January 1st.—Legislative Union of Great Britain and Ireland.January 3rd.—French under Brune occupy Verona, andJanuary 8th.—Vicenza.January 11th.—Cross the Brenta.January 16th.—-Armistice at Treviso between Brune and the Austrian General Bellegarde.February 9th.—Treaty of Luneville, by which the Thalweg of the Rhine became the boundary of Germany and France.March 8th.—English land at Aboukir.March 21st.—Battle of Alexandria (Canopus). Menou defeated by Abercromby, with loss of 2000.March 24th.—The Czar Paul is assassinated.March 28th.—Treaty of Peace between France and Naples, who cedes Elba and Piombino.April 2nd.—Nelson bombards Copenhagen.May 23rd.—General Baird lands at Kosseir on the Red Sea with 1000 English and 10,000 Sepoys.June 7th.—French evacuate Cairo.July 1st.—Toussaint-Louverture elected Life-Governor of St. Domingo. Slavery abolished there. The new ruler declares, "I am the Bonaparte of St. Domingo, and the Colony cannot exist without me;" and heads his letters to the First Consul, "From the First of the Blacks to the First of the Whites."July 15th.—Concordat between Bonaparte and the Pope, signed at Paris by Bonaparte, ratified by the Pope (August 15th).August 4th.—Nelson attacks Boulogne flotilla and is repulsed.August 15th.—Attacks again, and suffers severely.August 31st.—Menou capitulates to Hutchinson at Alexandria.September 29th.—Treaty of Peace between France and Portugal; boundaries of French Guiana extended to the Amazon.October 1st.—Treaty between France and Spain, who restores Louisiana. Preliminaries of Peace between France and England signed in London.October 8th.—Treaty of Peace between France and Russia.October 9th.—And between France and Turkey.December 14th.—Expedition sent out to St. Domingo by the French under General Leclerc.
January 1st.—Legislative Union of Great Britain and Ireland.
January 3rd.—French under Brune occupy Verona, and
January 8th.—Vicenza.
January 11th.—Cross the Brenta.
January 16th.—-Armistice at Treviso between Brune and the Austrian General Bellegarde.
February 9th.—Treaty of Luneville, by which the Thalweg of the Rhine became the boundary of Germany and France.
March 8th.—English land at Aboukir.
March 21st.—Battle of Alexandria (Canopus). Menou defeated by Abercromby, with loss of 2000.
March 24th.—The Czar Paul is assassinated.
March 28th.—Treaty of Peace between France and Naples, who cedes Elba and Piombino.
April 2nd.—Nelson bombards Copenhagen.
May 23rd.—General Baird lands at Kosseir on the Red Sea with 1000 English and 10,000 Sepoys.
June 7th.—French evacuate Cairo.
July 1st.—Toussaint-Louverture elected Life-Governor of St. Domingo. Slavery abolished there. The new ruler declares, "I am the Bonaparte of St. Domingo, and the Colony cannot exist without me;" and heads his letters to the First Consul, "From the First of the Blacks to the First of the Whites."
July 15th.—Concordat between Bonaparte and the Pope, signed at Paris by Bonaparte, ratified by the Pope (August 15th).
August 4th.—Nelson attacks Boulogne flotilla and is repulsed.
August 15th.—Attacks again, and suffers severely.
August 31st.—Menou capitulates to Hutchinson at Alexandria.
September 29th.—Treaty of Peace between France and Portugal; boundaries of French Guiana extended to the Amazon.
October 1st.—Treaty between France and Spain, who restores Louisiana. Preliminaries of Peace between France and England signed in London.
October 8th.—Treaty of Peace between France and Russia.
October 9th.—And between France and Turkey.
December 14th.—Expedition sent out to St. Domingo by the French under General Leclerc.
No. 1.
To Josephine, at Plombières.
Paris the "27" ..., 1801.
The weather is so bad here that I have remained in Paris. Malmaison, without you, is too dreary. The fête has been a great success; it has rather tired me. The blister they have put on my arm gives me constant pain.
Some plants have come for you from London, which I have sent to your gardener. If the weather is as bad at Plombières as it is here, you will suffer severely from floods.
Best love to "Maman" and Hortense.
Bonaparte.
Events of 1802.
