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diff --git a/15246-h/15246-h.htm b/15246-h/15246-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..358485f --- /dev/null +++ b/15246-h/15246-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8761 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> + <meta name="generator" content= + "HTML Tidy for Windows (vers 1st August 2004), see www.w3.org" /> + + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Tragedy Of St. Helena, + by Sir Walter Runciman, Bart.</title> +<style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: smaller;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px; font-size: smaller; font-size: smaller;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left; font-size: smaller;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ +</style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Tragedy of St. Helena, by Walter Runciman + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Tragedy of St. Helena + +Author: Walter Runciman + +Release Date: March 3, 2005 [EBook #15246] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRAGEDY OF ST. HELENA *** + + + + +Produced by Steven Gibbs and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5"></a>THE TRAGEDY OF ST. HELENA</h1> + + <h3>BY</h3> + + <h2>SIR WALTER RUNCIMAN, BART.</h2> + + <h4>AUTHOR OF<br /> + "WINDJAMMERS AND SEA TRAMPS,"<br /> + "THE SHELLBACK'S PROGRESS,"<br /> + "LOOKING SEAWARD AGAIN," ETC.</h4> + + <h4>T. FISHER UNWIN<br /> + LONDON: ADELPHI TERRACE<br /> + LEIPSIC: INSELSTRASSE 20<br /> + 1911</h4> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <div class="center"> + <img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="392" height="495" alt="Napoleon I., Emperor of the French." title= + "Napoleon I., Emperor of the French." /> + </div> + + <h5>Napoleon I., Emperor of the French.</h5> + <div class="center"><span style="font-size: smaller">(From a miniature by Mrs. K. + R. Sellers.)</span></div> + + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a><a name="Page_6" id= + "Page_6"></a><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7"></a>PREFACE</h2> + + <p>In my early sea-life, I used to listen to the eccentric and + complicated views expressed by a race of seamen long since passed + away. Occasionally there were amongst the crew one or two who had + the true British hypothetical belief in the demoniacal character + of Napoleon, but this was not the general view of the men with + whom I sailed; and after the lapse of many years, I often wonder + how it came about that such definite partiality in regard to this + wonderful being could have been formed, and the conclusion that + impresses me most is, that his many acts of kindness to his own + men, the absence of flogging and other debasing treatment in his + own service, his generosity and consideration for the comfort of + British prisoners during the wars, his ultimate defeat by the + combined forces of Europe, the despicable advantage they took of + the man who was their superior in everything, and to whom in + other days the allied Kings had bent in homage, had become known + to the English sailors.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8"></a>How these rugged men came to + their knowledge of Napoleon and formed their opinions about him + may be explained in this way. Hundreds of seamen and civilians + were pressed into the King's service, many of whom were taken + ruthlessly from vessels they partly owned and commanded. Indeed, + there was no distinction. The pressgangs captured everybody, + irrespective of whether they were officers, common able seamen, + or boys, to say nothing of those who had no sea experience. Both + my own grandfathers and two of my great uncles were kidnapped + from their vessels and their families into the navy, and after + many years of execrable treatment, hard fighting, and wounds, + they landed back into their homes broken men, with no better + prospect than to begin life anew. It was natural that the + numerous pressed men should detest the ruffianly man-catchers and + their employers, if not the service they were forced into, and + that they would nurse the wrong which had been done to them.</p> + + <p>They would have opportunities of comparing their own lot with + that of other nationalities engaged in combat against them, and + though both might be bad, it comes quite natural to the sailor to + imagine his treatment is worse than that of others; and there is + copious evidence that the British naval service was not at that + period <a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"></a>popular. Besides, they + knew, as everybody else should have known, that Napoleon was + beloved by his navy and army alike. Then, after the Emperor had + asked for the hospitality of the British nation, and became its + guest aboard the <i>Bellerophon</i>, the sailors saw what manner + of man he was. And later, his voyage to St. Helena in the + <i>Northumberland</i> gave them a better chance of being + impressed by his fascinating personality. It is well known how + popular he became aboard both ships; the men of the squadron that + was kept at St. Helena were also drawn to him in sympathy, and + many of the accounts show how, in their rough ardent way, they + repudiated the falsehoods of his traducers. The exiled Emperor + had become <i>their</i> hero and <i>their</i> martyr, just as + impressively as he was and remained that of the French; and from + them and other sources were handed down to the generation of + merchant seamen those tales which were told with the usual love + of hyperbole characteristic of the sailor, and wiled away many + dreary hours while traversing trackless oceans. They would talk + about the sea fights of Aboukir and Trafalgar, and the battles of + Arcola, Marengo, Jena, Austerlitz, the Russian campaign, the + retreat from Moscow, his deportation to Elba, his escape + therefrom, and his matchless march into Paris, and then the great + <a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"></a>encounter of Waterloo, + combined with the divorce of Josephine and the marriage with + Marie Louise; all of which, as I remember it now, was set forth + in the most voluble and comical manner. Some of their most + engaging chanties were composed about him, and the airs given to + them, always pathetic and touching, were sung by the sailors in a + way which showed that they wanted it to be known that they had no + hand in, and disavowed, the crime that was committed. As an + example, I give four verses of the chanty "Boney was a Warrior," + as it was sung in the days I speak of. It is jargon, but none the + less interesting.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>"They sent him to St. Helena!<br /></span> <span>Oh! + aye, Oh!<br /></span> <span>They sent him to St. + Helena,<br /></span> <span>John France Wa! + (François.)<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Oh! Boney was ill-treated!<br /></span> <span>Oh! aye, + Oh!<br /></span> <span>Oh! Boney was + ill-treated,<br /></span> <span>John France Wa!<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Oh! Boney's heart was broken!<br /></span> <span>Oh! + aye, Oh!<br /></span> <span>Oh! Boney's heart was + broken!<br /></span> <span>John France Wa!<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>But Boney was an Emperor!<br /></span> <span>Oh! aye, + Oh!<br /></span> <span>But Boney was an Emperor!<br /></span> + <span>John France Wa!"<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>—and so on.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11"></a>Although at that time I + had, in common with others, anti-Napoleonic ideas, I was + impressed by the views of the sailors. Later in life, when on the + eve of a long voyage, nearly forty years ago, I happened to see + Scott's "Life of Napoleon" on a bookstall, and being desirous of + having my opinion confirmed, I bought it. A careful reading of + this book was the means of convincing me of the fact that "Boney + <i>was</i> ill-treated," and this in face of the so-called + evidence which Sir Walter Scott had so obviously collected for + the purpose of exonerating the then English Government.</p> + + <p>The new idea presented to my mind led me to take up a course + of serious reading, which comprised all the "Lives" of Napoleon + on which I could lay my hands, all the St. Helena Journals, and + the commentaries which have been written since their publication. + As my knowledge of the great drama increased, I found my + pro-Napoleonic ideas increasing in fervour. Like the Psalmist + when musing on the wickedness of man, "my heart was hot within + me, and at the last I spake with my tongue."</p> + + <p>I may here state in passing that there is no public figure who + lived before or since his time who is surrounded with anything + approaching the colossal amount of literature which is centred on + <a name="Page_12" id="Page_12"></a>this man whose dazzling + achievements amazed the world. Paradoxical though it may appear + now, in the years to come, when the impartial student has + familiarised himself with the most adverse criticisms, he will + see in this literature much of the hand of enmity, cowardice, and + delusion and, as conviction forces itself upon him, there evolve + therefrom the revelation of a senseless travesty of justice.</p> + + <p>I offer no apology for the opinions contained in this book, + which have been arrived at as the result of many years of study + and exhaustive reading. I give the volume to the public as it is, + in the hope that it may attract in other ways to a fair + examination of Napoleon's complex and fascinating character.</p> + + <p>WALTER RUNCIMAN.</p> + + <p><i>December 3, 1910.</i></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13"></a>CONTENTS</h2> + + <div class="centered"> + <table border="0" summary="toc"> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#PREFACE">PREFACE</a></td><td><br /></td></tr> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</a></td><td>THE ABODE OF DARKNESS</td></tr> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a></td><td>THE MAN OF THE REVOLUTION—CRITICISM, CONTEMPORARY AND OTHERWISE</td></tr> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a></td><td>THREE GENERATIONS: MADAME LA MÈRE, MARIE LOUISE, AND THE KING OF ROME</td></tr> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a></td><td>THE OLIGARCHY, THEIR AGENTS AND APOLOGISTS</td></tr> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a></td><td>MESDAMES DE STAËL AND DE REMUSAT</td></tr> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a></td><td>JOSEPHINE</td></tr> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a></td><td>RELIGIOUS NOTIONS OF NAPOLEON</td></tr> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHY">BIBLIOGRAPHY</a></td><td><br /></td></tr> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#LIST_OF_EVENTS_AND_DATES_HAVING_REFERENCE_TO_NAPOLEON_BONAPARTE"> + LIST OF EVENTS AND DATES</a></td><td>HAVING REFERENCE TO NAPOLEON BONAPARTE</td></tr> + <tr><td align="left"><a href="#INDEX">INDEX</a></td><td><br /></td></tr> + </table></div> + + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a><a name="Page_14" id= + "Page_14"></a><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> + + <h3>THE ABODE OF DARKNESS</h3> + + <p>In Clause 2 of his last will, dated Longwood, April 15, 1821, + the Emperor Napoleon states: "It is my wish that my ashes may + repose on the banks of the Seine, in the midst of the French + people whom I have loved so well."</p> + + <p>At London, September 21, 1821, Count Bertrand and Count + Montholon addressed the following letter to the King of + England:—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"SIRE,—We now fulfil a sacred duty imposed on us by + the Emperor Napoleon's last wishes—we claim his ashes. + Your Ministers, Sire, are aware of his desire to repose in the + midst of the people whom he loved so well. His wishes were + communicated to the Governor of St. Helena, but that officer, + without paying any regard to our protestations, caused him to + be interred in that land of exile. His mother, listening to + nothing <a name="Page_16" id="Page_16"></a>but her grief, + implores from you, Sire, demands from you, the ashes of her + son; she demands from you the feeble consolation of watering + his tomb with her tears. If on his barren rock as when on his + throne, he was a terror of the world, when dead, his glory + alone should survive him. We are, with respect, &c, + &c,</p> + + <p>(Signed) COUNT BERTRAND.</p> + + <p>COUNT MONTHOLON."</p> + </div> + + <p>In reply to this touching act of devotion to their dead chief + the English Ambassador at Paris wrote in December, 1821, that the + English Government only considered itself the depository of the + Emperor's ashes, and that it would deliver them up to France as + soon as the latter Government should express a desire to that + effect. The two Counts immediately applied to the French + Ministry, but without result. On May 1, 1822, a further letter + was sent to Louis XVIII., by the grace of God King of France and + Navarre, concerning the redepositing of the ashes of Napoleon, + Emperor, thrice proclaimed by the grace of the people.</p> + + <p>On the accession of Louis Philippe to the throne the rival + parties were each struggling for ascendancy. The glory of the + days of the Empire had been stifled by the action of the European + Powers and their French allies, but the smouldering embers began + to show signs of re<a name="Page_17" id="Page_17"></a>newed + activity, and a wave of Napoleonic popularity swept over the + land. Philippe and his Ministry were not indifferent to what was + going on, and in order to distract attention from the chaos which + the new condition of things was creating, the plan of having the + "ashes" of the illustrious chief brought to the country and the + people whom he "loved so well" was suggested as a means of + bringing tranquillity to France and security to the throne.</p> + + <p>M. Thiers, the head of a new Ministry, entered into + negotiations with the English Government, and M. Guizot addressed + an official note to Lord Palmerston, who was then Secretary for + Foreign Affairs.</p> + + <p>This precious communication is embodied in the following + document:—"The undersigned, Ambassador Extraordinary and + Plenipotentiary of His Majesty the King of the French, has the + honour, conformably to instructions received from His Government, + to inform His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Her + Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, that + the King ardently desires that the mortal remains of Napoleon may + be deposited in a tomb in France, in the country which he + defended and rendered illustrious, and which proudly preserves + the ashes of thousands of his companions in arms, officers + <a name="Page_18" id="Page_18"></a>and soldiers, devoted with him + to the service of their country. The undersigned is convinced + that Her Britannic Majesty's Government will only see in this + desire of His Majesty the King of the French a just and pious + feeling, and will give the orders necessary to the removal of any + obstacle to the transfer of Napoleon's remains from St. Helena to + France."</p> + + <p>This document was sent to the British Embassy in Paris, and + the wishes of M. Thiers and his Government were conveyed in + orthodox fashion to the British Foreign Secretary by the + Ambassador, in the following letter, dated Paris, May 4, + 1840:—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"MY LORD,—The French Government have been requested, + in several petitions addressed to the Chambers, to take the + necessary steps with regard to the Government of Her Majesty + the Queen of Great Britain, in order to obtain an authorisation + for removing the ashes of the Emperor Napoleon to Paris. These + petitions were favourably received by the Chambers, who + transmitted them to the President of the Council, and to the + other Ministers, his colleagues. The Ministers having + deliberated on this point, and the King having given his + consent to the measures necessary to meet the object of the + petitioners, M. Thiers yesterday announced to me officially the + desire of the French Government that Her Majesty's <a name= + "Page_19" id="Page_19"></a>Government would grant the necessary + authority to enable them to remove the remains of the Emperor + Napoleon from St. Helena to Paris. M. Thiers also calls my + attention to the fact that the consent of the British + Government to the projected measure would be one of the most + efficacious means of cementing the union of the two countries, + and of producing a friendly feeling between France and + England.—(Signed) GRANVILLE."</p> + + <p>So that this King of the French and M. Thiers realise, after + a quarter of a century, that the hero who was driven to + abdicate, and then banished from France, <i>did</i> defend his + country and make it illustrious, and that the removal of his + ashes to France was the "<i>most</i> efficacious means" of + cementing the union of the country that forsook him in his + misfortune with the country that sent him to perish on a rock. + His ashes, indeed, were to produce a friendly feeling between + these two countries. What a burlesque!</p> + + <p>Napoleon's motto was "Everything for the French people." He + seems to have predicted that after his death they would require + his "ashes" to tranquillise an enraged people. Of the other + contracting party he says in the fifth paragraph of his + will:—"I die prematurely, assassinated by the English + oligarchy and its deputy; the English nation will not be slow + in avenging me."</p> + </div> + + <p><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20"></a>Well, it is requested that + his ashes shall be given up to France so that peace may prevail. + And now follows the great act of condescension:—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"MY LORD,—Her Majesty's Government having taken into + consideration the request made by the French Government for an + authorisation to remove the remains of the Emperor Napoleon + from St. Helena to France, you are instructed to inform M. + Thiers that Her Majesty's Government will with pleasure accede + to the request. Her Majesty's Government entertains hopes that + its readiness to comply with the wish expressed will be + regarded in France as a proof of Her Majesty's desire to efface + every trace of those national animosities which, during the + life of the Emperor, engaged the two nations in war. Her + Majesty's Government feels pleasure in believing that such + sentiments, if they still exist, will be buried for ever in the + tomb destined to receive the mortal remains of Napoleon. Her + Majesty's Government, in concert with that of France, will + arrange the measures necessary for effecting the removal.</p> + + <p>—(Signed) PALMERSTON."</p> + </div> + + <p>One of the chief features of this State document is its veiled + condition that in consideration of H.B.M. Government giving up + the remains of Napoleon, it is to be understood that every + <i>trace</i> of national animosity is to be effaced. Another is, + <a name="Page_21" id="Page_21"></a>now that his mortal remains + are in question, he is styled "the Emperor Napoleon." Twenty-five + years before, when the atrocious crime of captivity was planned, + Lord Keith, in the name of the British Government, addressed a + communication to "General Bonaparte." The title of Emperor which + his countrymen had given to him was, until his death, officially + ignored, and he was only allowed to be styled "General" + Bonaparte—the rank which the British Government in that + hour of his misfortune thought best suited to their illustrious + captive. He was, in fact, so far as rank was concerned, to be put + on a level with some and beneath others who followed him into + captivity. Well might he "protest in the face of Heaven and + mankind against the violence that was being enacted" towards him. + Well might he appeal to history to avenge him. There is nothing + in history to equal the malignancy of the conquerors' treatment + of their fallen foe. We shall see now and hereafter prejudices + making way, reluctantly it may be, but surely, for the justice + that should be done him.</p> + + <p>Three days after the gracious reply of the British Government, + May 20, 1840, the French King signified his desire to carry out + the wishes of the Chambers by putting the following document + before them:—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"GENTLEMEN,—The King has commanded Prince Joinville + [his son]<a name="Page_22" id="Page_22"></a> to repair with his + frigate to the island of St. Helena, there to receive the + mortal remains of the Emperor Napoleon. The frigate containing + the remains of Napoleon will present itself, on its return, at + the mouth of the Seine; another vessel will convey them to + Paris; they will be deposited in the Hospital of the Invalides. + Solemn ceremonies, both religious and military, will inaugurate + the tomb which is to retain them for ever. It is of importance, + gentlemen, that this august sepulture should not be exposed on + a public place, amidst a noisy and unheeding crowd. The remains + must be placed in a silent and sacred spot, where all those who + respect glory and genius, greatness and misfortune, may visit + them in reverential tranquillity.</p> + + <p>"He was an Emperor and a King, he was the legitimate + sovereign of our country, and, under this title, might be + interred at St. Denis; but the ordinary sepulture of kings must + not be accorded to Napoleon; he must still reign and command on + the spot where the soldiers of France find a resting-place, and + where those who are called upon to defend her will always seek + for inspiration. His sword will be deposited in his tomb.</p> + + <p>"Beneath the dome of the temple consecrated by religion to + the God of Armies, a tomb worthy, <i>if possible</i>, of the + name destined to be graven on <a name="Page_23" id= + "Page_23"></a>it will be erected. The study of the artist + should be to give to this monument a simple beauty, a noble + form, and that aspect of solidity which shall appear to brave + all the efforts of time. Napoleon must have a monument durable + as his memory. The grant for which we have applied to the + Chambers is to be employed in the removal of the remains to the + Invalides, the funeral obsequies, and the construction of the + tomb. We doubt not, gentlemen, that the Chamber will concur + with patriotic emotion in the royal project which we have laid + before them. Henceforth, France, and France alone, will possess + all that remains of Napoleon; his tomb, like his fame, will + belong solely to his country.</p> + + <p>"The monarchy of 1830 is in fact the sole and legitimate + heir of all the recollections in which France prides itself. It + has remained for this monarchy, which was the first to rally + all the strength and conciliate all the wishes of the French + Revolution, to erect and to honour without fear the statue and + the tomb of a popular hero; for there is one thing, and one + thing alone, which does not dread a comparison with glory, and + that is Liberty."<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id= + "FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class= + "fnanchor">[1]</a></p> + </div> + + <p><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24"></a>The appeal is generous and + just in its conception and beautifully phrased. It was received + with enthusiasm throughout the whole of France. Louis Philippe + and his Government had accurately gauged what would, more than + anything, for the time being, subdue the rumbling indications of + discord and revolt. The King had by this popular act caught the + imagination of the people. He had made his seat on the throne + secure for a time, and his name was immortal. The great mass of + the people and his Government were behind him, and he made use of + this to his own advantage. Napoleon's dying wish is to be + consummated. "The blind hatred of kings" is relaxed; they are no + longer afraid of his mortal remains; they see, and see correctly, + that if they continue to "pursue his blood" he will be "avenged, + nay, but, perchance, cruelly avenged." The old and the new + generation of Frenchmen clamour that as much as may be of the + stigma that rests upon them shall be removed, threatening + reprisals if it be not quickly done. The British Government + diplomatically, and with almost comic celerity, gravely drop "the + General Bonaparte" and style their dead captive "the Emperor + Napoleon."</p> + + <p>Louis Philippe, overwhelmed with the greatness of the dead + monarch, bursts forth in eloquent praise of this so-called + "usurper" of other days. He <a name="Page_25" id= + "Page_25"></a>was not only an Emperor and a King, but the + <i>legitimate sovereign</i> of his country. No ordinary sepulture + is to be his—it is to be an august sepulture, a silent + sacred spot which those who respect glory, genius, and greatness + may visit in "reverential tranquillity." Henceforth, by Royal + Proclamation, history is to know him as an Emperor and a King. He + is to have a tomb as durable as his memory, and his tomb and fame + are to belong to his country for evermore. The legitimate heir of + Napoleon's glory is the author of one of the finest panegyrics + that has ever been written; a political move, if you will, but + none the less the document is glowing with the artistic phrasing + that appeals to the perceptions of an emotional race.</p> + + <p>But the real sincerity was obviously not so much in the author + of the document as in the great masses, who were intoxicated with + the desire to have the remains of their great hero brought home + to the people he had loved so well. It may easily be imagined how + superfluously the French King and his Government patted each + other on the back in self-adoration for the act of funereal + restoration which they took credit for having instituted. If they + took too much credit it was only natural. But not an item of what + is their due should be taken from them. The world must be + <a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a>grateful to whoever took a + part in so noble a deed. At the same time the world will not + exonerate the two official contracting parties from being exactly + free from interested motives. The one desired to maintain + domestic harmony, and this could only be assured by recalling the + days of their nation's glory; and the other, <i>i.e.,</i> the + British Government, had their eye on some Eastern business which + Palmerston desired to go smoothly, and so the dead Emperor was + made the medium of tranquillity, and, it may be, expediency, in + both cases.</p> + + <p>In short, Prince Joinville was despatched from Toulon in + feverish haste with the frigate <i>Bellespoule</i> and the + corvette <i>Favorite</i>. These vessels were piously fitted out + to suit the august occasion. Whatever the motives or influences, + seen or unseen, that prompted the two Governments to carry out + this unquestionable act of justice to the nation, to Napoleon's + family, his comrades in arms who were still living, yea, and to + all the peoples of the earth who were possessed of humane + instincts, yet it is pretty certain that fear of a popular rising + suggested the idea, and the genius who thought of the restoration + of the Emperor's ashes as a means of subduing the gathering storm + may be regarded as a public benefactor.</p> + + <p>But be all this as it may, it is doubtful if anything so + ludicrously farcical is known to history <a name="Page_27" id= + "Page_27"></a>as the mortal terror of this man's influence, + living or dead. The very name of him, animate or inanimate, made + thrones rock and Ministers shiver. Such was their terror, that + the Allies, as they were called (inspired, as Napoleon believed, + by the British Government—and nothing has transpired to + disprove his theory) banished him to a rock in mid-ocean, caged + him up in a house overrun with rats, put him on strict allowance + of rations, and guarded him with warships, a regiment of soldiers + with fixed bayonets, and the uneasy spirit of Sir Hudson + Lowe.</p> + + <p>After six years of unspeakable treatment he is said to have + died of cancer in the stomach. Doubtless he did, but it is quite + reasonable to suppose that the conditions under which he was + placed in an unhealthy climate, together with perpetual petty + irritations, brought about premature death, and it is highly + probable that the malady might have been prevented altogether + under different circumstances. At any rate, he was without + disease when Captain Cockburn handed him over, and for some time + after. But he knew his own mental and physical make-up; he knew + that in many ways he was differently constituted from other men. + His habits of life were different, and therefore his gaolers + should have been especially careful not to subject this <a name= + "Page_28" id="Page_28"></a>singularly organised man to a + poisonous climate and to an unheard-of system of cruelty. Yes, + and they would have been well advised had they guarded with + greater humanity the fair fame of a great people, and not + wantonly committed acts that have left a stigma on the British + name.</p> + + <p>Sir Walter Scott, who cannot be regarded as an impartial + historian of the Napoleonic regime, does not, in his unfortunate + "Life of Napoleon," produce one single fact or argument that will + exculpate the British Government of that time from having + violated every humane law. The State papers so generously put at + his disposal by the English Ministry do not aid him in proving + that they could not have found a more suitable place or climate + for their distinguished prisoner, or that he would have died of + cancer anyhow. The object of the good Sir Walter is obvious, and + the distressing thing is that this excellent man should have been + used for the purpose of whitewashing the British + Administration.</p> + + <p>The great novelist is assured that the "ex-Emperor" was + pre-disposed to the "cruel complaint of which his father died." + "The progress of the disease is slow and insidious," says he, + which may be true enough, but predisposition can be either + checked or accelerated, and the course <a name="Page_29" id= + "Page_29"></a>adopted towards Napoleon was not calculated to + retard, but encourage it. But in order to palliate the actions of + the British Government and their blindly devoted adherents at St. + Helena, Gourgaud, who was not always strictly loyal to his + imperial benefactor, is quoted as having stated that he + disbelieved in the Emperor's illness, and that the English were + much imposed upon.</p> + + <p>Why does Scott quote Gourgaud if, as he says, it is probable + that the malady was in slow progress even before 1817? The reason + is quite clear. He wishes to convey the impression that St. + Helena has a salubrious climate, that the Emperor was treated + with indulgent courtesy, and had abundance to eat and drink. It + will be seen, however, by the records of other chroniclers who + were in constant attendance on His Majesty, that Sir Walter + Scott's version cannot be relied upon.</p> + + <p>If the statements in the annexed letter are true—and + there is no substantial reason for doubting them, supported as + they are by facts—then it is a complete refutation of what + Scott has written as to the health-giving qualities of the + island.</p> + + <p>Here is the statement of the Emperor's medical adviser (see p. + 517, Appendix, vol. ii., "Napoleon in Exile"):—<a name= + "Page_30" id="Page_30"></a></p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"The following extract of an official letter transmitted by + me to the Lords of the Admiralty, and dated the 28th October, + 1818, containing a statement of the vexations inflicted upon + Napoleon, will show that the fatal event which has since taken + place at St. Helena was most distinctly pointed out by me to + His Majesty's Ministers.</p> + + <p>"I think it my duty to state, as his late medical attendant, + that considering the disease of the liver with which he is + afflicted, the progress it has made in him, and reflecting upon + the great mortality produced by that complaint in the island of + St. Helena (so strongly exemplified in the number of deaths in + the 66th Regiment, the St. Helena regiment, the squadron, and + Europeans in general, and particularly in His Majesty's ship + <i>Conqueror</i>, which ship has lost about one-sixth of her + complement, nearly the whole of whom have died within the last + eight months), it is my opinion that the life of Napoleon + Bonaparte will be endangered by a longer residence in such a + climate as that of St. Helena, especially if that residence be + aggravated by a continuance of those disturbances and + irritations to which he has hitherto been subjected, and of + which it is the nature of his distemper to render him + peculiarly susceptible.</p> + + <p>—(Signed) BARRY E. O'MEARA, Surgeon R.N. To John + Wilson Croker, Esq., Secretary to the Admiralty."</p> + </div> + + <p>It is a terrible reflection to think that this note <a name= + "Page_31" id="Page_31"></a>of warning should have gone unheeded. + A body of men with a spark of humane feeling would have thrown + political exigencies to the winds and defied all the powers of + earth and hell to prevent them from at once offering their + prisoner a home in the land of a generous people. What had they + to fear from a man whose political career ended when he gave + himself up to the captain of the <i>Bellerophon</i>, and whose + health was now shattered by disease and ill-usage? Had the common + people of this nation known all that was being perpetrated in + their name, the Duke of Wellington and all his myrmidons could + not have withstood the revolt against it, and were such treatment + to be meted out to a political prisoner of our day, the wrath of + the nation might break forth in a way that would teach tyrants a + salutary lesson.</p> + + <p>But this great man was at the mercy of a lot of little men. + They were too cowardly to shoot him, so they determined on a + cunning dastardly process of slow assassination. The pious bard + who sings the praises of Napoleon's executioners—Wellington + and his coadjutors—and whose "History" was unworthy of the + reputations of himself and his publishers, will have sunk into + oblivion when the fiery soul of the "Sultan Kebir"<a name= + "FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" + class="fnanchor">[2]</a> <a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a>will + seize on the imagination of generations yet unborn, and + intoxicate them with the memory of the deeds that he had + done.</p> + + <p>Napoleon has said, "In the course of time, nothing will be + thought so fine nor seize the attention so much as the doing of + justice to me. I shall gain ground every day on the minds of the + people. My name will become the star of their rights, it will be + the expression of their regrets."<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id= + "FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class= + "fnanchor">[3]</a> This statement is as prophetic as many others, + more or less important, made by Napoleon to one or other of his + suite. It is remarkable how accurately he foretold events and the + impressions that would be formed of himself.</p> + + <p>Had the warning given so frequently to Sir Hudson Lowe been + conveyed to his Government, and had they acted upon it, there is + little doubt that a change of climate would have prolonged the + Emperor's life. But in going over those dreary nauseous documents + which relate the tale, one becomes permeated with the belief that + the intention was to torture, if not to kill. Dr. Antommarchi, + who succeeded Dr. O'Meara as medical attendant to the Emperor, + confirms all that O'Meara had conveyed so frequently to the + Governor and to the Admiralty. The Council <a name="Page_33" id= + "Page_33"></a>sent for him to give them information as to the + climate of St. Helena. They express the opinion that at Longwood + it is "good." Antommarchi replies, "Horrible," "Cold," "Hot," + "Dry," "Damp," "Variation of atmosphere twenty times in a day." + "But," said they, "this had no influence on General Bonaparte's + health," and the blunt reply of Antommarchi is flung at them, "It + sent him to his grave." "But," came the question, "what would + have been the consequences of a change of residence?" "That he + would still be living," said Antommarchi. The dialogue continues, + the doctor scoring heavily all the way through. At length one of + the Council becomes offended at his daring frankness, and blurts + forth in "statesmanlike" anger: "What signifies, after all, the + death of General Bonaparte? It rids us of an implacable + enemy."</p> + + <p>This noble expression of opinion was given three days after + George IV. had deplored the death of Napoleon. It is not of much + consequence, except to confirm the belief of the French that the + death-warrant had been issued. The popular opinion at the time + when the Emperor gave himself up to the British was that had he + come in contact with George IV. the great tragedy would not have + happened.</p> + + <p>We are not, however, solely dependent on what <a name= + "Page_34" id="Page_34"></a>the two doctors have said concerning + the cause of his untimely demise. All those who knew anything + about Longwood, from the common sailor or soldier upwards, were + aware of the baneful nature of its climate. Counts Las Cases, + Montholon, and Bertrand had each represented it to the righteous + Sir Hudson Lowe as being deadly to the health of their Emperor. + Discount their statements as you will, the conviction forces + itself upon you that their contentions are in the main, if not + wholly, reliable.</p> + + <p>But the climate, trying and severe as it was, cannot be + entirely blamed for killing him, though it did the best part of + it. Admiral Sir George Cockburn, while he acted as Governor, + seems to have caused occasional trouble to the French by the + unnecessary restrictions put upon them, but by the accounts given + he was not unkindly disposed. He showed real anxiety to make the + position as agreeable to them as he could, and no doubt used his + judgment instead of carrying out to the letter the cast-iron + instructions given to him by Bathurst. The Emperor spoke of him + as having the heart of a soldier, and regretted his removal to + give place to Sir Hudson Lowe, who arrived in the <i>Phaeton</i> + on April 14, 1816.</p> + + <p>The new Governor's rude, senseless conduct on <a name= + "Page_35" id="Page_35"></a>the occasion of his first visit to + Longwood indicated forebodings of trouble. He does not appear to + have had the slightest notion of how to behave, or that he was + about to be introduced to a man who had completely governed the + destinies of Europe for twenty years. Napoleon with his eagle eye + and penetrating vision measured the man's character and + capabilities at a glance. He said to his friends, "That man is + malevolent; his eye is that of a hyena." Subsequent events only + intensified this belief.</p> + + <p>Perhaps the best that can be said of Lowe is that he possessed + distorted human intelligence. He was amiable when he pleased, a + good business man, so it is said, and the domestic part of his + life has never been assailed; but it would be a libel on all + decency to say that he was suited to the delicate and responsible + post he was sent to fulfil. In fact, all his actions prove him to + have been without an atom of tact, judgment, or administrative + quality, and his nature had a big unsympathetic flaw in it. The + fact is, there are indications that his nature was warped from + the beginning, and that he was just the very kind of man who + ought never to have been sent to a post of such varied + responsibilities. His appointment shows how appallingly ignorant + or wicked the Government, or Bathurst, were in their selection of + him.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a>He was a monomaniac pure + and simple. If they thought him best suited to pursue a policy of + vindictiveness, then their choice was perfect, though it was a + violation of all moral law. If, on the other hand, they were not + aware of his unsuitableness, they showed either carelessness or + incapacity which will rank them beneath mediocrity, and by their + act they stamped the English name with ignominy. And yet there is + a pathos at the end of it all when he was brought to see the + cold, inanimate form of the dead monarch. He was seized with + fear, smitten with the dread of retribution, and exclaimed to + Montholon, "His death is my ruin."