Chapter 19

THE END

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“Holds the attention because the information is at first-hand.”—Daily Telegraph.EMPRESSEUGÉNIE1870-1910; HER MAJESTY’S LIFE SINCE “THE TERRIBLE YEAR,” TOGETHER WITH THE STATEMENT OF HER CASE—THE EMPEROR’S OWN STORY OF SEDAN—AN ACCOUNT OF HIS EXILE AND LAST DAYS—AND REMINISCENCES OF THE PRINCE IMPERIAL. FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCESBy EDWARD LEGGEAuthor of “The Comedy and Tragedy of the Second Empire.”Demy 8vo. Illustrated. 2nd Impression.7s. 6d.net.“The Empress was regarded as the most beautiful woman in Europe. She had been raised from the position of a subject to the dizzy heights of an Imperial throne. She had made history, and was looked upon as the centre of political mystery, and by some as the prime cause of the Franco-Prussian War. She lives on still, a woman active in mind and body, who, in spite of her great age, has travelled within the last four years in France, Italy, Austria, Norway, Spain, and even as far as Ceylon. As it seems certain that we are never to have her own reminiscences, Mr. Legge has been diligent in collecting material, and has forestalled the unauthenticated biographies which will be poured out on the death of the Empress.”Daily Mail.“The author has done his work remarkably well, and his pages are marked by tact and discretion as well as by freshness, vigour and interest. The narrative, though not strictly speaking an authorized one, is based upon documents and first-hand information, and its tone, while thoroughly sympathetic, is refreshingly free from the defect of undue bias.”—Morning Post.“The author, besides his former connection with a great newspaper, has various qualifications, among others, an ever-present delicacy, that fit him for his undertaking.”—Chicago Post.HARPER & BROTHERS, 45, ALBEMARLE STREET, LONDON, W.

“Holds the attention because the information is at first-hand.”—Daily Telegraph.

EMPRESSEUGÉNIE

1870-1910; HER MAJESTY’S LIFE SINCE “THE TERRIBLE YEAR,” TOGETHER WITH THE STATEMENT OF HER CASE—THE EMPEROR’S OWN STORY OF SEDAN—AN ACCOUNT OF HIS EXILE AND LAST DAYS—AND REMINISCENCES OF THE PRINCE IMPERIAL. FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES

By EDWARD LEGGE

Author of “The Comedy and Tragedy of the Second Empire.”

Demy 8vo. Illustrated. 2nd Impression.7s. 6d.net.

“The Empress was regarded as the most beautiful woman in Europe. She had been raised from the position of a subject to the dizzy heights of an Imperial throne. She had made history, and was looked upon as the centre of political mystery, and by some as the prime cause of the Franco-Prussian War. She lives on still, a woman active in mind and body, who, in spite of her great age, has travelled within the last four years in France, Italy, Austria, Norway, Spain, and even as far as Ceylon. As it seems certain that we are never to have her own reminiscences, Mr. Legge has been diligent in collecting material, and has forestalled the unauthenticated biographies which will be poured out on the death of the Empress.”Daily Mail.“The author has done his work remarkably well, and his pages are marked by tact and discretion as well as by freshness, vigour and interest. The narrative, though not strictly speaking an authorized one, is based upon documents and first-hand information, and its tone, while thoroughly sympathetic, is refreshingly free from the defect of undue bias.”—Morning Post.“The author, besides his former connection with a great newspaper, has various qualifications, among others, an ever-present delicacy, that fit him for his undertaking.”—Chicago Post.

Daily Mail.

“The author has done his work remarkably well, and his pages are marked by tact and discretion as well as by freshness, vigour and interest. The narrative, though not strictly speaking an authorized one, is based upon documents and first-hand information, and its tone, while thoroughly sympathetic, is refreshingly free from the defect of undue bias.”—Morning Post.

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ISABELLA OF MILAN

By CHRISTOPHER HARE

Author of “The Most Illustrious Ladies of the Italian Renaissance,” “The Life of Louis XI.,” “A Queen of Queens and the making of Spain,” “Marguerite of Austria,” &c.

Demy 8vo., cloth extra, gilt tops,10s. 6d.Profusely Illustrated.

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QUEEN MARGOT

WIFE OF HENRY OF NAVARRE (HENRY IV. OF FRANCE)