January 4th.—Louis Bonaparte marries Hortense Beauharnais, both unwilling.January 9th.—The First Consul, with Josephine, leaves for Lyons, where,January 25th.—He remodels the Cisalpine Republic as the Italian Republic, under his Presidency.March 25th.—Treaty of Amiens signed in London. French lose only Ceylon and Trinidad. Malta to be restored to the Order of Knights, reconstituted.May 7th.—Toussaint surrenders to Leclerc.May 19th.—Institution of the Legion of Honour.
January 4th.—Louis Bonaparte marries Hortense Beauharnais, both unwilling.
January 9th.—The First Consul, with Josephine, leaves for Lyons, where,
January 25th.—He remodels the Cisalpine Republic as the Italian Republic, under his Presidency.
March 25th.—Treaty of Amiens signed in London. French lose only Ceylon and Trinidad. Malta to be restored to the Order of Knights, reconstituted.
May 7th.—Toussaint surrenders to Leclerc.
May 19th.—Institution of the Legion of Honour.
No. 2.
To Josephine, at Plombières.
Malmaison, June 19, 1802.
I have as yet received no news from you, but I think you must already have begun to take the waters. It is rather dull for us here, although your charming daughter does the honours of the house to perfection. For the last two days I have suffered slightly from my complaint. The fat Eugène arrived yesterday evening; he is very hale and hearty.
I love you as I did the first hour, because you are kind and sweet beyond compare.
Hortense told me that she was often writing you.
Best wishes, and a love-kiss.—Yours ever,
Bonaparte.
No. 3.
To Josephine, at Plombières.
Malmaison, June 23, 1802.
My Good Little Josephine,—Your letter has come. I am sorry to see you have been poorly on the journey, but a few days' rest will put you right. I am very fairly well. Yesterday I was at the Marly hunt, and one of my fingers was very slightly injured whilst shooting a boar.
Hortense is usually in good health. Your fat son has been rather unwell, but is getting better. I think the ladies are playing "The Barber of Seville" to-night. The weather is perfect.
Rest assured that my truest wishes are ever for my little Josephine.—Yours ever,
Bonaparte.
No. 4.
To Josephine, at Plombières.
Malmaison, June 27, 1802.
Your letter, dear little wife, has apprised me that you are out of sorts. Corvisart tells me that it is a good sign that the baths are having the desired effect, and that your health will soon be re-established. But I am most truly grieved to know that you are in pain.
Yesterday I went to see the Sèvres manufactory at St. Cloud.
Best wishes to all.—Yours for life,
Bonaparte.
June 29th.—Pope withdraws excommunication from Talleyrand.No. 5.
June 29th.—Pope withdraws excommunication from Talleyrand.
No. 5.
To Josephine, at Plombières.
Malmaison, July 1, 1802.
Your letter of June 29th has arrived. You say nothing of your health nor of the effect of the baths. I see that you expect to be home in a week; that is good news for your lover, who is tired of being alone!
You ought to have seen General Ney, who started for Plombières; he will be married on his return.
Yesterday Hortense played Rosina in "The Barber of Seville" with her usual skill.
Rest assured of my love, and that I await your return impatiently. Without you everything here is dreary.
Bonaparte.
August 2nd.—Napoleon Bonaparte made First Consul for life."The conduct and the language of Bonaparte represents at once Augustus, Mahomet, Louis XI., Masaniello" (Montgaillard,an avowed enemy).September 22nd.—Opening of the Ourcq Waterworks for the supply of Paris.September 25th.—Mass celebrated at St. Cloud for the first time. In this month Napoleon annexes Piedmont, and the next sends Ney to occupy Switzerland.October 11th.—Birth of Napoleon Charles, son of Louis Bonaparte and Hortense.October 29th.—Napoleon and Josephine visit Normandy, and, contrary to expectation, receive ovations everywhere. They return to Paris, November 14th.
August 2nd.—Napoleon Bonaparte made First Consul for life."The conduct and the language of Bonaparte represents at once Augustus, Mahomet, Louis XI., Masaniello" (Montgaillard,an avowed enemy).
September 22nd.—Opening of the Ourcq Waterworks for the supply of Paris.
September 25th.—Mass celebrated at St. Cloud for the first time. In this month Napoleon annexes Piedmont, and the next sends Ney to occupy Switzerland.
October 11th.—Birth of Napoleon Charles, son of Louis Bonaparte and Hortense.
October 29th.—Napoleon and Josephine visit Normandy, and, contrary to expectation, receive ovations everywhere. They return to Paris, November 14th.
Events of 1803.
