The history of Napoleon III., Emperor of the French. : Including a brief narrative of all the most important events which have occurred in Europe since the fall of Napoleon I. until the present time.

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Chapter I

Early Life of Josephine. — Marriage of Josephine and Viscount Beauhornais, — Life in Paris. — Separation. — Josephine and HorKnso in Matlinique. — Eetum to^Parls. — Sufferings there. — Marriage of Josephine with General Bonaparte. — Love, — Disappointment of Hortense ; of Louis Bonaparte. — The Unhappy Marriage. — Death of the rirst-horn. — Birlh of Louis Napoleon. — Aaeedolfis of the Empire. — Early DevclopmL-nls of Character 17

CHAPTER IL

Abdication of Napoleon. — His Prediction. — The Allies in Paris. — Their Fear of the Bonaparte Name. — Expulsion of Horiense and her Sons. — Wanderings and Peraccntiona. — Kesidenceat Lake Constance, — Studies of Louis Napoleon. — Purchase of Arenemberg. — Anecdoiea. — Cultured Society. — The Reconciliation. — Military Tasleof the Young Prince. — Visits to Rome. — The Priaccss Pauline. — Calumnious Eeporta. — Petition of Pauline '■

Chapter III

Invasion of France. — Congrosa of Vienna. — Anecdote. — Parcelling out of Italy. — Plans of Napoleon I. — Carbonari. — Insurrection in Italy. — The Inaurrection crushed by the Auatrians, — Louis SVUI, : his Character, — The Countess dc Cala, — Expulsion of Charles X, — Battles and Diplomacy. — Abdication of the King in Eavor of the Duke de Bordeaux as Henry V. — Flight of the Royal Family. — Aaaaasination of the Duke de Bern. — Strife of Parties. — Interview of Chateaubriand with the Orleans Pamily, — Speech of Chateaubriand, — Anecdote. — Enthronement of. Louis Philippe . a

CHAPTER rv.

Excitement caused hy the Overthrow of the Bourbon Dynasty. — The Napoleonic Princes join the Italian Insurgents. — Letter of Louis Napoleon to the Pope. — Deatii of Napoleon Louis. — Letter from Prof. S. F.B. Morse.— -Perils ofLouia Napoleon. — Devotion of his Mother. — Their Flight. — Incognito Entrance to France. — Visit to England. — Return to Arencmberg. — " Political Reveries." — Madame R^camier. — Chateaubriand. — Death of General Lamarque. — Republican Insurrection '

CHAPTEE V.

aims of the Legitimists, — Narrative of the Assassination of the Dnfee do Berri. — Noble Coninct of thu Duchess de Berri, — The Dying Scene. — Birth of the Duke do Bordeens. — Eiforts of the Duchess to redaioi the Croivn for lior Son, — Her Eom antic Adventures. — Disappointments and Persistence, — Her Capture and Imprisonment. — Deplorable Development. — Moral Eniu of the Duchess. — Death of the Duke of Eeichetadt, — His Attractire Character and Melancholy History. — Decree of the Senate of IVance creating the Napoleonic Dynasty, — Its Ratification by the People, — K of Napoleon

CnAPTEE VI.

Views of Laftiyette ; of M. Carrel ; of Chateaubriand. — The Poles desire Noaia Napoleon for their IQng. — His Eeply. — Eetirement at Arenemberg. — Studies. — "Considerations, Political and Militaiy, upon Switzerland." — Opinions of the Press, — Extracts. — Letters to the Poet Belmontet. — Letter from Qneen Hortense. — The Piinco offered the Croipi of Fortugal, — His Eeply. — Mode of Life at Arenemberg. — "Manual of Artillery." — The Liberal Party look to Louis Napoleon, — French Sympathy for Napoleon I. — Honors conferred npon his Memory. — Plan for restoring the Empire. — Colonel Vaudrey 1

CHAPTER VII.