By H. NOEL WILLIAMS

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FOOTNOTES:[1]This has been confirmed by M. Émile Ollivier in the “Revue des Deux Mondes” (1911).[2]“Quarterly Review,” April, 1910.[3]“Les Élégances du Second Empire.” Par Henri Bouchot. Paris: À la Librairie Illustrée. 1896.[4]“La Cour des Tuileries” (Conférence prononcée à la Société des Conférences le 17 janvier, 1910). Paris: “La Revue Hebdomadaire” (Plon), 1910. “Mes Souvenirs et Impressions.” Par le Marquis de Massa. Paris: Calmann-Lévy.[5]General Palat, author of “La Guerre de 1870-1871,” completed in October, 1910. In seventeen volumes. Paris and Nancy: Levrault et Cie.[6]Péladan, the “Figaro,” March 19, 1910.[7]Author of an article on French Children in “Blackwood’s Magazine,” December, 1871.[8]“Reminiscences of Carl Schurz.” London: John Murray. 1909.[9]“Etions-nous prêts?” Par Émile Ollivier. TomeXV. Paris: Garnier. 1911.[10]Paris: E. Dentu. 1868.[11]Paris: Victor Havard. 1894. London and New York: Harper and Brothers.[12]“L’Impératrice Eugénie.” Paris: Sociétés des Publications Littéraires Illustrées. 1909.[13]“Amours Tragiques de Napoléon III.” Paris: Albin Michel. 1910.[14]“The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.[15]Vide “The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.[16]“Contemporary France,” by Gabriel Hanotaux. London: Constable. 1907.[17]This lady was at Chislehurst when, in 1873, the Emperor passed away.[18]The Exhibition building was erected at the western end of the park, midway between Rotten Row and the Ladies’ Mile.[19]“She is a very beautiful woman, who will be well able to maintain her position, inasmuch as they say she is ‘made for the part.’”[20]Paris: Félix Juven.[21]The King himself is asserted to have declared that “not a drop of Bonaparte blood flowed in the boy’s veins.”[22]M. de La Guéronnière.[23]At the Bibliothèque Nationale there is an interpretation of the “Prédiction Miraculeuse du Grand Albert sur Louis Napoléon Bonaparte,” published two years before December 2, 1851 (the date of the coup d’état).[24]“Idées Napoléoniennes.”[25]The site of the Royal Societies Club, which (1911) numbers among its members a Bonaparte (Prince Roland).[26]The Prince is also said to have had lodgings at one time at Waterloo Place.[27]“Mémoires inédits sur Napoléon III.” Par le Baron d’Ambès; Recueillis et Annotés par Charles Simond et M. C. Poinsot. Paris: Société des Publications Littéraires Illustrées.[28]The nominal author of a remarkable pamphlet written at Wilhelmshöhe by Napoleon III.[29]This promise Conneau kept. He shared the Prince’s captivity at Ham, and heard the last words Spoken by Napoleon III. on January 9, 1873: “Etiez-vous à Sedan?”[30]The mother was Alexandrine Vergeot, a maker of sabots, who helped the prison-porter’s wife to keep the canteen tidy. She married Louis Napoleon’s foster-brother, and died poor at Paris in 1886.[31]King of Holland, 1806-1810.[32]This lady died in 1910.[33]“L’Impératrice Eugénie.” Paris: Société des Publications Littéraires Illustrées. 1909.[34]King of Westphalia, grandfather of Prince Victor and General Prince Louis Napoleon.[35]“Souvenirs de la Duchesse de Dino” (Chronique, tome iv.). Paris: Plon.[36]The ever-recurring infidelities of her consort prompted the long-suffering Empress to absent herself from France for a while, and to confide her troubles to Queen Victoria.[37]Mme. de Ferronays.[38]A prominent Minister of the period.[39]The Emperor’s description in the local records.[40]M. Pinard was a prominent Minister, who died in 1910.[41]Mme. De Arcos and her sister, Mrs. Vaughan, reside in London (1911). The first-named lady represented the Empress Eugénie at the funeral of Queen Victoria.[42]His son, the present Baron, one of the doughtiest of Bonapartists, after the war married the celebrated actress, Mme. Reichenberg, who assisted at a charitable fête in 1911.[43]A well-known artiste.[44]General Roguet, who was sitting outside, had been badly injured in the neck, and bled profusely.[45]Derived from “Amours tragiques de Napoléon III.,” by Gaston Stiegler. Dedicated to M. Adrien Hébrard, rédacteur-en-chief ofLe Temps.[46]For what is known as “the Orsini attempt” to murder the Emperor and Empress on January 14, 1858, Orsini and Pierri were executed. Gomez and Count Rudio were sent to the galleys for life, the latter having been reprieved at the last moment. Rudio escaped from his prison, and died in California in 1910, aged seventy-seven.[47]Then Prime Minister.[48]Palikao (Montauban) was War Minister, under the Empress’s Regency, at the downfall of the Empire.[49]The idea of Napoleon III. appears to have been to secure what he called “the American equilibrium” by founding in Mexico “a regenerating Empire.”[50]Prosper Mérimée.[51]“Amours Tragiques de Napoléon III.” Par Gaston Stiegler. Paris: Albin Michel.[52]Dr. Conneau was with the Emperor at Sedan, at Wilhelmshöhe, and at Chislehurst until the end came in January, 1873.[53]The Duchess of Sutherland.[54]There had been serious misunderstandings between the Emperor and Empress, and the latter came to London for a few days, staying at Claridge’s, en route to Scotland.[55]Napoleon III. made a somewhat similar present to the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII.).[56]“Reminiscences,” 3 vols., 1910. London: Unwin.[57]“Salathiel,” a romance, by George Croly, on the subject of the Wandering Jew.[58]Until the autumn of 1910 the Flora Pavilion remained undisturbed. Then some changes were made for Government purposes in the rez-de-chaussée and the two floors, the kitchens being left intact, just as they were prior to 1870.[59]Nothing remains of the cellars but the walls. All the furniture, fittings, and utensils of the Tuileries kitchens have been preserved intact, and this sous-sol of the Flora Pavilion is now one of the curiosities of the Louvre.[60]The late Lord Glenesk, in a conversation with Lady Dorothy Nevill shortly before his death.[61]Uncle of Mrs. Borthwick (Lady Glenesk).[62]“Partant pour la Syrie,” composed by Queen Hortense, became the French National Hymn under Napoleon III. It was founded upon the imaginary exploits of a soldier, Dunois, in Palestine, and, translated, was a very popular song in England in the fifties and sixties.[63]Bismarck had been recalled from St. Petersburg to replace Comte Albert de Pourtalès at Paris.[64]James de Chambrier.[65]The Comtesse Edmond de Pourtalès (who happily survives in 1911) had, it is true, courageously uttered no vague warnings; but they fell on heedless ears.[66]“Souvenirs et Impressions.” Paris: Calmann-Lévy.[67]Of the five ladies mentioned, two survive in 1911—Princesse de Metternich and Mme. E. de Pourtalès. Mme. Bartholoni died this year.[68]“L’Impératrice Eugénie.” Par Pierre de Lano. Paris: Victor-Havard.