Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812 / For the First Time Collected and Translated, with Notes Social, Historical, and Chronological, from Contemporary Sources
Summary
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Napoleonic History.—January 23rd.—Desaix defeats Mourad Bey at Samhoud (Upper Egypt).February 3rd.—Desaix defeats Mourad Bey at the Isle of Philae (near Assouan)—furthest limit of the Roman Empire.Napoleon crosses Syrian desert and takes El Arish (February 20th) and Gaza (February 25th), captures Jaffa (March 7th) and Sour, formerly Tyre (April 3rd).Junot defeats Turks and Arabs at Nazareth (April 8th), and Kléber defeats them at Mount Tabor (April 16th).Napoleon invests Acre but retires (May 21st), re-enters Cairo (June 14th), annihilates Turkish army at Aboukir (July 25th); secretly sails for France (August 23rd), lands at Frejus (October 9th), arrives at Paris (October 13th); dissolves the Directory (November 9th) and Council of Five Hundred (November 10th), and is proclaimed First Consul (December 24th).
General History.—January 10th.—Championnet occupies Capua.
January 20th.—Pacification of La Vendée by General Hédouville.
January 23rd.—Championnet occupies Naples.
March 3rd.—Corfu taken from the French by a Russo-Turkish force.
March 7th.—Massena defeats the Austrians, and conquers the country of the Grisons.
March 25th.—Archduke Charles defeats Jourdan at Stockach.
March 30th.—Kray defeats French (under Schérer) near Verona,
April 5th.—And again at Magnano.
April 14th.—Suwarrow takes command of Austrian army at Verona;
April 22nd.—Defeats French at Cassano, with heavy loss.
April 28th.—French plenipotentiaries, returning from Radstadt, murdered by men in Austrian uniforms—Montgaillard thinks by creatures of the Directory.
May 4th.—Capture of Seringapatam by General Baird.
May 12th.—Austro-Russian army checked at Bassignana.
May 16th.—Sièyes becomes one of the Directory.
May 20th.—Suwarrow takes Brescia,
May 24th.—And Milan (citadel).
June 5th.—Massena defeated at Zurich by Archduke Charles; and Macdonald (June 19th) by Suwarrow at the Trebbia.
June 18th.—Gohier, Roger-Ducos, and Moulin replace Treilhard, Laréveillère-Lépeaux, and Merlin on the Directory.
June 20th.—Turin surrenders to Austro-Russians.
June 22nd.—Turkey, Portugal, and Naples join the coalition against France.
July 14th.—French carry their prisoner, Pope Pius VI., to Valence, where he dies (August 29th).
July 22nd.—Alessandria surrenders to Austro-Russians.
July 30th.—Mantua, after 72 days' siege, surrenders to Kray.
August 15th.—French defeated at Novi by Suwarrow.French lose Joubert and 20,000 men.
August 17th.—French, under Lecombe, force the St.Gothard.
August 27th.—English army disembark at the Helder.
August 30th.—Dutch fleet surrendered to the British Admiral.
September 19th.—Brune defeats Duke of York at Bergen.
September 25th.—Massena defeats allies at Zurich, who lose 16,000 men and 100 guns."Massena saves France at Zurich, as Villars saved it at Denain."—Montgaillard.
October 6th.—Brune defeats Duke of York at Kastrikum.
October 7th.—French take Constance.
October 16th.—Saint-Cyr, without cavalry or cannon, defeats Austrians at Bosco.
October 18th.—Capitulation at Alkmaar by Duke of York to General Brune."The son of George III.capitulates at Alkmaar as little honourably as the son of George II.had capitulated at Kloster-Seven in 1757."—Montgaillard.
November 4th.—Melas defeats French at Fossano.
November 13th.—Ancona surrendered to the Austrians by Monnier, after a six months' siege.
November 24th.—Moreau made commander of the armies of the Rhine (being in disgrace, has served as a volunteer in Italy most of this year); Massena sent to the army of Italy.
December 5th.—Coni, the key of Piedmont, surrenders to the Austrians.
December 14th.—Death of George Washington.
December 15th.—Battle of Montefaccio, near Genoa.Saint-Cyr defeats Austrians.
Events of 1800.
February 11th.—Bank of France constituted.
February 20th.—Kléber defeats Turks at Heliopolis.
May 3rd.—Battle of Engen.Moreau defeats Kray, who loses 10,000 men, and—
May 5th.—Again defeats Austrians at Moeskirch.
May 6th.—Napoleon leaves Paris.
May 8th.—Arrives at Auxonne, and on the 9th at Geneva, from thence moves to Lausanne (May 12th), where he is delighted with reception accorded to the French troops, and hears of Moreau's victory at Bibernach (May 11th).On the 14th he hears of Desaix's safe arrival at Toulon from Egypt, together with Davoust, and orders the praises of their past achievements to be sung in the Moniteur. The same day writes Massena that in Genoa a man like himself (Massena) is worth 20,000.On the 16th is still at Lausanne.
No.1.
To Josephine, at Paris.
Lausanne, May 15, 1800.
I have been at Lausanne since yesterday.I start to-morrow.My health is fairly good.The country round here is very beautiful.I see no reason why, in ten or twelve days, you should not join me here; you must travel incognito, and not say where you are going, because I want no one to know what I am about to do.You can say you are going to Plombières.
I will send you Moustache,[16] who has just arrived.
My very kindest regards to Hortense. Eugène will not be here for eight days; he is en route
Bonaparte.
No.2.
To Josephine, at Paris.
Torre di Garofolo, May 16, 1800.
I start immediately to spend the night at Saint-Maurice.I have not received a single letter from you; that is not well.I have written you by every courier.
Eugène may arrive the day after to-morrow.I have rather a cold, but it will have no ill effects.
My very kindest regards to you, my good little Josephine, and to all who belong to you.
Bonaparte.
May 17th-19th.—At Martigny, "struggling against ice, snow-storms, and avalanches," and astonishing the great St.Bernard "with the passage of our 'pieces of 8,' and especially of our limbers—a new experience for it."On May 20th he climbed the St.Bernard on a mule, and descended it on a sledge.On May 21st he is at Aosta, hoping to be back in Paris within a fortnight.His army had passed the mountain in four days.On May 27th he is at Ivrea, taken by Lannes on the 24th.
No.3.[17]
[From Tennant's Tour, &c., vol.ii.]
11 P.M.
Vercelli.Murat ought to be at Novaro to-night.The enemy is thoroughly demoralised; he cannot even yet understand us.I hope within ten days to be in the arms of my Josephine, who is always very good when she is not crying and not flirting.Your son arrived this evening.I have had him examined; he is in excellent health.Accept a thousand tender thoughts.I have received M.'s letter.I will send her by the next courier a box of excellent cherries.
We are here—within two months for Paris.—Yours entirely,
N.B.
To Madame Bonaparte. (Address not in Bonaparte's writing.)
June 1st.—First experiments with vaccination at Paris, with fluid sent from London.
On June 2nd Napoleon enters Milan, where he spends a week.
No.4.
To Josephine, at Paris.
Milan.
I am at Milan, with a very bad cold.I can't stand rain, and I have been wet to the skin for several hours, but all goes well.I don't persuade you to come here.I shall be home in a month.
I trust to find you flourishing. I am just starting for Pavia and Stradella. We are masters of Brescia, Cremona, and Placentia.
Kindest regards.Murat has borne himself splendidly.
June 5th.—Massena gives up Genoa, but leaves with all the honours of war.
June 7th.—Lannes takes Pavia, 350 cannon, and 10,000 muskets.
June 9th.—Battle of Montebello.Bonaparte defeats Austrians, who lose 8000 men.
June 14th.—Bonaparte wins Marengo, but loses Desaix—"the man I loved and esteemed the most."In his bulletin he admits the battle at one time was lost, until he cried to his troops "Children, remember it is my custom to sleep upon the battlefield."He mentions the charges of Desaix and Kellermann, and especially eulogises the latter—a fact interesting on account of the false statements made of his ignoring it.In the bulletin of June 21st he blames the "punic faith" of Lord Keith at Genoa, a criticism the Admiral repaid with usury fifteen years later.
June 14th.—Assassination of Kléber, in Egypt.
June 16th.—Convention of Alessandria between Bonaparte and Melas; end of the "Campaign of Thirty Days."
June 19th.—Moreau defeats Kray at Hochstedt, and occupies Ulm.
June 23rd.—Genoa re-entered by the French.
June 26th.—Bonaparte leaves Massena in command of the Army of Reserve, now united with the Army of Italy.
July 3rd.—The First Consul is back in Paris unexpectedly—not wishing triumphal arches or such-like "colifichets" In spite of which the plaudits he receives are very dear to him, "sweet as the voice of Josephine."
September 5th.—Vaubois surrenders Malta to the English, after two years' blockade.