Letter to his Mother. — Leaves Arenemherg. — Incidents at Strasbui'g. — Speeches and Proclamalions. — Success. — Reverses. — The Capture, — His Expression of his Feelings,-— Anxiety for Ms Companions. — Disregard of Himself — Taken to Paris, — Condemned Untried, —Fears of the Government. — Trans porlcd to America. — Scenes on the Voyage H

CHAPTER Vm, fe in America, — Ecturn to Europe, — False Eeport. — Return to Arenemberg. — Death of Queen Hottonse. — Studious Habits of the Prince. — "Political Reveries." — The Dynn'ities demand his Expulsion. — Heroigm of the Swiss Government, — Retirement to England — Noble Conduct. — Studious Life in London, — "Id^esNapole'o E.-itnLts from the Work

CHAPTER IX.

"Xesldees NapoMoniennes." — Habits of Louis Napoleon, — Testimony of Acquaintances.

— Views of Government, — Severe Studies. — Unpopularity of Louis Philippe. — Attempts at Assassination. — The Napoleonic Idea. — Fleschi, — Narrow Escape of the Boyal Family. — Seeceb Societies. — Virulence of the Press. — Inangnration of the Arc de I'feloile. — Seclusion of the King. — Napoleonic Sympathies. — The Emperor's Statue restored to the Column in the Place Vendome. — Letter from Joseph Bonaparte.

— The Bourbon Law of Proscription, — Justification for the Efibrts of the Prince, — Death of Charles X, — Socialist Insurrection, — M, Thiers Piime Minister. — Demand

for the Eemaitis of Napoleon. — Preparation for their Removal 147

"The City of Etlinburgh" sWnms to Botilogiio. — The Landmg and the Stnig-glo. — Nar row Escape of the Prince from Death. — The Capture. — Letl^a' from the Father o Louis Napoleon. — Confinement in the Conciergerie. — Visit fvom CTiatcaubviand, — Habits of Stady. — The Trial. — The Defence of the Prince. — Interesting Jnddent,— Sentenced to Perpetual Captivity, — Fortituda of the Ptince

CHAPTER XI.

Description of Ham. — Devofioa of the Friends of the Prince. — Prison-Life. — Manifestations of SympHlhy. — Tlie Anna of Napoleon I. — Demand for the Remains of the Emperor. — Their Removal from St. Helena. — Their Arrival in Frpnce, — Funeral Soloranities. — Testimony of Napier. — Apostrophe of Louis Napoleon. — Correspondence and Remonstrance I:

Sympathy for the Prince. — Letter to M. Barrot. — Guizot's History of the French Revolution. — Historical Fragments. — Letter from Chateaubiiand. — Invariable Courtesy of the Prince. — Policy of the Stmirts, — Protbnnd Political Views. — Increasing Sympathy for the Captive. — Thoughts of Amnesty. — Letter from the Prince. — His Political i Principles snd Conduct 2(

CHAPTER XIH.

.POLITICili, BCIBSTIEIC, 1

Analysis of the Sugar-Question. — Letter from Be'ranger. — Testimony of IWnault. — Letter to Viscount Chateaubriand, — Letter froiB Sisniondi. — Life of Charlemagne. — Political Articles. — Attack upon Napoleon I. by Lamartine. — Response of Louis Napoleon S

CHAPTER XIV.

letorical Skill, — "Project of Law upon thoRecruitmont of theArmy." — "ThePrnssian Oiganiiation." — "Military Necessities of Franco." — " Mathematical Sttidies of Napoleon." — Anecdotes of die Emperor. — Philosophic Views. — " The Extinction of PaHpcrism." — Character of the Treatise. — Testimony of Btfrangcr, — "The Past and Fntureof Artillery." — "The Canal of Nicaragua." — Interesting Correspondence . 2;

CHAPTER XV.