February 19th.—New constitution imposed by France on Switzerland.April 14th.—Bank of France reorganised by Bonaparte; it alone allowed to issue notes.April 27th.—Death of Toussaint-Louverture at Besançon.April 30th.—France sells Louisiana to U.S. for £4,000,000 (15 million dollars).May 22nd.—France declares war against England, chiefly respecting Malta. England having seized all French ships in British harbours previous to war being declared, Napoleon seizes all British tourists in France.May 31st.—His soldiers occupy Electorate of Hanover.June 14th.—He visits North of France and Belgium, accompanied by Josephine, and returns to Paris August 12th.September 27th.—Press censorship established in France.November 30th.—French evacuate St. Domingo.
February 19th.—New constitution imposed by France on Switzerland.
April 14th.—Bank of France reorganised by Bonaparte; it alone allowed to issue notes.
April 27th.—Death of Toussaint-Louverture at Besançon.
April 30th.—France sells Louisiana to U.S. for £4,000,000 (15 million dollars).
May 22nd.—France declares war against England, chiefly respecting Malta. England having seized all French ships in British harbours previous to war being declared, Napoleon seizes all British tourists in France.
May 31st.—His soldiers occupy Electorate of Hanover.
June 14th.—He visits North of France and Belgium, accompanied by Josephine, and returns to Paris August 12th.
September 27th.—Press censorship established in France.
November 30th.—French evacuate St. Domingo.
1804
"Everywhere the king of the earth found once more, to put a bridle on his pride,the inevitable lords of the sea."—Bignon, v. 130.
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages232-237.)
Events of 1804.
February 15th.—The conspiracy of Pichegru. Moreau arrested, Pichegru (February 28th), and Georges Cadoudal (March 9th).March 21st.—Duc D'Enghien shot at Vincennes.April 6th.—Suicide of Pichegru.April 30th.—Proposal to make Bonaparte Emperor.May 4th.—Tribune adopts the proposal.May 18th.—The First Consul becomes the Emperor Napoleon.May 19th.—Napoleon confers the dignity of Marshal of the Empire on Berthier, Murat, Moncey, Jourdan, Massena, Augereau, Bernadotte, Soult, Brune, Lannes, Mortier, Ney, Davoust, Bessières, Kellermann, Lefebvre, Perignon, Serrurier.July 14th.—Inauguration of the Legion of Honour.
February 15th.—The conspiracy of Pichegru. Moreau arrested, Pichegru (February 28th), and Georges Cadoudal (March 9th).
March 21st.—Duc D'Enghien shot at Vincennes.
April 6th.—Suicide of Pichegru.
April 30th.—Proposal to make Bonaparte Emperor.
May 4th.—Tribune adopts the proposal.
May 18th.—The First Consul becomes the Emperor Napoleon.
May 19th.—Napoleon confers the dignity of Marshal of the Empire on Berthier, Murat, Moncey, Jourdan, Massena, Augereau, Bernadotte, Soult, Brune, Lannes, Mortier, Ney, Davoust, Bessières, Kellermann, Lefebvre, Perignon, Serrurier.
July 14th.—Inauguration of the Legion of Honour.
No. 1.
To the Empress Josephine.
Pont-de-Bricques, July 21, 1804.
Madame and dear Wife,—During the four days that I have been away from you I have always been either on horseback or in a conveyance, without any ill effect on my health.
M. Maret tells me that you intend starting on Monday; travelling by easy stages, you can take your time and reach the Spa without tiring yourself.
The wind having considerably freshened last night, one ofour gunboats, which was in the harbour, broke loose and ran on the rocks about a league from Boulogne. I believed all lost—men and merchandise; but we managed to save both. The spectacle was grand: the shore sheeted in fire from the alarm guns, the sea raging and bellowing, the whole night spent in anxiety to save these unfortunates or to see them perish! My soul hovered between eternity, the ocean, and the night. At 5A.M.all was calm, everything saved; and I went to bed with the feeling of having had a romantic and epic dream—a circumstance which might have reminded me that I was all alone, had weariness and soaked garments left me any other need but that of sleep.
Napoleon.
[Correspondence of Napoleon I., No. 7861, communicated by M. Chambry.]
No. 2.
To the Empress, at Aix-la-Chapelle.
Boulogne, August 3, 1804.
