Part 4

The Court of Berlin had fled from Potsdam so precipitately that all the treasures which it contained were left for Napoleon and his army, who took possession on the 26th of October 1809. Buonaparte visited Frederick’s tomb; where he found his sword, sash, and the badges of several orders of knighthood. These he took, saying that he preferred them to all the treasures of the King of Prussia; that he would send them to the old soldiers who had served in the Hanoverian campaign, and direct that they should be placed in the _Hotel des Invalides_, as memorials of the victories achieved by the grand army, and as evidence of the vengeance it had taken for the disasters of Rosbach.

[Illustration: NAPOLEON AT THE TOMB OF FREDERICK THE GREAT.]

THE PEASANT OF THE RHINE.

Some time after his alliance with the house of Austria, Napoleon, with the view perhaps of making the new Empress known and popular accompanied her on several journeys. One day while walking on the banks of the Rhine, he took a fancy to dine on one of its islands. They sat down at a table which overlooked a little farm. Napoleon desired to see the farmer, and despatched a messenger to summon him. Full of surprise, and doubt, the poor peasant hesitated to approach the Emperor; he advanced awkwardly, and his countenance fully expressed the embarrassment he suffered, and was unable to overcome.

Napoleon questioned him respecting his farm, his family, and his necessities. The poor fellow could scarce find words to reply. The Emperor kindly encouraged him, and offered him something to drink, when the farmer, abashed at so much honor, hardly dared carry the glass to his lips; he attempted several times, and as often failed. At length he overcame his fear, and not only did he give all the information that was required of him, but ventured to point out changes which he would be glad to see.--1810.

[Illustration: THE PEASANT OF THE RHINE.]

THE REDOUBT OF KABRUNN.

The brave Captain Chambure commanded a select troop called the _Compagnie Franche_.

On the attack of the redoubt of Kabrunn, Chambure at the head of these troops threw himself into the redoubt, and cut the Russians to pieces--not one escaped,--for those who avoided the bayonet fell under the fire of the battalions of Clamon and Dubowski.

A lieutenant, Connard, showed extraordinary coolness on this occasion; a ball having shattered his shoulder he continued to fight, throwing himself into the hottest of the battle. Chambure observing this, said, “You are wounded, your place is not here; go, and tell the General we are in the redoubt.” “Captain,” answered the lieutenant, “I still have my right arm; you have only the left!” And with this he reentered the battle.

Chambure pursued the enemy as far as Kabrunn. At this place he wrote as follows to the Prince of Wurtemberg:--

“Prince, your bombs have disturbed my sleep. I have resolved to make a sortie and spike the mortars which throw them. Experience shall teach you, Prince, that it is dangerous to rouse the sleeping lion.

AUG. DE CHAMBURE.

Midnight, Nov. 6, 1813.”

[Illustration: THE REDOUBT OF KABRUNN.]

“IS IT TRUE THAT THINGS ARE GOING SO BADLY?”

In the latter part of the year 1813, Napoleon rode through the _Faubourg St. Antoine_, accompanied by only two of his aide-de-camps. He was soon recognized, and surrounded by a crowd so dense as to impede his progress, and oblige him to stop frequently. The faces of all the people seemed to express an interrogation; as the great reverse of fortune had caused general disquietude, at length one of the crowd, bolder than the rest, questioned the Emperor, “Is it true that things are going so badly?” To which Napoleon replied, “I regret I cannot say that they go very well.” “What will be the end of it?” said another. “_Ma foi!_ God knows!” replied the Emperor coolly. “Will our enemies be able to enter France?” said a third. “That they may easily do, and even reach Paris, if none will help me: I cannot prevent them by myself,” said Napoleon. “We will support you!” was the universal cry. “Then,” said Napoleon, “I shall still oppose the enemy and maintain our glory.” “What shall we do, then?” asked several voices. “Enrole yourselves in the army,” answered the Emperor. “We will do that,” said one, “but we will do it only conditionally.” “What condition?” he inquired. “We will not pass the frontier.” “Be it so.” “We wish to be of the guards.” “Well enrole in the guards.”

[Illustration: “IS IT TRUE THAT THINGS ARE GOING SO BADLY?”]

THE BATTLE OF MOSCOW.

