Part 3

A French regiment, the 76th of the line, had lost its colors in the Grisons; it knew that Europe had not forgotten its misfortune, which was not occasioned, however, by want of courage. After the taking of forts Charnitz and Neustark on the 9th of November, 1805, this regiment entered Inspruck; an officer of the guard recognized in the arsenal the long lost colors and announced it to his comrades. The soldiers crowded forward, when their chief, Marshal Ney, standing in the midst, exhibited these flags the subject of so many regrets. “I return them to you,” said he, “confident that you will never lose them again.” On the right of the engraving, a young soldier, raised upon the arms of his comrades, is seen tracing these words upon the wall: “_Le 76e retrouve ses drapeaux dans l’arsenal d’Inspruck, 1805_.”

This picture formed part of the exhibition of 1808, when the committee deemed it worthy of honorable mention. In painting it, the artist, M. Meynier, had a great difficulty to overcome, that of so many men clad in uniforms of the same color; this, however, he has overcome with great success.

By order of the Bourbons, the head of the General has been changed; they were not willing that aught of Ney should be seen, to remind his judges and executioners of the part they acted in his political murder.

[Illustration: THE 76th REGIMENT RECOVERING ITS COLORS.]

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ.

It is said that Napoleon, after having ascertained the exact position of his army, on the night previous to the battle of Austerlitz, fell asleep in the midst of his general officers. This was about midnight, when he snatched an hour from his important duties to restore the energies of his wearied frame. Ingratitude and treason were alone able to conquer the will and the power that were to astonish future ages, and to be felt, if not acknowledged, to all time.

[Illustration: THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ.]

THE BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ.

The Russian General-in-chief, Kutusoff, fell into the snare Napoleon had held for him, and sent a large division of his army to turn the right of the French. The troops detached for this purpose met with unexpected resistance from Davoust, and were held in check at Raygern. Napoleon immediately seized the opportunity; they had left a deep gap in the line, and into that space Soult forthwith poured a force which entirely destroyed communication between the Russian centre and left. The Czar perceived the fatal consequences of this movement, and his guards rushed forward to beat back Soult. It was on an eminence, called the hill of Pratzen, that the encounter took place. The Russians began to drive the French infantry before them. Napoleon ordered Bessieres to hurry with the Imperial Guard to their rescue. The Russians were in some disorder and flushed with victory, but they resisted bravely, though they were finally broken and driven back. The Grand Duke Constantine, who had led them gallantly only escaped by the fleetness of his horse.

The French centre now advanced, and the charges of its cavalry were decisive. The Emperors of Russia and Germany beheld from the heights their right wing, which had hitherto stood well against the impetuosity of Lannes, forced down into a hollow under the incessant fire of artillery from above, where some small frozen lakes offered the only means of escape from the approaching cannonade.

[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ.]

NAPOLEON’S INTERVIEW WITH THE AUSTRIAN EMPEROR.

The defeat of the allied army at the battle of Austerlitz induced the Emperor of Austria to seek an interview with Napoleon, in order, if possible, to conclude a treaty of peace. With this in view he commissioned Prince Jean de Lichtenstein to ascertain whether this would be agreeable to the conqueror or not: Napoleon agreed and appointed the 4th of December, 1805, to receive Francis II. at his bivouac.

On that day the haughty Emperor went to the French headquarters and Napoleon said, “I receive you in the only palace I have known for the last two months.” To which the humiliated Sovereign replied, “You have made so good a use of them, that you ought not to complain of your accommodation.” The two Princes soon concluded an armistice, and the principal conditions of peace were promptly arranged. Francis demanded that the Czar should be permitted to pass to his own country in safety. Napoleon agreed to this, provided the Russians would evacuate Germany and Poland, both Austrian and Prussian. The Austrian Emperor assured him that he felt sure such was the intention of the Czar, but desired that an officer might be sent to learn definitely the sentiments of the Russian Emperor on that point; and General Savary was dispatched to ascertain if Alexander would adhere to this armistice.

[Illustration: NAPOLEON’S INTERVIEW WITH THE AUSTRIAN EMPEROR.]

STATUES ON THE COLUMN OF THE GRAND ARMY.

