September 4th.—Austrian right wing defeated at Roveredo.September 5th.—Bonaparte enters Trent, cutting off Wurmser from his base. Defeats Davidowich on the Lavis and leaves Vaubois to contain this general while he follows Wurmser.September 6th.—Wurmser continues his advance, his outposts occupy Vicenza and Montebello.September 7th.—Combat of Primolano: Austrians defeated. Austrian vanguard attack Verona, but are repulsed by General Kilmaine.September 8th.—Battle of Bassano: Wurmser completely routed, and retires on Legnago.
September 4th.—Austrian right wing defeated at Roveredo.
September 5th.—Bonaparte enters Trent, cutting off Wurmser from his base. Defeats Davidowich on the Lavis and leaves Vaubois to contain this general while he follows Wurmser.
September 6th.—Wurmser continues his advance, his outposts occupy Vicenza and Montebello.
September 7th.—Combat of Primolano: Austrians defeated. Austrian vanguard attack Verona, but are repulsed by General Kilmaine.
September 8th.—Battle of Bassano: Wurmser completely routed, and retires on Legnago.
No. 10.
To Josephine, at Milan.
Montebello, Noon, September 10, 1796.
My Dear,—The enemy has lost 18,000 men prisoners; the rest killed or wounded. Wurmser, with a column of 1500 cavalry, and 500 infantry, has no resource but to throw himself into Mantua.
Never have we had successes so unvarying and so great. Italy, Friuli, the Tyrol, are assured to the Republic. The Emperor will have to create a second army: artillery, pontoons, baggage, everything is taken.
In a few days we shall meet; it is the sweetest reward for my labours and anxieties.
A thousand fervent and very affectionate kisses.
Bonaparte.
September 11th.—Skirmish at Cerea: Austrians successful. Bonaparte arrives alone, and is nearly captured.
September 11th.—Skirmish at Cerea: Austrians successful. Bonaparte arrives alone, and is nearly captured.
No. 11.
To Josephine, at Milan.
Ronco, September 12, 1796, 10A.M.
My dear Josephine,—I have been here two days, badly lodged, badly fed, and very cross at being so far from you.
Wurmser is hemmed in, he has with him 3000 cavalry and 5000 infantry. He is at Porto-Legnago; he is trying to get back into Mantua, but for him that has now become impossible. The moment this matter shall be finished I will be in your arms.
I embrace you a million times.
Bonaparte.
September 13th.—Wurmser, brushing aside the few French who oppose him, gains the suburbs of Mantua.September 14th.—Massena attempts a surprise, but is repulsed.September 15th.—Wurmser makes a sortie from St. Georges, but is driven back.September 16th.—And at La Favorite, with like result.
September 13th.—Wurmser, brushing aside the few French who oppose him, gains the suburbs of Mantua.
September 14th.—Massena attempts a surprise, but is repulsed.
September 15th.—Wurmser makes a sortie from St. Georges, but is driven back.
September 16th.—And at La Favorite, with like result.
No. 12.
To Josephine, at Milan.
Verona, September 17, 1796.
My Dear,—I write very often and you seldom. You are naughty, and undutiful; very undutiful, as well as thoughtless. It is disloyal to deceive a poor husband, an affectionate lover. Ought he to lose his rights because he is far away, up to the neck in business, worries and anxiety. Without his Josephine, without the assurance of her love, what in the wide world remains for him. What will he do?
Yesterday we had a very sanguinary conflict; the enemy has lost heavily, and been completely beaten. We have taken from him the suburbs of Mantua.
Adieu, charming Josephine; one of these nights the door will be burst open with a bang, as if by a jealous husband, and in a moment I shall be in your arms.
A thousand affectionate kisses.
Bonaparte.
October 2nd.—(Moreau defeats Latour at Biberach, but then continues his retreat.)October 8th.—Spain declares war against England.October 10th.—Peace with Naples signed.
October 2nd.—(Moreau defeats Latour at Biberach, but then continues his retreat.)
October 8th.—Spain declares war against England.
October 10th.—Peace with Naples signed.
No. 13.
To Josephine, at Milan.
Modena, October 17, 1796, 9P.M.
The day before yesterday I was out the whole day. Yesterday I kept my bed. Fever and a racking headache both prevented me writing to my beloved; but I got your letters. I have pressed them to my heart and lips, and the grief of a hundred miles of separation has disappeared. At the present moment I can see you by my side, not capricious and out of humour, but gentle, affectionate, with that mellifluent kindness of which my Josephine is the sole proprietor. It was a dream, judge if it has cured my fever. Your letters are as cold as if you were fifty; we might have been married fifteen years. One finds in them the friendship and feelings of that winter of life. Fie! Josephine. It is very naughty, very unkind, very undutiful of you. What more can you do to make me indeed an object for compassion? Love me no longer? Eh, that is already accomplished! Hate me? Well, I prefer that! Everythinggrows stale except ill-will; but indifference, with its marble pulse, its rigid stare, its monotonous demeanour!...
A thousand thousand very heartfelt kisses.
I am rather better. I start to-morrow. The English evacuate the Mediterranean. Corsica is ours. Good news for France, and for the army.
Bonaparte.
October 25th.—(Moreau recrosses the Rhine.)November 1st.—Advance of Marshal Alvinzi. Vaubois defeated by Davidovich on November 5th, after two days' fight.November 6th.—Napoleon successful, but Vaubois' defeat compels the French army to return to Verona.
October 25th.—(Moreau recrosses the Rhine.)
November 1st.—Advance of Marshal Alvinzi. Vaubois defeated by Davidovich on November 5th, after two days' fight.
