Recollections of the private life of Napoleon

Table Of Contents

VOLUME m.

CHAPTEK I.

Journey through Flanders and Holland. — M. Marchand, son of a nurse of the King of Kome. — O'Meara. — This journey of their Majesties to Holland not generally known. — Correction of Contemporary Memoirs. — My duty. — A little incident at Montreuil. — Napoleon crosses the stream in water up to his knees. — The joiner. — The mill-pond drawn off. — The wounded of Eatishon. — Boulogne. — The English frigate. — The conscript's wife. — Napoleon crosses the Swine in a fisherman's boat. — The two fishers. — Act of kindness. — Marie Louise at the Brussels Theater. — Persons composing the suite on this journey. — Preparations in Holland. — Improvised stables at Amsterdam. — M. Emery quartermaster of the palace. — The mayor of the city of Breda. — Kefutation of a falsehood. — Their Majesties at Brussels. — Marie Louise buys lace to the value of one hundred and fifty thousand francs. — Confiscated merchandise. — Anecdote. — The court engages in smuggling. — I am accused of being a smuggler. — I defend myself against the charge. — Napoleon investigating details better suited to the duties of a femme de chambre.

Chapter II

Marie Louise. —Description of her. — As she appeared in public and in private. —Her relations towards the ladies of her court. —Her character.

— Her sensitiveness. — Her education. — She detested idleness. — Her information on public matters. — The Emperor complains of her coolness towards the ladies of the court. — Compared with Josephine. — Marie Louise's benevolence. —Amount devoted monthly to the poor. — Napoleon touched by her benevolence. —A day spent by Marie Louise. —Her first breakfast. — Her morning toilet. — Her visits to Madame de Montebello.

— She plays billiards. — Her horseback rides. —Her fondness for pastry.

— Her relations towards the persons of the household. — The portrait of the Duchess de Montebello removed from the apartments of the Empress when the Emperor was at the chateau. — Portrait of the Emperor Francis. —The King of Bome. — His character. — His goodness. — Mademoiselle Fanny Soufflot. — The little king. — Albert Froment. — Quarrel between the little king and Albert Froment. — The woman in mourning with the little boy. — Anecdote. — Docility of the King of Rome. — His fits of anger. — Anecdote. — The Emperor and his son. — Grimaces before the glass. — The three-cornered hat. — The Emperor plays with the little king on the lawn at Trianon. — The little king in the council chamber. — The little king and the hussar. — A king should 7iot be afraid. — Singular caprice of the King of Rome .... Pages 41-50.

Chapter III

The Abbe Geoffroy receives a flogging. — The Emperor's remarks on the subject. — M. Corvisart. — His candor. — He requires that his directions shall be obeyed. — The Emperor much attached to him. — M. Corvisart at the chase when the Emperor is taken with violent colic. — "What results from this. — M. Corvisart's credit with the Emperor. — He speaks warmly in favor of M. de Bourriemie. — His Majesty's reply. — Cardinal Fesch. — His volubility. — An expression of the Emperor. — Orders given by his Majesty on his departure for Russia. — The Count de Lavalette. — The diamonds. — Josephine summons mo to Malmaison. — She recommends to me the greatest care of the Emperor. — She makes me promise to write her. — Gives me her picture. — Reflections on the departure of the grand army. — What is my mission. — The deserter. — He is brought before the Emperor. — His name and character. — Russian discipline. — Disturbance in Moscow. — Barclay. — Kutuzofl. — The merchant class. — Kutuzoff generalissimo. — His portrait. —What becomes of the deserter.