September 15th.—Armistice between France and Austria in Germany.
September 30th.—Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between France and U.S.—agreed that the flag covers the goods.
October 3rd.—To facilitate peace King George renounces his title of King of France.
November 12th.—Rupture of Armistice between France and Austria.
December 3rd.—Moreau wins the battle of Hohenlinden (Austrian loss, 16,000 men, 80 guns; French 3000).
December 20th.—Moreau occupies Lintz (100 miles from Vienna).
December 24th.—Royalist conspirators fail to kill Bonaparte with an infernal machine.
December 25th.—Armistice at Steyer between Moreau and Archduke Charles (sent for by the Austrians a fortnight before as their last hope).
SERIES D
"The peace of Amiens had always been regarded from the side of England as an armed truce: on the side of Napoleon it had a very different character....A careful reader must admit that we were guilty of a breach of faith in not surrendering Malta.The promise of its surrender was the principal article of the treaty."
England and Napoleon in 1803.
(Edited for the R.Hist.S.by Oscar Browning, 1887.)
SERIES D
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 225-231.)
| LETTER | PAGE | |
| Date | 225 | |
| No.1. | The blister | 225 |
| Some plants | 225 | |
| If the weather is as bad | 226 | |
| Malmaison, without you | 228 | |
| No.2. | The fat Eugène | 228 |
| No.3. | Your letter has come | 229 |
| Injured whilst shooting a boar | 229 | |
| "The Barber of Seville" | 229 | |
| No.4. | The Sèvres Manufactory | 230 |
| No.5. | Your lover, who is tired of being alone | 230 |
| General Ney | 231 |
JOSEPHINE'S TWO VISITS TO PLOMBIÈRES,
1801 AND 1802.
Events of 1801.
January 1st.—Legislative Union of Great Britain and Ireland.
January 3rd.—French under Brune occupy Verona, and
January 8th.—Vicenza.
January 11th.—Cross the Brenta.
January 16th.—-Armistice at Treviso between Brune and the Austrian General Bellegarde.
February 9th.—Treaty of Luneville, by which the Thalweg of the Rhine became the boundary of Germany and France.
March 8th.—English land at Aboukir.
March 21st.—Battle of Alexandria (Canopus).Menou defeated by Abercromby, with loss of 2000.
March 24th.—The Czar Paul is assassinated.
March 28th.—Treaty of Peace between France and Naples, who cedes Elba and Piombino.
April 2nd.—Nelson bombards Copenhagen.
May 23rd.—General Baird lands at Kosseir on the Red Sea with 1000 English and 10,000 Sepoys.
June 7th.—French evacuate Cairo.
July 1st.—Toussaint-Louverture elected Life-Governor of St.Domingo.Slavery abolished there.The new ruler declares, "I am the Bonaparte of St.Domingo, and the Colony cannot exist without me;" and heads his letters to the First Consul, "From the First of the Blacks to the First of the Whites."
July 15th.—Concordat between Bonaparte and the Pope, signed at Paris by Bonaparte, ratified by the Pope (August 15th).
August 4th.—Nelson attacks Boulogne flotilla and is repulsed.
August 15th.—Attacks again, and suffers severely.
August 31st.—Menou capitulates to Hutchinson at Alexandria.
September 29th.—Treaty of Peace between France and Portugal; boundaries of French Guiana extended to the Amazon.
October 1st.—Treaty between France and Spain, who restores Louisiana.Preliminaries of Peace between France and England signed in London.
October 8th.—Treaty of Peace between France and Russia.
October 9th.—And between France and Turkey.
December 14th.—Expedition sent out to St.Domingo by the French under General Leclerc.
No.1.
To Josephine, at Plombières.
Paris the "27" ..., 1801.
The weather is so bad here that I have remained in Paris.Malmaison, without you, is too dreary.The fête has been a great success; it has rather tired me.The blister they have put on my arm gives me constant pain.
Some plants have come for you from London, which I have sent to your gardener.If the weather is as bad at Plombières as it is here, you will suffer severely from floods.
Best love to "Maman" and Hortense.
Bonaparte.
Events of 1802.
January 4th.—Louis Bonaparte marries Hortense Beauharnais, both unwilling.
January 9th.—The First Consul, with Josephine, leaves for Lyons, where,
January 25th.—He remodels the Cisalpine Republic as the Italian Republic, under his Presidency.
March 25th.—Treaty of Amiens signed in London.French lose only Ceylon and Trinidad.Malta to be restored to the Order of Knights, reconstituted.
May 7th.—Toussaint surrenders to Leclerc.
May 19th.—Institution of the Legion of Honour.
No.2.
To Josephine, at Plombières.
Malmaison, June 19, 1802.
I have as yet received no news from you, but I think you must already have begun to take the waters.It is rather dull for us here, although your charming daughter does the honours of the house to perfection.For the last two days I have suffered slightly from my complaint.The fat Eugène arrived yesterday evening; he is very hale and hearty.
I love you as I did the first hour, because you are kind and sweet beyond compare.
Hortense told me that she was often writing you.
Best wishes, and a love-kiss.—Yours ever,
Bonaparte
No.3.
To Josephine, at Plombières.
Malmaison, June 23, 1802.
My Good Little Josephine,—Your letter has come.I am sorry to see you have been poorly on the journey, but a few days' rest will put you right.I am very fairly well.Yesterday I was at the Marly hunt, and one of my fingers was very slightly injured whilst shooting a boar.
Hortense is usually in good health.Your fat son has been rather unwell, but is getting better.I think the ladies are playing "The Barber of Seville" to-night.The weather is perfect.
Rest assured that my truest wishes are ever for my little Josephine.—Yours ever,
Bonaparte
No.4.
To Josephine, at Plombières.
Malmaison, June 27, 1802.
Your letter, dear little wife, has apprised me that you are out of sorts.Corvisart tells me that it is a good sign that the baths are having the desired effect, and that your health will soon be re-established.But I am most truly grieved to know that you are in pain.
Yesterday I went to see the Sèvres manufactory at St.Cloud.
Best wishes to all.—Yours for life,
Bonaparte
June 29th.—Pope withdraws excommunication from Talleyrand.
No.5.
To Josephine, at Plombières.
Malmaison, July 1, 1802.
Your letter of June 29th has arrived.You say nothing of your health nor of the effect of the baths.I see that you expect to be home in a week; that is good news for your lover, who is tired of being alone!
You ought to have seen General Ney, who started for Plombières; he will be married on his return.
Yesterday Hortense played Rosina in "The Barber of Seville" with her usual skill.
Rest assured of my love, and that I await your return impatiently.Without you everything here is dreary.
Bonaparte.
August 2nd.—Napoleon Bonaparte made First Consul for life. "The conduct and the language of Bonaparte represents at once Augustus, Mahomet, Louis XI., Masaniello" (Montgaillard, an avowed enemy).
September 22nd.—Opening of the Ourcq Waterworks for the supply of Paris.
September 25th.—Mass celebrated at St.Cloud for the first time.In this month Napoleon annexes Piedmont, and the next sends Ney to occupy Switzerland.
October 11th.—Birth of Napoleon Charles, son of Louis Bonaparte and Hortense.
October 29th.—Napoleon and Josephine visit Normandy, and, contrary to expectation, receive ovations everywhere.They return to Paris, November 14th.
Events of 1803.
February 19th.—New constitution imposed by France on Switzerland.
April 14th.—Bank of France reorganised by Bonaparte; it alone allowed to issue notes.
April 27th.—Death of Toussaint-Louverture at Besançon.
April 30th.—France sells Louisiana to U.S.for £4,000,000 (15 million dollars).
May 22nd.—France declares war against England, chiefly respecting Malta.England having seized all French ships in British harbours previous to war being declared, Napoleon seizes all British tourists in France.
May 31st.—His soldiers occupy Electorate of Hanover.
June 14th.—He visits North of France and Belgium, accompanied by Josephine, and returns to Paris August 12th.
September 27th.—Press censorship established in France.
November 30th.—French evacuate St.Domingo.
SERIES E
1804
"Everywhere the king of the earth found once more, to put a bridle on his pride,
the inevitable lords of the sea." —Bignon, v.130.
SERIES E
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 232-237.)
| LETTER | PAGE | |
| No.1. | Madame | 232 |
| Pont de Bricques | 232 | |
| The wind having considerably freshened | 232 | |
| No.2. | The waters | 233 |
| All the vexations | 233 | |
| Eugène has started for Blois | 234 | |
| No.3. | Aix-la-Chapelle | 234 |
| No.4. | During the past week | 235 |
| The day after to-morrow | 235 | |
| Hortense | 235 | |
| I am very well satisfied | 235 | |
| No.5. | Its authenticity | 236 |
| Arras, August 29th | 236 | |
| I am rather impatient to see you | 236 | |
| No.6. | T. | 237 |
| B. | 237 |
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING HIS JOURNEY ALONG THE COAST, 1804.
