WILS
CLS
DC203
L53x
1810

THE LIBRARY
OF THE
REGENTS
UNIVERSITY
ARTIOUS
OF
MINNESOTA
Wilson Library

THE
LIFE AND ACTIONS
Napoleon Bonaparte,
EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH,
KING OF ITALY,
AND
Protector of the
CONFEFERATION OF THE RHINE.
NORWICH
INTED BY JOHN F. FAIRCHILD.
1810.
CLS
DC202
LEBX
1916
wils, cls
ANA 6639-1
Preface.
TO give a candid and impartial defcription
of the character of this illuftrious perfonage,
whofe fame and military achievements have
been proclaimed through every part of the civ-
ilized world, is a taſk rendered difficult, from
the particular prejudices of Biographers who
have pretended to give a faithful hiftory of his
life and actions. The French hiftorian def-
cribes him as a rare genius, combining in his
chara&er every thing that is great, noble, and
Godlike; whilft the English hiftorian exhibits
him as a monſter in human fhape, raifed to
power by the fortuitous events of the times,
and not by any uncommon genius or ability he
naturally poffeffed.
Adhering exclufively neither to the French
nor Engliſh biographers, we fhall attempt, in
this abridged hiſtory, to give as impartial an
exhibition of his character, and as candid a re-
lation of his military achievements, as the dif-
cordant authorities before us will permit..
PREFACE.
Before we enter on our flory, it may not be
amifs to give a flight ſketch of the perfon and
mind of the individual whofe deeds we fhall at-
tempt to record.
PORTRAIT OF BONAPARTE.
He is of a middle ftature....of a pale and del-
icate, though tolerably ftrong complexion....
dark eyes....aqueline nofe....the chin promi-
nent....the forehead wide, and the whole coun-
tenance indicative of a difcerning and elevated
mind.
He is habitually of a taciturn and contem-
plative difpofition; yet is not devoid of French
politenefs and gaiety. To a courage at once
ardent and daring, he unites a coolnefs which
nothing can derange. In addition to theſe
qualities, he poffeffes a rare talent at intrigue,
It may be faid with truth, that by his valor hé
has effected much, but by his intrigue he has
effected more. His most favorite ftudies are
politics and the military art. No general bet-
ter understands the ftratagems of war.
movements against an enemy are made with af
tonishing rapidity-he has much of the impetu,
ofity of youth; but at the fame time a good
thare of prudence and difcretion.
His
Life of Bonaparte.
·
T has been a generally received opinion,
though Volney ſeems not to fan&tion it,
that the family of Bonaparte defcended
from Tuſcany, although his anceſtors fet-
tled in the iſland of Cörfica, as long ago as
the beginning of the eighteenth century.
His father, Charles Bonaparte, was a far-
mer at Ajaccio, which is a ſmall fea-port
town on the western coast of Corfica. He
married a native of the fame place, named
L. Ranivlini; the confequence of which,
unfortunately for the peace of Europe, was
the birth of Napoleon Bonaparte, on the
15th of August, 1769.
A 2
6
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
¿
In his youth, almoft in his infancy, he
diſplayed an energy, and a certain degree
of pride, that would be a fault in inferior
characters, but which appears almoſt inva-
riably to show itſelf in thofe defigned for
an extraordinary and eccentric career, and
to be a marked and diftinguiſhing quality
of their minds.
While a pupil at the college of Brienne,
he formed his little garden with his own
hands, and fortified it, as well as he was
able, againſt the attacks of his enemies.
In this garden he was fond of fhutting him.
felf up, to walk and to meditate; and he
paffed there almoft all his hours of recrea-
tion, with a book of philofophy or mathe-
matics in his hand, his mind feeming to
difdain all lower occupations and lefs im-
portant ftudies. The youths of the college
were unfortunate enough, in letting off
fome fire-works, to injure his little proper-
ty; and he made them repent their care-
leffneſs. Without enquiring whether the
affair had proceeded from accident or not,
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
7
The refolved to punish them in the moſt fe
vere manner. Thus watching his oppor-
tunity, he placed feveral trains of gun-pow-
der round his garden, and contrived to fire
them at the inftant when his comrades
came near the ſpot, in confequence of which
they were miferably ſcorched; and the he-
roic Bonaparte, taking advantage of their
confufion, fallied among them with his
drawn fword, and but for the interpofition
of the principal, who happened to paſs at
the moment, would, no doubt, have fatia-
ted his thirft of blood.
The only ſports he was fond of, were
thoſe which required thought, or were a
type of the military art. He infpired feve.
ral of his companions with the fame incli
nation, and taught them the military exer-
cife, in which he conducted himſelf fo well,
that they were led to fay, Does he not ap-
pear born to command?
His greateſt amufement, when a boy,
was to frequent the public hoſpitals when
any dreadful or difgufting operations were
8
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
to be performed, and to regard the pains,
and agonies of the fufferer, and of the dy-
ing. With what little money he had, he
paid the attendants in theſe abodes of mif-
ery, to be informed when any ſcene of hor-
ror, comfortable to his feelings, was ex-...
pected to take place; and he diverted him-
felf often with his comrades. in mimicking
the convulfive ftruggles of fuffering or ex-
piring humanity. He piqued himſelf on
having feen, before he was fifteen, 544 op-
erations, or amputations, and the agonies,
or deaths, of 60 perfons.
From Brienne Bonaparte went to Paris,
in order to improve himſelf in the military
ftudies; where, owing to his violent at-
tachment to the revolution, as he was walk-
ing in the Champ de Murs, with fome
young officers, in confequence of his ex-
preffing his opinion too freely, they were
on the point of throwing him into a deep
ditch which furrounded it. In 1790, Bo-
naparte was made a lieutenant in the regi-
ment de la Fére, then in Dauphiné.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
Dat
In the courſe of the revolution he was
often employed in different expeditions ;
but his fituation was obfcure, his exertions.
unnoticed, and his character fufpected, on
account of his known connections with in-
triguers of all parties, either ariflocrats or
jacobins, either Frenchmen or Corficans.
After refigning his company in the regi
ment of artillery de la Fére, he obtained a
of National Guards in Corfica,
where, being fufpected of plotting the fur
render of that ifland to the Engliſh, Le-
courbe, St. Michael, and two other depu
ties of the National Convention, ordered
him to be arreſted. This circumftance 04
bliged him to leave the army; and he was
refiding, in indigence, eight leagues from
Toulon, when, in 1793, that city was in the
poffeffion of the English: Salicetti, one of
the deputies on miffion with the republican
army, having fome acquaintance with Bo-
naparte, recommended him to his colleague
Barras, and he was employed during the
fiege with the rank of chef de brigade.

LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
The cruelties which followed the furrender
of Toulon, he commenced or committed.
em
Toulon was no fooner retaken by the
republicans, than felecting Bonaparte as the
moft fanguinary chief of their party, they
imparted to him their wifh of affaffinating
all the Toulonefe that had in the fmalleft
degree evinced partiality to the Engliſh.
With this view Bonaparte iffued a ftrict
order for all the inhabitants to
bled in the Champ de Mars, when the jaco-
bins, having pointed out the oppofite par.
ty, they were placed by his orders againſt a
wall, then with a firm voice, as if giving
orders for a feu de joy, he commanded his
ferocious foldiers to fire-they did fo, and
the miferable victims fell in heaps, fome
dead, dying, or dreadfully mangled, whilft
others, either through fear, or a defire of fa-
ving their lives, remained motionlefs among
the bleeding bodies of their friends and re-
latives. However, ingenious in cruelty,
Bonaparte cauſed one of his officers to pro-
claim, that if thoſe who remained unhurt

LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
would cry out, "Vive la Republique," their
lives fhould be faved. The unhappy wretch-
es eagerly accepted the offer, and, rifing
from the bed of carnage, juft as they were
pronouncing the words that were to yield
them fafety, he ordered a fecond difcharge,
and the deluded wretches fell to rife no
more.
The official report of this ferocious per-
formance is contained in the following let-
ter from Bonaparte, addreffed to Citizen
Barras, Freron, and Robefpiere the young-
er, reprefentatives of the people, dated
Toulon, the 29th Frimaire, year 2, (De-
cember 24th, 1793.)
"Citizen Repreſentatives,
"Upon the field of glory, my feet inun-
dated with the blood of traitors. I announce
to you, with a heart beating with joy, that
your orders are executed; neither fex nor
age have been fpared; thofe who have ef-
caped, or were only mutilated by the dif
charge of our republican cannon, were dif
..

12
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
:
patched by the fwords of liberty, or the
bayonets of equality.
"Health and admiration,
66 BRUTUS BONAparte,
" Citizen fans-culottes,"
99
It was the fafhion in 1792 and 1793, a-
mong the exclufive patriots, as they were
called, to affume Roman and Grecian
names intending thereby to exclude
from modern republicanifm, and to regard
as fufpected, or to profcribe every citizen,
who, as Dubois Creance, one of them pro-
poſed, at the club of the jacobins, could
not prove, that, in cafe of a return of order
and religion, a gibbet was merited by and
would reward his patriotifm. This was
the first time, but not the laft that Napo-
leon Bonaparte changed his name. In 1796
he was again Napoleon Bonaparte; but in
1798 he became Ali Bonaparte; and in
1800, tout court, Bonaparte.
15
After the death of Robeſpiere, the hor-
rors that he had excited at Toulon cauſed.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
13
him to be arreſted as a terrorift, and fent
prifoner to Nice. As, however, it was im-
poffible to profecute all the fubordinate a-
gents in thofe difgraceful fcenes, he was,
with many of his accomplices, releafed by
the amnesty of the National Convention;
but, on his return to Paris, failing in his
efforts to procure employ, he was reduced
to extreme diftrefs and penury, when the
atrocities of the 13th Vendemaire, (Octo.
ber 4th, 1795) once more reftored him to
public notice.
The regicide National Convention (which
had overturned the monarchy and the
church, murdered its king, disturbed all
Europe, and made all Frenchmen wretch-
ed), when forced to refign its ufurped pow-
er, wishing partly to continue it, decreed
the re-election of two-thirds of its guilty
members. This was oppofed by all ref
pectable and loyal citizens, among others,
by the ſections, and by, the inhabitants of
Paris, who prepared, with arms in their
hands, to defend their violated rights.
14
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
Pichegru, Moreau, and other known
and diftinguished generals, were applied
to; but refuſed to command the conven-
tional troops deftined to perpetuate rebel-
lion by exterminating its oppofers. Bona-
parte, and other military criminals, were
then reforted to, and dragged forward from
their hiding places; and thus, by perpe
trating new crimes, they exchanged their
well-deferved obfcurity for a dreadful no-
toriety.
On the night of the 4th of October,
1795, preceding that which was to decide
the fate of the National Convention and
the new conftitution, the two parties drew
out their forces, under circumftances wide-
ly different. The foldiers of the convention
were well armed, long difciplined, amply
fupplied with ammunition, and drilled into
unanimity; the infurgent Parifian fections
were deprived of the greater part of their
arms, in confequence of the late infurrec-
tions; they had no artillery, and but a
fmall fupply of ammunition for their muf
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
15
kets; they had never feen any military
fervice; and fo far were they from being
unanimous in any political fentiment, fave
that which occafioned their momentary:
combination, that it was judged expedient
to avoid every difcuffion, and every allu-
fion to general affairs, and to limit their
demands, and their rallying word, to the
fingle propofition of a free election, and no
compulſory return of the two-thirds from
the members of the Convention. The in-
dividuals who appeared in this infurrection
were not, as on former occafions, the refufe
of villany and infamy, the dregs of the fu-
burbs, and the fweepings of the gaols; but
their decent appearance, and the neatnefs.
in their drefs, expofed them to the ridicule.
of their adverfaries, who contemptuously
inquired whether a fuccefsful infurrection
had ever been conducted by gentlemen
with powdered heads and filk ftockings?
General Danican, the commander of the
troops of the Parifian fections, feeling the
infufficiency of his force for manual con
16
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
/
teſt, was anxious to avoid hoftilities, and
ſpent great part of the night in haranguing
the troops of the Convention, under Bar-
ras and Bonaparte, and attempting to per-
fuade them, that, as fellow-citizens, the
cauſe of the people was their own. He
found great difficulty in making himſelf
heard, amid the perfevering cry of Vive la
Convention! which the battalions on duty
were inftructed to vociferate. Many hot-
headed men of his own party were eager
to engage; and Bonaparte and the other
fatellites of the Convention, confiding in
their fuperior numbers, were defirous of
hoftilities, as the fure means of eſtabliſhing
their own power, and repreffing all future
exertions to counteract their unwarrantable
affumption of authority. Danican did not,
however, neglect other precautions fuitable
to his fituation; and, by his efforts in the
courfe of the night, his adherents were
placed in a more refpe&table poſition than
their numbers or their force had appeared
to promife. Several of the fections, fum-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
17
moned by miffionàries from the Conven-
tion to lay down their arms, had returned
a refolute refufal; and the dread left the
foldiery fhould be perfuaded to decline fir-
ing on the people, rendered the ſtrongeſt
party uneafy, though they perfever d
in their original determination to try the
utmoſt extremes of blood, fire and famine,
rather than recede.
The troops of the Convention were re-
inforced during the next night, by twenty
thouſand men from the country; the gen
erals who were fufpected of an inclination
to avoid the effufion of blood, were ex-
changed for others incapable of remorfe or
hame; the troops were intrenched, and
the beft pofitions fecured. The Primary
Affemblies were convened in the fection of
Le Pelletier; but the fanguine confidence
of fome, and the treacherous infinuations
of others, bore down the prudent counfels
of General Danican; and it was refolved
to attack the troops of the Convention in
their ſtrongeſt hold, not from the expecta-
B 2
18
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
tion of advantage in a regular conflict, but
from a blind hope and foolish confidence
that the military would not fire on the peo-
ple.
The line of defence occupied by the Con-
vention extended from the Pont-neuf along
the quays on the right bank of the Seine,
to the Champs Elyfees, and was continued
to the Boulevards. The people were maf
ters of the Rue St. Honore; the Place de
Vendôme, St. Roch, Place du Palace Koyal;
but they were without order, or à common
point of action; and the nature of the in-,
furrection had rendered it impoffible to
eſtabliſh any. The Convention, purfuing
the fyftem which they had fo often tried
with fuccefs, wafted a great portion of the
day in fending deputies to harrangue the
fections, and in receiving and difcuffing
propofitions of peace; but during the
whole time thus gained, they were employ-
ed in reinforcing their pofitions, adding to
their ſupplies, and raifing the ſpirits of their
troops. They knew that the infurrection
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
19
muft grow languid towards the evening,
eſpecially as thofe engaged in it had been
expoſed during the whole day, and part of
the preceding night, to a florm, with a tor-
rent of rain. Their ſcheme was attended
with as complete fuccefs as they could wish
for. Fervent debates in the Convention,
meffages, and an equivocating letter from
the committees to Danican, kept the people
employed in difcuffion inſtead of action du
ring the day; but as evening approached,
when the general of the infurgents was pre-
paring to withdraw his troops in ſeparate
portions, each of its own arrondiffement,
the forces of the Convention changed their
pofition; the poft of the citizens at St.
Roch was fired upon from a houfe in the
Cul de Sac Dauphin, and the fcene of car-
nage was begun. The citizens made at
first fome refiftance, but the artillery, com-
manded by Bonaparte, ſwept the freets in
every direction, killed or wounded every
perfon walking in them; and the infur-
gents, neither fufficiently numerous nor
20
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
L
defperafe enough to rush forward and feize
the cannon, retreated in every direction,
concealing themſelves in houfes and under
gateways, and finally in the church of St.
Roch; while great numbers fled from the
fpot, crying treafon, and fpreading alarm
and deſpair in every direction. All the
barricades erected to oppofe the progrefs
of the troops of the Convention were beat-
en down by Bonaparte's cannon, and men,
women and children killed without mercy.
Every expedient for refiftance failed; and
the infurgents being difperfed, and Danican
himfelf obliged to enfure his fafety by con-
cealment, the regicide Convention remain-
ed victorious; and during the whole night
repeated difcharges of cannon announced
their triumph, and prevented any new ral.
lying of their opponents.
Eight thoufand mutilated carcafes, of
both fexes and of all ages, were the hor-
rible trophies prefented to the French na-
tion by Bonaparte's first victory as a gene-
ral.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
The fervice of this day caufed Barras
foon after to appoint Bonaparte command-
er in chief of the army of Italy, on condi
tion that he ſhould clothe, feed, and pay
the half ſtarved body of men without any
further expence to the Directory; the for
mer alfo hinting, that as a mark of grati-
tude for the fame, he fhould marry a lady
to whom he felt himfelf under fpecial obli-
gations, the widow of Vifcomte de Beau-
harnois, who had fallen under the axe of
Robespierre, they were fhortly after united;
by which marriage Bonaparte obtained a
fortune of five hundred thouſand livres ;
which done, he took leave of Madame
Beauharnois, now Bonaparte, and departed
for Italy, to take the command of the army,
which he found ftanding on the defenfive,
near the river of Genoa. It confifted of
fixty thouſand men, but devoid of ammuni-
tion or clothes; the foldiers difaffected,
from not being regularly paid, provifions
ſcarce, and of a bad quality, and the whole
army one mafs of mifery. Bonaparte,
}
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
however, had promiſed to redreſs thefe
grievances, and that without putting the
Directory to any expenfe. A man of hon-
or would have found this difficult; but Bo-
naparte, who never refpected either the
laws or rights of nations, found it extreme-
ly eaſy. Genoa, on account of the riches
of its inhabitants, and the fertility of its
foil, inftantly attracted his notice, and al
though that Republic was not at war with
France, he fent a meffage demanding pro-
vifions, clothing, and ammunition, for the
whole of his army, adding, ironically, that
he would give them bills on the Directory,
who would generously reimburſe them.
This unjuft demand filled the Genoefe with
the utmoft aftonifliment: at firft they pro-
pofed remonftrating with him on the un
juſtneſs of the requeſt he had made, but at
length prudently determined to comply;
in confequence of which Bonaparte equip
ped his army, paid his difcontented foldiers,
procured provifions of an excellent quality
and filled his coffers with money.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
23
As foon as he arrived at the head quar-
ters, which was early in the fpring of 1796,
he prepared for the campaign, determining
to commence it as foon as the melting of
the fnow favored the march of his troops.
It was during the interval of time which
elapſed between his arrival and the first
military movements, that he laid the foun-
dation of all his fucceffes: he made ufe of
every means to fecure the affections of his
foldiers-lived with them on terms of the
greatest familiarity-marched on foot be-
fore them-fubmitted to all the hardthips
which they experienced--alleviated their
diftreffes-redreffed their grievances-and
paid attention to every private's complaints.
This conduct fpeedily gained him the warm
attachment of his foldiers.
The battle of Montenotte followed this
almoft immediately, and was the fi ft which
the once difpirited army of Italy won a-
gainst the Auftrians, laying the foundation
of the brilliant campaign of 1796. This
victory gained, Bonaparte, in order to
24
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
·
fhow his gratitude for paſt favors, immedi.
ately entered the territories of the friendly
Genoeſe, ſpreading ruin and devaſtation on
every fide: this act of atrocity was fuccee-
ded by the battle of Mellefimo, in which,
according to Bonaparte's authentic account,
it was ftated, that he had taken nine thou
fand prifoners! The real ftate of the fact
is this, that the ftatements of this mighty.
general were always fo replete with fuch
exaggerated pompofity, that no one could
form a juft conception of his victories, un-
til the Auftrians had publifhed their return
of killed and wounded. Eleven days after
the battle of Mellefimo, Bonaparte was a
gain victorious at Mondovi, in Piedmont;
the unhappy confequences of that victory
was the delivery of the fortreffes of Torto-
ni and Coni into the hands of the French.
The king of Sardinia, unable to oppoſe the
powerful invader, was compelled to requeſt
a truce, which Bonaparte granted on the
moft humiliating terms. General Beau-
lieu, who commanded the Auftrian army,
:
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
25
paffed the Po, and fortified himſelf, intend-
ing to prevent Bonaparte from paffing it.
Unfortunately however for the Auftrians,
he was deceived by fome falfe movements
which the enemy made, and Bonaparte
was enabled to pafs the Po without any
lofs.
After a flight engagement near Fombio,
General Beaulieu retreated to the banks of
the Adda, poffeffing himſelf of the village
of Lodi. However, Bonaparte proving
fucceſsful in a battle near that place, the
Auftrian general was obliged to evacuate
it; when, not having fufficient time to
break down the bridge, he drew up his
whole army in order of battle, along the
left bank of the Adda, ordering thirty pie-
ces of cannon to be placed fo as to enfiler
the bridge of Lodi. Bonaparte immediate-
ly fummoned a council of war, to whom he
propofed attacking the Auftrians without
any loſs of time: this the reft of the gene-
rals rejected, reprobating the project as
calculated to fend half the army to certain
C
26
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
death, and dangerous in the highest degree.
However, Bonaparte thinking it would
found better to fay, he forced the bridge of
Lodi, though defended by the Auſtrian ar-
my, and thirty pieces of cannon, than to
fay that he had deferred it for a few days,
in order to fave his foldiers from inevita-
ble deftruction, proved fixed to his refolu-
tion; and having fummoned the grena-
diers, he addreffed them in an
artful and
defigning manner, urging the glory fuccefs
would crown them with. Inured to dan-
ger, they however paufedwhich Bona-
Par
obferving, ordered them fome brandy,
of which having drank heartily, they pro-
ceeded to the attack; he gave the word of
command, and twenty columns of grena-
diers and carbineers rushed towards the fa-
tal bridge a pas de charge. The Auftrians
fired, and they every one fell, others fup.
plied their place, and more than half of
them fhared the fame fate: ftill Bonaparte
remained inflexible, looking on the mur-
derous fcene with apathy. Another order
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
27.
was iffued; more advanced, and at length
fucceeded in forcing a paffage.
In confequence of the victory of Lodi,
Milan was forced to fubmit, together with
Pavia, Pizzigithone, and Cremona. Par-
ma, and indeed the whole of Lombardy,
was pillaged by the ferocious conqueror.
In every town he feized the public money,
carrying away from Milan alone fifty chefts
of filver plate, whilft from Lombardy, Par-
ma, and other parts of Italy, he exacted
eighty-five millions; in fine, to be rich
was criminal; nor did the poor eſcape this
unrelenting invader; his conduct render-
ed him hateful, even to his own men. This
he perceived, and in order to prevent the
Directory hearing of it, kept them contin-
ually on the alert. The duke of Modena,
who had obferved the ftricteft neutrality,
now fent an ambaffador to declare his wifh
of amity with the French republic; but
Bonaparte, with his wonted audacity, re-
ceived him with the moſt tyrannical info-
lence, declaring, that unlefs the duke im-
!