— The Emperor makes his entrance into a Russian village escorted by two Cossacks. — The Cossacks after alighting from their horses. — They drink brandy like water. — Murat. — With one sweep of his sword he repulses a horde of Cossacks. — The magicians. — Platoff. — He has a magician flogged. —Laxity of tlie police in the French bivouacs. — The Emperor's discontent. — His threats. — Excursion of his Majesty before the battle of the Moslcwa. — Encouragement to agriculture. — The Emperor ascends the heights of Borodino. — The rain. — Vexation of the Emperor. — General Caulaiucourt. — The Emperor's words. — He hardly takes time to dress. — Order of the day. — The sun of Austerlitz. — The picture of the King of Rome is brought to the Emperor. — He shows it to the officers and soldiers of the old guard. — The Emperor ill. — Death of Count Augusts de Caulaincourt. — He had left his young wife a few hours after their marriage. — "What the Emperor says of generals who have died in the army. — His tears on learning of the death of Lannes. — His Majesty's remarks on General Ordener. — The Emperor goes over the battlefield of the Moskwa. — His grief on hearing the cries of the wounded. — An anecdote. — Exclamations of the Emperor during the night following the battle Pages 51-68.

CHAPTEE IV.

Itinerary from France to Russia. — Magnificence of the court at Dresden. — The Emperor's conversation with Berthier. — "War made on England alone. — General rumor of the restoration of Poland. — Private questions of the Emperor. — Passage of the Niemen. — AiTival and sojourn at "Wilna. — Enthusiasm of the Poles. — Singular coincidence of dates. — Polish deputation. — The Emperor's reply to the deputies. — Engagements made with Austria. — Hopes frustrated. — M. de Balachoff at "Wilna ; hopes of peace. — The Emperor first sets foot on Russian territory. — Continued retreat of the Russians. — Frightful storm. — Great desire for a battle. — The camp at Drissa abandoned. — Departure of Alexander and Constantino. — Privations of the army and first discouragements. — Peace expected as the result of a battle. — Contempt for his enemies affected by the Emperor. — Government established at "Wilna. — The Russian army again retreats. — Speech of the Emperor to the King of Naples. — Plan announced but not executed. — The campaign for three years, and a prompt march forward. — The intense heat exhausts the Emperor. — Audiences en dishabille. — Suspense unendurable to the Emperor. — Useless opposition of the Duke of Vicenza, the Count of Lobau, and the grand marshal. — Departure from "Witepskand arrival at Smolensk. — Remarkable buildings. — The banks of the Moskwa.

Chapter V

The day after the battle of la Moskwa. — Appearance of the battlefield. — Moscow ! Moscow! — False alarm. — Saxons returning from a raid. — The sentinel on the cry of alarm. — Let them come, we will he ready for them. — The glass of Chambertiu wine. —The Duke of Dantzic. —

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Entrance into Moscow. —Silent march of the army. —The Muscovite heggars. — Reflection. —The lights are extinguished at the windows.— Lodging of the Emperor at the entrance of a faubourg. — Vermin. — Vinegar and aloes wood. — Two o'clock in the morning. — Fire breaks out in the city. —The Emperor's anger. —He threatens Marshal Mortier and the young guard.— The Kremlin. — Apartment occupied by his Majesty. — The cross of the great Ivan.— Description of the Kremlin.— The Emperor cannot sleep even a few hours. —Fire in the neighborhood of the Kremlin. — The conflagration. —The sparks.— The park of artillery under the Emperor's windows. — The Russians who keep up the fire. — Impassibility of the Emperor. —He goes out of the Kremlin.— The north staircase. —The horses rear. — The Emperor's coat and hair burned. — The postern opening on the Moskwa. — An offer is made to the Emperor by his escort to cover him with cloaks and carry him in their arms through the midst of the flames; he refuses. —The Emperor and the Prince of Eckmuhl. — Boats laden with grain are burned in the Moskwa. —Shells placed in the ovens of the houses.— Incendiary women.

— The gallows.— The populace kissing the feet of the executed. — Anecdote. —The sheepskin. — The grenadiers. — The palace of Petrovskoi. — A man concealed in the room which the Emperor was expected to occupy. — The Kremlin preserved. — The orders given to Marshal Mortier.