November 6th.—Napoleon successful, but Vaubois' defeat compels the French army to return to Verona.
No. 14.
To Josephine, at Milan.
Verona, November 9, 1796.
My Dear,—I have been at Verona since the day before yesterday. Although tired, I am very well, very busy; and I love you passionately at all times. I am just off on horseback.
I embrace you a thousand times.
Bonaparte.
November 12th.—Combat of Caldiero: Napoleon fails to turn the Austrian position, owing to heavy rains. His position desperate.November 15th.—First battle of Arcola. French gain partial victory.November 16th and 17th.—Second battle of Arcola. French completely victorious "Lodi was nothing to Arcola" (Bourrienne).November 17th.—Death of Czarina Catherine II. of Russia.November 18th.—Napoleon victoriously re-enters Verona by the Venice gate, having left it, apparently in full retreat, on the night of the 14th by the Milan gate.
November 12th.—Combat of Caldiero: Napoleon fails to turn the Austrian position, owing to heavy rains. His position desperate.
November 15th.—First battle of Arcola. French gain partial victory.
November 16th and 17th.—Second battle of Arcola. French completely victorious "Lodi was nothing to Arcola" (Bourrienne).
November 17th.—Death of Czarina Catherine II. of Russia.
November 18th.—Napoleon victoriously re-enters Verona by the Venice gate, having left it, apparently in full retreat, on the night of the 14th by the Milan gate.
No. 15.
FromBourrienne's"Life of Napoleon," vol. i. chap. 4.
Verona, November 19th, Noon.
My Adored Josephine,—Once more I breathe freely. Death is no longer before me, and glory and honour are once more re-established. The enemy is beaten at Arcola. To-morrow we will repair Vaubois' blunder of abandoning Rivoli. In a week Mantua will be ours, and then your husband will clasp you in his arms, and give you a thousand proofs of his ardent affection. I shall proceed to Milan as soon as I can; I am rather tired. I have received letters from Eugène and Hortense—charming young people. I will send them to you as soon as I find my belongings, which are at present somewhat dispersed.
We have made five thousand prisoners, and killed at least six thousand of the enemy. Good-bye, my adored Josephine. Think of me often. If you cease to love your Achilles, if for him your heart grows cold, you will be very cruel, very unjust. But I am sure you will always remain my faithful mistress, as I shall ever remain your fond lover. Death alone can break the chain which sympathy, love, and sentiment have forged. Let me have news of your health. A thousand and a thousand kisses.
No. 16.
To Josephine, at Milan.
Verona, November 23, 1796.
I don't love you an atom; on the contrary, I detest you. You are a good for nothing, very ungraceful, very tactless, very tatterdemalion. You never write to me; you don't care for your husband; you know the pleasure your letters give him, and you write him barely half-a-dozen lines, thrown off anyhow.
How, then, do you spend the livelong day, madam? Whatbusiness of such importance robs you of the time to write to your very kind lover? What inclination stifles and alienates love, the affectionate and unvarying love which you promised me? Who may this paragon be, this new lover who engrosses all your time, is master of your days, and prevents you from concerning yourself about your husband? Josephine, be vigilant; one fine night the doors will be broken in, and I shall be before you.
Truly, my dear, I am uneasy at getting no news from you. Write me four pages immediately, and some of those charming remarks which fill my heart with the pleasures of imagination.
I hope that before long I shall clasp you in my arms, and cover you with a million kisses as burning as if under the equator.
Bonaparte.
No. 17.
Verona, November 24, 1796.
I hope soon, darling, to be in your arms. I love you to distraction. I am writing to Paris by this courier. All goes well. Wurmser was beaten yesterday under Mantua. Your husband only needs Josephine's love to be happy.
Bonaparte.
No. 18.
To Josephine, at Genoa.
Milan,November 27, 1796, 3P.M.
I get to Milan; I fling myself into your room; I have left all in order to see you, to clasp you in my arms.... You were not there. You gad about the towns amid junketings; you run farther from me when I am at hand; you care no longer for your dear Napoleon. A passing fancy made you love him; fickleness renders him indifferent to you.
Used to perils, I know the remedy for weariness and the ills of life. The ill-luck that I now suffer is past all calculations; I did right not to anticipate it.
I shall be here till the evening of the 29th. Don't alter your plans; have your fling of pleasure; happiness was invented for you. The whole world is only too happy if it can please you, and only your husband is very, very unhappy.
Bonaparte.
No. 19.
To Josephine, at Genoa.
Milan,November 28, 1796, 8P.M.
I have received the courier whom Berthier had hurried on to Genoa. You have not had time to write me, I feel it intuitively. Surrounded with pleasures and pastimes, you would be wrong to make the least sacrifice for me. Berthier has been good enough to show me the letter which you wrote him. My intention is that you should not make the least change in your plans, nor with respect to the pleasure parties in your honour; I am of no consequence, either the happiness or the misery of a man whom you don't love is a matter of no moment.
For my part, to love you only, to make you happy, to do nothing which may vex you, that is the object and goal of my life.
Be happy, do not reproach me, do not concern yourself in the happiness of a man who lives only in your life, rejoices only in your pleasure and happiness. When I exacted from you a love like my own I was wrong; why expect lace to weigh as heavy as gold? When I sacrifice to you all my desires, all my thoughts, every moment of my life, I obey the sway which your charms, your disposition, and your whole personality have so effectively exerted over my unfortunate heart. I was wrong, since nature has not given me attractions with which to captivate you; but what I do deserve from Josephine is her regard and esteem, for I love her frantically and uniquely.