One of the engravings represents the statue which formerly crowned the summit of the splendid column in the Place Vendôme, designed by M. Chaudet in imitation of the ancient classic statues of the Roman Emperors. It has, however, been displaced by the modern one reproduced in our plate executed from the design showing Napoleon in his accustomed dress as General of the French Army.

[Illustration: STATUES ON THE COLUMN OF THE GRAND ARMY.]

THE DUCHESS OF WEIMAR AND NAPOLEON.

After the battle of Jena, Napoleon took up his quarters at Weimar; the royal family of Prussia having fled on the approach of the conqueror. The Duchess, however, did not abandon her capital, though her lord and master was at the head of 25,000 men in the Prussian army. She retired with her attendants into one wing of the palace, and prepared the best apartment for the reception of the French Emperor. On his arrival she placed herself at the head of the principal staircase to receive him; when on seeing her, he abruptly demanded, “_Qui êtes vous Madame?_” to which she replied, “_Je suis la Duchesse de Weimar._” “Then I pity you,” said Napoleon, “for your husband has lost his duchy.” He paid her no further attention but retired to his apartment.

In the morning, the Duchess was informed that the city had been pillaged, and was still in confusion. She sent one of her chamberlains to inquire after the health of the Emperor and demand an audience. Napoleon was pleased, and expressed a wish that she should breakfast with him. Scarcely had the Duchess arrived, when, according to his usual custom, he began to question her respecting her husband, and enquired why he was foolish enough to make war upon him; to which she replied, that Napoleon would have despised him if he had acted otherwise. “Why?” asked Napoleon. “My husband,” said the Duchess, “has been thirty years in the service of Prussia. He could not quit the King’s service with honor at the moment when the latter had to contend against an enemy so powerful as your majesty.”

[Illustration: THE DUCHESS OF WEIMAR AND NAPOLEON.]

NAPOLEON RECEIVING THE DEPUTIES OF THE SENATE.

The almost total annihilation of the Prussian army at the battle of Jena, opened the gates of Berlin to Napoleon. On the 25th of October, 1806, he was at Potsdam, and visited the royal castle, Sans Souci. The Prussian Court had abandoned Potsdam and Berlin so precipitately, that nothing had been removed from the king’s palace. Napoleon made his solemn entry into Berlin on the 27th.

The war with Prussia was thus ended. Of the 150,000 men who formed the main body of the Prussian army, seven-eighths had been killed or made prisoners; and the army of Frederic-William now consisted of only 20,000 men, infantry and cavalry. The king, the queen, and some of the Prussian generals who had sought refuge in Kœnigsberg, were reduced to so deplorable a situation that they were obliged to throw themselves on the generosity of the conqueror, and sue for peace. This was granted.

The French Senate complimented the Emperor on his success; and received from him the ensigns won from the enemy in that splendid campaign. Three hundred and forty banners and standards taken at Jena, as well as the sword, scarf, collar, and ribbon of Frederic the Great, were sent to the deputies to be placed under their care in the _Hotel des Invalides_.

[Illustration: NAPOLEON RECEIVING THE DEPUTIES OF THE SENATE.]

THE SWORD OF FREDERIC THE GREAT.

Marshal Davoust, and the third division entered Berlin. This honor was the recompense for the glorious part which these brave troops had taken in the battle of Jena. A favor so simple, rivalling in that respect the oak leaf chaplet of the Romans, intoxicated the soldiers who received it, and they swore to be to the Emperor, what the Tenth Legion was to Cæsar.

He visited the vault where the remains of Frederic were deposited in a coffin of cedar-wood, encased in another of brass, without ornament or pompous inscription. Napoleon forbade the passage of the colors, eagles and cannon taken from the Prussians, over the place where the ashes of the illustrious monarch reposed lest it might distress his shade, or seem an insult to his tomb.

The memorable spoils of which we have spoken in giving an account of Napoleon’s visit to Frederic’s grave, were received in Paris with wild delight, and deposited with much pomp in the _Hotel des Invalides_, under guard of the veterans. Amongst these were yet alive 900 who had borne arms against Frederic, and they received with gratitude, presents which in their old age renewed remembrances of the army and its immortal chief. Like the warriors of Sparta, they were proud of being surpassed by their children.