28
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
;
-
mediately paid a million of livres, and fent
him twenty of the best pictures in his gal
lery, Modena fhould fhare the fame fate
with its conquered neighbors. Unjult as
this demand may feem, the duke was for-
ced to comply, in order to procure a few
weeks tranquility.
Difgufted with the tyranny of their new
lords, Milan, Pavia, and many other places
rofe in arms, burning the trees of liberty,
and tearing the national cockade. Elated
at having an opportunity of indulging his
fanguinary wishes, Bonaparte immediately
entered Milan with a fquadron of horſe,
and a battalion of grenadiers, when having
ordered the whole municipality to be fhot,
he carried away two hundred of the inhabi-
tants as hoftages, none of whom perhaps
ever returned to their friends or home. He
next caufed the village of Benafeo to be fet
on fire, and like a fecond Nero, and whilſt
the flames were fpreading devaftation a-
round, commanded his foldiers to put all
the inhabitants to death; when, owing to
1.
7
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
29
his being prefent during the whole action,
not one of them remained alive; Pavia
too, for having fhut its gates against his
troops, fhared the fame fate; when not
content with giving up the town to the
mercy of his ferocious men, he caufed
numbers of the moft refpectable inhabitants.
to be put to death.
General Beaulieu, after the battle of Lo-
di, fortified himfelf near the Mincio where
he bravely defended the paffage; but the
French being fuperior in numbers at length
fucceeded in forcing it. The battle of
Borghetta next followed; where, accord-
ing to the French account, fifty grenadiers
throwing themſelves into the water, and
holding up their mufkets over their heads,
Aruck fuch terror into the Auftrian army,
that they immediately gave way. This vic-
tory enabled Bonaparte to take Verona,
and inveſt Mantau.. Beaulieu's army be-
ing nearly deftroyed, Bonaparte had time.
to look out for another contribution. The
eltates of the church caught his eye as the
1
€ 2
30
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
moft lucrative; and although he was well
acquainted with the Pope's averfion to war-
fare, he fent a detachment against him.
Thefe taking poffeffion of Bologna, Ferara,
&c. alarmed Pius the Sixth, (who was old
and infirm) fo much, that he caufed Cardi.
nal Mather to inform Bonaparte of his with
to avoid hoftility, hoping that he would ab-
fain from any farther act of violence; to
this Bonaparte returned an anfwer replete
with the warmeft affurances of friendſhip,
adding, that he would protect him and the
church at the hazard of his life. Never-
theless, to the no fmall terror and aftonifh.
ment of the Pope, he foon after feized on,
and plundered Ancona, Loretto, &c-in
confequence of which, his Holinefs wrote
to Bonaparte himfelf, expreffing in the
mildeft terms, his fears that the French
meant to deprive him of his poffeffions; to
this the wily fycophant replied as before,
with folemn affurances of tri ndhip and
protection, adding, that it was only defign-
ing perfons who alarmed him with idle
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
3.V
After
danger. Soon after this Bonaparte, as a
mark of friendſhip, compelled this venera-
ble father of the church to fign a treaty,
wherein he agreed to pay twenty millions of
livres down, and fixteen millions within two
months after; befides, one hundred of the
fineft paintings and ftatues, and five hun-
dred manufcripts from the Vatican, which
he was to fend forthwith to France.
yielding to this unjuft demand, one would
naturally fuppofe that he was permitted to
reft at peace. Alas no, he was forced to
give up the town of Ancona, the cities of
Bologna, Ferara, and the beft part of Ro
magna; and to complete his wretchedness,
the unhappy Fius was at length compelled
to abdicate his throne, ending, as it is well
known, his days in a retired fpot, attended
only by one or two faithful followers.
Having pillaged thus cruelly, the Papal
territories, Bonaparte returned to Milan,
where the caftle made a vigorous refift.
ance; but was of courfe forced to furren-
der; he then invefted Mantau, but his ca-
32
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
reer was ftopped for fome time, by the vet
eran Wurmfur, who fucceeded Beaulieu;
having received a reinforcement from the
Upper Rhine, he attacked the French near
Lake Gardia, and compelled them to retire
with great lofs.
Bonaparte now was forced to raife the
fiege of Mantau with fuch precipitation, as
to leave above one hundred pieces of can-
non in the trenches; he was forced alfo to
evacuate Verona, Rivoli, and feveral other
places. Unfortunately this good fortune
was not of long duration. Bonaparte re-
folving to retrieve his fame, watched for a
favorable opportunity, and foon after,
Wurmfur having paffed the Mincio with
his army, an obftinate engagement took
place near Caltiglione, when the Auftriam
forces being divided and attacked by the
whole of the French army, they were of
courfe defeated with a great lofs; at De-
fenzano and Lonado, they met with the
fame fate, till at length when united, the
whole Auftrian force proved much inferior
↓
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
33
'to the French. General Wurmfur, how-
ever, drew up his army near Caftiglione,
refolving to truft to difcipline and bravery
for fuccefs. Owing to two of his detach-
ments being cut off, the battle began diſad-
vantageoufly on the fide of the Auftrians,
and ended in a fignal defeat, which forced
them to raiſe the fiege of Pefchiera. In
the courfe of the campaign of 1796, it will
appear according to the authentic ftate-
ments of Bonaparte and his panegyrifts,
that he contrived to kill and wound about
fifty thousand Auftrians, befides taking one
hundred thousand prifoners, making a fum
total of one hundred and fifty thousand men,
when in reality the whole of the Auftrian
force did not exceed one hundred and five
thousand men ! modeſty in the extreme.
Wurmfur made a brave ftand at Rove
diro, but being overpowered by fuperiority
of numbers, loft beſt part of his artillery,
and was forced to throw himſelf into Man-
tau, where he refolved to defend the town
to the laft extremity. The emperor fent
34
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
generals Alvinzy and Davidovitch, with
thirty-eight thoufand men, to oppofe Bona-
parte with a victorious army of fifty thous
fand.
Bonaparte croſſed the Adige, with the
hope of being able to capture the Auftrian
artillery and baggage, and by attacking.
them in their flank and rear, at once to diſ-
perfe the army, and deftroy the communi-
cation between the Auftrian generals. Be..
fore the dawn of day on the 25th, fifteenth,
the two divifions of Maffena and Angereau
had croffed the river, and continued their
march over the marshes which prefented.
on every fide obftacles almoft infurmount..
able. The Auftrian general having difco-
vered Bonaparte's object, fent a regiment
of Croats, and feveral regiments of Hunga
rians, to defend the village of Arcole,
frengthened equally by nature and art, fit-
uated amidſt marfhes and canals, and for-
tified by a numerous artillery.
That village impeded, the progrefs of the
French army during the whole day. The

LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
35
Auftrians defended with invincible obftina-
cy the dike which communicated with their
pofition; a canal which bordered the dike
contributed to its natural frength, and
there was no means left to drive the Auf-
trians from this poft, but to pass the bridge.
under the continual fire of all their artille-
ry and mufketry. In vain did the generals
place themfelves at the head of the French
columns to lead them over the bridge;
they were nearly all wounded: Verdier,
Bon, Verne, Lafnes, were carried from the
field of battle, covered with wounds.
gereau now feized a ftandard, and rufhed
to the extremity of the bridge, but the un-
ceafing form of grape fhot forced him to
retire. Bonaparte perceiving the probabi
lity that the bridge would not be paffed in
front, ordered general Guieux, with 2,000
men, to cross the Adige at Albaredo, and
to attack the village in rear.
An-
But the conqueft of the village was of
too much importance to induce Bonaparte
to defift from the attempt; he therefore
36
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
repaired thither himſelf, with his whole
ftaff, and addreffing the troops, faid, "Are
you the men who fo bravely forced the
bridge of Lodi ?" This excited their en-
thuſiaſm, upon which he leaped from his
horfe, feized a ftandard, and marched to
the bridge, at the head of the grenadiers,
calling out, "Follow your general." Al-
though they had nearly reached the bridge,
yet the tremendous fire from the Auftrians
compelled them to retreat two more of
the generals were wounded, and one of Bo-
naparte's aids-de-camp killed. Bonaparte's
horfe was afterwards fhot under him, and
during the day he was continually expofed
to the hotieft of the fire: general Guieux's
divifion did not arrive until midnight,
when the Auftrians were driven from the
village, who joined the main body of the
army; but the French immediately evacu
ated it, and prepared for the Auftrians,
whom they expected to meet the next mor
ning in a general battle. The Auftrians
having underfood that general Guieux
1
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
37
had withdrawn from Arcole, entered it a-
gain, and at break of day appeared there
with all their collected force. They come
menced the attack at every point, and the
armies fought with inconceivable fury.
The column under the command of gene-
ral Maffena refifted the Auftrian charge
with great firmnefs, and Angereau fupport-
ed him but without much effect; the vil-
lage was not retaken. During the night a
plan was concerted by Bonaparte and exe-
cuted-on the 27th, feventeenth, the caufe
way on the left was attacked by the divi-
fion of Maffena, the front was attempted
the third time by that of Angereau, and
part of the garrison of Porto Legnago, with
1,500 horfe, affailed them in the rear.
The attack was made early in the morn-
ing; Angereau was again repulfed, but
Maffena advancing to his fuccor, and the
other detachment making a ftrong diverfion
in their favor, general Alvinzy upon the
renewal of the attack was forced to aban-
don the village and its vicinity, and during
D
38
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
the night retreated towards Vicenza; the
French purfuing the flying Auftrians and
annoying their retreat..
During the battle on the third day, Bo-
naparte directed Hercules, the officer of
his guides, to take twenty-five chofen men
from his company, to pafs the marthes
which guarded the left wing of the Auftri-
an army, and to approach their rear in full
gallop, blowing their trumpets. This arti
fice fucceeded, the Auftrian infantry bes
came confuſed, and 800 men coming upon
them at this juncture, perfected the defeat
of the day.
Thus ended one of the moſt bloody
combats during the whole year. The Auf-
trians were totally difcomfited, whilft the
lofs of the French was very great; three
days inceffant fighting, in which every flep
of the French was difputed with great val-
or by the Auftrians, manifefts, as well as
the number of high officers in the French
army flain, that the battle of Arcole muft
have had a very important influence upon
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
39
the remainder of the campaign. On the
night enfuing this long and dreadful battle,
Bonaparte diſguiſed himſelf in the drefs of
an inferior officer, and traverfed the camp.
In the courfe of the round, he diſcovered
a centinel leaning on the but end of his
mufket, in a profound fleep. Bonaparte
taking the mufket from under him, placed
his head gently on the ground, and kept
watch for two hours in his ftead, at the
end of which the regular guard came to re-
lieve him. On awaking, the foldier was
aftonished at feeing a young officer doing
duty for him, but when looking more at-
tentively he recogniſed the commander in
chief, his aftonifhment was converted into
terror. "The general!--Bonaparte !" he
exclaimed; "I am then undone."
parte replied: "Not fo, fellow-foldier;
recover yourſelf; after fo much fatigue a
brave man like you may be allowed for a
while to fleep, but in future chooſe your
time better."
Bona-
The following extract is from a letter
1
A..
40
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
written by Bonaparte, dated Verona, Bru-
maire 29th, nineteenth, and will affiſt us
in forming a correct opinion of the terrific.
fcenes which thefe three days combats ex-
hibited.
"Never was a field of battle more ob
ftinately contended for than that of Arcole.
Every step of ground was difputed. I have
fcarcely a general left. I am deprived of
my dearest friends; of the fharers of my
toils, and the partakers of my triumphs.
There are yet fome furviving, whofe worth
muft confole me. General Lafnes, though
not yet recovered from the wounds he re-
ceived at Governolo, has refumed the fa-
tigues of military duty. He was twice
wounded during the first day of the battle.
About three in the afternoon, when exten-
ded on his camp-bed fainting under the
anguifh of his wounds, word was brought
him that I had headed the column in për-
fon: he immediately caught new life from
the intelligence, and forgetting the agony
of his pain, threw himſelf from the bed,
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
41
called for his horfe, mounted him with
fome affiftance, and rode up to my fide
through the hotteft of the fight. Being
yet too weak to act on foot, he kept his fad-
dle, and animated his men by his prefence.
At the bridge of Arcole, however, he re-
ceived another wound that fmote him to
the earth. How can foldiers be otherwife
than invincible, when they have fuch gene-
rals as Lafnes, Angereau and Maffena to
lead them on to battle ?""
General Provero, who commanded a
detachment of fix thoufand Auftrians, had
been ordered to frengthen and relieve the
garrifon of Mantau; he however was at-
tacked by general Angereau, and loft fome
hundreds of men; foon after which Prove-
ra and his whole army were taken prifoners.
The armies of Alvinzy, Davidovitch, and
Provera being difperfed, the garrifon of
Mantau was reduced to the moſt hopeleſs
fituation imaginable; the wretched inhab-
itants fubfifling during the laft month on
horfe-flefh, till at length the veteran com
D 2
4.20
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
mander was forced to furrender on the 30
of February, 1796.*
1
* Mantau is faid to have been built by the E-
trurians before the Trojan war, and is fituated
upon a lake formed by the Mincio. The city
is large, neatly built, and adorned with many
coftly buildings. Whilft in the poffeffion of
the dukes of Mantau, and previous to the de-
ftruction of that family in 1707, it contained
upwards of 50,000 inhabitants; at prefent their
number does not exceed 30,000. It has always
been fortified, and its peculiar fituation has ren-
dered it in all Italian wars a place of the utmoft
importance. Open force and military opera-
tions have feldom or never reduced it; its fur-
render has principally been owing to a blockade
and the want of provifions. The fortifications.
are not its principal defence; that confifts in
the difficulties which oppofe the progrefs and
attacks of an enemy. The city is entirely
encompaffed by water and marthes, and
can be entered by three bridges or caufeways
only, each of which has ftrong works erected
at its extremities. Thefe avenues communi-
cate with the fuburbs St. George, St. Anthony
and La Favorite, which may be defended, and
without the poffeffion of which a befieging ar-
my can do nothing effectual. If the fuburbs
be conquered, the blockade may be fupported,
but the part of the town upon which any tren-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
4 3
The
This event was truly unfortunate, as it
completed the reduction of Italy.
emperor finding himfelf reduced to the laft
extremity, raiſed with much difficulty a new
army, the command of which he gave to
the Arch-duke Charles. However, the
Auſtrian army being compofed of recruits,
one third of which knew nothing of regu
lar difcipline, this, together with their in-
feriority of numbers, rendered the French
much their fuperiors; nevertheless had the
Arch-duke had the fame control over his
army as Bonaparte had over his, he would
no doubt have made a noble ftand against
the defpoilers of Italy; but unfortunately
he was dependent on the will of the Coun
cil of War at Vienna, who unwillingly
caufed all the calamities which the Auftri
ches may be opened is fo narrow, that a regular
fiege is ſcarcely practicable. The waters of
the lake ftagnate in the fummer time, and be-.
come thereby fo unwholefome, as to induce
thoſe inhabitants who can afford the expence,
to leave it for that feafon.
44
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
ans fuffered during the arduous campaigns
of 1796 and 1797.
Towards the clofe of the campaign of
1796, the towns of Mars, Fermo, and Mar-
gera, having made a feeble attempt to re-
gain thofe liberties Bonaparte had fo un-
justly deprived them of, he on the eighth
of March, 1797, iffued a general order,
commanding the whole of the inhabitants.
to be maſſacred-it was executed, and not
one eſcaped the Arch-duke Charles having
ftationed his army on one fide of the Pavia,
did every thing in his power to prevent
the French from paffing that river; but
notwithstanding, he was compelled to re-
treat with a great lofs, whilft Bonaparte,
receiving reinforcements daily, was enabled
to pafs Tagliemento, and again
defeat the
Auftrians, as he did alfo at Gradifco, Ceva,
Sola, and the defiles of Caperetto. At
Claufen, a column of Auftrians behaved
with the greateſt bravery; but were at
length routed with the lofs of many men.
Bonaparte having driven the Auftrians
'
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
45
from the Tyrol, became mafter of the de-
files of the Infpruck; having routed a de-
tachment of grenadiers near Neumark, he
became equally fuccefsful at Hundfmark;
when being within ninety miles of Vienna,
the emperor was forced to offer terms of
peace. The preliminaries of peace were
figned at Leoben, and the treaty of Campor
Formio on the 17th of October, 1797.
The Venetians were next to feel the
weight of Bonaparte's power and refent-
ment. During his progrefs through Italy,
the invalids of the French army who were
left in the hofpitals at Venice had been put
to death. This, and other outrages upon
the French took place in confequence of
fome victories gained by the Auftrians,
which led the Venetians to conclude that
Bonaparte would foon be expelled from It-
aly, and they left at liberty to fake off the
fhackles he had forced upon them. The
thirst for revenge and the profpe&t of plun-
der induced Bonaparte to march an army
to Venice. Refiftance on the part of the
46
LIFE OF BONAPARTE."
Venetians was vain-they fought fafety in
fubmiffion. After delivering up their prin-
cipal rulers, who were put to death, all
who were charged with being active in the
affaffination of the French were led on to
the place of execution. But Bonaparte
thinking that more would be gained by
making a fhew of humanity than by taking
the lives of a few pealants, faid to them:
"Far from faying you, I will return
the children to their mothers, hufbands to
their wives, fathers to their mourning fam-
ilies, and citizens to the ftate. I come to
dry up the tears of repentance, and to con
quer hearts to the French; go, ye unfor
funate, return to your countrymen, and
fay to them, how we revenge ourſelves!"?
The next act of the conqueror was to
overturn the government of the country,
and eſtabliſh a new one, fubject to the gov
eriment of France.
Venice and her dependencies having
thus by conqueft become the property of
Bonaparte, he exercifed the right of difpo
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
47
fing of her to the beft advantage. A trans.
fer was made to her by the emperor of
Auftria, and Belgium received in return.
The conqueft of Italy being now fully
completed and peace eftablished, Bonaparte.
returned to Paris, where he was received
in the ftile of a conqueror; but viewed
with a jealous eye by the Directory.
Bonaparte having retired from the con-
grefs at Raftadt, returned to Paris, and the
leifure which the want of active fervice af-
forded, permitted him to form new plans,
and invent new projects. The treaty of
Campo Formio had rendered unneceffary a
very confiderable part of the immenfe bo-
dies of troops which had been employed in
defending the republic, and the Directory
were defirous to engage them in fome fer-
vice which would effe&tually injure British
commerce. The English were complete
mafters of the fea, and able to purchaſe a
continental war at any time; hence the
French government were anxious to defpoil
her of part of her great mercantile influ-
48
LIFE OF BONAFARTE.
ence, by opening new channels to acquire
wealth. With this view, the hero of Italy
conceived the defign of fubjugating Egypt,
which propofed every advantage to the
French, and which if it had been fuccefs-
ful, would have ftrongly influenced the
English Eaft-India poffeffions.
The Directory having affented to the
plan which he propofed, an armament was
prepared with the greatest activity at Mar-
feilles and Toulon, and in the month of
Floreal, April-May, 1798, the requifites
were provided for this hazardous voyage.
All the countries of Europe contempla
ting with much anxiety the deftination of
this immenfe armament, it was promulga-
ted that England was to be invaded by it,
that its real object might remain unknown
to the British fleets. Bonaparte underſtan
ding that the veffels were ready to weigh
anchor, and attended by the generals and
foldiers who had conquered Italy, arrived
at Toulon, to which port a large body of
literati had proceeded to accompany him.
:
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
49
Previous to his departure, Bonaparte, to
improve his leifure, demanded from the li-
brary at Milan, all the books which treated
of Egypt, Syria, the Red Sea, Perfian
Gulf, &c. On returning them, the paffa-
ges which related to Egypt were marked,
fo that he appears to have availed himſelf
of every neceffary pre-requifite, and ma-
turely weighed the arduoufnefs of the un-
dertaking.
Bonaparte did not arrive at Toulon un-
til the beginning of May, 1798; on the
19th Floreal, May 8th, he vifited the fquad-
ron; on the 21ft, tenth, he addreffed his
army.
"The military force, when the feveral
detachments were united, confifted of near-
ly 40,000 men; and the lift of artiſts, men
of letters, and thofe of fcience, contains the
following numbers and departments: in
geometry eight, in aftronomy four, in gen.
eral mechanics fourteen, in watch-making
two, in chemistry eight, in mineralogy five,
in botany three, in zoology five, in furge-
E
50
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
:
ry fix, in pharmacy three, in antiquities
two, in architecture four, in drawing five,
in engineering nineteen, in geography
eighteen, in printing fifteen. In confor-
mity with the various objects attended to
in this affemblage of perfons, the imple.
ments of war were accompanied by thofe
of fcience."
The wind continued unfavorable until
Floreal goth, May nineteenth, when the
fignal gun was fired, and Bonaparte on
board the L'Orient, left the port the fol
lowing day; the whole armament confifted
of fifteen fhips of war and upwards of 200
tranfports. On the 3d Prairial, twenty-
fecond, the fleet were off St. Florenzo, and
paffing by Cape Corfo and Capraya, laid to
on the 6th, twenty-fifth, for the divifions
from Ajaccio and Civita Vecchia; the for-
mer joined them, but the latter, which had
fteered direct for Malta, and had waited
for the arrival of the commander, did not
unite with them until they reached that if-
and...
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
اورد
2
Bonaparte conceiving the fituation of
Malta to be calculated for facilitating the
conqueft of Egypt, refolved on wrefling it
from the brave Knight, who had fo often
defended it against the Turkish arms.
The armament appeared off Malta on
the 20th Prairial, June eighth, and on the
following evening Bonaparte fent one of
his aids-de-camp afhore to requeft permif
fion of the Grand Mafter for the armament
to fill their water caíks.
This application he well knew would be
refufed him, and would afford him a fair
pretext for employing force.
The anfwer given was, that two veffels
only ſhould take in water at the fame time:
upon which Bonaparte directed the troops
to land, and after a flight refiftance the iſl
and was fubdued. The inhabitants refort-
ed to Veletta, whofe caftle is nearly im-
pregnable, if defended with ſkill and cour.
age; but between the military efforts
which Bonaparte had determined to make,
and the negociations which he attempted,
52
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
į
the fortrefs capitulated the fame evening;
and on the 24th, twelfth, the tri-colored
flag was raiſed on the walls of the town.
The conful-general of the Batavian repub-
lic had written to Bonaparte previous to
the figning of the convention between
them:
"His most eminent highneſs and his
council having fent for me, have commif
fioned me to obferve to you, citizen gene-
ral, that when they denied you entrance
into the ports, and begged to have your
anfwer, they pretended to no more than a
perception of the departure which you re-
quired of them from the laws impofed by
their neutrality. The conduct of the order
towards the French republic, and the pro-
tection which, as well as its people, from
whom it will always be infeparable, it has
always received from the French nation,
cauſe it to confider a rupture as a misfor-
tune to which it wishes to put an end. His
moft eminent highnefs, therefore, and his
council, aſk for a fufpenfion of hoftilities,
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
33
and for information concerning your inten-
tions, which will undoubtedly be conform-
able with the generofity of the French na-
tion, and the known fentiments of the cel-
ebrated general by whom it is reprefented."