Events of 1804.
February 15th.—The conspiracy of Pichegru.Moreau arrested, Pichegru (February 28th), and Georges Cadoudal (March 9th).
March 21st.—Duc D'Enghien shot at Vincennes.
April 6th.—Suicide of Pichegru.
April 30th.—Proposal to make Bonaparte Emperor.
May 4th.—Tribune adopts the proposal.
May 18th.—The First Consul becomes the Emperor Napoleon.
May 19th.—Napoleon confers the dignity of Marshal of the Empire on Berthier, Murat, Moncey, Jourdan, Massena, Augereau, Bernadotte, Soult, Brune, Lannes, Mortier, Ney, Davoust, Bessières, Kellermann, Lefebvre, Perignon, Serrurier.
July 14th.—Inauguration of the Legion of Honour.
No.1.
To the Empress Josephine.
Pont-de-Bricques, July 21, 1804.
Madame and dear Wife,—During the four days that I have been away from you I have always been either on horseback or in a conveyance, without any ill effect on my health.
M.Maret tells me that you intend starting on Monday; travelling by easy stages, you can take your time and reach the Spa without tiring yourself.
The wind having considerably freshened last night, one of our gunboats, which was in the harbour, broke loose and ran on the rocks about a league from Boulogne. I believed all lost—men and merchandise; but we managed to save both. The spectacle was grand: the shore sheeted in fire from the alarm guns, the sea raging and bellowing, the whole night spent in anxiety to save these unfortunates or to see them perish! My soul hovered between eternity, the ocean, and the night. At 5 A.M. all was calm, everything saved; and I went to bed with the feeling of having had a romantic and epic dream—a circumstance which might have reminded me that I was all alone, had weariness and soaked garments left me any other need but that of sleep.
Napoleon.
[Correspondence of Napoleon I., No.7861, communicated by M.Chambry.]
No.2.
To the Empress, at Aix-la-Chapelle.
Boulogne, August 3, 1804.
My Dear,—I trust soon to learn that the waters have done you much good.I am sorry to hear of all the vexations you have undergone.Please write me often.My health is very good, although I am rather tired.I shall be at Dunkirk in a very few days, and shall write you from there.
Eugène has started for Blois.
Je te couvre de baisers.
Napoleon.
No.3.
To the Empress, at Aix-la-Chapelle.
Calais, August 6, 1804.
My Dear,—I arrived at Calais at midnight; I expect to start to-night for Dunkirk. I am in very fair health, and satisfied with what I see. I trust that the waters are doing you as much good as exercise, camp, and seascape are doing me.
Eugène has set off for Blois.Hortense is well.Louis is at Plombières.
I am longing to see you.You are always necessary to my happiness.My very best love.
Napoleon.
No.4.
To the Empress, at Aix-la-Chapelle.
Ostend, August 14, 1804.
My Dear,—I have had no letter from you for several days; yet I should be more comfortable if I knew that the waters were efficacious, and how you spend your time.During the past week I have been at Ostend.The day after to-morrow I shall be at Boulogne for a somewhat special fête.Advise me by the courier what you intend to do, and how soon you expect to end your baths.
I am very well satisfied with the army and the flotillas.Eugène is still at Blois.I hear no more of Hortense than if she were on the Congo.I am writing to scold her.
My best love to all.
Napoleon.
No.5.
To the Empress, at Aix-la-Chapelle.
Arras, Wednesday, August 29, 1804.
Madame and dear Wife,—I have just reached Arras. I shall stay there to-morrow. I shall be at Mons on Friday, and on Sunday at Aix-la-Chapelle. I am as well satisfied with my journey as with the army. I think I shall pass through Brussels without stopping there; thence I shall go to Maestricht. I am rather impatient to see you. I am glad to hear you have tried the waters; they cannot fail to do you good. My health is excellent. Eugène is well, and is with me.
Very kindest regards to every one.
Bonaparte.
[Translated from a Letter in the Collection of Baron Heath, Philobiblon Society, vol.xiv.]
October 2nd.—Sir Sydney Smith attacks flotilla at Boulogne unsuccessfully.
No.6.
To Josephine, at St.Cloud.
Trèves, October 6, 1804.
My Dear,—I arrive at Trèves the same moment that you arrive at St.Cloud.I am in good health.Do not grant an audience to T——, and refuse to see him.Receive B—— only in general company, and do not give him a private interview.Make promises to sign marriage contracts only after I have signed them.—Yours ever,
Napoleon.
December 1st.—Plebiscite confirms election of Napoleon as Emperor, by 3,500,000 votes to 2000.
December 2nd.—Napoleon crowns himself Emperor, and Josephine Empress, in the presence and with the benediction of the Pope.
General Events.—October 8th.—The negro Dessalines crowned Emperor of St.Domingo, under title of James I.
December 12th.—Spain declares war against England.
SERIES F
CAMPAIGN OF AUSTERLITZ, 1805.
"To convey an idea of the brilliant campaign of 1805 ...I should, like the almanack-makers, be obliged to note down a victory for every day."—Bourrienne, vol.ii.323.
"Si jamais correspondence de mari à femme a été intime et fréquente, si jamais continuité et permanence de tendresse a été marquée, c'est bien dans ces lettres écrites, chaque jour presque, par Napoléon à sa femme durant la campagne de l'an XIV."—F.Masson, Joséphine, Impératrice et Reine, 1899, p.427.
SERIES F
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 237-243.)
| LETTER | PAGE | |
| No.1. | To Josephine | 237 |
| Strasburg | 237 | |
| Stuttgard | 237 | |
| I am well placed | 237 | |
| No.2. | Louisburg | 238 |
| In a few days | 238 | |
| A new bride | 238 | |
| Electress | 238 | |
| No.3. | I have assisted at a marriage | 238 |
| No.5. | The abbey of Elchingen | 238 |
| No.6. | Spent the whole of to-day indoors | 238 |
| Vicenza | 238 | |
| No.7. | Elchingen | 239 |
| Such a catastrophe | 239 | |
| No.9. | Munich | 239 |
| Lemarois | 239 | |
| I was grieved | 239 | |
| Amuse yourself | 239 | |
| Talleyrand has come | 240 | |
| No.10. | We are always in forests | 240 |
| My enemies | 240 | |
| No.11. | Lintz | 240 |
| No.12. | Schoenbrunn | 241 |
| No.13. | They owe everything to you | 241 |
| No.14. | Austerlitz | 241 |
| December 2nd | 241 | |
| No.17. | A long time since I had news of you | 241 |
| No.19. | I await events | 242 |
| I, for my part, am sufficiently busy | 242 |
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, DURING THE AUSTERLITZ CAMPAIGN, 1805.
Events of 1805.
March 13th.—Napoleon proclaimed King of Italy.
May 26th.—Crowned at Milan.
June 8th.—Prince Eugène named Viceroy of Italy.
June 23rd.—Lucca made a principality, and given to Elisa Bonaparte.
July 22nd.—Naval battle between Villeneuve and Sir Robert Calder, which saves England from invasion.
August 16th.—Napoleon breaks up camp of Boulogne.
September 8th.—Third Continental Coalition (Russia, Austria, and England against France).Austrians cross the Inn, and invade Bavaria.
September 21st.—Treaty of Paris between France and Naples, which engages to take no part in the war.
September 23rd.—Moniteur announces invasion of Bavaria by Austria.
September 24th.—Napoleon leaves Paris.
September 27th.—Joins at Strasburg his Grand Army(160,000 strong).
October 1st.—Arrives at Ettlingen.
October 2nd.—Arrives at Louisbourg.Hostilities commence.
No.1.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
Imperial Headquarters, Ettlingen,
October 2, 1805, 10 A.M.
I am well, and still here.I am starting for Stuttgard, where I shall be to-night.Great operations are now in progress.The armies of Wurtemberg and Baden have joined mine.I am well placed for the campaign, and I love you.
Napoleon.
No.2.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
Louisbourg, October 4, 1805, Noon.
I am at Louisbourg.I start to-night.There is as yet nothing new.My whole army is on the march.The weather is splendid.My junction with the Bavarians is effected.I am well.I trust in a few days to have something interesting to communicate.
Keep well, and believe in my entire affection.There is a brilliant Court here, a new bride who is very beautiful, and upon the whole some very pleasant people, even our Electress, who appears extremely kind, although the daughter of the King of England.
Napoleon.
No.3.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
Louisbourg, October 5, 1805.
I continue my march immediately.You will, my dear, be five or six days without hearing from me; don't be uneasy, it is connected with operations now taking place.All goes well, and just as I could wish.