My Dear,—I trust soon to learn that the waters have done you much good. I am sorry to hear of all the vexations you have undergone. Please write me often. My health is very good, although I am rather tired. I shall be at Dunkirk in a very few days, and shall write you from there.
Eugène has started for Blois.
Je te couvre de baisers.
Napoleon.
No. 3.
To the Empress, at Aix-la-Chapelle.
Calais, August 6, 1804.
My Dear,—I arrived at Calais at midnight; I expect to start to-night for Dunkirk. I am in very fair health, and satisfiedwith what I see. I trust that the waters are doing you as much good as exercise, camp, and seascape are doing me.
Eugène has set off for Blois. Hortense is well. Louis is at Plombières.
I am longing to see you. You are always necessary to my happiness. My very best love.
Napoleon.
No. 4.
To the Empress, at Aix-la-Chapelle.
Ostend, August 14, 1804.
My Dear,—I have had no letter from you for several days; yet I should be more comfortable if I knew that the waters were efficacious, and how you spend your time. During the past week I have been at Ostend. The day after to-morrow I shall be at Boulogne for a somewhat special fête. Advise me by the courier what you intend to do, and how soon you expect to end your baths.
I am very well satisfied with the army and the flotillas. Eugène is still at Blois. I hear no more of Hortense than if she were on the Congo. I am writing to scold her.
My best love to all.
Napoleon.
No. 5.
To the Empress, at Aix-la-Chapelle.
Arras, Wednesday, August 29, 1804.
Madame and dear Wife,—I have just reached Arras. I shall stay there to-morrow. I shall be at Mons on Friday, and on Sunday at Aix-la-Chapelle. I am as well satisfied with my journey as with the army. I think I shall pass through Brussels without stopping there; thence I shall go to Maestricht. I amrather impatient to see you. I am glad to hear you have tried the waters; they cannot fail to do you good. My health is excellent. Eugène is well, and is with me.
Very kindest regards to every one.
Bonaparte.
[Translated from a Letter in the Collection of Baron Heath, Philobiblon Society, vol. xiv.]
[Translated from a Letter in the Collection of Baron Heath, Philobiblon Society, vol. xiv.]
October 2nd.—Sir Sydney Smith attacks flotilla at Boulogne unsuccessfully.
October 2nd.—Sir Sydney Smith attacks flotilla at Boulogne unsuccessfully.
No. 6.
To Josephine, at St. Cloud.
Trèves, October 6, 1804.
My Dear,—I arrive at Trèves the same moment that you arrive at St. Cloud. I am in good health. Do not grant an audience to T——, and refuse to see him. Receive B—— only in general company, and do not give him a private interview. Make promises to sign marriage contracts only after I have signed them.—Yours ever,
Napoleon.
December 1st.—Plebiscite confirms election of Napoleon as Emperor, by 3,500,000 votes to 2000.December 2nd.—Napoleon crowns himself Emperor, and Josephine Empress, in the presence and with the benediction of the Pope.General Events.—October 8th.—The negro Dessalines crowned Emperor of St. Domingo, under title of James I.December 12th.—Spain declares war against England.
December 1st.—Plebiscite confirms election of Napoleon as Emperor, by 3,500,000 votes to 2000.
December 2nd.—Napoleon crowns himself Emperor, and Josephine Empress, in the presence and with the benediction of the Pope.
General Events.—October 8th.—The negro Dessalines crowned Emperor of St. Domingo, under title of James I.
December 12th.—Spain declares war against England.
CAMPAIGN OF AUSTERLITZ, 1805.
"To convey an idea of the brilliant campaign of 1805 ... I should, like the almanack-makers, be obliged to note down a victory for every day."—Bourrienne, vol. ii. 323."Si jamais correspondence de mari à femme a été intime et fréquente, si jamais continuité et permanence de tendresse a été marquée, c'est bien dans ces lettres écrites, chaque jour presque, par Napoléon à sa femme durant la campagne de l'an XIV."—F. Masson,Joséphine, Impératrice et Reine, 1899, p. 427.
"To convey an idea of the brilliant campaign of 1805 ... I should, like the almanack-makers, be obliged to note down a victory for every day."—Bourrienne, vol. ii. 323.
"Si jamais correspondence de mari à femme a été intime et fréquente, si jamais continuité et permanence de tendresse a été marquée, c'est bien dans ces lettres écrites, chaque jour presque, par Napoléon à sa femme durant la campagne de l'an XIV."—F. Masson,Joséphine, Impératrice et Reine, 1899, p. 427.