The Death of Josepli Eonaparle. — Sketch of his Career. — Anecdote of Kapoleon. — Petilions for the Release of the Prince. — Sickness of his Father, King Louis. — His Dying Plea to see his Son. — EBbrts of the Prince to visit his Dying Father. — Corraspond-

53 of the Government, — Public Dissatisfaction 250

CONTESTS.

CHAPTER XVI

Plans for Escape. —Devotion of Dr. Conneau and the Valet Th^ia. — Rnmors of Approaching IMease. — The Plan adopted. — Difficulties and Embarrassments. — Details of the Event. — Wonderful Success . . .2

CHAPTER XVII.

Heroism of Dr. Conneau. — GovermncotBl Persecution. — Death of King Louis. — Funeral Honors, — Letters from Prince Louis Napoleon. — His Character in Exile. — Testimony of "Walter Savage Landor. — The Duke of Wellington. — Testamony of " The Journal du Loriet." — Treatise upon the Canal of Nicaragua, — Noble Scntiinents . 2'

CHAPTER XVm.

Childhood and Youth of Louis Philippe. — Execution of the Duko of Orleans. — Flight of the Family. — The Return of Louis Philippe with the Bourbons. — His Elevation to the Throne. — Unpopularity. — The Banquets. — Their Prohibition. — Indignation and Insurrection of the People. — Tiiiimph of the Insurgents. — Plight of the King. — Heroism of the Duchess of Orleans. — Her Perils and Pinal Escape 2

CHAPTER XIX.

The Two Provisional Roiernmpnti — Thtir Union. — Stormy Debates and JSmeales. — Alarming Rumors. — Aneidotes — The National Workshops. — Weakness of the Repoblioan Party. — The National Assembly. — Anecdotes of Lamartine. — The Assembly dispersed by the Mob — Louis Napnieon visits Paris. — Returns to London. — Letter to die Assembly. — Chosen Deputy by Four Departments. — Excited Discussion. — Received to the Assembly 311

CHAPTER XX.

Address to the Electors. — Letter to the President of the Assembly. — Agitation in the Assembly.— The Debate. — Louis Napoleon declines his Election. — Discontent of the People. — Disorder in the Government. — Closing the Workshops. — Anecdote. — Terrible Excitement. — Dictatorship of CavMgiiac. — The Pour-Days' Battle . . . 334

CHAPTER XXI.

Louis Napoleon a Representative. — His Speech. — Attacks upon him. — Debite upon the Constitution.— Election by the People. — Prudence of Louis Napoleon. — Speeches m the Assembly. — Candidate for the Presidency. — His Popularity witli the Masses — Address to the Electors,:— Triumphant Election 3

CHAPTER XXn.

CharaclBr of the New Constitution. — Feelings in tlie Rural Districts. — Antagonism of the Assembly K> the President. — Instigaljons to Civil War. — Letterlo Prince Napoleon. — Excitement of the Revolutionary Spirit. — Insurrection in Rome. — Assassination of M. Rossi. — Flight of the Pope. — French Intervention, — Its Necessity. — Capture of Rome. — Socialist Insurrection in Paris. — Confirmed Strength of the Government . 369

CONTENTS. :

CHAPTER XSm.

Speech at Chartres, at Amiens, Angers, NanMs, — Sketch of Bonchcmp. — Speecb at Rouen. — The Workmen at Elbcuf. — Incident at Fixin. — Speech at Epomay. — Affairs .at Rome. — Letter to the President of the Assembly. — Refugees in Paris. — Universal Suffrage suspended. — Socialist Ttiomph. — Speech of Thiers. — Salary of the President. — Conibinaijon against iiira. — His Imperturbable Serenity 3

CHAPTER SXIV.

Speeeii at iha Opening of tJie Assembly. — Petitions for the Revision of the Constitution. — Assumptions of Ciiangamier. — His Removal from Command. — Excitement in the Assembly. — Salary of the President curtailed. :— Conciliatory Spirit of tJie President. — The Speech at Dijon. — Conflict upon the Question of Universal Suffrage. — Speech at Poitiers ; at Chatellerault. — Doctrines of the Socialists. — Opening' of the Session in 1851. — Coalition against the President. — His Untroubled Spirit. — Conspiracy for

CHAPTER XXV.