— The bivouac at the gates of Moscow. — Cashmeres, furs, and pieces of bleeding horseflesh. — The inhabitants in the cellars, and in the midst of the ruins. — Return to the Kremlin. — Despondent words of the Emperor. — The buzzards of Moscow. — Concerts at the Kremlin. — The preceptors of the Russian noblemen. — They are charged with maintaining order. — Alexander reproaches Rostopchin .... Pages 80-92.

Chapter VI

The Muscovites asking alms. — The Emperor has food and money given them. — A day at the Kremlin. — The Emperor employs his time in municipal organization. — A theater opened near the Kremlin. — The Italian singer. — Retreat is discussed. — His Majesty prolongs his meals more than usual. — Regulations as to French comedy. — Engagement between Murat and Kutuzow. — The churches of the Kremlin stripped of their ornaments. — The reviews. — The Kremlin is blown up. — The Emperor takes the road to Smolensk. — Flocks of buzzards. — The wounded of Oupinskoe. — Each carriage in the suit carries one. — Injustice of accusations of cruelty against the Emperor. — Explosion of caissons. — Headc[uarters. — Cossacks. — The Emperor is informed of the conspiracy of Malet. — General Savary. — Arrival at Smolensk. — The Emperor and the commissary-general of the grand army. — The Emperor releases the Prince of Eckmuhl. — Let us guard the safety of the Empire. — ladef atigable activity of the Emperor. — The stragglers. — The corps of Marshal Davoust. — His rage when he finds it dying of hunger. — Marshal Ney is found. — Speech of Napoleon. — Prince Eugene weeps for joy. — Marshal Lefehvre Pages 93-107.

Chapter VII

Crossing the Beresina. — The deliberations. — The eagles burnt. — The Russians have only the ashes. — The Emperor lends his own horses to draw the pieces of artillery. — The officers become simple cannoneers. — Generals Grouchy and Sebastiani. — Loud cries near Borissov. — Marshal Victor. — The two army corps. — The confusion. — Voracity of the soldiers of the retreating army. — An officer deprives himself of his uniform in order to give it to a poor soldier. — General anxiety. — The bridge. — Credulity of the army. — Gloomy conjectures. — Courage of the pontoon corps. — Floating ice. — The Emperor in a poor hut. — His deep grief. — He sheds bitter tears. — His Majesty is advised to think of saving his own person. — The enemy abandons his position. — The Emperor transported with joy. — The rafts. — M. Jacqueminot. — Count Predziecski. — The horses' breasts cut by floating ice. — The Emperor puts his hand to the wheel. — General Partonneaux. — The bridge breaks. — The cannon passes over thousands of prostrate corpses. — Horses killed with the bayonet. — Horrible scene. — "Women holding their children above the water. — Striking instances of devotion. — The little orphan. — Officers harnessed to sleds. — The bridge is burned. — The cabin in which the Emperor sleeps. — The Russian prisoners. — They all perish with fatigue and hunger. — Arrival at Malodeczno. — Confidential conversation between the Emperor and M. de Caulaincourt. — Twenty-ninth bulletin. — The Emperor and Marshal Davoust. — The Emperor's intention of leaving known to the army. — His agitation on coming out from the council.

— The Emperor speaks to me of his plan. — Will not permit me to go on the box of his carriage. — Impressions made on the army by the news of his departure. — Birds frozen by the cold. — The sleep which brings death. — The powder from the cartridge-boxes used to salt pieces of roasted horse. — Young Lapouriel. — Arrival at "Wilna. — The Prince of Aremberg half dead with the cold. — The carriages burned. — The alarm.

— The treasure-chest of the army is pillaged Pages 108-124.