<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id= + "FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class= + "fnanchor">[4]</a></p> + + <p>Forsyth has done his utmost to justify the actions of Hudson + Lowe, but no one can read his work without feeling that the + historian was conscious all through of an abortive task. He + reproduces in vain the instructions and correspondence between + Lowe and his Government, and the letters and conversations with + Napoleon and members of his household, and deduces from these + that the Governor could not have acted otherwise than in the + manner he did. It is easy to twist words used either in + conversations or letters into meanings which they were never + intended to convey, but there are too many evidences of + cold-<a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a>blooded outbursts of + tyrannical intent to be set aside, and these make it impossible + to regard Sir Hudson Lowe in any other light than that of a petty + little despot.</p> + + <p>He had ability of a kind. Napoleon said he was eminently + suited to "command bandits or deserters," and tells him in that + memorable verbal conversation which arose through Lowe requesting + that 200,000 francs per annum should be found as a contribution + towards the expenses at Longwood: "I have never heard your name + mentioned except as a brigand chief. You never suffer a day to + pass without torturing me with your insults." This undoubtedly + was a bitter attack, and the plainspoken words used must have + wounded Lowe intensely. Probably Napoleon himself, on reflection, + thought them too severe, even though they may be presumed to be + literally true, and it may be taken for granted that they would + never have been uttered but for the spiteful provocation.</p> + + <p>A more discerning man would have foreseen that he could not + treat a great being like the late Emperor of the French as though + <i>he</i> were a Corsican brigand without having to pay a severe + penalty. An ordinary prisoner might have submitted with amiable + resignation to the disciplinary methods which, to the oblique + vision of Sir Hudson <a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a>Lowe, + seemed to be necessary, but to treat the Emperor as though he + were in that category was a perversion of all decency, and no one + but a Hudson Lowe would have attempted it. It is quite certain + that the dethroned arbiter of Europe never, in his most exalted + period, treated any of his subordinates with such airs of majesty + as St. Helena's Governor adopted towards him.</p> + + <p>Lowe seems to have had an inherent notion that the position in + which he was placed entitled him to pursue a policy of + unrelenting severity, and that homage should be paid as his + reward. He thirsted for respect to be shown himself, and was + amazed at the inordinate ingratitude of the French in not + recognising his amiable qualities. It was his habit to remind + them that but for his clemency in carrying out the instructions + of Bathurst and those who acted with him, their condition could + be made unendurable. He was incapable of grasping the lofty + personality of the persecuted guest of England.</p> + + <p>The popular, though erroneous, idea that Napoleon was, and + ever had been, a beast of prey, fascinated him; his days were + occupied in planning out schemes of closer supervision, and his + nights were haunted with the vision of his charge smashing down + every barrier he had racked his intellect to construct, and then + vanishing from the bene<a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a>volent + custody of his saintly Government to again wage sanguinary war + and spill rivers of blood. The awful presentiment of escape and + the consequences of it were ever lacerating his uneasy spirit, + and thus he never allowed himself to be forgotten; restrictions + impishly vexatious were ordered with monotonous regularity. + Napoleon aptly described Lowe as "being afflicted with an + inveterate itch."</p> + + <p>Montholon, in vol. i. p. 184, relates how Lowe would often + leap out of bed in the middle of the night, after dreaming of the + Emperor's flight, mount his horse and ride, like a man demented, + to Longwood, only to be assured by the officer on duty that all + was well and that the smitten hero was still his prisoner. When + Napoleon was told of these nocturnal visitations, he was overcome + with mirth, but at the same time filled with contempt, not alone + for this amazing specimen, but for the creatures who had created + him a dignitary.</p> + + <p>The tragic farce of sending the Emperor to the poisonous + plateau of Longwood, and giving Lowe Plantation House with its + much more healthy climate to reside at, is a phenomenon which few + people who have made themselves conversant with all the facts and + circumstances will be able to understand. But the policy of this + Government, of whom the Scottish bard sings so <a name="Page_40" + id="Page_40"></a>rapturously, is a problem that can never be + solved.</p> + + <p>To a wise body of men, and in view of the fact that the eyes + of the world were fixed upon them and on the vanquished man, + their prisoner, the primary thought would have been compassion, + even to indulgence; instead of which they and their agents + behaved as though they were devoid of humane feelings.</p> + + <p>Lowe's ambition seems to have been to ignore propriety, and to + force his way to the Emperor's privacy in order that he might + assure himself that his charge had not escaped, but his ambition + and his heroics were calmly and contemptuously ignored. "Tell my + gaoler," said Napoleon to his valet Noverras, "that it is in his + power to change his keys for the hatchet of the executioner, and + that if he enters, it shall be over a corpse. Give me my + pistols," and it is said by Montholon, to whom the Emperor was + dictating at the time of the intrusion, that Sir Hudson heard + this answer and retired confounded. The ultimatum dazed him, but + he was forced to understand that beyond a certain limit, heroics, + fooleries, and impertinences would not be tolerated by this + terrible scavenger of European bureaucracy.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" + id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class= + "fnanchor">[5]</a> <a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a>Lowe, in + very truth, discerned the stern reality of the Emperor's piercing + words, and he felt the need of greater caution bearing down on + him. He pondered over these grave developments as he journeyed + back to Plantation House, there to concoct and dispatch with all + speed a tale that would chill his confederates at St. Stephen's + with horror, and give them a further opportunity of showing how + wise <i>they</i> were in their plan of banishment and rigid + precautions, and in their selection of so distinguished and + dauntless a person as Sir Hudson Lowe, on whom they implicitly + relied to carry out their Christlike benefactions.</p> + + <p>Cartoonists, pamphleteers, Bourbonites, treasonites, meteoric + females, all were supplied with the requisite material for + declamatory speeches to be hurled at the Emperor in the hope of + being reaped to the glory of God and the British ministry. The + story of the attempted invasion of Longwood and its sequel shocks + the fine susceptibilities of the satellites by whom Lowe is + surrounded. They bellow out frothy words of vengeance. Sir Thomas + Reade, the noisiest filibuster of them all, indicates his method + of settling matters at <a name="Page_42" id= + "Page_42"></a>Longwood. This incident arose through Napoleon + refusing to see Sir Thomas Strange, an Indian Judge. Las Cases + had just been forcibly removed. The Emperor was feeling the + cruelty of this act very keenly, so he sent the following reply + to Lowe's request that he should see Sir Thomas: "Tell the + Governor that those who have gone down to the tomb receive no + visits, and take care that the Judge be made acquainted with my + answer." This cutting reply caused Sir Hudson to give way to + unrestrained anger, and now Sir Thomas Reade gets his chance of + vapouring. Here is his plan: "If I were Governor, I would bring + that dog of a Frenchman to his senses; I would isolate him from + all his friends, who are no better than himself; then I would + deprive him of his books. He is, in fact, nothing but a miserable + outlaw, and I would treat him as such. By G—! it would be a + great mercy to the King of France to rid him of such a fellow + altogether. It was a piece of great cowardice not to have sent + him at once to a court martial instead of sending him + here."<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p> + + <p>This ebullition of spasmodic courage entitles the + Deputy-Adjutant-General to special mention in the dispatches of + his chief. O'Meara relates another of <a name="Page_43" id= + "Page_43"></a>many episodes with which the valiant Sir Thomas is + associated. Further attempts were made to violate the privacy of + the Emperor on the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 16th August, 1819, but + these were defeated by the fastening of doors. Count Montholon + was indisposed, and the Governor, refusing to correspond with + Count Bertrand, insisted upon having communication with the + Emperor by letter or by one of his officers twice a day. So the + immortal Sir Thomas Reade and another staff officer were selected + to effect a communication. But "the dog of a Frenchman" that the + deputy boasted of "bringing to his senses" refuses admittance, + and Sir Thomas, who has now got his opportunity, evidently has + some misgivings about the loaded pistols that are kept handy in + case of an emergency. The Emperor, in one of his slashing + dictated declarations which hit home with every biting sentence, + reminds the Governor again what the inevitable result will be + should indecorous liberty be taken. Sir Thomas would be made + aware of this danger, so contents himself by knocking at the door + and shouting at the top of his voice: "Come out, Napoleon + Bonaparte. We want Napoleon Bonaparte."</p> + + <p>This grotesque incident, which is only one of many and worse + outrages that were hatched at <a name="Page_44" id= + "Page_44"></a>Plantation House, reflects a lurid light on the + delirium of antagonism that pervaded the dispositions of some of + England's representatives. The hysterical delight of + manufacturing annoyances was notorious on the island, and Sir + Hudson and his myrmidons shrieked with resentment when dignified + defiance was the only response.</p> + + <p>Lowe failed to recognise the important ethical fact that a + person who acts a villainous part can never realise his villainy. + So oblivious was he of this fundamental law that he never ceased + to assure the exiles that he was not only good, but kind. Here is + a note that bears out this self-consciousness: "General Bonaparte + cannot be allowed to traverse the island freely. Had the only + question been that of his safety, a mere commission of the East + India Company would have been sufficient to guard him at St. + Helena. He may consider himself fortunate that my Government has + sent a man so kind as myself to guard him, otherwise he would be + put in chains, to teach him how to conduct himself better."</p> + + <p>To this the Emperor answered: "In this case it is obvious + that, if the instructions given to Sir Hudson Lowe by Lords + Bathurst and Castlereagh do not contain an order to kill me, a + verbal order must have been given; for whenever people wish + <a name="Page_45" id="Page_45"></a>mysteriously to destroy a man, + the first thing they do is to cut him off from all communication + with society, and surround him with the shades of mystery, till, + having accustomed the world to hear nothing said of him, and to + forget him, they can easily torture him or make him + disappear."</p> + + <p>What a dreadful indictment this is against Bathurst, + Castlereagh, and Lowe, and how difficult to think of these men at + the same time as of Napoleon, whose name had kept the world in + awe! Surely their dwarfed names and those of all the allied + traitors and conspirators will pass on down the ages subjects for + mockery and derision, while his shall still tower above + everything unto all time. His faults will be obscured by the + magnificence of his powerful and beneficent reign, and + overshadowed by pity for his unspeakable martyrdom.</p> + + <p>But what of the Commissioners representing Russia, Austria, + Prussia, and the Most Christian King of France? How shall they + fare at the hands of posterity? Their crime will not be that they + acquiesced in being sent to St. Helena by their respective + Governments, but that they allowed themselves to be completely + cajoled and influenced by the crafty allurements of Lowe. The + representative of Austria is said to have been a mere cipher in + his hands, while the attention of Count Balmin was wholly taken + up in making love to <a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"></a>Miss + Johnson, the eldest daughter of Lady Lowe by a former marriage. + He eventually married her and became one of the family. This + young lady's charm of character and goodness had captured the + affections of the Longwood colony, and her tender solicitude for + the sorrows of the Emperor caused him to form an attachment for + her which was evidenced by his gracious attentions whenever she + came to Longwood.</p> + + <p>The Marquis de Montchenu (who on landing at St. Helena found + himself in the midst of a group of officers attending on Sir + Hudson, and called out, "For the love of God, tell me if any of + you speak French") is not much heard of in his official capacity. + Afterwards he appears to have been enamoured of the Governor's + good dinners, but though he was always hospitable, kind, and glad + to see his compatriots at his breakfast table, the Emperor never + would receive him, though he always showed appreciation of his + promptitude in forwarding to him French papers or books. The + Marquis would naturally find it difficult to assert himself when + he heard of the wrongs committed by his host.</p> + + <p>The restrictions imposed on the Emperor were by this time + having an ominous effect. O'Meara reported that this was so, and + the Commissioners, whose instructions from their Governments were + <a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a>merely formal, thought it + their duty to bestir themselves, and requested the Governor to + remove the causes in so far as it was "compatible with the + security of his person," lest the result from want of exercise + should be of serious consequences to his health. Sir Hudson was + angry at the turn affairs were taking, as the Commissioners had + always accommodated themselves to his plans. He found, however, + that in this instance humanity had been aroused, and as it would + not suit his purpose to run against his hitherto complacent + friends, he thinks to appease their anxiety in the following + extraordinary manner:—</p> + + <p>"I am about to arrange in such a way as to allow him to take + horse exercise. I have no wish that he should die of an attack of + apoplexy—that would be very embarrassing both to me and to + my Government. I would much rather he should die of a tedious + disease which our physicians could properly declare to be + natural. Apoplexy furnishes too many grounds for + comment."<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p> + + <p>This insensate mockery of a man is always asserting himself in + some detestable fashion or other.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id= + "FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class= + "fnanchor">[8]</a></p> + + <p>At one time his benighted mind would swagger him into droll + ideas of attempting to chastise his <a name="Page_48" id= + "Page_48"></a>Imperial prisoner, at another, his childish fear of + the consequences of his chastisement was pathetic, and when one + droll farce after another broke down, he shielded himself with + manifestations of aggrieved virtue.</p> + + <p>The Emperor received Lord Amherst, who was a man of some human + feeling, and the noble lord offered to convey to the precious + Prince Regent certain messages. Then Napoleon, aroused by the + recollection of the perfidy which was causing him such infinite + suffering, declared that neither his King nor his nation had any + right over him. "Your country," he exclaims, "sets an example of + twenty millions of men oppressing one individual." With prophetic + utterance he foreshadows "a terrible war hatched under the ashes + of the Empire." Nations are to avenge the ingratitude of the + Kings whom he "crowned and pardoned." And then, as though his big + soul had sickened at the thought of it all, he exclaims, "Inform + your Prince Regent that I await as a favour the axe of the + executioner." Lord Amherst was deeply affected, and promised to + tell of all his sufferings and indignities to the Regent, and + also to speak to the saintly Lowe thereon. "Useless," interjects + the Emperor; "crime, hatred, is his nature. It is necessary to + his enjoyment to torture me. He is like the tiger, who tears with + his claws the prey whose agonies he <a name="Page_49" id= + "Page_49"></a>takes pleasure in prolonging." The audience then + closes and the sordid tragedy continues.</p> + + <p>The Commissioners are to have bulletins, but no communication + with the Imperial abode. O'Meara is asked to prepare inspired + bulletins, and to report what he hears and learns from the + Emperor, and in a general way act the spy. He refused, and as + Lowe required willing tools, not honest men, he was ultimately + banished from the island. The Emperor embraces him, bestows his + benediction, and gives him credentials of the highest order, + together with messages of affection to members of his family and + to the accommodating Marie Louise, who is now mistress to the + Austrian Count Neipperg. He is charged to convey kindly thoughts + of esteem and gratitude to the good Lady Holland for all her + kindness to him. The King of Rome is tenderly remembered, and + O'Meara is asked to send intelligence as to the manner of his + education. A message is entrusted to him for Prince Joseph, who + is to give to O'Meara the private and confidential letters of the + Emperors Alexander and Francis, the King of Prussia, and the + other sovereigns of Europe. He then thanks O'Meara for his care + of him and bids him "quit the abode of darkness and + crime."<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p> + + <p><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a>Before O'Meara left the + island, news of the diabolical treatment of the Emperor had + filtered through to Europe in spite of Lowe's precautions. The + <i>Edinburgh Review</i> had published several articles exposing + the Governor's conduct, and when these were delivered at St. + Helena (addressed to Longwood) a great commotion arose at + Plantation House. Reade had orders to buy every one of the + obnoxious publications, but determined men of talent are not + easily thwarted in their object, especially if it is a good one, + so the Governor had the mortification of seeing himself + outwitted. O'Meara was confronted and charged with securing for + Montholon the objectionable <i>Edinburgh Review</i>. The articles + gave the Emperor great pleasure, and when this was made known to + Lowe it was intolerable to him. O'Meara gets official notice to + quit on July 25, 1818.</p> + + <p>Napoleon thought it a bold stroke on the part of the British + Ministers (whom he regarded, and spoke quite openly of, as + assassins) to force his physician <a name="Page_51" id= + "Page_51"></a>from him. The doctor took the precaution to reveal + the place of concealment of his journal to Montholon, who found a + way of having it sent to him in England. This document was read + to the Emperor, who had several errors corrected, which do not + appear to have been of great importance, except one that had + reference to the shooting of the Duc d'Enghien.<a name= + "FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></p> + + <p>On the day following his exit from Longwood O'Meara sent a + report on the exile's illness and his treatment thereof. The + report is an alarming account of the health of the Emperor, who, + notwithstanding, is deprived of medical aid for months. He justly + adhered to the determination of having none other than his own + medical attendant. Lowe sees in this very reasonable request a + subtle attempt at planning escape, and will not concede it. An + acrimonious correspondence then takes place. Letters sent to him + by Montholon or Bertrand are returned because Napoleon is styled + Emperor. Montholon in turn imitates Lowe, and returns his on the + ground of incivility, and it must be admitted the French score + off him each time.</p> + + <p>Lowe whines to Montholon that Bertrand calls him a fool to the + Commissioners, and accuses him of collecting all the complaints + he can gather together, so that he may have them published. + <a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a>The newspapers, particularly + the <i>Edinburgh Review</i>, have slashing articles holding him + up to ridicule and denouncing him as an "assassin." He whimpers + that it is very hard that he, who pays every attention and regard + for the Emperor's feelings, should be pursued and made the victim + of calumnies. These expressions of unctuous pharisaism are coldly + received by the French, who ask no favours but claim justice. + Their thoughts are full of the wrongs perpetrated on the great + man who is the object of their attachment and pity. They will + listen to none of Lowe's canting humbug. They see incontestable + evidences of the Destroyer enfolding his arms around the hero who + had thrilled the nations of the world with his deeds. Their souls + throb with fierce emotion at the agony caused by the venomously + malignant tyranny. The meanest privileges of humanity are denied + him, and if they plotted in order that the world might learn of + the hideous oppression, who, with a vestige of holy pity in him, + will deny that their motive was laudable? Let critics say what + they will, these devoted followers of a fallen and sorely + stricken chief are an example of imperishable loyalty. They had + their differences, their petty jealousies, and at times bemoaned + their hard fate, and this oft-times caused the Emperor to quickly + rebuke them.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a>Gourgaud was the Peter of + the family, and a great source of trouble. He may justly be + accused at times of lapsing into disloyalty. He was guilty both + on the island and after his arrival in England of committing the + same fault, but in this latter instance he may have had a + purpose, as he was asking favours from men who were bitterly + hostile to his benefactor. He knew they would be glad to hear + anything from so important an authority as would in any degree + justify their action. Gourgaud, in fact, was more knave than + fool, as his subsequent beseeching appeals on behalf of Napoleon + to Marie Louise and other personages in France very clearly + prove.</p> + + <p>But take these men and women as a whole, view the + circumstances and conditions of life on this rock of vile memory, + inquire as minutely as you may into their conduct, and you see, + towering above all, that their supreme interest is centred on him + whom they voluntarily followed into exile. He is their ideal of + human greatness, their friend, and their Emperor.</p> + + <p>They view Sir Hudson Lowe as they would a distracted + phenomenon. The introduction of new and frivolous vexations is + occasionally ignored or looked upon with despairing amusement. At + other times, when their master's rights, dignity, and matchless + personality are assailed, they resent it <a name="Page_54" id= + "Page_54"></a>with fierce impulse, and this gives Lowe further + opportunities of reminding them of his goodness. But during the + long, weary years of incessant provocation, criminal retaliation + was never thought of except on one occasion, when some new + arbitrary rules were put in force.</p> + + <p>Santini, a Corsican, and one of the domestics, brooded over + his master's wrongs. He was generally of a cheerful temperament, + but since the new regulations were enforced it had been noticed + that his whole disposition had changed. He became thoughtful and + dejected, and one day made known to Cipriani his deliberate + intention to shoot the Governor the first time he came to + Longwood. Cipriani used all his influence to dissuade him from + committing so rash an act, and finding that Santini was + immovable, he reported the matter to Napoleon, who had the + devoted keeper of his portfolio brought to him, and commanded him + as his Emperor to cease thinking of injuring Sir Hudson. It took + the Emperor some time to persuade Santini, and when he did give + his promise it was with marked reluctance. Santini is spoken of + as being as brave as a lion, an expert with the small sword, and + a deadly shot. He was subsequently sent off the island, the + Emperor granting him a pension of £50 per annum.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55"></a>Santini was the only one + who refused to sign a document put forward by Lowe in which all + the officers and domestics pledged themselves to conform to the + new regulations, which were, as usual, senseless and severe. They + insisted on the words "Emperor Napoleon" being inserted, but + Lowe, with inherent stupid pleasure, would have none other than + the words "Napoleon Bonaparte," and the penalty for refusing to + sign was banishment from the island. Sir Hudson got it into his + malevolent brain that he had pinned them at last. He affirmed + that their reason for not signing what they pretended was their + Emperor's and their own degradation was to give an excuse for + being "sent off." Whereupon, as soon as the Governor's crafty + insinuations became known, they all signed except Santini, who + refused to have Napoleon described by any other term than that of + Emperor.</p> + + <p>Santini's loyalty to his illustrious master cost him the + anguish of being torn from his service and sent to the Cape of + Good Hope in the English frigate <i>Orontes</i>. He stayed there + a few days, but returned almost immediately to St. Helena. He was + not, however, allowed to land; and, having spent some days at the + anchorage, sailed on February 25, 1817, for England.</p> + + <p>These refractory captives of the British authori<a name= + "Page_56" id="Page_56"></a>ties seem to have been a source of + great perplexity to them, to say nothing of the cost to the + nation caused by the hopeless incapacity displayed in dealing + with them. The business grows so farcical that the English + guardians become the laughing-stock of the most menial creatures + on the island.</p> + + <p>Immediately on his arrival in London Santini issued a touching + appeal to the British people, laying naked the St. Helena + atrocities, the main facts of which have never been contradicted. + Any exaggerations which may appear in the pamphlet, coming as + they do from a soldier whose adoration for his Emperor amounted + to fanaticism, may be excused; but, whatever his faults, the ugly + facts remain unshaken.</p> + + <p>There is no evidence in all the voluminous publications + concerning Napoleon at St. Helena that there would have been a + shred of mourning put on by the best men and women of any + nationality residing on this inhospitable rock had Santini or any + one else despatched the petty tyrant who was carrying on a + nefarious assassination by the consent, if not the instructions, + of an equally nefarious Ministry. Perhaps his Imperial victim + would have been the only person outside his family and official + circle who would have deplored the act. It is pretty generally + admitted that Lowe was detested by all classes who knew of the + villainous <a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a>methods adopted by + him to give pain to Napoleon and to any one who showed the + slightest sympathy towards him.</p> + + <p>Letters from and to his wife, "the amiable Austrian + Archduchess," his mother, and other members of his family, were + not allowed to pass unless scrutinised and commented upon by this + insatiable gaoler. Letters written to the Ministry and to + well-disposed public men outside it were not forwarded, on the + pretext that the title of Emperor was used. A marble bust of the + Emperor's son was brought to St. Helena by T.M. Radowich, master + gunner aboard the ship <i>Baring</i>. It was taken possession of + by the authorities, and had been in Lowe's hands for some days + when he intimated to Count Bertrand that, though it was against + the regulations, he would take upon himself to hand over some + presents sent out by Lady Holland and some left by Mr. Manning. A + more embarrassing matter was the handing over of the bust. The + mystery and comic absurdity of some Government officials of that + time, or even of this, is amazing.</p> + + <p>Lowe's dull perceptions had been awakened. He realised that he + might be accused of having committed an exceedingly dirty trick. + He thinks it in keeping with the dignity of his high office to + become uneasy about the retention of these <a name="Page_58" id= + "Page_58"></a>articles, especially the statue of the King of + Rome. So with unconscious humour he asks the Count if he thinks + Napoleon would really like to have his son's bust. The Count + replies, "You had better send it this very evening, and not + detain it until to-morrow." Lowe is aggrieved at the coldness of + the reply. He presumably expected Bertrand to gush out torrents + of gratitude. But the French code of real good taste and humane + bearing put Sir Hudson Lowe beneath their contempt. To them he + had become indescribable.</p> + + <p>To all those who had access to Napoleon, the burning love he + had for his son was well known, and in one of those outbursts of + passionate anguish he declares to the Countess of Montholon that + it was for him alone that he returned from Elba, and if he still + formed some expectations in exile, they were for him also. He + declares that he is the source of his greatest anguish, and that + every day he costs him tears of blood. He imagines to himself the + most horrid events, which he cannot remove from his mind. He sees + either the potion or the empoisoned fruit which is about to + terminate the days of the young innocent by the most cruel + sufferings, and then, after this pouring out of the innermost + soul, he pleads with Madame to compassionate his weakness, and + asks her to console him.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a>This learned + warrior-statesman was also a poet, and but for the solitude of + exile we should probably never have seen that side of this + versatile nature. The lines which he writes to the portrait of + his son are painfully touching. For some reason they were kept + concealed, and found some time afterwards. Here they are, but the + English translation does not do them justice:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Delightful image of my much-loved boy!<br /></span> + <span>Behold his eyes, his looks, his smile!<br /></span> + <span>No more, alas! will he enkindle joy,<br /></span> + <span>Nor on some kindlier shore my woes + beguile.<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>My son! my darling son! wert thou but + here,<br /></span> <span>My bosom should receive thy lovely + form;<br /></span> <span>Thou'dst soothe my gloomy hours with + converse dear,<br /></span> <span>Serenely we'd behold the + lowering storm.<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>I'd be the partner of thine infant cares,<br /></span> + <span>And pour instruction o'er thy expanding + mind,<br /></span> <span>Whilst in thy heart, in my declining + years,<br /></span> <span>My wearied soul should an asylum + find.<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>My wrongs, my cares, should be forgot with + thee,<br /></span> <span>My power Imperial, dignities, + renown—<br /></span> <span>This rock itself would be a + heaven to me,<br /></span> <span>Thine arms more cherished + than the victor's crown.<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>O! in thine arms, my son! I could forget that + fame<br /></span> <span>Shall give me, through all time, a + never-dying name.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Here is another version of the same thoughts:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <a name="Page_60" id="Page_60"></a> <span>TO THE PORTRAIT OF + MY SON.<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>O! cherished image of my infant heir!<br /></span> + <span>Thy surface does his lineaments impart:<br /></span> + <span>But ah! thou liv'st not—on this rock so + bare<br /></span> <span>His living form shall never glad my + heart.<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>My second self! how would thy presence + cheer<br /></span> <span>The settled sadness of thy hapless + sire!<br /></span> <span>Thine infancy with tenderness I'd + rear,<br /></span> <span>And thou shouldst warm my age with + youthful fire.<br /></span> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span>In thee a truly glorious crown I'd find,<br /></span> + <span>With thee, upon this rock, a heaven should + own,<br /></span> <span>Thy kiss would chase past conquests + from my mind<br /></span> <span>Which raised me, demi-god, on + Gallia's throne.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Perhaps the Emperor did not wish to show all the anguish by + which he was being hourly devoured, but who can read these lines + now without a pang of emotion? The overpowering conviction that + his much-loved boy would be destroyed haunted him. Many people to + this day believe that he was right, and that his son's health was + sedulously undermined. But if that be so, the Imperial House of + Austria will have to answer for it through all eternity. Napoleon + knew that this much-treasured bust was at Plantation House, and + said to O'Meara, if it had not been given up he would have told a + tale which would have made the mothers of England execrate Lowe + as a monster in human shape.</p> + + <p>But the Governments of Europe, as well as <a name="Page_61" + id="Page_61"></a>individuals, were spending vast sums of money on + pamphleteering, and probably those who wrote the worst libels + were the most highly paid. Therefore the women of England and of + other countries were continuously having their minds saturated + with poisonous statements. Many of them firmly believed Napoleon + to be the anti-Christ, and it is only now that the world is + beginning to see through the gigantic plot.</p> + + <p>It was stated that the bust had been executed at Leghorn by + order of the faithless Marie Louise. In Hooper's "Life of + Wellington," the statement that "she was grateful to the Duke for + winning Waterloo, because in 1815 she had a lover who afterwards + became her husband, and she was not in a condition to return with + safety to her Imperial spouse," is hard to believe. This mother + of the son the poet-Emperor sings about was deriving pleasure in + playing cards for napoleons with the Duke who was regarded by her + husband as one of his most determined executioners. Her supposed + connection with the statue naturally gave it a larger interest, + so the Emperor expressed a desire to see the gunner, and ordered + Bertrand to get permission for him to visit Longwood.</p> + + <p>The Governor, after examining the gunner on oath, and having + had him carefully searched, gave him leave to see Napoleon, but + Captain Poppleton <a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a>was ordered + not to allow him to speak to the French unless in his presence. + This arbitrary condition was resented with quiet, scornful + dignity, and the gunner was asked to withdraw. It is hard to + believe that a man could be so perversely crooked as Sir Hudson + Lowe. How human it was for the exile to long to hear a message + from the lips of one who was credited with having seen and spoken + to the mother of his son, and how inhuman of Lowe to put any + obstacles in the way of his desire being gratified!</p> + + <p>The incident became common talk, and in proportion to its + circulation, so did Lowe's reputation suffer. It is questionable + whether he could have found any one unfeeling enough on the + island to justify so despicable an act, except perhaps Sir Thomas + Reade, whose baseness in this and other transactions cannot be + adequately described, and whose nature seems to have been + ingrained with the daily thought of achieving distinction by + excelling his master in some form of cruelty.</p> + + <p>It is a piteous reflection to think of these two plants of + grace, the one at all times imbued with the idea of some + sanguinary plan of punishment, while the other varied the plan of + his doubtful transactions, at the same time telling the exiles + that he was actuated by the sweetest and purest of motives.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a>In contrast to Lowe and + Reade, the chroniclers speak in the highest praise of Major + Gorriquer. The officers and soldiers of the garrison, as well as + the men of the navy, extended their touching sympathy to the hero + who described his imprisonment as being worse than "Tamerlane's + iron cage." Captain Maitland, in his narrative, relates a story + which indicates the magnetic power of this great soldier. + Maitland was anxious to know what his men thought of Napoleon, so + he asked his servant, who told him that he had heard several of + them talking about him, and one of them had observed, "Well, they + may abuse that man as much as they please; but if the people of + England knew him as well as we do, they would not hurt a hair of + his head." To which the others agreed.</p> + + <p>There are many instances recorded where sailors ran the risk + of being shot in order that they might get a glimpse of him, and + there is little doubt the poor gunner-messenger was subjected to + inimitable moral lectures on the sin and pains and penalties of + having any communication whatsoever with the ungentle inhabitants + of Longwood. This good-hearted fellow was as carefully shadowed + as though he had been commissioned to carry the Emperor off. Lowe + was infected with the belief that he had some secret designs, and + if he were not kept under close supervision he might take to + sauntering on <a name="Page_64" id="Page_64"></a>his own account + and really have some talk with the French, and then what might + happen? This episode was brought to a close by the Emperor + directing that a kind letter should be written to the + enterprising sailor, and that a draft for <i>£</i>300 + should be enclosed. O'Meara says, "By means of some unworthy + trick he did not receive it for nearly two years."</p> + + <p>The reason so much is made of the bust affair is accounted for + as follows:—</p> + + <p>Lowe, on first hearing of it being landed, intended to have it + seized and thrown into the sea. He afterwards took possession of + the article, with the idea of making Napoleon a present of it + himself. This idea did not pan out as he expected, and in + consequence of public indignation running so high, he had the + bust sent to Longwood immediately after his conversation with + Bertrand. While Las Cases was waiting at Mannheim in the hope + that the pathetic appeals he had made to the sovereigns on behalf + of Napoleon would bring to him a favourable decision, the + Dalmatian gunner heard of him. He was passing through Germany to + his home after a fruitless attempt in London to get the money + Napoleon had enclosed in his letter. The reason given was that + the persons on whom it was drawn were not then in possession of + the necessary funds. Las Cases paid <a name="Page_65" id= + "Page_65"></a>him, and received his appropriate blessings for his + goodness. Imprecations against Lowe were lavishly bestowed by the + gunner. He had been prevented from landing at St. Helena on his + way back from India, and but for this spiteful act of Lowe's the + money would have been paid at once.