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages237-243.)
Events of 1805.
March 13th.—Napoleon proclaimed King of Italy.May 26th.—Crowned at Milan.June 8th.—Prince Eugène named Viceroy of Italy.June 23rd.—Lucca made a principality, and given to Elisa Bonaparte.July 22nd.—Naval battle between Villeneuve and Sir Robert Calder, which saves England from invasion.August 16th.—Napoleon breaks up camp of Boulogne.September 8th.—Third Continental Coalition (Russia, Austria, and England against France). Austrians cross the Inn, and invade Bavaria.September 21st.—Treaty of Paris between France and Naples, which engages to take no part in the war.September 23rd.—Moniteurannounces invasion of Bavaria by Austria.September 24th.—Napoleon leaves Paris.September 27th.—Joins at Strasburg his Grand Army(160,000 strong).October 1st.—Arrives at Ettlingen.October 2nd.—Arrives at Louisbourg. Hostilities commence.
March 13th.—Napoleon proclaimed King of Italy.
May 26th.—Crowned at Milan.
June 8th.—Prince Eugène named Viceroy of Italy.
June 23rd.—Lucca made a principality, and given to Elisa Bonaparte.
July 22nd.—Naval battle between Villeneuve and Sir Robert Calder, which saves England from invasion.
August 16th.—Napoleon breaks up camp of Boulogne.
September 8th.—Third Continental Coalition (Russia, Austria, and England against France). Austrians cross the Inn, and invade Bavaria.
September 21st.—Treaty of Paris between France and Naples, which engages to take no part in the war.
September 23rd.—Moniteurannounces invasion of Bavaria by Austria.
September 24th.—Napoleon leaves Paris.
September 27th.—Joins at Strasburg his Grand Army(160,000 strong).
October 1st.—Arrives at Ettlingen.
October 2nd.—Arrives at Louisbourg. Hostilities commence.
No. 1.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
Imperial Headquarters, Ettlingen,October 2, 1805, 10A.M.
I am well, and still here. I am starting for Stuttgard, where I shall be to-night. Great operations are now in progress. The armies of Wurtemberg and Baden have joined mine. I am well placed for the campaign, and I love you.
Napoleon.
No. 2.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
Louisbourg, October 4, 1805, Noon.
I am at Louisbourg. I start to-night. There is as yet nothing new. My whole army is on the march. The weather is splendid. My junction with the Bavarians is effected. I am well. I trust in a few days to have something interesting to communicate.
Keep well, and believe in my entire affection. There is a brilliant Court here, a new bride who is very beautiful, and upon the whole some very pleasant people, even our Electress, who appears extremely kind, although the daughter of the King of England.
Napoleon.
No. 3.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
Louisbourg, October 5, 1805.
I continue my march immediately. You will, my dear, be five or six days without hearing from me; don't be uneasy, it is connected with operations now taking place. All goes well, and just as I could wish.
I have assisted at a marriage between the son of the Elector and a niece of the King of Prussia. I wish to give the young princess a wedding present to cost 36,000 to 40,000 francs. Please attend to this, and send it to the bride by one of my chamberlains, when they shall come to rejoin me. This matter must be attended to immediately.
Adieu, dear, I love you and embrace you.
Napoleon.
October 6th-7th.—French cross the Danube and turn Mack's army.October 8th.—Battle of Wertingen. (Murat defeats the Austrians.)October 9th.—Battle of Gunzburg. (Ney defeats Mack.)
October 6th-7th.—French cross the Danube and turn Mack's army.
October 8th.—Battle of Wertingen. (Murat defeats the Austrians.)
October 9th.—Battle of Gunzburg. (Ney defeats Mack.)
No. 4.
October 10th.—French enter Augsbourg.
October 10th.—French enter Augsbourg.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
Augsbourg, Thursday, October 10, 1805, 11A.M.
I slept last night[18]with the former Elector of Trèves, who is very well lodged. For the past week I have been hurrying forward. The campaign has been successful enough so far. I am very well, although it rains almost every day. Events crowd on us rapidly. I have sent to France 4000 prisoners, 8 flags, and have 14 of the enemy's cannon.
Adieu, dear, I embrace you.
Napoleon.
October 11th.—Battle of Hasslach. Dupont holds his own against much superior forces.
October 11th.—Battle of Hasslach. Dupont holds his own against much superior forces.
No. 5.
October 12th.—French enter Munich.