Bonaparte was not, however, to be
wrought upon by flattery to abandon his
favorite defign. He was determined to a-
vail himself of all the advantages arifing
from conqueft.
By the capture of Malta the French pro-
cured two fhips of war, one frigate, four
gallies, 1200 pieces of cannon, 1,500,000
pounds of powder, 40,000 mufkets, and
other articles. The garrifon which Bona-
parte left confifted of 4000 men under gen-,
eral Vaubois. A confiderable number of
Turks and others were received on board,
and helped to fill up the vacancy occalion-
ed by the garrifon which was ftationed at
Malta.
On the 29th, feventeenth, the fquadron
began to leave the port; the following
evening the whole were under weigh, and
E 2
54
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
on the first of Meffidor, nineteenth, L'Ori-
ent left the harbor. The armament paffed
the Ifle of Candia on the 6th, twenty-fourth,
and on the 12th, thirtieth, arrived before
Alexandria. They paffed off the coaft
within fix leagues of Nelfon's fleet which
had arrived at Alexandria three days be-
fore, and had fteered to the north-eaft in
fearch of them.
Some difturbances having been excited
at Malta by the foldiery, through mifcon-
duct of a nature which might be exten-
fively injurious in Egypt, Bonaparte form-
ed a code of regulations enforcing the
ftricteft difcipline under heavy penalties,
and caufed them to be read on board each
hip. Among other articles, it was ordered
that whoever fhould violate the women, or
enter the houfes of the Mohammedans, or
the Mofques, fhould be fhot; and none of
thefe regulations, the fpirit of which is fo
neceflary for the welfare of an army, were
tranfgreffed. In a proclamation, publifhed
two days fubfequently to the departure
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
55
في انة
from Malta, after declaring the object of
the expedition, which was to promote the
general interefts of civilization and com-
merce, and humble the naval power of
England, and confidently promifing, of fe-
veral fatiguing marches, and fome hoftile
encounters, complete fuccefs, Bonaparte
told them they were going to live with
Mohammedans, the first article of whoſe
religious creed was, that there is no God
but God, and Mohammed is his prophet.
"Do not contradict them," faid he. "Con
duct yourſelves towards them as you have
done towards the Jews and the Italians.
Show refpe& to their Muftis and Imans,
and the ceremonies preſcribed by the Ko-
ran; as you have fhown to the Rabbis and
Bishops." Bonaparte before he landed if
fued two addreffes:
Bonaparte, to the Pacha of Egypt.
" On board L'Orient, 12 Meffidor, June 39.
"The executive directory of the French
republic have frequently applied to the
Sublime Porte, to demand the puniſhment
56
LIFE OF BONAPARTE
of the beys of Egypt, who have oppreffed
with their vexations the merchants of
France.
"But the Sublime Porte declared, that
the beys, an avaricious and fickle race, re-
fufed to liften to the principles of justice,
and not only that the Porte did not autho-
rife theſe infults, but withdrew their pro-
tection from perfons by whom they were
committed.
T='
The French republic has refolved to
fend a powerful army, to put an end to
the exactions of the beys of Egypt, in the
fame manner as it has been feveral times:
compelled, during the prefent century, to
take theſe meaſures against the beys of Tu-
nis and Algiers. You, who ought to be
the
De of the beys, and yet are kept at
Cairo, without power or authority, cannot
but regard my arrival with pleafure. You
are doubtlefs already apprifed that I come
not to attempt any thing against the Alco-
ran or the Sultan. You know that the
French nation is the only ally which the
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
57
Sultan has in Europe. Come then and
meet me and curfe with me the impious
race of the beys.
"BONAPARTE.'
9'9
Bonaparte, Commander in Chief, to the Com-
mander of the Caravan.
13 On board L'Orient, 13 Mefidor, July 1.
"The beys have oppreffed our merchants
with vexation; I am come to demand repa-
ration. To-morrow I fhall be in Alexan-
dria. You ought to feel no uneafinefs;
you belong to our grand friend the Sultan ;
conduct yourſelf accordingly. But if you
commit the leaft hoftility against the French
army, I fhall treat you as an enemy, and
for this you muſt be accountable, as it is
far from my heart, and from my intentions.
"BONAPARTE."
A heavy fea oppoſed the landing, the
wind was very unfavorable, the tranfports
were in much confufion, and an attack by
Nelfon was immediately expected. "It
fell to my lot (lays Denon) to accompany
the French conful on board the flag fhip.
58
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
O
I
We were to communicate to the general
whatever might intereft him moft powerful.
ly under fuch critical circumftances. The
English had been feen, and they might
come up with us every moment. It blew
a freſh gale; and the convoy was blended
with the fleet in fuch confufion, that the
moft terrible defeat would have enfued,
had the enemy appeared. I watched the
general's countenance, which did not
change in the flighteft degree. He made
me repeat the ſtatement which he had juft
heard, and after a filence of a few minutes,
commanded the troops to be landed."
Although late in the evening, Bonaparte
ordered an immediate debarkation-the
generals Menou and Kleber, with their di
vifions, landed with the lofs of a few lives,
and the commander joined them at eleven
o'clock. The next morning very early,
the French carried a fmall fort; and the
Mamelucs and Arabs began to fkirmifh
with the French who had landed.
On the 14th, July fecond, the French
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
59
reached Alexandria; under its walls they
met much reſiſtance, but their ufual impet-
uofity furmounted all oppofition they
fcaled the walls, and though the inhabitants
had fortified the houfes, before the day
was ended the two caftles ſurrendered, and
the French took poffeffion of the city, forts
and harbors. During the affault general
Kleber, while pointing out to the grena-
diers where they ought to fcale, was ftruck
with a ball on the forehead, he fell, but
the wound was not mortal: Bonaparte
gave him the command of the town.*
* A writer of great veracity, Adjutant Gen-
eral Royer, in a letter to general Rilmaine,
gives an account as follows: "We began
with making an attack on Alexandria, a place
without any defence, and garrifoned by five
hundred Janiffaries, very few of whom knew
how to level a mufket; confequently the place
foon gave up to the united efforts of thirty thou-
fand men; we loft one hu: dred and fifty men,
whofe lives, had we fummoned the town, might
have been preferved; but Bonaparte chofe ra-
ther to take it by affault, in order to intimidate
the Egyptians. The Turks, repulfed on every
fide, flew to their mofques to feek protection
во
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
In the morning of the 15th, third, Bona-
Aparte, furrounded by the grandees of the
city, and by the members of the old gov
ernment, received the oath of fidelity. He
addreffed himſelf in the following terms to
the fheik Koriam:
"I have taken in arms, and I might
treat you as a prifoner; as you have how-
ever behaved with courage, and as I think
bravery infeparable from honor, I give you
back your arms, and I think that you will
be as faithful to the republic as you have
been to a bad government."
66
9
from God and their prophet ;" but even the ad-
vocates of Mahomet, and the friends of the E-
gyptians followed them; and to ufe the words.
of Royer, men, women, old and young, and
children at the breaft were affacred," which
fcene of carnage lafted four hours, and the
furvivors felt aftonished that Bonaparte had
fpared their lives. However, thefe unhappy
wretches were not permitted to embrace their
children, whom Bonaparte feized on as hoftages
for their future conduct, and fent them on board
L'Orient, where they all miferably perifhed in
the explosion of that fhip on the first of Auguft.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
60.
In the evening Bonaparte publifhed this
proclamation:
Too long have the beys who govern
Egypt infulted the French nation, and load-
ed her merchants with vexations: the hour
of their chaſtiſement is arrived. Too long
has this horde of flaves, purchaſed from
Caucafus and Georgia, tyrannized over the
fairest portion of the world; but God, up-
on whom every thing depends, has ordered
their empire to end. People of Egypt!
You will be told that I have come to re-
ftore your rights, to punish the ufurpers,
and that I venerate, more than the Mame-
lucs, God, his prophet, and the Koran.
Tell theſe that all men are equal before
God: wiſdom, talents, virtues, make all the
difference between them. Now, what wif
dom, what talents, what virtues, diftinguish
the Mamelucs, that they exclufively fhould.
poffefs all that is lovely and fweat to life? Is
there a beautiful eſtate? It belongs to the
Mamelucs. Is there a beautiful flave, a beau-
tiful horſe, a beautiful houfe? They belong
F
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
i
to the Mamelucs. If Egypt be their farm,
let them how the leafe which God has
granted. But God is juft and bountiful to
all mankind; all the Egyptians are called
to fill all poſts; let the moft wife, the moſt
informed, the moft virtuous govern, and
the people will be happy."
An alliance was immediately formed be-
tween the Mufti, the principal Sheiks of
Alexandria, and Bonaparte,
The greater part of the army merely
paffed through Alexandria; except the
garrifon which was placed in the city and
the troops under Menou, who had march-
ed to fubdue Rafhid, the whole army with
their artillery and fome horfe, begun its
march for Cairo, on the 18th and 19th
Meflidor, July fixth and feventh. On the
morning of the third day after their depar-
ture, they difcovered the Nile at Rahma-
nich, into which they immediately plun-
ged: here they refted two days, and gen-
eral Menou, who had met with no refift,
ance, joined the army.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
63.
General Deffaix arrived at Rahmanich
with his divifion foon after, and whilſt they
were bathing, was attacked by Gooo Mam-
elucs, but a brifk cannonading from the
French induced them to retire. Having
paffed Miniet Salameh, the French army
perceived 4,000 Mamelucs pofted to oppoſe
their progrefs. In the village of Jibbrifh,
they had placed feveral pieces of cannon,
and on the Nile were fupported by fome
armed veffels: two actions were now
fought, one on the river, and the other on
land.
The French, after an obftinate conflict,
regained the veffels which they had loft up-
on the water, burnt the Mameluc admiral,
and difperfed the whole. Bonaparte had
formed his army into five divifions, and
having planted his artillery at the angles,
he permitted the Mamelucs, who charged
with extreme fury, to approach within the
reach of grape fhot, when the cannon were
diſcharged, which obliged them to retreat :
the village was carried by affault; and the
64
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
Mamelucs fled with the lofs of fix hundred
men.
Bonaparte continued his march without
any oppofition, except that which was
made by the Arabs, who affailed all the
fmall parties of the French whom they
could find. On the evening of the 2d of
Thermidor, July twentieth, they firft faw
the pyramids and in the evening were
but fix leagues diftant from Cairo: here
Bonaparte learnt that twenty-three beys,
with all their troops, were intrenched at
Embabeh, and defended by fixty pieces of
cannon. Their force amounted to 6,000
Mamelucs, befides Arabs and peaſants.
As foon as this corps was difcovered, the
army formed as on the former occafion;
and when Bonaparte had given his final
orders, he faid to the foldiers, pointing to
the pyramids, "Rufh on, and recollect,
that from the fummit of thofe monuments.
forty centuries watch over us." Deflaix
proceeded to the other fide of the village,
Regnier followed on the left, and Dugua,
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
65
}
Vial and Bon, approached the Nile. The
Mamelucs rufhed upon the two firft divi-
fions, but in vain-the inceffant difcharge
of muſketry and grape fhot, drove them
back in diforder. The cavalry trying to
force the French battallion, were expofed
to two fires; and Bonaparte immediately
ordered the intrenchments to be affailed,
which were forced, and the army totally
routed. The Mamelucs were purfued to
Gizeh their whole lofs amounted to 2cco
men, 40 pieces of cannon, 400 camels,
much baggage and provifions, many horfes,
and a large quantity of gold.
The principal perfon of Cairo, attended
by the Kia, or lieutenant of the Pacha, in-
ftantaneously offered Bonaparte poffeffion
of the city. The Pacha had left it in the
night with Ibrahim Bey. The deputation
returned to Cairo with a detachment from
the French army, and Bonaparte removed
his head quarters thither, on the 5th.
The Mamelucs after the battle at the
Pyramids, were divided into two bodies;
F 2,
66
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
Murad Bey with one part returned into
Upper Egypt, whilft the other under Ibra-
him Bey, retired towards Suez and Syria.
General Leclerc was difpatched in purfuit
of the latter, and on the 19th Thermidor,
Bonaparte with a body of troops joined his
divifion, and a moft obftinate fkirmiſh en-
fued at Salaheigh, between the rear guard
of Ibrahim's army, and the advanced guard
of the French, at the end of which the latter
found themſelves in poffeffion of two pieces
of cannon and fifty camels near Belbeys
the French army refcued a part of the holy
caravan of Mecca, from the Arabs. Hav.
ing left general Cafarelli to fortify Sala-
heigh and Belbeys, Bonaparte returned to
Cairo.
On the 25th Thermidor, Auguft twelfth,
Bonaparte, accompanied by feveral of his
taff and fome members of the national in-
ftitute, after vifiting the five inferior pyra
mids, contemplated with much attention
that of Cheops, into which he was conduct-
ed by feveral muftis and imans. He pene.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
67
trated into the interior, where he found a
paffage a hundred feet long and three feet
broad, which introduced him to the tomb
of Pharaoh, who erected the monument,
A fecond paffage, much injured, and lead-
ing towards the fummit of the pyramid,
carried him fucceffively over two platforms,
and thence to a gallery.
}
This laft apartment is a flattened vault.
Bonaparte there feated himſelf with his at-
tendants, upon a cheft of granite, eight feet
long and four deep, and requeſting the
muftis and imans, Suleiman, Ibrahim and
Muhamed, to be alfo feated, he commen-
ced this converfation:
Bonaparte.-God is great, and his works
are marvellous. But we have here a grand
production of the hand of man. What
was the object of the individual who cauſed
this pyramid to be conſtructed?
Suleiman.-He was a powerful king of
Egypt, whofe name it is faid was Cheops.
He wished to prevent the facrilegious from
troubling the repofe of his afhes.
68
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
Bonaparte. The great Cyrus command-
ed, that when dead his body fhould be left
in the open air, that it might return to the
elements. Doft thou not think he did
better? What is your opinion?
Suleiman.-Inclining himfelf. Glory to
God, to whom ail glory is due !
Bonaparte. Honor to Allah! Who was
the calif that caufed this pyramid to be o-
pened, and thus troubled the afhes of the
dead?
Muhamed. It is believed by fome that
it was Mahmoud, the commander of the
faithful, who reigned feveral centuries ago
at Bagdad; others fay that it was the re-
nowned Haron Rafchid-peace to his
manes !-who expected to find treaſure
here but when by his command entrance
was made into this apartment, tradition fays
that he found mummies only, and this in-
fcription in letters of gold on the wall:
The impious fhall commit iniquity without re-
compence, but not without remorfe.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE:
69.
Bonaparte.-The bread ftolen by the
wicked fills his mouth with fand.
Muhamed.--Inclining himself. Thine are
the words of wifdom.
Bonaparte. Glory to Allah! There is
no other God but God; Mohammed is
his prophet, and I am his friend.
Suleiman. The falutation of peace to
the envoy of God! Salutation to thee alfo,
invincible warrior, favorite of Mohammed!
Bonaparte.-Mufti, I thank thee. The
divine koran is the delight of my foul, and
the object of my contemplation. I love
the prophet, and I hope, ere long, to fee
and honor his tomb in the holy city. But
my miffion is first to exterminate the Ma.
melucs.
Ibrahim.-May the angels of victory
fweep the duft from thy path, and cover
thee with their wings. The Mameluc has
merited death.
Bonaparte.--This land was a prey to
twenty-four oppreffors, rebels againſt the
Grand Sultan, our ally--whom God turn
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.¨
to his glory! and to ten thousand flaves
from Circaffia and Georgia. Adriel, the
angel of death, has breathed upon them;
we are come, and they have difappeared.
Muhamed.Noble fucceffor of Scander,
honor to thy invincible arms, and to the
unexpected thunder which iffues from the
middle of thy warriors on horfe.
Bonaparte. Doft thou believe that thun-
der to be a work of the children of men?
Doft thou believe fo? Allah has placed it in
my hands by his meffenger the genius of war.
Ibrahim. We perceive in thy works the
great Allah who has fent thee. Couldft
thou have conquered if Allah had not per
mitted? The Delta, and all the neighbor
ing countries, refound with thy miracles.
Bonaparte. A celeftial car will afcend
by my command to the abode of the
clouds, and the lightning will defcend to
the earth, along a metallic wire, the mo
ment I fhall bid it. But does this pyramid
then really contain no treafure of which
you know ?
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
71
Suleiman-His hands on his breast. None,
my lord, we fwear by the holy city of Mec-
ca.
Bonaparte.-Unhappy, thrice unhappy
thoſe who ſeek for perifhable riches, and
covet gold and filver, which are like unto
duft!
Suleiman-Inclining himself. Thou haft
poken like the moſt learned of the mullahs,
We place faith in thy words, we will ferve
thy caufe, and God hears us.
Bonaparte.-God is great, and his works
are marvellous. The falutation of peace
be upon you, thrice holy muftis !
During thefe events the famous naval
battle of the Nile had deftroyed the French
fleet, and left Bonaparte without any pro
bability of receiving aid from Europe.
The general requested admiral Brueys,
when he commenced his march for Cairo,
to enter the port of Alexandria immediate-
ly, or to land all the artillery and army
equipage, and to fail for Corfu. In the
full expectation of his having complied
92
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
with this arrangement, Bonaparte was in-
expreffibly alarmed when he found that he
was at Aboukir, fortifying himſelf with a
defign to refift any attack which the Eng-
lifh fleet might make,
On the ever memorable firſt of Auguft,
1798, the French fleet, confifting of fifteen
fail of the line, and fourteen frigates, was
attacked by the gallant Nelfon, with four-
teen fail of the line, the refult of which the
world is well acquainted with; and eleven
French fhips taken and deftroyed, is a
proof on record, that the ſkill and courage
of British feamen remains unrivalled,
The Pacha of Egypt having fled into
Syria, the following note was fent to him
by Bonaparte:
"The intention of the French republic
in taking poffeffion of Egypt, is to drive
out the Mamelucs, who were both rebels
to the Potte, and declared enemies to the
French government. At prefent, when
mafter of it by the fignal victory which its
army has gained, its intention is to preferve
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
73
to the Pacha of the Grand Seignior his re-
venues and appointment. I beg then you
will affure the Porte, that it will fuffer no
kind of lofs, and I will take care it fhall
continue to receive the tribute which has
been heretofore paid to it."
Bonaparte immediately employed him-
felf in organizing the government of Egypt:
and having refolved to carry the war into
Syria in perfon, he difpatched Deffaix in
purſuit of Murad Bey, who had fed into
Upper Egypt; that general left Cairo on
the 9th Fructidor, Auguft twenty-fixth,
accompanied by a flotilla as a convoy.
few flight fkirmishes with wandering parties
of the Arabs, were the only military ope
rations in which the main body of the ar
my under Bonaparte were engaged until he
commenced his march towards Syria.
A
The fyftem of government which this
new conquest required, was altogether dif
ferent from that which Bonaparte had efta-
bliſhed in Italy; and the protection which
his troops demanded was alfo in every ref
G
:
74
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
pect diffimilar. In Italy his fcientific know-
ledge could convert every river, mountain
or foreft into a ftrong hold, but in Egypt
none of thefe natural and eafily fortified po-
fitions were to be found. He directed that
the old works at Cairo fhould be repaired,
new forts conftructed, and hence the city
became the centre of all their military
movements: this enabled him effectually
to obftruct the predatory efforts and incur
fions of the defert tribes, and afforded him
a fecure
inhabitants fhould attempt an infurrection,
Alexandria was defended by ftrong bar.
riers, that if attacked by lea
it might refil
an invader, whilft Belbeys and Salaheigh
could make a reſpectable defence. Befides
thefe meaſures which Bonaparte had adopt-
ed to provide for the fafety of the French
army, he executed a very important plan to
aid the movements of his troops, and to af-
fift them when in action in the vicinity of
the Nile. A formidable flotilla, carrying
many pieces of artillery, and navigated by
and tenable fituation, in cafe the
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
75
C
Europeans, was eſtabliſhed upon that river;
and all the army fupplies of every kind, in-
éluding the ammunition and implements
of death, were conveyed by the veffels
which were ftationed for this purpofe.
The
During the time that Bonaparte remain-
ed at Cairo, his whole ingenuity was em
ployed in devising means to reconcile the
inhabitants to himfelf and army.
Mohammedans were treated with much
kindnefs; the fituation of the Copts and
Greeks was meliorated; fchools for the in-
ftruction of youth in French and Arabic,
geography and the mathematics, were eſta-
bliſhed; marriages between the army and
the natives countenanced; children of the
fame parents were admitted to an equal
right of inheritance; the condition of the
women amended; ftrict juftice patronized;
many prefents were made to the Turks,
Greeks and Arabs; fhows, feſtivities and
games in which his army and the natives
mixed were fanctioned. The army was
recruited by a mixture of every nation,

76
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
who allured by the profpect of participating
in the fpoils of the French foldiers, attach-
ed themſelves to Bonaparte.
The birth day of Mohammed is an anni-
verſary among all his difciples. The cer-
emony and feafting were unufually grand,
arifing from the large fum which Bona-
parte had given to the inhabitants to de-
fray the expence. It was upon this occa-
fion that he declared himfelf the protector
of all religions, and received from the Mof-
lems the name of Ali Bonaparte. He had
previous to this manifefted great regard to
the grand feignior, by permitting all the
Turkifh veffels in Alexandria, as well as
all neutral veffels, either to remain or fet
fail for their refpective places of deſtination
at their pleaſure, and fetting free and fend-
ing to Conftantinople, on board thofe vef-
fels, with a letter to the grand vizier,
fraught with many profeffions of regard
and ſubordination to the Porte, the Turk-
ifh flaves, to the number of three hundred,
whom he had found at Malta.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE..
77
To increaſe the impreffions which had
been made upon the minds of the Egyp
tians, Bonaparte ordered that the anniver
fary of the republic's commencement fhould
be celebrated at Cairo with the greatest
fplendor. The day began with the difchar-
ges of artillery from all the forts, batteries,
and the flotilla on the Nile. The troops
affembled in the principal fquare, with 105
flags, one to each department and the Ital-
jan republics, decorated with the tri-colored
figures. Infcriptions were affixed to the
porticos and triumphal arches, commemo-
rating the battle of the pyramids, the de-
feat of the Mamelucs, &c. the names of the
foldiers who had died were recorded, and
altars erected to their memory. The ſpec
tators, who confifted of the members of
the divan and the other officers, befides a
large multitude of the inhabitants, were de
lighted with the fight of the fentence which
was emblazoned before them: "There is
no God but one God, and Mohammed is
his prophet."
:
G 2
78
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
Bonaparte addreffed his foldiers in front
of the line
"Soldiers! We are celebrating the firft
day of the feventh year of the republic.