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile the touching appeals of Las Cases to the sovereigns + were unheeded. Even Napoleon's father-in-law, the Emperor of + Austria, who had given his daughter in marriage to the arbiter of + Europe, did not deign to reply, though only a brief time before + he had received many tokens of magnanimity from the French + Emperor. So, indeed, had other kings and queens of that time, not + excluding Alexander of Russia; but more hereafter about these + monarchs who had once clamoured for the honour of alliances with + Napoleon and with his family, but who now were conspirators in + the act of a great assassination.</p> + + <p>Some three years before, Lord Keith was horrified when Captain + Maitland informed him on board the <i>Bellerophon</i>, in Torbay, + that the Duke of Rovigo, Lallemand, Montholon, and Gourgaud had + said that their Emperor would not go to St. Helena, and if he + were to consent, they would prevent it, meaning that they would + <a name="Page_66" id="Page_66"></a>end his existence rather than + witness any further degradation of him. Lord Keith is indignant, + and replies to Sir Frederick Maitland, "You may tell those + gentlemen who have threatened to be Bonaparte's executioners that + the law of England awards death to murderers, and that the + certain consequence of such an act will be finishing their career + on a gallows." Precisely!</p> + + <p>The noble lord's fascinating little speech is quite in accord + with justice, but did <i>he</i> ever raise a finger to prevent + his colleagues and their renowned deputy from committing the same + crime at St. Helena, and after this same Bonaparte's demise, were + any steps taken to call to account those whom the great soldier + had consistently declared were causing his premature death? Lord + Keith, with his eyes uplifted to heaven, had said, "England + awards death to murderers," and in this we are agreed, but there + must be no fine distinction drawn as to who the perpetrators are + or their reason for doing it. Whether a person for humanity's + sake is despatched by a friendly pistol-shot or the process of + six years of refined cruelty, the crime is the same, the only + difference being (if life has to be taken) that it is more + merciful it should be done expeditiously.</p> + + <p>The French revered their Emperor, and could not bear to + witness his dire humiliation at the <a name="Page_67" id= + "Page_67"></a>hands of men so infinitely his inferiors, hence the + thought of unlawfully ending his existence. On the other hand, + members of the British Government were swollen out with haughty + righteousness; they regarded themselves as deputies of the + Omnipotent. They determined in solemn conclave that the man + against whom they had waged war for twenty years, and who was + only now beaten by a combination of circumstances, should be put + through the ordeal of an inquisition. If he held out long, well + and good, but should he succumb to their benign treatment, their + faith would be steadfast in their own blamelessness. They were + quite unconscious of being an unspeakable brood of hollow, + heartless mediocrities. Why did Lord Keith not give <i>them</i>, + as he did the devoted Frenchmen, a little sermon on the orthodoxy + of the gallows? They were far more in need of his guiding + influence.</p> + + <p>The British public were deceived by the most malevolent + publications. The great captive was made to appear so dangerous + an animal that neither soldiers nor sailors could keep him in + subjection, and the stories of his misdeeds when at the height of + his ravishing glory were spread broadcast everywhere. Nothing, + indeed, was base enough for the oligarchy of England and the + French Royalists to stoop to.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a>For a time the flow of + wickedness went on unchecked. At last a few good men and women + began to speak out the truth, and as though Nature revolted + against the scoundrelism that had been and was now being + perpetrated, a sharp and swelling reaction came over the public. + Men and women began to express the same views as Captain + Maitland's sailors had expressed, viz.: "This man cannot be so + bad as they make him out to be."</p> + + <p>Las Cases had been sent to the Cape, but his journal, + containing conversations, dictations, and the general daily life + of the exiles since they embarked aboard the <i>Bellerophon</i>, + was seized by Lowe, so that he might pry into it with the hope of + finding seditious entries. (It may be taken for granted that no + eulogy of himself appeared therein.) The poor Count and his son + on arrival at the Cape were confined in an unhealthy hovel, and + treated more like galley-slaves than human beings. After some + weeks of this truly British hospitality under the + Liverpool-Bathurst regime he determines to make a last appeal to + Lord Charles Somerset, then Governor at the Cape, to be more + compassionate. He had been told that nothing but a dog or a horse + attracted either his sympathy or his attention, and frankly + admits that he found himself in error in thinking so harshly + <a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a>of his lordship, as his appeal + met with a prompt and generous response.</p> + + <p>The Governor, in fact, expressed his sorrow on learning for + the first time of the Count's illness and the conditions under + which he was living. He immediately put at his disposal his + country residence, servants, and all else that would add to his + comfort, and thus earned the eternal gratitude of a much + persecuted father and son. Lord Charles Somerset, for this + gracious act alone, will rank amongst the good-hearted Englishmen + of that troublesome time. It would appear that the Cape + Governor's subordinates were entirely responsible for the + ill-treatment complained of.</p> + + <p>It is a puzzle to know for what purpose this gentleman and his + son were detained at the Cape. The Count had frequently pointed + out the folly of his detention, and begged Lord Charles to allow + them to take their passage in a small brig of 200 tons that was + bound to Europe. This request was agreed to, a passport granted, + and the captain of the craft that was to be carried "in the + sailors' arms" three thousand leagues was given stern + instructions that should he touch anywhere, his passengers were + to have no communication with the shore, and on reaching England + they were not to be allowed to land without receiving orders from + the Government.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a>Whatever other charge may + be brought against Las Cases, the lack of courage can never be + cited. The act of taking so long a passage in this cockleshell of + a vessel is a sure testimony of his devotion and bravery. The + food and the accommodation were of the very worst, and though the + account given of the low thunder of the waves lashing on the + decks is not very sailorly, there can be little doubt that so + long a passage could not be made without some startling + vicissitudes.</p> + + <p>At length, after nearly one hundred days from the Cape, they + are safely landed at Dover, and make their way to London to + apprise the immortal Bathurst of their arrival and of their + desire to see him, so that he might listen to some observations + about St. Helena matters. This man of mighty mystery and dignity + does not deign to reply, but sends a Ministerial messenger to + inform the Count that it is the Prince Regent's pleasure that he + quits Great Britain instantly. Las Cases tells the messenger that + it is a "very sorry, silly pleasure" for His Royal Highness to + have, but he has to quit all the same, as England is now governed + by "sorry, silly pleasure." Another batch of papers is taken from + him, and he is bundled away to Ostend and from thence to other + inhospitable countries, and ultimately lands at Frankfort.</p> + + <p>The Count writes many clever, rather long, but <a name= + "Page_71" id="Page_71"></a>disturbing letters to noble lords in + England, to members of Governments in other countries, and to + every crowned head interested in the little community they have + in safe and despotic keeping at St. Helena. He sends a petition + to the British Parliament stating in clear, clinching terms + another indictment against the British Ministry and their agent. + This document was sent from the deserts of Tygerberg, but like + much more of a similar kind, not a word was said about it. The + author, however, was not to be fooled or driven from the path + which he conceived to be his duty to his much wronged Emperor, so + the petition was published, and created a great sensation.</p> + + <p>This had to be subdued or counteracted, and as the Government + were unaccustomed to manly, straightforward dealing, they fell + back on their natural method of intrigue and the spreading of + reports that were likely to encourage and create prejudice + against their captive. It was imputed to them that while the + Congress was sitting at Aix-la-Chapelle they got up a scare of a + daring plot of escape. This was done at a time when the monarchs + were touched with a kind of sympathy for the man who had so often + spared them, and whom their cruelty was now putting to death.</p> + + <p>No wonder that this Ministry of little men were suspected of + tricks degrading and treacherous. <a name="Page_72" id= + "Page_72"></a>The recitals of their distorted versions of their + woes affected the public imagination like a dreary litany. Vast + communities of men were beginning to realise that a tragedy was + being engineered in the name of sanctity and humanity.</p> + + <p>Every agency composed of cunning, unscrupulous rascals was + enlisted to picture the Emperor as a hideous monster who should + not be allowed to enjoy the liberty so charitably given him, and + who, if he got his proper deserts, should be put in chains. He + was depicted as having a mania for roaming about the island with + a gun, shooting wild cats and anything else that came within + range. Madame Bertrand's pet kids, a bullock, and some goats were + reported to have fallen victims to this vicious maniac. Old + Montchenu and Lowe became alarmed lest he should kill some human + being by mistake; they perplexed their little minds as to the + form of indictment should such an event happen. Should it be + manslaughter or murder? This knotty question was submitted with + touching solemnity to the law officers of the Crown for decision, + and it may be assumed that even their sense of humour must have + been excited when they learned of the quandary of the Governor + and the French Commissioner. The shooting propensity set the + ingenious Lowe a-thinking, and in order to satisfy it he evolved + the idea of having rabbits let adrift, <a name="Page_73" id= + "Page_73"></a>but, as usual, another of his little comforting + considerations is abortive, and the plan has a tragic finish. + Shooting is off. The Emperor's hobby has changed to gardening. + The rabbits become an easy prey to the swarms of rats that prowl + about Longwood, and soon disappear.</p> + + <p>It is quite probable that Napoleon did have a fancy for + shooting, but it is well known he was never at any time a + sportsman in the sense of being a good shot—indeed, + everything points to his having no taste for what is ordinarily + known as sport, and that he ever shot kids, goats, or bullocks is + highly improbable. That he occasionally went shooting and got + good sport in killing the rats and other vermin which made + Longwood an insufferable habitation to live in is quite true. It + is also quite true that Lowe became demented with fear in case + the shooting should have sanguinary and far-reaching effects. + Hence the foregoing communication to the law officers.</p> + + <p>There is little doubt as to the use that was made of the + ludicrous inquiry by Lowe. It must have been handed over to the + army of loathsome libellers—men and women who were willing + to do the dirtiest of all work, that of writing and speaking lies + (some abominable in their character) of a defenceless man, in + order that their vindictiveness should be completely satisfied. + Vast sums <a name="Page_74" id="Page_74"></a>were annually + expended for no other purpose than to put their afflicted + prisoner through the torture of a living purgatory.</p> + + <p>Napoleon did not heed their silly stories of shooting + exploits, though he knew the underlying purpose of them. It was + the darker, sordid wickedness that was daily practised on him + that ate like a canker into mind and body until he was a + shattered wreck. It was the foul treatment of this great man that + caused Dr. Barry O'Meara to revolt and openly proclaim that the + captive of St. Helena was being put to death. As an honourable + man he declared he could behold it no longer without making a + spirited protest. He knew that this meant banishment, ostracism, + and persecution by the Government. He foresaw that powerful + agencies would be at work against him, and that no expense would + be spared in order that his statements should be refuted, but he + hazarded everything and defied the world. He came through the + ordeal, as all impartial judges will admit, with cleaner hands + and a cleaner tongue than those who challenged his accuracy.</p> + + <p>Make what deductions you may, distort and twist as you like + the unimportant trivialities, the main facts related by O'Meara + have never been really shaken. What is more, he is backed up by + Napoleon himself in Lowe's personal interviews <a name="Page_75" + id="Page_75"></a>with him, and more particularly by his letters + to the Governor—to say nothing of the substantial backing + he gets from Las Cases, Montholon, Marchand, and + Gourgaud—that shameless, jealous, lachrymose traitor to his + great benefactor.</p> + + <p>And then there is Santini, whose wish to kill the Governor was + not altogether without good reason, and who was deported from the + island for this and other infringements of the regulations. The + publication of his pamphlet, previously mentioned, created a + great sensation, and it sold like wildfire. It was said to be + fabrications, but it was not <i>all</i> fabrications. Montholon + reports that Napoleon criticised the work, and remarked that some + one must have assisted him. Well, so it was. The story was + related to Colonel Maceroni, an Italian, by Santini, and put into + readable form by him, but this does not detract from that which + is really true in it, and a good deal of what O'Meara contends is + confirmed therein.</p> + + <p>Then O'Meara's successor, Antommarchi, has even a worse story + to relate. These chronicles vary only in phrase and detail, and + even in these there is wonderful similarity. But when we come + down to the bedrock foundation of their complaints, <i>i.e.</i>, + the policy and treatment by Lowe and his myrmidons, incited by + the Home Government and their followers, each record bears the + stamp of <a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a>truth—the + indictment is the same though it may be related differently.</p> + + <p>Some writers have cast doubt on the authenticity of the St. + Helena chroniclers without having a peg to hang their contentions + on. The answer to all this is, that if never a line had been + written by these men, the State papers, cunningly devised and + crafty though most of them are, would have been ample evidence + from which to draw unfavourable conclusions. Indeed, without + State papers being brought into it at all, there is facing you + always the glaring fact of a determined assassination perpetrated + in the name of humanity, and if I felt any desire to be assured + of this, I would take as an authority William Forsyth's three + volumes written in defence of Sir Hudson Lowe. No author has so + completely failed to prove his case. Moreover, no valid reason + has ever been given, or ever can be, for doubting the veracity of + O'Meara and other gentlemen of Napoleon's suite who have written + their experiences of the St. Helena period.</p> + + <p>In the first place, those sceptical writers who deal with the + different books that have been published relative to this part of + Napoleon's history were not only not there to witness all that + went on, but some of them were not born for many years after + Napoleon and his contemporaries had passed on. So that it really + narrows itself down to this: the <a name="Page_77" id= + "Page_77"></a>knowledge the sceptics have attained is taken from + documents or books written for the most part by the very men who + they say are not to be relied on as giving a true version of all + that took place during their stay at St. Helena. It cannot be + disputed that these gentlemen were in daily and hourly contact + with England's prisoner, and, as they aver, jotted down + everything that passed in conversation or that transpired in + other ways between themselves and the Emperor, or anybody + else.</p> + + <p>The history of the St. Helena period, as written by authors + who were on the spot, is, in the present writer's opinion, + singularly free from exaggeration, let alone untruths. Besides, + what had any of them to gain by sending forth distorted + statements and untruthful history? No one knew better than they + that every line they wrote would be contested by those who had + relied on the rigid regulations suppressing all communications + except those which passed through the hands of Sir Hudson Lowe. + Certainly O'Meara cannot be accused of having ulterior motives, + nor can any of the others—not even Gourgaud, who acted + alternately traitor and devoted friend. Gourgaud alone seems to + have had a mania for sinning and repenting, writing down during + his childish fits of temper about his supposed wrongs on his + shirtcuffs, and not infrequently his finger-nails, some nasty + remark or some <a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a>slanderous + thoughts about the man whose amiable consideration for him was + notorious amongst the circle at Longwood, and even at Plantation + House. These scribblings were intended for precise entry in his + diary, and if the peevish temper lasted until he got at this + precious book, down they went in rancorous haste.</p> + + <p>Yet this hot-headed, jealous chronicler, guided by blind + passion and never by reason while these moods were on him, has + been held up as an authority that may be relied upon as to the + doings and sayings of Napoleon and his immediate followers at the + "Abode of Darkness." It is a well-known axiom that persons who + speak or write anything while jealousy or temper holds them in + its grip may not be counted as reliable people to follow, and + that is exactly what happened in Gourgaud's case. He was the + Peter of the band of disciples at St. Helena, and it may be + considered fairly reasonable to assume that those who have + written up the General as a sound historian have done so with a + view to backing up prejudices, big or small, against the + Emperor.</p> + + <p>But surely they have committed a very grave error in singling + out as their hero of veracity a man who, in his more normal and + charitable moods, pours out praise and pity for his Imperial + chief in astonishing profusion.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a>O'Meara's position was very + different from any of the other diarists or writers. He was well + aware that if he wrote an honest history it meant his complete + ruin, yet he faced it, and defied the world to controvert his + statements. "In face of the world," he says, "I challenge + investigation," and "investigation" was made with a vengeance + worthy of the Inquisition. If a word or a sentence could by any + possible means be made to appear faulty, a scream of denunciation + was sent forth from one end of Europe to the other, but the crime + had sunk too deeply into the hearts of an outraged public for + these ebullitions to have any real effect. There might be flaws + in diction and even matters of fact, but the sordid reality of + the documentary and verbal story that came to them was never + doubted. The big heart of the British nation was beginning to be + moved in sympathy towards the martyr long before his death, and + of course long before O'Meara's book appeared, though the + doctor's advent in Europe was made the occasion of a vigorous + exposure of the progress of the great assassination.</p> + + <p>A wave of public opinion was gathering force; the Government, + stupid and treacherous as they were, saw it rising, and renewed + their silly efforts to stem it by causing atrocious duplicity to + be instituted at home and on the martyr rock. Indeed, <a name= + "Page_80" id="Page_80"></a>nothing was beneath their dignity so + long as they succeeded in deceiving an agitated populace and + accomplishing their own evil ends.</p> + + <p>But notwithstanding the tactics and the deplorable use made of + the traitor Gourgaud, sympathetic feeling increases. Questions + are frequently asked in the House of Commons, to which evasive + answers are given, but reaction is so obviously gaining ground + that Lords Liverpool, Castlereagh, and the immortal Bathurst + become perturbed. They saw in the accession to power of Lord + Holland's party a complete exposure of their maladministration, + and a reversing of their policy (if it be not a libel to + distinguish it as a "policy"). They knew, too, that once the + public is fairly seized with the idea of a great wrong being + perpetrated, no Government, however strong numerically or in + personality, can withstand its opposition. Had the Emperor lived + but a little longer, the vindictive men who tormented him to + death would have been compelled to give way before not only + British, but European, indignation. Public opinion would have + enforced the Administration to deal out better treatment to their + captive, have demanded his removal from the island of sorrow, and + probably his freedom. The public may be capricious, but once it + makes up its mind to do anything no power on earth can stop it, + because it has a greater power behind it. Luckily, <a name= + "Page_81" id="Page_81"></a>or unluckily, for Bathurst & Co., + the spirit of the great captive had passed beyond the portal + before serious public action could be taken.</p> + + <p>Three years previous to this the Colonial Secretary in writing + to Lowe says:—"We must expect that the removal of Mr. + O'Meara will occasion a great sensation, and an attempt will be + made to give a bad impression on the subject. You had better let + the substance of my instructions be generally known as soon as + you have executed it, that it may not be represented that Mr. + O'Meara has been removed in consequence of any quarrel with you, + but in consequence of the information furnished by General + Gourgaud in England respecting his conduct."<a name= + "FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p> + + <p>In reading through these State letters, one is struck with the + diplomatically(?) cunning composition of them. There does not + seem to be a manly phrase from beginning to end. Trickery, + suspicion, cruelty, veiled or apparent, and an occasional dash of + pious consideration and bombast sums up these perfidious + documents. A few extracts will convey precisely the character of + the men who were carrying on negotiations which should have been + regarded as essentially delicate.</p> + + <p>In February, 1821, Bathurst writes to Lowe:—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"Sufficient time will have elapsed since the date of your + last<a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a> communications to + enable you to form a more accurate judgment with respect to the + extent and reality of General Bonaparte's indisposition. Should + your observations convince you that the illness has been + <i>assumed</i>, you will of course consider yourself at liberty + to withhold from him the communication which you are otherwise + authorised to make in my despatch No. 21," &c.</p> + </div> + + <p>On April 11, 1821, Lowe writes to Bathurst:—"The + enclosed extract of a letter from Count Montholon may merit, as + usual, your lordship's perusal." (This, of course, is intended as + wit.) "It may be regarded as a bulletin of General Bonaparte's + health, meant for circulation at Paris."</p> + + <p>Dr. Antommarchi, in writing to Signor Simeon Colonna on March + 17, 1821, after dilating on his master's health, the climate, + &c., bursts out in a paragraph: "Dear friend, the medical art + can do nothing against the influence of climate, and if the + English Government does not hasten to remove him from this + destructive atmosphere, His Majesty soon, with anguish I say it, + will pay the last tribute to the earth"; and in a postscript he + adds: "I offer the <i>undoubted facts</i> stated above, in + opposition to the gratuitous assertions in the English newspapers + relative to the good health which His Majesty is stated to enjoy + here."</p> + + <p><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a>On March 17, 1821, + Montholon writes to Princess Pauline Borghesi: "The Emperor + reckons upon your Highness to make his real situation known to + some English of influence. He dies without succour upon this + frightful rock; his agonies are frightful." At the time Napoleon + was suffering thus, letters were published in some of the + Ministerial newspapers purporting to have come from St. Helena + and representing him to be in perfect health.</p> + + <p>On May 6, 1821, Lowe writes to Bathurst announcing the death + of the Emperor. It is a long rigmarole not worth quoting, except + that he condescends to allow the body to be interred with the + honours due to a general officer of the highest rank. Then + follows the majestic reply of Bathurst. He says, "I am happy to + assure you that your conduct, as detailed in those despatches, + has received His Majesty's approbation"; which indicates that + Lowe did not feel quite happy himself as to how the effusions + would be regarded by his employers, now that the Emperor had + succumbed to their and his own wicked treatment. In his + despatches of February and April, 1821, he had mockingly referred + to Napoleon's indisposition as being faked, and in May he is + obliged to write himself as an unscrupulous liar, but + notwithstanding this, his action meets with the approval of the + chief of the <a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a>executioners, + which is very natural, seeing that this person was regarded as + one of the most prominent scoundrels in Europe. But Sir Hudson + Lowe craved for approbation, and was so mentally constituted that + he believed he deserved it by committing offences against God and + man.</p> + + <p>"Every good servant does not all commands, no bond but to do + just ones," but Lowe, in his anxiety to please his employers, + went to the furthest limits of injustice. How void of human + understanding and what Mrs. Carlyle called "that damned thing, + human kindness" this wretched man was!</p> + + <p>As will be hereafter shown, he had not long to wait after + Napoleon's death and the receipt of tokens of friendliness that + had been sent to him through the Colonial Secretary, before he + was made to feel that the Government was not disposed to carry + any part of his public unpopularity on its shoulders. He had done + his best or worst to make that portion of the earth on which he + lived miserable to those he might have made tolerably happy, + without infringing the loutish instructions of a notoriously + stupid Government. Instead of this he made himself so despised + that the Emperor, almost with his last breath, called all good + spirits to bear witness against him and his murderous + confederates.</p> + + <p>The great soldier had slipped his moorings on <a name= + "Page_85" id="Page_85"></a>May 6, 1821, and on the 7th or 8th, + after much ado with the Governor, a post-mortem examination was + held by Dr. François Antommarchi in the presence of Drs. + Short, Arnott, Burton, and Livingstone. Lowe was represented by + the Chief of Staff. The examination disclosed an ulcerous growth + and an unnaturally enlarged liver, which may be assumed as the + ultimate cause of death, though Antommarchi's report assuredly + points to the fatal nature of the climatic conditions.</p> + + <p>The French were anxious to have the body of their Emperor + embalmed, but Hudson Lowe insisted that his instructions forbade + this. Napoleon had commanded that his heart should be put in a + silver vase filled with spirits of wine and sent to Marie Louise. + When Sir Hudson Lowe heard that this was being done, he sent a + peremptory order forbidding it, stating that no part should be + preserved but the stomach, which would be sent to England. + Naturally such wanton disregard of the Emperor's wish was + violently resented by the French, and by the best of the English + who were there. A long and heated discussion seems to have ensued + on this question, which ended in the Governor having to give + way—not altogether—but he was compelled to a + compromise, viz., that the heart and stomach should be preserved + and put into the coffin.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86"></a>The Governor was then + confronted with what to him was another knotty point. The Emperor + had desired that a few gold coins struck during his reign should + be buried with him. After serious consideration this was + graciously allowed, but not without forebodings of trouble + arising therefrom! What the British Government or their idiotic + Governor wanted with Napoleon's stomach, or why they refused to + allow his body to be embalmed, or his heart preserved and sent to + his wife, Heaven only knows. They had monstrously violated all + human feeling by ignoring appeals made to them from all parts of + the world to be merciful to a much afflicted man. They were well + informed by the best medical authorities on the island that the + climate was deadly to a constitution such as his. They ignored + reports of his declining health even up to a few weeks of his + death, and then when the Arch-enemy claimed him, they flooded + Europe with the intelligence that he had succumbed to the malady + from which his father died, and that their tender and benevolent + care for him was unavailing. The progress of his inherited + disease could not be checked.</p> + + <p>The world is fast beginning to realise the infamy of it all. + Not a thought ever entered their heads but that of torture, + veiled or open, and the appalling clumsiness of their endeavours + to conceal their <a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a>Satanic + designs, so that they might appear in the light of beneficent + hosts, shows that they cowered at the possibility of public + vengeance. Happily for them, Napoleon's death came too near to + the terrific commotion caused by the French Revolution.</p> + + <p>Tumult raged round the Emperor during the whole of his public + career, and powerful agencies were constantly proclaiming against + him and his methods. His advent had brought with it a new form of + democracy, which cast down oligarchies and despotisms everywhere. + His system destroyed and affected too many interests not to leave + behind it feelings of revenge, but this revenge did not exist + among the common people. Those who persecuted the common people + felt his heavy hand upon them. The populace entered into his + service in shoals, only to betray him when the time of trial + came. He knew the risk he ran, but did not shrink from it. He + hoped that he might bring them to adopt the great principles he + held and the plan he had in view.</p> + + <p>His ambition was to seek out all those who had talent and + character and give them the opportunity of developing their gifts + for the benefit of the race. Humble origin had no deterrent + effect on him. His most brilliant officers and men of position + sprang from the middle and lower middle class, <a name="Page_88" + id="Page_88"></a>and taking them as a whole, their devotion never + gave way, even during the most terrible adversity that ever + befell mortal man. One small instance of admiration and sympathy + is evidenced by the beautiful reverence shown by the officers and + men of the English army and navy, who defiled before the dead + hero's remains and bent their knees to the ground.</p> + + <p>Montholon says that "some of the officers entreated to be + allowed the honour of pressing to their lips the cloak of Marengo + which covered the Emperor's feet." Lowe must have felt a pang of + remorse when he saw these simple men pouring out in their + sailorly and soldierly way tokens of profound sorrow. Everything + that could had been done to cause their captive to be regarded as + a menace to human safety, and to be forgotten altogether; but how + futile to attempt such a task while the world of civilisation is + swayed by human instinct and not by barbarity!</p> + + <p>The report of Napoleon's death did not relieve the anxieties + of the European Cabinets. They knew the danger of being + overwhelmed by a revulsion of feeling, and the difficulty of + stopping the masses once they are set in motion, and there were + strong manifestations of the popular indignation breaking loose, + with all the terrible consequences of a reign of terror. The + feeling of grief was <a name="Page_89" id="Page_89"></a>universal + and intense. A spark might have caused a great conflagration. + Lord Holland declared in Parliament that the very persons who + detested this great man had acknowledged that for ten centuries + there had not appeared upon earth a more extraordinary + character.... "All Europe," he added, "has worn mourning for the + hero"; and those who contributed to that great sacrifice are + destined to be the objects of the execrations of the present + generation as well as to those of posterity.</p> + + <p>Just at the time the great spirit of the hero was passing on + to the Elysian Fields, there, as he used to fancifully + foreshadow, to meet his brave comrades in arms who had preceded + him, a tempest of unusual severity broke over "the abode of + darkness and of crimes." Houses were shaken to their foundation; + the favourite willow-tree, where he had often sat and enjoyed the + fresh breezes, was torn up by the hurricane, as indeed were the + other trees round about Longwood. This terrible disturbance of + the elements was characteristically interpreted as being the + voice of the living God proclaiming to the world that the Emperor + was being thundered into eternity to meet his Creator, and to be + judged by Him for the wrongs his political and other opponents + said he was guilty of towards themselves and the human race + generally. In true British <a name="Page_90" id= + "Page_90"></a>orthodoxy, the Great Judge is always claimed as a + fellow-countryman, and Sir Walter Scott is not singular in + attributing this phenomenal disturbance as an indication of + coming vengeance against England's prisoner. The Scottish bard is + not altogether impartial in the send-off of the exile. He + associates another colossal personage with the great Corsican. + The Lord Protector, we are reminded, was similarly borne from + time into eternity on the wings of a devasting tornado. Poor + Oliver! whose war-cry was "The Lord of Hosts," and who never + doubted that he was the high commissioner sent by the Almighty to + clean the earth of mischievous Royalists, traitors, Papists, and + other ungovernable creatures in Ireland and elsewhere.</p> + + <p>It does not appear to have struck these gentlemen, with their + thoughts centred on Holy Writ and finding comfort in the support + it gave to their contention, that the Great God, instead of + making nature break out with such terrible violence to indicate + His displeasure against this wonderful man, made in His own image + and sent by Him to serve both a divine and a human purpose, was + using accumulated natural forces to show His wrath at the + culmination of the most atrocious tragedy that had ever been + perpetrated.</p> + + <p>The good Sir Walter and the unctuously pious <a name="Page_91" + id="Page_91"></a>biographer of Sir Hudson are obviously overcome + by the coincidence of the storm and Napoleon's death coming + simultaneously. To them it is the voice of God shouting forth + gladness that the enemy of the British race is being made to pay + the penalty of all the evil he has wrought. This is a very + comforting conclusion to arrive at after having kept your victim + on the rack for six years and made war on him for twenty, but did + it never occur to them that the greatest sacrifice ever offered + culminated in just such natural disturbances and that at the same + time "the veil of the temple was rent in twain"?</p> + + <p>Happily for the fair fame of human rights, many writers of + Napoleonic history have got over national prejudices and + timidity, and are chronicling very different views from those of + Sir Walter and the uninteresting defender of Lowe; and the more + impartial the minds who inquire into the first as well as the + last phase of this extraordinary career, the more will it appear + that he was not an enemy, but a powerful reforming agency of + mankind. He vowed over and over again that he "never conquered + unless in his own defence, and that Europe never ceased to make + war upon France and her principles." And again he asserted: "One + of my grand objects was to render education accessible to + everybody. I caused every institution <a name="Page_92" id= + "Page_92"></a>to be formed upon a plan which offered instruction + to the public, either gratis or at a rate so moderate, as not to + be beyond the means of the peasant. The museums were thrown open + to the <i>canaille</i>. My <i>canaille</i> would have become the + best educated in the world. All my exertions were directed to + illuminate the mass of the nation instead of brutifying them by + ignorance and superstition." These ideals are in striking + contrast to the policy of the oligarchy of Europe, who were + fighting to suppress knowledge and to re-establish the worst form + of superstition and despotism.</p> + + <p>It is a deplorable thought that the nations (and especially + Great Britain) who allied themselves against this man of the + people and sent him to an inhuman death might have saved + themselves the eternal condemnation of future ages had they made + their peace with him, as the sagacious Charles James Fox would + have done had he lived. Had they been wise, they would have made + use of his matchless gifts and well-balanced mind to help forward + the regeneration of the human chaos which was both the cause and + the result of the Revolution. Above all, had the "Liberty loving" + British nation been true to her declared principles, she would + either have kept aloof from the conflict that was raging or found + some honourable means of co-operating with him, and thereby + earned a <a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a>share of the glory + that will be eternally attached to his name in the great effort + of extinguishing thraldom and ameliorating the condition of the + masses.</p> + + <p>Instead of this, she basely linked her destiny with the + traitors of France and the allies of Europe to dethrone the + monarch elected by the French people, and to place in his stead a + king who was forced upon them by the Allies, and not the people + of France. This is a strange travesty of "Liberty loving" + government. Had the great Quaker been kept in power, instead of + Pitt, who was always in a chronic state of scare and whining that + he could never survive the downfall of his country, the rivers of + British blood that were shed and the eight hundred million pounds + sterling of debt need not have been squandered. All this was done + at the bidding of a few men who were entrusted with the + government of a great nation, and either by odious deception, or + sheer incapacity to judge of the fitness of things, caused it to + be believed that they were bound to maintain the balance of power + or <i>status quo</i> which was endangered, and that the one man + who had upset their nerves and incurred their hatred should be + removed at all costs.</p> + + <p>It is pretty certain that England could easily have kept out + of the continental embroil had the Government been composed of + men of talent and <a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a>free from + oligarchal prejudices, whereas all we got out of it, plus the + loss of life and treasure, was a share in the questionable glory + of Waterloo, the custody of the great figure who was betrayed by + some of his own subjects, "the odium of having his death + bequeathed to the reigning family of England," and the fact that + Louis XVIII., by his own admission to the French nation, was put + on the throne by our own precious Prince Regent.