[Illustration: THE SWORD OF FREDERICK THE GREAT.]

THE BATTLE OF JENA.

Napoleon arrived at Jena on the 18th of October, 1806, and soon divined that it was the intention of the Prussians to fight on the morrow.

Giving orders to Davoust and Bernadotte, and not waiting for the guard, which were thirty hours’ march away, he determined on beginning the attack himself.

Lannes ranged his corps on a plateau in front of Jena, which the Prussians had unwisely neglected to occupy. Lefebvre and the Imperial Guard formed in a square upon the summit, and Napoleon bivouaced in the midst of his troops.

He offered rewards for every piece of artillery that was dragged on to the plateau, and reminded his men that the Prussians were fighting for their lives--and not for honor; and that if hard pressed they were sure to be entirely routed. Such was the result; 20,000 Prussians were either killed or taken prisoners, among them twenty generals; 300 guns, and sixty standards were part also of the spoil.

[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF JENA.]

MARSHAL NEY AT ELCHINGEN.

At break of day on the 14th of October, 1806, Marshal Ney attacked the bridge of Elchingen, with Loison’s division. The enemy occupied their position with 15,000 or 16,000 men and upon them the 69th regiment of the line began the attack in admirable order and with the greatest _sang froid_, supported by the 76th regiment of infantry, the 18th of dragoons, and the 10th of _chasseurs_. These four regiments rivalled each other in intrepidity and bravery. Repulsed in two successive charges, they began a third attack with still more fury; and after four hours of a murderous fusilade the enemy were driven back, abandoning their position at Elchingen, and were pursued into their entrenchments in front of Ulm. One Major-general, and 3000 men were made prisoners, and several pieces of artillery were lost to the French on this brilliant day; which afterward procured for Ney the title of Duke of Elchingen.

[Illustration: MARSHAL NEY AT ELCHINGEN.]

NAPOLEON’S CLEMENCY.

Prince Hatzfeld, the Prussian Governor of Berlin, at the time that city was taken by the French, imprudently sent Prince Hohenloe, by letter, certain information respecting the movements and condition of the French army. This letter was intercepted; upon which Napoleon directed the appointment of a military commission to try the Prince on the charge of treason and espionage.

Previous to the sitting of the commission, however, the Princess Hohenloe sought and gained admittance to the Emperor, by the aid of Duroc. Napoleon appeared touched by her situation; and directed his _aid-de-camp_ to write to Marshal Davoust, who was at the head of the commission, to suspend judgment.

The Princess protested the innocence of her husband. Napoleon said with kindness, “Your husband has placed himself in an awkward situation; according to our laws he merits death.” Then taking the fatal letter he requested her to read it. The Princess trembled with fear. Napoleon took the letter again, and threw it into the fire; saying “Now, Madam, I have no proof of your husband’s crime--he is pardoned!”

[Illustration: NAPOLEON’S CLEMENCY.]

THE FIELD OF BATTLE AT EYLAU.

The battle of Eylau, fought on the 8th of February, 1807, was a scene of carnage which lasted from morning until night, and the field of battle presented a most horrible scene. Let any one imagine upon a square league of ground nine or ten thousand dead bodies, four or five thousand horses killed, whole lines of Russian knapsacks, broken muskets and sabres, cannon balls, howitzer shells, and ammunition, twenty-four pieces of cannon, near which were lying the bodies of their drivers, killed as they were trying to carry them off!--and all this on a field covered with snow.

About noon on the 9th, Napoleon rode over the field, stopping continually to question the wounded, to console and succor as many as possible. The Russians, instead of the death they expected, found a generous conqueror, and prostrating themselves before him, held up their hands in token of their gratitude.

The Emperor, mounted upon a light bay horse, was accompanied by Princes Murat and Berthier, Marshals Soult, Davoust, Bessieres, and General Caulaincourt, Mouton, Gardaune, and Le Brun.

The original painting of this subject, by M. Gros, is now in the Luxembourg.

[Illustration: THE FIELD OF BATTLE AT EYLAU.]

THE BATTLE OF FRIEDLAND.