[69]M. Pierre de Lano.[70]The “star” of the Alcazar—the Yvette Guilbert of the Second Empire period.[71]The Empress.[72]She still (1911) resides at Vienna, and is one of the rapidly-vanishing participants in the splendours of the Second Empire.[73]This was a pardonable exaggeration. We know from the Princess’s own lips that her fan was too valuable to be destroyed in a moment of anger.[74]M. Chauchart died in 1910, leaving an enormous fortune and a marvellous collection of works of art.[75]“Entre l’Apogée et le Déclin,” par James de Chambrier. Paris: Fontremoing.[76]Ludovic de Grammont (sometimes spelt with one “m”), Duc de Caderousse, died in 1865.[77]The Irish Emma Crouch, whose father composed “Kathleen Mavourneen.”[78]Brother of Prince Anatole Demidoff, who married Princesse Mathilde, aunt of the Princes Victor and Louis Napoleon.[79]“Sornette.”[80]It was this old soldier whose support was so anxiously sought by Napoleon III. after Sedan.[81]Mme. (Edmond) de Pourtalès is (1911) the sole survivor of these four charmeuses.[82]The wealthy gentleman who adopted the Baron de Forest as his son.[83]One of the heroes of the historical cavalry charge at Sedan.[84]Daughter of Baron Lionel, sister of Lord Rothschild, and widow of Baron Alphonse. She died on January 6, 1911.[85]Needless to say, Sunday is the great race-day in Paris: the reason why “the Prince”—the King—of happy memory never witnessed the contest for the Grand Prix.[86]In other words, the question of protecting the Pope.[87]The Prince Imperial’s so-called “baptism of fire.”[88]Count Vimercati, one of the Emperor of Austria’s representatives.[89]M. Franceschini Pietri, the Emperor’s Secretary.[90]The day of her flight from the Tuileries.[91]Subsequently the late Baron de Hirsch purchased this hôtel, No. 1, Rue de l’Elysée, at the corner of the Avenue Gabriel.[92]After Sedan General Chazal conducted Napoleon III. from Belgium to Verviers (Prussia).[93]This officer is now an Admiral. He visited the Empress Eugénie at Cap Martin in February, 1911.[94]All these valuables were delivered to the Empress soon after her arrival in this country (September 8, 1870).[95]I am greatly indebted to MM. Plon-Nourrit, the eminent Paris publishers, for most kindly permitting me to print the Sovereigns’ war despatches and the summary of events in August, 1870. They are from the valuable work, “Le Maréchal Canrobert,” by the well-known writer, M. Germain Bapst, an admitted authority on the subject. Five volumes of this brilliant historical work have already appeared through MM. Plon-Nourrit et Cie., and M. Bapst is engaged upon the sixth volume, to be issued in 1912.[96]August, 1870.[97]H. Sutherland Edwards, Edward Legge, and Victor Silberer.[98]The narrative of General V. Pajol, aide-de-camp of Napoleon III. To the best of my belief it has not appeared in any French, and certainly not in any English, volume.[99]“La Débâcle.”[100]Revue des Deux Mondes.[101]This historical episode had an echo in 1888. The Colonel, then a member of the Reichstag, was unexpectedly sent for by Bismarck, who said: “The Press has been stating that I treated Napoleon with undue roughness upon the occasion of our meeting at Donchéry. You were the only eye-witness of the scene, so do you tell them the truth.”[102]This remarkable document appears textually only in “The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper & Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.[103]From the late Duc de Conegliano’s volume (1897), “La Maison de l’Empereur,” preface by Frédéric Masson. Paris: Calmann Lévy.[104]Statement by M. Pietri to “Le Matin” in 1910.[105]This pavilion was not destroyed by the Communards in 1871. It contains the kitchens of the Tuileries (videp. 108).[106]Mother of Napoleon I.[107]Of these four ladies, two survive in 1911—the Duchesse de Mouchy and the Comtesse E. de Pourtalès.[108]The letters are reproduced by arrangement with Herrn Paul Lindenberg.[109]The Emperor’s former Secretary, and later a Deputy.[110]“Les Forces Militaires de la France en 1870.”[111]Charles Thelin had been the Emperor’s valet at Ham, and was employed in a confidential capacity during the reign.[112]“Mémoires inédits sur Napoléon III.,” par le Baron d’Ambès. Recueillis et Annotés par Charles Simond et M. C. Poinsot. Paris: Société des Publications Littéraires Illustrées.[113]“Memoirs of General von Gerlach.” Published, in German only, in 1891.[114]“Men and Things of My Time,” by the Marquis de Castellane. London: Chatto and Windus. 1911.[115]Probably a reference to a public religious service in connection with the Crimean War.[116]“The Story of my Struggles,” by Arminius Vambéry.[117]In Roman history the period of the reigns of Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius was generally characterized by domestic tranquillity.[118]“The Development of Nations,” by J. H. Rose. London: Constable. 1905.[119]Napoleon III., January 3, 1870.[120]Editor of “Le Figaro.”[121]His Majesty’s own detailed statement of the causes which, in his opinion, led to the defeat of his army at Sedan appears textually in the volume, “The Empress Eugénie: 1870—1910” (and, I think, in no other work). London: Harper and Brothers; New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.[122]“La Captivité de Napoléon III. en Allemagne,” par le Général Comte C. de Monts, Gouverneur de Cassel. “Souvenirs traduits de l’Allemand,” par Paul Bruck Gilbert et Paul Lévy. Préface de Jules Claretie, de l’Académie Française. Paris, Pierre Lafitte et Cie. 1910.This positive statement of General von Monts is confirmed by M. Émile Ollivier (“Le Figaro,” October 22, 1910). The Marquis de Gricourt was a Chamberlain of Napoleon III. and also a Senator.[123]Through the Liberal Empire.[124]One of the cardinal points of the Emperor’s policy, foreshadowed by him when he was in London in 1839-40.[125]M. Ollivier’s critics condemn him for disregarding Marshal Niel’s earnest appeals to increase the military forces of the Empire, and so put the country in a proper state of defence. The annual contingent was, in fact, as the Emperor notes,reducedby 10,000 men![126]His Majesty ignores the fact that for at least two years there had been throughout the country a growing feeling of discontent, aroused, to a large extent, by M. Henri Rochefort’s denunciations (in the “Lanterne”) of the Emperor, the Empress, and the Court.[127]These extracts were doubtless translated by the Emperor himself, for not one of those who were with him at Wilhelmshöhe could speak a word or read a line of German! Napoleon III. had an almost better acquaintance with German than with French, and he spoke French as many Germans speak it, the result of his early education in Germany and Switzerland.