THE COrP B'fiTAT.

The only Measures Louis Kapoleon coulil adopt. — Last Meeting of the Assembly. — LevSe at the lays^e. — Testimony of Hon. S, G. Goodrich. — The Decisive SKp. — The Proclamations. — The Arrests. — Changamier, Cavaignac, Thiers, Lamorieifere, Kdeaa, Chfljras, La Grange, Roger, Baze. — The Insurrection. — Narrative of Hon. S. G. Goodj'ieh. — The Diseomfituro of the Insurgents. — Proclamation of St. Aroaud . . . 4i

CHAPTER XXVI.

Remark of the Emperor. — Socialist Insurrections. — Proclamation of the President. — Remarkable Pamphlet, — Note from M. Roth. — Testimony of the " Gazette de Munich;" of "The Washington Union." — The Vote of the 20th December. — Its Result. — Address by M. Baroehe. — Response hy the President. — Arduous Task to be performed. — Preamble to the Consljtntion. — The Constitution 4]

CHAPTER XXVn.

Internal Improvements. — Wealth of Lonjs Philippe. — Confiscation, — Ancient Law of Frauee. — Energy of the President. — ^His Clemency. — Respect for the Sabbath. — Almoners of Last Prayers. — Censorship of the Pi'ess. — Address to the Legislative Corps. — Efforts of the Socialists, of the Legitimists, of the Orleanists, — Spirit of iJie European Jonrnals. — Blessing the Eagles. — Embarrassment of Foreign Courts. — Visit to Strasburg. — Splendid Pile Ball in the Mareh^ des Innocents. — Uncontested Election 474

CHAPTER XXVIII,

Prospeixius State of France. — Desire for the Restoration of the Empire. — The Communes. — The Arrondissemcnts. — The Municipal Councils. — Tour to the Southern Departments. — Brilliant Reception:- — Addresses. — Attempt at Assassination. — Courage of the President. — Algeria. — Abd^el-Kader. — Reception in Paris. — Restoration of the Empire.— Vote of the Senate. — Ratification by the People. — Address of the Emperor. — Great Unanimity. — The Results *94

CHAPTEB XXIX.

The Counless de Tcba, — Her Birth, Education, and Character, — Announcement of the Imperial Marriage. — The Imposing Ceremonies. — Prosperity of France, — Alarm in England. — Counsel of Napoleon I. — Scenes at St. Helena. — Spirit of Napoleon lU.

— SpeSch at the Opening of the L^islntiTe Session. — Deputation of English Tradesmen. — Causes of the Emperor's Popularity. — Confidence of the People in him. — Innndaljons. — Internal Improvements. — The Famine. — Addresses to the Legislature.

— Fete at Boulogne 5i

CHAPTER XXX.

THE EASTEUN QOESTION.

Rise of the Turkish Power. — Conquest of Gree^ie. — Peril of Christendom. — Rise of Russia. — Her Territory, Population, Military Power. — Poland. — Moldavia and Wallachia.

— Cireassia. — The Dardanelles. — The BoBphornE. — Geo^phy of those Regions. — Enssian Ambition. — Grecian Revolt. — Count Capo d'Islria. — King Otho. — Battle of Havarino. — Anxiety of England. — Remarkable Sayings of Napoleon I. — Visit of Nicholas to the Court of Queen Victoria. — Probable Results Si

CHAPTER XXXI.