I have assisted at a marriage between the son of the Elector and a niece of the King of Prussia.I wish to give the young princess a wedding present to cost 36,000 to 40,000 francs.Please attend to this, and send it to the bride by one of my chamberlains, when they shall come to rejoin me.This matter must be attended to immediately.
Adieu, dear, I love you and embrace you.
Napoleon.
October 6th-7th.—French cross the Danube and turn Mack's army.
October 8th.—Battle of Wertingen.(Murat defeats the Austrians.)
October 9th.—Battle of Gunzburg.(Ney defeats Mack.)
No.4.
October 10th.—French enter Augsbourg.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
Augsbourg, Thursday, October 10, 1805, 11 A.M.
I slept last night[18] with the former Elector of Trèves, who is very well lodged. For the past week I have been hurrying forward. The campaign has been successful enough so far. I am very well, although it rains almost every day. Events crowd on us rapidly. I have sent to France 4000 prisoners, 8 flags, and have 14 of the enemy's cannon.
Adieu, dear, I embrace you.
Napoleon.
October 11th.—Battle of Hasslach.Dupont holds his own against much superior forces.
No.5.
October 12th.—French enter Munich.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
October 12, 1805, 11 P.M.
My army has entered Munich.On one side the enemy is beyond the Inn; I hold the other army, 60,000 strong, blocked on the Iller, between Ulm and Memmingen.The enemy is beaten, has lost its head, and everything points to a most glorious campaign, the shortest and most brilliant which has been made.In an hour I start for Burgau-sur-l'Iller.
I am well, but the weather is frightful.It rains so much that I change my clothes twice a day.
I love and embrace you.
Napoleon
October 14th.—Capture of Memmingen and 4OOO Austrians by Soult.
October 15th.—Battle of Elchingen.Ney defeats Laudon.
October 17th.—Capitulation of Ulm.
No.6.
October 19th.—Werneck and 8000 men surrender to Murat.
To Josephine, at Strasburg.
Abbaye d'Elchingen, October 19, 1805.
My dear Josephine,—I have tired myself more than I ought.Soaked garments and cold feet every day for a week have made me rather ill, but I have spent the whole of to-day indoors, which has rested me.
My design has been accomplished; I have destroyed the Austrian army by marches alone; I have made 60,000 prisoners, taken 120 pieces of cannon, more than 90 flags, and more than 30 generals.I am about to fling myself on the Russians; they are lost men.I am satisfied with my army.I have only lost 1500 men, of whom two-thirds are but slightly wounded.
Prince Charles is on his way to cover Vienna.I think Massena should be already at Vicenza.
The moment I can give my thoughts to Italy, I will make Eugène win a battle.
Very best wishes to Hortense.
Adieu, my Josephine; kindest regards to every one.
Napoleon
October 20th.—Mack and his army defile before Napoleon.
No.7.
October 21st.—Battle of Trafalgar; Franco-Spanish fleet destroyed after a five hours' fight."The result of the battle of Trafalgar compensates, for England, the results of the operations of Ulm.It has been justly observed that this power alone, of all those who fought France from 1793 to 1812, never experienced a check in her political or military combinations without seeing herself compensated forthwith by a signal success in some other part of the world" (Montgaillard).
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Elchingen, October 21, 1805, Noon.
I am fairly well, my dear.I start at once for Augsbourg.I have made 33,000 men lay down their arms, I have from 60,000 to 70,000 prisoners, more than 90 flags, and 200 pieces of cannon.Never has there been such a catastrophe in military annals!
Take care of yourself.I am rather jaded.The weather has been fine for the last three days.The first column of prisoners files off for France to-day.Each column consists of 6000 men.
Napoleon
No.8.
October 25th.—The Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia swear, at the tomb of the Great Frederick, to make implacable war on France (Convention signed November 3rd).
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Augsburg, October 25, 1805.
The two past nights have thoroughly rested me, and I am going to start to-morrow for Munich.I am sending word to M.de Talleyrand and M.Maret to be near at hand.I shall see something of them, and I am going to advance upon the Inn in order to attack Austria in the heart of her hereditary states.I should much have liked to see you; but do not reckon upon my sending for you, unless there should be an armistice or winter quarters.
Adieu, dear; a thousand kisses.Give my compliments to the ladies.
Napoleon
No.9.
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Munich, Sunday, October 27, 1805.
I received your letter per Lemarois. I was grieved to see how needlessly you have made yourself unhappy. I have heard particulars which have proved how much you love me, but you should have more fortitude and confidence. Besides, I had advised you that I should be six days without writing you.
To-morrow I expect the Elector.At noon I start to support my advance on the Inn.My health is fair.You need not think of crossing the Rhine for two or three weeks.You must be cheerful, amuse yourself, and hope that before the end of the month[19] we shall meet.
I am advancing against the Russian army.In a few days I shall have crossed the Inn.
Adieu, my dear; kindest regards to Hortense, Eugène, and the two Napoleons.
Keep back the wedding present a little longer.
Yesterday I gave a concert to the ladies of this court.The precentor is a superior man.
I took part in the Elector's pheasant-shoot; you see by that that I am not so tired.M.de Talleyrand has come.
Napoleon.
October 28th.—Grand Army cross the Inn.Lannes occupies Braunau.
October 28th to October 29th-30th.—Battle of Caldiero.—Massena with 55,000 men attacks Archduke Charles entrenched with 70,000; after two days' fight French repulsed at this place, previously disastrous to their arms.
No.10.
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Haag, November 3, 1805, 10 P.M.
I am in full march; the weather is very cold, the earth covered with a foot of snow. This is rather trying. Luckily there is no want of wood; here we are always in forests. I am fairly well. My campaign proceeds satisfactorily; my enemies must have more anxieties than I.
I wish to hear from you and to learn that you are not worrying yourself.
Adieu, dear; I am going to lie down.
Napoleon.
November 4th.—Combat of Amstetten.Lannes and Murat drive back the Russians.Davoust occupies Steyer.Army of Italy takes Vicenza.
No.11.
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Tuesday, November 5, 1805.
I am at Lintz.The weather is fine.We are within seventy miles of Vienna.The Russians do not stand; they are in full retreat.The house of Austria is at its wit's end, and in Vienna they are removing all the court belongings.It is probable that something new will occur within five or six days.I much desire to see you again.My health is good.
I embrace you.
Napoleon.
November 7th.—Ney occupies Innsbruck.
November 9th.—Davoust defeats Meerfeldt at Marienzell.
November 10th.—Marmont arrives at Leoben.
November 11th.—-Battle of Diernstein; Mortier overwhelmed by Russians, but saved by Dupont.
November 13th.—Vienna entered and bridge over the Danube seized.Massena crosses the Tagliamento.
November 14th.—Ney enters Trent.
No.12.
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
November 15, 1805, 9 P.M.
I have been at Vienna two days, my dear, rather fagged. I have not yet seen the city by day; I have traversed it by night. To-morrow I receive the notables and public bodies. Nearly all my troops are beyond the Danube, in pursuit of the Russians.
Adieu, Josephine; as soon as it is possible I will send for you.My very best love.
Napoleon.
No.13.
November 16th.—Jellachich surrenders to Augereau at Feldkirch with 7000 men.
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Vienna, November 16, 1805.
I am writing to M.d'Harville, so that you can set out and make your way to Baden, thence to Stuttgard, and from there to Munich.At Stuttgard you will give the wedding present to the Princess Paul.If it costs fifteen to twenty thousand francs, that will suffice; the rest will do for giving presents at Munich to the daughters of the Electress of Bavaria.All that Madame de Serent[20] has advised you is definitely arranged. Take with you the wherewithal to make presents to the ladies and officers who will wait upon you. Be civil, but receive full homage; they owe everything to you, and you owe nothing save civility. The Electress of Wurtemberg is daughter of the King of England. She is an excellent woman; you should be very kind to her, but yet without affectation.
I shall be very glad to see you, the moment circumstances permit me.I start to join my vanguard.The weather is frightful; it snows heavily.Otherwise my affairs go excellently.
Adieu, my dear.
Napoleon.
November 19th.—French occupy Brunn, and Napoleon establishes his headquarters at Wischau.
November 24th.—Massena occupies Trieste.
November 28th.—Army of Italy joins troops of the Grand Army at Klagenfurt.
December 2nd.—Battle of the Three Emperors (Austerlitz).French forces 80,000; allies 95,000.
No.14.
To the Empress, at Strasburg.
Austerlitz, December 3, 1805.
I have despatched to you Lebrun from the field of battle.I have beaten the Russian and Austrian army commanded by the two Emperors.I am rather fagged.I have bivouacked eight days in the open air, through nights sufficiently keen.To-night I rest in the château of Prince Kaunitz, where I shall sleep for the next two or three hours.The Russian army is not only beaten, but destroyed.
I embrace you.
Napoleon.