[128]A Bonapartist intransigeant who greatly influenced the Empress.[129]Strictly speaking, it was exactly five weeks later.[130]July, 1870.[131]“Les Causes et les Responsabilités de la Guerre de 1870.” Par H. Welschinger. Paris: Plon. 1910.[132]To similar assertions the Empress Eugénie, in her Reply to her Accusers, gives an emphatic denial.[133]Part of the chorus of one of Nadaud’s popular songs.[134]Revue des Deux Mondes(January 1, 1911). “La Guerre de 1870: Notre Première Défaite.”[135]Ibid.[136]The Baron de Mackau (previously referred to in this chapter).[137]Known at the Foreign Offices, but unknown to the outside world, the Press included.[138]From the hitherto unpublished correspondence of Count Beust, Chancellor of Austria-Hungary, July, 1870.—“Deutsche Rundschau,” 1910.[139]London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.[140]“Peasants, you are being deceived.”[141]Communicated by the Vicomte de La Chapelle (1911). The Comte de La Chapelle’s dramatic description of the painful scene at Camden Place, Chislehurst, on the day of the Emperor’s death is given in the volume, “The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.[142]He had been convicted of treason in December, 1870, but the death-sentence was commuted to twenty years’ imprisonment. He escaped on August 9, 1874.[143]The Vicomte thus confirms the assertions on this point published in “The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.[144]Communicated by the Vicomte de La Chapelle (1911).[145]The loans for paying the war indemnity of five milliards (£200,000,000).[146]The Emperor.[147]The Emperor died on January 9.[148]The Comte de La Chapelle had supported Zola in the Press respecting one of the historical passages in “La Débâcle.”[149]See the facsimile on the previous page.[150]Colonel Stoffel’s Reports were published in 1871 under the title, “Rapports Militaires Ecrits de Berlin: 1866-1870.” Paris: Garnier.[151]The Colonel died in 1907, aged eighty-eight.[152]M. Émile Ollivier, writing in the “Revue des Deux Mondes” (December 1, 1910), proves that Lebœuf was absolutely accurate when, in July, 1870, he said emphatically, “Nous sommes prêts, archi-prêts” (We are ready—more than ready).[153]M. Pietri’s deeply-interesting and historically-important letters appeared in the influential and deservedly popular magazine, the “Revue de Paris,” on June 15 and July 1, 1911. I am greatly indebted to the Editor of the “Revue de Paris” for very kindly allowing me to print some extracts from these valuable documents, which are “revelations” in the best sense of the word.[154]General Trochu, the valiant soldier who deserted the Empress in her great extremity (September, 1870).[155]Prince Napoleon, father of the Bonapartist Pretender of to-day.[156]The needle-gun (Zundnadelgewehr), first used by the Prussians in warfare that year (1866) in the Austrian campaign.[157]Wife of the Minister of Marine in 1851, and again from March, 1859, until January, 1867.[158]Daughters of General Cousin-Montauban, Comte de Palikao.[159]Daughters of Admiral Bruat (who died at sea on returning from the Crimea to France).[160]The Imperial Hunt.[161]A devoted ally of the Empress Eugénie. He survives in 1911.[162]M. Pietri hints that the Prussian postal officials were “très indiscrets.”[163]“Who goes slowly, goes well. Who goes well, goes far.”[164]Literally, “drinkers of blood”; figuratively, “bloodthirsty.”[165]It may be safely assumed that these amounts came from the Emperor’s purse.[166]The Emperor.[167]The Bismarcks.[168]Bismarck.[169]The chassepot.[170]Divisional-General Frossard, aide-de-camp of the Emperor, member of the Committee of Fortifications. Governor and chief of the Military Household of the Prince Imperial from 1868.[171]The Belgian National Anthem.[172]It was pointed out to the Prince that “la République a bien du monde à caser; elle a fait beaucoup d’enfants qui veulent être nourris et pensionnés.”[173]By inadvertence the Princess was described in the “banns” as the “eldest,” instead of the “youngest,” daughter of the late King and Queen![174]Napoleon I. always objected to the use of the surname “Bonaparte”; consequently, the three stones (now to be seen at the Invalides) on his tomb at St. Helena bore, and bear, no inscription.[175]The Royal Basilica, near Turin.[176]This lady, one of Princesse Napoleon’s dames d’honneur, is a daughter of that Duc de Bassano who was the Grand Chamberlain of Napoleon III. He was at Chislehurst with the Imperial Family, and, later, was often to be seen at the Empress Eugénie’s residence, Farnborough Hill. The author has occasion to remember him with gratitude.[177]This was presented to Princesse Napoléon on April 6, 1911, by the Duchesse d’Albuféra, who was begged by the imperial couple to convey their grateful thanks to the dames Françaises for their superb gift.[178]This was nonsensical. Etiquette precludes the King’s guests from visiting the Pope.[179]The day following the Empress Eugénie’s flight from the Tuileries, and the same day on which Her Imperial Majesty actually left Paris for the coast.[180]It would be idle to suppress a fact which everybody knew, and knows, that the Prince had been a Freethinker all his life.[181]Princesse Clotilde died at Moncalieri on June 25, 1911.[182]In a letter to Théophile Gautier.[183]M. Gérard Harry, the celebrated Belgian publicist, author of a very pungent, detailed, and erudite criticism, in “La Grande Revue” (Paris), of the volume “The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers; New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.[184]M. Harry Gérard.[185]“The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers; New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. This volume contains the only “intimate” account of the Empress’s English home ever published.[186]Constructed and erected in 1910, a few months before the visit of Prince Napoléon and Princesse Clémentine to the Empress at Farnborough Hill.[187]“The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.[188]Paris: Ollendorff. 1911.[189]His official title was “Commissaire Spécial, attaché aux Souverains étrangers en France,” a post which he resigned nearly two years ago.[190]When this monstrous tale of an alleged liaison was widely published eight years later—in January, 1887—I denied it in thePall Mall Gazette, on the authority of Monsignor Goddard. In 1911 it was again revived.[191]June 7 and 8, 1911.[192]“The Empress Eugénie, 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers; New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.[193]November 2, 1910: St. Michael’s, Farnborough.[194]“In Memory of the Prince Imperial.” Sermon at St. Mary’s, Chislehurst, on Sunday, July 13, 1879, by Henry Edward, Cardinal Archbishop.