Farewell, beloved wife; farewell, my Josephine. May fate concentrate in my breast all the griefs and troubles, but may itgive Josephine happy and prosperous days. Who deserves them more? When it shall be quite settled that she can love me no more, I will hide my profound grief, and will content myself with the power of being useful and serviceable to her.
I reopen my letter to give you a kiss.... Ah! Josephine!... Josephine!
Bonaparte.
December 24th.—French under Hoche sail for Ireland; return "foiled by the elements."January 7th, 1797.—Alvinzi begins his new attack on Rivoli, while Provera tries to get to Mantua with 11,000 men viâ Padua and Legnago. Alvinzi's total forces 48,000, but only 28,000 at Rivoli against Bonaparte's 23,000.January 9th.—Kehl (after 48 days' siege) surrenders to Archduke Charles.January 10th.—Napoleon at Bologna advised of the advance, and hastens to make Verona, as before, the pivot of his movements.
December 24th.—French under Hoche sail for Ireland; return "foiled by the elements."
January 7th, 1797.—Alvinzi begins his new attack on Rivoli, while Provera tries to get to Mantua with 11,000 men viâ Padua and Legnago. Alvinzi's total forces 48,000, but only 28,000 at Rivoli against Bonaparte's 23,000.
January 9th.—Kehl (after 48 days' siege) surrenders to Archduke Charles.
January 10th.—Napoleon at Bologna advised of the advance, and hastens to make Verona, as before, the pivot of his movements.
No. 20.
January 12th.—Combat of St. Michel: Massena defeats Austrians.
January 12th.—Combat of St. Michel: Massena defeats Austrians.
To Josephine, at Milan.
Verona, January 12, 1797.
Scarcely set out from Roverbella, I learnt that the enemy had appeared at Verona. Massena made some dispositions, which have been very successful. We have made six hundred prisoners, and have taken three pieces of cannon. General Brune got seven bullets in his clothes, without being touched by one of them—this is what it is to be lucky.
I give you a thousand kisses. I am very well. We have had only ten men killed, and a hundred wounded.
Bonaparte.
January 13th.—Joubert attacked; retires from Corona on Rivoli in the morning, joined by Bonaparte at night.January 14th.—Battle of Rivoli: Austrian centre defeated. Bonaparte
January 13th.—Joubert attacked; retires from Corona on Rivoli in the morning, joined by Bonaparte at night.
January 14th.—Battle of Rivoli: Austrian centre defeated. Bonaparte
at close of day hurries off with Massena's troops to overtake Provera, marching sixteen leagues during the night. Massena named next day enfant chéri de la victoire by Bonaparte, and later Duc de Rivoli.January 15th.—Joubert continues battle of Rivoli: complete defeat of Austrians. Provera, however, has reached St. Georges, outside Mantua.January 16th—Sortie of Wurmser at La Favorite repulsed. Provera, hurled back by Victor (named the Terrible on this day), is surrounded by skilful manœuvres of Bonaparte, and surrenders with 6000 men. In three days Bonaparte had taken 18,000 prisoners and all Alvinzi's artillery. Colonel Graham gives Austrian losses at 14,000 to 15,000, exclusive of Provera's 6000.January 26th.—Combat of Carpenedolo: Massena defeats the Austrians.February 2nd.—Joubert occupies Lawis. Capitulation of Mantua, by Wurmser, with 13,000 men (and 6000 in hospital), but he, his staff, and 200 cavalry allowed to return. Enormous capture of artillery, including siege-train abandoned by Bonaparte before the battle of Castiglione. Advance of Victor on Rome.
at close of day hurries off with Massena's troops to overtake Provera, marching sixteen leagues during the night. Massena named next day enfant chéri de la victoire by Bonaparte, and later Duc de Rivoli.
January 15th.—Joubert continues battle of Rivoli: complete defeat of Austrians. Provera, however, has reached St. Georges, outside Mantua.
January 16th—Sortie of Wurmser at La Favorite repulsed. Provera, hurled back by Victor (named the Terrible on this day), is surrounded by skilful manœuvres of Bonaparte, and surrenders with 6000 men. In three days Bonaparte had taken 18,000 prisoners and all Alvinzi's artillery. Colonel Graham gives Austrian losses at 14,000 to 15,000, exclusive of Provera's 6000.
January 26th.—Combat of Carpenedolo: Massena defeats the Austrians.
February 2nd.—Joubert occupies Lawis. Capitulation of Mantua, by Wurmser, with 13,000 men (and 6000 in hospital), but he, his staff, and 200 cavalry allowed to return. Enormous capture of artillery, including siege-train abandoned by Bonaparte before the battle of Castiglione. Advance of Victor on Rome.
No. 21.
To Josephine, at Bologna.
Forli, February 3, 1797.
I wrote you this morning. I start to-night. Our forces are at Rimini. This country is beginning to be tranquillised. My cold makes me always rather tired.
I idolise you, and send you a thousand kisses.
A thousand kind messages to my sister.
Bonaparte.
February 9th.—Capture of Ancona.
February 9th.—Capture of Ancona.
No. 22.
To Josephine, at Bologna.
Ancona, February 10, 1797.
We have been at Ancona these two days. We took the citadel, after a slight fusillade, and by acoup de main. We made 1200 prisoners. I sent back the fifty officers to their homes.
I am still at Ancona. I do not press you to come, because everything is not yet settled, but in a few days I am hoping that it will be. Besides, this country is still discontented, and everybody is nervous.
I start to-morrow for the mountains. You don't write to me at all, yet you ought to let me have news of you every day.