</p> + + <p>These are only a few of the results that should not make us + proud of that part of our history. But we have travelled far + since those days of vicious actions. Nothing approaching the + perfidy of it could happen in the present age. It is unthinkable + that either the sagacious, peaceloving, peacemaking monarch on + the throne or his Ministers and people would lend themselves to + committing the senseless blunders that disgraced our name at the + beginning of the nineteenth century. Even allowing that it was + inevitable we should wage war against the head of the French + nation, nothing can ever blot out the stain of having refused him + the asylum he asked for, after we had taken so large a share in + bringing about his downfall. He asked in the following letter to + the Prince Regent to be the guest of England, and England made + him its prisoner. Here is the document:—</p> + + <p>"<a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a>The sport of those + factions which divide my country and an object of hostility to + the greatest Powers of Europe, I have finished my political + career, and come, like Themistocles, to sit down by the hearth of + the English people. I place myself under the protection of their + laws, which I claim from your Royal Highness as the most + powerful, the most constant, and most generous of my enemies." + Had it been left to the English people instead of to the + Government and His Royal Highness, I do not think this dignified + appeal would have been altogether ignored, as Napoleon's quarrel + was not with the people.</p> + + <p>They knew that it was the oligarchy that feared and detested + him. It has been said that even His Royal Highness would have + granted hospitality, and it would have saved the nation over + which he ruled the blight of eternal execrations had he been + strong enough to stand against the blundering decision of a + revengeful Ministry.</p> + + <p>No impartial student of the part played by Napoleon during + twenty years of warfare will deny that the institutions he + founded, the laws that he made, and his mode of government + wherever established, were beneficent, and entirely aimed at the + adjustment of inequalities that had culminated in a great + national uprising. His dictatorship was wielded with a wholesome + discipline without <a name="Page_96" id= + "Page_96"></a>unnecessarily using the lash. He had no + cut-and-dried maxim of dealing with unruly people, but his awful + power made them feel that he distinguished between eternal + justice and tyranny. He knew, and he made everybody else know, + that under the circumstances too much liberty would be like + poison to some people. When he said, "No more of this," the + aggressors realised that the doctrine of fraternity as they + understood it must not be stretched further.</p> + + <p>Notwithstanding his methods of reproof and restraint, he was + idolised by the masses, even by those he led his armies against + and so often conquered. Even in our own country, where enmity + against him was assiduously nursed by the press and other + agencies, there was an important section who believed we were + putting our money on the wrong horse. This idea was not confined + to the poorer classes. Many of our best and wisest statesmen were + strongly opposed to this policy of hostility against him.</p> + + <p>He had starved in the streets of Paris, sold his precious + books and other belongings to provide the means of buying bread + to sustain himself and his much beloved brother Louis, who in + after years behaved to him with base ingratitude. He suffered + dreadful privations during the keen frosty nights, owing to the + want of fire, light, and <a name="Page_97" id= + "Page_97"></a>sometimes sufficient clothing. No wonder that he + thought of ending his woes by plunging into the Seine.</p> + + <p>But a glimmering of light came and lifted him out of a numbing + despair. He was made to see in his hour of trial that lassitude + must cease, and that he was meant for other things, and in order + to accomplish them he must be strong and audacious. Fate, + fortune, and a mysterious Providence found in him an indomitable + chief whose genius was intended to change the face of Europe. + Like all big men who spring from obscurity and the deadliness of + poverty, and are launched on the scene to create order out of + tumult and chaos, his enemies, in the nature of things, were both + numerous and prolific. At the outset he adopted the method he so + often thundered into his soldiers when on the eve of battle, + viz.: "You must not fear Death, my lads. Defy him, and you drive + him into the enemy's ranks."</p> + + <p>One of the charges made against him by serene critics who have + been desirous of showing his weak points is that he was too + careless and forgiving towards the squabbling nest of paid and + unpaid murderers who prowled about in disguise, thirsting after + his blood. It is certain that he carried clemency to a fault in + many instances, and this no doubt contributed to his undoing; but + at the same time there <a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a>is + ample proof that he knew well enough where his foes were to be + found, and whenever the dignity and safety of the State were + imperilled, he was not slow to punish. His habit was not + weakness, but only a too careless regard for his own personal + safety.</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Montholon, + "History of the Captivity of Napoleon," p. 326. The editor + says he is indebted for these details to the official + accounts published at the time by the French Government.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> This was + the name given to Napoleon by the Arabs. "Kebir" means + "great" (Montholon, vol. iv. p. 245).</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> These + words were dictated to Las Cases by Napoleon at St. Helena in + 1819 (p. 315, vol. iv., of his Journal).</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> See p. + 183, vol. i., "Captivity of Napoleon."</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> O'Meara, + in his second volume, p. 134, states: "The Emperor was so + firmly impressed with the idea that an attempt would be made + to forcibly intrude upon his privacy, that, from a short time + after the departure of Sir George Cockburn, he always kept + four or five loaded pistols and some swords in his + apartments, with which he was determined to despatch the + first who entered against his will."</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> See p. + 299, Montholon's "Captivity of Napoleon," vol. i.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> See p. + 301, vol. i., "Captivity of Napoleon."</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> See pp. + 57-62, bust incident.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> The + easygoing Joseph had been careless of the letters, which + would have further proved the infamy of the oligarchy. These + letters were in many cases applications for territory. He had + intrusted them to a base friend, by whom they were offered to + the various Governments for £30,000. The Russian + Ambassador is reported to have paid £10,000 to get hold + of those concerning his master. His Majesty of Prussia + appears to have had a covetous eye on Hanover. He always + entertained a paternal regard for that country. The + sovereigns in general seem to have compromised themselves + deeply in their efforts to secure territory.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> See + "Montholon," vol. iii p. 37.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> This is + an impudent lie. The quarrel was with Lowe because the doctor + refused to be his accomplice.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a><a name="Page_99" + id="Page_99"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + + <h3>THE MAN OF THE REVOLUTION—CRITICISM, CONTEMPORARY AND + OTHERWISE</h3> + + <p>On May 9, 1821, the mortal remains of the Exile were interred + at a spot called the Valley of Napoleon. He had selected this + spot in the event of the Powers not allowing his remains to be + transferred to France or Ajaccio. Lowe desired to put on the lid + of the coffin "Napoleon Bonaparte," but his followers very + properly disdained committing a breach of faith on the dead + Emperor, and insisted on having "Napoleon" and nothing else. The + Governor was stubbornly opposed to it, so he was buried without + any name being put on the coffin.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id= + "FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class= + "fnanchor">[12]</a></p> + + <p>Perhaps one of the most terrific passages of unconscious + humour is related by Forsyth (vol. iii. p. 288), where Lowe is + made to say to Major Gorrequer and Mr. Henry, as they walked + together <a name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a>before the door of + Plantation House discussing the character of Napoleon, "Well, + gentlemen, he was England's greatest enemy and mine too; but + <i>I</i> forgive him everything. On the death of a man like him + we should only feel deep concern and regret." Forsyth thinks this + splendid magnanimity on the part of his hero.</p> + + <p>It is not recorded what the gallant Major thought of it, but + it may be taken for granted that if Mr. Henry and Gorrequer had + any sense of humour at all, Lowe's comment must have sounded very + comical, knowing what they did of the relations between the dead + monarch and his custodian, though it must be said that Henry + seems to have been the only person who could work up a + sympathetic word for Sir Hudson. Forsyth, in vol. iii. p. 307, + says: "No one can study the character of Napoleon without being + struck by one prevailing feature, his intense selfishness." This + is a remarkable statement for any man who professes to write + accurate history to make, and proves conclusively that Forsyth + had not "studied" Napoleon's "character," or he would have found, + not only his closest friends, but some of his bitterest enemies + doing him the justice of stating the very opposite of what this + writer says of him.</p> + + <p>Mr. Henry, who took part in the dissection of <a name= + "Page_101" id="Page_101"></a>the corpse, says that Napoleon's + face had a remarkably placid expression, and indicated mildness + and sweetness of disposition, and those who gazed on the features + as they lay in the still repose of death could not help + exclaiming, "How beautiful!" After this very fine description + from Sir Hudson's friend, Forsyth adds a footnote: "It may + interest phrenologists to know that the organs of combativeness, + causativeness, and philoprogenitiveness were strongly developed + in the cranium"! In order to prove the charge of selfishness he + brings in the old familiar story of the divorce: "A memorable + example of this (<i>i.e.</i>, selfishness) occurs in his + treatment of the nobleminded Josephine."</p> + + <p>This outburst is obviously intended for effect, but Forsyth + does not score a success in bringing the amiable Empress to his + aid; for, whatever virtue she may have possessed, authentic + history reveals her as the antithesis of "nobleminded." Those who + knew the lady intimately speak with marked generosity of her + graces, but they also record a shameless habit of faithlessness + to her husband at a time when he was pouring out volumes of love + to her from Italy. And she seems to have let herself go without + restraint during his stay in Egypt. The wayward, weak Josephine + had many lovers, who were not too carefully selected.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102"></a>From the time of her + marriage with Napoleon until she heard of him being on his way + from Egypt to France, her love intrigues were well known, and her + lovers were certainly not men of high public repute. In short, + Josephine was anything but "nobleminded." She was a confirmed and + audacious flirt until the stern realities of the dissolution of + her marriage brought her to her senses, and from that time until + the great political divorce took place, she appears to have kept + free from further love entanglements. Napoleon's attachment to + her was very genuine, and remained steadfast up to the time of + her death, and even at St. Helena he always spoke of her with + great reverence. Forsyth does not enhance Lowe's reputation or + damage Napoleon's by the popular use he makes of the annulment of + the little Creole lady's marriage, the merits of which may be + referred to at greater length hereafter, as it is a subject of + itself and this reference to a momentous incident of her + husband's history is only by the way.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile the Emperor's remains, in layers of coffins composed + of wood, tin, and lead, were hermetically sealed, and the tomb, + having been securely battened down with cement and slab, was + substantially railed in to prevent the intrusion of a sympathetic + and curious public. His tomb was <a name="Page_103" id= + "Page_103"></a>left in charge of a British garrison, and the + heroes who followed him to his grave, and shared his martyrdom + and exile on that fatal rock for six mortal years, were shipped + aboard the <i>Camel</i> and conveyed to England, there to be + received by a set of mildew-witted bureaucrats smitten with + suspicion that the exiles may have brought with them the spirit + of their dead master, with the object of invoking a sanguinary + reaction in his favour by disturbing the peace of Europe—as + though Europe had experienced a single day of real peace since + the downfall of the Empire!</p> + + <p>These exemplary men had faced and borne with magnificent + fortitude hardships well-nigh beyond human endurance. Their + mission was to carry out the dying command of the hero whom they + adored, and who had succumbed to the hospitable treatment of + Bathurst, Castlereagh, Liverpool, and Wellington, and their + accomplices. These guilty men, whose names, strange to say, are + as undying as that of their victim, would fain have made it + appear that had he not died of cancer of the stomach, it were not + possible that he could have died of anything but robust health, + owing to the salubrity of the climate they had selected and the + unequalled care they had taken of his person through the immortal + Lowe.</p> + + <p>It is a remarkable thing that these men had no <a name= + "Page_104" id="Page_104"></a>conception of the great being they + were practising cruelty upon. It is indeed a strange freak of + nature that makes it possible that the human mind can think of + Napoleon and these bureaucrats at the same time, but that is part + of the mystery that cannot at the present stage be understood. + Time may reveal the phenomenon, and in the years to come the + spirits of the just will call aloud for a real vindication of the + character of the man of the French Revolution, and, forsooth, it + may be that a terrible retribution is gathering in the distance. + Who knows? Waterloo and St. Helena may yet be the nemesis of the + enemies of the great Emperor. Obviously, he had visions, as had + his compatriot Joan of Arc, who suffered even a crueller fate + than he at the hands of a few bloodthirsty English noblemen, who + disgraced the name of soldier by not only allowing her to be + burnt, but selling her to the parasitical Bishops with that + object in view. It is not strange that the Maid of Orleans, who + suffered martyrdom for the supernatural part she took in fighting + for her King and country, should, on April 18, 1909, become a + saint of the Roman Catholic Church throughout the world, nor that + the Pope should perform the ceremony. The English sold her. An + ecclesiastical court, headed by the infamous Bishop of Beauvais, + condemned her to be burnt <a name="Page_105" id="Page_105"></a>as + a witch, and when the flames were consuming her a cry of "Jesus" + was heard. An English soldier standing by was so overcome by the + awful wickedness that was being perpetrated by the Anglo-French + ecclesiastical alliance, that he called out, "We are lost! We + have burnt a saint!"</p> + + <p>The soldier saw at once that the child of the Domremy labourer + was a "saint," but it has taken five centuries for the Church to + which she belonged, and whose representatives burnt her as a + witch, to officially beatify her. True, this stage has been + gradually worked up to by the erection of monuments to her honour + and glory. Chinon distinguished itself by this, presumably + because it was there that Joan interviewed the then uncrowned + Charles, and startled him into taking her into his service by the + story she told of hearing the heavenly voices at Domremy farm + demanding that she should go forth as the liberator of + France.</p> + + <p>The recognition of Napoleon's claim, not to "sanctity," but as + a benefactor of mankind, will also surely come, but in his case + the demand will come from no Church, but with the irresistible + voice of all Humanity.</p> + + <p>Joan's country had been at war for one hundred years. Ravaged + by foreign invaders and depopulated by plague, it was foaming + with civil <a name="Page_106" id="Page_106"></a>strife and + treason to the national cause, many of the most powerful men and + women, both openly and in secret, taking sides with the enemy. + The crisis had reached a point when this modest, uneducated, + clear-witted, fearless maiden was launched by her "voices" to the + scene of battle, there to inspire hope and enthusiasm in the + hearts of her people. In a few weeks she had established + confidence, smashed the invader, and crowned the unworthy Charles + VII. as King. Twenty years after they had burnt her, there was + scarcely a foreign foot to be found on French soil.</p> + + <p>There is a further similarity between the peasant girl and + Napoleon. <i>She</i> was brought to the aid of her country by the + voices of the unseen, and four hundred years after, when her + country was again in dire trouble, <i>he</i> was found in + obscurity and in an almost supernatural way flashed into + prominent activity to save the Revolution. It was the voices of + the living, seen and unseen, that called aloud for the little + Corporal to lead to battle, conquer, and ultimately govern. It + was some of the self-same voices that intrigued and then burst + forth in declamation and demanded his abdication on the eve of + his first reverse. The Church, which owed its rehabilitation to + him after he had implanted a settled government in France, had no + small share in the conspiracy for his <a name="Page_107" id= + "Page_107"></a>overthrow. He said, "There is but one means of + getting good manners, and that is by establishing religion." He + believed it, and did it in spite of a storm of opposition that + would have hurled a less resolute man from power, but he knew + full well his strength, and was sure then, as he ever was, of his + opinions.</p> + + <p>The Church and those of the people who become allied to its + material policy are prone to destroy those who have been of + service to their cause. There is indeed no society of men and + women who are so vindictive, nay, revengeful, once they are + seized with the idea that they are being neglected, or their + interests not receiving all the patronage they think they + deserve, and then, after a few generations of reflection, they + become overwhelmed with unctuous sanctity and remorse, and + proceed to make saints of the victims of their progenitors in + order that the perfidy they are historically linked to shall be + whitewashed and atoned for.</p> + + <p>Napoleon believed that "No physical force ever dies; it merely + changes its form or direction"—and could we but get a + glimpse behind the veil, we might see his imperishable soul + fleeting from sphere to sphere, struggling with cruel reactionary + spirits who forced him into eternity before the work he was sent + to do was completed.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108"></a>Wieland, the German + writer, had an interview with him on the field of Jena. He + says:—"I was presented by the Duchess of Weimar. He paid me + some compliments in an affable tone, and looked steadfastly at + me. Few men have appeared to me to possess in the same degree the + art of reading at the first glance the thought of other men. He + saw in an instant that, notwithstanding my celebrity, I was + simple in my manners and void of pretension, and as he seemed + desirous of making a favourable impression on me, he assumed the + tone most likely to attain his end. I have never beheld anyone + more calm, more simple, more mild, or less ostentatious in + appearance; nothing about him indicated the feeling of power in a + great monarch; he spoke to me as an old acquaintance would speak + to an equal, and what was more extraordinary on his part, he + conversed with me exclusively for an hour and a half, to the + great surprise of the whole assembly."</p> + + <p>Then Wieland goes on to relate what the conversation was. + Napoleon "preferred the Romans to the Greeks. The eternal + squabbles of their petty republics were not calculated to give + birth to anything grand, whereas the Romans were always occupied + with great things, and it was owing to this they raised up the + Colossus which bestrode the world.... He was fond only of serious + poetry, <a name="Page_109" id="Page_109"></a>the pathetic and + vigorous writers, and above all, the tragic poets."</p> + + <p>Wieland had been put so much at his ease (so he says) that he + ventured to ask how it was that the public worship Napoleon had + restored in France was not more philosophical and in harmony with + the spirit of the times. "My dear Wieland," was the reply, + "religion is not meant for philosophers! they have no faith + either in me or my priests. As to those who do believe, it would + be difficult to give them, or to leave them, too much of the + marvellous. If I had to frame a religion for philosophers, it + would be just the reverse of that of the credulous part of + mankind."<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id= + "FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class= + "fnanchor">[13]</a></p> + + <p>Müller, the Swiss historian's private interview with him + at this period is quite remarkable, and shows what a vast + knowledge and conception of things the Emperor had. Nothing shows + more clearly his own plan of regulating and guiding the affairs + of the universe for the benefit of all. He tells Müller that + he should complete his history of Switzerland, that even the more + recent times had their interest. Then he switched from the Swiss + to the old Greek constitutions and history; to the theory of + constitutions; to the complete diversity of those in Asia, and + the causes of this diversity in the climate, polygamy, the + opposite <a name="Page_110" id="Page_110"></a>characters of the + Arabian and the Tartar races, the peculiar value of European + culture, and the progress of Freedom since the sixteenth century; + how everything was linked together, and in the inscrutable + guidance of an invisible hand; how he himself had become great + through his enemies; the great Confederation of Nations, the idea + of which Henri IV. had; the foundation of all religion and its + necessity; that man could not bear clear truth and required to be + kept in order; admitting the possibility, however, of a more + happy condition, if the numerous feuds ceased which were + occasioned by too complicated Constitutions (such as the German) + and the intolerable burden suffered by States from excessive + armies.</p> + + <p>These opinions clearly mark the guiding motives of Napoleon's + attempts to enforce upon different nations uniformity of the + institutions and customs. "I opposed him occasionally," says + Müller, "and he entered into discussion. Quite impartially + and truly, as before God, I must say that the variety of his + knowledge, the acuteness of his observations, the solidity of his + understanding (not dazzling wit), his grand and comprehensive + views, filled me with astonishment, and his manner of speaking to + me with love for him. By his genius and his disinterested + goodness, he has also conquered me."<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id= + "FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class= + "fnanchor">[14]</a> <a name="Page_111" id="Page_111"></a>The + remarkable testimony of Wieland and Müller, both men of + distinction, is of more than ordinary value, seeing that they + were not his countrymen, but on the side of those who waged war + against him. Müller admits that he conquered him, and the + world must admit that he is gradually, but surely, conquering it + in spite of the colossal libels that have been spoken and written + of him for the ostensible purpose of vindicating the Puritans and + making him appear as the Spoliator and Antichrist whose thirst + for blood, so that he might attain glory, was an inexhaustible + craze in him. To them he is the Ogre that staggers the power of + belief, and yet he defies the whole world to prove that he ever + declared war or committed a single crime during the whole + carnival of warfare that drenched Europe in human blood.</p> + + <p>Up to the present, the world has lamentably failed to do + anything of the sort. His opponents, libellers, and progeny of + his mean executioners, are all losing ground, and he is gaining + everywhere. There is an unseen hand at work revealing the awful + truth. This dignified, calm, unassuming man, while surrounded by + a crowd of Kings and Princes, who were competing with each other + to do him homage and show their devotion, startles them by + telling a story of when he was "<a name="Page_112" id= + "Page_112"></a>a simple Lieutenant in the 2nd Company of + Artillery." Possibly some of his guests were observed to be + putting on airs that were always distasteful to the Emperor, and + this was his scornful way of rebuking them. Or it might be that + he wished to take the opportunity of informing Europe that he had + no desire to conceal his humble beginning, though at that time he + was recognised first man in it. Historians, when he was at the + height of his power, ransacked musty archives assiduously to find + out and prove that he had royal blood in him. They professed to + have discovered that he was connected with the princely family of + Treviso, and the comical way in which he contemptuously brushed + aside this fulsome flattery must have lacerated the pride of + courtiers who sought favours by such methods.</p> + + <p>Bearing on the royal blood idea, Gourgaud in his Journal + relates that the Emperor told him the following + stories:—</p> + + <p>"At one time in my reign there was a disposition to make out + that I was descended from the Man in the Iron Mask. The Governor + of Pignerol was named Bompars. They said he had married his + daughter to his mysterious prisoner, the brother of Louis XIV., + and had sent the pair to Corsica under the name of 'Bonaparte,'" + and then with fine humour he adds:—"I had only <a name= + "Page_113" id="Page_113"></a>to say the word and everybody would + have believed the fable."</p> + + <p>He never forgot that he was Napoleon, hence never said the + word.</p> + + <p>His insincere father-in-law has been industriously searching + for royal blood too, and this is what his son-in-law says of + him:—</p> + + <p>"When I was about to marry Marie Louise, her father the + Emperor sent me a box of papers intended to prove that I was + descended from the Dukes of Florence. I burst out laughing, and + said to Metternich, 'Do you suppose I am going to waste my time + over such foolishness? Suppose it were true, what good would it + do me? The Dukes of Florence were inferior in rank to the + Emperors of Germany. I will not place myself beneath my + father-in-law. I think that as I am, I am as good as he. My + nobility dates from Monte Notte. Return him these papers.' + Metternich was very much amused."</p> + + <p>Francis of Austria must have felt confounded at the rebuke of + his unceremonious relative, who was always the man of stern + reality—too big to be dazzled by mouldy records of kingly + blood. Neither did pomp or ceremony attract him, except in so far + as it might serve the purpose of making an impression on others. + Bourrienne, a shameless predatory traitor, has said in his + <a name="Page_114" id="Page_114"></a>memoirs that when the seat + of government was removed from the Luxembourg to the Tuileries, + the First Consul said to him, "You are very lucky; you are not + obliged to make a spectacle of yourself. I have to go about with + a cortège; it bores me, but it appeals to the eye of the + people."</p> + + <p>Roederer in <i>his</i> memoirs relates pretty much the same + thing, only that it bears on the question of title, and + presumably the researches for confirmation of his royal + descent.</p> + + <p>Here again, his strong practical view of things, and his utter + indifference to grandeur or genealogical distinction, are shown. + He says: "How can anyone pretend that empty names, titles given + for the sake of a political system, can change in the smallest + degree one's relations with one's friends and associates? I am + called Sire, or Imperial Majesty, without anyone in my household + believing or thinking that I am a different man in consequence. + All those titles form part of a <i>system</i>, and therefore they + are necessary." He always ends his ebullitions of convincing + wisdom by making it clear precisely where he stands.</p> + + <p>The writer might quote pages of eulogies of him from the most + eminent men of every nationality. There is no trustworthy + evidence that he ever sought the flattery that was lavished + <a name="Page_115" id="Page_115"></a>on him; indeed, he seems to + have been alternately in the mood for ignoring or making fun of + it. On one occasion he writes to King Joseph, "I have never + sought the applause of Parisians; I am not an operatic + monarch."<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id= + "FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class= + "fnanchor">[15]</a></p> + + <p>Seguier says:—</p> + + <p>"Napoleon is above human history. He belongs to heroic periods + and is beyond admiration."<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id= + "FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class= + "fnanchor">[16]</a></p> + + <p>A notable Englishman, Lord Acton, says (like Müller) that + "his goodness was the most splendid that has appeared on earth." + And there are innumerable instances which prove that his + sympathies and goodness to those who were notoriously undeserving + was a fatal passion with him. But there is no opinion, blunt + though it be, that so completely touches one as that of the plain + English sailors who said at Elba that "Boney was a + d——d good fellow after all." "They may talk about + this man as they like," said one of the crew of the + <i>Northumberland</i>, "but I won't believe the bad they say of + him," and <i>this</i> view seems to have been generally held by + the men who composed the crew of the vessel that took the Emperor + to St. Helena. It is noteworthy that English man-of-war's-men, + and also merchant seamen of these stirring times, <a name= + "Page_116" id="Page_116"></a>should have formed so favourable an + impression of Napoleon, especially as the Press of England teemed + with hostility against him. Articles attributing every form of + indescribable bestiality, corruption, gross cruelty to his + soldiers, subordinate officers, and even Marshals, appeared with + shameful regularity. In these articles were included the most + absurd as well as the most serious charges.</p> + + <p>I include the following story as a specimen, and take it in + particular as being quoted quite seriously by certain + anti-Napoleonic writers in the endeavour to bolster up a feeble + case. Prejudice and distorted vision prevented them from seeing + the absurdity of such attempts to blacken the character of + Napoleon. Let the reader judge!</p> + + <p>It is related that, at the time of the Concordat, Napoleon + remarked to Senator Volney, "France wants a religion." Volney's + courageous (!) reply was, "France wants the Bourbons," and the + Emperor is thereupon supposed to have been attacked by a fit of + ungovernable fury, and to have kicked the Senator in the + stomach!</p> + + <p>The more serious charges included incest with his sister + Pauline and his stepdaughter Hortense, and the poisoning of his + plague-stricken soldiers at Jaffa.</p> + + <p>His palaces were said to be harems, and his libertinism to put + Oriental potentates to the blush. <a name="Page_117" id= + "Page_117"></a>So industrious were these foes to human fairness + that they manufactured a silly story just before the rupture of + the Treaty of Amiens, to the effect that Napoleon had made a + violent attack on Lord Whitworth, the British Ambassador. So + violent was he in his gestures, the Ambassador feared lest the + First Consul would strike him. Even Oscar Browning is obliged to + refute this unworthy fabrication as being absurd on the face of + it, but it has taken ninety years to produce the authentic + document from the British Archives which disproves the scandal. + Napoleon was too much absorbed in things that mattered to take + notice of the stupid though virulent stories that were constantly + being concocted against him. When he was appealed to by his + friends to have the libels suitably dealt with, he merely + shrugged his shoulders, as was his custom, and said, "All this + rubbish will be answered, if not in my time, by posterity. It + pleases the chatterers and scandalmongers, and I haven't time to + be perturbed, or to meddle with it."</p> + + <p>It ill became the subjects of George IV. to attack Napoleon on + the side of morality. It is well enough known that the French + Court during the Empire was the purest in Europe. In his domestic + arrangements, the one thing that Napoleon was jealous of, above + all others, was <a name="Page_118" id="Page_118"></a>that + <i>his</i> Court should have the reputation of being clean. He + took infinite pains to assure himself of this. His private + amorous connections are fully described by F. Masson, a + Frenchman, and a staunch admirer of his. But to accuse him of + libertinism is an outrage. He had mistresses, it is true, and it + is said he would never have agreed to the divorce of Josephine + had it not been that Madame Walewska (a Polish lady) had a son by + him. (This son held high office under Napoleon III.) But even in + the matter of mistresses he was most careful that it should not + be known outside a very few personal friends. As a matter of high + policy it was kept from the eye of the general public, and he + gives very good reasons for doing so. Not merely that it would + have brought him into serious conflict with Josephine, but he + knew that in order to maintain a high standard of public + authority food for scandal must be kept well in hand.<a name= + "FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></p> + + <p>His enemies, however, were adepts at invention, and although + the moral code of that period was at its lowest ebb, they pumped + up a standard of celibacy for the French Emperor that would have + put the obligation under which any of his priests were bound in + the shade. So shocked <a name="Page_119" id="Page_119"></a>were + they at the breaches of orthodoxy which were written and + circulated by themselves without any foundation to go upon, that + they advocated excommunication, assassination, anything to rid + the world of so corrupt a monster. But the moral dodge fell flat. + It was not exactly in keeping with the unconventionalities of the + times, and, in fact, they had carried their other accusations and + grievances to so malevolent a pitch, the straightforward and + rugged tars aboard the <i>Bellerophon</i> and + <i>Northumberland</i> were drawn in touching sympathy towards the + man who had thrown himself into their hands in the fervent belief + that he would be received as a guest and not as a prisoner of + war.</p> + + <p>We know that he had other means of escape had he chosen to + avail himself of them. He had resolved after his abdication to + live the time that was left to him in retirement, and believing + in the generosity of the British nation, he threw himself on + their hospitality. He had made his way through a network of + blockade when he returned from Egypt and Elba, and looking at the + facts as they are now before us, it is preposterous to adhere to + the boastful platitude that he was so hemmed in that he had no + option but to ask Captain Maitland to receive him as the guest of + England aboard the <i>Bellerophon</i>, <a name="Page_120" id= + "Page_120"></a>and it may be taken for granted that the + resourceful sailors knew that he had many channels of escape. + They knew the <i>Bellerophon</i> was a slow old tub, and that she + would be nowhere in a chase.</p> + + <p>Besides, it was not necessary for Napoleon to make Rochefort + or Rochelle his starting-point. The troops and seamen at these + and the neighbouring ports were all devoted to him, and would + have risked everything to save him from capture. He knew all + this, but he was possessed of an innate belief in the chivalry of + the British character, and left out of account the class of men + that were in power. He knew them to be his inveterate foes, but + was deceived in believing they had hearts. Their foremost soldier + had taken an active share in his defeat, and he acknowledged it + by putting himself under the protection of our laws. The honest + English seamen who were his shipmates on both ships were not long + in forming a strong liking to him, and a dislike to the treatment + he was receiving. They felt there was something wrong, though all + they could say about it was that "he was a d——d good + fellow."</p> + + <p>Lord Keith was so afraid of his fascinating personality after + his visit to the <i>Bellerophon</i> that he said, + "D——n the fellow! if he had obtained <a name= + "Page_121" id="Page_121"></a>an interview with His Royal + Highness, in half an hour they would have been the best friends + in England." In truth, Lord Keith lost a fine opportunity of + saving British hospitality from the blight of eternal execration + by evading the lawyer who came to Plymouth to serve a writ of + Habeas Corpus to claim the Emperor's person, and the pity is that + an honoured name should have been associated with a mission so + crimeful and an occasion so full of illimitable consequences to + England's boasted generosity. Except that he too well carried out + his imperious instructions, Lord Keith does not come well out of + the beginning of the great tragedy. The only piece of real + delicacy shown by Lord Keith to the Emperor was in allowing him + to retain his arms, and snubbing a secretary who reminded him + that the instructions were that <i>all</i> should be disarmed. + This zealous person was told to mind his own business.</p> + + <p>Napoleon asks the Admiral if there is any tribunal to which he + can apply to determine the legality of him being sent to St. + Helena, as he protested that he was the guest and not the + prisoner of the British nation; and Keith, with an air of + condescending benevolence, assures him that he is satisfied there + is every disposition on the part of the Government to render his + situation <a name="Page_122" id="Page_122"></a>as comfortable as + prudence would permit. No wonder Napoleon's reply was animated, + and his soul full of dignified resentment at the perfidy that was + about to be administered to him under the guise of + beneficence.</p> + + <p>Scott describes the interview with Keith as "a remarkable + scene." He says: "His (Napoleon's) manner was perfectly calm and + collected, his voice equal and firm, his tones very pleasing, the + action of the head was dignified, and the countenance remarkably + soft and placid, without any marks of severity." That is a good + testimony from the author of the "Waverley Novels," who was + anything but an impartial biographer. Not even the novelist's + most ardent admirers (and the writer is one of them) can give him + credit for excessive partiality towards the hero who was the + first soldier, statesman, and ruler of the age, who not only knew + the art of conquering men as no other (not even Alexander) had + ever known it, but had the greater quality of knowing how to + conquer and govern himself under conditions that were unexampled + in the history of man.