Question of the Shrines. — Measures of the French Government. — Arrogance of Russia. — The Ultimatum of the Cuar. — Its Eejoction. — Cordial Co-operation of France and England. — Efiorts of the French Emperor for Peace. — The Vienna Note. — Letter fcoiQ Napoleon to Nicholas. — Embarrassments of Austria and Prussia. — Diplomatic Relations suspended. — War declared. — Addresses of Napoleon. — Sinope. — Expedition to the Crimea. — Battle of Alma. — Despatches of Marshal St. Amaud. — His Death. — Grief of the Emperor. — His Letter to the Marchioness . . .' . . S34

CHAPTER XXXII.

Battle of Inkerman. — Co-operation of the Allies. — The Emperor's Address to the Legislative Corps. — The Imperial Visit to England. — Views expressed by "The London Times." — The Return to France. — Attempt at Assassination. — The Visit of Victoria to France. — Address to the Legislative Corps. —Last Scenes at Sevastopol. — Rojoicmgs in Paris. — Birth of the Prince Imperial. — Congratulations and Responses. — The Treaty of Peace. — GenitiB of Napoleon III. — The Conspiracy of Orsmi. — Opening the Boulevard of Sevastopol. — Inauguration of the Works at Cherbourg. — Speech at

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Eflect of the French Revolution of 1848. — The Uprising in Italy. — The Battle of Novara. — Austrian Influence In Italy. — Speech of Napoleon IIL to the Legislative Corps. — Sympathy between Napoleon HI. and Victor Emanuel- — Austi-ian Invasion of Sardinia.— Prompt Action of France. — Proclamations of the Emperor. — His Journey to Sardinia. — Enthusiastic Reception. — The Battles of Magenta and Solferino. — Intervention of England and Prussia. — Necessity of relinquishing the Liberation of Italy . 563

CONTESTS,

CHAPTER XXSIV.

The Peril of Austria. — Threatened InterrenMon of the Great Powers. — Reasons tbr the Peace of Villafranca. — Interview between the two Emperors. — Hapoleon'a Address to Mb Army. — His Eetnrn M France. — Address to the Great Bodies of the State. — The Banquet at the Lonvre. — Perplexities of the Italian Question. — Plan of a Confederation.— Opposition of the Pope. — The Vole for Italian Unity. — Additional Embarrasaments. — Napoleon's Letter K> Victor Emanuel. — His Letter to the Pope. — Agitation throughout Europe. — Inflexibility of the Papal Government. — Vast DiBicnlties of the Italian Question 5

CHAPTEE XSXV.

ddreas to the Legislative Corps. — Deputation fiora Savoy. — Expedition to Syria. — Journey to Algiers. — Opening of the Legislative Corps. — Inauguration of the "Boulevard Malesherbes." — ^ Letter on the Affairs of Italy. — Inaugaration of the "Boulevard Frinse Eugene." — Address to tho Legislative Corps. — Discourse upon the World's ExpOiitiOQ at London. — Letter upon Algeria, 6'

CHAPTEE SZXVL ale of the Italian Question. — The Sjmpathius of Erancc. — Letter of Napoleon IIL to the Sovereigns of Europe! — Speech to the Legislative Corps, — Rejection by England. — Response of the Continental Sovereigns. — Sehleswig and Ilolatein. — Plans of Bismark. — Diplomatic Measures. — Alarm of England. — Napoleon's Reply K> the Proposition for a Congress. — Tho War. — lis Results. — Venetia liberated. — The Roman

CHAPTER SXXVII.

THE MEXICAN guKSIIOH.

Revolutions in Mexico. — Tho American Expedition. — The Allianee of Spain, France, and England. — Object of the Alliance. — The Squadron at Vera Craz. — Disappointment of the Alhes. — Discordant Views. — Withdrawal of England and Spain. — Peril of the French Troops, — Repulse at Puebla. — Struggles and Victories. — Triumphal Entry to the City of Mexico. — The Empire establiabed. — The Archduke Maximilian chosen Emperor. — Tho Delegation at Miramar 6'

CHAPTER XXXVin.

MAXlrflLlAN ANB HIB THHONE.