On the 14th of June, 1807, the Russian General was compelled to accept battle. “This is a day of good fortune,” said the French Emperor; “it is the anniversary of the battle of Marengo!” Napoleon reconnoitred the enemy’s position, and detailed to raze the city of Friedland. Ney commenced operations under cover of a battery of thirty pieces, placed in the centre, causing severe loss to the Russians. The imperial Russian guard lying in ambush in a ravine, intrepidly advanced, and charged the left wing of Ney’s division, which was for a moment broken; but Dupont’s division marched to their support and brought most horrible carnage with them. The field of battle at the conclusion of the day was dreadful to behold; the Russians lost 18,000 men, while the French loss was only from 4000 to 5000. Cannon, to the number of 120 pieces, 20,000 prisoners, and an immense number of flags remained in the hands of the French.

[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF FRIEDLAND.]

THE SIMPLON PASS.

The early history of the Simplon Pass is involved in much obscurity, and nothing certain is known even of the origin of its name. It was under Napoleon’s orders that the present road was constructed.

The new Simplon Road was, in its intention and execution, a military work. It was determined upon immediately after the battle of Marengo, whilst the difficulties of the passage of the Great St. Bernard, and the almost fatal check received at Fort Bard were fresh in the recollection of Napoleon. It was executed between 1800 and 1807, under the direction of M. Ceard, the engineer-in-chief of the department of Leman, by whom the road was begun and completed. It now stands as one of the most extraordinary and daring achievements of man.

[Illustration: THE SIMPLON PASS.]

BATTLE OF ESSLING.

On the 19th of May, 1809, Napoleon took possession of the villages of Asperne and Essling, with so little opposition, that it was evident the Archduke wished the battle, now unavoidable, to take place with the river between the enemy and Vienna.

On the 21st of May, at day-break, the Archduke Charles appeared on a hill at some distance from the French, whose army consisted of 20,000 men. The Austrians began by a furious assault on the village of Asperne, which was taken and re-taken several times. Essling was also attacked three times; but there the French held their own.

Night interrupted the battle; the Austrians exulting in their partial success. On the following morning the French recovered the church of Asperne. The right wing of the Austrians renewed their assaults with increased energy on that point. Napoleon seeing them in such numbers, judged that the centre and left had been reduced, in order to strengthen the right wing, and instantly moved an immense body on the Austrian centre, so as to shake the Archduke’s line, and for a few minutes victory seemed secure. From this time the battle continued with varied success; the Austrians at length succeeded in destroying the bridge connecting the island of Lobau with the right bank. On this Napoleon fell back on Lobau; when the Austrians perceiving their retreat recovered their order and zeal, charged in turn, and finally made themselves masters of Asperne.

[Illustration: BATTLE OF ESSLING.]

NAPOLEON WOUNDED AT RATISBON.

In five days, Napoleon defeated the elaborate efforts of the Austrians, with whom were allied, perhaps, the greater part of Germany; and a defensive war upon their own territory seemed now to be their only resource.

At the battle of Eckmulh, the French took 1500 prisoners, and sixteen pieces of cannon; and the Austrian army lost nearly 5000 men, killed or wounded; while the loss of the French and their allies amounted to only about 2000 men, killed and wounded.

Napoleon was wounded in the right foot at Ratisbon. He expressed his surprise that the enemy’s gun had reached him, seated upon a little hillock beyond the range of their fire. Too impatient to allow sufficient time for the dressing of the wound, he mounted his horse in haste, and restored the confidence of the army, which had been somewhat staggered at this disaster, by riding along the lines.

[Illustration: NAPOLEON WOUNDED AT RATISBON.]

THE COMBAT AT SOMO SIERRA.