Please go out every day; it will do you good.
I send you a million kisses. I never was so sick of anything as of this vile war.
Good-bye, my darling. Think of me!
Bonaparte.
No. 23.
To Josephine, at Bologna.
Ancona, February 13, 1797.
I get no news from you, and I feel sure that you no longer love me. I have sent you the papers, and various letters. I start immediately to cross the mountains. The moment that I know something definite, I will arrange for you to accompany me; it is the dearest wish of my heart.
A thousand and a thousand kisses.
Bonaparte.
No. 24.
To Josephine, at Bologna.
February 16, 1797.
You are melancholy, you are ill; you no longer write to me, you want to go back to Paris. Is it possible that you no longer love your comrade? The very thought makes me wretched. My darling, life is unbearable to me now that I am aware of your melancholy.
I make haste to send you Moscati, so that he may look after you. My health is rather bad; my cold gets no better. Pleasetake care of yourself, love me as much as I love you, and write me every day. I am more uneasy than ever.
I have told Moscati to escort you to Ancona, if you care to come there. I will write to you there, to let you know where I am.
Perhaps I shall make peace with the Pope, then I shall soon be by your side; it is my soul's most ardent wish.
I send you a hundred kisses. Be sure that nothing equals my love, unless it be my uneasiness. Write to me every day yourself. Good-bye, dearest.
Bonaparte.
No. 25.
February 19th.—Peace of Tolentino with the Pope, who has to pay for his equivocal attitude and broken treaty.
February 19th.—Peace of Tolentino with the Pope, who has to pay for his equivocal attitude and broken treaty.
To Josephine, at Bologna.
Tolentino, February 19, 1797.
Peace with Rome has just been signed. Bologna, Ferrara, Romagna, are ceded to the Republic. The Pope is to pay us thirty millions shortly, and various works of art.
I start to-morrow morning for Ancona, and thence for Rimini, Ravenna, and Bologna. If your health permit, come to Rimini or Ravenna, but, I beseech you, take care of yourself.
Not a word from you—what on earth have I done? To think only of you, to love only Josephine, to live only for my wife, to enjoy happiness only with my dear one—does this deserve such harsh treatment from her? My dear, I beg you, think often of me, and write me every day.
You are ill, or else you do not love me! Do you think, then, that I have a heart of stone? and do my sufferings concern you so little? You must know me very ill! I cannot believe it! You to whom nature has given intelligence, tenderness, andbeauty, you who alone can rule my heart, you who doubtless know only too well the unlimited power you hold over me!
Write to me, think of me, and love me.—Yours ever, for life.
Bonaparte.
March 16th.—Bonaparte defeats Archduke Charles on the Tagliamento.March 25th.—Bonaparte writes the Directory from Goritz that "up till now Prince Charles has manœuvred worse than Beaulieu and Wurmser."March 29th.—Klagenfurt taken by Massena.April 1st.—Laybach by Bernadotte.April 17th.—Preliminaries of peace at Leoben signed by Bonaparte.April 18th.—Hoche crosses the Rhine at Neuwied.April 21st.—Moreau at Kehl.April 23rd.—Armistice of two Rhine armies follows preliminaries of Leoben.May 16th.—Augereau enters Venice.June 28th.—French capture Corfu, and 600 guns.July 8th.—Death of Edmund Burke, aged sixty-eight.July 18th.—Talleyrand becomes French Minister of Foreign Affairs.September 4th.—Day of 18th Fructidor at Paris. Coup d'Étatof Rewbell, Larévellière-Lépeaux, and Barras, secretly aided by Bonaparte, who has sent them Augereau to command Paris.September 18th.—Death of Lazare Hoche, aged twenty-nine,probably poisoned by the Directory, which has recalled Moreau, retired Bernadotte, and will soon launch Bonaparte on the seas, so that he may find failure and Bantry Bay at Aboukir(Montgaillard).September 30th.—National bankruptcy admitted in France,the sixth time in two centuries.October 17th.—-Treaty of Campo-Formio; Bonaparte called thereupon by Talleyrand "General Pacificator."November 16th.—Death of Frederick William II.,King of Prussia, aged fifty-three;succeeded by his son, Frederick William III., aged twenty-seven.December 1st.—Bonaparte Minister Plenipotentiary at Congress of Rastadt, andDecember 5th.—Arrives at Paris.December 10th.—Bonaparte presented to the Directory by Talleyrand.December 27th.—Riots at Rome: Joseph Bonaparte (ambassador) insulted; General Duphot (engaged to Joseph's sister-in-law, Desirée) killed.
March 16th.—Bonaparte defeats Archduke Charles on the Tagliamento.
March 25th.—Bonaparte writes the Directory from Goritz that "up till now Prince Charles has manœuvred worse than Beaulieu and Wurmser."
March 29th.—Klagenfurt taken by Massena.
April 1st.—Laybach by Bernadotte.
April 17th.—Preliminaries of peace at Leoben signed by Bonaparte.
April 18th.—Hoche crosses the Rhine at Neuwied.
April 21st.—Moreau at Kehl.
April 23rd.—Armistice of two Rhine armies follows preliminaries of Leoben.
May 16th.—Augereau enters Venice.
June 28th.—French capture Corfu, and 600 guns.
July 8th.—Death of Edmund Burke, aged sixty-eight.
July 18th.—Talleyrand becomes French Minister of Foreign Affairs.
September 4th.—Day of 18th Fructidor at Paris. Coup d'Étatof Rewbell, Larévellière-Lépeaux, and Barras, secretly aided by Bonaparte, who has sent them Augereau to command Paris.