Five years fince, the independence of the
people was threatened, but you took Tou-
lon, which prefaged the ruin of our ene
mies. The next year you defeated the Auf
trians at Dego; the following year you
were on the fummit of the Alps; two years
fince you were employed againſt Mantau,
and laft year you gained the celebrated vic-
tory of St. George. On your return from
Germany you explored the fources of the
Drave and the Izoufo. Who at that time
would have thought that you would now
be on the banks of the Nile, in the centre
of the ancient continent ?
Soldiers! Your deftiny is enviable;
you are worthy of what you have accom-
plished, and of the opinion which your
Country entertains of you."
At the conclufion of this addrefs, the
bands of mufic began to play their marches
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
79
·66
and patriotic airs, with fongs of victory,
and the general's addrefs was cheered with
a general and enthufiaftic cry of Vive la
Republique a hymn was next fung, af-
ter which the troops filed off before Bona-
parte, who returned to his quarters. A
large company had been invited to dine at
his houfe, where a fumptuous dinner was
prepared for the gueſts. The French and
Turkish colors were intwined, the cap of
liberty was placed by the fide of the cref
cent, and the rights of man by the koran.
Such was the fineffe and the cunning ar-
tifice of Bonaparte, to maintain by a fem-
blance of friendfhip, the power he had ac-
quired by the force of arms. But all the
pomp and fplendor of public feftivals and
celebrations, could not long divert the
minds of the conquered Turks from their
abject fituation.
Bonaparte having appointed Dupuis
commandant of Cairo, organized the gov-
ernment of the city, that impofed as many
taxes and contributions upon the miferable
t
80
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
inhabitants as he had done upon thofe of
Alexandria; of whofe fate it is eafy to
judge, when the conqueror of Egypt order-
ed the tax collector never to proceed in the
difcharge of his duty, without a detach-
ment of foldiers, to enable him to enforce
his moderate demands; Bonaparte, like-
wife fent feveral of his generals to com-
plete the conqueft, or rather devaftation of
Egypt. One of them proved himself wor-
thy of his choice, for having taken the vil
lage of Menouf, on the Delta, two hun
dred of the inhabitants loft their lives.
Generals Dumas and Lafies, were fent in
different directions against the Arabs, du-
ring which expedition between two and
three hundred of the Arabs were killed,.
and the furvivors loft every thing. As
Morad Bey was the most powerful enemy
Bonaparte had to contend with, he fent
one of his braveft generals against him.
Deffaix, with a strong divifion accordingly
proceeded into Egypt to attack Morad Bey.
This great, but unhappy man, determined
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
to fight bravely for his independence, and
after feveral fkirmishes found himfelf oppo
fed to general Deffaix at Sediman; there
on the 8th of October 1798, Morade
•
Bey
and his brave cavalry made repeated and
defperate charges upon the French divi
fion; but the fuperiority of difcipline ulti
mately prevailed, and Morad Bey, after
lefing many of his officers, and men, was
reluctantly compelled to retreat. General
· Deffaix, who was little inferior to Bona-
parte himſelf in point of ſkill, preffed Mo-
rad Bey fo cloſely that he deemed it pru-
dent to offer terms; which though very
advantageous to the French, would enable
him to keep part of his government; Def
faix accepted them, and Morad Bey might
have ended his days in tranquility, if Bo
naparte had refpected the treaty figned by
Deffaix, and his brave opponent. On the
contrary, he laid a contribution on Morad
Bey's property, and not fatisfied with that
exaction, increaſed the fum a few days af
ter. Soon after the treaty of peace had
82
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
been figned, feveral French officers affem.
bled at the houfe of Madame Morad Bey,
on which occafion, at parting, fhe gave a
ring of great value to Eugene Beauharnois,
Madame Bonaparte's fon, by her former
huſband; in confequence of which, a few
days after a contribution was laid on her
property, much larger than fhe was able to
pay, and on her remonftrating, received
for anfwer, that as it was well known fhe
had a profufion of cofly ornaments, no
mitigation could be allowed; fuch was the
teward of a favor granted to a relative of
the magnanimous Bonaparte! Generous
himfelf, Morad Bey never mentioned this
affair without the bittereft expreffions of
indignation. This chief expired on the
22d of April, 1801, being carried off by
the plague. The compliment paid by the
Beys and Mamelucs to Morad Bey, is the
beft proof of the efteem they held him in;
on burying him, they broke his fabre into
his grave, denoting thereby that they
tho't no one worthy of wielding it after him.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
83
The conduct of Bonaparte to the Egyp-
tians, on whom he levied the most exorbi
tant contributions, in which acts of plun,
der and rapacity he was ably fupported by
general Dupuis, at length caufed a general
infurrection amongst the
preffed inhabitants: th Wretched and op
:
Q.
took place on the
22d day of October, early in the morning.
The fuperiority of numbers on the fide of
Bonaparte gained him the victory, for ge-
neral Dupuis being fent against them, he
ordered his men to fire on the populace
a dreadful confli& enfued, in which the
fanguinary Dupuis received two fevere
wounds, of which he died two hours after.
The Turks immediately fled to their mof
ques, where, arming themfelves with lan-
ces, &c. they refolved to make a brave re-
fiftance; the general now beat to arms,
and the French, irretated by the death of
their general, threw bombs into the grand
mofque, which created the greateft confu-
fion among the infurgents. Bonaparte
now commanded a general affault to be
:
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
made; he was obeyed, and a general maf
facre enfued, every one being put to death
that had fo much as a cudgel or a ſtick in
their ha
However on the 24th, the
fpirit of infurrection again broke out, but
was foon quelled by the troops of Bona-
parte; the lofs of the Turks was
at leaſt
fix thouſand, whilft the French loft only
one hundred men. In confequence of this
infurrection, Bonaparte iffued, among a va
riety of fanguinary and arbitrary orders,
the following that all the Mamelucs,
above eight and under fixteen years of age,
and all youths, black or white, who were
flaves, or belonged to Mamelucs, fhould
within five days be brought to the com.
mandant of the town, in order to be incor-
porated in the army, in the proportion of
nine to a battalion, and four to a fquadron.
66
Having thus eftablished a military gov.
ernment at Cairo, in order to keep the op-
preffed inhabitants in fubjection, Bonaparte
wifhing to become a maſter of Suez, pre-
vious to his expedition to Syria, he depart-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
85
ed on the 22d of December. During the
march, through the defert, on their way
thither, the foldiers being overcome with
fatigue, thirst, and hunger, they advanced
towards Bonaparte, exclaiming
murder-
er, behold thy work," blew out their brains.
and funk at his feet. Having traverfed
the defert he took poffeffion of Suez on
the fixth of January, 1799.
Bonaparte having ordered general Rey-
nier to fend a demi-brigade to take poffef-
fion of Catchich, fet out for Cairo, where
he arrived on the 7th of February, and ha-
ving made the neceffary preparations, de-
parted for Syria. On the roth of Februa-
ry, general Reynier entered El-Arifh, after
concert
with genera! Kleber, attacked the Mame-
lucs on the night of the 15th, when the lat-
ter were defeated with the lofs of many
men, befides all their horfes, provifions, &c.
Three days after Bonaparte arrived at El-
Arifh, in confequence of whofe orders the
caſtle was fo furiously cannonaded that it
an obftinate engagement, and in
H.
86
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
furrendered on the 21ft, and the garrifon
was compelled to go to Bagdad, through
the defert, a fresh proof of Bonaparte's
tenderneſs to his prifoners. The head-
quarters of the army arrived on the 25th
February, at Kan Launeffa, the firft of the
villages in Paleftine, and then marched to
Gaza, (or Gizeh) after a flight refiftance
from fome ftraggling Mamelucs, the French
took poffeffion of the town. On the ift
of March the French marched towards Jaf.
fa (formerly Joppa.) General Kleber
arrived before the town on the 4th, and on
the morning of the 7th, Bonaparte order-
ed the affault, and the town and fort were
carried, when many of the garrifon were
put to the fword.-Three days after which,
Bonaparte caufed three thoufand eight hun.
dred prifoners to be marched to a rifing
ground near Jaffa, where a divifion of
French infantry formed against them, and
they were all ſhot. Soon after, finding his
hofpitals at Jaffa crowded with fick, Bona-
parte fent for a phyfician, when talking on
:
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
87
1
the danger of contagion, he remarked that
the deſtruction of the fick in the hofpitals
was the beſt preventative. The phyfician
ſtarted back with horror, and indignantly
left the tent.
Bonaparte however, perfevered in his
fanguinary defign, and found an apotheca-
ry " whoſe poverty, but not his will con-
fenting," by means of opium diftributed at
night in gratifying food, five hundred and
eighty foldiers who had fuffered fo much
for their country perifhed thus miferably
in a few hours by the order of its idol.
Before Bonaparte marched againſt Acre,
he fent to Djezzar Pacha a note, requiring
him to furrender the place, and threaten-
ing him with the fevereft punishment if he
made any refiftance. To which note Djez-
zar returned the following laconic and fpi
rited anſwer:
"I have not written to you, becauſe I
am refolved to hold no communication
with you.
You may march against Acre
when you pleafe; I fhall be prepared for
88
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
you, and will bury myfelf in the ruins of
the place, rather than let it fall into your
hands."
Djezzar Pacha, who commanded the
town, defended himfelf with great bravery,
but he would foon have been compelled to
furrender, had it not been for the timely
affiftance which he received from the Eng-
liſh ſquadron, and a detachment of marines.
During the fiege of Acre, the Mamelucs
of Ibrahim Bey, and the Janizaries of Da-
mafcus united and paffed the Jordan, with
the intention of attacking the French ar-
my, when Bonaparte judging it neceffary
to difperfe fo numerous an army, quitted
the camp before Acre, and proceeded with
half his army to Kleber's affiſtance, who
but for his fortunate arrival, muſt have
been defeated. This powerful reinforce.
ment decided the fate of the day, and the
Arabs and Janizaries were completely re-
pulfed, the camp of the Mamelucs plun-
dered of every thing, and all thofe who
could not fly were put to the fword this
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
89
effected, Bonaparte returned to Acre with
the divifions of Bonn and Murat.
The fiege was now renewed with great
activity, but the aftonishing defence made
by the few foldiers and marines, under the
command of Sir Sidney Smith, baffled all
the efforts of the French troops, who after
many fruitless attempts were forced to re-
treat, and at length on the 21st of May, in
the evening, Bonaparte retreated from Acre
after a fiege of more than two months.
Rear-Admiral Peree, with three frigates,
had difembarked at Jaffa, three pieces of
cannon, twenty-four pounders; and fix
other pieces of eighteen were arrived from
Damietta. The three frigates received or-
ders to cruiſe towards Tripoli, in Cyprus, &
endeavor to bring away the fhips which fup-
plied Acre with provifions and ammunition.
On the 30th Germinal (20th April) the
Arabs affembled about Mount Carmel, be-
ing furprifed in their camp, had fixty men
killed, and eight hundred oxen taken,
which ferved as a fupply to the army.
H 2
go
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
On the 5th Floreal (25th April) the mine
deftined to fpring the tower of the breach
was completed.
cannonade thell the batteries began to
place; but fire being fet to
On
the mine, it produced very little effect. An
attempt was made to obtain a lodgment in
the tower in order to difcover how it was
fituated as to the reft of the place; but it
was again neceffary to abandon it.
the 6th, the battering artillery which had
arrived was planted. Till the 15th, (5th
May) the works of the befieging and be-
fieged puflied with equal ardor. In
the night of the 17th a lodgment was ef
fected in the tower of the breach, but it
could not be
Wer
On the Maintained.
Bo-
18th, there were feen about three
hundred veffels, known to be a Turkish
fleet bringing a confiderable reinforcement
of men, provifions, and ammunition.
naparte, before the difembarkment of the
fuccors which arrived for the enemy, or-
dered an attack in the night of the 18th,
and at ten in the evening the enemy's two
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
91
:
places of arms the covered way of the gla
cis, and the tower of the breach, were car
ried. Never had greater courage or valor
been difplayed. The French loft, in this
attack, one hundred and fifty men killed
or wounded, of whom feventeen were offi
cers. On the morning of the 19th, the
curtain was battered in breach, which, in
falling, prefented a paffage fufficiently prac
ticable. Bonaparte then repaired thither,
and ordered the affault. The divifion of
Lannes was appointed to the fervice, pre-
ceded by its grenadiers and clearers
they
rufhed to the breach, and took poffeffion
of it; a hundred men had already defcen-
ded into the place it had been ordered
that, at the fame time, the troops who were
in the tower of the breach fhould attack
fome of the enemy lodged in the ruins of a
fecond tower, which commanded the right
of the breach; they were alfo ordered to
throw themſelves into the enemy's exterior
places of arms. But thefe orders were not
executed with the neceffary concert: the
92
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
:
enemy fallied from their external places of
arms, and filing off through the foffe of the
right and left, eftablished a firing which
took the breach in the rear. Some Turks,
who had not been diflodged from the fe-
cond tower commanding the right of the
breach, alfo commenced a firing, which
took it in flank ; they threw combuflible
matters, which caufed confu
among
thofe who fcaled: the fire from the houſes,
from the barricadoes, from the treets,
from the palace of Djezzar, which, taking
behind thoſe who were defcended from the
breach into the city, occafioned a retro-
grade movement among fome of thofe men
who were already there, and who had fuc-
ceeded in getting poffeffion of two pieces
of cannon and two mortars; the move-
ment was communicated to the column.
The foot-guides, who were in referve, dart-
ed towards the breach, and did prodigies
of valor, they fought man to man ; but
the enemy were upon their guard the
column had loft its impulfion, in ſpite of,
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
93
the efforts made by General Lannes, who
was feverely wounded.
The enemy had had time to rally, and to
bring forward a great number of men dis
embarked from the fleet. Night coming
on, the retreat was ordered.
s.
It was understood, on re-entering the
camp, that rear-admiral Peree had taken,
while cruifing before Jaffa, two veffels of
the Turkish fleet, in which were four hun-
dred troops, fix field-pieces, a confiderable
quantity of provifion, and one hundred
and fifty thouſand livres in filver, (6,25cl.)
It was befides learned, that this fleet had
been armed to attack Alexandria and Da-
mietta, while the army of Djezzar marched
by the defert against Cairo ; but the fud.
den invafion of Paleſtine and Syria, by the
French army, defeated its progrefs, and o
bliged it to run to the fuccor of Acre,
where the means deftined to attack Egypt
were confumed.
On the 21ft, three affaults were fuccef-
fively made, in which the French loft about
i
94
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
five hundred privates, and feveral diftin.
guifhed officers. The enemy alfo loft at
confiderable number of men. The rever-
fes of the parallels were ftrewed with the
dead bodies of the Turks, which caufed a
dangerous and infupportable ftench. On
the morning of the 22d, Bonaparte fent a
flag of truce to Djezzar, with a letter, in
which he propofed a fufpenfion of arms, in
order to inter the dead bodies which re-
mained unburied on the reverfes of the
trenches, and establish an exchange of pri-
foners. A Turk, taken as a fpy, was the
bearer, becauſe, with barbarians, it is im-
poffible to hazard the ufages of war among
poliſhed nations: he was fhot at, and the
place continued its fire. The French, alſo,
on their fide, continued to cannonade, and
to throw in bombs. On the 24th, a flag of
truce was fent again, and the bearer of it
entered the city, but it continued its fire;
nothing implied a defire on the part of the
enemy to return an anfwer; on the con-
trary, at fix in the evening they fallied on
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
95
the right and left, but were repulfed. Bo-
naparte faw nothing farther to be gained
by his expedition. The feafon for landing
in Egypt imperiously called him thither;
difeafe made a frightful progrefs in Syria;
it had already carried off feveral hundred
French, and, by reports from Sous, it was
underſtood that there died daily in the
fort of Acre, more than fixty men.
Influenced by thefe confiderations, Bona-
parte thought it would be improper to pro-
long his ſtay before Acre. The heavy ar
tillery being entirely removed, all the ufe-
lefs materials were caft into the fea; and
on the fame night, after a fiege of fixty
days, the trenches were evacuated. The
army retired in perfect order, and with fo
much fecrecy that their return was not per-
ceived by the garrifon until the following
day. At Cantoura they funk 22 pieces of
cannon, and after punishing the villages
which had aided the Turks, deftroying the
fortifications of Jaffa, raifing from that
town 150,000 livres, and blowing up its
t
96
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
;
fort; on the 26th Prairial, June fourteenth,
Bonaparte arrived at Cairo, where prepara-
tions had been made for his reception: il-
luminations, triumphal arches, &c. were
exhibited in honor of the army of Syria.
On the 23d Meffidor, July eleventh, 100
fail of Turkifh veffels anchored at Aboukir.
The troops landed on the 27th, fifteenth,
carried the fort by the moft intrepid affault,
and having landed their artillery, intrench.
ed themfelves on the peninfula. Immedi
ately as Bonaparte heard this intelligence,
he left Cairo, and on the 7th Thermidor,
July twenty-fifth, appeared before the Tur-
kih army. The Pacha had pofted his ar-
my fo as to form three lines of defence,
defended by artillery and gun boats. On
the right 1,200 Turks occupied a poft with
four pieces of cannon; the retreat of thefe
was cut off by Deftaing; on the left 2,000
Turks, with fix pieces of cannon, were ſta-
tioned; theſe were attacked by Lafnes,
and by the activity of Murat's body of cav-
alry, the whole of the two corps, prefer-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
97
ring death to a capitulation, were either
killed or wounded: in the centre a redoubt
was defended by 9,000 men, and 12 pieces
of cannon; this was attacked by Deftaing
and Lafnes. The Turks fought with en-
thufiaftic valor, but the cavalry advancing,
they flung their mufkets behind them, took
their fwords and piftols, and endeavored to
wreft the bayonets from the French who
affailed the intrenchments; Murat, as the
redoubt was forced in front, charged all
the pofitions in the rear, cut off their retreat
into the fort, and completed the defeat.
Refolved not to capitulate, they followed
the example of their comrades, and about
7,000 of them perifhed in the fea. The
Pacha was captured, with 200 Turks;
2,000 were dead on the field: the tents,
baggage, cannon, and all the army equip
age, was taken, and the fort immediately
ceafed to fire; but the fleet having com-
municated with the fort in the evening,
they determined to defend it to the laft
extremity: the garrifon were fummoned
I
98
LIFE OF BONAPARTE
:
on the 8th, twenty-fixth, and on the 15
Auguſt fecond, furrendered. The Pacha
fon, with 2,000 men, were prifoners; in
the fort were found 1,800 dead and wound-
ed. By this expedition the Turks loft
18,000 men.
Notwithstanding the victory over the
Turks, the affairs of the French became
every day worfe and worfe; the Sublime
Porte determined to fend another army
more powerful than the firft. The Mame-
lucs and Arabs, irritated at his former cru-
elty, harraffed the troops of Bonaparte;
and though they avoided regular engage-
ments, killed great numbers of the invad-
ers; whilſt to add to their diftrefs, the
French received certain intelligence that the
English intended to affift the Turks, and
fend a numerous army to expel them from
Egypt.
No fooner had fuccefs fled from the
banners of the French, than Bonaparte
refolved to defert from thofe he had hither
to led to victory: thus under the pretence
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
99
of wanting two frigates to efcort fupplies
for the army, he ordered admiral Gant-
aume to get them ready for fea; fearing left;
his foldiers would not fuffer him to depart,
he communicated his defign to no one but
general Berthier; he therefore fent a fealed
note to every one whom he intended to
take with him, with pofitive orders not to
open them before the 23d of Auguft, on the
fea-fhore.--Of his generals, he took with
him Berthier, Lafnes, Andreoffi, Murat
and Marmont; and of all the inftitute na-
tionale named Savans, he only took De-
non, Monge, and Bartholet, although he
had folemnly promiſed never to return to
Europe without them. Of his regret at
leaving his brave troops, an opinion may
be formed by reading the proclamation
which he fent encloſed in a letter to gene-
ral Kleber, in which, after afligning that
the caufe of his fudden departure is occa-
fioned by change of affairs in France, he
gives up the command to Kleber, and bids
him affure the foldiers that his abfence will
100
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
be fhort, whilft he knew at the fame time,
never meant to return.
"In confequence of news from Europe,
I have determined immediately to return
to France. I refign the command of the
army to general Kleber. They fhall hear
from me fpeedily. This is all I can fay to
them at prefent. It grieves me to the
heart to part from the brave men to whom
I am fo tenderly attached. But it will be
for an inftant only; and the general whom
I leave at their head is in full poffeffion of
the confidence of the government, and of
mine."
When Bonaparte left the Egyptian fhore,
although during the invafion of Egypt he
had levied the moſt heavy contributions on
the wretched Egyptians, not a farthing was
left in the military cheft, nor any of the
troops paid on the contrary, he left be-
hind him a debt of eleven millions. Thus
no doubt he rifled the military cheft with-
out feeling the fmalleft anxiety for thoſe
men whom in his letter to general Kleber
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
Ion
he termed his children. The aftonishing
and unmerited good fortune which had
hitherto attended Bonaparte in his expedi
tions, followed him in his paffage to Eu-
rope. The English fhips of every defcrip-
tion fwarmed in the Mediterránean, and
yet Bonaparte paffed unnoticed.
·
He arrived at Ajaccio on the 9th Vende-
maire, September thirtieth, and was receiv
ed with the utmost enthufiafm; his little
fleet faw no veffel during the paffage. The
wind obliged the fhips to ftay in that port
until the 14th, October fifth, when they
weighed anchor, and the following evening
being in fight of the French coaft, and
diftant ten leagues only from Toulon, they
perceived an English fquadron of eight fail
The moon was covered with a thick fog,
and the fignal guns of the fquadron which
was endeavoring to intercept the paffage of
the French frigates were heard. A coun
cil was immediately held on board the fri-
gate in which Bonaparte failed, to decide
whether they fhould return to Corfica, or
1. 2
102
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
6
43.
attempt to reach the fhore. Bonaparte
now affumed the command: Be not a-
larmed," faid he, fortune will not aban-
don me, let us fteer directly for the coaft."
The fignals were made accordingly, and at
midnight they loft all apprehenfion, being
too near the fhore to indulge any fears of
an attack. At day break they faw Frejus,
and at nine in the morning of the 16th,
feventh, anchored near St. Rapheau. Bo-
naparte with his companions and fuite ar-
rived at Frejus about two, amidſt an im-
menfe concourfe of people. When they
landed they proftrated themfelves to em-
brace the ground, whilft the fpectators in
the moft rapturous tranfports of joy fhout-
ed on all fides Vive la Republique! Vive
Bonaparte !" "The magiftrates of Frejus re-
ceived them with triumphal honors. Laf
nes and Murat being wounded, accompa-
nied the crews to Toulon.
