important occasion, is considered by French historians to be entirely the consequence of General Bourmont’s desertion. The project of Napoleon was to concentrate his forces upon the Allied Army suddenly, which ought to have been done in the night, when the Duke of Wellington and the English officers were at the ball at Brussels.

On this sanguinary field the French lost 19,000 men, while the Allied Army sustained a loss of nearly double the number of the former.

NAPOLEON SALUTING A PARTY OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS.

“_Honneur au courage malheureux!_” said Napoleon, in passing a party of wounded enemies. Debret has made an agreeable picture from a rather disagreeable subject; though it is certainly gratifying to find the leader of an army rendering due respect to those who, in their courageous efforts to overcome an opposing force, have unfortunately received wounds and injuries which, perhaps, disable them for life. The admirers of Napoleon maintain that the above incident did actually occur, while others assert that he was by nature cruel and unmerciful. We take upon ourselves to support neither the one nor the other; amid the mass of conflicting evidence we cannot see how it is possible to arrive at a conclusion. That Napoleon was a great man none can deny; that he was a good man, few will be hardy enough to maintain.

NAPOLEON IN 1815.

Horace Vernet has admirably conveyed in the countenance of Napoleon all the sentiments which animated the soul of “_le Grande Homme_” in the last moments of his military glory. Those who saw Napoleon at Waterloo have not failed to admire this painting, as well as the beautiful copy of it by M. Marin Levinge. Reveil has reproduced it admirably in the accompanying engraving.

TAKING THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

After the distribution of the eagles at the Champ de Mars, Napoleon administered the following oath to the army:--

“Soldiers! behold your banners! These eagles shall always serve you for rallying points. They shall be ever where your Emperor shall judge it necessary for the defence of his throne and of his people. Do you swear to sacrifice your life in their defence, and constantly to maintain them by your courage in the way of victory? Do you swear it?”

All the army answered by acclamation: “We swear it! Long live the Emperor!”

A SOLDIER’S FAREWELL.

The brave corporal has received a mortal wound, and takes his last farewell of a young comrade.

How many a scene like this has been witnessed on the battle-field. How many of the strong and the powerful among mankind, have the murder-working engines of war brought to a premature death.

Belangé’s figures are true to nature; there is nothing startling in them; nor anything of the conventional mannerism of the studio, which throws so much coldness into ordinary compositions. “It will be seen,” says the French critic, “that M. Belangé will take the place of Vernet and Charlet, if those gentlemen are content to rest on their laurels, or become indifferent to the art which they have so worthily exercised.”

A SOLDIER AT WATERLOO.

M. Jazet has here attempted to produce a picture which shall revive all the recollections of that remarkable period, when the extraordinary career of Napoleon spread terror wherever his name and deeds were heard of. He has represented an old soldier fatigued and careworn, and has made nature itself sympathize with his feelings. The sun is setting in the west, his crimson rays dimmed by intervening clouds, while the scene around is desolate and barren.

The picture was placed in the gallery of the Palais Royal, and those who visit it readily enter into its spirit, seeing there depicted the end of a grand epoch in the history of France.

A FIELD HOSPITAL.

The devotion shown to the memory of Napoleon, by the spirited painter of the original picture from which this is copied, has been profitable to that talented artist. Few of his contemporaries have succeeded better than M. Bellangé, in depicting subjects which illustrate the “Imperial Epoch.”

This picture is well conceived, free and natural. It is a scene which occurred repeatedly on the battle-field in Napoleon’s campaigns. “_Vive l’Empereur_,” let the wound be slight or mortal; “_Vive l’Empereur!_” was the wounded soldier’s cry, though scarcely able to see his Captain as he passed. With such devotion as this, what had not the ‘_Grand Homme_’ to hope for! These were not the soldiers to abandon him. Honor, rank, riches, were not able to corrupt them. And if they had not been so patriotic; if they had not been models of military discipline;--what would they not have undertaken for love of their General, for him who had led them to victory and glory. Poor fellows! humble laborers in the vast plain of a great architect, you assisted in raising the great monument; your task should not have been without recompense.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE DE L’ETOILE.