Character of Masimilian. — Character of Carlota.— Departure from Trieste. — Words of Adieu. — Arrival in Mexico. — Enthusiastic Greeting. — Triumphal Journey to the Capital. — Administrative Measures. — Apparent Popularity of tho Empire. — Hostility of the United Statea. — Depacture of Cariota for Europe. ~ Her Insanity . . 6.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Gathering Gloom. — Guerillas. — Insanity of Carlota. — Menacing Attitude of the United Statea. — Withdrawal of French Troops. — Proclamation of Marshal BaKaine. — Statement of Napoleon HI. — Heroic Resolve of Maximilian. — His Call for a Congress, — Besieged in Queretaro. — Treachery of Lopez. — Capture of the Emperor. — Scenes inPrison.— Trial. — Execution. — TheEesuttsinMexioo 654

CHAPTER XL.

The International EKposition. — The Hojal Gaeats. — Influence of the Exposition. — The Emperor's Address to the Commissioners. — Lotler lo the Minister of the Interior. —■ Aims of t!ie Emperor. — His "Life of Julius Ciesar." — The Prosperity of Prance. — Freedom of Debate. — Decree of Jan. 19, 1867. — Effbrts 1« create Stable Institutiona. — The Constitutions of England, America, and Prance. — Prosporitj of France under the Empire 6

INDEX 6

LIFE OF NAPOLEON HI.

Chapter I. The Parehtace Of Louis Napoleon

Early Life of Josephine. — MaiTinge of JosopWne Hnd Viscount Beanhamaia. — Life in Paris. — Separation. — Joaepliine and Hortense in^IarlJniqne. — Return to Pnrta. — Sufferings there. — Marriage of Josephine with General Bonaparte. — Love. — Disappointment of Horteme ; of Louis Bonaparte. — The Unhappy Marriage. — Death of the First-born. — Birth of Louis Napoleon — AnecdMs of the Empire. — Early Developments of Character.

N the year 1775, there was residing upon Martinique, one of the West-India Islands, a very beautiful girl, fifteen years of age, by the name of Josephine Rose Tascher. She was an oiphaq, and had been adopted by her uncle, a wealthy .planter, who, being the owner of several well-conducted plantations, waa living in baronial profiirfon and splendor. A young Fi-ench noblennn, Viscount Alexandre de Beauhamais, visited the island at that time to take posv-6sion of several valuable estates which had fallen to him by inheritance, adjoining the plantations of Josephine's uncle, M. Henaudin.

The viscount was'very hospitably entertdned by M. Eenaudin, and was so attracted by the vivacity, grace, and loveliness of Josephine, and also by the fact that their union would unite several of the most valuable estates upon the island, that he offered her his hand in marriage. Josephine, with much reluctance, for her heart was elsewhere, accepted the offer, being overcome by the pereuaaions of her uncle and ai^t. It was necessary for Viscount Beaiihai'nais to return immediately to Finance. AiTangements were made for Josephine to follow in the course of a few months, to visit a relative in Paris, where the nuptials were to be consummated.

The ai-tless yet beautiful and fascinating Creole girl, immediately upon her arrival in Paris, Was introduced to the most brilliant society of the metropolis, and became the object of genei-al admii-ation. Her husband, proud of her beauty and accomplishments, presented -her to the court ; and she won the especial regards of the queen, Marie Antoinette.

But French philosophy had then undermined all the foundations of religion. The marriage-tie had lost its sanctity, and was regarded merely as a partnership, which was to be formed and dissolved at pleasure. Beauharnais,

18 LIFE OF NAPOLEON UL

a gay man of the worlil, surrenrlered himself, unrestrained, to the dor of these principlea. The life of Josephine became shrouded in gloom. Her husband, though ever acfenowled^ng her virtues and attractions, lavished upon his guilty favorites the attentioos due only to her. At length, bitter alienation sprang up between husband and wife. Josephine," having received wounds too deep to be healed, took her little daughter Hortense, and, worldwearj-, heaft-craebed, returned to fcer uncle's home in Martinique.