Near the end of August, 1812, Napoleon arrived on an elevated plain, called Borodino, which the Russians had previously fortified with redoubts and batteries.

The Emperor passed the night before the battle in giving orders. At day-break he was on foot, and summoned Caulaincourt to his presence. Throwing aside the curtains of his tent, he advanced towards his officers who had already assembled in great numbers. “It is somewhat cold,” said he, “but behold a splendid sun! It is the sun of Austerlitz!” Each one answered in the same spirit, by some allusions to this happy presage.

Previous to this engagement, September 6th, Napoleon issued the following address:--

“Soldiers!--This is the conflict which you have so much desired. The victory depends upon you. Victory is necessary to us--it will yield us plenty--good quarters--and ensure a speedy return to France. Act as you did at Austerlitz, at Friedland, at Vitepsk, and at Smolensk; and the most remote posterity shall refer with pride to your conduct on this occasion. It shall be said of each of you, ‘He was in the great battle fought on the plains of Moscow!’”

“This battle,” says the French historian, “opened to Napoleon the gates of Moscow! Alas! that this new victory should have been so fatal to us!”

[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF MOSCOW.]

THE SKIRMISH.

The French army, spread over all the provinces of the Peninsula, was surrounded by enemies; but could encounter none. The guerillas showed themselves on every side, but they could not be come at any where. Invisible foes, Proteus-like,--they ceaselessly dispersed or rallied at the voice of their chiefs. Well-informed on all points, the enemy’s most trivial movements were signalled to them, and prompt and faithful reports reached them through the peasants. Was a weak garrison left in a small village,--it was next day swept away by a guerilla! Was any considerable force of troops led against these free-booters,--not a soul was to be met. At the order of the chiefs the soldiers concealed their arms, and dispersed, only to unite at a totally different point! Mark well the Spanish guerilla, the _guerillero_ of the Peninsula, the _kleft_ of the Greeks, and the bandit of Italy, such as are known to be men of spirit, and think not that this insurgent is looked on with an unfavorable eye in his own country; far otherwise, he renders too many services, and performs his business with too much _conscience_, not to be occasionally visited with notions of valor and glory. He assassinates, martyrs, and mutilates; but thinks no offering more acceptable to one of the old saints he invokes, or to his guardian patron.

[Illustration: THE SKIRMISH.]

EVERYONE TO HIS OWN CALLING.

One day Napoleon, followed by three or four officers, passed through the market on his way to the Tuileries. The customary acclamations followed him. A green-grocer cried out that he ought to make peace: “Good woman,” answered the Emperor, smiling, “continue selling your cabbages, and leave me to do that which concerns me,--every man to his own calling.” At this the crowd laughed and shouted, “_Vive l’Empereur!_”

[Illustration: “EVERY ONE TO HIS OWN CALLING.”]

THE DEATH OF PONIATOWSKI.

In escaping from the field of Leipzig, Poniatowski attempted to cross the Elster by swimming, but unfortunately was drowned. Vernet has given us an admirable picture and has conveyed in lines not to be mistaken, the courage and fearlessness of the General in his daring attempt.

Previous to the battle of Leipzig, which occurred on the 19th of November, 1813, Poniatowski had received his orders from Napoleon, and on leaving him observed “we are all ready to die for your majesty.”

[Illustration: THE DEATH OF PONIATOWSKI.]

NAPOLEON AT LUTZEN.

The misfortunes at Moscow had disappointed the French Nation; the 29th bulletin was published at Paris when Napoleon arrived at the Tuileries; he alone could save the country, he alone could repair the disasters of the grand army! France was not indifferent to the voice of her chief; she knew well how to value his ardent patriotism.

The Emperor opened a new campaign, in which he commanded 250,000 men. He did not deceive himself as to the crisis which menaced France; he therefore decided to attempt everything, and, if needful, to make political sacrifices, if the chances of war were against him.

Napoleon opened the campaign on May 2d, 1813, by gaining the battle of Lutzen; a surprising victory, and one that acquired for him immortal honor. The General of Marengo had not lost his genius; and the troops he commanded understood him well, performing wonders which astonished the old soldiers of Italy and Egypt. Masses of infantry advanced in squadrons flanked by heavy artillery, and seeming like movable fortresses; 81,000 foot and 4000 horse combatting 107,000 Russians or Prussians, of which more than 20,000 were cavalry. Alexander and the King of Prussia were there in person; and their old guards, so vain and so proud, were not able to contend against French conscripts.