September 18th.—Death of Lazare Hoche, aged twenty-nine,probably poisoned by the Directory, which has recalled Moreau, retired Bernadotte, and will soon launch Bonaparte on the seas, so that he may find failure and Bantry Bay at Aboukir(Montgaillard).
September 30th.—National bankruptcy admitted in France,the sixth time in two centuries.
October 17th.—-Treaty of Campo-Formio; Bonaparte called thereupon by Talleyrand "General Pacificator."
November 16th.—Death of Frederick William II.,King of Prussia, aged fifty-three;succeeded by his son, Frederick William III., aged twenty-seven.
December 1st.—Bonaparte Minister Plenipotentiary at Congress of Rastadt, and
December 5th.—Arrives at Paris.
December 10th.—Bonaparte presented to the Directory by Talleyrand.
December 27th.—Riots at Rome: Joseph Bonaparte (ambassador) insulted; General Duphot (engaged to Joseph's sister-in-law, Desirée) killed.
THE MARENGO CAMPAIGN, 1800
LETTERS OF THE FIRST CONSUL BONAPARTE TO HIS WIFE
The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act iv., Scene I.
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages223-225.)
Events of 1798.
Napoleonic History.—May 20th.—Napoleon sails from Toulon for Egypt.June 11th.—Takes Malta; sails for Egypt (June 20th).July 4th.—Captures Alexandria.July 21st.—Defeats Mamelukes at Battle of the Pyramids, and enters Cairo the following day.August 1st.—French Fleet destroyed by Nelson at the Battle of the Nile.October 7th.—Desaix defeats Mourad Bey at Sedyman (Upper Egypt).General History.—January 4th.—Confiscation of all English merchandise in France. Commencement of Continental system.January 5th.—Directory fail to float a loan of 80 millions (francs), andJanuary 28th.—Forthwith invade Switzerland, ostensibly to defend the Vaudois, under a sixteenth-century treaty, really to revolutionise the country, and seize upon the treasure of Berne.February 15th.—Republic proclaimed at Rome. French occupy the Vatican, andFebruary 20th.—Drive Pope Pius VI. into exile to the convent of Sienna.March 5th.—Capture of Berne by General Brune.April 13th.—Bernadotte, ambassador, attacked at the French Embassy in Vienna.May 19th.—Fitzgerald, a leader in the Irish rebellion, arrested.August 22nd.—General Humbert and 1100 French troops land at Killala, County Mayo.September 8th.—Humbert and 800 men taken by Lord Cornwallis at Ballinamack.September 12th.—Turkey declares war with France, and forms alliance with England and Russia.November 19th.—Wolfe-Tone commits suicide.December 5th.—Macdonald defeats Mack and 40,000 Neapolitans at Civita Castellana.December 9th.—Joubert occupies Turin.December 15th.—French occupy Rome.December 29th.—Coalition of Russia, Austria, and England against France.
Napoleonic History.—May 20th.—Napoleon sails from Toulon for Egypt.
June 11th.—Takes Malta; sails for Egypt (June 20th).
July 4th.—Captures Alexandria.
July 21st.—Defeats Mamelukes at Battle of the Pyramids, and enters Cairo the following day.
August 1st.—French Fleet destroyed by Nelson at the Battle of the Nile.
October 7th.—Desaix defeats Mourad Bey at Sedyman (Upper Egypt).
General History.—January 4th.—Confiscation of all English merchandise in France. Commencement of Continental system.
January 5th.—Directory fail to float a loan of 80 millions (francs), and
January 28th.—Forthwith invade Switzerland, ostensibly to defend the Vaudois, under a sixteenth-century treaty, really to revolutionise the country, and seize upon the treasure of Berne.
February 15th.—Republic proclaimed at Rome. French occupy the Vatican, and
February 20th.—Drive Pope Pius VI. into exile to the convent of Sienna.
March 5th.—Capture of Berne by General Brune.
April 13th.—Bernadotte, ambassador, attacked at the French Embassy in Vienna.
May 19th.—Fitzgerald, a leader in the Irish rebellion, arrested.
August 22nd.—General Humbert and 1100 French troops land at Killala, County Mayo.
September 8th.—Humbert and 800 men taken by Lord Cornwallis at Ballinamack.
September 12th.—Turkey declares war with France, and forms alliance with England and Russia.
November 19th.—Wolfe-Tone commits suicide.
December 5th.—Macdonald defeats Mack and 40,000 Neapolitans at Civita Castellana.
December 9th.—Joubert occupies Turin.
December 15th.—French occupy Rome.
December 29th.—Coalition of Russia, Austria, and England against France.
Events of 1799.