Chapter VIII

The Emperor is badly lodged during the whole campaign. — Huts infested with vermin. — Manner in which the apartments of the Emperor were arranged. — Hall of council. — Proclamation of the Emperor. — Inhabitants of Russian huts. — How the Emperor was lodged when houses could not be obtained. — The tent. — Marshal Berthier. — A temporary coolness between the Emperor and him. — M. Colin, controller of the kitchen. — Roustan. — Sleeples.sness of the Emperor. — His care of his hands. — He was easily affected by the cold. — Demolition of a chapel at Witepsk. — Discontent of the inhabitants. — Singular spectacle. — The Soldiers of the guard mingling with the bathers. — Review of the grena^ diers. — Installation of General Friant. — The Emperor gives him the accolade. — Mistake of those who think the suite of the Emperor fared better than the rest of the army. — Generals eating ammunition-bread. — Community of suffering between the generals and soldiers. — The marauders. — Beds of straw. — M. de Eeausset. — Anecdote. — A night with the persons of the Emperor's suite. — Cloth bags for beds. — The Emperor's solicitude concerning the persons of his suite. — Vermin. — We assign our mattresses to the wounded Pages 125-133.

Chapter IX

Publication of the twenty-ninth bulletin at Paris. — The Emperor arrives after an interval of two days. — Marie Louise and the iirst defeat. — Josephine and success. — The two Empresses. — Resources of France. — Influence of the Emperor's presence. — First defection, and fear of imitators. — My departure from Smorghoni. — The king of Naples in command of the army. — Route followed by the Emperor. — Hope of the Polish population. — Confidence inspired by the Emperor. — My arrival at the Tuileries. — I am summoned to his Majesty in my traveling clothes. — Very kind welcome. — A word of the Emperor to Marie Louise, and coolness of the Empress. — Kindness of Queen Hortense. — The Emperor's questions, and veracious replies. — I resume the duties of my service. — Flattering addresses. — The Emperor more occupied with Malet's enterprise than the disasters of Moscow. — Great number of persons in mourning. — The Emperor and Empress at the opera. — Quarrel between Talma and Geoffrey. — The Emperor does injustice to Talma. — No presents for persons attached to the Emperor's service. — The Emperor interested in my toilet. — Presents conveyed and gratuitous services. — Eighteen hundred francs income reduced to seventeen hundred. — The Emperor goes out in Paris. — Monuments visited with out escort with Marshal Duroc. — Passion for building. — Unusual frequency of hunting-parties. — Political motives and the English journals .... Pages 13^-142.

Chapter X

The chase and breakfast at Grosbois. — The Empress and her ladies. — An unexpected journey. — The road to Fontainebleau. — Hunting-costumes, and mortification of the ladies. — Precautions taken concerning the

Empress. — The pretended and the real object of the journey. — Concordat ■with the Pope. — Disgraceful calumnies on the Emperor. — Preparatoiy steps and the Bishop of Nantes. — False statements refuted. — The Emperor's first visit to the Pope. — The truth as to their relations. — Distribution of pardons and favors. — The cardinals. — The Pope repents signing the Concordat. — Account given by the Emperor to Marshal Kellerman. — His elevated thoughts on ancient and modern Borne. — State of the pontificate in his Majesty's opinion. — Return to Paris. — Accouterments and offers of armed cavalry. — The Emperor's plans for making Paris the most beautiful city in the world. — The Emperor's conversation with M. Fontaine in regard to the buildings of Paris. — Plan of a residence for the minister of the kingdom of Italy. — Memorandum by the Emperor as to the palace of the King of Rome. — Incredible details which the Emperor considers. — The ^fclysee not liked by the Emperor, and the Tuileries deemed barely inhabitable. — More interested than ever in building. — The King of Rome at the review on the Champ de Mars. — Enthusiasm of the people and the soldiers. — The Emperor deeply gratified. — New inquiries about Rome addressed to M. Fontaine. — My salary doubled on the day of review to date from the end of the year Pages 143-15S.

Chapter XI

Murat leaves the army to return to Naples. — Eugene commanding in the Emperor's name. — Headquarters at Posen. — The remains of the army.

— The tidings become more and more disquieting. — Resolution to depart. — Rumors circulated in advance. — The Empress regent. — The Empress takes the oath. — We leave for the army. — Rapid march to Erfurt. — Visit to the Duchess of Weimar. — The Emperor gratified by his reception. — The Emperor's household in the campaign of 1813.