December 4th.—Haugwitz, the Prussian Minister, congratulates Napoleon on his victory."Voilà!"replied the Emperor; "un compliment dont la fortune a changé l'addresse."
No.15.
To the Empress, at Munich.
Austerlitz, December 5, 1805.
I have concluded a truce.The Russians have gone.The battle of Austerlitz is the grandest of all I have fought.Forty-five flags, more than 150 pieces of cannon, the standards of the Russian Guard, 20 generals, 30,000 prisoners, more than 20,000 slain—a horrible sight.
The Emperor Alexander is in despair, and on his way to Russia.Yesterday, at my bivouac, I saw the Emperor of Germany.We conversed for two hours; we have agreed to make peace quickly.
The weather is not now very bad. At last behold peace restored to the Continent; it is to be hoped that it is going to be to the world. The English will not know how to face us.
I look forward with much pleasure to the moment when I can once more be near you.My eyes have been rather bad the last two days; I have never suffered from them before.
Adieu, my dear.I am fairly well, and very anxious to embrace you.
Napoleon.
No.16.
To the Empress, at Munich.
Austerlitz, December 7, 1805.
I have concluded an armistice; within a week peace will be made.I am anxious to hear that you reached Munich in good health.The Russians are returning; they have lost enormously—more than 20,000 dead and 30,000 taken.Their army is reduced by three-quarters.Buxhowden, their general-in-chief, was killed.I have 3000 wounded and 700 to 800 dead.
My eyes are rather bad; it is a prevailing complaint, and scarcely worth mentioning.
Adieu, dear.I am very anxious to see you again.
I am going to sleep to-night at Vienna.
Napoleon.
No.17.
To the Empress, at Munich.
Brunn, December 10, 1805.
It is a long time since I had news of you.Have the grand fêtes at Baden, Stuttgard, and Munich made you forget the poor soldiers, who live covered with mud, rain, and blood?
I shall start in a few days for Vienna.
We are endeavouring to conclude peace. The Russians have gone, and are in flight far from here; they are on their way back to Russia, well drubbed and very much humiliated.
I am very anxious to be with you again.
Adieu, dear.
My bad eyes are cured.
Napoleon.
December 15th.—Treaty with Prussia.
No.18.
To the Empress, at Munich.
December 19, 1805.
Great Empress,—Not a single letter from you since your departure from Strasburg.You have gone to Baden, Stuttgard, Munich, without writing us a word.This is neither very kind nor very affectionate.
I am still at Brunn.The Russians are gone.I have a truce.In a few days I shall see what I may expect.Deign from the height of your grandeur to concern yourself a little with your slaves.
Napoleon.
No.19.
To the Empress, at Munich.
Schönbrunn, December 20, 1805.
I got your letter of the 16th. I am sorry to learn you are in pain. You are not strong enough to travel two hundred and fifty miles at this time of the year. I know not what I shall do; I await events. I have no will in the matter; everything depends on their issue. Stay at Munich; amuse yourself. That is not difficult when you have so many kind friends and so beautiful a country. I, for my part, am sufficiently busy. In a few days my decision will be made.
Adieu, dear.Kindest and most affectionate regards.
Napoleon.
December 27th.[21]—Peace of Presburg.
December 31st.—Napoleon arrives outside Munich, and joins Josephine the next morning.
SERIES G
"Battles then lasted a few hours, campaigns a few days."
—Bignon, On Friedland (vol. vi. 292).
SERIES G
(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages 243-264.)
| LETTER | PAGE | |
| No.1. | Princess of Baden | 244 |
| Hortense | 244 | |
| The Grand Duke | 244 | |
| Florence | 244 | |
| No.2. | Bamberg | 244 |
| Eugène | 244 | |
| Her husband | 245 | |
| No.3. | Erfurt | 245 |
| If she wants to see a battle | 245 | |
| No.4. | I nearly captured him and the Queen | 246 |
| I have bivouacked | 246 | |
| No.5. | Fatigues, bivouacs have made me fat | 246 |
| The great M.Napoleon | 247 | |
| No.7. | Potsdam | 247 |
| No.8. | You do nothing but cry | 247 |
| No.9a | Madame Tallien | 247 |
| No.10. | The bad things I say about women | 248 |
| No.11. | Lubeck | 250 |
| No.13. | Madame L. | 250 |
| No.17. | December 2nd | 250 |
| No.18. | Jealousy | 250 |
| No.19. | Desir de femme est un feu qui dévore | 251 |
| No.23. | I am dependent on events | 251 |
| No.26. | The fair ones of Great Poland | 251 |
| A wretched barn | 252 | |
| Such things become common property | 252 | |
| No.27. | Warsaw, January 3rd | 252 |
| No.28. | Be cheerful—gai | 253 |
| No.29. | Roads unsafe and detestable | 253 |
| No.35. | I hope that you are at Paris | 254 |
| T. | 254 | |
| No.36. | Paris | 254 |
| No.38. | Arensdorf | 254 |
| No.39. | The Battle of Preussich-Eylau | 254 |
| No.40. | Corbineau | 256 |
| Dahlmann | 256 | |
| No.41. | Young Tascher | 256 |
| No.42. | Napoleon's Correspondence | 256 |
| No.43. | I am still at Eylau | 257 |
| This country is covered with dead and wounded | 257 | |
| No.50. | Osterode | 257 |
| It is not as good as the great city | 258 | |
| I have ordered what you wish for Malmaison | 258 | |
| No.54. | Minerva | 259 |
| No.55. | The first use of Vous | 259 |
| No.56. | Dupuis | 260 |
| No.58. | M.de T. | 260 |
| No.60. | Marshal Bessières | 260 |
| No.63. | Date | 260 |
| No.67. | Sweet, pouting, and capricious | 260 |
| No.68. | Madame —— | 261 |
| Measles | 261 | |
| No.69. | I trust I may hear you have been rational | 261 |
| No.71. | May 20th | 262 |
| No.74. | I am vexed with Hortense | 262 |
| No.78. | Friedland | 263 |
| No.79. | Tilsit | 264 |
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON TO THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE DURING THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST PRUSSIA AND RUSSIA, 1806-7.
1806.
January 1st.—The Elector of Bavaria and the Duke of Wurtemberg created Kings by France.
January 23rd.—Death of William Pitt, aged 47.
February 15th.—Joseph Bonaparte enters Naples, and on
March 10th is declared King of the Two Sicilies.
April 1st.—Prussia seizes Hanover.
June 5th.—Louis Bonaparte made King of Holland.
July 6th.—Battle of Maida (Calabria.English defeat General Reynier.French loss 4000; English 500).
July 12th.—Napoleon forms Confederation of the Rhine, with himself as Chief and Protector.
July 18th.—Gaeta surrenders to Massena.
August 6th.—Francis II., Emperor of Germany, becomes Emperor of Austria as Francis I.
August 15th.—Russia refuses to ratify peace preliminaries signed by her ambassador at Paris on July 25th.
September 13th.—Death of Charles James Fox, aged 57.
No.1.
October 5th.—Proclamation by the Prince of the Peace against France (germ of Spanish War).
To the Empress, at Mayence.
October 5, 1806.
It will be quite in order for the Princess of Baden to come to Mayence. I cannot think why you weep; you do wrong to make yourself ill. Hortense is inclined to pedantry; she loves to air her views. She has written me; I am sending her a reply. She ought to be happy and cheerful. Pluck and a merry heart—that's the recipe.
Adieu, dear.The Grand Duke has spoken to me about you; he saw you at Florence at the time of the retreat.
Napoleon.
No.2.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Bamberg, October 7, 1806.
I start this evening, my dear, for Cronach.The whole of my army is advancing.All goes well.My health is perfect.I have only received as yet one letter from you.I have some from Eugène and from Hortense.Stephanie should now be with you.Her husband wishes to make the campaign; he is with me.
Adieu.A thousand kisses and the best of health.
Napoleon.
October 8th.—Prussia, assisted by Saxony, Russia, and England, declares war against France.
October 9th.—Campaign opens.Prussians defeated at Schleitz.
October 10th.—Lannes defeats them at Saalfeld.Prince Louis of Prussia killed; 1000 men and 30 guns taken.
October 11th.—French peace negotiations with England broken off.
No.3.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Gera, October 13, 1806, 2 A.M.
My Dear,—I am at Gera to-day. My affairs go excellently well, and everything as I could wish. With the aid of God, they will, I believe, in a few days have taken a terrible course for the poor King of Prussia, whom I am sorry for personally, because he is a good man. The Queen is at Erfurt with the King. If she wants to see a battle, she shall have that cruel pleasure. I am in splendid health. I have already put on flesh since my departure; yet I am doing, in person, twenty and twenty-five leagues a day, on horseback, in my carriage, in all sorts of ways. I lie down at eight, and get up at midnight. I fancy at times that you have not yet gone to bed. —Yours ever,
Napoleon
October 14th.—Battles of Jena and Auerstadt.