At fix o'clock in the evening of the 17th,
eighth, Bonaparte left. Frejus, and procee
ded to Paris, with Berthier, Monge, Bar-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
103
tholet and Arnaud
The courier who hadi
been fent to announce his arrival to the di.
rectory, and to prepare horfes for his jour
ney, called for them in his name
his name: the
crowd of fpectators was fo great as frequent-
ly to impede the progrefs of the carriages
every town through which he paffed at
night was illuminated, and his whole jour-
ney was one continued triumphal- procef
fion. At Lyons they gave him a fplendid
reception; a fhort theatrical piece called
the "Hero's Return," was compofed and
reprefented immediately; the performers
read their parts, there being no time to
commit them to memory when he enter
ed the theatre, the acclamations and thun-
ders of applaufe were inconceivable, and
when he retired, the citizens followed him
to his lodgings. He reached Paris, Octo
ber 16th, and on the following day had a
private audience of the directory. The
courts and all the treets leading to the
Luxembourg were on this occafion filled
with citizens he appeared very fenfible of
104
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
thefe teftimonials of joy, among others he
obferved many of the foldiers who had fer-
ved with him in Italy; thefe he called to
him, fhook them by the hand, and expreff-
ed much friendship for them, and treated
them with unufual affability. He was
dreffed in a grey riding coat, without uni-
form, a Turkifh fabre hung in a filk fearf
over his fhoulder, liis hair was fhort, with-
out powder, and his tawny complexion, ac-
quired by the fun of Egypt, gave him a
greater appearance of manlinefs & ftrength
than he poffeffed previous to his departure
from Europe. His vifit being concluded,
he waited upon the minifters of war, ma
rine, and the other high officers in the fer
vice of the republic.
Bonaparte was very cautious in all his
intercourſe with politicians; but to the
army was affable and condefcending. All
means were uſed to attach officers and fol-
diers to his perfon. On them he placed
his reliance for carrying his plans into exe-
cution. The fituation of France was at
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
105
that time peculiarly favorable to his ambi
tious defigns. The laft ten years exhibited
a fucceffion of revolutions. Marat, Bar
rere, Robefpiere, Carriere, Barras, Rew
bell and La Reveillere Lapaux, had each
prefided, Murders, violations, affaffina--
tions, and profcriptions was the order of
the day, and the fatal guillotine blufhed
with human blood; if the first national af-
fembly had been bad, the fecond furpaffed
them in atrocity; the Convention exceed-
ed them, and the Five Directors outrival-
led their predeceffors.
A French hiftorian gives the following
defcription of the wretched ftate of the na
tion at that time: The national reprefent-
ation, almoſt entirely fold to the directorial
power, was compofed of heterogeneous el-
ements, and abafed by conftant nullity.
Harboring in its bofom the moſt deteftable
paffions, it had never been able to conceive
any uſeful and protecting idea, nor to take
advantage of any crifis to ftay the revolu
tion, and establish any plan of diplomacy,
166
LIFE OF BONAPARTI.
any certain fyftem of war, finances, or gov
ernment; the gulph of general bankrupt-
cy appeared ever open to fwallow up every
fortune, and involve whole families in de-
Aruction. Public education was almoſt
generally abandoned, and delivered over
to the most difgufting licentioufnefs. No-
thing was to be found but venality, difor-
der, and devouring putrefaction in the fo-
cial body, finking beneath its afflictions.
Invifible legions of fpies and informers,
purfeing their odious tafks, had become
Indifpenfable to a weak adminiftration,
fteering without compafs or guide. Suf
picion and fear lurking in every mind-
confidence and friendfhip were totally an-
nihilated diftruft and egotifm, contracting
and drying up every heart, banifhed affec
tionate fentiments and generous paffions;
and an infurmountable apathy prevailed
amongst almoſt all individuals as to the in-
tereft of the ſtate.
Every thing was put up at public auc-
tion officers and treafons were become
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
107
objects of traffic-juftice was only a name-
patriotifm a maſk-liberty a phantom, and
virtue a deception. Perfidious machina-
tions, and obfcure intrigues, in which the
yile paffion of cupidity conducted the fteps
of the legiflators, involved every one in
perplexity and the ftate appeared like a
drunken man, ftaggering, without fupport.
All the political fects, and every unbri
dled paffion, were bufy in fpeculating on
the public misfortunes; and plots and
confpiracies were gathering around: fome
wifhed to have a foreign prince; others
would have a dictator; affaffinations were
organized, and the government remained
filent; La Vendee was rifing again out of
her afhes, and Machiavilian artifice fomen-
ted in fecret interior diffentions. The na-
tion was difgufted and betrayed-the intent
of the revolution had failed-the fruits of
our labors, facrifices, and victories, were
annihilated-the dregs of faction were in
motion in the interior, and difputed with
ftrangers for the tattered remnants of their
гов
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
country. The exterior prefented a fright-
ful afpect our conquefts were loft in Italy,
our armies were difcouraged and become
the prey of contractors; an honorable.
peace could not be made; our legions
were fighting in the name of the republic,
no longer exifting but in name; friendly
nations and republics, created by us, were
oppreffed and defpoiled by the very power
that ought to have protected them, and
the gold and intrigues of kings found their
way into the directorial palace, and into
our fenate. Such was the, fituation of the
French republie at the commencement of
the year viii.
The conftitution of the third year had
been fo often violated, that no fecurity
could be expected from it; a crifis appear-
ed neceffary and inevitable; but the oath
of fidelity was attended to, and the people
were unwilling to overleap the limits of the
conftitution.
"Nevertheless, all Frenchmen felt the
full force of their prefent and paft evils-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
109
the fmart of a long ftate of fuffering, and
the imperious neceflity of a better order of
things. They required a government capa-
ble of repairing the tottering ruins of the
political edifice, or of re-building it on more
folid foundations; but they knew not how
or by whom ſuch a change could be effect-
ed."
In the midst of this chaos, Bonaparte re-
turned. Seeing the favorable opportunity
which prefented for feizing the reins of gov
ernment, he determined to lofe no time.
His fame and military talents gave him great
influence over government. All perfons
looked to him as the caufe of fome unknown.
good.
Sieyes and Bonaparte quickly adjuſted a
change in the form of government-the for-
mer had long been contriving it, but having
no force to execute his fchemes, it had been
delayed; the return of that general was propi-
tious to the plan, and his talents were exact-
ly fuited to perfect the whole.
The directory ordered a feaft in honor
K
110
LIFE OF BONAPARTE
of Bonaparte and Moreau, and on the 16th
Brumaire, November feventh, it was ob
ferved. The temple of victory was adorn-
ed in the most magnificent manner the
walls were decorated with the ftandards ta.
ken in battle from the enemies of the re-
public the prefident of the council of an-
cients was at the head of the Gohier,
prefident of the directory, was on the right
hand Moreau on the left. Then follow-
ed Lucien Bonaparte prefident of the coun-
cil of five hundred, Napoleon, &c. Gohier
gave for his toaft, "Peace;"-the latter,
The Union to all Frenchmen." An air
of constraint and filence was evident through
out the whole feaft the ceremony contin-
ned about three hours, and ferved no oth-
er purpofe than to folemnize the union of
Bonaparte
and Moreau, and that of all pare
ties.
When he returned to the houfe appoint-
ed for his refidence, he found Madame La
Fayette and her daughter waiting to ex-
prefs their fenfe of his kindness in deliver-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
III
ing her husband from the Auftrian dun-
geon.
On the evening of the day after the feaft,
a fmall number of the members of both
councils affembled at Lemercier's houfe,
who had been elected prefident of the coun-
cil of ancients. This party confifled of Bo-
naparte, Sieyes, Lemercier, Lucien Bo
parte, Boulay de la Meuthe, Courtois, Ca-
banis, Regnier, Fargues, Villerard, Chazal,
Barillon, Boureville, Cornet, Vimar, Dele-
cloy, Fregeville, Le Hatry, Goupil, Prefe
lyn, Rouffeau, Herwyn, Cornudet. Thefe
legiflators, after fwearing to maintain fecre
cy, departed to fecure the fupport of all
their friends to aid the execution of the
fcheme; while the proper officers were
charged to prepare plans of jacobin confpi-
racies, in cafe the occafion fhould demand
them.
The tranflation of the legislative bodies
by the vote only of the council of ancients
was an article of the conftitution, and be-
came the main fpring of the intended revo
112
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
lution. At four o'clock in the morning of
the 18th Brumaire, November ninth, the
committee of infpectors fent meffages to 150
members of the council of ancients, moft of
them ignorant of the meaſure, to meet at
eight o'clock in the Thuilleries.
When the affembly was formed, and
nearly 100 of the violent jacobins were ab-
fent, Cornet afcended the tribune, repre
fented the dangers which threatened the
country, and the neceffity of fpeedy and
effective meaſures for its deliverance from
them.
Regnier then declared the remedy which
had been propoſed; to tranfport the legif
lative bodies to a commune near Paris,
where they might deliberate in fecurity on
the beſt means to extricate the country, af
furing them that general Bonaparte was
ready to execute their decree; he therefore
moved that the council fhould be tranflated
to St. Cloud; that this tranflation fhould
take place on the following day; that Bo-
naparte fhould be charged with its execu
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.'
113
tion, and take the neceffary meaſures for
the fecurity of the national reprefentation;
that he fhould be invefted with the general
command of all the troops in Paris, inclu
ding their own and the national guards;
that he ſhould be called into the council to
take the requifite oaths; and that a meffage
containing the refolution of the council
fhould be fent to the directory, and to the
council of five hundred.
An addrefs was voted to the people, fta-
ting their right to remove the legislature,
and the motives which actuated this ftep:
they alleged that their object was to repreſs
infubordination, faction and commotion,
and to obtain a fpeedy peace, internal and
external. Theſe reaſons, in conjunction
with their confidence in Bonaparte, fufficed
to calm the Parifians, who patiently waited
to fee the iffue of thefe extraordinary mea-
fures.
The decree was notified to Bonaparte,
whitt furrounded by a numerous ftaff.
He obeyed the fummons, accompanied by
K 2
114
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
Moreau, Berthier, Lefevre, Macdonald and
others. Being informed by the prefident
of his appointment, he addreffed the repres
fentatives thus:
"Citizens Repreſentatives,
Woe be to
"The republic was on the brink of ruin,
but your decree has faved it.
thofe who wish for anarchy. Affifted by
my brave companions, I will arreft their
courfe. Let us not feek in the paft, exam-
ples to justify the prefent. Nothing in hif-
tory refembles the clofe of the eighteenth
century, nor is any thing in it like the pre-
fent moment.
* Your wildom has iffued the decree;
our arms fhall put it in execution. We
will have a republic founded on the right
bafis, on civil liberty and national reprefen-
tation ; we will have it, I fwear! I ſwear
it in my own name, and in that of my
brave comrades!"
"I fwear it," was immediately returned
by the other generals, and the fitting was
diffolved amid the cries of Vive la Repub
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
FIS
lique!" The Ancient's meffage being read
by the council of Five Hundred, the depu
ties who were not in the fecret, or who fa-
vored the Jacobin party, were aftonifhed
and filent. The law which had been paff
ed by the Ancients was read, and the coun-
cil adjourned, fome crying "Vive la Repub-
lique!" others "Vive la Conftitution !”
The members of the councils having de
parted, the committees of infpectors re-
mained in the room belonging to the An-
cients, to concert meafures according to
the urgency of affairs, Bonaparte's ftaff be-
ing affembled at the fame place to preferve
tranquility, and to remove the councils to
St. Cloud.
The walls of Paris were immediately cov
ered with proclamations which had been
previously prepared in one Bonaparte an-
nounced that the council of ancients had
commiffioned him to take meaſures for the
fafety of the legislative body; that its re-
moval to St. Cloud was neceffary, to guar
antee it from the danger with which it was
116
LIFE OF BONAPARTE..
informed the??
threatened by the diforganization of every
part of the adminiftration. In another he
foldiers that he had taken
command of the army to execute ineafures
devifed folely for the benefit of the people.
In what ftate," faid he, "did I leave
France? In what ftate have I found it ? 1
left you conquefts, and the enemy paffing
your frontiers! I left you arfenals well fup-
plied, and you are without arms your
cannon have been fold; robbery has been
reduced to a fyftem, and the refources of
the ftate are drained recourfe has been
had to vexatious means, repugnant alike
to juftice and propriety: the foldier has
been left without defence. For two years
paſt the republic has been badly governed;
you have hoped that my return would put a
top to fuch a train of evils; you have cel-
ebrated it by an union which impoſes on
me the obligations which I am attempting
to fulfil. You will do your duty; you
will fecond your general with that firmneſs
and confidence which I have ever remarked
RTE
217
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
BONAPART
in you. Liberty, victory and peace, will
again eftablish the French republic in the
rank which it held among the nations of
the earth, and which could only have been
loft by fully and treafon."
Theſe proclamations were accompanied
by two notices, exhorting the citizens to
pay no attention to the fuggeftions of thofe
who love diſorder, and informing them that
the meaſures which would be adopted were
intended to re-eftáblifh interior order, to
reſtore liberty, and to fix the republic on
fure foundations. His addrefs to the offi
cers of the national guard was particularly
emphatical. A new order of things is
about to take place: the council of ancients.
will fave the republic; whoever oppofes it
fhall perish by the bayonet of the foldier."
The conferring the chief command on Bo
naparte, and its confequences immediately
followed each other. The garden of the
Thuilleries was inftantly filled with 10,000
infantry and cavalry. The principal poſts
in and around Paris, the bridges, the Lux
118
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
embourg, the hall of the council of five
hundred, the military fchool, the invalids,
St. Cloud and Verfailles, were entrusted to
Marmont, Serrurier, Lafnes, Macdonald,
Berthier, Murat, Andreoffi, and other gen-
erals. Bonaparte had formed his difpofi-
tions and harrangued his troops in the
court, three of the directors and all the reft
of Paris being ignorant of every part of the
change. Sieyes and Ducos waited the re-
fult of the meeting the former was walk-
ing in the garden of the Luxembourg, and
the latter was in his apartments, when
they received the meffage from the ancients,
upon which they repaired immediately to
the committees of the infpectors at the Thu-
illeries. Barras was the first of the three
other directors who became acquainted
with the change. He was invited to give
in his refignation in the morning; he hef
itated for fome time, but at length found.
it unavoidable.
Gohier, who was to have breakfafted
with Bonaparte, rifing late on the following
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
119
day, was furprifed to find the decree of the
council of ancients on his table. He res
paired to the audience chamber of the di-
rectory, where Moulins met him, equally
ignorant and astonished. Their perplexity
was increaſed, when on enquiring for Sieyes
and Ducos, they heard that they were gone
to the Thuilleries, and that Barras refufed
to join in their deliberations. The fecre
tary was then called to write the arrets
which they were about to form; but their
gitation was exceffive when he obferved
that two members could not form a majo-
rity, and that it was impoffible for him to
do as they requested. Moulins now or
dered the houfe of Bonaparte to be furroun-
ded, but it was difcovered that the guard
had deferted, and gone to the Thuilleries.
General Lefevre was then fummoned to
appear before
before them; he came, but bowing
anfwered, that an irrevocable decree which
had just been iffued by the council of an
cients, invefted general Bonaparte with the
fupreme command of all the troops in Paris;
120.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
that he was now a fubaltern only, and that
he could not march a fingle man without
his permiffion.
Whilft Bonaparte was engaged in con-
verfation with Sieyes and Ducos, on the
fubje& under confideration, Angereau ap-
proaching, addreffed himfelf with all poffi-
ble cordiality, "General you did not fend
for me, but I have come unfought, to join
you." The directorial palace was foon in-
vefted by a troop of foldiers, and Moulins
did not wait to be arrested, but jumping
out of the window, efcaped acroſs the gar-
den of the Luxembourg. Gohier repair-
ed to the Thuilleries, where, as prefident of
the directory, he put the feal to the decree
for the tranflation to St. Cloud, which had
been already figned by Sieyes and Ducos;
he perfifted in neither refigning his ftation,
nor delivering the feal of the ftate, and re-
turned to the Luxembourg, where he was
under guard until the next evening; when
perceiving that the power of the directory,
was deſtroyed, a new government formed,
LIFE OF BONAPARTE
120
and the confuls in office, he quietly retired
to his houfe at St. Chaumont.
Immediately after Gohier had figned the
decree, Sieyes and Ducos refigned their of
fices, and Barras (peedily followed their ex-
ample. He fent his fecretary Botot to Bo-
naparte, himſelf remaining in his carriage
near the Thuilleries, until he returned with
the report of his interview. Bonaparte
was in the infpe&tor's apartment when Bo-
tot defired to ſpeak with him. He was in-
troduced by Courtois, and having prefent-
ed the letter, wifhed to know if Bonaparte
had any anſwer for Barras. Tell him,
faid Bonaparte, "that I defire to hear no
more of him, and that I truft I fhall ever
make the authority refpected which is en-
trufted to me." Then raiſing his voice he
faid;
"The army has cordially united
with me, and I cordially act with the legif-
lative body. What have you done with the
country which I left fo flourishing? I left
you peace and I have found war. I left
you victory and I have found defeat. I left
L
F
122
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
you
the treaſures of Italy, and I find noth-
but oppreffion and poverty. Where
are the hundred thoufand heroes, my com-
panions in arms, whom I left covered with
glory? What is become of them? Alas,
they are no more! This ftate of things can-
mot laft long; in three years it will end in
defpotifm. But we are for a republic, foun-
ded on the bafis of equality, civil liberty
and political toleration. If you believe the
affertions of the factious, we are the ene-
mies of the republic; we who have ftrength-
ened it by our labours and cemented it
with our blood; but we wish for no bet-
ter patriots than the brave men who have
fuffered in its fervice." When he had fin-
ifhed his harrangue, the moft extravagant
exclamations and applaufe followed, and
Bonaparte requeſted Botot to tell Barras
that he was inviolably attached to him,
and would protect him against his enemies."
Barras, alarmed for his perfonal fafety, im
mediately withdrew to Gros Bois, his coun
try houfe, guarded by a detachment of cay
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
123
alry, whom Bonaparte ordered to attend
him. Sieyes and Ducos paffed the night at
the Thuilleries with the infpectors.
On the 19th of Brumaire, November
tenth, before break of day, multiplied de-
tachments of infantry and cavalry occupied
all the poſts and the neighborhood of the
palace of St. Cloud. The legislature arri-
ved there about noon, with Sieyes and Du
cos, who were foon followed by Bonaparte,
Berthier, Murat, Marmont and the ftaff.
One court of the caftle and the village were
filled with fpectators. At half past two the
council of ancients formed in the chamber
called the gallery. A motion was made
to inquire into the caufe of their removal,
but this was fuperfeded by a demand to
know if the directory and the council of
five hundred were alfo affembled, as by the
conftitution they must refide in the fame
commune. Lagarde, the fecretary, repli
ed that four of the directors bad refigued,
and that a fifth was under military guard
this letter was tranfmitted to the other
+
124.
LIFE OF BONAPARTE..
council. At this inftant Bonaparte enter-
ed the hall, and the whole of the council
liftened to him with profound filence.
Your folicitude,'faid he, for the falvation
of your country, has called me before you.
I will not diffemble, for I wal fpeak always
with the franknefs of a foldier. You ftand
on a volcano, but you may depend on our
devoted attachment. I have come here
with my brave companions in arms. Crown-
ed as they are with victory, they prefent to
you that fecurity which is the refult of the
fervices which they have done their coun-
try. To what purpofe is it to talk of Cæfar
or Cromwell, and ofa military government?
If we are invited by your confidence, we
fhall know how to juftify it. It is alfo pro-
per to declare to you that vigorous mea.
fures are neceffary. Plots are at this no-
ment in exiſtence; crimes are hatching;
nor are your dangers thofe alone with
which you are immediately threatened. The
minifter of police has juft received the moſt
difaftrous news from La Vendee, announ-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
725
cing the progreſs of the rebels, and the re-
duction of feveral towns.
divided. Affociate your
force which furrounds me.
Let us not be
wifdom to the
I will be noth-
ing but the devoted arm of the republic."
One of the members added, "And of the
Conftitution!" "The conftitution," refu-
med Bonaparte, "Does it become you to
invoke the conftitution? Have you not
already trodden it under your feet? The
conftitution! Is it any thing elfe than a pre-
text and cloak for all manner of tyranny?
Has not every fpecies of tyranny been ex-
ercifed in its name from the day of its ef
tabliſhment? Who can in future be guar-
anteed by it? Is not its infufficiency atteft-
ed by the numerous outrages committed
under its fanction by the very people who
are fwearing a contemptuous fidelity to it?
All the rights of the people have been atro-
ciouſly violated under the mafk of a regard
for the conftitution; it is for your wifdom
and firmneſs to re-eftablifh thofe facred
rights, and to ufe means for the falvation of
L 24
126
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
A
means.
them.
the country. The time for putting a peri-
od to thefe difafters is now come. You
have charged me to prefent you with the
Had I ha bored perfonal defigns,
or views of ufurpation, I fhould not have
waited until this day in order to realize
Before my departure, and fince my
return, I have been folicited by the heads
of different parties to take poffeffion of the
public authority. Barras and Moulins pro-
pofed to me to feize the government, but I
repulfed fuch overtures, becaufe liberty is
dearer to me than life, and becaufe I with
to ferve the French people only. I could
make difcoveries which would inftantly
confound the greater part of my calumnia-
tors, but it is unneceffary; I only declare
to you that as foon as the danger fhall be
paft, I will abdicate the command
which
has been confided to me. I will be the
fupporting arm only of the magiftracy
whom you may
you may think proper to nominate."
Bonaparte now retired from the hall and
addreffed the foldiers and people: "Turn,"
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
127
faid he, your bayonets against me, when
ever you find me an enemy to liberty, but
if any perfon dare pronounce against me the
words “ Hors la loi," the thunder of war
fhali crufh him inftantly remember that I
march accompanied by the Divinity of
Fortune and the God of War." Having
returned to the hall, he declared that if it
were neceffary, he would name the confpi-
rators. "It is time to fpeak out," faid he,
and I have no defigns which I wiſh to
keep fecret. I am not the inftrument of any
faction, I am the fervant of the French people.
The conftitution too often violated, is utter
inadequate to the falvation of the people.