This monumental arch stands in a circular area without the _barrière_ of that name, at the end of the avenues in the _Champs Elysées_, and in front of the Palace of the Tuileries. It is of greater size than anything of the kind hitherto erected, being 133 feet in height, including the cornice and attic. The fronts are 134 feet in breadth, and the sides 67. The principal arch is 92 feet in height, and 44 in breadth: the transverse arch 56 feet by 55½. The first stone of this edifice, which was begun by the city of Paris to commemorate Napoleon’s triumph over Russia, and his alliance with the Emperor Alexander at Tilsit, was laid on the 15th of August, 1806, under the direction of Chalgrin. From the beginning of this undertaking, the work was suspended and renewed at intervals until its completion in 1830.

DEATH-BED OF NAPOLEON.

From the 15th to the 25th of April, Napoleon occupied himself with drawing up his last will, in which he bequeathed his orders, and a specimen of every article in his wardrobe, to his son. On the 18th, he gave directions for opening his body after death, expressing a special desire that his stomach should be examined and its appearance communicated to his son. “The symptoms,” he said, “seem to show that of all my organs the stomach is the most diseased. I am inclined to believe it is attacked with the disorder that killed my father--the physicians of Montpellier prophesied it would be hereditary in our family.”

On the third of May, it became evident that the scene was near its close. The attendants would fain have called in more medical men; but they durst not, knowing his feelings on this head: “even had he been speechless,” said one of them, “we could not have brooked his eye.” The last sacraments of the church were now administered by Vignali. He lingered on thenceforth in a stupor. On the 4th, the island was swept by a tremendous storm, which tore up almost all the trees about Longwood by the roots. The 5th was another day of tempests; and about six in the evening, Napoleon having pronounced the words “_tête d’armée_,” passed forever from the dreams of battle.

NAPOLEON AS LIEUTENANT COLONEL.

THE TRIUMPHAL COLUMN.

The _Fontaine de la Victoire_, built upon the _Place du Châtelet_, in front of the _Pont au Change_, was one of the first established in the French Capital.

It was also one of the first monuments raised to record the glory of the French arms. The architect Brasle superintended its erection, as well as that of others of the same nature, placed in different parts of Paris, as much for utility as for ornament.

The conception of this is simple, and its execution leaves nothing to be desired. The glorious deeds of the live years were there recorded as so many talismans. How many times have we feared that the lever, or the petard, would be applied to its destruction. But the charm of the French eagle, and of victory distributing her crowns, were safeguards, and served to awe the vandal conqueror. When the famous names of _Rivoli!_ _Lodi!_ _Arcole!_ _Mont-Thabor!_ _Pyramids!_ _Marengo!_ _Austerlitz!_ _Ulm!_ _Eylau!_ _Friedland!_ and _Dantzic!_ were inscribed upon the column, who dare lay their sacrilegious hands upon it?

STATUE OF NAPOLEON, BY CHAUDET.

Napoleon was anxious to place his name on the list of those Emperors of old, whose names are rendered immortal, not so much by their own heroic or noble deeds as by the flattering notices of them in the deathless writings of poets and historians. On the occasion of his statue being first required for the Column which now stands in the Place Vendome, he directed that it should be attired as a senator of ancient Rome, and Chaudet produced the statue, of which the accompanying engraving is a faithful representation. It has since been replaced by one in military uniform.

APOTHEOSIS.

The conclusion of Napoleon’s remarkable history is here well conceived. The mound of earth surmounted by his cap and sword, points out the last earthly tenement of the ex-Emperor; the group upon that point of the rock which juts into the sea adds considerably to the interest of the scene; few have forgotten the faithful companions of Napoleon when prisoner at St Helena. The artist, Horace Vernet, has called poetry to his aid and introduced the shades of several of the departed comrades of Napoleon, who assisted him in gaining that fame which will ever attach to his character in the future history of European nations. Two aged minstrels placed on the right of the engraving, are supposed to be recounting the history of his various exploits.

NAPOLEON, EMPEROR.

THE DEATH MASK OF NAPOLEON.

THE FUNERAL PROCESSION AT THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE.

ESPLANADE OF THE HOTEL DES INVALIDES.

THE CATAFALQUE, DÔME DES INVALIDES.

THE FUNERAL CAR.

OPENING THE CASKET.

ROYAL COURT OF THE HOTEL DES INVALIDES.