No.4.
October 15th.—Napoleon at Weimar, He releases 6000 Saxon prisoners, which soon causes peace with Saxony.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Jena, October 15, 1806, 3 A.M.
My Dear,—I have made excellent manœuvres against the Prussians.Yesterday I won a great victory.They had 150,000 men.I have made 20,000 prisoners, taken 100 pieces of cannon, and flags.I was in presence of the King of Prussia, and near to him; I nearly captured him and the Queen.For the past two days I have bivouacked.I am in excellent health.
Adieu, dear.Keep well, and love me.
If Hortense is at Mayence, give her a kiss; also to Napoleon and to the little one.
Napoleon.
No.5.
October 16th.—Soult routs Kalkreuth at Greussen; Erfurt and 16,000 men capitulate to Murat.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Weimar, October 16, 1806, 5 P.M.
M. Talleyrand will have shown you the bulletin, my dear; you will see my successes therein. All has happened as I calculated, and never was an army more thoroughly beaten and more entirely destroyed. I need only add that I am very well, and that fatigue, bivouacs, and night-watches have made me fat.
Adieu, dear.Kindest regards to Hortense and to the great M.Napoleon.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
October 17th.—Bernadotte defeats Prussian reserve at Halle.
October 18th.—Davoust takes Leipsic, and an enormous stock of English merchandise.
October 19th.—Napoleon at Halle.
October 20th.—Lannes takes Dessau, and Davoust Wittenberg.
October 21st.—Napoleon at Dessau.
No.6.
October 23rd.—Napoleon makes Wittenberg central depôt for his army.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Wittenberg, October 23, 1806, Noon.
I have received several of your letters. I write you only a line. My affairs prosper. To-morrow I shall be at Potsdam, and at Berlin on the 25th. I am wonderfully well, and thrive on hard work. I am very glad to hear you are with Hortense and Stephanie, en grande compagnieSo far, the weather has been fine.
Kind regards to Stephanie, and to everybody, not forgetting M.Napoleon.
Adieu, dear.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
No.7.
October 24th.—Lannes occupies Potsdam.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Potsdam, October 24, 1806.
My Dear,—I have been at Potsdam since yesterday, and shall remain there to-day. I continue satisfied with my undertakings. My health is good; the weather very fine. I find Sans-Souci very pleasant.
Adieu, dear.Best wishes to Hortense and to M.Napoleon.
Napoleon.
October 25th.—Marshal Davoust enters Berlin; Bernadotte occupies Brandenburg.
October 28th.—Prince Hohenlohe surrenders at Prenzlau to Murat with 16,000 men, including the Prussian Guard.
October 30th.—Stettin surrenders with 5000 men and 150 cannon.
No.8.
November 1st.—Anklam surrenders, with 4000 men, to General Becker.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
November 1, 1806, 2 A.M.
Talleyrand has just arrived and tells me, my dear, that you do nothing but cry.What on earth do you want?You have your daughter, your grandchildren, and good news; surely these are sufficient reasons for being happy and contented.
The weather here is superb; there has not yet fallen during the whole campaign a single drop of water.I am very well, and all goes excellently.
Adieu, dear; I have received a letter from M.Napoleon; I do not believe it is from him, but from Hortense.Kindest regards to everybody.
Napoleon.
November 2nd.—Kustrin surrenders, with 4000 men and 90 guns, to Davoust.
No.9.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Berlin, November 2, 1806.
Your letter of October 26th to hand. We have splendid weather here. You will see by the bulletin that we have taken Stettin—it is a very strong place. All my affairs go as well as possible, and I am thoroughly satisfied. One pleasure is alone wanting—that of seeing you, but I hope that will not long be deferred.
Kindest regards to Hortense, Stephanie, and to the little Napoleon.
Adieu, dear.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
No.9a.
From the Memoirs of Mademoiselle d'Avrillon (vol.i.128).
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Berlin, Monday, Noon.
My Dear,—I have received your letter.I am glad to know that you are in a place which pleases me, and especially to know that you are very well there.Who should be happier than you?You should live without a worry, and pass your time as pleasantly as possible; that, indeed, is my intention.
I forbid you to see Madame Tallien, under any pretext whatever.I will admit of no excuse.If you desire a continuance of my esteem, if you wish to please me, never transgress the present order.She may possibly come to your apartments, to enter them by night; forbid your porter to admit her.
I shall soon be at Malmaison.I warn you to have no lovers there that night; I should be sorry to disturb them.Adieu, dear; I long to see you and assure you of my love and affection.
Napoleon.
No.10.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
November 6, 1806, 9 P.M.
Yours to hand, in which you seem annoyed at the bad things I say about women; it is true that I hate intriguing women more than anything. I am used to kind, gentle, persuasive women; these are the kind I like. If I have been spoilt, it is not my fault, but yours. Moreover, you shall learn how kind I have been to one who showed herself sensible and good, Madame d'Hatzfeld. When I showed her husband's letter to her she admitted to me, amid her sobs, with profound emotion, and frankly, "Ah! it is indeed his writing!" While she was reading, her voice went to my heart; it pained me. I said, "Well, madame, throw that letter on the fire, I shall then have no longer the power to punish your husband." She burnt the letter, and seemed very happy. Her husband now feels at ease; two hours later he would have been a dead man. You see then how I like kind, frank, gentle women; but it is because such alone resemble you.
Adieu, dear; my health is good.
Napoleon.
November 6th and 7th.—Blucher and his army (17,000 men) surrender at Lubeck to Soult, Murat, and Bernadotte.
November 8th.—Magdeburg surrenders to Ney, with 20,000 men, immense stores, and nearly 800 cannon.
No.11.
November 9th.—Napoleon levies a contribution of 150 million francs on Prussia and her allies.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Berlin, November 9, 1806.
My Dear,—I am sending good news. Magdeburg has capitulated, and on November 7th I took 20,000 men at Lubeck who escaped me last week. The whole Prussian army, therefore, is captured; even beyond the Vistula there does not remain to Prussia 20,000 men. Several of my army corps are in Poland. I am still at Berlin. I am very fairly well.
Adieu, dear; heartiest good wishes to Hortense, Stephanie, and the two little Napoleons.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
November 10th.—Davoust occupies Posen.Hanover occupied by Marshal Mortier.
No.12.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Berlin, November 16, 1806.
I received your letter of November 11th.I note with satisfaction that my convictions give you pleasure.You are wrong to think flattery was intended; I was telling you of yourself as I see you.I am grieved to think that you are tired of Mayence.Were the journey less long, you might come here, for there is no longer an enemy, or, if there is, he is beyond the Vistula; that is to say, more than three hundred miles away.I will wait to hear what you think about it.I should also be delighted to see M.Napoleon.
Adieu, my dear.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
I have still too much business here for me to return to Paris.
November 17th.—Suspension of arms signed at Charlottenburg.
November 19th.—French occupy Hamburg.
November 20th.—French occupy Hameln.
November 21st.—French occupy Bremen.Berlin decree.Napoleon interdicts trade with England.
No.13.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
November 22, 1806, 10 P.M.
Your letter received. I am sorry to find you in the dumps; yet you have every reason to be cheerful. You are wrong to show so much kindness to people who show themselves unworthy of it. Madame L—— is a fool; such an idiot that you ought to know her by this time, and pay no heed to her. Be contented, happy in my friendship, and in the great influence you possess. In a few days I shall decide whether to summon you hither or send you to Paris.
Adieu, dear; you can go at once, if you like, to Darmstadt, or to Frankfort; that will make you forget your troubles.
Kindest regards to Hortense.
Napoleon.
November 25th.—Napoleon leaves Berlin.
No.14.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Kustrin, November 26, 1806.
I am at Kustrin, making a tour and spying out the land a little; I shall see in a day or two whether you should come.You can keep ready.I shall be very pleased if the Queen of Holland be of the party.The Grand Duchess of Baden must write to her husband about it.
It is 2 A.M. I am just getting up; it is the usage of war.
Kindest regards to you and to every one.
Napoleon.
No.15.
November 27th.—Napoleon arrives at Posen.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Meseritz, November 27, 1806, 2 A.M.
I am about to make a tour in Poland. This is the first town there. To-night I shall be at Posen, after which I shall send for you to come to Berlin, so that you can arrive there the same day as I. My health is good, the weather rather bad; it has rained for the past three days. My affairs prosper. The Russians are in flight.
Adieu, dear; kindest regards to Hortense, Stephanie, and the little Napoleons.
Napoleon.
November 28th.—Murat enters Warsaw.French occupy Duchies of Mecklenburg.
No.16.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Posen, November 29, 1806, Noon.