It is indifpenfably neceffary to have recourfe
to means fitted to carry into execution the
facred principles of the fovereignty of the
people, civil liberty, freedom of fpeech as
of thought; and in a word, the realization
of ideas hitherto only chimerical. Since
my arrival," continued Bonaparte, "every.
magiftrate, and every public functionary
with whom I have converfed, have given
128
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
me the moſt perfect conviction that the
conftitution, fo often violated, and contin-
ually difregarded, is on the brink of ruin;
that it offers no guarantee to the French,
becauſe it has no diapafon. Every faction
is perfuaded of this truth, and each is dif
poſed to take advantage of the fall of the
prefent government; all have recourfe to
me, all have been anxious to gain me over
to their refpective interefts. I have thought
it my duty to join myfelf to the council of
ancients alone, the firfl body of the repub-
he. I repeat that this council cannot take
too ſpeedy meaſures, if it be defirous to ftop
the movements which in a moment, per-
haps, may deftroy liberty. Recollect your-
felves, citizens reprefentatives, I have juft
fpoken openly to you truths which no one
has ventured to whisper. The means of fa-
ving the country are in your hands. If you
hefitate to make ufe of them, if liberty perifh,
you will be accountable for its deftruction
to the world, to pofterity, and to France."
Having concluded this addrefs, Bona-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
120
parte withdrew, leaving them to deliberato
on what he had faid. At four o'clock the
council was refolved into a committee, and
at 5 adjourned until nine the fame evening,
The council of five hundred opened its
fitting in the Orangery, about one o'clock
P. M. of which 45 members only were ab-
fent. The procefs verbal being read, Gau-
din rofe and moved that a commiffion of
feven members fhould make a report on
the fituation of the ftate, propofe fuch
meaſures as fhould be deemed neceflary for
the public intereft, and that the council
fhould fufpend all deliberations till the re-
port was prefented. No fooner had he
finiſhed his fpeech, than the jacobin mem.
bers began to vociferate, "a bas les dicta-
teurs ! la conftitution de l'an 3, ou la mort!
les baionnettes no nous affrayent pas : nous
fauron mourir a notre pofte! down with the
dictators! the conftitution of the third year,
or death! bayonets do not affright us: we
know how to die at our post! fome of then
moving for a meffage to the council of an
.*..
130 44
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
cients, to know the motives of the tranfla.
tion; others for the renewal of the oath
of fidelity to the conftitution. When the
firft tumult had ceafed, the propofition for
the renewal of the oath was formally made
by Grandmaifon, and carried; the whole
of the members rifing and exclaiming
Vive la Conftitution
When the fwear-
ing was finished, which occupied nearly two
hours, the fecretary read a letter from Ber-
goeng, who fent in his refignation; and
two meffages from the council of ancients,
informing the council of five hundred of
their being inftalled, and of their fufpend-1
ing their deliberations till they received
fimilar inftructions from themfelves. A
motion was then made and adopted, that
norice of the inftallation of the council of
St. Cloud fhould be fent to the directory.
The council of five hundred had juft fin
ifhed individually taking an oath to defend
the conftitution, when Bonaparte prefented
himfelf at the door of the affembly, without
a hat and unarmed, a
by a few
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
131
"
officers and four grenadiers without arms,
He advanced a few paces into the room, as
if wifhing to addrefs the council: the whole
of them were inftantly in motion. He was
affailed by cries from different parts of the
chamber, of a bas le tyrant! hors la loi!
a bas le dictateur! tuez le ! tuez le ! down
with the tyrant: outlaw him down with
the dictator: kill him: kill him: Lucien
Bonaparte, prefident, with great difficulty
at laft obtained leave to fpeak: "The ge-
neral," faid be, " has undoubtedly no oth
er intention than to inform the council of
the prefent fituation of affairs :" here he
was interrupted by clamors and threats.
A great number of the members ftarted
from their feats, rufhed towards the door,
and loaded him with reproaches. Several
of them were armed with daggers. While
fome were pushing him back and menacing
his life, Arena, one of the council, made a
blow at him with a poignard, which Thome,
a grenadier, parried, and thereby received
a wound in his arm. The bero of Italy,
وو
132
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
“
Bonaparte, the invincible, who never knew
fear, felt its impulfe for the first time, and
fainted in the arms of his grenadiers. Up-
on this general Lefevre, and the grenadiers
who were behind him, advanced, calling
out, Sauvons notre general! gathered round
him, and led him out of the room. As foon
as he was gone, Lucien left the chair, and
defcending to the tribune: " After the fer
vices, faid he, my brother has rendered
to the republic, it is abominable to fuppofe
he has any views hoftile to liberty. What
Frenchman has given greater pledges of
his attachment to the ftate? He came, no
doubt, to give fome important information
relative to the prefent circumftances; I de-
mand that he be called to the bar of the
council." The tumult drowned his voice
numberlefs motions fucceeded each other;
fome for annulling the decree of the an-
cients, which named Bonaparte general;
others for leaving St. repairing
Cloud, and
to Paris; others for naming another gen-
eral to take the command of all the troops,
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
¥33
who fhould be called the guard of the coun-
cils; fome reproached the foldiers who re-
mained at the door, and others continued
their invectives against the prefident.
Lucien Bonaparte, after attempting in
vain to fpeak, depofed his robe, cloak and
fcarf on the table, declaring that he diveft-
ed himſelf of the prefidency. This raiſed
the jacobins to a higher pitch of exafpera.
tion; feveral members of that party gath
ered round him and prefented piftols, to
force him to refume his robe. Amidft
this diforder, twenty grenadiers fent by Bo-
naparte, appeared at the foot of the tribune,
and placing him between them, conducted
him in fafety to the court of the palace.
The prefident found the general on horfe-
back haranguing his foldiers. "Soldiers,"
faid he, "une trentaine de factieux ont le-
ve für moi leurs poignards; ils ont voulu
me mettre hors le loi! Hors la loi, moi
que tous les rois conjures de l'Europe n'-
ont jamaie pu y mettre!" 'Soldiers, thir-
ty factious members have raifed their
M
(C
134
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
poignards against your general, and threat.-
ened to out-law him! Me whom the com-
bined kings of Europe have not been able
to reach with their arms !" The foldiers
heard him with intereft and attention; they
all feemed difpofed to ferve him, and the
prefence of Lucien, on horfeback, and who
addreffed them, increafed and legalifed this
difpofition. "Soldiers of the republic,"
faid Lucien Bonaparte, with great anima-
tion, the immenfe majority of the coun
cil of five hundred are, at the moment I
am fpeaking, under terror from a few rep-
refentatives armed with poignards, who are
befieging the tribune, and threatening their
colleagues with death! Thefe defperate
ruffians have rifen in rebellion against the
council of ancients, and dared to menace
with outlawry the general who was charged
with the execution of their decree. I con-.
fide to you warriors, to whom I fpeak, the
care of delivering the majority of your rep-
refentatives from the oppreffion which they
are under, that they may deliberate peacea
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
135
bly on the destiny of the republic. Gene.
ral, and you foldiers, you will acknowledge
as legiflators of France none but fuch as
thall rally around me. As for thoſe who
remain in the Orangery, let force expel the
mad affembly; they are no longer repre-
fentatives of the people, but reprefentatives
of the poignard." He terminated his har-
angue with the fhout of Vive la Republique!
which was re-echoed by the foldiers and all
the fpectators. The fpeech of the prefident
of the council had created ftronger emo.
tions, and furniſhed more determined mo-
tives to the foldiers than that of the gene-
ral; who perceiving their alacrity, and be-
ing fanctioned by the prefident, ordered a
corps of grenadiers to march forward, who
inftantly obeyed him. The council of five
hundred was at that moment liftening to a
motion for the recall of the prefident, when
the voice of the ſpeaker was drowned in the
found of the drums beating the pas de
charge. The fpectators immediately rufh-
ed out of the doors and windows. The
135
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
I
members rofe, a great majority of them vo
ciferating, Vivent la Republique et la con-
ftitution de l'an me." Long live the republic,
and the conftitution of the 3d year! The fol
diers entered the hall, carrying their arms,
and halted. A chief of brigade of cavalry
invited the members to withdraw, faying,
Citizens reprefentatives, I invite you to retire:
there is no longer any fafety in this place:
have orders to clear the ball. The grena-
diers then advanced and filled the first half
of the hall. The other half was occupied.
by the deputies who had not yet retired.
The military halted a moment to permit
them to walk out. An officer feeing their
heſitation, mounted the tribune, and ex-
claimed; Citoyens reprefentans, je vous invite.
a vous retirer ; le general Bonaparte a
donne des orders: Citizens repreſentatives,
I invite you to retire; general Bonaparte has
given the order. The conftitutionalifts
tood firm, and one of them exclaimed,.
What are you, foldiers? you are the
guardians only of the national reprefenta
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
137
avenues, windows
At night both the
tion-and you dare to menace its fafety &
independence! Is it thus you tarnish the
laurels which you have acquired? I con-
jure you in the name of liberty, not to fol
low your leaders, who aim at the deftruc-
tion of the republic," Murat immediately
called out, Grenadiers forward! The pas
de-charge was renewed, the grenadiers ad-
vanced, and drove the members with the
bayonet through all the
and doors of the hall.
legislative bodies affembled again at St. Cloud,
but of the five hundred fcarcely two thirdst
were prefent. The latter at laft decreed
"that the directory had ceafed to exift;
that the provifional government of the ftate
fhould be committed to Sieyes, Roger Du-
cos and general Bonaparte, who fhould
bear the title of confuls; and that 25 mem-
bers, chofen from the two legiflative bodies
before their adjournment, fhould be added
to them as a fubordinate council of ftate
At one o'clock of the next morning the
council of ancients announced their appro
M 2
138
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
bation of the decree. The three confuls
were then introduced and took the oaths of
fidelity to the fovereignty of the people.
The confuls returned to Paris about 4 o'-
clock in the morning of the 20th, eleventh,
and were received with every teftimony of
fatisfaction and applaufe; they immediate-
ly entered upon their functions; the re-
publican feal was changed, newfpapers prin
ted and fent to all the departments, detail
ing thefe
ted and addrefs to the fame pur-
port with that promulgated in the evening
at St. Cloud, read by torch light.
The confuls were foon prefented with a
pattern of a new drefs. It was compofed
of a coat of white velvet, embroidered with
gold, buttoned to the waift, light blue pan-
tiloons, the fword belt over the coat, the
fword to hang perpendicularly to the fide,
with red boots and cap.
The commiffions and confuls were alfo
employed in the formation of a new confti-
tution, which was adopted on the 23d Fri-
maire, December thirteenth, and publiſhed
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
F39
at Paris on the 25th, fifteenth, by this
conftitution the whole direction of public
affairs was delivered to Bonaparte, and his
power was unreftrained and illimitable:
He was declared firft conful, Cambaceres
and Lebrun were his affociates in the con-
fulfhip-Talleyrand became foreign minif-
ter-Berthier minifter of war, and Fouche
of the police. The palace of the Thuille-
ries, in which Louis XVI. and Maria Anto-
inette had figured, was now filled by the
conful, who refided in the fame apartments--
Sieyes and Ducos, Cambaceres and Le-
brun, nominated the fenate.
The tribunate and legiflative body were
immediately felected, and the council of
ftate was appointed by Bonaparte hinfelf...
After thus arranging the different de
partments of the government, Bonaparte,
in his official capacity as First Conful, ad-
dreffed the following letter to the king of
Great Britain :
شر
"Called by the wishes of the French na-
tion to occupy the firft magiftracy of the
$40
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
republic, I think it proper on entering into
office, to make a direct communication of
it to your majefty. Muft the war, which
for eight years has ravaged the four quar.
ters of the world, be eternal? Are there
no means to bring it to an iffue? How can
the two moft enlightened nations of Eu-
rope, powerful and ftrong beyond what
their fafety and independence require, fa-
crifice to ideas of vain greatnefs the benefits
of commerce, internal profperity, focial and
individual happinefs? Can they not feel
that peace is as glorious as it is neceffary?
Thefe
fentiments cannot be foreign to the
heart of your majefty, who reigns over a
free nation, and with the fole view of ren-
dering it happy. Your majefty will fee
only in this overture, my fincere defire to
contribute efficacioufly for the fecond time
to a general pacification, by a ftep, fpeedy,
entirely of confidence, and difengaged
from thofe forms which, neceffary perhaps
to difguife the dependence of weak ftates,
prove only in thofe which are ftrong; the
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
141
mutual defire of deceiving each other.-
France and England, by the abuſe of their
trength, may ftill for a long time, for the
misfortune of all countries, retard the peri-
od of their being exhaufted but I will ven-
ture to fay, that the fate of every civilized
nation is attached to the termination of a
war which involves the whole world in its
deſtructive vortex.
"BONAPARTE."
The British miniftry, confidering Bona-
parte as an ufurper, declined any confer-
ence on the ſubject propoſed, and required
him to refign his power to the Bourbon
family.
While thefe events were tranfacting at
the capital, infurrections were taking place
in different provinces in the fouth and weft.
A formidable army of 60,000 was fent a-
gainst the Chouans, and they were foon
compelled to fubmit.
To prevent a counter revolution of the
royalift's was deemed effential. Bonaparte
accordingly fent military detachments inte
G.
142
LIFE OF BONAPARTÉ.
every part of the country, and fpies were
appointed to defignate the unfortunate vic-
tims. Exprefs orders were iffued that all
who could be found fhould be immediately
fhot, and alfo all thofe who endeavored to
fecrete them or favor their efcape.
Thofe of the royalifts who eluded the vis
cance of their purfuers, fled their devoted
try.
By fuch efcape they faved their
lives, but loft their eftates-their property
was by order of Bonaparte confifcated.
The inftallation of the confuls took place
on the aft Ventofe, February nineteenth,
with immenfe pomp-the termination of
the rebellion, and the rejection of Bona-
parte's pacific overtures by England and
Auftria, were announced at the fame time.
A decree was alfo publifhed, that an ar-
my of referve fhould be railed; that it
fhould confift of fixty thoufand confcripts,
and affemble at Dijon, the conful himſelf
being commander in chief.
The campaign of 1800 was a combined
operation, and included the war both in
LIFE OF BONAPARTEL
$43
Germany and Italy. General Moreau
commanded on the Rhine, and by the fuc
cefs which accompanied his exertions, and
the fkill which he difplayed during that
conteft, he has immortalized his memory-
the hero of Hohenlinden haftened the peace
of Luneville.
The different bodies of troops intended
for the army of referve immediately march-
ed, and were ſpeedily united in one body :
on the ft Floreal, April twentieth, Ber-
thier affumed the command until Bona-
parte's arrival-this army was compofed of
50,000 men, and was intended to over-
throw the preponderance which the Auf-
trians had acquired in Italy. At the com-
mencement of the campaign the troops un-
der Maffena, who had been appointed to
the command of that ftation, were dimin
ifhed by ficknefs and defertion, to about
25,000 men whilst Melas, the Austrian
general, was at the head of 70,000 infan.
try and a large body of cavalry. The
French general concentrated his forces near
£44
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
Genoa, the poffeffion of which was of the
laft importance-but after a ſeries of bloody
> conflicts, with the immenfe fuperiority of
force against which he contended, he reti-
red into the city and its neighboring forts;
and although blockaded by lord Keith's
fleet on the water, and obliged to com-
bat the Auftrians without ceffation, and by
which defence he has elevated himfelf to at
very exalted rank among the terrific fons
of Mars, he refifted every fummons and at-
tempt until Melas converted the fiege into
a blockade; here he continued until his
provifions were entirely exhaufted, the
horfes and dogs almoft confumed, and the
army and inhabitants, nearly two hundred
thouſand fouls, perifhing for want of food.
Maffena at length received a letter from
Melas, inviting him to an interview with
lord Keith, and the generals Otto and St.
Julian, who offered him a capitulation on
the most honourable terms. To this first
overture he replied, that he would confider
of the propofal.
On the day after he re-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
45
ceived another meffage with the fame terms:
upon which he fent adjutant-general And-
reaux, under pretence of fome bufinefs re-
lating to the priſoners, to Rivoli, to receive
their meffage, and to enter without any
further delay into a negociation.
The first article of capitulation propofed
by the allies was, that the army fhould re-
turn to France, but that the general fhould
remain prifoner of war-" You fir," faid
lord Keith to Maffena, "Are worth 20,000
men." But Maffena faid, "that no negoci-
ation could be commenced if the word ca-
pitulation were once introduced." On the
fourth of June the allied generals, having
departed from their first propofal, reſumed
the negociations, and the principal articles
for the evacuation of Genoa were agreed
on between the parties. It was fettled that
the chiefs of the oppofite armies fhould
ineet on the day after, being the 5th of
June, to fign a definitive treaty. Here
lord Keith, general Otto, with general St.
Julian, were met by Maffena. Each of
N
146
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
thefe parties were accompanied by only
two or three gentlemen.
In this conference Maffena difplayed
much fineffe under the cloak of an appa-
rent gaiety, which formed a complete con-
traft with the gravity of the other contract.
ing parties, and was attended with this ade
vantage, that it did not appear as if he
were greatly alarmed for the fituation of
his army and it is perhaps owing to hist
eafe and gaiety of manner that he eventu-
ally obtained all which he demanded. A
degree of miſunderſtanding had exifted for
fome time between the English and Auf
trian commanders. The former reproach.
ed the latter with the great length to which
the fiege had been protracted, Maffena
endeavored to widen and to take advan-
tage of this want of harmony, by flattering.
the pride of one party at the expence of the
felf-love of the other. He faid to lord
Keith, "Do you my lord, only permit a
little grain to be carried into Genoa, and I
give you my word that thefe gentlemen
66
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
147
·
6.6
(looking at the Auftrian generals) fhall
never fet foot there."" Toward the end of
the conference he again addreffed lord
Keith perfonally: My lord, if France and
England could only underſtand one anoth-
er, they would govern the world." In the
whole of this conference, lord Keith treat-
ed Maffena, as the general often acknow-
ledged, in a very polite and handfome man-
ner. His lordſhip difclaimed all hard con-
ditions. He always faid, " General, the
defence which you have made has been fo
heroic, that it is impoffible to refufe you a-
ny thing which you afk. In the evening
Maffena figned the treaty for the evacua
tion of Genoa, and the contracting parties
mutually gave hoftages. The fubftance of
the treaty was, that the French army, the
commander in chief and ftaff, fhould leave
the city with their arms and baggage and
Maffena was allowed to fend a courier to
Bonaparte to announce its furrender.
General Melas was an old and experien-
ced officer, but he unfortunately defpifed
148
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
his enemy; for although he received fre-
quent information that the army of referve
had penetrated into Lombardy, he never
placed any reliance on the accounts he re-
ceived, thinking that Bonaparte had mere-
ly fent five or fix thoufand recruits to make
a diverfion in favor of Maffena. On the
heights of Romano, near Chiufella, fix
thoufand Auftrians refifted general Lafnes
and his divifions for many hours, but were
at length defeated. Another divifion of
the French obtained a victory at Sufa, and
took that place, near Brunetto. On the
fame day general Murat captured Vercelli,
and routed a fquadron of Auftrian cavalry,
The Cifalpine Legion entered Narello, and
a column commanded by Bethancourt took
Domo d'Offala. General Moreau fending
Bonaparte, at his defire, general Moncey
and 20,000 men, it enabled him to oppoſe
an army of feventy thousand men against.
forty-five thoufand Auftrians. Thus he
ordered general Murat to cross the Teffino,
and on the ft of June, Milan furrendered
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
149
Ge
to the French army, who, after halting a
few days, proceeded on their march.
neral Duhefma took Lodi, and the Cifal
pine Legion entered Brefcia. General Me
las, now it was too late, left Tarin on the
ft of June, refolving to form a junction
with prince Elnitz, who was juſt returned
from Nice with a strong detachment. The
French army continuing to advance, gene
ral Moncey was fuccefsful in two engage
ments, and general Lafnes with his divifion
forced the paffage of the Po, at Strodello,
after an obftinate conflict at Montibello ;
the van-guard of the French being attacked
by the Auftrians with the greatest impetu-
ofity, was on the point of flying, when gen-
eral Wabrin joining them, with his divi-
fion, the Auſtrians were forced to retreat
to Vogera, loſing many officers and men,
and three thouſand five hundred prifoners.
General Deffaix joining the army the fame
day, was appointed lieutenant-general; and
on the 13th of June the whole of the French
army moved towards Alleffandria, the head
№ 24
850
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
quarters of general Melas. Bonaparte re-
folving to bring him to a decifive engage-
ment, the latter arrived at St. Julian in the
evening; and the memorable battle which
enflaved Italy began early the next morn-
ing, June 14th, at Marengo, when the
French army, owing to the injudicious ar-
rangements of Bonaparte, being forced to
attack the Auftrians before the whole of
their forse had arrived, would have been
totally defeated; but for the timely arri
val of Monnier and Deflaix, with their di
vifions, when the heroic condu&t of the lat
ter faved the French from deftruction;
but at the fame time received a mortal
wound from a mufket ball. The lofs on
both fides was immenfe that of the Auf
trians in particular. Early the next day
general Melas fent a trumpet to conclude
an armistice, by which the best part of Italy
was given up to the French. Bonaparte
then fet out for Milan, where during his
ftay, he created a confulta, and eſtabliſhed
the Cifalpine Republic. Bonaparte then
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
FSI
paffed through Turin and Chamberry, and
on the 28th of June arrived at Lyons, where
he laid the firft ftone of Belle Cour, and
promiſed the Lyonefe his fpecial protection.
July 2d he arrived at Paris, where he was
received in the most pompous manner by
the confuls and other officers of ſtate. Ge-
neral Moreau's fuccefs in Suabia, Bavaria
and Auſtria, forced the Emperor to give up
Ulm, Ingoldftadt, and Philipfburg to the
French, and fend count Cobentzel to Lu-
neville to treat with the French plenipo-
tentiaries.
Bonaparte, indefatigable in the cabinet
as in the midft of his armies, ratified a
treaty of peace with the United States of
America. At a brilliant entertainment
given at Morfontaine by Jofeph Bonaparte,
prefident of the commiffion of minifters
employed to negociate with the envoys of
the United States, the peace between the
countries was magnificently celebrated.
Bonaparte having received from one of
his fubjects fomne curious medals of great
152
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
antiquity, approached one of the American
minifters and faid to him, "Here are fome
Roman medals which have been juſt found
in France; do me the favor to take them
to America, and prefent them to prefident
Jefferſon."
On the 18th Vendemaire, October ninth,
fome perfons formed a plot to affaffinate
the firft conful. They had chofen the ope-
ra as the place to execute. their fcheme;
but were diſcovered by the minifter of po-
lice, who arreſted them in the fame place
where they intended to have committed the
murder.
The first conful efcaped death in Decem
ber by a very remarkable prefervation. A
number of diffatisfied characters had con-
certed a fcheme by which they intended to
deſtroy him on his way to the national in-
ftitute of mufick. the machine which they
had manufactured for this purpofe, has been
ufually known by the appellation of infernal.
Fouche, at the head of the police, was ac
quainted with this confpiracy from its firft
N
LIFE OF BONARAFTE.
F53
}
conception, and by his vigilant agents was
informed of the daily progreſs made in the
conftruction of this deftructive inftrument,
of the plan of which he had even a copy.
The confpirators proceeded with perfect
confidence and fecurity. Three days be-
fore it was completed and ready for its pur
pofe, from fome furpriſe or dread of detec
tion they changed their place of meeting, &
in one night removed the machine from the
fpot in which it had been uſually depofited.