FOOTNOTES:

[1]This has been confirmed by M. Émile Ollivier in the “Revue des Deux Mondes” (1911).

[2]“Quarterly Review,” April, 1910.

[3]“Les Élégances du Second Empire.” Par Henri Bouchot. Paris: À la Librairie Illustrée. 1896.

[4]“La Cour des Tuileries” (Conférence prononcée à la Société des Conférences le 17 janvier, 1910). Paris: “La Revue Hebdomadaire” (Plon), 1910. “Mes Souvenirs et Impressions.” Par le Marquis de Massa. Paris: Calmann-Lévy.

[5]General Palat, author of “La Guerre de 1870-1871,” completed in October, 1910. In seventeen volumes. Paris and Nancy: Levrault et Cie.

[6]Péladan, the “Figaro,” March 19, 1910.

[7]Author of an article on French Children in “Blackwood’s Magazine,” December, 1871.

[8]“Reminiscences of Carl Schurz.” London: John Murray. 1909.

[9]“Etions-nous prêts?” Par Émile Ollivier. TomeXV. Paris: Garnier. 1911.

[10]Paris: E. Dentu. 1868.

[11]Paris: Victor Havard. 1894. London and New York: Harper and Brothers.

[12]“L’Impératrice Eugénie.” Paris: Sociétés des Publications Littéraires Illustrées. 1909.

[13]“Amours Tragiques de Napoléon III.” Paris: Albin Michel. 1910.

[14]“The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.

[15]Vide “The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.

[16]“Contemporary France,” by Gabriel Hanotaux. London: Constable. 1907.

[17]This lady was at Chislehurst when, in 1873, the Emperor passed away.

[18]The Exhibition building was erected at the western end of the park, midway between Rotten Row and the Ladies’ Mile.

[19]“She is a very beautiful woman, who will be well able to maintain her position, inasmuch as they say she is ‘made for the part.’”

[20]Paris: Félix Juven.

[21]The King himself is asserted to have declared that “not a drop of Bonaparte blood flowed in the boy’s veins.”

[22]M. de La Guéronnière.

[23]At the Bibliothèque Nationale there is an interpretation of the “Prédiction Miraculeuse du Grand Albert sur Louis Napoléon Bonaparte,” published two years before December 2, 1851 (the date of the coup d’état).

[24]“Idées Napoléoniennes.”

[25]The site of the Royal Societies Club, which (1911) numbers among its members a Bonaparte (Prince Roland).

[26]The Prince is also said to have had lodgings at one time at Waterloo Place.

[27]“Mémoires inédits sur Napoléon III.” Par le Baron d’Ambès; Recueillis et Annotés par Charles Simond et M. C. Poinsot. Paris: Société des Publications Littéraires Illustrées.

[28]The nominal author of a remarkable pamphlet written at Wilhelmshöhe by Napoleon III.

[29]This promise Conneau kept. He shared the Prince’s captivity at Ham, and heard the last words Spoken by Napoleon III. on January 9, 1873: “Etiez-vous à Sedan?”

[30]The mother was Alexandrine Vergeot, a maker of sabots, who helped the prison-porter’s wife to keep the canteen tidy. She married Louis Napoleon’s foster-brother, and died poor at Paris in 1886.

[31]King of Holland, 1806-1810.

[32]This lady died in 1910.

[33]“L’Impératrice Eugénie.” Paris: Société des Publications Littéraires Illustrées. 1909.

[34]King of Westphalia, grandfather of Prince Victor and General Prince Louis Napoleon.

[35]“Souvenirs de la Duchesse de Dino” (Chronique, tome iv.). Paris: Plon.

[36]The ever-recurring infidelities of her consort prompted the long-suffering Empress to absent herself from France for a while, and to confide her troubles to Queen Victoria.

[37]Mme. de Ferronays.

[38]A prominent Minister of the period.

[39]The Emperor’s description in the local records.

[40]M. Pinard was a prominent Minister, who died in 1910.