She had then also a son, Eugene, whom her husband had taken fi'om lier, and sent to a boarding-school in France. With tears she imploied M. Beau-' harnais to allow her to take Eugene with her also. He flatly refused. Josephine remained three years with her child Hortense in Martinique At length, M. Beauharnais, weary of a life of wn and shame, and never able to forget the virtues of his injured wife, wrote to her with expressions of the deepest regi-et for the past, and implored her to return. Josephine confessed to her friends that the wounds she had received were so severe, that, were it not for the love she bore Eugene, she oould not go back; but tJiat she should much prefer to spend the remainder of her days in the seclusion of her native island.

A mother's love, however, triumphed ; and taking with her Hortense, then a beautiful child of ten yeai-s of age, she embarked for France,

The French Revolution was now approacliing the most stormy period of its career. Josephine had scareely retunied to Paris ere the Reign of Terror commenced. Viscount Beauharnais, though he had espoused the popular *ause, was, for the crime of being a noble, dragged to prison. Josephine, in the enduisfluce of anguish which no pen can describe, made every effort to obtain the release of her husband. Instead of being successful, she was arrested herself. At an early hour in the morning, when Hortense and Eugene were asleep, the offioei-s of the revolutionary tribunal seized her. Without awaking the children, she bent over them with flooded eyes and a bursting heart, and imprinted upon their brows a farewell kiss. Hortense, a very affectionate child, though still asleep, threw her aiTns around her mother's rieok, and, speaking in her dreams, said, —

" Come to bed, mother. Fear nothing. They shall not take you away tliis night. I have prayed to God for you."

The children were left in utter destitution. They had a distant relative residing near Versailles. Eugene l%] Hortense there, where they were kindly received. "Viscount Beauharnais was imprisoned in the Luxembourg; Josephine, in the Convent of the Carmelites. M. Beauharnais was soon brought before the rail itaiy tribunal, and condemned as an aristocrat; and his head fell beneath the slide of the guillotine. Josephine was aiTaigned before the same tribunal. She was accused of the crime of being the wife of a noble, and the friend of Mai'ie Antoinette. She was consequently doomed to die, and was to be led to the Concien-gerie, and thence to her execution. The day before she itas to be conducted to the scaffold, there was a new revolution : Robespierre was guillotined, and Josephine was liberated.

She emerged from* her prison into the crowdM streets of Paris a widow, friendless and penniless. Her husband's property had been confiscated, and

HIS PARENTAGE. 19

nearly all her frienda had perished. She soon found her children. The Reign of Terror still continued. Young girls and boys were guillotined. The threat of Marat ever rang in her ears, "We must exterminate all the whelps of aristocracy." Hoping to' conceal her children among the masses of the people, and impelled also b^ the pressure of poverty, she apprenticed her son to a house-carpenter; while Hoi-tcnse was placed in the shop of a seamstress.

Josephine possessed such endowments of intelligence, grace, and beauty, that she would, under any circumstances, create enthusiastic friends. A lady of wealth invited her, with Hortense, to her house, and charitably supplied all their wants. Influential friends gathered arowmi her; and through, their aid, after long efforts, she succeeded in regaining a portion of her husband's confiscated estates. Thas provided with a frugal competence, she obtained a home of her own, with Eagene and Hortense by her side. With rigid economy, Josephine was enabled to keep up an appearance of elegance; and her family associated with the most refined society of the metropolis.

There was then a young man in Paris, twenty-three yeai-s old, of foreign name, Napoleon Bonaparte, who was beginning to attract attention. He had performed some brilliant exploits at the siege of Toulon, and had very energetically quelled an insurrection in the streets of Paris. To prevent another inson'ection, he had received orders from the Convention to disai-m tlje populace. The sword of Viscount Beaiiharnais was thus taken from the family. Eugene Beauharnais, an exceedingly intelligent and graceful boy of about twelve years, obtained access to General Bonaparte, and so touchingly pleaded for the restoration of the sword of his father as to interest the young general deeply. His kind treatment of the child so moved the heart of Josephine, that she called the next day to express her thanks. General Bonapatte was even more impressed by the grace and lovelin«ss of the mother than he had been by the artlessness of the child.