Napoleonic History.—January 23rd.—Desaix defeats Mourad Bey at Samhoud (Upper Egypt). February 3rd.—Desaix defeats Mourad Bey at the Isle of Philae (near Assouan)—furthest limit of the Roman Empire. Napoleon crosses Syrian desert and takes El Arish (February 20th) and Gaza (February 25th), captures Jaffa (March 7th) and Sour, formerly Tyre (April 3rd). Junot defeats Turks and Arabs at Nazareth (April 8th), and Kléber defeats them at Mount Tabor (April 16th). Napoleon invests Acre but retires (May 21st), re-enters Cairo (June 14th), annihilates Turkish army at Aboukir (July 25th); secretly sails for France (August 23rd), lands at Frejus (October 9th), arrives at Paris (October 13th); dissolves the Directory (November 9th) and Council of Five Hundred (November 10th), and is proclaimed First Consul (December 24th).General History.—January 10th.—Championnet occupies Capua.January 20th.—Pacification of La Vendée by General Hédouville.January 23rd.—Championnet occupies Naples.March 3rd.—Corfu taken from the French by a Russo-Turkish force.March 7th.—Massena defeats the Austrians, and conquers the country of the Grisons.March 25th.—Archduke Charles defeats Jourdan at Stockach.March 30th.—Kray defeats French (under Schérer) near Verona,April 5th.—And again at Magnano.April 14th.—Suwarrow takes command of Austrian army at Verona;April 22nd.—Defeats French at Cassano, with heavy loss.April 28th.—French plenipotentiaries, returning from Radstadt, murdered by men in Austrian uniforms—Montgaillard thinks by creatures of the Directory.May 4th.—Capture of Seringapatam by General Baird.May 12th.—Austro-Russian army checked at Bassignana.May 16th.—Sièyes becomes one of the Directory.May 20th.—Suwarrow takes Brescia,May 24th.—And Milan (citadel).June 5th.—Massena defeated at Zurich by Archduke Charles; and Macdonald (June 19th) by Suwarrow at the Trebbia.June 18th.—Gohier, Roger-Ducos, and Moulin replace Treilhard, Laréveillère-Lépeaux, and Merlin on the Directory.June 20th.—Turin surrenders to Austro-Russians.June 22nd.—Turkey, Portugal, and Naples join the coalition against France.July 14th.—French carry their prisoner, Pope Pius VI., to Valence, where he dies (August 29th).July 22nd.—Alessandria surrenders to Austro-Russians.July 30th.—Mantua, after 72 days' siege, surrenders to Kray.August 15th.—French defeated at Novi by Suwarrow. French lose Joubert and 20,000 men.August 17th.—French, under Lecombe, force the St. Gothard.August 27th.—English army disembark at the Helder.August 30th.—Dutch fleet surrendered to the British Admiral.September 19th.—Brune defeats Duke of York at Bergen.September 25th.—Massena defeats allies at Zurich, who lose 16,000 men and 100 guns. "Massena saves France at Zurich, as Villars saved it at Denain."—Montgaillard.October 6th.—Brune defeats Duke of York at Kastrikum.October 7th.—French take Constance.October 16th.—Saint-Cyr, without cavalry or cannon, defeats Austrians at Bosco.October 18th.—Capitulation at Alkmaar by Duke of York to General Brune. "The son of George III. capitulates at Alkmaar as little honourably as the son of George II. had capitulated at Kloster-Seven in 1757."—Montgaillard.November 4th.—Melas defeats French at Fossano.November 13th.—Ancona surrendered to the Austrians by Monnier, after a six months' siege.November 24th.—Moreau made commander of the armies of the Rhine (being in disgrace, has served as a volunteer in Italy most of this year); Massena sent to the army of Italy.December 5th.—Coni, the key of Piedmont, surrenders to the Austrians.December 14th.—Death of George Washington.December 15th.—Battle of Montefaccio, near Genoa. Saint-Cyr defeats Austrians.
Napoleonic History.—January 23rd.—Desaix defeats Mourad Bey at Samhoud (Upper Egypt). February 3rd.—Desaix defeats Mourad Bey at the Isle of Philae (near Assouan)—furthest limit of the Roman Empire. Napoleon crosses Syrian desert and takes El Arish (February 20th) and Gaza (February 25th), captures Jaffa (March 7th) and Sour, formerly Tyre (April 3rd). Junot defeats Turks and Arabs at Nazareth (April 8th), and Kléber defeats them at Mount Tabor (April 16th). Napoleon invests Acre but retires (May 21st), re-enters Cairo (June 14th), annihilates Turkish army at Aboukir (July 25th); secretly sails for France (August 23rd), lands at Frejus (October 9th), arrives at Paris (October 13th); dissolves the Directory (November 9th) and Council of Five Hundred (November 10th), and is proclaimed First Consul (December 24th).
General History.—January 10th.—Championnet occupies Capua.
January 20th.—Pacification of La Vendée by General Hédouville.
January 23rd.—Championnet occupies Naples.
March 3rd.—Corfu taken from the French by a Russo-Turkish force.
March 7th.—Massena defeats the Austrians, and conquers the country of the Grisons.
March 25th.—Archduke Charles defeats Jourdan at Stockach.
March 30th.—Kray defeats French (under Schérer) near Verona,
April 5th.—And again at Magnano.
April 14th.—Suwarrow takes command of Austrian army at Verona;
April 22nd.—Defeats French at Cassano, with heavy loss.
April 28th.—French plenipotentiaries, returning from Radstadt, murdered by men in Austrian uniforms—Montgaillard thinks by creatures of the Directory.
May 4th.—Capture of Seringapatam by General Baird.
May 12th.—Austro-Russian army checked at Bassignana.
May 16th.—Sièyes becomes one of the Directory.
May 20th.—Suwarrow takes Brescia,
May 24th.—And Milan (citadel).
June 5th.—Massena defeated at Zurich by Archduke Charles; and Macdonald (June 19th) by Suwarrow at the Trebbia.
June 18th.—Gohier, Roger-Ducos, and Moulin replace Treilhard, Laréveillère-Lépeaux, and Merlin on the Directory.
June 20th.—Turin surrenders to Austro-Russians.
June 22nd.—Turkey, Portugal, and Naples join the coalition against France.
July 14th.—French carry their prisoner, Pope Pius VI., to Valence, where he dies (August 29th).
July 22nd.—Alessandria surrenders to Austro-Russians.