[Illustration: NAPOLEON AT LUTZEN.]

THE BATTLE OF MONTMIRAIL.

On the 11th of February, 1814, Napoleon arrived before Montmirail. At eleven o’clock the Allies formed themselves in battle array. The French divisions arrived successively, and Napoleon wished to wait for the whole, but at three o’clock, as night was approaching, he directed the Duke of Treviso to boar down on Montmirail. General Friant with four battalions of the old guard, received orders to attack the Farm of l’Epine-au-Bois, a position on which depended the success of the day, and which was defended by the Allies with forty pieces of cannon. To render this attack more easy, Napoleon ordered General Nansouty to extend his troops upon the right, to oblige the Allies to thin their centre. At the same time the Russian and Prussian troops were charged briskly in the centre by the old guard, commanded by Marshal Ney. The _tirailleurs_ fled in dismay; and the artillery could no longer be used with effect; but the fusilade became dreadful. This success, however, was counterbalanced when the lancers, the old dragoons, and the grenadiers of the guard arrived in the rear of the infantry, and breaking their lines, threw them into disorder, and killed or made prisoners the whole body. The Duke of Treviso seized upon the village of Fontenelle, that of Marchais was attacked on both sides, and all the inhabitants were either killed or taken prisoners. In less than a quarter of an hour the most profound silence succeeded to the fusilade.

[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF MONTMIRAIL.]

NAPOLEON AT MONTEREAU.

The Emperor is here seen pointing a cannon. This was not the first occasion on which he had served a piece of artillery. It has been asserted by some that he was an admirable marksman, while others have maintained the contrary. At Montereau all the ardor of youth seemed to revive within him, and his military genius appeared as vigorous as in his early engagements.

On the 18th of February, 1814, General Briancks had taken his position with two divisions of Austrians, and two of Wirtemburgians, upon the heights before Montereau, covering the bridges of the city. General Chateau attacked him in vain, and was obliged to retire. The troops commanded by General Gerard kept up the fighting all the morning. Napoleon arrived on the field of battle, and immediately attacked the heights, and the effect of these successive charges was to drive the enemy with a loss of nine thousand men, in every direction. The French filed over the bridges which the Allies had not been able to destroy.

This series of unexpected triumphs revived the hopes of Napoleon. Instead of the doubtful battle which he would willingly have avoided, he had won four memorable victories: namely--those of Mormant, Valjouan, Montmirail, and Montereau.

At the close of the last decisive combat, Napoleon observed “My heart is satisfied. I will return to defend the capital of my Empire.”

[Illustration: NAPOLEON AT MONTEREAU.]

NAPOLEON’S FAREWELL AT FONTAINBLEAU.

On the 20th of April, 1814, everything was in readiness for Buonaparte’s departure from Fontainbleau. He ordered that the guard should be summoned, and advancing toward them, signified that he would speak to them.

“Soldiers! my old guard!” said he, “I bid you adieu! For twenty-eight years I have found you constantly in the way of honor and glory. In these latter times, as in the days of our prosperity, you have not ceased to be models of bravery and fidelity. With such men as you our cause need not be lost, but the war would be interminable; it would be a civil war and France would be more than ever unhappy! I have then sacrificed all our interests to those of our country; I leave you; do you, my friends, continue to serve France. Her happiness has been my only wish; it will always be the object of my prayers! Regret me not. If I live, it is only to advance your glory farther. I wish to record with my pen the great things we have done together! Farewell, my children! I would gladly embrace you all--I embrace your general!” General Petit brought forward the Eagle: Napoleon took him in his arms and kissed the standard. “Farewell, once more, my brave companions--farewell!”

[Illustration: NAPOLEON’S FAREWELL AT FONTAINBLEAU.]

THE BATTLE OF HAINAU.

The Austro-Bavarians had taken up their position in the woods near Hainau before the Emperor approached the Maine. He came up with them on the morning of the 30th, and his troops charged on the instant with the fury of despair. Buonaparte cut his way through ere nightfall; and Marmont, with the rear, had equal success on the 31st. In these actions there fell 6000 of the French; while the enemy had 10,000 killed or wounded, and lost 4000 prisoners; and these losses would have been far greater, but for the ready wit of a patriotic miller, who, watching the tide of battle, suddenly let the water into a mill-stream, and thus interposed a seasonable obstacle between the French cavalry and some German infantry, whom they had been driving before them; a service which was munificently rewarded by the King of Prussia later.