</p> + + <p>I say again, that apart from the violence of the treatment of + the Powers towards him (and they all had a shameful share in it), + it was a fatal blunder to send this great mind to perish on a + rock when, by adopting a more humane policy, <a name="Page_123" + id="Page_123"></a>his incomparable genius might have been used to + carry out the reforms he had set his mind on after his return + from Elba. The tumult which surrounded his career had changed; he + saw with a clear vision the dawn of a new era, and at once + proclaimed to Benjamin Constant and to the French nation his + great scheme of renewing the heart of things. He knew it would + take time, and he foresaw also that a combination of forces was + putting forth supreme efforts to destroy him. They were out for + blood, and <i>he</i> was in too great a hurry.</p> + + <p>In one of his day-dreams at St. Helena he exclaimed, "Ah! if I + could have governed France for forty years I would have made her + the most splendid empire that ever existed!"</p> + + <p>His demand on fortune was too great, and notwithstanding the + knowledge he had of human nature, he could not check the torrent + of treason that had been sedulously nursed against him by his + enemies until it ignited the imagination of those whom he had a + right to expect would stand loyally by him in an hour of + tribulation such as no other man had ever experienced.</p> + + <p>It is true that he made history (brilliant history if you + like) in those latter days, but oh! the anguish and the baseness + of it all.</p> + + <p>Cæsar made history too; neither did <i>this</i> ruler + <a name="Page_124" id="Page_124"></a>succeed altogether. Brutus, + his friend, forsook and dispatched him, and possibly that was the + most enviable finish to a great career. Did Napoleon fare better + than his prototype, inasmuch as he was not the victim of the + assassin's dagger? Intoxicated with the spirit of charity, his + conquerors decreed that he should be deported to a secluded place + of abode on a barren and unhealthy rock, there to be maintained + at a cost to the nation of £12,000 a year, and succumb as + quickly as possible like a good Christian gentleman.</p> + + <p>The presumption of Lord Keith in observing to Napoleon that it + was preferable for him to be sent to St. Helena than to be + confined in a smaller space in England or sent to France or + Russia, and the Emperor's supposed reply—"Russia! God + preserve me from it!"—is almost unbelievable, and in the + light of what he constantly asserted while England's captive, + this expression may be regarded as a fabrication.</p> + + <p>Whether it was an innate belief that Alexander of Russia was + his friend, or the fact that Francis of Austria was his + father-in-law, he certainly avowed—according to the St. + Helena chroniclers—that if he had surrendered to either of + them he would have been treated, not only with kindness, but with + a proper regard as befitted a monarch who had governed + eighty-three millions of people, <a name="Page_125" id= + "Page_125"></a>or more than the half of Europe. But even if he + were merely soliloquising, or wished to convince himself and + those he expressed this opinion to, it is hard to think that any + of the continental Powers would have risked the certain + consequences of having him either shot or ill-treated, and it is + extremely doubtful whether even in France there could have been + found a soldier that would have obeyed an order to shoot his + former Emperor, who had been requisitioned to return from Elba, + and who so recently, with only six hundred soldiers, made war + against Louis with his two hundred thousand and defeated and + dethroned him.</p> + + <p>Nothing so magnificent has ever been known. This great man had + complete hold of the imagination and devotion of his common + people and soldiers. Even in the hour of defeat their loyalty was + amazing.</p> + + <p>Various instances are given of this deep-rooted loyalty and + affection. Some of his Imperial Guards who were wounded at + Waterloo killed themselves on hearing that he had lost the + battle, and many, who had been thought to be dead, when brought + to consciousness shouted "Vive l'Empereur." The hospitals were + full of dying men who uttered the same cry. One was having his + leg amputated, and as he looked at the blood streaming from it, + said that he would willingly give it all in the <a name= + "Page_126" id="Page_126"></a>service of Napoleon. Another, who + was having a ball extracted from his left side near the heart, + shouted, "Probe an inch deeper and there you will find the + Emperor."</p> + + <p>The story of the old woman whom he and Duroc met during the + second campaign in Italy, and while climbing Mont Tarare, is a + striking illustration of how he was regarded by the poorer + classes. She hated the Bourbons and wanted to see the First + Consul. Napoleon answered, "Bah! tyrant for tyrant—they are + just the same thing." "No, no!" she replied; "Louis XVI. was the + king of the nobles, Bonaparte is the king of the people." This + idea of the old woman was the universal feeling of her class + right through his reign. No writer has been able to give proof + that it was withdrawn, even when he was overwhelmed with disaster + which drained his empire of vast masses of its population. No + cruel inhuman despot could magnetise with an enduring fascination + multitudes of men and women as he did. It was not his + incomparable genius, nor his matchless military successes in + battle. He was loved because he was lovable, and was trusted + because he inspired belief in his high motives of amelioration of + all down-trodden people. He ruled with a stern but kindly + discipline, and put a heavy hand on those who had despotic + tendencies.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127"></a>The Duchess of + Abrantès, who smarted under some severe comments he had + made about her husband (Junot), the Duke of Abrantès, + while at St. Helena, has been generous enough to say many kind + things of him in her memoirs. One of her references to him is to + this effect:—"All I know of him" (and she knew him well + from childhood) "proves that he possessed a great soul which + quickly forgets and forgives." She is very fond of repeating in + her memoirs that Napoleon proposed marriage to her mother, Madame + Permon, who was herself a Corsican and knew the Bonaparte family + well.</p> + + <p>Madame Junot relates another story which is characteristic of + Bonaparte. Such was the enthusiasm of the people on his march + towards Paris after landing from Elba, that when he was holding a + review of the National Guard at Grenoble, the people shouldered + him, and a young girl with a laurel branch in her hand approached + him reciting some verses. "What can I do for you, my pretty + girl?" said the Emperor. The girl blushed, then lifting her eyes + to him replied, "I have nothing to ask of your Majesty; but you + would render me very happy by embracing me." Napoleon kissed her, + and turning his head to either side, said aloud, with a + fascinating smile, "I embrace in you all the ladies of + Grenoble."</p> + + <p><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128"></a>That Napoleon made + mistakes no one will dispute; indeed, he saw clearly, and + admitted freely, in his solitude, that he had made many. His + minor fault (if it be right to characterise it as such) was in + extending clemency to the many rascals that were plotting his + ruin and carrying on a system of peculation that was an + abhorrence to him. Talleyrand, Fouché, and Bourrienne + frequently came under his displeasure and were removed from his + service, but were taken back after his wrath had passed.</p> + + <p>Miot de Melito speaks of them as "Bourrienne and other + subordinate scoundrels," and, indeed, Miot de Melito does not + exaggerate in his estimate of them. Fouché says that + Bourrienne kept him advised of all Napoleon's movements for + 25,000 francs per month, besides being both partner and patron in + the house of Coulon Brothers, cavalry equipment providers, who + failed for £120,000.</p> + + <p>In 1805, Bourrienne was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary at + Hamburg, and during his stay there he made £290,000 by + delivering permits and making what is known as "arbitrary + stoppages," and besides betraying Bonaparte to the Bourbons, this + vile traitor wrote to Talleyrand, a few days after the abdication + at Fontainebleau: "I always desired the return of that excellent + Prince, Louis XVIII., and his august family." But these things + are <a name="Page_129" id="Page_129"></a>mere shadows of the + incomparable villainy of this thievish human jackdaw.</p> + + <p>His memoirs are said to have been written by an impecunious + and mediocre penman called Villemarest, who also wrote + "Mémoires de Constant" (the Emperor's valet), and both + books have been very extensively read and believed. Men have got + up terrific lectures from them, authors have quoted from them + whenever they desired an authority to prove that which they + wished themselves and their readers to believe of trumped-up + stories of Napoleon's despotism and evildoings. Certainly, + Bourrienne is the last and most unreliable of all the chroniclers + that may be quoted when writing a history of the Emperor. Neither + his character nor any of his personal qualities imbues the + impartial reader with confidence in either his criticisms or + historical statements.</p> + + <p>Men like Fouché, Talleyrand, and Bourrienne, and + political women like Madame de Remusat and Madame de Staël, + all of whom were brought under the Emperor's displeasure by their + zealous aptitude in one way and another for intrigue, disloyalty, + and, so far as the men are concerned, glaring dishonesty in money + matters, have assiduously chronicled their own virtues and + declaimed against Napoleon's incalculable vices, and this course + was no doubt chosen in order to avert the public gaze from too + close a <a name="Page_130" id="Page_130"></a>scrutiny into their + own perfidy. Their plan is not an unusual one under such + circumstances; rascals never scruple to multiply offences more + wicked than those already committed in order to prove that they + are acting from a pure sense of public morality and historical + truth. If the object of their attack be a benefactor, and one who + has been obliged to rebuke or dismiss them for misdeeds, great or + small, then they assail him with unqualified hostility.</p> + + <p>This unquestionably was the penalty paid by Napoleon for + extending clemency to men who, if they had been in the service of + any other monarch in Europe, would have been shut up in a + fortress, or shot, the moment their perfidies had been + discovered. The pity is that so much of this declamatory stuff + has been so willingly believed and made use of in order to defame + the name of a sovereign whose besetting fault was in relaxing + just punishment bestowed on those who, he could never altogether + forget, were his companions in other days.</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> + Montholon wished to have the following simple inscription: + "Napoléon, né à Ajaccio, le 15 + Août, 1769, mort à St. Helena, le 5 Mai, + 1821."</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Horne's + "History of Napoleon," vol. ii.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Horne's + "History of Napoleon," vol. ii.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> + "Correspondence of Napoleon I."</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> + Ibid.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> Madame + Walewska bore him two children. This caused him to develop + the idea of having an heir.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a><a name="Page_131" + id="Page_131"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + + <h3>THREE GENERATIONS: MADAME LA MÈRE, MARIE LOUISE, AND + THE KING OF ROME</h3> + + <p>It seems as though Hell had been let loose on this great man + and his family. The crowned heads of Europe and the plutocrats + stopped at nothing in order that they might make his ruin + complete. They dare not run the risk of putting him to death + outright, but they engineered, by means of willing tools, a plan + that was unheard-of in its atrocious character. They poured + stories of unfaithfulness into the ears of a faithless woman + whose name will go down to posterity as an ignoble wife and + callous mother. She took with her into Austria the King of Rome, + a beautiful child who was put under the care of Austrian tutors. + He was watched as though he held the destinies of empires in the + hollow of his hand. His father's name was not allowed to fall on + his youthful ears, and more than one tutor was dismissed because + he secretly told him something of his father's fame. Treated as a + prisoner, spied <a name="Page_132" id="Page_132"></a>upon by + Metternich's satellites, not allowed to have any visitors without + this immortal Chancellor's permission, not allowed to communicate + with his father's family or with Frenchmen, this pathetic figure, + stuffed with Austrian views, is seized with a growing desire to + learn the history of his father, who declared in a letter to his + brother Joseph in 1814 that he would rather see his son strangled + than see him brought up in Vienna as an Austrian prince.<a name= + "FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a></p> + + <p>Prince Napoleon in his excellent book—"Napoleon and His + Detractors"—refers to the young Prince playing a game of + billiards with Marmont and Don Miguel, the former having been one + of his father's most important generals. He it was who betrayed + him, and now he is become the Duke's confidant and instructor. + The Prince says that his cousin asked to be told about the deeds + that his father had done, his fall, and exile. There does not + appear to be any record in existence as to what Marmont conveyed + or withheld from the son of Marie Louise, but there is much + evidence to show that the young man was not only an eager student + of his father's career, but fully realised his own importance and + influence on European politics.</p> + + <p>It has been stated that until 1830 he really knew nothing of + passing events in the land <a name="Page_133" id= + "Page_133"></a>of his birth. Obenaus, his tutor, states in his + diary, January 18, 1825: "During the afternoon walk, the + political relations of the Prince to the Imperial family and to + the rest of the world were discussed." Count Neipperg advised him + to study the French language, and his reply was: "This advice has + not fallen on an unfruitful or an ungrateful soil. Every + imaginable motive inspires me with the desire to perfect myself + in, and to overcome the difficulties of, a language which at the + present moment forms the most essential part of my studies. It is + the language in which my father gave the word of command in all + his battles, in which his name was covered with glory, and in + which he has left us unparalleled memoirs of the art of war; + while to the last he expressed the wish that I should never + repudiate the nation into which I was born."<a name= + "FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> He further adds, "The + <i>chief</i> aim of my life must be not to remain unworthy of my + father's fame."</p> + + <p>His grandfather, the Emperor Francis—who was reputed to + be quite devoted to him—said, "I wish that the Duke should + revere the memory of his father." "Do not suppress the truth," + says he to Metternich (the disloyal friend of Napoleon). "Teach + him above all to honour his father's <a name="Page_134" id= + "Page_134"></a>memory." The Chancellor replies, "I will speak to + the Duke about his father as I should wish myself to be spoken of + to my own son." What irony! Whatever attempts were made at any + time to depreciate the Emperor, his son's loyalty to him never + flinched. He regarded his father in the light of a hero whose + glorious traditions were unequalled by any warrior or ruler of + men. He drank in every particle of information he could discover + about his father's life, and was by no means ignorant of what + would be his own great destiny should he be permitted to + live.</p> + + <p>A strong party in France longed to have the son of their + Emperor on the throne of France. A section of the Poles clamoured + to have him proclaimed King of Poland after the Polish + revolution, and the Greeks claimed him as their future King. All + existing records dealing with the Prince's view concerning his + position indicate quite clearly that he never under-estimated his + importance. He was fully alive to and appreciated the growing + devotion to himself, his cause, and to the great name he bore. We + learn from Marshal Marmont that the Prince received him with + marked cordiality when the Emperor Francis gave him permission to + relate to him his father's history. Marmont, like all traitors, + never neglected to put forth his popularity with the Emperor + <a name="Page_135" id="Page_135"></a>Napoleon. This is a habit + with people who do great injury to their friends. They always + make it appear that the injured person is afflicted with growing + love for them—they never realise how much they are loathed + and mistrusted.</p> + + <p>The Prince at first received him with suspicion, then he + tolerated him coldly, and it was not until Marmont fascinated him + with stories of the genius and unparalleled greatness of his + father's history that the young man subdued his prejudices and + encouraged the Marshal in his visits to his apartments, in order + that he might learn all that Marmont could tell him of his + father's qualities and accomplishments. The young Napoleon caused + the General to marvel at the quick intelligence he displayed in + the pointed comments made on his father's career. In recognition + of his services Marmont was presented with a portrait of the + Prince.<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p> + + <p>His cousin, Prince Napoleon, son of King Jerome, in his book + "Napoleon and His Detractors," obviously desires to convey the + impression that all questions, important or unimportant, relating + to the Emperor, were studiously kept from his son, and until he + arrived at a certain age there can be little doubt that undue and + unnatural precautions were taken to prevent the Emperor's + <a name="Page_136" id="Page_136"></a>name being spoken, but the + means used for this purpose must have proved abortive, as + everything points to him having been well informed. He appears to + have had an instinctive knowledge that nullified the precautions + of the Court of Vienna, and especially its culpable Chancellor, + Metternich, whose clumsy and heartless treatment is so apparent + to all students of history. Probably this is the policy that + prevailed up to 1830 which Prince Napoleon complains of. Be that + as it may, we are persuaded that the Duke was not only well + informed, but took a keen interest in the events of his own and + of his father's life, long before the advent of Marmont as his + tutor. For instance, on one occasion his friend, Count Prokesch, + dined with his grandfather in 1830, and at table the Prince was + afforded great pleasure in having the opportunity of conversing + with this distinguished man. The young Duke knew that Prokesch + had broken a lance in 1818 in defence of his father, and he + eagerly availed himself of the chance of saying some very + complimentary things to the Count. He informs him that he has + "known him a long while, and loved him because he defended his + father's honour at a time when all the world vied with each other + to slander his name"; and then he continues: "I have read your + 'Battle of Water<a name="Page_137" id="Page_137"></a>loo,' and in + order to impress every line of it on my memory I translated it + twice in French and Italian."<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id= + "FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class= + "fnanchor">[21]</a> Obviously this young man was neither a dunce + nor indolent when his father's fame and his own interests were in + question.</p> + + <p>One of the most remarkable features of this pathetic young + life is the intense interest his mother's husband began to take + in him, and he probably owed a great deal to the fact that Count + Neipperg urged him to make himself familiar with the glory of the + Empire and his father's deeds. Strange though it may appear, the + son of the Great Napoleon and the morganatic husband of his + mother were attached to each other in the most intimate way. If + he perceived the immoral relations between Neipperg and Marie + Louise, the Duke never seems to have divulged it; but taking into + account the passionate love and devotion he had for his father's + memory, it is barely likely that he knew either of the amorous + connection or marriage having taken place between the Count and + his mother, otherwise he would have had something to say about + it, not only to Neipperg himself, but certainly to his friends + Prokesch, Baron Obenaus, and Count Dietrichstein, and very + naturally his grandfather. It may be that the circumstances of + his life made him <a name="Page_138" id="Page_138"></a>cautious, + and even cunning, in keeping to himself an affair that was + generally approved by the most interested parties, but it is + hardly likely that the spirit of natural feeling had been so far + crushed out of him as to forbid his openly resenting a further + monstrous wrong being done to his Imperial father.</p> + + <p>The young Prince was the centre of great political interest, + and the object of ungrudging sympathy and devotion of a large + public in Europe, and especially in France, and had his life been + preserved a few more years he would, in spite of obstacles and + prejudices, have been put on the throne of the land of his + birth.</p> + + <p>Metternich, the inveterate trickster, does not appear to have + had any serious thought of encouraging the project of making the + Duke Emperor of the French. His subtle game was to use him as a + terror to Louis Philippe when that monarch became refractory or + showed signs of covetousness.</p> + + <p>The Prince carried himself high above sordid party methods. He + was proud of being heir to a throne that his father had made + immortal and he was determined not to soil it. If it was to be + reclaimed, all obstacles must be removed ere he would lend his + countenance to it. There must be a clear, uninterrupted passage. + Thirty-four million souls, it was claimed, were anxious for his + <a name="Page_139" id="Page_139"></a>restoration to France. + Amongst the leaders were to be found some of his father's old + companions in arms and in exile, amongst whom none were more + enthusiastic than the loyal and devoted Count Montholon, + Bertrand, the petulant and penitent Gourgaud, and Savary, Duke of + Rovigo. These were joined to thousands of other brave men who + would have considered it an honour to shed their last drop of + blood for the cause, and in memory of him whom they had loved so + well. The two first-named were executors to his father's will, in + which Napoleon enjoins his son not to attempt to avenge his death + but to profit by it. He reminds him that things have changed. He + was obliged to daunt Europe by his arms, but now the way is to + convince her. His son is urged not to mount the throne by the aid + of foreign influence, and he is charged to deserve the + approbation of posterity. He is reminded that "MERIT may be + pardoned, but not intrigue," and that he is to "propagate in all + uncivilised and barbarous countries the benefits of Christianity + and civilisation. Religious ideas have more influence than + certain narrow-minded philosophers are willing to believe. They + are capable of rendering great services to humanity."</p> + + <p>These are only a few of the excellent thoughts transmitted to + the young man from the tragic <a name="Page_140" id= + "Page_140"></a>rock whose memories will ever defame the name of + those who combined to commit a crime unequalled in political + history.</p> + + <p>It is none the less a phenomenon that this "abode of + darkness," so monstrous in the history of its perfidy, should be + illumined by the great figure that stamped its fame for evermore + with his personality.</p> + + <p>One of the last and finest works of genius he did there was to + draw up a constitution for his son. It is doubtful whether + Montholon ever succeeded in conveying it to the Prince, who + passed on before the legitimate call to put it into practice + came.</p> + + <p>The Powers that made holy war for the last time on the great + soldier with 900,000 men against his 128,000 arrogated the right + to outlaw and brand him as the disturber of public peace. I have + already said this was their ostensible plea, but the real reason + was his determination to exterminate feudalism and establish + democratic institutions as soon as he could bring the different + factions into harmony. He failed, but the colossal cost of his + failure in men and money is unthinkable. His subjugation left + Great Britain alone with a debt, as already stated, of eight + hundred millions, and then there was no peace.</p> + + <p>The constitution intended for his son could have <a name= + "Page_141" id="Page_141"></a>been very beneficially applied to + some of the nations represented at the Congress of + Aix-la-Chapelle by the allied sovereigns who declared him an + outlaw, and spent their time in allocating slices of other + people's territory to each other. The only nation that came badly + out of the Congress was Great Britain.</p> + + <p>This terrible despot, who was beloved by the common people and + hated by the oligarchy, left behind him a constitution that might + well be adopted by the most democratic countries.</p> + + <p>The first article—composed of six words: "The + sovereignty dwells in the nation"—stamps the purpose of it + with real democracy. It might do no harm to embody some of its + clauses into our own constitution at the present time. We very + tardily adopted some of its laws long after his death, and we + might go on copying to our advantage. He was a real progressor, + but his team was difficult to guide. Had he been conciliated and + allowed to remain at peace, he would have democratised the whole + of Europe, but the fear of that, or the legitimacy idea, was + undoubtedly the great underlying cause of much of the trouble. + The mistrust and animus against the father was reflected upon the + son, who was practically a State prisoner.</p> + + <p>During childhood the Prince was strong and <a name="Page_142" + id="Page_142"></a>healthy, and his robust physique caused + favourable comment. It was not until 1819 that his health became + affected by an attack of spotted fever. This passed away in a few + weeks, but the decline of his health, which was attributed to his + rapid growth, dates from that period. He died prematurely on July + 22, 1832, at Schönbrunn, and the accounts which may be + relied upon indicate either wilfully careless or incompetent + medical treatment. It is even asserted that this heir to the + throne of France, ushered in twenty-one years before as the + herald of Peace, was to be regarded as a source of infinite + danger, and for that barbaric reason his health was allowed to be + slowly and surely undermined until death took him from the + restraining influences and crimeful policy of the Courts of + Europe. Great efforts have been made to convince a sceptical + public that his early death was the result of youthful + indiscretions, but this is stoutly denied by Prokesch, who + declares that he was a strictly moral youth, and Baron Obenaus, + in his diary, justifies this opinion, if there was nothing else + to support it. Moreover the same Anton, Count Prokesch was asked + by Napoleon III. to tell him the truth as to the alleged love + affairs, and he averred that the rumours were without + foundation.</p> + + <p>The King of Rome died at Schönbrunn in the <a name= + "Page_143" id="Page_143"></a>same room that his father had + occupied in 1809. In Paris a report was put about that he had + been poisoned by the Court of Vienna. This opinion has been + handed down, and there are many persons to-day who have a firm + belief in its possibility.</p> + + <p>Another common rumour, current in 1842, was that Metternich + sent a poisoned lemon by Prokesch, which had done its work, and + even this highly improbable story is not without reason believed, + because Metternich was known to be the most heartless cunning + Judas in politics at that time. He had betrayed the father of the + Prince while he was declaring the most loyal friendship. He + admits this, nay, even boasts of it, in his memoirs, and his + shameful conduct has its reward by having won for him the stigma + of wishing for, and hastening on, the death of an unfortunate + young man for whom ordinary manliness should have claimed + compassion. This moral assassin of father and son declared that + he had "used all the means in his power to second the hand of + God" by trapping Napoleon into the clutches of the combined + moralists of Europe. The Usurper was to be ruined, then peace + proclaimed for evermore. That was their pretence, though it could + not have been their conviction. If it was, they were soon + disillusioned.</p> + + <p>I made a long journey in company with a Danish <a name= + "Page_144" id="Page_144"></a>statesman a few years ago, and + amongst other things that we conversed about was the reign and + fall of Napoleon. This gentleman held up his hands and said to + me, "Oh! what a blunder the criminal affair was. Had the Powers + beheld the mission of this man aright, what a blessing it would + have been to the world!"—and there is not much difficulty + in supporting the view of this Danish gentleman. The more one + probes into the history of the period, the more vivid the blunder + appears.</p> + + <p>Metternich has the distinction of being eulogised by M. Taine, + who was neither fair nor accurate, and there is not much glory in + being championed by a man whose book is made up of libels. + Metternich may here be dismissed as being only one of many whose + highest ambition was to destroy the man whom the French nation + had made their monarch. Their aim was accomplished, but the + spirit that evolved from the wreck of the Revolution still lives + on, and may rise again to be avenged for the great crime that was + committed.</p> + + <p>Whether the gifted and amiable son of the Emperor Napoleon was + despatched by the cruellest of all assassinations or came by his + premature death by neglect, or by natural and constitutional + causes, is a matter that may never be cleared up, though the + actions of the high commissioners in the nauseous drama cause + lingering doubts to prevail as <a name="Page_145" id= + "Page_145"></a>to their innocence. It is certain that several + determined attempts were made to take the Prince's life, and + large sums were offered to desperadoes to carry out this + murderous deed. Then the Court of Vienna were in constant fear of + his abduction. His invitations to come to France were + perpetual.</p> + + <p>A lady cousin—the Countess Napoleone Camerata, daughter + of Elisa Bacciochi, a sister of the Emperor, easily obtained a + passport from the Pope's Secretary of State, and coquetted so + successfully with the Austrian Ambassador, that he gave it a + double guarantee of good faith by signing it. This impetuous and + eccentric female made her way uninterruptedly to Vienna, found + her cousin on the doorstep, made a rush for him and seized his + hand, then shouted, "Who can prevent my kissing my sovereign's + hand?" She also found means to convey letters to him. There is + not much said about this Napoleonic dash, but from the records + that are available the incident set the heroes—comprising + the allied Courts (including France)—into a flutter of + excitement. The fuss created by the enterprise of the pretty + little Countess gives a lurid insight into the wave of comic + derangement which must have taken possession of men's minds.</p> + + <p>This lady received a pension during the Third Empire, and in + eighteen years it mounted to over <a name="Page_146" id= + "Page_146"></a>six million francs. She died in Brittany, 1869, + and left her fortune to the Prince Imperial.</p> + + <p>That there was a determined and well-conceived plot to carry + the Duke off is undoubted, but the counter-plots prevailed + against the more ardent Bonapartists who were thirsting for a + resurrection of the glorious Empire. Prince Louis Napoleon, the + eldest son of King Louis, disagreed with the idea of his family. + He looked upon the Emperor's son as being an Austrian Prince, + imbued with Austrian methods and policy, and therefore dangerous + to the best interests of France. This Prince went so far as to + hail with pleasure the crowning of Louis Philippe. He died in + 1831. In the following year his Imperial cousin passed on too, + and his demise was a great blow to the Bonapartists' cause, and + it well-nigh killed the aged Madame Mère, who had centred + all her hopes in him. Marie Louise announced his death, to his + grandmother and asks her to "accept on this sorrowful occasion + the assurance of the kindly feeling entertained for her by her + affectionate daughter," and here is the cold, dignified, crushing + reply from Madame Mère. It is dictated, and dated Rome, + August 6, 1832:—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + <p>"Madame, notwithstanding the political shortsightedness + which has constantly deprived me of all news of the dear child + whose death you <a name="Page_147" id="Page_147"></a>have been + so considerate to announce to me, I have never ceased to + entertain towards him the devotion of a mother. In him I still + found an object of some consolation, but to my great age, and + to my incessant and painful infirmities, God has seen fit to + add this blow as fresh proof of His mercy, since I firmly + believe that He will amply atone to him in His glory for the + glory of this world.</p> + + <p>"Accept my thanks, madame, for having put yourself to this + trouble in such sorrowful circumstances to alleviate the + bitterness of my grief. Be sure that it will remain with me all + my life. My condition precludes me from even signing this + letter, and I must therefore crave your permission to delegate + the task to my brother."</p> + </div> + + <p>Never a word about the lady's relationship to her son or to + herself. Her reply is studiously formal, but every expression of + it betokens grief and thoughts of the great martyr whom the woman + she was writing to had wronged. There is not a syllable of + <i>open</i> reproach, though there runs through it a polite, + withering indictment that must assuredly have cut deeply into the + callous nature of this notorious Austrian Archduchess who had + played her son so falsely.</p> + + <p>This wonderful mother of a wonderful family seems to have been + the least suspected of political <a name="Page_148" id= + "Page_148"></a>plotting of all the Bonapartists. She was + respected by all, and revered and beloved by many. Crowned heads + were not indifferent to her strength and nobility of character, + but the stupid old King who succeeded her son to the throne of + France got it into his head that she was harbouring agents in + Corsica to excite rebellion, and he thereupon had a complaint + lodged against her. Pius VII., who knew Madame Mère, sent + his secretary to see her about this supposed intrigue. She + listened to what the representative of the Pope had to say, and + then with stern dignity began her reply:—</p> + + <p>"Monseigneur, I do not possess the millions with which they + credit me, but let M. de Blacas tell his master Louis XVIII. that + if I did, I should not employ them to foment troubles in Corsica, + or to gain adherents for my son in France, since he already has + enough; I should use them to fit out a fleet to liberate him from + St. Helena, where the most infamous perfidy is holding him + captive."</p> + + <p>Then she bowed reverently and left the room.</p> + + <p>This was indeed a slashing rebuff both to Pius VII. and the + "Most Christian King."</p> + + <p>Another very good story is told of this extraordinary old lady + by H. Noel Williams. It appears she persisted after the fall of + the Empire in using the Imperial arms on her carriage.</p> + + <p>"<a name="Page_149" id="Page_149"></a>Why should I discontinue + this symbol?" she asked. "Europe bowed to the dust before my + son's arms for ten years, and her sovereigns have not forgotten + it."</p> + + <p>On one occasion she was out driving when a block occurred. Two + Austrian officers, who were riding past, boldly looked into the + carriage. Madame Mère, observing the Austrian uniform, to + which she had an aversion, was excited to indignation, so letting + down the window she exclaimed to them, "What, gentlemen, is your + pleasure? If it is to see the mother of the Emperor Napoleon, + here she is!" The officers were naturally crestfallen. They + respectfully saluted and rode off. These stinging shots of hers + were quite disturbing; they always went home, and reached too far + for the comfort of her son's persecutors.</p> + + <p>Her letter to the allied sovereigns who met at Aix-la-Chapelle + is one of the most trenchant indictments that has ever been + penned. Its logic, its brave, though courteous, appeal for + justice and magnanimity, and above all the echo of motherly love + which characterises it, stamp it as a document worth cherishing. + The last paragraph will fascinate the imagination of generations + yet to come, and heavy judgment will be laid on those that were + committing the crime.</p> + + <p>"<a name="Page_150" id="Page_150"></a>Reasons of State," she + says, "have their limits, and <i>posterity</i>, which <i>forgets + nothing</i>, admires above everything the generosity of + conquerors."</p> + + <p>The allied sovereigns were afraid to answer the letter. Better + for their reputations if they had obviated the necessity of + writing it. The testimony of Pius VII. is that she was "a + God-fearing woman who deserved to be honoured by every prince in + Christendom."</p> + + <p>A great joy came to Madame Mère in 1830, when they told + her that the Government had decided to replace the statue of + Napoleon on the Vendome Column. She went into ecstasies over + this, but bewailed her lameness (she had broken her thigh that + year) and total blindness, which would forever prevent her + beholding the statue. She turned away from these painful + reflections and comforted herself with a few words of sad humour, + remarking that if she could have been in Paris as in former days, + God would have given her strength to climb to the top of the + column to assure herself that it was there. She refused to + separate her lot from that of her children, and would not accept + the proposal that the sentence of banishment should be repealed + unless it included all her family. This remarkable woman died + February 2, 1836, aged eighty-five, and Napoleon III. had the + remains of his grandmother and Cardinal Fesch removed to <a name= + "Page_151" id="Page_151"></a>Ajaccio in 1851. Six years later the + remains were again removed and deposited in a vault constructed + to receive them in a church which was built subsequent to the + first interment at Ajaccio.</p> + + <p>Pity and strange it is that the Emperor's faithless second + wife should be noticed at all in history. Happily, very few even + of those historians who are anti-Napoleon have anything very + complimentary to say of her. She survived her son the King of + Rome fifteen years, and the earth claimed her in December, 1847, + her age being fifty-six. Had this amiable adulteress, who wished + success to the allied armies against her husband, lived a little + longer, she would have witnessed the humiliating spectacle of her + father's successor being forced to abdicate his throne in favour + of the nephew of her Imperial husband, whose memory all noble + hearts revere, and whose sufferings, domestic and public, will + ever lie at the door of this woman who allowed herself to be the + base accomplice of a great assassination. The most fitting + reference to her death appeared in the <i>Times</i> newspaper, + which said that "nothing in her life became her like the leaving + it." On April 15, 1821, in the third paragraph of his will, + Napoleon, with consistent magnanimity, if not wilful indifference + to this passive, icy female's abandonment of him, says: "I have + always had reason to be pleased with <a name="Page_152" id= + "Page_152"></a>my dearest Marie Louise. I retain for her, to my + last moment, the most tender sentiments. I beseech her to watch, + in order to preserve my son from the snares which yet environ his + infancy." What irony!