The result was, that on the 6th of March, 1796, Josephine became the bride of General Bonaparte, and Hortense and Eugene became the step-children of the man whose renown was soon to fill the world. Hortense developed into one of the most beaiitifol and fascinating of women. The Duahess of Abrantes, who often met her in the saloons of her imperial father, says, —

" She was fresh as a rose ; and, though her fair completion was not reUeved by much color, she had enough to produce that freshness and bloom which was her chief beauty. A profusion of light hair played in silken locks around her soft and penetrating bine eyes. The delicate roundness of her slender figure was set off by the elegant carriage of her head.

" But what formed the chief attraction of Hortense was the grace and suavity of her mannei-s. She was gay, gentle, amiable. She had wit, which, withont the smallest ill temper, had just mischievousness enough to be amusing. She drew excellently, sang harmoniously, and perfoj'med admirably in comedy. In the year 1800, she was a charming young girl. She aftenvards became one of the most amiable princesses of Europe. I bive seen many, both in their own courts and in Paris ; but I never knew one ivho had any pretension to equal talents. Her brother loved her tenderly. M 'po-

20 LIFE 01" JSTAPOLEON III.

leon regarded her as hia child. It is oiiiy in that country, so fertile in the inventions of scandal, that so foolish an accusation coTild have been imagined as that any feeling lesa pure' than paternal affection actuated his conduct towards her. The vile calumny met with the contempt it merited."

Upon this subject we -may also quote the testimony of Boun-ienue, who had been the private secretary of the emperor, but who became a partisan of the Bourbons, and, wwtfer the infltience of their patronage, wrote a history of Napoleon. In this memoir he says, —

" Napoleon never cherished for Hortense any feeling but a real paternal tenderness. He loved her, after his marriage with her mother, as he would have'loved his own child. For three yeare at least, I was witness to all their most private actions. I declare that I never saw any thing which could furnish the least ground for suspicion, or the slightest trace of culpable intimacy. This calumny must be classed with those which malice delights to take with the character of men who become celebrated; calumnies which are adopted lightly and without reflection. I fi-eely declare, that, did I retain the ^ slightest doubt with regard to this odious chaise, I would avow it ; but it is not true. Napoleon is no more:. let his memory be accompanied only by that, be it good or bad, which really took place. Let not this reproach be made against him by the impartial historian. I must say in conclusion, on this delicate subject, that Napoleon's principles were ri^d.in the extreme; and tliat any fault of the nature charged neither entered his mind, nor was in accordance with his morals or his taste."

The Emperor Napoleon had four brothers and three sistei-s. Joseph was the eldest of the family; then came Napoleon; after him were Lncien, Louis, and Jerome. The sisters were Eliza, Pauline, and Caroline. Louis Bonaparte, a man of superior intellectual powers, but of remarkably pensive character and sensitive nature, became strongly attached to Emilie Beauharnais, a daughter of the Marquis de Beanharnais, who was an older brother of Viscount Beanharnais, the former husband of Josephine, and the father of Hortense. The marquis was a strong advocate of the Bourbons, and had joined the emigi'ants in their flight from Finance, He left hie daughter, however, at the school of Madame Campan, under the care of his sister-in-law Josephine. Hortense also attended the same school. Under these circumstances, Louis Bonaparte formed a passionate attachment for Emilie. This attachment to the daughter of one of the old nobles, and an emigrant, caused Napoleon, who was then General Bonaparte, and who was preparing for tlie expedition to Egypt, much solicitude. It might expose him to suspicion. A naval offi'cor, who was a friend of the rirfng young general, said to Louis, —