Memoirs of Napoleon - Volume 13 , livre ebook

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pubOne.info present you this new edition. When Marmont left Paris on the receipt of the intelligence from Essonne, Marshals Macdonald and Ney and the Duke of Vicenza waited upon the Emperor Alexander to learn his resolution before he could have been informed of the movement of Marmont's troops. I myself went during the morning to the hotel of M. de Talleyrand, and it was there I learnt how what we had hoped for had become fact: the matter was completely decided. The Emperor Alexander had walked out at six in the morning to the residence of the King of Prussia in the Rue de Bourbon. The two sovereigns afterwards proceeded together to M. de Talleyrand's, where they were when Napoleon's Commissioners arrived. The Commissioners being introduced to the two sovereigns, the Emperor Alexander, in answer to their proposition, replied that the Regency was impossible, as submissions to the Provisional Government were pouring in from all parts, and that if the army had formed contrary wishes those should have been sooner made known. "Sire, " observed Macdonald, "that- was- impossible, as none of the Marshals were in Paris, and besides, who could foresee the turn which affairs have taken? Could we imagine that an unfounded alarm would have removed from Essonne the corps of the Duke of Ragusa, who has this moment left us to bring his troops back to order? " These words produced no change in the determination of the sovereigns, who would hear of nothing but the unconditional abdication of Napoleon

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Publié par	Pub One Info
Date de parution	06 novembre 2010
Nombre de lectures	0
EAN13	9782819949107
Langue	English