</p> + + <p>It is quite a reasonable proposition to suppose that Napoleon + must have had a secret suspicion of his wife's infidelity. It is + even hard to believe that he had not a full knowledge of her + actual association with Count Neipperg. It will be observed that + while his reference to her is dutiful, not to say tender, there + is still something lacking, as though he kept something snugly in + the back of his head, something like the following:—"I + cannot make this historical document without alluding to you for + my son's sake, though I know full well you have wronged me and + consorted with my enemies and betrayers. I know all this, but I + am about to pass on, and true to my instincts of compassion and + to my Imperial dignity, I must carry my sorrow and grief with me, + and having given you as good a testimonial as I can, I must leave + you to settle accounts with posterity as to your conduct towards + me and your adopted country. I shall not do by you as you have + done. I hope full allowance will be made for all you have made me + suffer. Meanwhile, I am about to relieve the digestion of Kings + by passing to the Elysian Fields, <a name="Page_153" id= + "Page_153"></a>there to be greeted by Kleber, Desaix, + Bessières, Duroc, Ney, Murat, Masséna, and + Berthier, and we shall talk of the deeds we have done together. + Yes, Marie Louise, I bend under the terrible yoke your father, + his Chancellor, and the allied satellites have made for me, and + yet I keep these incomparable warriors of Europe in a state of + alarm. I wish you joy of your allies, who have behaved so nobly + to your husband in captivity. I have often thought in my + solitude, Louise, that it would have been a more popular national + union had I carried out my intention of taking for my second wife + a Frenchwoman. It may be that my marriage with you, consummated + by every token of peace and goodwill, was really the beginning of + my downfall. Ah! how much more noble of you to have followed me + in my adversity to Elba. You might have done great service to + France and to your native land, to say nothing of the possibility + of breaking up the coalition against me and saving rivers of + blood. Waterloo might never have been fought had you emulated + your matchless sister-in-law, Catherine of Westphalia, in her + attitude of supreme womanhood, and your fame might have surpassed + that of Joan of Arc, and been handed down to distant ages as an + example of heroic firmness and devotion, and then you would have + been beatified by the Church and acclaimed a saint by the people + <a name="Page_154" id="Page_154"></a>to which you belong. You + shared with me the unequalled grandeur of the most powerful + throne on earth. I was devoted to you and you betrayed me. Your + father insisted that you should break your marriage vow and found + in you a willing accomplice in the outrage committed against me. + You had shared my throne, and I had reason to expect that every + human instinct would call you to my side in my exile, and the + thought that burns into my soul is that in the infamy of years, + posterity will not be reproached for averting its eye from you as + well as from that heartless father who requested you to forsake + me. Catherine of Westphalia did better. She defied her father, + and clung more closely to her husband when he needed all the + succour of a sympathetic being to comfort him in his hour of dire + misfortune. These gloomy thoughts are forced upon me by every law + of nature, and now that I have but a brief time left, I am + impelled to bequeath to you in the third paragraph of my last + will and testament some tender remembrance of you. I do this + notwithstanding that you, Marie Louise, Empress of the French, + prayed to God that He would bless the arms of the enemies of the + land of your adoption. And then that letter which I sent you from + Grenoble in a nutshell on my way from Elba to Paris to reclaim + the throne which treason had deprived me <a name="Page_155" id= + "Page_155"></a>of. I requested you to come to me with my son the + King of Rome. You ignored that, as you did other communications + which I sent, and which I am assured you received. I make no + public accusation against you. <i>That</i> would be undignified + and unkingly."</p> + + <p>In spite of his apparent unaltered affection for his wife, + Napoleon reflectively made occasional remarks during his exile + which indicated that her conduct was much in his mind; and the + foregoing portrayal of his sentiments towards her may be regarded + as a human probability. The remarkable thing is that he should + have made any reference at all to this erotic woman in his will. + It puzzled his companions in exile, who knew well enough that she + was the cause of much mental anguish to him. It afflicted him so + keenly on two notable occasions that he drew pathetically a + comparison between her conduct and that which would have been + Josephine's under similar circumstances. It is an astonishing + characteristic in Napoleon that he always forgave those who had + injured him most.</p> + + <p>In order to emphasise the spirit of forgiveness, he specially + refers to a matter that must have taken a lot of forgiving. In + the sixth paragraph of his will he says: "The two unfortunate + results of the invasions of France, when she had still so + <a name="Page_156" id="Page_156"></a>many resources, are to be + attributed to the treason of Marmont, Augereau, Talleyrand, and + La Fayette. I forgive them—may the posterity of France + forgive them as I do." Then in the seventh paragraph he pardons + his brother Louis for the libel he published in 1820, although, + as he states, "It is replete with false assertions and falsified + documents." He heaps coals of fire on Marie Louise by requesting + Marchand to preserve some of his hair and to cause a bracelet to + be made of it with a little gold clasp. It is highly probable + that the wife of Count Neipperg would rather not have been + reminded of her amorous habits and other culpable conduct by + these little attentions.</p> + + <p>Neipperg, this foul and willing instrument of seduction, whose + baseness insults every moral law, suffered great agony for three + years from an incurable disease, and died in December, 1828, aged + fifty-seven years. The Kings and regicides in their ferocious + fear had made it an important part of their policy that Marie + Louise should be the pivot on which the complete ruin of Napoleon + should centre, so Neipperg was fixed upon as a fit and proper + person to mould the ex-Empress into passive obedience to the + wishes of her husband's inveterate enemies. Meneval notes that + this man had already amours to his credit. He had indeed run away + with another man's wife, and had issue by her. <a name="Page_157" + id="Page_157"></a>Probably his amorous reputation influenced the + oligarchy in their choice.</p> + + <p>In order that the plan might be carried out, he adroitly + improvised falsehood, poured into her ears stories of + faithlessness on the part of her Imperial husband, read books and + pamphlets manufactured and exactly suited for the purpose he had + in view. His instructions were to carry things as far he could + get them to go, and he did this with revolting success.</p> + + <p>God's broad earth has not known a more ugly incident than that + of carrying personal hatred and political cowardice to such a + pitch of delirium as that of forcing a weak woman to forsake her + husband, sacrifice the interests of her child, and tempt her to + break her marriage vow in order that her husband's ruin might be + more completely assured. As a matter of high policy its + wickedness will never be excelled.</p> + + <p>At the death of her morganatic husband Marie Louise became + "inconsolable." She gave orders for a "costly mausoleum to be put + up so that her grief might be durably established." In reply to a + letter of condolence written to her by the eminent Italian, Dr. + Aglietti, in which he seems to have made some courteous and + consoling observations, she says "that all the efforts of art + were powerless, for it is impossible to fight against the + <a name="Page_158" id="Page_158"></a><i>Divine Will</i>. You are + very right in saying that time and religion can alone diminish + the bitterness of such a loss. Alas! the former, far from + exercising its power over me, only daily increases my grief." + This "amiable," grief-stricken royal sham, overcharged with + expressions of religious fervour, succumbs again to her natural + instincts. "Time," she avers, "cannot console," but only + increases the depth of her grief for "our dear departed."</p> + + <p>Her sentiments would be consummately impressive were it not + that we know how wholly deceitful she was without in the least + knowing it. But the creeping horror of time is quickly softened + by her marriage in 1833 to a Frenchman called De Bombelles, who + was in the service of her native land, and is said to have had + English blood in his veins. In spite of the loyal effort of + Meneval to make her ironic procession through life appear as + favourable as he can, the only true impression that can be + arrived at is that she was without shame, self-control, or + pity.</p> + + <p>A strange sympathiser of Napoleon in his dire distress was a + daughter of Maria Theresa and a sister of Marie + Antoinette—Queen Marie Caroline, grandmother to Marie + Louise. She had regarded the Emperor of the French with peculiar + aversion, but when his power was broken and he became the victim + of persecution, this <a name="Page_159" id="Page_159"></a>good + woman forgot her prejudices, sent for Meneval, and said to him + that she had had cause to regard Napoleon at one time as an + enemy, but now that he was in trouble she forgot the past. She + declared that if it was still the determination of the Court of + Vienna to sever the bonds of unity between man and wife in order + that the Emperor might be deprived of consolation, it was her + granddaughter's duty to assume disguise, tie sheets together, + lower herself from the window, and bolt.</p> + + <p>There is little doubt the dexterous and spirited old lady gave + Louise sound advice, and had she acted under her holy influence, + her name would have become a monument of noblemindedness, a + lesson, in fact, against striking a vicious, cowardly blow at the + unfortunate. It is moreover highly probable that Queen Caroline + felt, at the time, that the political marriage of her + granddaughter to the French Emperor was ill-assorted and tragic, + but the deed having been done, she upheld the divine law of + marriage. Besides, she knew that Napoleon had been an indulgent, + kind husband to the uneven-minded girl, and that, whatever his + faults may have been, it was her duty to comfort him and share in + his sorrow as she had so amply shared in his glory. Hence she + urges a reunion with the exile, but the ex-Empress may have + <a name="Page_160" id="Page_160"></a>made it impossible ere this + to enjoy the consoling sweets of conjugal companionship, and her + subsequent conduct makes it more than likely that she was too + deeply compromised to abandon the vortex and face the penalty of + the errors she had committed.</p> + + <p>"I could listen," says Napoleon, "to the intelligence of the + death of my wife, my son, or of all my family, without a change + of feature—not the slightest emotion or alteration of + countenance would be visible. But when alone in my chamber, + <i>then</i> I suffer. Then the feelings of the man burst + forth."</p> + + <p>We are not accustomed to think of this strong personality as + being overcome with soft emotions. We have regarded him as the + personification of strength, and yet with all his gigantic power + over men and himself, he had a real womanly supply of human + tenderness. Once he was seen weeping before the portrait of his + much beloved son, whom he called "Mon pauvre petit chou." "I do + not blush to admit," said he on a memorable occasion, "that I + have a good deal of a mother's tenderness. I could never count on + the faithfulness of a father who did not love his children."</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> + "Correspondance de Napoléon," vol. 128, p. 133.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> Quoted + from De Wertheimer's "Duke of Reichstadt," p. 330.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> See + "Memoirs."</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> See + "Memoirs."</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a><a name="Page_161" + id="Page_161"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + + <h3>THE OLIGARCHY, THEIR AGENTS AND APOLOGISTS</h3> + + <p>It would be an easy task to enlarge on the excellent qualities + of this wonderful man. Volumes could be written about this phase + of his dazzling career alone, and yet we have miscreants such as + Talleyrand proclaiming to the Conference of "Christian Kings" and + traitors that the greatest, most powerful, and most humane prince + of the age "must be exterminated like a mad dog." The news of his + flight from Elba and arrival in Paris, vociferously acclaimed by + the French people as their lawful sovereign, threw this band of + parasites into apoplectic terror; Talleyrand, of all creatures, + dictating to the Conference as to the wording of the proclamation + that should be issued outlawing his Emperor, whom he and they + styled "Usurper." If it were not so outrageous a violation of + decency, we would look upon it as the most comical incident + notified in history. Talleyrand, the most accomplished traitor + and <a name="Page_162" id="Page_162"></a>barefaced thief in + Europe, except perhaps Bourrienne, he who could not prevent + himself from fumbling in his sovereign's and everybody else's + pockets whenever the opportunity occurred, to be allowed to sit + in conference with the anointed rulers of Europe is really too + comic.</p> + + <p>Napoleon was styled "Usurper" by these saintly Legitimists, + not one of whom attained kingship so honourably and legitimately + as the man whom they had sworn to destroy, even though the whole + of Europe were to be drenched in blood by the process of it. They + set themselves to disfranchise and usurp the rights of the French + people, who had only just again ratified by millions of votes his + claim to the throne, and the gallant and heroic response to their + requisition that he should leave Elba and become their ruler + again. Surely it will never be contended that Napoleon's claims + were less legitimate than those of the Prince of Orange, or the + Elector of Hanover, or Frederic William the great Elector, whose + sole qualification for kingship consisted in having the instincts + of a tiger. Of the latter Lord Macaulay says, "His palace was + hell, and he the most execrable of fiends." His sole ambition + seemed to be to pay fabulous sums for giant soldiers, and he + showed an inhuman aversion to his son, afterwards known as + Frederic <a name="Page_163" id="Page_163"></a>the Great, and his + daughter Wilhelmina. He was as ignorant and ill-conditioned a + creature as could be found in the whole world, a cowardly rascal + who found pleasure in kicking ladies whom he might meet in the + street and ordering them "home to mind their brats." No more need + be said of the father of the great Frederic, whose "Life" took + Thomas Carlyle thirteen years in searching musty German histories + to produce. Carlyle says, "One of the reasons that led me to + write 'Frederic' was that he managed not to be a liar and + charlatan as his century was"; and indeed his adoration for + Frederic is quite pardonable. He had spent thirteen years of his + life in the supreme effort of making him a hero, and his great + work, contained in eight volumes, is a matchless piece of + literature; but there is nothing in it to justify anyone + believing that Frederic was neither a liar nor a charlatan. It is + true Frederic finished better than he began, but truthfulness and + honesty were not conspicuous virtues of his. He lied, broke + faith, and plundered wherever and whenever it suited his purpose, + and some of his other vices were unspeakable. There is no doubt + he was both a quack and a coward when he broke the Pragmatic + Sanction and began to steal the territory of Maria Theresa. The + powers of England, France, Spain, <a name="Page_164" id= + "Page_164"></a>Russia, Poland, Prussia, Sweden, Denmark, the + Germanic body, all had agreed by treaty to keep it. Had he been + an honourable man and possessed of the qualities Carlyle credits + him with, he would have stood by his oath. Instead of defending + his ally, he pounced upon her like a vulture, and plunged Europe + into a devastating, bloody war, with the sole object of robbery; + and all he could say for himself in extenuation of such base + conduct was: "Ambition, interest, the desire of making people + talk about me, carried the day; and I decided for war."</p> + + <p>Truly Frederic was not a good man, and his reputation for + being great was mainly acquired because the Powers and + circumstances allowed him to succeed after seven long years of + sanguinary conflict.</p> + + <p>Indeed, there was not a single act in the whole of Napoleon's + career that approaches the lawlessness and cruelty of Frederic. + He really usurped nothing, and Frederic usurped everything that + he could put his hands on, regardless of every moral law; but + then he ignored all moral laws. There is no need for comparison, + but it is just as well to point out that the plea of legitimacy + is very shallow, and the contention of the Allies is an amazing + burlesque emanating from the brains of an industrious + mediocrity.</p> + + <p>These legitimate monarchs, through their <a name="Page_165" + id="Page_165"></a>Ministers, used barefacedly to inspire + journalists to write the doctrine of waste of blood as being a + natural process of dealing with the problem of overpopulation. + History is pregnant with proof that their cry for peace was an + impudent hypocrisy. They might have had it at any time, but this + did not suit their policy of legitimacy. Countless thousands of + human beings were slaughtered to satisfy the aversion of kings + and nobles to the plan of one man who towered above them, and + insisted on breaking up the nefarious system of feudalism and + kingship by divine right. They loathed both him and his system. + They plotted for his assassination, and intrigued with all the + ferocity of wild animals against his humane and enlightened + government. He trampled over all their satanic dodges to + overthrow the power that had been so often enthusiastically + placed in his hands by the sovereign people. He constructed roads + and canals, and introduced new methods of creating commerce. He + introduced a great scheme of expanding education, science, art, + literature. Every phase of enlightenment was not only initiated, + but made compulsory so far as he could enforce its application. + He re-established religion, and gave France a new code of laws + that are to this day notoriously practical, comprehensive, and + eminently just.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166"></a>He not only + re-established religion, but he upheld the authority of the Pope + as the recognised head of the Roman Church. He built his + "pyramids in the sea," established a free press, and declared + himself in favour of manhood suffrage. He included in his system + a unification of all the small continental States, and was + declaimed against as a brigand for doing it. Wherever his plans + were carried out the people were prosperous and happy, so long as + they were allowed to toil in their own way in their fields and in + other industrial pursuits.</p> + + <p>It was the perpetual spirit of war that overshadowed the whole + of Europe which prevented his rule from solving a great problem. + He, in this, was invariably the aggrieved. The plan which he had + carried into practical solution was wrecked by the allies, and in + less than a century after the great reformer had been removed + from the sphere of enmity and usefulness, Prince Bismarck forced + these small States into unification with the German Empire, + thereby carrying into effect the very system Napoleon was + condemned for bringing under his suzerainty. What satire, what + malignity of fate, that Bismarck, a positive refutation of genius + in comparison with the French Emperor, should succeed in + resurrecting the fabric that the latter had so proudly built up + for France, only to be in a few <a name="Page_167" id= + "Page_167"></a>short years the prize of Germany, recognised by + the very Powers who fought with such embittered aggressiveness + against the great captain and statesman who made not only modern + France, but modern Europe; and who at any time during his reign + could, by making a sign, as he has said, have had the nobles of + France massacred. These bloodsucking creatures were always in the + road of reform, always steeped overhead in political intrigue, + always concerned in plots against the life of Napoleon, and + always shrieking with resentment when they and their accomplices + were caught. Some writers are so completely imbued with the + righteousness of murdering Napoleon, they convey the impression + that when any attempt failed, the perpetrators, instead of being + punished, should have had the decoration of the Legion of Honour + placed upon them by himself. They are also quite unconscious that + they are backing a mean revenge and an awful mockery of freedom + when they eloquently shout "Hosanna!"</p> + + <p>According to them St. Helena was the only solution of the + problem, if it may be so called, and the Powers who sent him + there must have had an inspiration from above. They have no + conception that the Allies perpetrated another crucifixion on the + greatest and (if we are to judge him by <i>reliable</i> records) + the best man of the nineteenth <a name="Page_168" id= + "Page_168"></a>century. Ah! fickle France! you are blighted with + eternal shame for having allowed these cowardly vindictive + conspirators, popularly called the Allies, to besmear <i>you</i>, + as well as themselves, with the blood of a hero.</p> + + <p>France had resources at her command which could and should + have been used to drive the invaders beyond her boundaries. + Frenchmen can never live down the great blunder of abandoning + their Emperor, forsaking themselves and the duty they owed to + their native land. They forsook in the hour of need all that was + noble and honourable, and cast themselves into a cauldron of + treason, such as has never been heard of in the world's history. + They were soon disillusioned, but it was then too late. The + poison had done its work, and France was placed under the + subjection of traitors, place-hunters and foreign Powers for many + years to come.</p> + + <p>I have already said that Louis XVIII. was put on the throne, + not by the French people, but by their conquerors and their + myrmidons. He did not long survive his ignoble accession. Then + came Charles X., who had to fly to Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh + because he governed so ill. His qualification to rule was in + putting down all reform and liberty; after him came Louis + Philippe, but even he only governed on sufferance, though on the + whole he occupied an onerous position with <a name="Page_169" id= + "Page_169"></a>creditable success. A monarch who rules under the + tender mercies of a capricious people, and worse still, a + capricious and not too scrupulous monarchy of monarchs, is not to + be envied, and this was exactly the position of Louis Philippe. + He was beset by the noisy clamour of many factions, besides + having to keep a shrewd eye on those lofty men to whom he had to + look with perpetual nervous tension for the stability and + endurance of his throne. He knew the heart of the nation was + centred on St. Helena, and that a wave of repentance was passing + over the land. The people wished to atone for the crime they + allowed to be committed in 1815.</p> + + <p>Louis Philippe showed great wisdom and foresight. Nothing + could have been done with more suitable delicacy than the + negotiations which caused the British Government to consent to + give the remains of the Emperor up to the French. The air of + importance and swagger put into it by Lord Palmerston is + supremely farcical, but then the whole senseless blunder from + beginning to end was a farce, which does not redound to our + credit. It is incredible that a nation so thickly stocked with + men of ability in every important department should have had the + misfortune to have her affairs entrusted to Ministers and + officials who were childishly incompetent and ludicrously + vin<a name="Page_170" id="Page_170"></a>dictive. Men of meagre + mental calibre, who hold office under the Crown or anywhere else, + are invariably fussy, pompous, overbearing, and stifling with + conceit. This condition of things was in full swing during the + Napoleonic regime and captivity, and that is the period we are + concerned about. There does not appear to have been a single man + of genius in Europe but himself. The population of France who + were contemporary with him during his meteoric leadership + remembered him as a matchless reformer and an unconquerable + warrior. Their devotion and belief in his great gifts had sunk + deeply into their being. A couple of generations had come into + existence from 1815 to 1840, but even to those who knew him only + as a captive, he was as much their Emperor and their hero and + martyr as he was to his contemporaries. The pride of race, the + glory of the Empire and of its great founder, was suckled into + them from the time of birth, and as they grew into manhood and + womanhood they became permeated with a passionate devotion to his + cause. They claimed that his deliverance to the people "he loved + so well" was a right that should not be withheld. The spirit of + sullen determination that he should be given up had taken deep + root. They had arrived at the point when the igniting of a spark + would have created <a name="Page_171" id="Page_171"></a>a + conflagration. There was to be no more chattering. They meant + business, and were resolved that they would stand no more + red-tape fussy nonsense from either their Government or the + Government who kept a regiment of British soldiers to guard his + tomb, lest he should again disturb the peace of Europe. They let + it be known that no more of that kind of humbug would be + tolerated without reprisals, and the hint was taken. Louis + Philippe grasped the situation, and formed an expedition with his + son Prince Joinville as chief, who was accompanied by Baron Las + Cases, member of the Chamber of Deputies; General Count Bertrand; + M. l'Abbé Conquereau, almoner to the expedition; four + former servants of Napoleon—viz., Saint Denis and Noverraz, + valets-de-chambre; Pierron, officer of the kitchen; and + Archambaud, butler—Marchand, one of the executors, and the + quarrelsome and disloyal General Gourgaud, of whom we may have + something more to say further on. This same Gourgaud, who lied so + infamously about his Imperial benefactor when he landed in + London, has said that "he could not express what he felt when he + again found himself near that extraordinary being, that giant of + the human race, to whom he had sacrificed all and to whom he owed + all he was." These thoughts, and many more not uttered, would + come <a name="Page_172" id="Page_172"></a>to him when he stood + beside the sepulchre of the master whom he had so grievously + wronged and who was now and henceforth to be recognised as having + been the "legitimate ruler of his country."</p> + + <p>Count Montholon, the most devoted and most constant follower + of Napoleon and his family, was not of the expedition. He was + engaged in helping the nephew of his hero to ascend the throne of + his illustrious uncle, and the effort landed them both in the + fortress of Ham. Louis Philippe and his Ministers were very + jealous of anyone sharing in any part of the glory of having + Napoleon brought to the banks of the Seine. Hence, when King + Joseph and Prince Louis Napoleon offered the arms of the Emperor + to the nation, the King refused them, but prevailed upon General + Bertrand to give them to him, that he might give them to the + nation. Napoleon had given the sword he wore at Austerlitz and + his arms to Bertrand when on his deathbed. Prince Louis could not + stand the great captain's name being trumpeted about for other + people's glory. He claimed that it belonged to him. He was the + legitimate heir to all its glory, and this too previous + assumption got him imprisoned in Ham for asserting what he + protested was his right.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile the <i>Bellepoule</i> goes lumbering along, <a name= + "Page_173" id="Page_173"></a>impeded by calms and gales, but + anchored safely off Jamestown on October 8, 1840. Of course many + formalities had to be carried out, so that the exhumation did not + commence until the 15th at midnight. They came upon the coffin at + ten in the forenoon, opened it, and found the body well + preserved. Thereon everyone was overcome with emotion. After the + coffin was deposited with profound solemnity and the national + flag placed over it, the honours which would have been paid to + the Emperor had he been living were paid to his remains on + October 18, 1840.</p> + + <p>The expedition set sail, and had only been a few days out when + the captain of a passing vessel called the <i>Hamburg</i> + informed Prince Joinville that war between France and Great + Britain was imminent, and two or three days later this was + confirmed by circumstantial information to him by a Dutch vessel + called the <i>Egmont</i>. Officers of the two other vessels of + the expedition were ordered aboard the <i>Bellepoule</i>, a + council of war held, and a determined resistance resolved upon. + The decks were cleared for action, guns were mounted, and every + form of princely comfort dispensed with. The son of Louis + Philippe added lustre to the name of Bourbon by the heroic + decision that, whatever the fortune of battle might be, he would + sink his ship rather than allow the <a name="Page_174" id= + "Page_174"></a>remains of the Emperor to fall into the hands of + the British again. The resolve was worthy of Napoleon + himself.</p> + + <p>Every precaution was taken to evade capture, but as the + information proved to be unfounded, the expedition was not + interrupted by hostile cruisers, nor even by contrary winds, and + long before it was expected the historic frigate sailed quietly + into the harbour of Cherbourg at 5.0 a.m. on November 30, 1840. + She had made the passage from St. Helena in forty-two days. Then + the great and unexampled triumph commenced.</p> + + <p>Europe was a second time in mourning, bowing its head in + reverence and shame. Never have there been such universal tokens + of condemnation of the captivity and the creatures who engineered + it, and never such unequalled joy and homage as were paid to the + memory of the great dead. During the eight days the + lying-in-state lasted, more than two hundred thousand people came + to the Invalides daily. Thousands never got within the coveted + grounds, yet they came in increasing numbers each successive day, + notwithstanding the rigour of the biting weather.</p> + + <p>It may be said that the whole world was moved with the desire + to show sympathy with this unsurpassed national devotion and + worldwide repent<a name="Page_175" id="Page_175"></a>ance. His + remains are now in the church of the Invalides, where the daily + pilgrimage still goes on. The interest in the victim of the + stupidity of the British Administration never flags. Each day the + dead Emperor is canonised, and his prophetic words that posterity + would do him justice are being amply fulfilled.</p> + + <p>The Christian Kings that made saintly war on Napoleon, and + combined to commit an atrocious crime in the name of the founder + of our faith, were dead. God in His mercy had dispensed with + their sagacious guidance in human affairs, and it may be they + were paying a lingering penalty for the diabolical act at the + very time their prisoner's ashes reached the shores of his + beloved country and convulsed it with irrepressible joy. They and + many of their accomplices were gone. Four Popes had reigned and + passed on to their last long sleep. The Spanish nation, which + contributed to his downfall, had been smitten with the plague of + chronic revolution. They had been deprived of the great guiding + spirit who alone could administer that wholesome discipline which + was so necessary to keep the turbulent spirits in restraint. Only + Bernadotte, whom Napoleon had put in the way of becoming King of + Norway and Sweden, remained to represent the galaxy of Kings. A + few of the traitor Marshals were left, <a name="Page_176" id= + "Page_176"></a>but Augereau had died soon after the banishment + and Berthier had committed suicide a few day before the Battle of + Waterloo by jumping out a window. Soult, Oudinot, and the guilty + Marmont were in evidence in these days of great national + rejoicing. Davoust, Jourdan, Macdonald, and Masséna had + passed behind the veil. It was the defection of Berthier and + Marmont, whom he regarded as his most trusted and loyal + comrades-in-arms, that crushed the Emperor at the time of the + first abdication. It was a cruel stab, which sunk deep into his + soul, and never really healed, but the most heartless incident in + connection with this betrayal was the appointment of Marmont, the + betrayer, by the Emperor Francis to be the military instructor of + Napoleon's son while he was held in captivity and ignorance at + Vienna.</p> + + <p>Fouché, whose treason and predatory misdeeds should + have had him shot long before the dawn of disaster to the Empire + came, joined the Ministry of Louis XVIII., whom he had arduously + assisted to the throne, but in 1816 he was included in the decree + against the murderers of Louis XVI., and had to make himself + scarce. He went to Prague, then to Trieste, and died there in + 1820.</p> + + <p>Talleyrand died at Paris in 1838.</p> + + <p>Both men were unscrupulous intriguers, without an atom of + moral sense or loyalty, and both pos<a name="Page_177" id= + "Page_177"></a>sessed ability, differing in kind, perhaps, which + they used in the accomplishment of their own ends. France can + never overestimate the great evil these two men did to the + national cause. Napoleon's power and penetrating vision kept them + in check only when he could grasp the nettle. Even when absent on + his campaigns, they knew he was kept in close touch with what was + going on. It was not until treason became entangled within + treason that their evil designs had fuller scope and more + disastrous results. Bourrienne, another rascal already referred + to in this book, lost his fortune and his reason in 1830, and + died in a lunatic asylum at Caen of apoplexy in February, 1834. + It is a notable fact that nearly the whole of the prominent + figures in the drama of the Empire and its fall had passed beyond + the portal before the great captain's remains were brought back + to France. These individuals are only remembered now as + uninspired small men, benighted in mind, who had wrought ignobly + to bring about the fall of a powerful leader, and to the end of + their days were associated with and encouraged a fiendish + persecution of the Emperor while he lived, and of his family + before and after his death.</p> + + <p>But the pious care of his tomb by a regiment of British + soldiers, paid for by British taxpayers, <a name="Page_178" id= + "Page_178"></a>from 1821 until the patriotic exhumation in 1840; + by stately and solemn permission of the British Government, + excels the comic genius of a gang of plethoric parochial + innkeepers. If it were not so degrading to the national pride of + race, we might regard it as taking rank amongst the drollest + incidents of human life. What a gang of puffy, mildewed creatures + were at the head British affairs in those days! Indeed, they + expose the human soul at its worst, and a curious feature is + their ingrained belief in the integrity of all their doings, + which beggars the English vocabulary describe. How the people + tolerated the drain on human life and the material resources of + country is also phenomenal.</p> + + <p>Thousands of lives were sacrificed and millions of money + squandered, with the sole object of destroying and humiliating + one man, who, had he been handled discreetly, would have proved + greater public asset than he was. Sir Hudson Lowe would not be + known to posterity but for the guilty part he played in the + tragedy. He left St. Helena on July 25, 1821, and was presented + on the eve of his departure with an address from the inhabitants. + It has been said that document was inspired from Plantation + House, but that is scarcely credible. Besides, we are not + inclined to discount any credit Lowe and his <a name="Page_179" + id="Page_179"></a>friends and accomplices can derive from it. It + does not glow with devotion nor regret at his resigning his + command. Indeed, it is nothing more nor less than a cold, polite + way of bidding him farewell. Forsyth makes much of this, with the + object of proving his popularity with the islanders and the + itinerant persons in the service of the Crown. He only makes his + case worse by embarking on so hopeless a task. As a matter of + fact, this extraordinary representative of the British Government + had roused the whole population of St. Helena at one time and + another to a pitch of passion and scorn that puts it beyond doubt + that no genuine regret could have been consistently expressed by + a single soul, except those few composing his staff, who were as + guilty as himself and were always ready to lick his boots for a + grain of favour; and yet it is quite certain, notwithstanding the + heroic fooleries and the care to make Plantation House a + sanctuary of guilty secrecy, there was nothing that transpired, + either important or unimportant, concerning the inhabitants of + Longwood, that was not promptly passed along. Needless to say, + these communications relieved the dull monotony of the exiles, + and even Gourgaud was driven to cynical mockery by the ridiculous + character of some of the piteous stories that filtered through. + There never was <a name="Page_180" id="Page_180"></a>any + difficulty in verifying the truth of them when it was thought + necessary or useful to do so. On the authority of Lowe's + biographer, we are told that this immortal High Commissioner was + presented to his precious sovereign on November 14, 1821, and was + on the point of kissing his hand, but His Majesty, overwhelmed + with the preeminence of the great man who stood before him, + indicated that there was to be no kissing of hands. His services + to his King and country demanded a good shake of the hand and + hearty congratulations from His Christian Majesty. Lowe's arduous + and exemplary task was admitted with tears in the kingly eyes, + and so overcome was His Majesty that he took Lowe's hand again, + and shook it a second time, combining with the handshake a + further flow of grateful thanks and the appointment to a + colonelcy of the 93rd Regiment These compliments were well + deserved, coming, as they did from a monarch whose will he had + discharged with such brutal fidelity. But what of the + afterthought, the reaction which began to hum round his ears + almost immediately after this fulsome display of enthusiastic + approbation? A vast public, never in favour of the Government's + vaunted policy of heroism over an unfortunate foe, swung round + with a vengeance. The indignation against the perpetrators of + this cruel assassination <a name="Page_181" id="Page_181"></a>had + no bounds. It was not confined to Britain. The civilised world + was shocked. The willing tool of the Government got the worst of + it, and the perfidy will cling to his name throughout + eternity.