[41]Mme. De Arcos and her sister, Mrs. Vaughan, reside in London (1911). The first-named lady represented the Empress Eugénie at the funeral of Queen Victoria.

[42]His son, the present Baron, one of the doughtiest of Bonapartists, after the war married the celebrated actress, Mme. Reichenberg, who assisted at a charitable fête in 1911.

[43]A well-known artiste.

[44]General Roguet, who was sitting outside, had been badly injured in the neck, and bled profusely.

[45]Derived from “Amours tragiques de Napoléon III.,” by Gaston Stiegler. Dedicated to M. Adrien Hébrard, rédacteur-en-chief ofLe Temps.

[46]For what is known as “the Orsini attempt” to murder the Emperor and Empress on January 14, 1858, Orsini and Pierri were executed. Gomez and Count Rudio were sent to the galleys for life, the latter having been reprieved at the last moment. Rudio escaped from his prison, and died in California in 1910, aged seventy-seven.

[47]Then Prime Minister.

[48]Palikao (Montauban) was War Minister, under the Empress’s Regency, at the downfall of the Empire.

[49]The idea of Napoleon III. appears to have been to secure what he called “the American equilibrium” by founding in Mexico “a regenerating Empire.”

[50]Prosper Mérimée.

[51]“Amours Tragiques de Napoléon III.” Par Gaston Stiegler. Paris: Albin Michel.

[52]Dr. Conneau was with the Emperor at Sedan, at Wilhelmshöhe, and at Chislehurst until the end came in January, 1873.

[53]The Duchess of Sutherland.

[54]There had been serious misunderstandings between the Emperor and Empress, and the latter came to London for a few days, staying at Claridge’s, en route to Scotland.

[55]Napoleon III. made a somewhat similar present to the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII.).

[56]“Reminiscences,” 3 vols., 1910. London: Unwin.

[57]“Salathiel,” a romance, by George Croly, on the subject of the Wandering Jew.

[58]Until the autumn of 1910 the Flora Pavilion remained undisturbed. Then some changes were made for Government purposes in the rez-de-chaussée and the two floors, the kitchens being left intact, just as they were prior to 1870.

[59]Nothing remains of the cellars but the walls. All the furniture, fittings, and utensils of the Tuileries kitchens have been preserved intact, and this sous-sol of the Flora Pavilion is now one of the curiosities of the Louvre.

[60]The late Lord Glenesk, in a conversation with Lady Dorothy Nevill shortly before his death.

[61]Uncle of Mrs. Borthwick (Lady Glenesk).

[62]“Partant pour la Syrie,” composed by Queen Hortense, became the French National Hymn under Napoleon III. It was founded upon the imaginary exploits of a soldier, Dunois, in Palestine, and, translated, was a very popular song in England in the fifties and sixties.

[63]Bismarck had been recalled from St. Petersburg to replace Comte Albert de Pourtalès at Paris.

[64]James de Chambrier.

[65]The Comtesse Edmond de Pourtalès (who happily survives in 1911) had, it is true, courageously uttered no vague warnings; but they fell on heedless ears.

[66]“Souvenirs et Impressions.” Paris: Calmann-Lévy.

[67]Of the five ladies mentioned, two survive in 1911—Princesse de Metternich and Mme. E. de Pourtalès. Mme. Bartholoni died this year.

[68]“L’Impératrice Eugénie.” Par Pierre de Lano. Paris: Victor-Havard.

[69]M. Pierre de Lano.

[70]The “star” of the Alcazar—the Yvette Guilbert of the Second Empire period.

[71]The Empress.

[72]She still (1911) resides at Vienna, and is one of the rapidly-vanishing participants in the splendours of the Second Empire.

[73]This was a pardonable exaggeration. We know from the Princess’s own lips that her fan was too valuable to be destroyed in a moment of anger.

[74]M. Chauchart died in 1910, leaving an enormous fortune and a marvellous collection of works of art.

[75]“Entre l’Apogée et le Déclin,” par James de Chambrier. Paris: Fontremoing.

[76]Ludovic de Grammont (sometimes spelt with one “m”), Duc de Caderousse, died in 1865.

[77]The Irish Emma Crouch, whose father composed “Kathleen Mavourneen.”

[78]Brother of Prince Anatole Demidoff, who married Princesse Mathilde, aunt of the Princes Victor and Louis Napoleon.

[79]“Sornette.”

[80]It was this old soldier whose support was so anxiously sought by Napoleon III. after Sedan.

[81]Mme. (Edmond) de Pourtalès is (1911) the sole survivor of these four charmeuses.

[82]The wealthy gentleman who adopted the Baron de Forest as his son.

[83]One of the heroes of the historical cavalry charge at Sedan.

[84]Daughter of Baron Lionel, sister of Lord Rothschild, and widow of Baron Alphonse. She died on January 6, 1911.

[85]Needless to say, Sunday is the great race-day in Paris: the reason why “the Prince”—the King—of happy memory never witnessed the contest for the Grand Prix.

[86]In other words, the question of protecting the Pope.

[87]The Prince Imperial’s so-called “baptism of fire.”

[88]Count Vimercati, one of the Emperor of Austria’s representatives.

[89]M. Franceschini Pietri, the Emperor’s Secretary.

[90]The day of her flight from the Tuileries.

[91]Subsequently the late Baron de Hirsch purchased this hôtel, No. 1, Rue de l’Elysée, at the corner of the Avenue Gabriel.

[92]After Sedan General Chazal conducted Napoleon III. from Belgium to Verviers (Prussia).

[93]This officer is now an Admiral. He visited the Empress Eugénie at Cap Martin in February, 1911.