On the 29th of November, 1808, the French headquarters were at the village of Bocequilas. They found the pass of Somo Sierra in the chain of mountains named _Carpetanos_, and through which the main road to Castile runs, in the possession of the enemy. The Spaniards could not have chosen a stronger position--the defile was narrow, and excessively steep; and the road completely swept by sixteen pieces of artillery. At day-break on the 1st of December, the French endeavored to turn the flank of St. Juan. While the infantry were vainly attempting to ascend the heights in every direction, under a double fire from the artillery and the Spanish musketry, Napoleon came up, attended by his Polish lancers. The Emperor stood in the entrance of the pass, and attentively examined the enemy’s position. While thus occupied, the Spanish fire was redoubled in intensity--numerous bullets falling around the emperor, or passing over his head. Sensible of the disadvantages under which the troops labored, he decided on taking a most bold and daring course: he ordered his own squadron of Polish lancers to charge right up the pass, in face of the battery. This brave troop, conducted by Kozietulski, threw itself into columns of four, the roadway not admitting more at a time. The Poles speared the gunners, and took possession of the cannon, and the Spaniards continued their flight in such disorder, that they were at last fain to quit the road to Madrid, and escape in different directions, some to Segovia, others to Talaveyra.

[Illustration: THE COMBAT AT SOMO SIERRA.]

NAPOLEON’S INTERVIEW WITH THE PRUSSIAN QUEEN.

Napoleon has been accused of having hastened the death of this beautiful Princess by his treatment of her at Tilsit. It is said he admitted that if she had been present at the beginning of the negotiations for peace, she would have had considerable influence upon the result. Napoleon observed that she received him in truly tragic style--demanding and crying for justice.

The Prussians were blind to Buonaparte’s power. They had dared to combat a hero--to oppose themselves to the destiny of France, and reject the friendship of Napoleon. The Queen solicited, supplicated, and implored; but in vain. Magdeburg, above all, was the object she sought for.

The Emperor asked the Queen to dinner. Before they were seated, he took a very beautiful rose, and presented it to her. The motion of her hand seemed to express a refusal; but altering her mind she said, “_Oui, mais au moins avec Magdeburg_.” On this, the cruel Emperor replied, “I should observe to your Majesty, that it is I who give, and you who receive.” The dinner passed off in conversation of similar nature.

On the morrow the Queen was much enraged on learning that the treaty deprived her of Magdeburg. She appears to have parted from the French Emperor with feelings of hatred.

[Illustration: NAPOLEON’S INTERVIEW WITH THE PRUSSIAN QUEEN.]

THE RETREAT FROM MOSCOW.

On the 24th of October, 1809, Napoleon, in effecting his retreat from Moscow, rose early in the morning to reconnoitre. While occupied in this hazardous duty, a party of Cossacks was observed rapidly approaching, when Rapp said to the Emperor, at the same time seizing the reins of his bridle, “It is the Cossacks; you must turn back.” Napoleon refused to retreat, and placed himself, with his attendants, on the highway side. The Cossacks, being more intent on plunder than prisoners, passed within a lance’s length, and failing to notice the prey which was within their grasp, threw themselves upon some wagons, which were more attractive. This retreat is well known to have been most disastrous to the French army. The men sank under the heavy sufferings they were compelled to endure from cold and privation--their route was marked by dead bodies; and the army presented a scene of greater misery than can possibly be conceived.

[Illustration: THE RETREAT FROM MOSCOW.]

THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF MONTEBELLO.

Lannes was born at Lectour, in 1769, of a poor and obscure family. He joined the Republican army, and made his first campaign in the Eastern Pyrenees. “_Il était alors un pigmée, il devint un géant plus tard._” Napoleon so said of the hero who was attached to him alike in his good and bad fortune.

A Colonel in 1795, he followed Buonaparte to Italy, where he distinguished himself in the battles of Millesimo, Lodi, and Arcola. He was Brigadier-General at Pavia, where he took two of the enemy’s flags. He was opposed to the Papal troops at Immola and defeated them. He then accompanied Napoleon into Egypt, where he was made General of a division. At Aboukir, he exhibited uncommon intrepidity. He returned with him to France, and took an active part in the occurences of the 18th Brumaire. He again signalized himself at Marengo, and at the battle of Montebello in 1804; where he was created a Peer with the title of Duke of Montebello, having already received a Marshal’s baton. From that time he continued to take an active part in various campaigns, and was in command at the siege of Saragoza, in 1809.

His last campaign was not the least glorious of his military career. At the battle of Essling, May 22d, 1809, he was mortally wounded at the very moment he was showing the troops a wonderful example of firmness and heroic courage.

[Illustration: THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF MONTEBELLO.]

NAPOLEON AT THE TOMB OF FREDERICK THE GREAT.