October 12th.—French enter Munich.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
October 12, 1805, 11P.M.
My army has entered Munich. On one side the enemy is beyond the Inn; I hold the other army, 60,000 strong, blocked on the Iller, between Ulm and Memmingen. The enemy is beaten, has lost its head, and everything points to a most glorious campaign, the shortest and most brilliant which has been made. In an hour I start for Burgau-sur-l'Iller.
I am well, but the weather is frightful. It rains so much that I change my clothes twice a day.
I love and embrace you.
Napoleon.
October 14th.—Capture of Memmingen and 4OOO Austrians by Soult.October 15th.—Battle of Elchingen. Ney defeats Laudon.October 17th.—Capitulation of Ulm.
October 14th.—Capture of Memmingen and 4OOO Austrians by Soult.
October 15th.—Battle of Elchingen. Ney defeats Laudon.
October 17th.—Capitulation of Ulm.
No. 6.
October 19th.—Werneck and 8000 men surrender to Murat.
October 19th.—Werneck and 8000 men surrender to Murat.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
Abbaye d'Elchingen, October 19, 1805.
My dear Josephine,—I have tired myself more than I ought. Soaked garments and cold feet every day for a week have made me rather ill, but I have spent the whole of to-day indoors, which has rested me.
My design has been accomplished; I have destroyed the Austrian army by marches alone; I have made 60,000 prisoners, taken 120 pieces of cannon, more than 90 flags, and more than 30 generals. I am about to fling myself on the Russians; they are lost men. I am satisfied with my army. I have only lost 1500 men, of whom two-thirds are but slightly wounded.
Prince Charles is on his way to cover Vienna. I think Massena should be already at Vicenza.
The moment I can give my thoughts to Italy, I will make Eugène win a battle.
Very best wishes to Hortense.
Adieu, my Josephine; kindest regards to every one.
Napoleon.
October 20th.—Mack and his army defile before Napoleon.
October 20th.—Mack and his army defile before Napoleon.
No. 7.
October 21st.—Battle of Trafalgar; Franco-Spanish fleet destroyed after a five hours' fight. "The result of the battle of Trafalgar compensates, for England, the results of the operations of Ulm. It has been justly observed that this power alone, of all those who fought France from 1793 to 1812, never experienced a check in her political or military combinations without seeing herself compensated forthwith by a signal success in some other part of the world" (Montgaillard).
October 21st.—Battle of Trafalgar; Franco-Spanish fleet destroyed after a five hours' fight. "The result of the battle of Trafalgar compensates, for England, the results of the operations of Ulm. It has been justly observed that this power alone, of all those who fought France from 1793 to 1812, never experienced a check in her political or military combinations without seeing herself compensated forthwith by a signal success in some other part of the world" (Montgaillard).
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Elchingen, October 21, 1805, Noon.
I am fairly well, my dear. I start at once for Augsbourg. I have made 33,000 men lay down their arms, I have from 60,000 to 70,000 prisoners, more than 90 flags, and 200 pieces of cannon. Never has there been such a catastrophe in military annals!
Take care of yourself. I am rather jaded. The weather has been fine for the last three days. The first column of prisoners files off for France to-day. Each column consists of 6000 men.
Napoleon.
No. 8.
October 25th.—The Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia swear, at the tomb of the Great Frederick, to make implacable war on France (Convention signed November 3rd).
October 25th.—The Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia swear, at the tomb of the Great Frederick, to make implacable war on France (Convention signed November 3rd).
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Augsburg, October 25, 1805.
The two past nights have thoroughly rested me, and I am going to start to-morrow for Munich. I am sending word to M. de Talleyrand and M. Maret to be near at hand. I shall see something of them, and I am going to advance upon the Inn in order to attack Austria in the heart of her hereditary states. I should much have liked to see you; but do not reckon upon my sending for you, unless there should be an armistice or winter quarters.
Adieu, dear; a thousand kisses. Give my compliments to the ladies.
Napoleon.
No. 9.
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Munich, Sunday, October 27, 1805.
I received your letter per Lemarois. I was grieved to see how needlessly you have made yourself unhappy. I have heardparticulars which have proved how much you love me, but you should have more fortitude and confidence. Besides, I had advised you that I should be six days without writing you.
To-morrow I expect the Elector. At noon I start to support my advance on the Inn. My health is fair. You need not think of crossing the Rhine for two or three weeks. You must be cheerful, amuse yourself, and hope that before the end of the month[19]we shall meet.