[94]All these valuables were delivered to the Empress soon after her arrival in this country (September 8, 1870).

[95]I am greatly indebted to MM. Plon-Nourrit, the eminent Paris publishers, for most kindly permitting me to print the Sovereigns’ war despatches and the summary of events in August, 1870. They are from the valuable work, “Le Maréchal Canrobert,” by the well-known writer, M. Germain Bapst, an admitted authority on the subject. Five volumes of this brilliant historical work have already appeared through MM. Plon-Nourrit et Cie., and M. Bapst is engaged upon the sixth volume, to be issued in 1912.

[96]August, 1870.

[97]H. Sutherland Edwards, Edward Legge, and Victor Silberer.

[98]The narrative of General V. Pajol, aide-de-camp of Napoleon III. To the best of my belief it has not appeared in any French, and certainly not in any English, volume.

[99]“La Débâcle.”

[100]Revue des Deux Mondes.

[101]This historical episode had an echo in 1888. The Colonel, then a member of the Reichstag, was unexpectedly sent for by Bismarck, who said: “The Press has been stating that I treated Napoleon with undue roughness upon the occasion of our meeting at Donchéry. You were the only eye-witness of the scene, so do you tell them the truth.”

[102]This remarkable document appears textually only in “The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper & Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.

[103]From the late Duc de Conegliano’s volume (1897), “La Maison de l’Empereur,” preface by Frédéric Masson. Paris: Calmann Lévy.

[104]Statement by M. Pietri to “Le Matin” in 1910.

[105]This pavilion was not destroyed by the Communards in 1871. It contains the kitchens of the Tuileries (videp. 108).

[106]Mother of Napoleon I.

[107]Of these four ladies, two survive in 1911—the Duchesse de Mouchy and the Comtesse E. de Pourtalès.

[108]The letters are reproduced by arrangement with Herrn Paul Lindenberg.

[109]The Emperor’s former Secretary, and later a Deputy.

[110]“Les Forces Militaires de la France en 1870.”

[111]Charles Thelin had been the Emperor’s valet at Ham, and was employed in a confidential capacity during the reign.

[112]“Mémoires inédits sur Napoléon III.,” par le Baron d’Ambès. Recueillis et Annotés par Charles Simond et M. C. Poinsot. Paris: Société des Publications Littéraires Illustrées.

[113]“Memoirs of General von Gerlach.” Published, in German only, in 1891.

[114]“Men and Things of My Time,” by the Marquis de Castellane. London: Chatto and Windus. 1911.

[115]Probably a reference to a public religious service in connection with the Crimean War.

[116]“The Story of my Struggles,” by Arminius Vambéry.

[117]In Roman history the period of the reigns of Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius was generally characterized by domestic tranquillity.

[118]“The Development of Nations,” by J. H. Rose. London: Constable. 1905.

[119]Napoleon III., January 3, 1870.

[120]Editor of “Le Figaro.”

[121]His Majesty’s own detailed statement of the causes which, in his opinion, led to the defeat of his army at Sedan appears textually in the volume, “The Empress Eugénie: 1870—1910” (and, I think, in no other work). London: Harper and Brothers; New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.

[122]“La Captivité de Napoléon III. en Allemagne,” par le Général Comte C. de Monts, Gouverneur de Cassel. “Souvenirs traduits de l’Allemand,” par Paul Bruck Gilbert et Paul Lévy. Préface de Jules Claretie, de l’Académie Française. Paris, Pierre Lafitte et Cie. 1910.This positive statement of General von Monts is confirmed by M. Émile Ollivier (“Le Figaro,” October 22, 1910). The Marquis de Gricourt was a Chamberlain of Napoleon III. and also a Senator.

This positive statement of General von Monts is confirmed by M. Émile Ollivier (“Le Figaro,” October 22, 1910). The Marquis de Gricourt was a Chamberlain of Napoleon III. and also a Senator.

[123]Through the Liberal Empire.

[124]One of the cardinal points of the Emperor’s policy, foreshadowed by him when he was in London in 1839-40.

[125]M. Ollivier’s critics condemn him for disregarding Marshal Niel’s earnest appeals to increase the military forces of the Empire, and so put the country in a proper state of defence. The annual contingent was, in fact, as the Emperor notes,reducedby 10,000 men!

[126]His Majesty ignores the fact that for at least two years there had been throughout the country a growing feeling of discontent, aroused, to a large extent, by M. Henri Rochefort’s denunciations (in the “Lanterne”) of the Emperor, the Empress, and the Court.

[127]These extracts were doubtless translated by the Emperor himself, for not one of those who were with him at Wilhelmshöhe could speak a word or read a line of German! Napoleon III. had an almost better acquaintance with German than with French, and he spoke French as many Germans speak it, the result of his early education in Germany and Switzerland.

[128]A Bonapartist intransigeant who greatly influenced the Empress.

[129]Strictly speaking, it was exactly five weeks later.

[130]July, 1870.

[131]“Les Causes et les Responsabilités de la Guerre de 1870.” Par H. Welschinger. Paris: Plon. 1910.

[132]To similar assertions the Empress Eugénie, in her Reply to her Accusers, gives an emphatic denial.

[133]Part of the chorus of one of Nadaud’s popular songs.

[134]Revue des Deux Mondes(January 1, 1911). “La Guerre de 1870: Notre Première Défaite.”

[135]Ibid.

[136]The Baron de Mackau (previously referred to in this chapter).

[137]Known at the Foreign Offices, but unknown to the outside world, the Press included.

[138]From the hitherto unpublished correspondence of Count Beust, Chancellor of Austria-Hungary, July, 1870.—“Deutsche Rundschau,” 1910.

[139]London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.