I am at Posen, capital of Great Poland.The cold weather has set in; I am in good health.I am about to take a circuit round Poland.My troops are at the gates of Warsaw.
Adieu, dear; very kindest regards, and a hearty embrace.
No.17.
December 2nd.—Glogau surrenders to Vandamme.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Posen, December 2, 1806.
To-day is the anniversary of Austerlitz.I have been to a city ball.It is raining; I am in good health.I love you and long for you.My troops are at Warsaw.So far the cold has not been severe.All these fair Poles are Frenchwomen at heart; but there is only one woman for me.Would you know her?I could draw her portrait very well; but I should have to flatter it too much for you to recognise yourself;—yet, to tell the truth, my heart would only have nice things to say to you.These nights are long, all alone.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
No.18.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
December 3, 1806, Noon.
Yours of November 26th received.I notice two things in it.You say I do not read your letters: it is an unkind thought.I take your bad opinion anything but kindly.You tell me that perhaps it is a mere phantasy of the night, and you add that you are not jealous.I found out long ago that angry persons always assert that they are not angry; that those who are afraid keep on repeating that they have no fear; you therefore are convinced of jealousy.I am delighted to hear it!Nevertheless, you are wrong; I think of nothing less, and in the desert plains of Poland one thinks little about beauties....
I had yesterday a ball of the provincial nobility—the women good-looking enough, rich enough, dowdy enough, although in Paris fashions.
Adieu, dear; I am in good health.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
No.19.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Posen, December 3, 1806, 6 p.m.
Yours of November 27th received, from which I see that your little head is quite turned.I am reminded of the verse—
"Désir de femme est un feu qui dévore."
Still you must calm yourself. I wrote you that I was in Poland; that, when we were established in winter quarters, you could come; you will have to wait a few days. The greater one becomes, the less one can consult one's wishes—being dependent on events and circumstances. You can come to Frankfort or Darmstadt. I am hoping to send for you in a few days; that is, if circumstances will permit. The warmth of your letter makes me realise that you, like other pretty women, know no bounds. What you will, must be; but, as for me, I declare that of all men I am the greatest slave; my master has no pity, and this master is the nature of things.
Adieu, dear; keep well.The person that I wished to speak to you about is Madame L——, of whom every one is speaking ill; they assure me that she is more Prussian than French woman.I don't believe it, but I think her an idiot who talks nothing but trash.
Napoleon.
December 6th.—Thorn (on the Vistula) occupied by Ney.
No.20.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Posen, December 9, 1806.
Yours of December 1st received.I see with pleasure that you are more cheerful; that the Queen of Holland wishes to come with you.I long to give the order; but you must still wait a few days.My affairs prosper.
Adieu, dear; I love you and wish to see you happy.
Napoleon.
No.21.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Posen, December 10, 1806, 5 P.M.
An officer has just brought me a rug, a gift from you; it is somewhat short and narrow, but I thank you for it none the less. I am in fair health. The weather is very changeable. My affairs prosper pretty well. I love you and long for you much.
Adieu, dear; I shall write for you to come with at least as much pleasure as you will have in coming.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
A kiss to Hortense, Stephanie, and Napoleon.
December 11th.—Davoust forces the passage of the Bug.
No.22.
December 12th.—Treaty of peace and alliance between France and Saxony signed at Posen.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Posen, December 12th, 1806, 7 P.M.
My Dear,—I have not received any letters from you, but know, nevertheless, that you are well.My health is good, the weather very mild; the bad season has not begun yet, but the roads are bad in a country where there are no highways.Hortense will come then with Napoleon; I am delighted to hear it.I long to see things shape themselves into a position to enable you to come.
I have made peace with Saxony.The Elector is King and one of the confederation.
Adieu, my well-beloved Josephine.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
A kiss to Hortense, Napoleon, and Stephanie.
Päer, the famous musician, his wife, a virtuoso whom you saw at Milan twelve years ago, and Brizzi are here; they give me a little music every evening.
No.23.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
December 15, 1806, 3 P.M.
My Dear,—I start for Warsaw. In a fortnight I shall be back; I hope then to be able to send for you. But if that seems a long time, I should be very glad if you would return to Paris, where you are wanted. You well know that I am dependent on events. All my affairs go excellently. My health is very good; I am as well as possible.
Adieu, dear.I have made peace with Saxony.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
December 17th.—Turkey declares war on Russia.(So Montgaillard; but Napoleon refers to it in the thirty-ninth bulletin, dated December 7th, while Haydn dates it January 7th.)
No.24.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Warsaw, December 20, 1806, 3 P.M.
I have no news from you, dear.I am very well.The last two days I have been at Warsaw.My affairs prosper.The weather is very mild, and even somewhat humid.It has as yet barely begun to freeze; it is October weather.
Adieu, dear; I should much have liked to see you, but trust that in five or six days I shall be able to send for you.
Kindest regards to the Queen of Holland and to her little Napoleons.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
December 22nd.—Napoleon crosses the Narew, and the next day defeats Russians at Czarnowo; also
December 24th.—At Nasielsk.
December 26th.—Ney defeats Lestocq at Soldau; Lannes defeats Beningsen at Pultusk;
December 28th.—And Augereau defeats Buxhowden at Golymin.
No.25.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Golymin, December 29, 1806, 5 A.M.
I write you only a line, my dear. I am in a wretched barn. I have beaten the Russians, taken thirty pieces of cannon, their baggage, and 6000 prisoners; but the weather is frightful. It is raining; we have mud up to our knees.
In two days I shall be at Warsaw, whence I shall write you.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
No.26.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Pultusk, December 31, 1806.
I have had a good laugh over your last letters.You idealise the fair ones of Great Poland in a way they do not deserve.I have had for two or three days the pleasure of hearing Päer and two lady singers, who have given me some very good music.I received your letter in a wretched barn, having mud, wind, and straw for my only bed.To-morrow I shall be at Warsaw.I think all is over for this year.The army is entering winter quarters.I shrug my shoulders at the stupidity of Madame de L——; still you should show her your displeasure, and counsel her not to be so idiotic.Such things become common property, and make many people indignant.
For my part, I scorn ingratitude as the worst fault in a human heart.I know that instead of comforting you, these people have given you pain.
Adieu, dear; I am in good health.I do not think you ought to go to Cassel; that place is not suitable.You may go to Darmstadt.
Napoleon.
No.27.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Warsaw, January 3, 1807.
My Dear,—I have received your letter. Your grief pains me; but one must bow to events. There is too much country to travel between Mayence and Warsaw; you must, therefore, wait till circumstances allow me to come to Berlin, in order that I may write you to come thither. It is true that the enemy, defeated, is far away; but I have many things here to put to rights. I should be inclined to think that you might return to Paris, where you are needed. Send away those ladies who have their affairs to look after; you will be better without people who have given you so much worry.
My health is good; the weather bad.I love you from my heart.
Napoleon.
January 5th.—Capture of Breslau, with 7000 men, by Vandamme and Hédouville.
No.28.
January 7th.—English Orders in Council against Berlin Decree.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Warsaw, January 7, 1807.
My Dear,—I am pained by all that you tell me; but the season being cold, the roads very bad and not at all safe, I cannot consent to expose you to so many fatigues and dangers.Return to Paris in order to spend the winter there.Go to the Tuileries; receive, and lead the same life as you are accustomed to do when I am there; that is my wish.Perhaps I shall not be long in rejoining you there; but it is absolutely necessary for you to give up the idea of making a journey of 750 miles at this time of the year, through the enemy's country, and in the rear of the army.Believe that it costs me more than you to put off for some weeks the pleasure of seeing you, but so events and the success of my enterprise order it.
Adieu, my dear; be cheerful, and show character.
Napoleon.
No.29.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Warsaw, January 8, 1807.
My Dear,—I received your letter of the 27th with those of M.Napoleon and Hortense, which were enclosed with it.I had begged you to return to Paris.The season is too inclement, the roads unsafe and detestable; the distances too great for me to permit you to come hither, where my affairs detain me.It would take you at least a month to come.You would arrive ill; by that time it might perhaps be necessary to start back again; it would therefore be folly.Your residence at Mayence is too dull; Paris reclaims you; go there, it is my wish.I am more vexed about it than you.I should have liked to spend the long nights of this season with you, but we must obey circumstances.
Adieu, dear.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
No.30.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Warsaw, January 11, 1807.
Your letter of the 27th received, from which I note that you are somewhat uneasy about military events.Everything is settled, as I have told you, to my satisfaction; my affairs prosper.The distance is too great for me to allow you to come so far at this time of year.I am in splendid health, sometimes rather wearied by the length of the nights.
Up to the present I have seen few people here.
Adieu, dear.I wish you to be cheerful, and to give a little life to the capital.I would much like to be there.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
I hope that the Queen has gone to the Hague with M.Napoleon.