The pursuit had been entrusted to the Austrians, who urged it with far less vigor than the Prussians, under the fiery guidance of Blucher, would probably have exerted. No considerable advantage, therefore, followed the battle of Hainau. The remains of the French host at length passed the Rhine; and the Emperor having quitted them at Mentz, arrived in Paris on the 9th of November.

Thus terminated the campaign in Saxony.

[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF HAINAU.]

NAPOLEON AT ARCIS-SUR-AUBE.

During the night between the 16th and 17th of February, 1814, Napoleon, accompanied by a small escort of Polish lancers, reconnoitred the enemy’s line, when, on leaving Arcis, he was attacked by a corps of Russian cuirassiers and Cossacks. The Poles, commanded by Skrzinecki, their captain, rapidly formed in a square about the Emperor; and though the enemy in their front were supposed to be six times their number, they succeeded in repulsing them, and rescued Napoleon from his imminent danger.

[Illustration: NAPOLEON AT ARCIS-SUR-AUBE.]

FILIAL ANXIETY OF A CONSCRIPT.

During the campaign of 1814, the services of every French soldier were required for the defence of that empire, then invaded from all quarters. On one occasion, as Napoleon was passing along the line on horseback, a soldier stepped out of the ranks, and presented his arms; “Sire,” said he, in offering a petition to the Emperor’s notice, “my mother is old and infirm, and is dependent solely on my labors for subsistence.” Napoleon was forcibly struck with these words, uttered with timidity, and took the petition and rode on. On arriving at head-quarters, his first care was to read the petition, which stated that the soldier’s poor mother was in great necessity; that her only son, who supported her was called upon to fight for his country; and that he now sought permission to return and perform his first and most important duty. On this, Napoleon issued an order to the sub-perfect of the _arrondissement_ where the old woman resided, to seek her out, and to tell her that the Emperor would take her under his protection, and give her 1200 francs with a pension. At the same time the poor fellow’s colonel was directed to tell him to be at ease on his mother’s account, as the Emperor would provide for her, but his services could not be dispensed with, as soldiers were required to oppose the enemies of his country.

[Illustration: FILIAL ANXIETY OF A CONSCRIPT.]

THE TURNPIKE OF CLICHY.

Previous to Napoleon’s abdication the Allied army had approached and even entered Paris, and taking possession of the _Faubourg des Batignolles_, compelling the National Guard to repair to the Barrière de Clichy, where some slight skirmishing occurred, until it was announced that an armistice would forthwith be made.

This armistice was the precursor of those treaties in which Napoleon gave in his unconditional abdication, and retired on a pension, to the Isle of Elba, whence shortly after he succeeded in making his escape, and once more, though fortunately for the last time, disturbed the peace of Europe.

[Illustration: THE TURNPIKE OF CLICHY.]

THE RETURN FROM ELBA.

It was about five o’clock in the afternoon of the 1st of March, 1815, that Napoleon landed at Cannes, in the Gulf of Juan. From thence he proceeded toward Paris with his little army, then consisting only of 500 grenadiers, of the guard, 200 dragoons and one hundred Polish lancers; these last being without horses, were obliged to carry their saddles on their backs.

When between Mure and Vizele, Cambronne, who commanded the advance guard of forty grenadiers, met a battalion which had been sent from Grenoble to arrest their march. Colonel La Badoyere, who headed the battalion, refused to parley with Cambronne; upon which the Emperor, without hesitation, advanced alone; followed at some distance by 100 grenadiers with their arms reversed. There was profound silence until Napoleon had approached within a few paces, when he halted, and throwing open his surtout exclaimed, “If there be amongst you a soldier who would kill his general--his Emperor, let him do it now!--Here I am!” The cry of _Vive l’Empereur_ burst instantaneously from every lip. Napoleon threw himself among them, and taking a veteran, covered with chevrons and medals, by the arm, said, “Speak honestly, old moustache, couldst thou have had the heart to kill thy Emperor?” The man dropped his ramrod into his piece to show that it was unloaded, and answered, “Judge if I could have done thee much harm,--all the rest are the same.”