The penetrating eye of the police loft fight
of them.
Fouche and his followers pur-
fued and attempted to difcover it in vain:
he then waited upon Bonaparte, to whom
he had regularly imparted the refult of ev-
ery day's information refpecting it, and
told him that he could no longer trace the
traiterous inftrument of his affaffination, &
requested him as he was convinced it muſt
be completed by this time, not to go to any
public places, until he had regained a
knowledge of it. Bonaparte replied, that
fear only made cowards and confpirators
$54
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
brave,
and that he had unalterably deter
mined to go with his accuſtomed equipage
to the national concert that very evening.
At the ufual hour the firft conful departed
undifmayed from the Thuilleries; a def
cription of the machine, which was made
to refemble a water cafk, having been firft
given to the coachman, fervants and guards.
As they proceeded, the advanced guard
palfed it unobferved, but the coachman dif-
covered it juft as the conful's carriage was
on a parallel with it, the driver inftantly
lafhed his horfes into a gallop and turned
the corner of the Rue Marcem. In one
moment after, the terrible machine exploded
and covered the ftreet with ruins. The
thunder of its difcharge fhook the hou
fes of Paris and was heard at a confidera-
ble distance in the country. The first con-
fuled in fafety at the hall of mufick,
and with every appearance of profound
ferenety entered his box amid the accla-
mations of the crowded multitude.
The treaty of peace which was conclud
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
159
174
ed at Luneville on the 9th of Frebruary,
1801, between France and Auftria, produ
ced tranquility on the continent.
During the fummer of 1801, the army
furrendered Egypt and returned to France,
at the fame time that this event was known,
and after a negociation which had been
continued nearly 9 months, and conducted
with profound and admirable fecrecy, pre-
liminaries of peace between the English and
French governments were concluded in
London on the 1ft of October, and imme-
diately ratified by the contracting parties
The manifeftations of joy in both coun-
tries were unbounded, and in man
inftan-
ces amounted almoft to frenzy: the defin-
itive treaty of peace was figned on the 27th
of March, 1802, at Amiens, by Jofeph
Bonaparte and Marquis Cornwallis.
Bonaparte during the fitting of the con-
grefs at Amiens vifited Lyons to meet the
Cifalpine deputies who had been commif
fioned to offer him the fovereignty of that
republic. He left Paris on the 9th of June,
156
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
and reached Lyons on the 11th. He was
accompanied on his journey by madame
Bonaparte, Chaptal, the minifter of the in-
terior, and many other perfonages of the
firft diftinction in France.
Five hundred Cifalpine deputies attend-
ed him, and offered to refign their govern-
ment into his hands. This voluntary fur-
render of their liberties, he eagerly accept-
ed, and from that day became emperor of
of the Cifalpine republic.
The next object of his attention, was to
fecure the power which he had acquired;
for this purpoſe he procured himſelf to be
proclaimed firſt Conful for life, with the
power of nominating his fucceffor.
The peace between Great Britain and
France was not defined to be of long dura-
tion-the rancour which was difplayed in
the public prints of both countries, and
the non-fulfilment of the conditions of that
treaty, manifefted that a rupture was not
very diftant. The conteft commenced in
May, 1803. The threat of invafion which
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
157
Bonaparte had perfonally delivered to lord
Whitworth the English ambaffador, roufed
the fpirit of all ranks of his countrymen,
who prepared to refift the attempt with
unanimous ardour. On the other hand
Bonaparte within a few days after the de-
claration of war, commanded Mortier to
take poffeffion of the electorate of Hano-
ver, which with a flight oppofition fubmit
ted to the French general. The English
captured a few of the Weft-India iſlands,
excepting which the two nations remained
in ftatue quo, the one making immenfe
preparations under the pretence of invading
Great Britain, and the other waiting the
affault, until the commencement of the
late continental war, which was finished in
the fhort space of lefs than three months,
including from Bonaparte's joining the ar-
my to the treaty of Prefburg,
The most interefting event to Bonaparte
individually, which occurred during this
war, was the confpiracy concerted by the
English miniftry, and which was to have
Q
158
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
been carried into effect by Georges, Piche-
gru and others; the confequence of its be-
ing difcovered was the death of the princi
pals, and the appointment of various puniſh-
ments for thofe who affifted in the fcheme,
Pichegru's fate excited much commifera-
tion, becaufe his former ardor and fuccefs.
in the republican caufe had procured him
the reſpect and efteem of all thoſe who had
exifted dur
the terrific fcenes of the re-
volution, but his delinquency and prema
ture death were abforbed in the louder
fympathy which every tender heart indulg
ed on behalf of Moreau, that hero and pat
riot whofe name will adorn the hiftory of
France and of the age, of whom every
tongue fpeaks with rapture, and whofe cha
racter every man contemplates with delight.
That he was guilty of any defign to diſturb
Bonaparte in the exalted ftation to which
he was raiſed, is ſo prepofterous an idea as
to require no refutation: but his perfonal
fituation, and the ftate of the world at that
juncture, will juſtify the adoption of the c-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
159
pinion, that the generofity of his heart, the
urbanity of his temper, his politenefs, and
the remembrance of his former intimacy
with Pichegru combined, led him into a
dilemma from which he could not extricate
himfelf, and which forced him to fubmit
to thofe painful circumflances in which he
was afterwards involved, though his con-
duct can barely deferve to be termed an in-
difcretion; Georges, Pichegru, and about
forty others were committed to the temple,
and a warrant was immediately iffued to
apprehend Moreau. He was refted in his
carriage on the 15th of February, 1804,
on the road from his country feat to Paris,
and conducted to the Abbey, where he re-
mained three days only, being removed
thence to the Temple: here he endured a
rigorous confinement of more than three
months, being denied the privilege of fee-
ing his family or friends. On the 30th of
May, 1804, he was arraigned and tried
with the other ftate prifoners. The curi-
ofity and anxiety of the public were fo
бо
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
ftrongly excited, that the doors of the pal-
ace of juftice were crowded by break of
day, and the neighboring fireets filled with
perfons eager to hear the trial: he was
dreffed in the clothes which he wore at the
battle of Hohenlinden. The crimes alledg-
ed againſt him were not having denoun-
ced Pichegru in the year 5 at the detec
tion of his criminality; a reconciliation
and culpable relation with Pichegru in
England, through the agency of David and
Lajolais; having engaged to eftablish the
princes of the houfe of Bourbon upon the
throne of France; having had interviews
with Pichegru at Paris, and rejected cer.
tain overtures, but fubftituted others which
had for their object the overthrow of the
confular government; and not having de-
nounced the confpiracy.
Although the futility and abfurdity of
theſe charges were fully proved, the gene-
ral was adjudged to be imprifoned for two
years which fentence was commuted to
retirement from France, He chofe the
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
161
land of liberty as his future abode, and ar-
rived in the United States on the 25th of
Auguſt 1805.
On the first of May, 1804, the tribu
nate decreed, That the government of
the republic fhould be intrufted to an em-
peror, and that the office fhould be heredi-
tary in the family of Napoleon Bonaparte."
The fenate decreed and publifhed the new
conftitution on the eleventh and on the
twentieth, he was proclaimed Emperor of
the French.""
66
Immediately after the conful was pro-
claimed emperor of the French, every me-
thod was adopted to give ftability to the
new form of government; all the fplendor
and appendages of royalty, the etiquette of
courts, and the magnificence of its officers
were introduced without delay, and to per-
petuate the important events of which Bo-
naparte had been the principal mover, a
new feftival was appointed, his birth-day,
which has been conftantly celebrated on its
annual return with the moſt unbounded
162
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
:
pomp. The ceremony of his coronation.
was fplendid beyond all conception; to
authorize and fanction his imperial dignity,
the Pope was requested to vifit Paris, and
to be prefent at his formal elevation to the
firft rank among the monarchs of Europe:
it was folemnized on Frimaire 11th, Sun.
day, December fecond, 1804; the coro-
nation ornaments of Charlemagne were
borne before him in his proceffion to the
church of Notre Dame. He entered the
cathedral with the crown placed previously
upon his head by himself; the horfes which
drew the emperor's coach belonged former-
ly to the king of England at Hanover.
At
the moment their majefties entered the
porch, the Pope defcended from the throne,
and advancing from the altar, fang Veni
Creator! The emperor and emprefs offer.
ed prayers upon their cushions; his holi-
neſs beſtowed a triple unction on the head
of the one, and on the hands of the other.
He then performed maís; after the mafs,
the Pope read prayers feparately over both
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
16 3
crowns, the fceptre, the fword and the hand
Juice. When all theſe were confecra-
ted, Bonaparte replaced them, and himſelf
crowned the emprefs. The Pope followed
the emperor to the throne, where, after
kiffing him on the cheek, he cried aloud to
the audience, Vivat Imperator in æter-
num!" After the elevation of the hoft
and the Agnus Dei, Bonaparte, with the
crown upon his head, and his hand upon
the gofpel, pronounced the oath; when
the chief herald at arms proclaimed, in a
loud tone of voice: The moft glorious
and moft auguft emperor Napoleon, em-
peror of the French, is crowned! Long
live the emperor !"
The coronation of Bonaparte as king of
Italy, was performed in Milan on the 23d
of May, with every degree of brilliancy;
the prefence of the principal officers of the
French court increafing the effect which it
was intended to produce the trappings of
monarchy were inftantaneously added-the
great ftate officers were appointed with pro-
164
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
fufe falaries, and the whole regime defini
tively eftablished.
The French and Ruffian courts had been
negociating during the whole year, there-
by to avert the war with which the British
government were endeavoring to inflame
the European continent; but their difcuf
fions were clofed on the tenth of July; the
Ruffian minifter being ordered to return
to Peterburg, although he had arrived at
Berlin on his way to Paris. During the
whole year large bodies of troops had been
collecting by France and Auftria; the for-
mer ftationed in June
Marengo; 32,000 in Lombardy and Man-
tau, 12,000 in Piedmont, 16,000 in the
kingdom of Naples, 20,000 in Genoa,
Tuſcany and the Papal dominions; befides
15,000 Italian regulars. The troops of
the latter amounted to 60,000 men in Ty-
rol and the Venetian ftates, whilft the Ruf
fians and English formed a body of 20,000
in the Mediterranean.
300 men near
About the latter end of Auguft, the war-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
365
like preparations on the part of Ruffia and
Auftria were fo evident that Bonaparte vi-
fited Boulogne to direct the march of the
foldiers from the coaft to the Rhine: thirty
thouſand fresh troops were likewife ordered
to be immediately raifed, and the army of
referve was directed to actual fervice.
The Auftrian army was increafed to
100,000 men encamped at Wels: on the
fourth of September general Mack was ap-
pointed commander in Germany, the
arch duke Charles in Italy and Tyrol, and
the arch-duke Ferdinand to the army of
the Voralberg.
The commencement of hoftilities by the
Auftrians produced increafed exertions on
the part of the French government, fo that
in lefs than a month, the encampment at
Boulogne which had been formed for the
alledged purpoſe of invading England, dif
appeared, and the whole army in that in-
terval, marched through the kingdom, and
arrived with all their military ftores, equip.
age, &c. on the Rhine, where Bonaparte
166
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
affumed the command. Maflena was ap-
pointed commander in chief in Italy.
Bonaparte left Paris on the 25th of Sep-
tember, on the fame day that the French
began to crofs the Rhine. At this juncture
the contending armies were thus fituated.
The Auftrian line extended from the bor-
ders of Hungary to Switzerland, including
Italy and Bavaria, with a body of referve
in Bohemia. The whole amounted to 200,-
ooo men, 70,000 of which were to act in
Italy, and the remainder against Bonaparte.
The Ruffians amounted to 110,000 men in
Gallicia, who were divided into two corps
and were marching with all fpeed to form
a junction with the Auftrians. The French
troops were ftated at 140,000 men, under
the immediate direction of Bonaparte, and
70,000 commanded by Maffena in Italy.
Immediately after the French army had
croffed the Rhine, its different divifions ad-
vanced with the utmoſt rapidity into Suabia
and the heart of Germany.
The whole of the army continued upon
LIFE OF BONAPARTE
167.
a forced march. The object of Bonaparte
was to destroy the Auftrian army previous
to its junction with the Ruffians, who were
reprefented to be on their march with all
poffible expedition to unite with general
Mack, whofe forces were concentrated at
Ulm, and with the exception of 15,000
men under prince Ferdinand, who had
been detached towards Bohemia, command-
ed the whole of the army deftined to act in
Germany.
Various movements of the French troops
entirely fevered the communication of the
infulated in
a fmall diftrict from which there was no ef
cape but by forcing their way through the
main body of the French army.
Auftrian army, and left them?
The French emperor perceiving all the
es which attended the fituation of
the Auftrian army, forced the bridge of El-
chingen, and thereby fecured his pofition.
Soult endeavored to hinder prince Ferdi-
nand from reaching Bohemia, but he was
too late to effect that object; Murat had
168
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
combated him at Langenau and made 3,000
prifoners and continuing his progrefs advan
ced to Nerefheim, where he conquered a-
nother thouſand.
fap b
Ulm was four times formed and on
the fourteenth and fifteenth, the feige by
been carried on with fo much vig-
or and effect that the whole of the curtain
on two faces of the work, and the princi-
pal redoubts must have been deſtroyed;
Bonaparte therefore having gained poffef-
fion of the heights which commanded Ulm,
fent for prince de Litchtenſtein, who was
among the generals enclofed in that city,
and informed him of his wifh, that the ar-
my fhould capitulate, and as the pofition of
the Auſtrians was not defenfible, that they
ought to forrender; to which after fome
difcuffion general Mack confented, and the
whole Autrian army became prifoners of
war.
On the feventeenth of October the ca
pitulation was figned, and on the twentieth
the Auftrians evacuated Ulm: in the town
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
169
were 27,000 men, 3,000 horfes, 18 gene-
rals and 70 pieces of cannon. On the 18th
M. Locatelli furrendered his dragoons to
general Fauconnet, and on the following
day general Werneck with his divifion fub-
mitted to Murat. The whole number of
Auftrians who became prifoners of war in
this fhort ſpace of time amounted to 60,000
men, with all their cannon, ammunition, &c.
:
The Auftrian army after the capture of
Ulm, appears in all its conduct to have been
fo terrified as to have loft all prudence and
fkill. The country between the Inn and
the Danube is interfected with feveral riv-
ers, over which wooden bridges only have
been conftructed; and nearly the whole
distance is one immenfe pine foreft, form-
ing the beft poffible fecurity for an army
acting on the defenfive, and affording op-
portunities of ftationing troops in ftrong
pofitions, from which they could not be
forced. Nevertheless, with all theſe ad-
vantages, the Auftrians and Ruffians feem-
ed to be folicitous refpecting their perfon-
P
170
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
al fafety only, and retreated with fo much
diforder as to leave money, arms, ammu.
nition, and military ftores of every kind
to befeized by the French without the trouble
of a conteft. Soult continued to advance
and to furmount every thing which was
oppoſed to him; the hafte which he made
forced the Auftrians under general Meer-
felt, to divide themfelves into fmall parties
that a battle might be avoided, and thus
the whole corps by degrees were prifoners
to that divifion of the French army-the
various fkirmishes between the two armies
after they croffed the Inn, added 10,000
prifoners to thoſe who had been before
captured. On the 18th, ninth, the Ruf-
fian army croffed the Donaw to fecure their
retreat, as the French had conſtructed
new bridge at Linz, and ftationed a body
of troops on the right bank of the Donaw;
in the evening of the 19th, tenth, they for
ced all the advanced pofts, and were purfu-
ing the Ruffians when night obftructed their
progrefs.
a
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
171
On the 20th, eleventh, Mortier marched
ed to Stein, expecting to find the Ruffian
rear guard only; but the Ruffian army
maintained its poft there, and perceiving
the whole extent of the French troops, com.
menced the battle of Diern in Although
the difference in numbers was very great,
the combat contined from fix in the morn-
ing until four in the evening, and the Ruf
fian fuperiority was loft in the vigour with
which the French repelled their various at
tacks. The Ruffians at length carried Le-
oben, and confcious of the fmall force of
which the French confifted, not above half
their own number, by a forced march en
deavored to turn the French by attacking
them in the rear; but Mortier had antici-
pated the defign, and having pofted two
regiments to interrupt the execution of this
manevre, the Ruffians were obliged after
a very fanguinary conteft to continue their
retreat with immenfe lofs, -3,000 Ruffians
were killed or wounded, and 1,300 made
prifoners; the French divifion fuffered al-
372
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
fo very confiderably, of three or four of the
regiments who were engaged on that day
not above one half furvived the battle-but
the effect was immediate, the Ruffians
were under the neceffity of retiring into
Moravia without delay the French army
marched into the capital of Germany on the
22d, thirteenth, and on the following day
Bonaparte with his ftaff entered Vienna.
This was fulfilling the extraordinary dec-
laration which the emperor of the French
made during the latter part of the preced-
ing Auguft at one of the levees when the
Auftrian minifter was prefent, Bonaparte
obferved, Your mafter wants war, does
he? Tell him from me, that if he obliges
me to go to war, I will fleep in his bed be-
fore Chriftmas !""
As the two emperors did not fanction
the trea
which had been figned by Murat
and Kutufow, the Ruffian army left its po-
fiotion and began to march by Znaim that
it might efcape without a battle-Murat
perceiving this movement, arranged his
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
173
troops for an attack upon the Ruffian rear-
guard, who made a
fiftance at Zunterfrous but ſhort 1
but fpeedily fled
with great precipitation, leaving 1,500 prif-
oners, 100 baggage waggons and twelve
pieces of cannon in the poffeffion of the
French. But the fuddennefs of their flight
was occafion by a manoeuvre of Lafnes,
who charged them in front whilft they were
engaged with Murat, and having turned
them on the left, Soult affailed them on
the right, which induced the corps to haf-
ten their retreat to avoid being entirely
furrounded. The head-quarters of the
French were removed to Znaim on the
26th Brumaire, November feventeenth, in
which town was found an extenfive maga.
zine of flour and oats. Sebaftiani with a
brigade of dragoons harrafled the retreat
of the Ruffians, and on the 27th, eigh
teenth, conquered feveral detached corps,
amounting in the whole to 1,500 prifoners,
Murat entered Brun on the fame day,
and the Auftrian court retired to Cracow

P 2
174
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
in Poland in Brunn the French procured
fixty pieces of cannon, 6,000 muſkets,
300,000lbs. of powder, wheat, flour and
clothing in vast quantities.
Whilft purſuing the Ruffian army in its
retreat, and advancing towards Olmutz,
the French made a great number of priſon-
ers; and at fome diftance from Brunn,
where the roads meet, 6000 Ruffians werer
posted to obftruct the French troops in
their progreſs to that city: General Wal-
ther was directed to attack them without
delay, which fervice he performed with
great intrepidity; the Ruffians perceiving
their poſition to be infecure, retreated and
ftationed themfelves near Olmutz. The
victorious army after this fkirmish, was per-
mitted to retire into quarters, the weather
being exceedingly rigorous; the van was
fupported by Brunn, to which town the
head quarters had been removed.-Whilft
the grand army were enjoying a little re-
pofe, Maffena was hurrying to join' them,
and the arch-duke having heard of the to-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
173
tal deftruction of the Auftrian army at
Ulm, had determined to continue his
march, to concentrate his force under the
walls of Vienna, and to defend that city
with the whole of the Auftrian and Ruf
fian troops; he had therefore in con-
formity with this plan, collected the fcat-
tered divifions of his army, and forced his
marches, until he discovered that his move-
ment was futile, and that the French were
already in poffeffion of nearly all the Auf
trian dominions, and that the army under
Bonaparte was cantoned in Moravia. This
obliged him to make new arrangements
and to retire to the frontiers of Hungary,
where he continued until he was informed
of the armiftice which had, been concluded
between Berthier and the prince de Lich.
tenſtein.
On the 6th Frimaire, November twenty-
feventh, M. de Stadion and M. count de
Guilay were prefented to the French Em
peror, as plenipotentiaries to conclude and
fign a definitive treaty of peace between
176
LIFE OF BONAPARTI.
France and Auftria: Bonaparte immediate
ly offered an armiftice until the former
fhould be arranged; but the emperor of
Germany confidently relying on the fupport
and fuccefs of the Ruffian army, intended
it as a feint only, for if he had been ſerious
in his embaffy he would not have permitted
the Ruffian troops to have commenced
As foon as it was un-
military ope
derstood that the French army had difcon-
tinued its purfuit of the Ruffians, and had
been quartered in and near Brunn, Kutu-
fow directed the Ruffian cavalry and the
Coffacks to attack the French advanced
pofts. On the 7th, twenty-eighth, a large
body of them furrounded Wifchau, of
which they took poffeffion, and the party
of French who defended it, furrendered
themfelves prifoners. The emperor of
ma advanced to that town on the fame
day, behind which his whole army encamp-
ed.
Bonaparte having heard of the arrival of
the Ruffian monarch, difpatched Saváry to
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
177
compliment him; that general continued
three days at Wifchau, which time was
employed in inveftigating the characters of
thoſe who attended Alexander. His obfer
vations and the report which he made to
Bonaparte upon his return, determined him
if the allied emperors perfifted, to try the
fate of a general engagement. With this
view he ordered his troops to retreat nine
miles in the night, as if he had experien-
ced a total defeat, or as if he were terrified
at the vicinity of the Ruffians, and having
chofen the beſt pofition which the country
afforded, the whole army was engaged in
fortifying it and erecting batteries. Bona
parte immediately propofed an interview
with the emperor Alexander, who fent his
refufal by prince Dolgorouki; every thing
which this officer faw whilft with the French
army, the numbers of the guards, the for-
tifications which were conftructing with fot
much hafte, and the appearance of the fol-
diers indicating timidity, all tended to mife
lead him; and he returned to the Ruffian
178
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
emperor convinced that the French were a
ware of their ruinous fituation, and that
they were already conquered; and in the
Ruffian council of war it was not inquired
by what means the French were to be o-
vercome, but the most certain mode of
turning and capturing their whole force.
The Auftrian generals who were prefent
affured them that it was not fo eafy an ope
ration to vanquish the French army; that
the officers and troops of which it was com-
pofed were of the firft merit, men whofe
courage was indifputable, and who had been
engaged in actual fervice during the whole
revolution; and that their commander pof-
feffed refources and expedients which were
almoft an infuperable obftacle of fuccefs, e-
ven had he been involved in difficulty-
but in the prefent fituation of the armies
all the advantages belonged to the French.