July 30th.—Mantua, after 72 days' siege, surrenders to Kray.
August 15th.—French defeated at Novi by Suwarrow. French lose Joubert and 20,000 men.
August 17th.—French, under Lecombe, force the St. Gothard.
August 27th.—English army disembark at the Helder.
August 30th.—Dutch fleet surrendered to the British Admiral.
September 19th.—Brune defeats Duke of York at Bergen.
September 25th.—Massena defeats allies at Zurich, who lose 16,000 men and 100 guns. "Massena saves France at Zurich, as Villars saved it at Denain."—Montgaillard.
October 6th.—Brune defeats Duke of York at Kastrikum.
October 7th.—French take Constance.
October 16th.—Saint-Cyr, without cavalry or cannon, defeats Austrians at Bosco.
October 18th.—Capitulation at Alkmaar by Duke of York to General Brune. "The son of George III. capitulates at Alkmaar as little honourably as the son of George II. had capitulated at Kloster-Seven in 1757."—Montgaillard.
November 4th.—Melas defeats French at Fossano.
November 13th.—Ancona surrendered to the Austrians by Monnier, after a six months' siege.
November 24th.—Moreau made commander of the armies of the Rhine (being in disgrace, has served as a volunteer in Italy most of this year); Massena sent to the army of Italy.
December 5th.—Coni, the key of Piedmont, surrenders to the Austrians.
December 14th.—Death of George Washington.
December 15th.—Battle of Montefaccio, near Genoa. Saint-Cyr defeats Austrians.
Events of 1800.
February 11th.—Bank of France constituted.February 20th.—Kléber defeats Turks at Heliopolis.May 3rd.—Battle of Engen. Moreau defeats Kray, who loses 10,000 men, and—May 5th.—Again defeats Austrians at Moeskirch.May 6th.—Napoleon leaves Paris.May 8th.—Arrives at Auxonne, and on the 9th at Geneva, from thence moves to Lausanne (May 12th), where he is delighted with reception accorded to the French troops, and hears of Moreau's victory at Bibernach (May 11th). On the 14th he hears of Desaix's safe arrival at Toulon from Egypt, together with Davoust, and orders the praises of their past achievements to be sung in theMoniteur.The same day writes Massena that in Genoa a man like himself (Massena) is worth 20,000. On the 16th is still at Lausanne.
February 11th.—Bank of France constituted.
February 20th.—Kléber defeats Turks at Heliopolis.
May 3rd.—Battle of Engen. Moreau defeats Kray, who loses 10,000 men, and—
May 5th.—Again defeats Austrians at Moeskirch.
May 6th.—Napoleon leaves Paris.
May 8th.—Arrives at Auxonne, and on the 9th at Geneva, from thence moves to Lausanne (May 12th), where he is delighted with reception accorded to the French troops, and hears of Moreau's victory at Bibernach (May 11th). On the 14th he hears of Desaix's safe arrival at Toulon from Egypt, together with Davoust, and orders the praises of their past achievements to be sung in theMoniteur.The same day writes Massena that in Genoa a man like himself (Massena) is worth 20,000. On the 16th is still at Lausanne.
No. 1.
To Josephine, at Paris.
Lausanne, May 15, 1800.
I have been at Lausanne since yesterday. I start to-morrow. My health is fairly good. The country round here is very beautiful. I see no reason why, in ten or twelve days, you should not join me here; you must travel incognito, and not say where you are going, because I want no one to know what I am about to do. You can say you are going to Plombières.
I will send you Moustache,[16]who has just arrived.
My very kindest regards to Hortense. Eugène will not be here for eight days; he isen route.
Bonaparte.
No. 2.
To Josephine, at Paris.
Torre di Garofolo, May 16, 1800.
I start immediately to spend the night at Saint-Maurice. I have not received a single letter from you; that is not well. I have written you by every courier.
Eugène may arrive the day after to-morrow. I have rather a cold, but it will have no ill effects.
My very kindest regards to you, my good little Josephine, and to all who belong to you.
Bonaparte.
May 17th-19th.—At Martigny, "struggling against ice, snow-storms, and avalanches," and astonishing the great St. Bernard "with the passage of our 'pieces of 8,' and especially of our limbers—a new experience for it." On May 20th he climbed the St. Bernard on a mule, and descended it on a sledge. On May 21st he is at Aosta, hoping to be back in Paris within a fortnight. His army had passed the mountain in four days. On May 27th he is at Ivrea, taken by Lannes on the 24th.
May 17th-19th.—At Martigny, "struggling against ice, snow-storms, and avalanches," and astonishing the great St. Bernard "with the passage of our 'pieces of 8,' and especially of our limbers—a new experience for it." On May 20th he climbed the St. Bernard on a mule, and descended it on a sledge. On May 21st he is at Aosta, hoping to be back in Paris within a fortnight. His army had passed the mountain in four days. On May 27th he is at Ivrea, taken by Lannes on the 24th.
No. 3.[17]
[From Tennant's Tour, &c., vol. ii.]
11P.M.
Vercelli. Murat ought to be at Novaro to-night. The enemy is thoroughly demoralised; he cannot even yet understand us. I hope within ten days to be in the arms of my Josephine, who is always very good when she is not crying and not flirting. Your son arrived this evening. I have had him examined; he is in excellent health. Accept a thousand tender thoughts. I have received M.'s letter. I will send her by the next courier a box of excellent cherries.
We are here—within two months for Paris.—Yours entirely,
N. B.
To Madame Bonaparte.(Address not in Bonaparte's writing.)