— The little town of Eckhartsberg transformed into headquarters. — The Emperor in the midst of an unexpected tumult. — Arrival at Lutzen, and battle gained next day. — Death of the Duke of Istria. — Monument erected to the duke by the King of Saxony. — Handsome conduct of the young conscripts. — Opinion of Ney in regard to them.

— The Prussians commanded by their king in person. — The Emperor in the midst of the flre. — His Majesty enters Dresden the same day the Emperor Alexander leaves that city. —A deputation and the Emperor's reply. — An explosion, and the Emperor slightly wounded. — Mission of General Plahaut to the King of Saxony. — A long conference between the King of Saxony and the Emperor. — Complaints of the Emperor against his father-in-law. — Congratulations of the Emperor of Austria after the victory. — M. de Bubna at Dresden. — The Emperor takes no repose. — Faculty of sleeping in any place and at all hours. —

Battle of Bautzen. — Admirable display of sympathy by the Saxon population. — An animated discussion between the Emperor and Baron Larrej'. — Conscripts wounded by carelessness. — The Emperor's injustice admitted by himself Pages 156-169.

Chapter XII

Death of Marshal Duroc. — Grief of the Emperor and general consternation in the army. — Particulars of this fatal event. — Impatience of the Emperor on being unable to overtake the rear guard of the Eussians. — Two or three cannon-balls dig up the ground at the Emperor's feet. — A number of the guard killed near his Majesty. — Announcement of the death of General Bruyeres. — Duroc near the Emperor. — A tree struck by a shell. — The Duke of Plaisance announces, weeping, the death of the grand marshal. — Death of General Kirgener. — Assiduous but useless attentions. — The marshal still breathing. — The Emperor's adieux to his friend. — Indescribable consternation. — The Emperor motionless and abstracted. — To-morrow everything. — The Russians completely routed. — Death of the grand marshal. — Funeral inscription dictated by the Emperor. — Land bought and agreement violated. — Our entrance into Silesia. — Perfect self-possession of the Emperor. — His Majesty directs the troops himself. — The march on Breslau. — The Emperor on a pillaged farm. — Afire destroys forty baggage- wagons. — A fictitious anecdote denied. — The Emperor neglects nothing. —Entrance into Breslau. —A prediction almost fulfilled. — Armistice of the 4th of June. — Stay at Gorlitz.— Losses generously repaid. —Return to Dresden. — Rumors dissipated by the Emperor's presence. — The Marcolini palace.— The Emperor living as he did at Schoenbrunn. — The French comedy ordered to Dresden. — The composition of the troupe. — Theater of the Orangery and comedy. — Tragedy at Dresden. —Employment of the Emperor's days. — Distractions and Mademoiselle Georges. — Talma and Mademoiselle Mars breakfasting with the Emperor. — Happy repartee and the Emperor's politeness. —Abundance diffused through Dresden by the presence of his Majesty. — Camps around the town.— The Emperor's fete advanced five days. —The soldiers at the Te Deum . Pages 170-184.

Chapter XIII

Desire for peace. — The honor of our arms restored. — Difficulties raised by the Emperor Alexander. — Mediation of Austria. — Time lost. — Departure from Dresden. — Fine appearance of the French army. — England the soul of the coalition. — The stipulations of Lune'ville. — The nation in arms in Prussia. — Retrospection. — Incidents of the stay at Dresden. — The Duke of Otranto with the Emperor. —Unfounded suspicions. — EeooUections of the Malet conspiracy. — Fouohe governor-general of lUyria. — The Emperor's high opinion of the talents of the Dulie of Otranto. — Devotion of the Duke of Kovigo. — Arrival of the King of Naples. — Evident coolness of the Emperor. — Dresden fortified and extent of the fortifications. — The maps and rehearsal of battles. — Oux journey to Mayence.— Death of the Duke of Abrantes. — The Emperor's regrets. — Short interview Tvith the Empress. — The Emperor three days in his cabinet. — Expiration of the armistice. — The fete of Saint-Napoleon advanced five days. — The French comedy and play gratis at Dresden. — The day of dinners. — Fete at the residence of General Durosnel. — Baptiste junior and my Lord Bristol. — The French infantry divided into fourteen corps. — Six grand divisions of cavalry. — The guard of honor. — Composition and strength of the hostile armies. — Two foreigners against one Frenchman. — The Emperor's mistaken feeling of security in regard to Austria. — Declaration of war. — The count of Narbonne Pages 185-194.