Notwithſtanding this reprefentation the
Ruffian generals confiding in the enthufiafm
which Alexander's prefence would excite in
the Ruffianarmy,refolved to endeavor tofur-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
179
round the French and fecure them prifon-
ers. Bonaparte was reconnoitring the al-
lied army when Savary returned from his
vifit to Alexander, and combining every in-
formation which he could collect with the
Ruffian emperor's non compliance with his
requeſt, he determined to delay every move-
ment until the Ruffian general fhould com-
mit fome error, and inftantaneouſly to pro-
f by it.
The two armies remained in this fitua-
tion until reth Frimaire, December firft,
Bonaparte perceived from his bivouac the
Ruffian army marching to turn the French
right wing; upon which he remarked, "be-
fore to-morrow evening that army will be
in my power." The Ruffian army defiled
whilft marching, within piftol fhot of fome
of the French advanced pofts, and extended
twelve miles before the French troops, who
were ordered not to move; and the Ruf
fians were fo exilerated that they were con-
cerned only left any of their opponents
fhould efcape. To encourage this delufion
180
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
Murat commanded a fmall body of cavalry
to advance into the plain; who fuddenly
returned, as if aftonished at the immenfe
force of the Ruffians,
Bonaparte having refolved to feize the
favorable opportunity of ruining the Ruf
fan army, which the indifce and in-
fatuation of his opponents had given him,
prepared for a general, decifive and final
engagement, and fixed it for the morrow,
the anniverfary of his coronation in the
evening he diſguiſed himſelf that he might
in perfon and incognitio vifit the night
guard to prevent any furprife; he had pro-
ceeded a fhort diftance only ere he was re-
cognized, this condefcenfion and concern
for the fafety of his troops excited the ut
moft enthufiafin in the camp, and the
whole army by torch light prefented them-
felves before him as he paffed, with unboun-
ded acclamations, one of the old grena-
diers advanced and addreffed him; Sire,
you need not expofe yourfelf. I promiſe
you in the name of the grenadiers of the
3%
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
180
army, that you fall only fight with your
eyes, and that we will bring you to morrow
the ftandards and artillery of the Ruffian
army to celebrate the anniverfary of
your coronation." The bivouac in which
Bonaparte remained during this night, was
a ftraw hovel without a roof, which the
grenadiers had haftily conftructed; having
returned from his advanced pofts, upon
his entrance in the hut, he faid, "This is
the most brilliant evening of my life; but
I regret that I muft lofe a number of thefe
brave men."
The allied army on this occafion was fu-
perior in numbers & cannon to the French,
and elated with their anticipated fuccefs,
they alfo determined upon the following
day to place all their hopes on a combat,
which fhould decide the fate of the houſe
of Auftria, and finish the continental war.
The number of foldiers may be computed
at 80,000 men in each army, befides the
Auftrians who had joined their allies; but
the park of Ruffian artillery was confidera-
Qo
i:
$82
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
bly greater than that of Bonaparte. Hav.
ing arranged his movements, he gave or-
ders to make immediate preparations for
battle. He difpatched Davouft to the con-
vent of Raggern, with one of his divifions
and a body of Dragoons, that upon a given
fignal the whole left corps might be envel-
oped. Lafnes commanded on the left,
Soult on the right, Bernadotte in the cen-
tre, and Murat, who had affembled all the
cavalry in one point, was directed to act as
the exigencies of the conflict might require..
The former was ftrengthened by the San-
ton, a fortified poft defended by eighteen
pieces of cannon; and the cavalry were
fupported by twenty-four pieces of light
artillery, Legrand guarded the ponds and
villages of Sokolnitz and Calnitz, whilft
Gudin was ordered to march very early in
the morning from Nicholſburg, to inter-
cept any part of the Rufian army which
might ftretch beyond the French right wing.
Bonaparte himſelf, with Berthier, Duroc,
Junot, and the ftaff, was attended by the
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
1 8 3
where Bonaparte might conceive his
ten battalions under the command of Oudi-
not this body of referve was drawn up in
two lines in columns, accompanied by 40
pieces of cannon ferved by the artillery-
men of the guards, and was intended to act
own
prefence neceffary to fecure fuccefs. Eve-
ry arrangement having been completed, the
emperor mounted his horfe at one o'clock
in the morning of the 11th, fecond, to re-
infpect the pofts, to reconnoitre the fires in
the Ruffian camp, and to procur
from the
guards all the information which they had
collected concerning general Kutufow's
movements. Whilft Bonaparte was thus
actively employed, the Ruffian troops were
buried in profouad fleep, the confequence
of feftivity and tumult excited by inebriety.
He was informed however, that a corps of
Ruffian infantry had appeared before the
village of Sokolnitz, which induced him to
fend a ftrong reinforcement to that poft.
In this fituation the armies paffed the re-
mainder of the night.
A LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
B4
B q
At the dawn of day, Bonaparte was fur
rounded by all his generals, and continued
to give his directions until the fun appear-
ed above the horizon. His laft orders
were then delivered, and the marshals af
fumed their ftations. To animate the men
to the execution of the arduous duty be
fore them, the
emperor rode along the
front of his army; Soldiers! we muft
finish this campaign by a clap of thunder
which fhall confound the pride of our ene.
mies." To the 28th of the line he faid;
"I hope the Normans will diftinguish
themſelves to-day." And to the 57th,
66
•
Recollect that it is many years fince I
furnamed you the Terrible:" Thefe vari-
ous addreffes to the different regiments were
anfwered by rapturous fhouts of " Long
live the emperor which became the fig-
nal to commence the direful, eventful day.
At feven o'clock the Ruffians in four col-
umns marched to the rear of Austerlitz ;
and the battle began at the extremity of the
French right wing, where the Ruffian ad-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
185
1
vanced guard had been oppofed in its further
progrefs by Davouft. At eight the first
column of the Ruffians defcended into the
valley, paffed through Angeft, and forced
the French to retire to Zelnitz, where the
latter maintained a long and vigorous com
bat, which ended in the overthrow of the
Ruffian diviſion: a fhort time only elapfed
after this movement until the battle became
general throughout the whole line. Soult
filed off towards the heights of Pratzen, to de-
ceive the Ruffian right wing, whilft Murat
and Lafnes charged the firft column, and
though they were received with every de-
gree of coolnefs and intrepidity, the
Chock
was too great to be withftood, and the dif
order of that part of the Ruffian army was
very evident. The cannonade was ſpeedily
ordered in both armies, and 200 pieces of
cannon vomited their murderous contents-
upon the combatants. Not more than an
hour fubfequent to the commencement of
the battle the communication between the
centre and the left of the Ruffian army was
186
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
entirely deſtroyed, and their right wing
had forced its retreat to Austerlitz; upon
which the emperor of Ruffia difpatched his
guards to reftore the intercourfe, who at-
tacked a French battallion with fo much fu-
ry as to route them at once. Bonaparte
perceiving this movement, directed the in-
vincibles to march, which produced one of
the moſt intereſting fcenes in the battle
on the one fide was Bonaparte watching
the manoeuvres of this corps and waiting
for its triumph, and on the other the em-
perors of Germany and Ruffia defiring that
fuccefs fhould attend their courage; but
the attempt to unite the feveral Ruffian
columns was unpropitious, the guards being
obliged to leave the fcene and to fly in great
diſorder. The three emperors were all
viewing this part of the battle. When the
commander of the artillery which fupported
the Ruffian imperial guard had been forced
to furrender his pieces, he haftened to the
emperor "Sire," faid he, weeping, "let
us fight with mufkets; I have loft my can-
:
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
18
non."
"Young man," anfwered Alexan-
der, "I highly value your tears; my army
may be vanquished, but we have a claim to
glory." Two bodies of 4,000 Ruffians
each, now furrendered their arms, and
thereby contributed very much towards the
event of the day. The wings of the two
armies had hitherto been moft feverely en-
gaged, and for a confiderable time with ya-
rious fucceſs. After the corps had furren-
dered, Bonaparte directed Bernadotte to
advance againſt the Ruffian centre, which
he affailed with fo much impetuofity, that
the troops began to retire, and general Ku-
tufo found it abfolutely neceffary to found
a retreat, to preferve the wreck of his ar-
my.
The cannonade had confiderably ceafed
by one o'clock, and the retreat became ge-
neral. At this moment Bonaparte advan-
ced to the front of the referve corps, "I
have fought thirty battles fimilar to this,
but I never faw one in which the victory
was more decifive, and the event more cer-
1
88
LAFE OF BONAPARTE,
tain." The foot guards of the emperor
had not been engaged; they were diſap-
pointed, and demanded to be permitted to
fhew their valor. Rejoice," faid Bona-
parte, that you have not been in the ac-
tion; you are the referve, and it is fo much
the better that they do not want you to-
day." The French emperor directed twen-
ty pieces of cannon to advance, and to
keep up an inceffant fire againft the Ruffian
left, which had been feparated from the
other columns. General Buxhowden, who
commanded it, with fome of his officers
and a fmall party of horfe, had the good
fortune to escape the carnage, and rejoined
the army, which marched from Austerlitz
through Czneitch to Gording, on the road
to Hungary; whilft prince Bagrathion with
the rear guard covered their retreat by his
pofition before Urfchitz. After the action
Bonaparte fent Dellemagne to courfe the
field of battle, and to collect all the Ruffians
who remained. He returned with feveral
Hands of colers and 1,000 prifoners. The
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
189
lofs of the French in the field did not ex-
ceed 8,000 men, of whom three thouſand
were wounded-that of the Ruffians is in-
calculable-one general died at the end of
the battle; feven were wounded, and fif
teen were priſoners. The Ruffian knap-
facks, and an immenfe quantity of baggage,
with a confiderable fum of money, belong-
ed to the French. The captured cannon-
amounted to 170, with forty-five ftands of
colors. If all thefe circumftances combin.
ed, be duly contemplated, and the propor-
tions between the general officers, ftand-
ards, cannon, and privates of an army be
compared it cannot be difputed that the
Ruffian army muft have been diminiſhed
at leaſt one third, in killed, wounded, and
prifoners. The two official accounts of
the combat are fo completely at variance,
that little dependence can be placed upon
either yet the effects which were produced.
by the battle of Aufterlitz, inconteftibly
prove that the Ruffian army was at the
mercy of the French emperor, and that to
}
190
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
his forbearance alone was the remnant in-
debted for the privilege of revifiting their
native country.
Thus ended the battle of Austerlitz; a
Battle which has no parallel in the hiftory
of the world, whether we confider the ef
fects which have refulted from it, the char-
acter of the parties who were
three emperors having headed the contend-
ing troops, or the extent of the defeat.
Conced in it,
Prince John de Lichtenftein vifited Bo-
naparte at his head quarters in a barn very
early on the morning of the 12th, third, to
propoſe an interview between the emperors
of France and Germany, which was fpeedi-
ly adjusted; but this did not preclude the
French army from enhancing its fuccefs;
it harraffed the retreat of the Ruffians,
pushed its advanced pofts to Olmutz, and
on the fame day two fkirmishes, one be.
tween Bagrathion and the advanced guard
of the French army at Urfchitz, and the
other between Davouft and general Meer-
felt at Gording, rendered the fituation of
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
191
the Ruffian army hopeless-as without ar-
tillery or baggage, they were totally fur
rounded-having neither the ability nor
the means to continue their retreat.
The important period which was to ef
tablish peace on the European continent
having nearly arrived, in the afternoon of
the 13th, fourth, Bonaparte left Austerlitz,
and proceeded to his straw palace near Sa-
rutchi, where the
foon appeared their converfation was pro-
tracted until two hours had elapfed-they
in perfon agreed to an armiftice, and on
the principal conditions of peace: the lat
ter requeſted a truce for the Ruffian army;
Bonaparte obferved to him, "That they
were entirely furrounded, and that no man
could efcape," "but, added he, "I defire
to do that which is agreeable to the empe
ror Alexander. I will permit the R
army to pafs; I will delay the march of
my columns; but your majefty muft prom-
ife me that the Ruffian troops fhall return
to Ruffia, and evacuate Germany, Auftria
emperor of Germany
102
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
66
15
and Poland," "I can affure you fuch is the
intention of the emperor Alexander," re-
plied the emperor of Germany; "in the
courfe of the night your majefty may con.
vince yourſelf of it by your own officers."
When Bonaparte invited his royal brother
to approach the fire, he faid, "I receive you
in the only palace which I have inhabited
during thefe paſt two months. The lat-
ter fmilingly replied, Vous tirez fi bonne
partie de cette habitation, qu'elle doit vous
plaire." You derive fo. much advantage
from this hut that it ought to pleafe you."
The prince de Lichtenftein and prince
Schwarzenberg having been prefented to
Bonaparte, the monarchs feparated-Bona-
parte attended the German emperor to his
carriage, and immediately returned to Auf-
terlitz.
65
General Savary accompanied the empe
ror of Germany after the interview, to af-
certain whether Alexander would accede
to the capitulation and to the terms of the
armiftice which the two emperors had con-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
193
cluded.
6.
Prince Czatorinfky introduced
general Savary, who converfed an hour
with the emperor of Ruffia. This monarch
afked the detail of the day: You were
inferior to me," faid he," "and neverthe-
lefs fuperior in all the points of attack."
"Sire," anfwered general Savary, "it is
the art of war, and the fruit of 15 years
glory; it is the fortieth battle of the empe-
ror." "This is true; he is a great warrior;
for my part, it is the first time I have ſeen
fire; I never fhall have the pretentions to
meet him in the field." 'Sire, when you
have gained experience, you may perhaps
furpafs him."
"Say to your mafter,"
cried the prince, "I will go; he has this
day performed miracles; this day has com
pleted my admiration of him. I will re-
turn to my capital; I came to affilt the em
peror of Germany; he fays he is fatisfied;
fo am 1. May I retire with fafety ?" "Yes
fire," anſwered general Savary, "if your
majefty will ratify that which the emperors.
of France and Germany fixed at their in-
R
194
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
terview." "What is that? That the
Ruffian army fhould return home by the
rout fixed by the emperor, and that it
fhould evacuate Germany and Auſtrian Po
land. Upon this condition, I hav
orders
from the emperor to go to our advanced
poſts who have furrounded you, and to
protect your retreat; the emperor wishes.
to refpect the friend of the first conful."
"What guarantee muft I give for this?"
"Sire your word." "I give it." Savary
departed, quickly rode to marfhal Davouft,
and gave him directions to defit from all
military movements.
On the 14th, fixth, the armiftice was
figned by Berthier and the prince de Lich-
tenftein. By this convention the whole of
the Auftrian ftates continued in the poffef
fion of the French army until the treaty of
peace fhould be figned--the Ruffians were
to evacuate the Auftrian dominions in the
courfe of a month, and no levies were to
be raiſed or foreign troops" permitted to
enter the territory of the houfe of Auftria "
LIFE OF BONAPARTE
195
General Valhuber died of his wounds on
the 15th, feventh; about an hour before
his death he fent a letter to Bonaparte:
GS
€
I wished to have done more for you;"
faid he, in one hour I fhall be no more;
I regret it not, fince I have participated in a
victory which affures to you a happy reign.
When you fhall think of thoſe brave men,
who devoted themfelves to you, remember
me. It is enough for me to mention to
you that I have a family, I need not re-
commend it to your protection." In con-
formity with the tenour of the armistice, the
Ruffian army began its march in three col-
umns on the 16th, eighth; the first return-
ed by Cracovia and Therefpal; the empe-
ror and duke Conftantine at its head, trav-
eled poſt to St. Petersburg; the fecond col-
umn marched by Kafchaw, Lemberg and
Bredi, and the third by Cirfirau, Watrell
and Hufiatin. On the fame day, Bona-
parte informed prince Repnin, who was a
prifoner, that he was at full liberty to col-
lect all the troops of the Ruffian imperial
196
LIFE OF BONAPARTE
guard who had been captured, and to re-
turn with them into Ruffia.
At the time when Bonaparte was increa
fing the fplendor of his own character as a
general, his power received much diminu-
tion from the naval combat at Trafalgar,
which occurred on the 21ft of October:
Nelfon, who held the highest rank among
failors, commanded the Britifh fhips upon
this occafion: the combined French and
Spanish fleets confifted of 43 fail, whilft the
English fleet was feveral hundred guns in-
ferior to its opponents, who were directed
by Villeneuve and Grivina. The action
commenced at 12 o'clock; it was main
tained with great fpirit, and the conflict was
uncommonly fevere: not very long after
the beginning of this tremendous battle,
Nelfon, who was flanding on the quarter
deck of the Victory, received a fhot which
deprived him of life at forty minutes after
four o'clock, at which time the triumph
was complete, nineteen French and Spanish
fhips having furrendered to the Engliſh-
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
1971
but a terrible gale which continued during
three days hindered the Britiſh from retain-
ing poſſeſſion of the captured veffels: fome
were deftroyed on the fhore, others were
funk by the victorious fleet, whilft a few
difabled, with the English who had been
appointed to manage them, rolled into Ca-
diz. This conteft was one of the moſt
important events of the prefent war, and its
effects were very great-It deprived the
French emperor of a confiderable propor-
tion of his maritime force, and delayed the
completion of his defigns in the Mediter-
ranean. A very remarkable circumftance
has attended this combat-the English ad-
miral died during the engagement, the
Spanish commander furvived a fhort time
only, and the French admiral departed this
life on his return home.
The town of Nicholfburg will be celebra-
ted in all fucceeding ages, as in its caftle
were affembled M. Talleyrand, the prince
de Lichtenſtein, and the count de Guilai,
to arrange a definitive treaty of peace; the
R 2
198
LIFE OF BONAPARTE."
terms of which being finally adjusted, it was
figned at Prefburg on the 26th of Decem
ber, and Bonaparte, who continued at
Shoenbrun, ratified it on the following day.
By this treaty, royal honors were confirmed
to the elector of Bavaria, and the duke of
Wirtemberg, and large portions of the Auf-
trian territory delivered to them to enable
them fuitably to maintain their new digni-
ty. The emperor of Auftria renounced
the Venetian ftates to the French, and ad-
mitted their junction with the kingdom of
Italy, and a short time was ftipulated to in-
clude the return of the victorious army to
its own country-Brannau, however, as
the depot of the army, and as the hofpital
of the fick, remained in the poffeffion of the
French until their property, &c. could be
removed.
The French armies being liberated in
Germany, Bonaparte refolved to add the
kingdom of Naples to his other Italian pof-
fellions; and having a pretext for his con-
duct in the duplicity which its court had
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
199
exhibited, he diſpatched St. Cyr to conquer
the Neopolitan territories, and published
his reafons in a proclamation.
The peace of the continent having been
finally arranged, with the exception of the
march of the French troops into Naples,
Bonaparte left Sheenbrun, in which he had
continued to refide until the ratification of
the treaty. Previous to his departure from
Vienna, he ordered his farewell addrefs to
be diftributed throughout the city-in which
he thanked them for their orderly behaviour
whilft the capital was in poffeflion of his
troops, and delivered to them the greater.
part of the arfenal: the contribution which
the Auftrian ftates raifed for the French
army, amounted to £1,250,000 fterling.
The French emperor, attended by Murat
and Duroc, returned to Paffau, and on the
29th of December, entered Munich. On
the first of January 1806, the elector Pala-
tine, and the duke of Wirtemberg, were
proclaimed the former, king of Bavaria at
Munich, the latter, king of Suabia at Stut
200
LIFE OF BONAPARTE,
gard. Bonaparte gave to the former a
large quantity of cannon, which had been
captured by the Auftrians about an hun-
dred years fince-thefe were removed from
the arfenal at Vienna, and introduced into
the capital with great folemnity. Bona-
parte continued in this city until the latter
end of January, during which interval, on
the fifteenth, he married prince Eugene,
his wife's fon, viceroy and the adopted king
of Italy, to Augufta, daughter of the king
of Bavaria. The French troops now began
to retire from Auftria, and many of them
marched into Italy. Bonaparte, accompa
nied by the emprefs, arrived at Paris on
January the twenty-feventh, and on the
following day received the congratulations
of the conftituted authorities in great pomp.
Since the battle of Aufterlitz, the fitua
tion of the European continent has been
entirely changed. One of Bonaparte's
brothers, Jofeph, is king of Naples; ano-
ther, Louis, is king of Holland, Jerome
Bonaparte is king of Weftphalia; Murat is
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
201
i
elevated to the Duchy of Berg and Cleves,
&c. &c. Thus it appears probable that
the Bonaparte dynafly of potentates is as
firmly eſtabliſhed as any of the ancient Eu
ropean hereditary monarchies.
every thing hast
The fuccefs of Bonaparte has been more
fingular than his talents
confpired to promote his defigns, and no
inftance is to be found in hiftory of any
man having rifen from fo low an origin to
fuch a height of power. His character
therefore is the greatest phenomenon which
has ever appeared in the world. Cæfar
was of a noble family; Alexander was born
a prince; Pompey never equalled him; and
as to the favage conquerors of Afia and Eus
rope, they are not to be compared to him,
either in extent of dominion or talents.
The barbarous Goths, and the fill more
barbarous Turks, triumphed not over
great and powerful nations, but over a lux-
urious and enervated empire. Bonaparte
contended with the beft difciplined and
moft vigorous forces which Germany, in
י
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
:
her beſt times, ever fent into the field, and
has furmounted the moft fubtle ftatefmen
in Europe.
Since the executive department has been
confided to him,
fufed into a new energy has been in-
parts of the nation; the fi
nances reſtored to order; the armies re-
cruited and become formidable; public
confidence has returned; the treaties of
peace figned at Lunéville and Amiens, the
confequence of a feries of victories, have
been unwillingly concluded by the enemies
of France, and as if by enchantment, the
French emperor is now exalted to the con-
trol of almoſt all the civilized parts of the
European continent.
The licentioufnefs of the inhabitants has
been repreffed, the caufes of the various.
exceffes of the revolution have been de-
ftroyed; the facility of procuring divorces
abolished; that general contempt for the
worship of God which had been encoura-
ged by the Jacobins whilft they tacitly di
rected the affairs of the republic, is gradu
LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
203
ally extinguifhing, and the utmost liberty
of confcience authorized. Whilſt confid-
erable reftrictions of a civil nature have
been impoſed upon the inhabitants of
France, and the afflictive fcenes of the re-
volution may have rendered them in ſome
meaſure neceffary, the most unbounded
religious liberty is enjoyed, and it is pro-
bably a truth that vital religion is more
perceptible at this period than during the
reign of Louis XVI. The French nation,
notwithstanding all the crimes which ac-
companied its late change, is immenfely
meliorated; the fituation of the lower
claffes of people is highly improved; ag-
riculture, commerce and manufactures,
formerly defpifed, are encouraged by the
emperor, and all the ramifications of the
government evince the fuperintendance of
their energetic, indefatigable and unparal
leled chief.
FINIS.

7
6

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
3 1951 D00 962 587 W
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654321
A4 Page 8543210
AIIM SCANNER TEST CHART #2
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Spectra
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Times Roman
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A4 Page 6543210
A4 Page 6543210
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MEMORIAL DRIVE, ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14623
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