[Illustration: THE RETURN FROM ELBA.]

NAPOLEON AT CHARLEROI.

Horace Vernet has attempted to present us with a portrait of Napoleon, as he appeared on the eve of his great conflict with the Allied Army. Buonaparte arrived at Charleroi about 11 o’clock, on the 15th of June, 1815, which place was evacuated by the Prussians, under General Ziethen, in great haste. Napoleon ordered Marshal Ney to repair to Gosselin, and take the command of the whole of the left wing of the army, occupying a position beyond Quatre-Bras with 40,000 men. The Prussians retired upon Fleurus.

On the 18th of June the battle of Waterloo took place.

[Illustration: NAPOLEON AT CHARLEROI.]

NAPOLEON AT WATERLOO.

The battle of Waterloo is an occurence with which all England is so well acquainted, that it would be superfluous to give an account of it here. We may, however, mention, that the destruction of the French army on that important occasion, is considered by French historians to be entirely the consequence of General Bourmont’s desertion. The project of Napoleon was to concentrate his forces upon the Allied Army suddenly, which ought to have been done in the night, when the Duke of Wellington and the English officers were at the ball at Brussels.

On this sanguinary field the French lost 19,000 men, while the Allied Army sustained a loss of nearly double the number of the former.

[Illustration: NAPOLEON AT WATERLOO.]

NAPOLEON SALUTING A PARTY OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS.

“_Honneur au courage malheureux!_” said Napoleon, in passing a party of wounded enemies. Debret has made an agreeable picture from a rather disagreeable subject; though it is certainly gratifying to find the leader of an army rendering due respect to those who, in their courageous efforts to overcome an opposing force, have unfortunately received wounds and injuries which, perhaps, disable them for life. The admirers of Napoleon maintain that the above incident did actually occur, while others assert that he was by nature cruel and unmerciful. We take upon ourselves to support neither the one nor the other; amid the mass of conflicting evidence we cannot see how it is possible to arrive at a conclusion. That Napoleon was a great man none can deny; that he was a good man, few will be hardy enough to maintain.

[Illustration: NAPOLEON SALUTING WOUNDED FOES.]

NAPOLEON IN 1815.

Horace Vernet has admirably conveyed in the countenance of Napoleon all the sentiments which animated the soul of “_le Grande Homme_” in the last moments of his military glory. Those who saw Napoleon at Waterloo have not failed to admire this painting, as well as the beautiful copy of it by M. Marin Levinge. Reveil has reproduced it admirably in the accompanying engraving.

[Illustration: NAPOLEON IN 1815.]

TAKING THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

After the distribution of the eagles at the Champ de Mars, Napoleon administered the following oath to the army:--

“Soldiers! behold your banners! These eagles shall always serve you for rallying points. They shall be ever where your Emperor shall judge it necessary for the defence of his throne and of his people. Do you swear to sacrifice your life in their defence, and constantly to maintain them by your courage in the way of victory? Do you swear it?”

All the army answered by acclamation: “We swear it! Long live the Emperor!”

[Illustration: TAKING THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.]

A SOLDIER’S FAREWELL.

The brave corporal has received a mortal wound, and takes his last farewell of a young comrade.

How many a scene like this has been witnessed on the battle-field. How many of the strong and the powerful among mankind, have the murder-working engines of war brought to a premature death.

Belangé’s figures are true to nature; there is nothing startling in them; nor anything of the conventional mannerism of the studio, which throws so much coldness into ordinary compositions. “It will be seen,” says the French critic, “that M. Belangé will take the place of Vernet and Charlet, if those gentlemen are content to rest on their laurels, or become indifferent to the art which they have so worthily exercised.”

[Illustration: A SOLDIER’S FAREWELL.]

A SOLDIER AT WATERLOO.

M. Jazet has here attempted to produce a picture which shall revive all the recollections of that remarkable period, when the extraordinary career of Napoleon spread terror wherever his name and deeds were heard of. He has represented an old soldier fatigued and careworn, and has made nature itself sympathize with his feelings. The sun is setting in the west, his crimson rays dimmed by intervening clouds, while the scene around is desolate and barren.