</p> + + <p>O'Meara's book, "A Voice from St. Helena; or, Napoleon in + Exile," published in 1822, sold like wildfire. In vain Bathurst, + Castlereagh, and Liverpool tried to check the flood of public + censure that poured in upon them from everywhere. Sir Hudson + Lowe, beside himself with apprehension, appealed to them for + protection, but none was forthcoming. Indeed, they were too busy + searching out some means by which the blow could be eased off + themselves, and with studious politeness left their accomplice to + plan out his defence as best he could; and the world knows what a + sorry job he made of it. His coadjutors in the great tragedy were + not the kind of people to share any part of the public censure + that could be reflected on to their gaoler. Pretty compliments + had been paid to him by the King and some of his Ministers + previous to the realisation of the full force of public + indignation. Bathurst sent him a letter in 1823 reminding him + that his treatment had been beyond that of ordinary governors, + that he was working out an idea of having him recommended to a + West Indian governorship, and that he was not to suppose that + <a name="Page_182" id="Page_182"></a>this gracious interest in + him was in order to silence the clamour that was being raised + against him. This communication was made in November, and in + December Lowe was told that he was to go to Antigua as Governor. + For special reasons this favour was refused, and two years + afterwards he accepted command of the forces at Ceylon, and was + still there when Sir Walter Scott's exculpation of the British + Government appeared in 1828. Scott was employed for that special + purpose.</p> + + <p>The ex-Governor searched the pages of this extraordinary work + for a vindication of himself, but never a word that could be + construed into real approval was there. He obtained leave of + absence from the Governor of Ceylon and made his way to England, + ostensibly to vindicate his character. He landed at St. Helena, + paid a visit to Longwood, otherwise known as the "Abode of + Darkness" since the Imperial tenant named it so when he gave + O'Meara his benediction on the occasion of his last parting from + him, when he was banished from the island. Sir Hudson was shocked + at seeing the place reverted back to a worse state than it was + previous to the exiles being forced into it. Then it was a dirty, + unwholesome barn, overrun with vermin; now it was worse than a + piggery. The aspect touched a tender <a name="Page_183" id= + "Page_183"></a>chord in this man who had been the cause of making + the Emperor's compulsory sojourn a sorrowful agony.</p> + + <p>Reflections of all that happened during those five memorable + years must have crowded in upon him and racked him with feelings + of bitter remorse for his avoidable part in the cruel drama; and + as he stood upon the spot that had been made famous by England's + voluntary captive, it was not unnatural that he should have been + overcome by a strange and possibly a purifying sadness. All of + that which he had regarded in other days, under different + conditions, as unjustifiable splendour had vanished. The Imperial + bedroom and study were now made use of to accommodate and give + shelter to cows, horses, and pigs. Other agricultural commodities + were strewn about everywhere. Nothing was left that would + indicate that it was consecrated to fame and everlasting pity. + The triumph of death came to it only some six years before. And + now Sir Hudson Lowe, we doubt not, filled with pensive regret, + looked down on the nameless tomb of the great captain, guarded by + sentinels with fixed bayonets, ready to thrust them into any + unauthorised intruder into the sacred precincts of the Valley of + Napoleon, or the Geranium Valley, which is also known by the name + of Punch Bowl.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184"></a>Ah! what thickly + gathering memories must have come to him in that solemn hour on + that smitten rock of bitter and brutal vengeance! All we shall + ever know of that melancholy visit as it really affected Lowe has + been told by his biographer. We are left to imagine a good deal, + and therefore must conclude that he would be less than human if + he did not realise that the shadow of retribution was pursuing + him. If his thoughts of himself were otherwise, he was soon to be + disillusioned.</p> + + <p>He spent three days on the Rock, and had a good reception and + send-off, and ere long made his appearance in London and + presented himself to his quasi-friend, Bathurst, who, with an eye + to his own and his colleagues' interests, discouraged the idea of + publishing an answer to Sir Walter Scott's book. Bathurst, in + fact (with unconscious drollery), advised Lowe to hurry back to + Ceylon without delay, lest meanwhile a vacancy of the + governorship should occur and he might lose his opportunity. He + was assured of the Government's appreciation of him as their most + trusted and loyal public servant, while as a matter of fact it + was ludicrously obvious that his presence was quite as + objectionable to them in England as it was to the exiles in St. + Helena. He was fully alive to, and did not underestimate, the + <a name="Page_185" id="Page_185"></a>amount of dirty work he had + done for them, and very properly expected to be amply rewarded. + It never occurred to him that retribution was over-shadowing them + as well as himself, and that they could not openly avow their + displeasure at the odium he was the cause of bringing on the + Government and on the British name by reason of his having so + rigidly carried out their perfidious regulations. Had public + opinion supported them, their action would have been claimed as a + sagacious policy, but it didn't, so this poor, wretched, + tactless, incompetent tool became almost as much their aversion + as the great prisoner himself. In fact, things went so ill with + them that they would have preferred it had Lowe indulged every + whim of his prisoner, granted him full liberty to roam wherever + he liked, recognised him as Emperor, and even been not too + zealous in preventing his escape; and they must have wished that, + in the first instance, they had not thought of St. Helena, but + wisely and generously granted him hospitality in our own land. + This last would have been the best thing that could have happened + for everybody concerned.</p> + + <p>Ill-treatment of the most humble prisoner or assassination of + the most exalted can never be popular with the British people. + Sir Hudson got a cold douche when he obtained an interview with + <a name="Page_186" id="Page_186"></a>the Duke of Wellington. His + Grace in so many words told him that they wished to have nothing + to do with him. He could not recommend him for a post in the + Russian army. He could not hold out hopes of him getting the + governorship of Ceylon should a vacancy occur. He had been hardly + used, but there was no help for it. Parliament would not grant + him the pension he asked for. Lowe replied that he would stand or + fall by its decision, but the Duke snapped him off by stating + that Mr. Peel would never make such a proposal to the House of + Commons. No other course was open to him now but to return to + Ceylon. He did not get the vacancy which occurred in 1830, and + returned to England, but never got a public appointment + again.</p> + + <p>He presented a wordy memorial in 1843, complaining of having + been kept out of employment for twelve years. The governorship of + Ceylon had been vacant three times, the Ionian Islands four + times; he had been Governor there in 1812. In other parts of the + Empire appointments that he supposed he could have filled were + given to others. Poor creature! He died in 1844, a broken and + ruined man.</p> + + <p>He lacked every quality that is essential in an administrator, + and was utterly void of humour, imagination, or the capacity to + manage men. <a name="Page_187" id="Page_187"></a>His suspicious + disposition and lack of judgment made it eminently impossible for + him to fulfil any delicate position, and it was a monstrous libel + on the knowledge of the fitness of things to entrust him with the + governorship of St. Helena.</p> + + <p>Lord Teynham made a violent attack on Lowe in the House of + Lords in 1833. The Duke of Wellington was bound to defend his + satellite, and did so with some vigour, as the attack was really + on him and certain members of his Government. Lord Teynham + replies with equal vigour: "He had no intention of aspersing the + private character of Sir Hudson, but as regards his conduct while + Governor of St. Helena, he maintained, and always would, that + Lowe was cried out upon by all the people of Europe as a person + unfit to be trusted with power." Lord Teynham a few days + afterwards made a sort of apology, no doubt inspired by + interested persons, for personal plus international reasons. They + were high of heart, these dauntless confederates, in the early + and middle stages of the captivity, and, indeed, they bore + themselves with braggart defiance of public opinion, until many + strong manifestations of inevitable trouble encompassed them, + and, like all despots, who are invariably cowards, they lived in + mortal terror lest this creature of theirs should break out into + St. Helena leprosy again and impose <a name="Page_188" id= + "Page_188"></a>further humiliation upon them. Lowe had talked of + actions for libel against Barry O'Meara, and in a whimsical, + half-hearted way worried his employers to give battle, and the + law officers of the Crown stated a case but advised against + taking action, and so it was never brought, though O'Meara kept + telling them in so many words to come on. "I am anxious that you + should have the opportunity of defending the charges I have + brought against you. I am anxious too that the public should know + more than I have written." That in effect was the attitude of the + gallant doctor, who was the first to call serious attention to + the goings on in the "Abode of Darkness." Needless to say, no + action was ever taken, and, in face of all the incriminating + facts, it was never intended that any should be taken. Even High + Toryism became alarmed at the consequences. The Duke of + Wellington, brave and gallant soldier though he was, shrank from + so impossible an ordeal. The best he could say of him was, "He + was a stupid man," "A bad choice," "and totally unfit to take + charge of Bonaparte."</p> + + <p>Wellington may have been a brave and skilful general, but he + did not know how to be generous to an unfortunate enemy who was + himself always kind and considerate in the hour of victory. + Wellington's expressions about Lowe are more than significant, + though his conduct towards the poor <a name="Page_189" id= + "Page_189"></a>cat's-paw is characteristic of a mean, flinty + soul. But his behaviour towards Napoleon would have put any + French Jacobin to the blush, and has belittled him for all time + in the eyes of everybody who has a spark of human feeling in + him.</p> + + <p>Meneval<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id= + "FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class= + "fnanchor">[22]</a> says that Waterloo was won by the French in + the middle of the day of that fateful battle, but a caprice of + fortune—the arrival of Bulow's corps and Blucher's army, + and the absence of Grouchy's corps—snatched from Napoleon's + hands the triumph which was within his grasp. Wellington had even + said to General Hill, who came to take his orders at the most + critical moment of the battle: "I have no orders to give you. + There is nothing left for us but to die here. Our retreat is even + cut off behind us."</p> + + <p>Wellington's despairing words have been handed down in various + forms. Notably he is reported to have said, "Oh! for night or + Blücher." When he heard the firing, "That is old + Blücher at last!" &c. That he was in a tight place there + is little doubt, and many authorities have stated that had + Grouchy come up according to orders, the allied forces would have + been cut to pieces.</p> + + <p>Whether it was "caprice of fortune" or not, Wellington claimed + to have won the battle. "Caprice of fortune" had nothing to do + with it. <a name="Page_190" id="Page_190"></a>It was a + hard-fought battle. Treachery and desertion at an important + juncture undoubtedly weakened the chances of French success. + Meneval adds that "in no encounter of such importance did the + French army display more heroism and more resolution than at the + Battle of Waterloo." Napoleon at St. Helena attributed his defeat + to a variety of circumstances: to treachery, and to his orders + not being carried out as they should have been by some of his + generals, and often concludes: "It must have been Fate, for I + ought to have succeeded." He was accustomed to say that "One must + never ask of Fortune more than she can grant," and possibly he + erred in this.</p> + + <p>Though nearly a century has passed since the catastrophe to + France, the cause of it is still controversial. It is certain + that the conduct of Marshal Soult, who was second in command, + gave reason for suspicion. An old corporal told the Emperor that + he was to "be assured that Soult was betraying him." General + Vandamme was reported to have gone over to the enemy. It was also + reported to the Emperor by a dragoon that General Henin was + exhorting the soldiers of his corps to go over to the Allies, and + while this was going on the General had both legs blown away by a + cannon shot. Lieutenants, colonels, staff officers, and, it is + said, officers who were bearing despatches <a name="Page_191" id= + "Page_191"></a>deserted, but it is significant that there is not + a single instance given of the common soldier forsaking his great + chief's cause. Lord Wolseley declares that if Napoleon had been + the man he was at Austerlitz, he would have won the Battle of + Waterloo. Wolseley is supported in this view by many writers.</p> + + <p>After Lutzen, Bautzen, and Dresden, Byron said that "bar + epilepsy and the elements, he would back Napoleon against the + field." It is well known the odds he had to battle with, + including the vilest treachery within his own circle.</p> + + <p>Marshal Grouchy's conduct will always remain doubtful, even to + the most friendly critics. High treason bubbling up everywhere + must have had a dulling effect on the mind of the great genius, + though he battled with the increasing vigour of it with amazing + courage. He saw the current was running too strong for him to + stem unless he determined to again risk the flow of rivers of + blood. This he shrank from, and abdicated the throne a second + time. And then the barbarous, crimeful story began.</p> + + <p>Sir Hudson Lowe's appointment was a national calamity, but he + was the nominee of Wellington's coadjutors, and carried out their + wishes with a criminal exactitude, and they should have stood by + him in his dire distress, instead of which <a name="Page_192" id= + "Page_192"></a>they allowed him to die in poverty, broken in + spirit, and a victim to calumny which they ought to have been + manly enough to share.</p> + + <p>Whatever may be said in exculpation of them and him, + <i>they</i> were undoubtedly too seriously involved to enter upon + a fight that would have ended disastrously for all of them, and + so, with unusual wisdom, they never got further than threats.</p> + + <p>Sir Hudson was dead something like nine years before Forsyth + burst upon the public with his eccentric vindication of the + unamiable and unfortunate ex-Governor. The zealous biographer's + research for material favourable to his deified hero caused him + to ransack prints that were written by unfriendly authors and + vindictive critics of the great captive. Even the State Papers, + the most unreliable of all documents on this particular subject, + were used to prove the goodness of Sir Hudson, and when + quotations were unavailing, the author proceeded to concoct the + most amazing ideas in support of the task he had set himself to + prove.</p> + + <p>Writers of anti-Napoleonic history who take in the St. Helena + period are filled with wonder and contempt of the Emperor, who, + according to their refined and accurate judgment of the fitness + of things, should have been eternally grateful to the British + Government that they did not have him <a name="Page_193" id= + "Page_193"></a>shot. Why should he complain in the fretful way he + does of his treatment and his condition? A great man would have + shown his appreciation of all the money that was being spent on + the needs for his existence and for the better security of his + person. It ill becomes him to complain of improper treatment + after all the trouble and commotion he has caused at one time and + another. Indeed, a great man would bear the burden of captivity + with equanimity and praise the men who gave him the opportunity + of showing how a great soldier could carry himself in such + unequalled adversity.</p> + + <p>This in effect is what these high-minded men of letters say + should have been the attitude of England's guest. He should have + received his treatment, harsh and arbitrary though it was, with + Christian fortitude, and ought to have borne in mind that he was + in the custody of a Christian King and a Christian people. Dr. + Max Lenz, who has written a most interesting and on the whole + moderate account of Napoleon, considering his nationality, drifts + into the same stereotyped closing phraseology of how Napoleon + worried and almost wore out the good Sir Hudson Lowe, who only + did his duty, and gave in to Napoleon whenever he could see his + way to do so.</p> + + <p>But on the authority of Gourgaud, whom Lord Rosebery would + appear to regard as the most <a name="Page_194" id= + "Page_194"></a>truthful of all the St. Helena chroniclers, this + eulogy is totally unwarranted, for truly there is no reliable + contemporary writer who would have risked his reputation by + making so reckless a statement that could so easily be proved to + be a deliberate fabrication. This is not to say that fabrication + was an uncommon trick, but the Governor's reputation in relation + to Napoleon was so well and widely known, that no person who + claimed to have a clear, balanced judgment could defend his + silly, vicious conduct.</p> + + <p>Napoleon never altered his opinion of Lowe's perfidy towards + him. On one occasion, in conversation with the truthful Gourgaud, + he exclaims, "Ah! I know the English. You may be sure that the + sentinels stationed round this house have orders from the + Governor to kill me. They will pretend to give me a thrust with a + bayonet by mistake some day." Gourgaud reports him as saying on + another occasion, "Hudson Lowe is a Sicilian grafted on a + Prussian; they must have chosen him to make me die under his + charge by inches. It would have been more generous to have shot + me at once."</p> + + <p>It would be absurd to affirm that Napoleon said these things + without sound foundation, and although, when his personal vanity + and abnormal jealousy was aroused by some fancied injury to + <a name="Page_195" id="Page_195"></a>himself, Gourgaud would + resort to the most remarkable fibbing, what he relates as to his + master's opinion of the Governor may be relied on, being, as it + is, confirmed in a more complete form by O'Meara, Las Cases, + Montholon, Bertrand, Antommarchi, and each of the Commissioners. + The former sacrificed everything rather than be a party to what + he termed treatment that was an "outrage on decency."</p> + + <p>These are only a few of the men who bear witness against Sir + Hudson being termed "good"; and I may add one other to the + galaxy, poor Dr. Stokoe, who shrank from having the abominable + indignity of inquisitor and spy tacked on to his high office and + distinguished profession. He refused, as O'Meara had done, to + sacrifice his manhood or his sense of honour. Tricked into a + false position by Lowe and the virtuous (?) Sir Robert Plampin, + Dr. Stokoe, who had only paid five professional visits to + Longwood, was deprived of his position and all its advantages, + after twenty-five years' service in the Navy, because he refused + to become a sneak and a rascal at the bidding of these two + unspeakable Government officials, the one disgracing the service + of his country in the capacity of Governor and the other the name + of a sailor and an Admiral.</p> + + <p>In 1819 Stokoe resigned his position on the <a name="Page_196" + id="Page_196"></a><i>Conqueror</i>, and sailed for England. Lowe + sent a report addressed to the Lords of the Admiralty by the same + vessel, and Stokoe had scarcely landed when he was bundled back + to St. Helena. He rejoined the <i>Conqueror</i> under the + impression that his conduct had been approved, but was + disillusioned by being forthwith put under arrest. A bogus + court-martial was instituted in the interests of Lowe, and + Plampin and these packed scallywags sentenced him to dismissal + from the Navy. The charges against Stokoe were that he failed to + report himself to Plampin at the Briars after a visit to + Longwood, and that in his report he had designated the patient as + the Emperor instead of General Bonaparte. This is a sample of the + "good old times" that a certain species of creature delights to + show forth his wisdom in talking about. I believe the immortal + John Ruskin indulged occasionally in reminding a + twentieth-century world of these days that were so blissful.</p> + + <p>Forsyth, the self-reputed impartial historian, neglects to + insert in his work in defence of Lowe's conduct the following + amazing charges, which shall be fully given. They have been + published before, but they are so unique, so unmanly, and so + perfidious, I think they ought to be given to the public again, + so that the amiable reader may <a name="Page_197" id= + "Page_197"></a>know the depth of infamy to which England had sunk + in the early part of the nineteenth century. Here is the whole + story on which Dr. Stokoe was condemned. His bulletin about + Napoleon's health asserted that "The more alarming symptom is + that which was experienced in the night of the 16th instant, a + recurrence of which may soon prove fatal, particularly if medical + attendance is not at hand." The Governor and the worthy Admiral + were incensed at such unheard-of arrogance in making a report not + in accordance with their wishes and that of the Government and + the oligarchy, so the indictment of Stokoe, based on this + bulletin, proceeds: "Intending thereby, contrary to the character + and duty of a British officer, to create a false impression or + belief that General Bonaparte was in imminent or considerable + danger, and that no medical assistance was at hand, he, the said + Mr. John Stokoe, not having witnessed any such symptom, and + knowing that the state of the patient was so little urgent that + he was at Longwood four hours before he was admitted to see him, + and further, knowing that Dr. Verling was at hand, ready to + attend if required in any such emergency or considerable danger. + He had knowingly and willingly designated General Bonaparte in + the said bulletin in a manner different from that in which he was + designated in the Act of Parliament <a name="Page_198" id= + "Page_198"></a>for the better custody of his person, and contrary + to the practice of His Majesty's Government, of the + Lieutenant-General Governor of the island, and of the said Rear + Admiral, and he had done so at the especial instance and request + of the said General Bonaparte or his attendants, though he, Mr. + John Stokoe, well knew that the mode of designation was a point + in dispute between the said General Bonaparte and + Lieutenant-General Sir Hudson Lowe and the British Government, + and that by acceding to the wish of the said General Bonaparte + he, the said Mr. John Stokoe, was acting in opposition to the + wish and practice of his own superior officers, and to the + respect which he owed them under the general printed + instructions." The very idea of any grown man being expected to + have "respect" for superior officers who had no more sense of + justice, dignity, or self-respect than to produce such a blatant + document for the supreme purpose of covering up a sample of + mingled folly and rascality, and ruining a poor man who was at + their ill-conditioned mercy!</p> + + <p>Indeed, we need no further justification for Napoleon's + statements as to what the official intention was towards him. + Without a doubt Dr. Max Lenz is too reckless in his generosity + towards Lowe, for his actions from beginning to end of <a name= + "Page_199" id="Page_199"></a>his career prove that he was a + dreadful creature. The thought of him and of those incarnate + spiders who kept spinning their web, and for six mortal years + disgracing humanity, is in truth enough to unsettle one's reason. + Vainly they had ransacked creation in search of persons in + authority to support them in the plea of justification, but never + a soul came forth to share what is now regarded as ingrained + criminality.</p> + + <p>Perhaps the virulent treatment of Byron ranks with the meanest + and most impotent actions of the militant oligarchists because of + his shocking (?) sympathy with England's enemy. The fierce though + exquisite weaver of rhymes, who had been the idol of the nation + and the drawing-room, was sought after by the highest and most + cultured in the land. Byron had fallen a victim to public + displeasure partly because he gave way to excesses that shocked + the orthodoxy of a capricious public. He had reached a pinnacle + of fame such as no man of his years had ever attained, and + suddenly without warning he fell, a victim to unparalleled + vituperation. His faults, if the meagre accounts that have been + handed down are true, were great, but many of them were merely + human. His marriage was not compatible, and his love + entanglements embarrassing. His temper and habits were very + similar to those of other geniuses, and <a name="Page_200" id= + "Page_200"></a>great allowances should be made for personalities + whose mental arrangements may be such as to nullify normal + control.</p> + + <p>It is all very well to say that these men should be compelled + to adhere to a conventional law because ordinary mortals are + expected to do so, but a man like Byron was not ordinary. In his + particular line he was a great force with a brain that took + spasmodic twists. It is absurd to expect that a being whose + genius produced "Childe Harold" and "Manfred" could be fashioned + into living a quite commonplace domestic life. Miss Milbanke, who + married him, and the public who first blessed and then cursed and + made him an outcast, were not faultless. Had they been possessed + of the superiority they piously assumed, they would have seen how + impossible it was for this eccentric man of stormy passions to be + controlled and overridden by conventionality.</p> + + <p>It is possible the serene critic may take exception to this + form of reasoning and produce examples of genius, such as + Wordsworth, who lived a strictly pious life, never offending any + moral law by a hairbreadth; but Wordsworth was not made like + Byron; he had not the personality of the poor wayward cripple who + at one time had brought the world to his feet, neither had + Wordsworth to fight against such wild hereditary complications as + <a name="Page_201" id="Page_201"></a>Byron. Wordsworth never + caught the public imagination, while Byron had the power of + inflaming it. But, alas! neither his magnetic force nor his + haughty spirit could stem the whirlwind of hatred, rage, and + calumny that took possession of the virtuous and capricious + public. The story of cruelty to his wife grew in its enormity, + his reported liaisons multiplied beyond all human reason. The + bleached, white hearts of the oligarchal party had been lashed + into fury by his withering ridicule and charge of hypocrisy, but + the climax came like a tornado when the poet's sense of fair play + caused him to satirise the Prince Regent and eulogise the Emperor + Napoleon with unique pathos and passion.</p> + + <p>This was high treason! He had at last put himself beyond the + mercy of the chosen people. They had twaddled and stormed about + his immorality, but his praise of Napoleon sent them into + diabolic frenzy. He was proclaimed an outlaw and hounded out of + the country. The beautiful and rich Lady Jersey, a leader of + society, convinced that he was misunderstood and was being + treated with unreasonable severity, defended him with all the + strength of her resolute character, but malignity had sunk too + deep even for her power and influence to avert the disaster. So + intense was the feeling engendered against him <a name="Page_202" + id="Page_202"></a>that it became dangerous for him to drive out + without risking an exhibition of virulent hostility. Had he + merely abused the Prince Regent, it is improbable that any + exception would have been taken to it; but to praise and show + compassion for the Man of the French Revolution, who had fought + for a new condition of things which threatened the fabric on + which their order held its dominating and despotic sway, was an + enormity they were persuaded even God in heaven could not + tolerate; why then, should <i>they</i> be expected to do + so?—they were only human. Both public and private + resentment ran amok, and thus it was that the immortal poet's + belauding of the immortal Emperor became linked to the ignominy + of being accused of gross immorality. The reaction against this + eccentric being was a fanaticism. There was neither sense nor + reason in it, and as he said, "If what they say of me be true, + then I am not fit for England; but if it be false, then England + is not fit for me"; and with this thought thrilling in his mind + he left his native land, never more to see it.</p> + + <p>Caught without a doubt by the spirit of the great man whose + eulogy had given such offence in certain quarters, he embarked on + the crusade of emancipating the Greeks, was stricken with fever, + and died at Missolonghi.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203"></a>Adhering to human + tradition, the nation which had so recently cast him out became + afflicted with grief. Men and women cast reflection on themselves + for their misguided judgment of him, and he became a god in + memory again, his wife being a singular exception in the great + demonstration of national penitence. The incomparable poet had + sinned grievously, if rumour may be relied upon, but he was made + to suffer out of all proportion to his sinning. His faults were + only different from other men's. It may be said quite truly that + one of his defects was in having been born a genius, and allowing + himself to be idolised by a public whose opinions and friendships + were shifty. Second, he erred in disregarding and satirising + puritanical conventionalisms. Thirdly, and probably the most + provocative of all, was his defiance of the fiery patriotism of + some of the ruling classes in lauding him whom they stigmatised + as the enemy of the human race and lampooning the precious Prince + Regent. His extraordinary talents did not shield him, any more + than they did the hero of fifty pitched battles whose greatness + he had extolled.</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> Vol. + iii. pp. 451-2.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a><a name="Page_204" id= + "Page_204"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + + <h3>MESDAMES DE STAËL AND DE REMUSAT</h3> + + <p>It is a strange human frailty that cannot stand for long the + purgatory of seeing the elevation of a great public benefactor. + The less competent the critics, the more merciless they are in + their declamation and intrigue. They hint at faults, and if this + is too ineffective, they invent them. Men in prominent public + positions rarely escape the vituperation of the professional + scandalmonger. These creatures exist everywhere. Their vanity is + only equal to their incompetency in all matters that count. Their + capacity consists in knowing the kind of diversion a certain + class of people relish, and the more exalted their prey is, and + the larger the reputation he may have for living a blameless + life, the more persistent their whisperings, significant nods, + and winkings become. They know, and they could tell, a thing or + two which would paralyse belief. They could show how correct they + have been in consistently proclaim<a name="Page_205" id= + "Page_205"></a>ing that so and so was a very much overestimated + man, and never ought to have been put into such a high position; + "and besides, I don't want to say all I know, but his depravity! + Well, there, I could, if I would, open some people's eyes, but I + don't want to do anybody any harm," and so on. These + condescending ulcerous-minded defamers congratulate themselves on + their goodness of heart in withholding from the public gaze their + nasty imaginary accusations, which are merely the thoughts of a + conceited and putrid mind.</p> + + <p>Many and many a poor man, without knowing it, is the innocent + victim of unfounded accusations, hatched and circulated in that + subtle, insinuating way so familiar to the sexless calumniator. + The genuine female traducer is an awful scourge, especially if + she be political. No male can equal her in refined aggressive + cunning. She can circulate a filthy libel by writing a virtuous + letter, and never a flaw will appear to trip her into + responsibility for it. And her sardonic smile is an inarticulate + revelation of all she wishes to convey. It is more than a mere + oration. It emits the impression of a bite.</p> + + <p>Madame de Staël showed an aptitude for this ignoble + aggressiveness towards Napoleon after she had exhausted every + form of strategy to allure him into a flirtation with her. She + was <a name="Page_206" id="Page_206"></a>frequently a sort of + magnificent horse-marine who bounced herself into the presence of + prominent individuals, thrusting her venomed points on those who + had been flattered into listening; at other times she was feline + in her methods. Talleyrand and Fouché made use of this + latter phase of her character to serve their own ends. She had a + talent which was used for mischief, but her vulgarity and egotism + were quite deplorable. She would have risked the torments of + Hades if she could but have embarked upon a liaison with + Napoleon. She plied him with letters well seasoned with passion, + but all to no purpose. She came to see him at the Rue + Chantereine, and was sent away. She invited him to balls to which + he never went. But she had opportunities given her which were + used in forcing herself upon his attention. At one of these she + held him for two hours, and imagining she had made a great + impression, she asked him abruptly, "Who was the most superior + woman in antiquity, and who is so at the present day?" Napoleon + had had enough of her love-making chatter, so snapped out in his + quick practical way, "She who has borne the most children." The + lady's discomfiture may be imagined. It was a deadly thrust.</p> + + <p>This very same lady, who had tempted the ruler of France + without success, made violent <a name="Page_207" id= + "Page_207"></a>love to Benjamin Constant, who was no friend of + Napoleon's at the time. Her letters to him were passionate, and + Napoleon told Gourgaud at St. Helena that she even threatened to + kill her son if Benjamin would do what she wished him to. This + fussy female intriguer suggested to Napoleon that if he would + give her two million francs she would write anything he wished. + She was immediately packed about her business.</p> + + <p>Madame de Staël was not an important personage at all, + but she had the power of attracting people to her who, like + herself, had grievances to be discussed, and we may without doubt + conclude that these gatherings were composed of well-selected + intriguers whom she had fixed in her feline eye. Her great + grievance was the First Consul's, and subsequently the Emperor's, + coldness towards her. He estimated her at her true value. He + treated her with the courtesy due to a French citizen, but + nothing more, and when she misbehaved in his presence, he rebuked + her with due consideration for her sex. When she caused people to + talk to him of her, he merely shrugged his shoulders as was his + habit, and smiled disdainfully; though occasionally he could not + resist the temptation of ridiculing her comic pretensions. But + this human curiosity had power for mischief.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208"></a>She was not only an + intriguer, but, subsequent to her failure in love-making, she + developed a literary tyrannicide. She condescended to patronise + the head of the State by causing it to be conveyed to him that + her hostility would cease under certain well-defined conditions. + When he became the real Governor of France, Napoleon put a stop + to religious persecution, and put the churches into use. He + re-established religion, and by doing so brought under his + influence one hundred million Catholics. This wise policy created + strong opposition from a section of the clergy. Madame de + Staël and the friends whom she had whipped up, many of them + being the principal generals, were mischievously opposed to it, + and brought pressure to bear so that he might be induced to + establish the Protestant religion. Napoleon ignored them all. He + knew he was on the right ground, and that the nation as a whole + was with him. France was essentially a Roman Catholic country, + and the head of it gave back to her people what was regarded as + the true faith. The exile frequently referred to these matters in + conversation with one or other of his followers. Napoleon's + disdain for Madame de Staël was well merited, and he never + saw or heard of her that it did not set his nerves on edge. She + was the "death on man" sort of female who persisted in being, + either <a name="Page_209" id="Page_209"></a>directly or + indirectly, his political adviser. Dr. Max Lenz accuses the + Emperor of developing a despotism that caused him to drive a + woman like Madame de Staël from land to land, "and trampled + under foot every manifestation of independence."</p> + + <p>Really, the good doctor lays himself open to the charge of not + making himself better informed of the doings of this sinister + person, who was steeped in treason, and who refused to accept the + laws of life with proper submission. It is merely farcical to + assume that Madame de Staël was kept well under discipline + because of a whimsical despotism on the part of the man who had + fixed a settled government on France, and who was kept well + informed of the attempts of the Baroness and her anarchist + associates to undermine and destroy the Constitution it had cost + France and its ruler so much to reconstruct and consolidate. "Let + her be judged as a man," said Napoleon, and in truth he was right + in deciding in this way, as her whole attitude aped the + masculine. He was right, too, in showing how wholly objectionable + she had made herself to him. He had been led to adopt a sort of + "For God's sake, what does she want?" idea of her during the + early years of his rule, though he never at any time showed + weakness in his actual dealings with <a name="Page_210" id= + "Page_210"></a>her. He disliked women who asserted themselves as + men, and he disliked the amorous offspring of Necker more because + he loathed women who threw themselves into the arms of men; she + had surfeited him with her persistent attempts at making love to + him. In one of her letters to him she says it was evidently an + egregious error, an entire misunderstanding of human nature, that + the quiet and timid Josephine had bound up her fate with that of + a tempestuous temper like his. She and Napoleon seemed born for + each other, and it appeared as if nature had only gifted her with + so enthusiastic a disposition in order to enable her to admire + such a hero as he was. Napoleon in his fury tore this precious + letter up and exclaimed, "This manufacturer of sentiments dares + to compare herself with Josephine!"