I am advancing against the Russian army. In a few days I shall have crossed the Inn.
Adieu, my dear; kindest regards to Hortense, Eugène, and the two Napoleons.
Keep back the wedding present a little longer.
Yesterday I gave a concert to the ladies of this court. The precentor is a superior man.
I took part in the Elector's pheasant-shoot; you see by that that I am not so tired. M. de Talleyrand has come.
Napoleon.
October 28th.—Grand Army cross the Inn. Lannes occupies Braunau.October 28th to October 29th-30th.—Battle of Caldiero.—Massena with 55,000 men attacks Archduke Charles entrenched with 70,000; after two days' fight French repulsed at this place, previously disastrous to their arms.
October 28th.—Grand Army cross the Inn. Lannes occupies Braunau.
October 28th to October 29th-30th.—Battle of Caldiero.—Massena with 55,000 men attacks Archduke Charles entrenched with 70,000; after two days' fight French repulsed at this place, previously disastrous to their arms.
No. 10.
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Haag, November 3, 1805, 10P.M.
I am in full march; the weather is very cold, the earth covered with a foot of snow. This is rather trying. Luckily there is no want of wood; here we are always in forests. I amfairly well. My campaign proceeds satisfactorily; my enemies must have more anxieties than I.
I wish to hear from you and to learn that you are not worrying yourself.
Adieu, dear; I am going to lie down.
Napoleon.
November 4th.—Combat of Amstetten. Lannes and Murat drive back the Russians. Davoust occupies Steyer. Army of Italy takes Vicenza.
November 4th.—Combat of Amstetten. Lannes and Murat drive back the Russians. Davoust occupies Steyer. Army of Italy takes Vicenza.
No. 11.
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Tuesday, November 5, 1805.
I am at Lintz. The weather is fine. We are within seventy miles of Vienna. The Russians do not stand; they are in full retreat. The house of Austria is at its wit's end, and in Vienna they are removing all the court belongings. It is probable that something new will occur within five or six days. I much desire to see you again. My health is good.
I embrace you.
Napoleon.
November 7th.—Ney occupies Innsbruck.November 9th.—Davoust defeats Meerfeldt at Marienzell.November 10th.—Marmont arrives at Leoben.November 11th.—-Battle of Diernstein; Mortier overwhelmed by Russians, but saved by Dupont.November 13th.—Vienna entered and bridge over the Danube seized. Massena crosses the Tagliamento.November 14th.—Ney enters Trent.
November 7th.—Ney occupies Innsbruck.
November 9th.—Davoust defeats Meerfeldt at Marienzell.
November 10th.—Marmont arrives at Leoben.
November 11th.—-Battle of Diernstein; Mortier overwhelmed by Russians, but saved by Dupont.
November 13th.—Vienna entered and bridge over the Danube seized. Massena crosses the Tagliamento.
November 14th.—Ney enters Trent.
No. 12.
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
November 15, 1805, 9P.M.
I have been at Vienna two days, my dear, rather fagged. I have not yet seen the city by day; I have traversed it by night.To-morrow I receive the notables and public bodies. Nearly all my troops are beyond the Danube, in pursuit of the Russians.
Adieu, Josephine; as soon as it is possible I will send for you. My very best love.
Napoleon.
No. 13.
November 16th.—Jellachich surrenders to Augereau at Feldkirch with 7000 men.
November 16th.—Jellachich surrenders to Augereau at Feldkirch with 7000 men.
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Vienna, November 16, 1805.
I am writing to M. d'Harville, so that you can set out and make your way to Baden, thence to Stuttgard, and from there to Munich. At Stuttgard you will give the wedding present to the Princess Paul. If it costs fifteen to twenty thousand francs, that will suffice; the rest will do for giving presents at Munich to the daughters of the Electress of Bavaria. All that Madame de Serent[20]has advised you is definitely arranged. Take with you the wherewithal to make presents to the ladies and officers who will wait upon you. Be civil, but receive full homage; they owe everything to you, and you owe nothing save civility. The Electress of Wurtemberg is daughter of the King of England. She is an excellent woman; you should be very kind to her, but yet without affectation.
I shall be very glad to see you, the moment circumstances permit me. I start to join my vanguard. The weather is frightful; it snows heavily. Otherwise my affairs go excellently.
Adieu, my dear.
Napoleon.