Chapter XIV

The Emperor marching to conquer a peace. — The day following the departure, and the field of battle at Bautzen. — Murat at the head of the Imperial Guard, and refuses royal honors. — The Emperor at Gorlitz. — Interview with the Duke of Vicenza. — The gage of peace or war. — Bliicher in Silesia. — Violation of the armistice by Bliicher. — General Jomini at the headquarters of the Emperor Alexander. — Anecdote of the Duke of Vicenza. — First news of the presence of Moreau. — General Jomini is presented to Moreau. — Mutual coldness and the Emperor's opinion. — The Emperor's prediction concerning deserters. — The two traitors. — Changes in the plans of the Emperor. — Movements at headquarters. — Murat's mission to Dresden. — The Emperor's instructions to General Gourgaud. — Dresden threatened, and consternation of the inhabitants. — General Gourgand's report, — Eesolve to defend Dresden.— General Haxo sent to General Vandamme. — Orders carefully given: — The Emperor on the bridge at Dresden. —The city reassured by his presence.— Fine appearance of the cuirassiers of Latour-Maubourg. — A great battle. —The Emperor more exposed than he had ever been.— The Emperor wet to the skin. — I find great difficulty in undressing him. — The only attack of fever his Majesty had during the time I knew him. — The day after the victory. — The Emperor's escort as brilliant as at the Tuileries. —Grenadiers spend the night in cleaning their arms. — News from Paris. — Letters personal to me. — Lawsuit between Michel and Reynier. — The Empress leaves for Cherbourg. — The Emperor's attentions to the Empress. — Efforts to make her popular. — Newspapers substituted for the bulletins. —Reading the daily papers . Pages 19.5-205.

Chapter XV

Prodigies of valor performed by the King of Naples. —His striking appearance on the battlefield. — The effect produced by his presence. — Description of the king. —His horse. — The Emperor praises the King of Naples. Increasing prudence of certain generals. — The Emperor on the battlefield of Dresden. — Humanity towards the wounded, and aid given the poor peasants. — An important personage wounded on the enemy's staff.

Details given the Emperor by a peasant. — The Prince of Schwarzen-

berg thought to be dead.— His Majesty's words. —Fatalism and recollections of the ball at Paris. —The Emperor mistaken. — Inscription on the collar of a dog sent to the Prince of Neuchatel. — / belong to General Moreau. — Death of Moreau. — Particulars of bis last moments as given by his valet de chambre. — The bullet found. — liesolution taken to march on Berlin. — Fatal news of the catastrophe of General Vandamme.— Noble words of the Emperor. — Painful resignation of his Majesty.— Final departure for Dresden. — Marshal Sain1>Cyr. — The King of Saxony and his family accompany the Emperor. — Exhortation to the Saxon troops. — Enthusiasm and treachery. — The Cliateau at Diiben. The Emperor's plans known to the army. — The times much changed. — Dissatisfaction of the generals openly expressed. — Defection of the Bavarians. — Increased discouragement. — Sadness of the stay at Diiben. — Two days of solitude and indecision. — Apathetic idleness of the Emperor. — The Emperor yielding to the generals. — Departure for Leipzig.