[140]“Peasants, you are being deceived.”

[141]Communicated by the Vicomte de La Chapelle (1911). The Comte de La Chapelle’s dramatic description of the painful scene at Camden Place, Chislehurst, on the day of the Emperor’s death is given in the volume, “The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.

[142]He had been convicted of treason in December, 1870, but the death-sentence was commuted to twenty years’ imprisonment. He escaped on August 9, 1874.

[143]The Vicomte thus confirms the assertions on this point published in “The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.

[144]Communicated by the Vicomte de La Chapelle (1911).

[145]The loans for paying the war indemnity of five milliards (£200,000,000).

[146]The Emperor.

[147]The Emperor died on January 9.

[148]The Comte de La Chapelle had supported Zola in the Press respecting one of the historical passages in “La Débâcle.”

[149]See the facsimile on the previous page.

[150]Colonel Stoffel’s Reports were published in 1871 under the title, “Rapports Militaires Ecrits de Berlin: 1866-1870.” Paris: Garnier.

[151]The Colonel died in 1907, aged eighty-eight.

[152]M. Émile Ollivier, writing in the “Revue des Deux Mondes” (December 1, 1910), proves that Lebœuf was absolutely accurate when, in July, 1870, he said emphatically, “Nous sommes prêts, archi-prêts” (We are ready—more than ready).

[153]M. Pietri’s deeply-interesting and historically-important letters appeared in the influential and deservedly popular magazine, the “Revue de Paris,” on June 15 and July 1, 1911. I am greatly indebted to the Editor of the “Revue de Paris” for very kindly allowing me to print some extracts from these valuable documents, which are “revelations” in the best sense of the word.

[154]General Trochu, the valiant soldier who deserted the Empress in her great extremity (September, 1870).

[155]Prince Napoleon, father of the Bonapartist Pretender of to-day.

[156]The needle-gun (Zundnadelgewehr), first used by the Prussians in warfare that year (1866) in the Austrian campaign.

[157]Wife of the Minister of Marine in 1851, and again from March, 1859, until January, 1867.

[158]Daughters of General Cousin-Montauban, Comte de Palikao.

[159]Daughters of Admiral Bruat (who died at sea on returning from the Crimea to France).

[160]The Imperial Hunt.

[161]A devoted ally of the Empress Eugénie. He survives in 1911.

[162]M. Pietri hints that the Prussian postal officials were “très indiscrets.”

[163]“Who goes slowly, goes well. Who goes well, goes far.”

[164]Literally, “drinkers of blood”; figuratively, “bloodthirsty.”

[165]It may be safely assumed that these amounts came from the Emperor’s purse.

[166]The Emperor.

[167]The Bismarcks.

[168]Bismarck.

[169]The chassepot.

[170]Divisional-General Frossard, aide-de-camp of the Emperor, member of the Committee of Fortifications. Governor and chief of the Military Household of the Prince Imperial from 1868.

[171]The Belgian National Anthem.

[172]It was pointed out to the Prince that “la République a bien du monde à caser; elle a fait beaucoup d’enfants qui veulent être nourris et pensionnés.”

[173]By inadvertence the Princess was described in the “banns” as the “eldest,” instead of the “youngest,” daughter of the late King and Queen!

[174]Napoleon I. always objected to the use of the surname “Bonaparte”; consequently, the three stones (now to be seen at the Invalides) on his tomb at St. Helena bore, and bear, no inscription.

[175]The Royal Basilica, near Turin.

[176]This lady, one of Princesse Napoleon’s dames d’honneur, is a daughter of that Duc de Bassano who was the Grand Chamberlain of Napoleon III. He was at Chislehurst with the Imperial Family, and, later, was often to be seen at the Empress Eugénie’s residence, Farnborough Hill. The author has occasion to remember him with gratitude.

[177]This was presented to Princesse Napoléon on April 6, 1911, by the Duchesse d’Albuféra, who was begged by the imperial couple to convey their grateful thanks to the dames Françaises for their superb gift.

[178]This was nonsensical. Etiquette precludes the King’s guests from visiting the Pope.

[179]The day following the Empress Eugénie’s flight from the Tuileries, and the same day on which Her Imperial Majesty actually left Paris for the coast.

[180]It would be idle to suppress a fact which everybody knew, and knows, that the Prince had been a Freethinker all his life.

[181]Princesse Clotilde died at Moncalieri on June 25, 1911.

[182]In a letter to Théophile Gautier.

[183]M. Gérard Harry, the celebrated Belgian publicist, author of a very pungent, detailed, and erudite criticism, in “La Grande Revue” (Paris), of the volume “The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers; New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.

[184]M. Harry Gérard.

[185]“The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers; New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. This volume contains the only “intimate” account of the Empress’s English home ever published.

[186]Constructed and erected in 1910, a few months before the visit of Prince Napoléon and Princesse Clémentine to the Empress at Farnborough Hill.

[187]“The Empress Eugénie: 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.

[188]Paris: Ollendorff. 1911.

[189]His official title was “Commissaire Spécial, attaché aux Souverains étrangers en France,” a post which he resigned nearly two years ago.

[190]When this monstrous tale of an alleged liaison was widely published eight years later—in January, 1887—I denied it in thePall Mall Gazette, on the authority of Monsignor Goddard. In 1911 it was again revived.

[191]June 7 and 8, 1911.

[192]“The Empress Eugénie, 1870-1910.” London: Harper and Brothers; New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1910.

[193]November 2, 1910: St. Michael’s, Farnborough.

[194]“In Memory of the Prince Imperial.” Sermon at St. Mary’s, Chislehurst, on Sunday, July 13, 1879, by Henry Edward, Cardinal Archbishop.

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