June 1st.—First experiments with vaccination at Paris, with fluid sent from London.On June 2nd Napoleon enters Milan, where he spends a week.
June 1st.—First experiments with vaccination at Paris, with fluid sent from London.
On June 2nd Napoleon enters Milan, where he spends a week.
No. 4.
To Josephine, at Paris.
Milan.
I am at Milan, with a very bad cold. I can't stand rain, and I have been wet to the skin for several hours, but all goes well. I don't persuade you to come here. I shall be home in a month.
I trust to find you flourishing. I am just starting for Pavia and Stradella. We are masters of Brescia, Cremona, and Placentia.
Kindest regards. Murat has borne himself splendidly.
June 5th.—Massena gives up Genoa, but leaves with all the honours of war.June 7th.—Lannes takes Pavia, 350 cannon, and 10,000 muskets.June 9th.—Battle of Montebello. Bonaparte defeats Austrians, who lose 8000 men.June 14th.—Bonaparte wins Marengo, but loses Desaix—"the man I loved and esteemed the most." In his bulletin he admits the battle at one time was lost, until he cried to his troops "Children, remember it is my custom to sleep upon the battlefield." He mentions the charges of Desaix and Kellermann, and especially eulogises the latter—a fact interesting on account of the false statements made of his ignoring it. In the bulletin of June 21st he blames the "punic faith" of Lord Keith at Genoa, a criticism the Admiral repaid with usury fifteen years later.June 14th.—Assassination of Kléber, in Egypt.June 16th.—Convention of Alessandria between Bonaparte and Melas; end of the "Campaign of Thirty Days."June 19th.—Moreau defeats Kray at Hochstedt, and occupies Ulm.June 23rd.—Genoa re-entered by the French.June 26th.—Bonaparte leaves Massena in command of the Army of Reserve, now united with the Army of Italy.July 3rd.—The First Consul is back in Paris unexpectedly—not wishing triumphal arches or such-like "colifichets" In spite of which the plaudits he receives are very dear to him, "sweet as the voice of Josephine."September 5th.—Vaubois surrenders Malta to the English, after two years' blockade.September 15th.—Armistice between France and Austria in Germany.September 30th.—Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between France and U.S.—agreed that the flag covers the goods.October 3rd.—To facilitate peace King George renounces his title of King of France.November 12th.—Rupture of Armistice between France and Austria.December 3rd.—Moreau wins the battle of Hohenlinden (Austrian loss, 16,000 men, 80 guns; French 3000).December 20th.—Moreau occupies Lintz (100 miles from Vienna).December 24th.—Royalist conspirators fail to kill Bonaparte with an infernal machine.December 25th.—Armistice at Steyer between Moreau and Archduke Charles (sent for by the Austrians a fortnight before as their last hope).
June 5th.—Massena gives up Genoa, but leaves with all the honours of war.
June 7th.—Lannes takes Pavia, 350 cannon, and 10,000 muskets.
June 9th.—Battle of Montebello. Bonaparte defeats Austrians, who lose 8000 men.
June 14th.—Bonaparte wins Marengo, but loses Desaix—"the man I loved and esteemed the most." In his bulletin he admits the battle at one time was lost, until he cried to his troops "Children, remember it is my custom to sleep upon the battlefield." He mentions the charges of Desaix and Kellermann, and especially eulogises the latter—a fact interesting on account of the false statements made of his ignoring it. In the bulletin of June 21st he blames the "punic faith" of Lord Keith at Genoa, a criticism the Admiral repaid with usury fifteen years later.
June 14th.—Assassination of Kléber, in Egypt.
June 16th.—Convention of Alessandria between Bonaparte and Melas; end of the "Campaign of Thirty Days."
June 19th.—Moreau defeats Kray at Hochstedt, and occupies Ulm.
June 23rd.—Genoa re-entered by the French.
June 26th.—Bonaparte leaves Massena in command of the Army of Reserve, now united with the Army of Italy.
July 3rd.—The First Consul is back in Paris unexpectedly—not wishing triumphal arches or such-like "colifichets" In spite of which the plaudits he receives are very dear to him, "sweet as the voice of Josephine."
September 5th.—Vaubois surrenders Malta to the English, after two years' blockade.
September 15th.—Armistice between France and Austria in Germany.
September 30th.—Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between France and U.S.—agreed that the flag covers the goods.
October 3rd.—To facilitate peace King George renounces his title of King of France.
November 12th.—Rupture of Armistice between France and Austria.
December 3rd.—Moreau wins the battle of Hohenlinden (Austrian loss, 16,000 men, 80 guns; French 3000).
December 20th.—Moreau occupies Lintz (100 miles from Vienna).
December 24th.—Royalist conspirators fail to kill Bonaparte with an infernal machine.
December 25th.—Armistice at Steyer between Moreau and Archduke Charles (sent for by the Austrians a fortnight before as their last hope).
"The peace of Amiens had always been regarded from the side of England as an armed truce: on the side of Napoleon it had a very different character.... A careful reader must admit that we were guilty of a breach of faith in not surrendering Malta. The promise of its surrender was the principal article of the treaty."England and Napoleon in 1803.(Edited for the R. Hist. S. by Oscar Browning, 1887.)
"The peace of Amiens had always been regarded from the side of England as an armed truce: on the side of Napoleon it had a very different character.... A careful reader must admit that we were guilty of a breach of faith in not surrendering Malta. The promise of its surrender was the principal article of the treaty."
England and Napoleon in 1803.
(Edited for the R. Hist. S. by Oscar Browning, 1887.)
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages225-231.)
1801 AND 1802.
Events of 1801.