— General joy of the staff. — Marshal Augereau alone of the Emperor's opinion. — The Emperor's hopes deceived. — Resolution of the allies not to fight unless the Emperor is absent. — Short stay at Leipzig. — Proclamation of the Prince Royal of Sweden to the Saxons. — M. Moldrecht and the Emperor's clemency. — M. Leborgne d'Ideville. — Leipzig the center of the war. — Three of the enemy to one Frenchman. — Two hundred thousand discharges of cannon in five days. — Ammunition exhausted. — The retreat ordered. — The Emperor and Prince Poniatowski. — Indignation of the King of Saxony against his troops, and consolation given by the Emperor. — His Majesty in imminent danger. — Last and touching adieux of the two sovereigns . . . Pages 206-221.

Chapter XVI

A suggestion to bum the city rejected by the Emperor. — His desire to save Leipzig. — The King of Saxony released from his oath of fidelity. — The exit from Leipzig closed to the Emperor. — His Majesty recrosses the city. — Noble behavior of the Duke of Ragusa and Marshal Ney. — Horrible scene on the streets of Leipzig. — The bridge at the mill of Lindenau. — Vivid recollections. — Orders given by the Emperor in person.

— His Majesty sleeping amidst the noise of combat. — The King of

Naples and Marshal Augereau at the Imperial bivouac. —The hridge cleared. — The Emperor's orders badly executed and his consequent indignation. — Absurdity of certain false rumors. — Unparalleled misfortunes. — Marshal Macdonald crosses the Elster by swimming. — Death of General Dumortier and a large number of brave soldiers. — Death of Prince Poniatowski. — Deep grief of the Emperor and universal regrets. — Particulars of this catastrophe. — The body of the prince recovered by a shepherd. — Two days at Erfurt. —The adieux of the King of Naples and the Emperor. — The King of Saxony treated as a prisoner, and the Emperor's indignation. — A brilliant affair at Hanau. — Arrival at Mayence. — Trophies of the campaign, and the Emperor's letter to the Empress. — Contrast presented by the two returns of the Emperor to France. — Arrival at Saint-Cloud. — Questions addressed to me by the Emperor, and truthful replies. — Hopes of a peace. — M. de. Saint- Aignan is captured. — The negotiator of peace taken by force. — Vain hopes. — The happiness of mediocrity Pages 222-232.

Chapter XVII

Eecent souvenirs. — The secret societies of Germany. — The Emperor and the Freemasons. — The Emperor amused at Cambaceres. — The fanatical assassins. — Promenade on the banks of the Elbe. — A Saxon magistrate. — Religious zeal of a Protestant. — Information as to the societies of Germany. — Opposition of the government to the Tugendverein. — Origin and reorganization of the clubs of 1813. — Black chevaliers and the black chasseurs. — The Confederation of Louise. — The Concordists. — The Baron de Nostitz and the Queen of Prussia's chain.

— Germany divided among the chiefs of societies. — Madame Brede and the old elector of Hesse-Cassel. — Intrigue of the Baron de Nostitz. — Real object of the secret societies. — Their importance. — The Emperor's questions. — A history or a novel. — Reception of a Carbonari. — A French oflficer in the Tyrol. — His manners, habits, and character. — A hunting-party and the usual reception. — Italians and Tyrolese. — Trials of patience. — Three meetings appointed. — A night in the forest. — An apparent crime. — Evident proofs. — Trial, judgment, and condemnation.

— Colonel Boizard. — Revelations refused. — The executioner and the scaffold. — Religious observance of the oath. — The Carbonari.

Chapter XVIII

Confusion and disturbance at Mayence. — Decrees issued from Mayence.— Convocation of the Legislative Corps. — Ingratitude of General de "Wrede. — His family misfortunes. — How the Emperor employs his time, and increased activity. — The works at Paris. — Troops equipped as if by magic. — Anxiety of the Parisians. — First foretaste of the conscription. — Bad news from the army. — Evacuation of Holland, and return of the arch-treasurer. — Capitulation of Dresden. — The treaty violated, and the Emperor's indignation. — Display of anger. — I am honored with his Majesty's confidence. — Death of the Count de Narbonne.