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MEMOIRS OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE, VOLUME 13.
By LOUIS ANTOINE FAUVELET DE BOURRIENNE
His Private Secretary
CHAPTER I.
1814.
Unalterable determination of the Allies with respectto Napoleon—
Fontainebleau included in the limits to be occupiedby the Allies—
Alexander's departure from Paris— Napoleon informedof the necessity
of his unconditional abdication— Macdonald and Neyagain sent to
Paris— Alleged attempt of Napoleon to poisonhimself— Farewell
interview between Macdonald and Napoleon— The sabreof Murad Bey—
Signature of the act of unconditional abdication—Tranquillity of
Paris during the change of Government— Ukase of theEmperor of
Russia relative to the Post-office— Religiousceremony on the Place
Louis XV. — Arrival of the Comte d'Artois— Hisentrance into Paris—
Arrival of the Emperor of Austria— Singularassemblage of sovereigns
in France— Visit of the Emperor of Austria to MariaLouisa— Her
interview with the Emperor Alexander— Her departurefor Vienna.
When Marmont left Paris on the receipt of theintelligence from Essonne, Marshals Macdonald and Ney and the Dukeof Vicenza waited upon the Emperor Alexander to learn hisresolution before he could have been informed of the movement ofMarmont's troops. I myself went during the morning to the hotel ofM. de Talleyrand, and it was there I learnt how what we had hopedfor had become fact: the matter was completely decided. The EmperorAlexander had walked out at six in the morning to the residence ofthe King of Prussia in the Rue de Bourbon. The two sovereignsafterwards proceeded together to M. de Talleyrand's, where theywere when Napoleon's Commissioners arrived. The Commissioners beingintroduced to the two sovereigns, the Emperor Alexander, in answerto their proposition, replied that the Regency was impossible, assubmissions to the Provisional Government were pouring in from allparts, and that if the army had formed contrary wishes those shouldhave been sooner made known. “Sire, ” observed Macdonald, “that—was— impossible, as none of the Marshals were in Paris, andbesides, who could foresee the turn which affairs have taken? Couldwe imagine that an unfounded alarm would have removed from Essonnethe corps of the Duke of Ragusa, who has this moment left us tobring his troops back to order? ” These words produced no change inthe determination of the sovereigns, who would hear of nothing butthe unconditional abdication of Napoleon. Before the Marshals tookleave of the Emperor Alexander they solicited an armistice offorty-eight hours, which time they said was indispensable tonegotiate the act of abdication with Napoleon. This request wasgranted without hesitation, and the Emperor Alexander, showingMacdonald a map of the environs of Paris, courteously presented himwith a pencil, saying, “Here, Marshal, mark yourself the limits tobe observed by the two armies. ”— “No, Sire, ” replied Macdonald,“we are the conquered party, and it is for you to mark the line ofdemarcation. ” Alexander determined that the right bank of theSeine should be occupied by the Allied troops, and the left bank bythe French; but it was observed that this arrangement would beattended with inconvenience, as it would cut Paris in two, and itwas agreed that the line should turn Paris. I have been informedthat on a map sent to the Austrian staff to acquaint PrinceSchwartzenberg with the limits definitively agreed on,Fontainebleau, the Emperor's headquarters, was by some artful meansincluded within the line. The Austrians acted so implicitly on thisdirection that Marshal Macdonald was obliged to complain on thesubject to Alexander, who removed all obstacles.
When, in discussing the question of the abdicationconformably with the instructions he had received, Macdonaldobserved to the Emperor Alexander that Napoleon wished for nothingfor himself, “Assure him, ” replied Alexander, “that a provisionshall be made for him worthy of the rank he has occupied. Tell himthat if he wishes to reside in my States he shall be well received,though he brought desolation there. I shall always remember thefriendship which united us. He shall have the island of Elba, orsomething else. ” After taking leave of the Emperor Alexander, onthe 5th of April, Napoleon's Commissioners returned toFontainebleau to render an account of their mission. I sawAlexander that same day, and it appeared to me that his mind wasrelieved of a great weight by the question of the Regency beingbrought to an end. I was informed that he intended to quit Paris ina few days, and that he had given full powers to M. Pozzo-di-Borgo,whom he appointed his Commissioner to the ProvisionalGovernment.
On the same day, the 5th of April, Napoleoninspected his troops in the Palace yard of Fontainebleau. Heobserved some coolness among his officers, and even among theprivate soldiers, who had evinced such enthusiasm when he inspectedthem on the 2d of April. He was so much affected by this change ofconduct that he remained but a short time on the parade, andafterwards retired to his apartments.
About one o'clock on the morning of the 6th of AprilNey, Macdonald, and Caulaincourt arrived at Fontainebleau toacquaint the Emperor with the issue of their mission, and thesentiments expressed by Alexander when they took leave of him.Marshal Ney was the first to announce to Napoleon that the Alliesrequired his complete and unconditional abdication, unaccompaniedby any stipulation, except that of his personal safety, whichshould be guaranteed. Marshal Macdonald and the Duke of Vicenzathen spoke to the same effect, but in more gentle terms than thoseemployed by Ney, who was but little versed in the courtesies ofspeech. When Marshal Macdonald had finished speaking Napoleon saidwith some emotion, “Marshal, I am sensible of all that you havedone for me, and of the warmth with which you have pleaded thecause of my son. They wish for my complete and unconditionalabdication . . . . Very well. I again empower you to act on mybehalf. You shall go and defend my interests and those of myfamily. ” Then, after a moment's pause, he added, still addressingMacdonald, “Marshal, where shall I go? ” Macdonald then informedthe Emperor what Alexander had mentioned in the hypothesis of hiswishing to reside in Russia. “Sire, ” added he, “the Emperor ofRussia told me that he destined for you the island of Elba, orsomething else. ”— “Or something else! ” repeated Napoleon hastily,“ and what is that something else? ”— “Sire, I know not. ”— “Ah! itis doubtless the island of Corsica, and he refrained frommentioning it to avoid embarrassment! Marshal, I leave all to you.”
The Marshals returned to Paris as soon as Napoleonfurnished them with new powers; Caulaincourt remained atFontainebleau. On arriving in Paris Marshal Ney sent in hisadhesion to the Provisional Government, so that when Macdonaldreturned to Fontainebleau to convey to Napoleon the definitivetreaty of the Allies, Ney did not accompany him, and the Emperorexpressed surprise and dissatisfaction at his absence. Ney, as allhis friends concur in admitting, expended his whole energy inbattle, and often wanted resolution when out of the field,consequently I was not surprised to find that he joined us beforesome other of his comrades. As to Macdonald, he was one of thosegenerous spirits who may be most confidently relied on by those whohave wronged them. . Napoleon experienced the truth of this.Macdonald returned alone to Fontainebleau, and when he entered theEmperor's chamber he found him seated in a small armchair beforethe fireplace. He was dressed in a morning-gown of white dimity,and lie wore his slippers without stockings. His elbows rested onhis knees and his head was supported by his hands. He wasmotionless, and seemed absorbed in profound reflection. Only twopersons were in the apartment, the Duke of Bassano; who was at alittle distance from the Emperor, and Caulaincourt, who was nearthe fireplace. So profound was Napoleon's reverie that he did nothear Macdonald enter, and the Duke of Vicenza was obliged to informhim of the Marshal's presence. “Sire, ” said Caulaincourt, “theDuke of Tarantum has brought for your signature the treaty which isto be ratified to-morrow. ” The Emperor then, as if roused from alethargic slumber, turned to Macdonald, and merely said, “Ah,Marshal! so you are here! ” Napoleon's countenance was so alteredthat the Marshal, struck with the change, said, as if it wereinvoluntarily, “Is your Majesty indisposed? ”— “Yes, ” answeredNapoleon, “I have passed a very bad night. ”
The Emperor continued seated for a moment, thenrising, he took the treaty, read it without making any observation,signed it, and returned it to the Marshal, saying; “I am not nowrich enough to reward these last services. ”— “Sire, interest neverguided my conduct. ”— “I know that, and I now see how I have beendeceived respecting you. I also see the designs of those whoprejudiced me against you. ”— “Sire, I have already told you, since1809 I am devoted to you in life and death. ”— “I know it. Butsince I cannot reward you as I would wish, let a token ofremembrance, inconsiderable though it be, assure you that I shallever bear in mind the services you have rendered me. ” Then turningto Caulaincourt Napoleon said, “Vicenza, ask for the sabre whichwas given me by Murad Bey in Egypt, and which I wore at the battleof Mount Thabor. ” Constant having brought the sabre, the Emperortook it from the hands of Caulaincourt and presented it to theMarshal “Here, my faithful friend, ” said he, “is a reward which Ibelieve will gratify you. ” Macdonald on receiving the sabre said,“If ever I have a son, Sire, this will be his most preciousinheritance. I will never part with it as long as I live. ”— “ Giveme your hand, ” said the Emperor, “and embrace me. ” At these wordsNapoleon and Macdonald affectionately rushed into each other'sarms, and parted with tears in their eyes. Such was the lastinterview between Macdonald and Napoleon. I had the abovepartic