No.31.
January 16th.—Capture of Brieg by the French.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
January 16, 1807. My Dear,—I have received your letter of the 5th of January; all that you tell me of your unhappiness pains me.Why these tears, these repinings?Have you then no longer any fortitude?I shall see you soon.Never doubt my feelings; and if you wish to be still dearer to me, show character and strength of mind.I am humiliated to think that my wife can distrust my destinies.
Adieu, dear.I love you, I long to see you, and wish to learn that you are content and happy.
Napoleon.
No.32.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Warsaw, January 18, 1807.
I fear that you are greatly grieved at our separation and at your return to Paris, which must last for some weeks longer.I insist on your having more fortitude.I hear you are always weeping.Fie!how unbecoming it is!Your letter of January 7th makes me unhappy.Be worthy of me; assume more character.Cut a suitable figure at Paris; and, above all, be contented.
I am very well, and I love you much; but, if you are always crying, I shall think you without courage and without character.I do not love cowards.An empress ought to have fortitude.
Napoleon.
No.33.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Warsaw, January 19, 1807.
My Dear,—Your letter to hand.I have laughed at your fear of fire.I am in despair at the tone of your letters and at what I hear.I forbid you to weep, to be petulant and uneasy; I want you to be cheerful, lovable, and happy.
Napoleon.
No.34.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
Warsaw, January 23, 1807.
Your letter of January 15th to hand.It is impossible to allow women to make such a journey as this—bad roads, miry and unsafe.Return to Paris; be cheerful and content there.Perhaps even I shall soon be there.I have laughed at what you say about your having taken a husband to be with him.I thought, in my ignorance, that the wife was made for the husband, the husband for his country, his family, and glory.Pardon my ignorance; one is always learning from our fair ladies.
Adieu, my dear.Think how much it costs me not to send for you.Say to yourself, "It is a proof how precious I am to him."
Napoleon.
No.35.
January 25th.—Russians defeated at Mohrungen by Bernadotte.
To the Empress, at Mayence.
January 25, 1807.
I am very unhappy to see you are in pain. I hope that you are at Paris; you will get better there. I share your griefs, and do not groan. For I could not risk losing you by exposing you to fatigues and dangers which befit neither your rank nor your sex.
I wish you never to receive T—— at Paris; he is a black sheep.You would grieve me by doing otherwise.
Adieu, my dear.Love me, and be courageous.
Napoleon.
No.36.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Warsaw, January 26, 1807, Noon.
My Dear,—I have received your letter.It pains me to see how you are fretting yourself.The bridge of Mayence neither increases nor decreases the distance which separates us.Remain, therefore, at Paris.I should be vexed and uneasy to know that you were so miserable and so isolated at Mayence.You must know that I ought, that I can, consider only the success of my enterprise.If I could consult my heart I should be with you, or you with me; for you would be most unjust if you doubted my love and entire affection.
Napoleon.
No.37.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Willemberg, February 1, 1807, Noon.
Your letter of the 11th, from Mayence, has made me laugh.
To-day, I am a hundred miles from Warsaw; the weather is cold, but fine.
Adieu, dear; be happy, show character.
Napoleon.
No.38.
To the Empress, at Paris.
My Dear,—Your letter of January 20th has given me pain; it is too sad. That's the fault of not being a little more devout! You tell me that your glory consists in your happiness. That is narrow-minded; one should say, my glory consists in the happiness of others. It is not conjugal; one should say, my glory consists in the happiness of my husband. It is not maternal; one should say, my glory consists in the happiness of my children. Now, since nations—your husband, your children—can only be happy with a certain amount of glory, you must not make little of it. Fie, Josephine! your heart is excellent and your arguments weak. You feel acutely, but you don't argue as well.
That's sufficient quarrelling.I want you to be cheerful, happy in your lot, and that you should obey, not with grumbling and tears, but with gaiety of heart and a little more good temper.
Adieu, dear; I start to-night to examine my outposts.
Napoleon.
February 5th.—Combats of Bergfriede, Waltersdorf, and Deppen; Russians forced back.
February 6th.—Combat of Hof.Murat victorious.
February 8th.—Battle of Eylau; retreat of Russians.
No.39.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Eylau, February 9, 1807, 3 A.M.
My Dear,—Yesterday there was a great battle; the victory has remained with me, but I have lost many men.The loss of the enemy, which is still more considerable, does not console me.To conclude, I write you these two lines myself, although I am very tired, to tell you that I am well and that I love you.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
No.40.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Eylau, February 9, 1807, 6 P.M.
My Dear,—I write you a line in order that you may not be uneasy. The enemy has lost the battle, 40 pieces of cannon, 10 flags, 12,000 prisoners; he has suffered frightfully. I have lost many: 1600 killed, 3000 or 4000 wounded.
Your cousin Tascher conducts himself well; I have summoned him near me with the title of orderly officer.
Corbineau has been killed by a shell; I was singularly attached to that officer, who had much merit; I am very unhappy about him.My mounted guard has covered itself with glory.Dahlman is dangerously wounded.
Adieu, dear.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
No.41.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Eylau, February 11, 1807, 3 A.M.
My Dear,—I write you a line; you must have been very anxious.I have beaten the enemy in a fight to be remembered, but it has cost many brave lives.The bad weather that has set in forces me to take cantonments.
Do not afflict yourself, please; all this will soon be over, and the happiness of seeing you will make me promptly forget my fatigues.Besides, I have never been in better health.
Young Tascher, of the 4th Regiment, has behaved well; he has had a rough time of it.I have summoned him near me; I have made him an orderly officer—there's an end to his troubles.This young man interests me.
Adieu, dear; a thousand kisses.
Napoleon.
No.42.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Preussich-Eylau, February 12, 1807.
I send you a letter from General Darmagnac. He is a very good soldier, who commanded the 32nd. He is much attached to me. If this Madame de Richmond be well off, and it is a good match, I shall see this marriage with pleasure. Make this known to both of them.
Napoleon.
No.43.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Eylau, February 14, 1807.
My Dear,—I am still at Eylau.This country is covered with dead and wounded.It is not the bright side of warfare; one suffers, and the mind is oppressed at the sight of so many victims. My health is good.I have done as I wished, and driven back the enemy, while making his projects fail.
You are sure to be uneasy, and that thought troubles me.Nevertheless, calm yourself, my dear, and be cheerful.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
Tell Caroline and Pauline that the Grand Duke and the Prince[22] are in excellent health.
February 16th.—Savary defeats Russians at Ostrolenka.
No.44.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Eylau, February 17, 1807, 3 A.M.
Your letter to hand, informing me of your arrival at Paris.I am very glad to know you are there.My health is good.
The battle of Eylau was very sanguinary, and very hardly contested.Corbineau was slain.He was a very brave man.I had grown very fond of him.
Adieu, dear; it is as warm here as in the month of April; everything is thawing.My health is good.
Napoleon.
No.45.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Landsberg, February 18, 1807, 3 A.M.
I write you two lines.My health is good.I am moving to set my army in winter quarters.
It rains and thaws as in the month of April.We have not yet had one cold day.
Adieu, dear.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
No.46.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Liebstadt, February 20, 1807, 2 A.M.
I write you two lines, dear, in order that you may not be uneasy.My health is very good, and my affairs prosper.
I have again put my army into cantonments.
The weather is extraordinary; it freezes and thaws; it is wet and unsettled.
Adieu, dear.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
No.47.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Liebstadt, February 21, 1807, 2 A.M.
Your letter of the 4th February to hand; I see with pleasure that your health is good.Paris will thoroughly re-establish it by giving you cheerfulness and rest, and a return to your accustomed habits.
I am wonderfully well. The weather and the country are vile. My affairs are fairly satisfactory. It thaws and freezes within twenty-four hours; there can never have been known such an extraordinary winter.
Adieu, dear; I love you, I think of you, and wish to know that you are contented, cheerful, and happy.—Yours ever,
Napoleon
No.48.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Liebstadt, February 21, 1807, Noon.
My Dear,—Your letter of the 8th received; I see with pleasure that you have been to the opera, and that you propose holding receptions weekly.Go occasionally to the theatre, and always into the Royal box.I notice also with pleasure the banquets you are giving.
I am very well.The weather is still unsettled; it freezes and thaws.
I have once more put my army into cantonments in order to rest them.
Never be doleful, love me, and believe in my entire affection.
Napoleon.
No.49.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Osterode, February 23, 1807, 2 P.M.
My Dear,—Your letter of the 10th received.I am sorry to see you are a little out of sorts.
I have been in the country for the past month, experiencing frightful weather, because it has been unsettled, and varying from cold to warm within a week.Still, I am very well.
Try and pass your time pleasantly; have no anxieties, and never doubt the love I bear you.
Napoleon.