</p> + + <p>The letters were not answered, though this had no deterrent + effect on Madame de Staël. She continued to pour out in + profusion adoration. He was "a god who had descended on earth." + She addressed him as such, and his callous reception of her + madness drove her into despair and vindictiveness which brought + salutary punishment to herself. Her weapons of wit and sarcasm + availed nothing. He looked upon her as a sort of gifted lunatic + that had got the idea of seducing him into her head. She became + so mischievous <a name="Page_211" id="Page_211"></a>that he + bundled her out of France. "As long as I live," said he, "she + shall not return." He advised that she should live in Berlin, + Vienna, Milan, or London, the latter for preference. There she + would have full scope for her genius in producing pamphlets. "Oh + yes," says the "god who had descended on earth"; "she has talent, + much talent, in fact far too much, but it is offensive and + revolutionary." This poetess-politician, who said brave things + and wrote amazing diatribes against her "god," was in truth one + of the most servile creatures on earth. She pleaded to be allowed + to come back to her native land, and pledged herself to a life of + retirement, but the great man's faith in his own sound judgment + was not to be shaken.</p> + + <p>"Her promises are all very fine," he said, "but I know what + they mean. Why should she be so anxious to be in the immediate + reach of tyranny?"</p> + + <p>Like all eccentric women who desire to play the part of man, + she made her appearance before Napoleon in the most absurd, + tasteless attire. This woman of genius and folly lacked the + wisdom of gauging the taste of Bonaparte, whom she desired to + captivate with her sluttish appearance and whirling words.</p> + + <p>This man of method and order, who had a keen eye for grace or + beauty in its varied <a name="Page_212" id="Page_212"></a>phases, + was always pronounced in his opinion that women should dress + simply but with faultless taste. It improves good looks, and, if + need be, it covers up defects; but in any case it is the bounden + duty of women to dress with some regard to conventional custom. + It gives them much greater influence than they would otherwise + have. Most women know the importance of this trick, and do it, + and they are amply rewarded for their good sense.</p> + + <p>Madame de Staël did quite the opposite. She appeared + before the Man of Destiny in a shocking garb, and he regarded it + as a piece of impertinence. It stirred up his prejudice openly + against her, in spite of his indifferent attempts to conceal it, + but her egotism was so gigantic, she actually believed she was + making great strides towards curing his callousness towards her. + This woman has been used elaborately by anti-Napoleonic writers + to prove that he was an inhuman despot and she a high-minded, + virtuous Frenchwoman, and a genius in the art of government. They + quote her as a great authority. Her knowledge of his evil deeds + and mistakes of administration is set forth as being flawless. + They bemoan his treatment of this amiable female, and in the + midst of their ecstasy of compassion and wrath they hand down to + posterity a record of unheard-of woes. There is <a name= + "Page_213" id="Page_213"></a>little doubt Napoleon's remark that + "the Neckers were an odd lot, always comforting themselves in + mutual admiration," is well merited. The daughter utilised the + name of the father with lavish persistence. Her ambition and + impudence were boundless, and were the cause of Napoleon + bestowing some wholesome discipline upon her, which, like a true + heroine, she resented, and sent forth from her exile streams of + relentless wailing, adorned by a fluency of venom that would have + put the most militant suffragette in our time to the blush.</p> + + <p>But suddenly her hysteria subsided, and after a brief repose + she switched off the truculent side and sought the pity of the + man whose life she had set herself to make one long ache if he + did not yield to her arrogant pretensions. She had written in a + perpetual scream of his iniquities, and was thrown over by her + former associates, who saw clearly enough that no real good could + be accomplished by whining about cruelty when stern flawless + justice only existed. They recognised that she was a personality, + but her antics puzzled them, and well they might. She bewailed + her isolation with a throbbing heart, and after committing + indiscretions that Robespierre would have sent her head flying + for, she was suddenly bereaved of her neglected husband. This + event <a name="Page_214" id="Page_214"></a>gave Benjamin Constant + a better chance, but the Baroness aimed at higher game. She was + held in the grip of a delusion that she had it in her power to + hypnotise the First Consul and cause him to become her lover. She + had an uncontrollable idolatry for this august person, whom she + hoped to win over by writing for the consumption of his enemies + the many reasons for her aversion to him. Without a doubt the + woman was madly in love with the object of her supposed aversion, + and was driven to frenzy by his obvious distaste for her.</p> + + <p>In 1811 she secretly married a young officer called M. de + Rocca, who had fallen desperately in love with her. He was + amiable and brilliant; became an officer of Hussars in the French + Army; did valiant deeds amongst the hills in Andalusia in 1809; + and was awarded the Cross of the Legion of Honour. Subsequently + he was shot down by guerillas, badly wounded in the thigh, foot, + and chest; had a romantic deliverance; was hidden in a chapel by + a young lady, and nursed into consciousness and convalescence by + loving care, which enabled him to reach Madrid, and ultimately + Geneva, where, in the radiance of youthful infatuation, he rode + with reckless energy down a risky steep part of the city, so that + he might pass the window of the lady, who was more than old + enough <a name="Page_215" id="Page_215"></a>to be his mother, and + in a few months was to be made his wife. A child was born to them + in 1812, and in order to save its legitimacy, she acknowledged + the marriage to a few, but it was not generally known until after + her death that Rocca was her lawful husband. Conscious, and + sensitive no doubt, that it was not quite natural for old women + to marry young men, she prudently had the event kept secret. The + young husband did not only possess tender affection for her, but + he combined chivalrous ambitions which made the romance + additionally attractive.</p> + + <p>Be it remembered that Benjamin Constant was a former lover of + Madame de Staël. The young bridegroom, following a natural + instinct, had a great dislike to Benjamin, and took an + opportunity of really small provocation to challenge him to a + duel, which, owing to wiser counsels, was never fought. There + does not seem to have been very much to fight a duel about. + Constant had a quarrel with his father in which he involved + Madame de Staël, and Rocca resented it like a gallant + youthful husband, who was at that stage when it is thought + desirable to shoot or otherwise kill somebody, in order to show + the extent of his devotion to his enchantress. Rocca had hoped to + die (so he said) before her, but fate willed that he should + linger on and suffer for six months more. Madame de Staël + <a name="Page_216" id="Page_216"></a>slept peacefully into her + last long sleep on July 14, 1817.</p> + + <p>Her career was chequered and restless. She had influence, + which she used oft-times recklessly, and led less gifted people + than herself into committing needless errors. She wrote and spoke + with a wit and sarcasm which charmed all but those at whom it was + directed. Her bitter rebuffs and severe trials were mainly of her + own making. For the most part she wrote with superficial feeling + and without real soul. During the Napoleonic regime, time was a + creeping horror to her, but she found pleasure in the thought + that it was a torture to her suffering heart. George Eliot knew + and used her extraordinary power; Madame de Staël wasted + hers. Nevertheless she had many friends who loved her society. + Wellington was brought under her influence. Byron, who shrank + from her at first, says, "She was the best creature in the + world." She had been at some pains to try to bring Lord and Lady + Byron together. She was capable of impressing people with her + charm, but magnetic influence she had none when living, and has + left none behind.</p> + + <p>Rocca exclaimed, when he heard that she had passed to the + shadows, "What crown could replace that which I have lost!" And + the distracted Benjamin Constant, filled with remorse, reproached + <a name="Page_217" id="Page_217"></a>himself for some undefined + suffering he had caused her, and did penance all night through in + the death-chamber of his divine Juliet.</p> + + <p>This crazy woman seems to have been capricious in everything. + She made and broke liaisons with amazing rapidity while + undergoing a compulsory sojourn at Coppet. She formed there an + attachment for the son of a person named M. Baranti, which very + nearly cheated Rocca from becoming her husband, and the faithless + Benjamin Constant from being, erroneously perhaps, associated + with her name as the author of the manuscript of St. Helen, and + she the notoriety of writing "Ten Years of Exile," which was + published after her death.</p> + + <p>The youthful Baranti found no scope for his talents at Coppet, + and being offered an inducement to go to the metropolis so that + he might have larger opportunities of advancement, he abandoned + the famous authoress, and she, in loving despair, was seized with + the impulse to immortalise his severance by attempting suicide, + and thereby ending her passion for liaisons, virulence, and fame. + The attempt, presumably feeble, left her long years of + mischievous mania for attack on the supposed author of all her + woes. She readily found amongst his enemies (and thus the enemies + of France) those who yearned with her in the hope she freely + <a name="Page_218" id="Page_218"></a>and openly expressed that + her native land should suffer defeats, and in this her desire was + fully acquiesced in by the combination of hysterical and purblind + Kings, aided by a coterie of irreconcilables, who welcomed the + destruction of their fatherland in order that the man who had + made it the glory and the envy of the world should be driven from + it. Many of these creatures were members of the same Senate who, + a few years previously, sent Napoleon a fervent address couched + in grovelling language, imploring him to cement the hold his + personality had on the national life. The following is what they + say, and what they ask him to do:—"You have brought us out + of the chaos of the past, you have made us bless the benefits of + the present. Great man, complete your work, and make it as + immortal as your glory!"</p> + + <p>The authors of this whining appeal are worthy to be associated + with the traitorous daughter of Jacques Necker, Minister of + Finance to Louis XVI., and of those apoplectic monarchs who + sought her guilty and inflammatory aid.</p> + + <p>Then we come to another female celebrity, though less notable + than Madame de Staël, who is regarded by the traducers of + Napoleon as a historian because she wrote in her memoirs that + which they wished the world to think of him, and <a name= + "Page_219" id="Page_219"></a>because they flattered themselves + that it exculpated them from the charge of injustice and mere + hatred. Madame de Staël's book, "Considérations sur + la Révolution Française," made its appearance. Its + violent characteristics inflamed Charles de Remusat to urge his + mother to enter into competition with this work, the result being + the production of Madame de Remusat's memoirs, edited by her + grandson, M. Paul de Remusat. Charles (her son) had reproached + her for having destroyed memoirs she had written + previously,<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id= + "FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class= + "fnanchor">[23]</a> but lurking in her mind was the thought of + all the favours she and her family had received, and her + correspondence, teeming with adulation for the man whom she was + now induced to declaim against. The knowledge that she was about + to expose her perfidy "worried" her, and she wrote to Charles + thus:—"If it should happen that some day my son were to + publish all this, what would people think of me?" and the son, + obviously influenced by the mother's fears, delayed until the + fall of the Second Empire the <a name="Page_220" id= + "Page_220"></a>publication of one of the most unreliable and + barefaced calumnies ever produced against a great benefactor.</p> + + <p>In her memoirs she says that she and her husband excited + general envy by the high position the First Consul had given + them. She was first Lady in Waiting, and subsequently Lady of the + Household, her husband being "attached to Napoleon's household." + She says that she was witty and of a refined mind, and though she + was less "good-looking" than her companions, she had the + advantage of being able to "charm his mind," and she was almost + the only woman with whom he condescended to converse. She relates + residing in the camp at Boulogne "and having breakfast and dinner + daily with Bonaparte." In the evenings they used to "discuss + philosophy, literature, and art, or listen to the First Consul + relating about the years of his youth and early + achievements."</p> + + <p>No doubt the young Madame de Remusat became assured in the + same way as Madame de Staël that she would one day be raised + to heights of glory unequalled in history, and the disappointment + embittered her. She admits that she "suffered on account of + blighted hopes and deceived affections and the failure of her + calculations." Moreover, Josephine had an eye on the lady whose + husband in evil times sought her <a name="Page_221" id= + "Page_221"></a>influence with Napoleon to stretch out a helping + hand and save them from the poverty by which they were beset. + Napoleon's big heart spontaneously responded to the appeal of his + fascinating spouse, the result being that favours were heaped + upon M. de Remusat and his wife from time to time, and + Josephine's goodness was repaid by seeing Madame in feline + fashion purring at her Imperial master's affections, and on the + authority of Madame de Remusat she "becomes cold and jealous." + Finding that Napoleon did not appreciate her love-making, she, + like Madame de Staël under similar circumstances, took to + intriguing, which got her quickly into disgrace. She is anxious + to make her fall as light as possible in the public eye, so + relates that he told her that "his desire was to make her a great + lady, but he could not be expected to do this unless she showed + devotion." But in spite of the wife's defection, as is always + Napoleon's way, he does not visit her sins on the husband, but + raises him to the important posts of Grand Master of the Robes, + High Chamberlain, and then Superintendent of Theatres, and in + addition gave him large sums to keep up his status, and + notwithstanding Josephine's cause for "cold jealousy," Madame de + Remusat was generously kept in her service after Marie Louise had + become Empress. M. de Remusat remained in the Emperor's service + <a name="Page_222" id="Page_222"></a>until the fall of the + Empire, and then went over to Louis XVIII. Both of these + sycophants were content to accept the favours of the Imperial + couple and eat their bread and cringe at their feet while they + plotted with the plotters for the Emperor's downfall.</p> + + <p>Unhappily for the veracity and probity of Madame Remusat as a + history writer, her letters containing notes jotted down day by + day as they occurred have been published, and the memoirs put + side by side with these throbbings of the heart reveal an + incomparable baseness that makes one wonder at the reckless, + blind partisanship which induced her descendants to give the + memoirs to an intelligent public.</p> + + <p>In the memoirs she says:—"Nothing is so base as his + soul; it is closed against all generous impulses, and possesses + no true grandeur. I noticed that he always failed to understand + and to admire a noble action;" and again she goes on to say that + "In war he foresaw the means of calling away our attention from + the reflections which, sooner or later, his government could not + fail to suggest to us, and he reserved it in order to dazzle, or + at least to enforce silence on us. Bonaparte felt that he would + be infallibly lost the day when his enforced inactivity enabled + us to think both of him and of ourselves." "What <a name= + "Page_223" id="Page_223"></a>a relief whenever the Emperor went + away! His absence always seemed to bring solace. People breathed + more freely."</p> + + <p>Now this would have been all very well. It was the stereotyped + phraseology of Napoleon's avowed enemies. He knew it, and viewed + it with contempt and derision, and until Madame de Remusat and + her snuffling, cringing husband became swollen with + over-indulgence and smitten with wounded pride, they regarded + language such as now appears in her memoirs as mere froth. She + practically says that she held the same views in 1818 as she did + from 1802 to 1808, but when she wrote this she no doubt relied on + her correspondence being kept snugly private or destroyed; but it + has been published, and here are some amazing extracts from + it:—</p> + + <p>"I often think, my dear, of that Empire, the territory of + which extends to Antwerp! Consider what a man he must be who can + rule it single-handed, and what few instances history offers like + him!"<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> "Whilst he creates, + so to speak, new nations in his progress, people must be struck, + from one end of Europe to the other, by the remarkably prosperous + state of France. Her Navy, formed in two years, after a ruinous + revolution, and assuming at last a menacing attitude after + <a name="Page_224" id="Page_224"></a>so long, excited the scoffs + of a shortsighted enemy."</p> + + <p>"When again I reflect on the peace we enjoy, our wise and + <i>moderate liberty</i>, which is quite sufficient for me, the + glory my country is covered with, the pomp and even the + magnificence surrounding us, and in which I delight, because it + is proof that success has crowned our efforts; when, in short, I + consider that all this prosperity is the work of <i>one man</i>, + I am filled with admiration and gratitude."<a name= + "FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a></p> + + <p>"What I write here, my dear, is, of course, strictly between + ourselves, for many people would be anxious to ascribe to these + feelings some other cause than that which really inspires them; + besides, it seems to me that we are less eager to express the + praises that come from the heart than those that proceed from the + mind."<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a></p> + + <p>"Thank goodness, I am at last happy and contented!! What a + pleasure it is to see the Emperor again, and how much that + pleasure will be felt here! This splendid campaign, this glorious + peace, this prompt return, all is really marvellous."<a name= + "FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></p> + + <p>"Like woman, the French are rather impatient and exacting; it + is true that the Emperor has spoilt us in the campaign; indeed, + no lover was <a name="Page_225" id="Page_225"></a>ever more + anxious to gratify the wishes of his mistress than His Majesty to + meet our desires. You demand a prompt march? Very well, the army + that was at Boulogne will find itself, three weeks later, in + Germany. You ask for the capture of a town? Here is the surrender + of Ulm. You are not satisfied!! You are craving for more + victories? Here they are: Here is Vienna which you wanted, and + also a pitched battle, in order that no kind of success may be + wanting. Add to these a whole series of noble and generous deeds, + of words full of grandeur and kindness, and always to the + purpose, so much so that our hearts share also that glory, and + can join it to all the national pride it arouses in us."<a name= + "FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a></p> + + <p>"I used to cry bitterly at that time, for I felt so affected + that, had I met the Emperor at the moment, I should, I believe, + have thrown my arms round his neck, although I should, + afterwards, have been compelled to fall on my knees and ask + pardon for my conduct."<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id= + "FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class= + "fnanchor">[29]</a></p> + + <p>So overcome with boundless admiration is she that her soul + yearns for the gift of being able to do him full justice by + writing a history, a panegyric, a book, in fact, that would show + him to be immeasurably above all men living or dead. <a name= + "Page_226" id="Page_226"></a>She fears that people cannot see his + nobility and greatness as she does. She is bewildered and + acclaims him a god. Here is another outburst of passionate + devotion:—</p> + + <p>"That undaunted courage, carried even to rashness, and which + was always crowned with success, that calm assurance in the midst + of danger, with that wise foresight and that prompt resolution, + arouse always new feelings of admiration which it seems can never + be surpassed."<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id= + "FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class= + "fnanchor">[30]</a></p> + + <p>It will be seen her letters shape well for the fulfilment of + the great ambition of her life, <i>i.e.</i>, to picture him as he + was. The writing is good, the description picturesque, and I + believe the impartial mind will also regard it as accurate. She + believes "that even persons who are hardest to please must be + compelled to admit that he is a most amiable sovereign." She is + smitten with the feeling of gratitude, and says it is so sweet + that she really regards it as another favour. She wishes her + husband could "often secure some of those comforting smiles from + the master," and tells him he is "no fool to be fond of those + smiles," and promises to congratulate him if he secures some.</p> + + <p>She asks God to watch over him (such will always be her + prayer) when he is fighting and <a name="Page_227" id= + "Page_227"></a>conquering. Her heart is grieved when he is at a + great distance from them. She eulogises his great qualities to + her son, and advises him "to study all that she was able to tell + him of the Emperor, and write about it when he grew up," and the + boy exclaimed, "Mother, what you have told me sounds like one of + Plutarch's lives!"</p> + + <p>But there comes a time when Napoleon sees that the price he + has to pay for adulation is too high, for, like most + over-pampered people, Madame de Remusat seems to have got the + idea of equality badly into her head. She became waspish, + exacting, claiming more than her share of emoluments, seeking for + attentions which her "amiable sovereign" saw in the fitness of + things it would be folly to bestow. She mistook wholesome justice + for tyranny, defied discipline, and not only connived at treason, + but prayed for the extinction of him against whom it was + directed. Disaster overtook him, he fell, and in her delirium of + malice and joy she bethought it an opportune moment to write what + are known as her memoirs, refuting therein all her former + eulogies and opinions so vividly told in the "Letters of Madame + de Remusat." Now that adversity so terrible overshadows the + matchless hero of the letters, she throws every scruple aside, + and warms to her task in writing unstinted, gross, and manifest + libels. Contrast with the "letters" <a name="Page_228" id= + "Page_228"></a>these quotations from the memoirs. She avows that + "nothing is so base as his soul. It is closed against all + generous impulses; he never could admire a noble action." "He + possesses an innate depravity of nature, and has a special taste + for evil." "His absence brought solace, and made people breathe + freely." "He is devoid of every kind of personal courage, and + generous impulses are foreign to him." "He put a feeling of + restraint into everybody that approached him." "He was feared + everywhere." "He delighted to excite fear." "He did not like to + make people comfortable." "He was afraid of the least + familiarity." This latter grievance, combined of course with the + rest, is quite significant, and we are justified in assuming that + the Lady in Waiting has been taking liberties, and has been + deservedly snubbed by His Imperial Majesty. It is perhaps + necessary to pause here and remind the reader that on the + authority of her son, and subsequently of her grandson, these + memoirs were written entirely "without malice," and the sole + object of writing them at all was that "the truth should be + told."</p> + + <p>Very well then. Are we to believe the letters or the memoirs, + because in the former she over and over again declares that "his + comely manners were irresistible"; but in the memoirs with + au<a name="Page_229" id="Page_229"></a>dacious bitterness she + affirms "not only is he ill-mannered but brutal."</p> + + <p>Such effrontery is beyond criticism. She finds it "impossible + to depict the disinterested loyalty with which she longed for the + King's return," and describes the hero of her letters as a + ruthless destroyer of all worth, and being brought so low, she is + straitened by the demands of "truth" and "grows quite + disheartened."</p> + + <p>It will be observed that it is always truth which is the + abiding motive, it matters not whether it is letters or memoirs. + She avows it is "truth" she writes. "The love of truth," says the + editor in his preface, "gave her courage to persevere in her task + for more than two years." That is, it took her more than two + years to write the "truths" contained in the memoirs disavowing + the "truths" so vehemently given in the letters; the former book + pregnant with the bitterness of a writer without heart and + principle, and with political and personal motives running + through its pages like a canker, while the latter, radiant in + luxuriant adulation, gapes at her memory with retributive + justice.</p> + + <p>The renegade son served the renegade and ungrateful mother ill + when he advised her to write what is a barefaced recantation of + her former statements. Napoleon has said that "People are rarely + drawn to you by favours conferred upon <a name="Page_230" id= + "Page_230"></a>them." He had many examples of this truth, but + none more striking than the above. Madame de Remusat and her + husband were raised from poverty to affluence by Napoleon, and + the memory of all the favours that were showered upon them by the + man she declares she loved should have kept them from hate and + disloyalty, and forbidden the writing of such unworthy + vituperations against him.</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Madame + de Remusat burnt her original memoirs during the Hundred + Days, doubtless because she had in her mind the probability + that Napoleon might firmly establish himself on the throne, + and the discovery of anti-Napoleon MSS. might have acted + seriously against herself and family being appointed to + important positions. Moreover, the greater danger of getting + herself into trouble was constantly in her mind.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> + "Letters of Madame de Remusat," vol. i. p. 195.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> + "Letters of Madame de Remusat," vol. i. p, 196.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> Ibid., + vol. i. p. 160.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Ibid., + vol. ii. p. 2.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> + "Letters of Madame de Remusat," vol. i. p. 190.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> Ibid., + vol. i. p. 393.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> + "Letters of Madame de Remusat," vol. ii. p. 45.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a><a name="Page_231" + id="Page_231"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + + <h3>JOSEPHINE</h3> + + <p>One of the phenomena of human affairs is the part destined for + Josephine, daughter of M. Joseph Gaspard Tascher de la Pagerie, + sugar-planter at Martinique, and friend of the Marquis de + Beauharnais, whose son Alexandre was fated to marry her when she + was but sixteen years of age. The marriage took place on December + 13, 1779, at Noisy-le-Grand. The pompous young bridegroom speaks + of his young bride in appreciative terms in a letter to his + father, and in order that his parent may not be disappointed as + to her beauty, he explains that in this respect she may not be up + to his expectations. He regards the pleasure of being with her as + very sweet, and forms the resolution of putting her through a + course of education, as this had been grievously neglected.</p> + + <p>The father of Alexandre is said to have been charmed with the + sweetness of Josephine's char<a name="Page_232" id= + "Page_232"></a>acter, but then he was not her husband, and it + soon became apparent that the union was ill-assorted, and so it + came to pass that marital relations were entirely broken off + after the birth of Hortense, subsequently dressmaker's + apprentice, Queen of Holland, and mother of Napoleon III. + Alexandre had gone to Martinique, and it was there the news of + his daughter's birth came to him. He knew before leaving France + that his wife was enceinte, and expressed his pleasure to her. + The Marquis Beauharnais had assured his friend, Joseph Tascher de + la Pagerie, that his "son was worthy of being his son-in-law, and + that Nature had endowed him with fine and noble qualities." These + virtues seem to have been dissolved with remarkable rapidity + after his marriage, as it was well known before his departure on + the voyage to Martinique that he had been diligently unfaithful + to the poor "uneducated" little Creole girl who really thought + she loved him. From all accounts, and I have read many, Alexandre + Beauharnais was an ill-conditioned cruel prig. This excellent son + with "fine and noble qualities" had not been long at Martinique + before he associated himself with a lady of questionable virtue, + who was much older than he. This person's dislike to Josephine + caused her to pour into his willing ears and receptive mind + scandalous stories of his child<a name="Page_233" id= + "Page_233"></a>wife's love intrigues before she left her native + island. This gave Alexandre a fine opportunity of writing a + letter to her, disclaiming the paternity of Hortense, and + accusing her of intrigues with "an officer in the Martinique + regiment, and another man who sailed in a ship called the + <i>Cæsar</i>." He declares he knows the contents of her + letters to her lovers, and "swears by the Heaven which enlightens + him that the child is another's, and that strange blood flows in + its veins," and "it shall never know his shame"; and so the + virtuous Alexandre goes rambling on, until he comes to the + slashing finish in the good old style that persons similarly + situated adopt to those whom they have grievously injured. He + soars between elegant politeness and old-time aristocratic + ferocity: "Goodbye, madam, this is the last letter you will + receive from your desperate and unhappy husband." Then comes the + inevitable postscript, with an avenging bite embodying the spirit + of murder. He is to be in France soon if his health does not + break down under the load she has cast upon him. He warns her to + be out of the house on his arrival, because, if she is not, "she + will find in him a tyrant." The whole letter is indicative of a + low-down unworthy scamp, a mere collection of transparent + verbiage, intended as a means of ridding himself of a woman he + had nothing in <a name="Page_234" id="Page_234"></a>common with, + and a cover to his own unfaithfulness.</p> + + <p>But whatever may be the interpretation of his motives, on his + coming back to Paris he kept his word. Conjugal relations were + not renewed. His family were indignant at the treatment Josephine + was receiving at the hands of this pompous libertine, and he + assures her that of "the two, she is not the one to be most + pitied."</p> + + <p>M. Masson declares that there was never a reconciliation, and + that they lived apart, but met in society, and spoke to one + another, mainly about their children's education. Josephine + caused him to withdraw before her lawyer the gross and unfounded + charges he had made against her and to agree to a satisfactory + allowance.</p> + + <p>Alexandre, finding soldiering distasteful, embarked upon a + political career as an aristocrat Liberal. His rise to position + was swift, and after the death of Mirabeau he followed him as + President of the Assembly. Before his fall came, he was appointed + Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Rhine, and at the head of + sixty thousand men failed to relieve Mayence and resigned his + command.</p> + + <p>His Liberal pretensions did not prevent him being included + amongst the proscribed. He was made captive, accused of + attempting to escape, <a name="Page_235" id= + "Page_235"></a>condemned to death and guillotined. Josephine's + device of reassuring the Revolutionists of her conversion to + Republicanism by apprenticing Hortense to a dressmaker and Eugene + to a carpenter did not avail. She was suspected and sent to Les + Carmes, where frequent conversations took place between her + philosophic and abandoned husband and herself, mainly concerning + their children's education, and had not the reaction against the + regime of blood brought about the fall of Robespierre, she would + assuredly have shared the fate of Alexandre; and had the cry of + "A bas le tyrant" been heard a few days earlier, Beauharnais + would have escaped too, and cheated Josephine of becoming Empress + of the French and Queen of Italy. As it was, some of the very + same people who but a short time before had harangued the mob to + "Behold the friend of the people, the great defender of liberty," + switched their murderous vengeance on to their late idol, and ere + many hours the widow Beauharnais was set free. The thought of the + appalling end and the brevity of time that seemed left to her + impressed Josephine with all its ghastly horror. She had shrieked + and wept herself into a deathlike illness. The doctor predicted + that she could not survive more than a week, and for this reason + she escaped being brought before the Tribunal.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236"></a>A wondrous Providence + this, which, with frantic speed, broke the power of a hideous + monster, and thereby saved the woman who was to enter upon a new + era, and to be borne swiftly on to share the glory of an + unequalled Empire.</p> + + <p>M. Masson's theory is that Josephine's womanly grief had much + to do with awakening the sentiment of Paris, and breaking the + Reign of Terror; and, indeed, there is some reason in this view, + for tears are not only useful as an indication of sorrow, + suffering, or conquest, but an effective means of gaining + sympathy. Josephine was an adept at trying the efficacy of + weeping, and if M. Masson has gauged the influence of melting the + heart of the spirit of massacre aright, then Josephine was gifted + with, and made the instrument of, a divine instinct that should + claim attention and reverence for all time, even though her + subsequent misdeeds occasionally incline us to avert the eye.</p> + + <p>But it is likely that the sombre satire of the pure and + beautiful Jeanne-Marie Philipon touched the heart of Paris more + than the shedding of tears and shrieking lamentations. The wife + of Roland, led to the scaffold, faced with the stern certainty of + death, asks with calm dignity for pen, ink, and paper, "so that + she might write the strange thoughts that were rising in her." + The request was not granted. Then looking at the statue of + <a name="Page_237" id="Page_237"></a>Liberty, she exclaimed with + fierce dignity, "O Liberty! What things are done in thy name!" + and these throbbing magical words reverberated through France + with wonderful effect. The guilty populace, shuddering with + superstitious awe at the revolting horrors committed in the name + of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death, flashed a thought on + the scaffold of the stainless victim, then on the loathsome + prisons that were filled with suspects, rich and poor, all over + France. Then, in time, the dooming to death of some of the + prominent polecats who committed murder in the name of liberty + and fraternity brought Robespierreism to an end. Robespierre + himself was cursed on the scaffold by a woman who sent him to + "hell with the curses of all wives and mothers," and Samson did + the rest. And it may be logically assumed that the parting words + of Jeanne-Marie Philipon at the foot of the scaffold inoculated + the public mind, not only with the horrors that were being + committed in the name of Liberty, but what things were cantishly + being said in its name. I like to think of the stainless lady's + inspired phrase rather than Josephine's tears as being in some + degree responsible for the end of the Reign of Terror.</p> + + <p>After her release, Josephine's shattered health was a cause of + anxiety, but this was soon re-established, and she quickly put + her emotions <a name="Page_238" id="Page_238"></a>aside and + plunged into gaiety with an alacrity that makes one wonder + whether she had more than spasmodic regret at the awful doom that + had come to her husband, who left a somewhat penitent letter + behind, wherein he speaks of his brotherly affection for her, + bids her "goodbye," exhorts her "to be the consoler of those whom + she knows he loves," and "by her care to prolong his life in + their hearts." "Goodbye," says he; "for the last time in my life + I press you and my children to my breast."</p> + + <p>These posthumous reflections and instructions did not impress + the widow with any apparent interest. The picture recorded of + their tragic married life is not sweet. Neither lived up to the + great essentials which assure happiness.</p> + + <p>Before her imprisonment the gossip-mongers were whispering + round rumours of violent flirtations, and even when she was in + Les Carmes they said that she and her fellow-prisoner, General + Hoche, were too familiar, and coupled the name of the ex-Count + with that of a young lady suspect. The truth of such accusations + seems highly improbable, and they may well be regarded as + malicious slander. It is not unlikely that Josephine was on + friendly terms with the General before they met in Les Carmes, + but that it was more than friendship is a mere hypothesis. Her + relation with that <a name="Page_239" id= + "Page_239"></a>unspeakable libertine Barras was especially + unfortunate. No doubt she was driven to extremities after her + release. Her fate was as hard as it is possible to conceive. She + was without the proper means of sustenance for herself and her + family, and appears to have lost no time in really becoming the + chosen friend of a creature who took advantage of her and then + betrayed her to the world. It is he who tells in his memoirs the + sad and sickening story of his connection with Josephine, and + gloats over the opportunity it gives him of repeating + conversations he had with General Hoche as to her love + entanglements. He declares that she was "the patient mistress of + Hoche in the sight of the whole world."</p> + + <p>The editor of the memoirs to some extent tones down the brutal + statements of the author. But a man who publicly exposes the + relations he has had with a fascinating woman who gives herself + to him may not be readily believed when he deliberately involves + his own friends in the liaisons. There is no question of what his + part was in the degradation of Josephine, but the luxury of + dragging other names into the moral quagmire, in order, it may + be, to justify his own dealings and to further debase her, could + only be undertaken by a person soaked with the venom of + indecency, and, in this case, had no other object than <a name= + "Page_240" id="Page_240"></a>that of gratifying his malice + against her husband. His assumption of moral superiority is quite + entertaining when he, the seducer and corrupter, speaks of the + unfortunate woman's "libertinism," and calls her in his + bitterness "a licentious Creole."</p> + + <p>This representative of the Republic one and indivisible, + embodying Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death, at the end of + the eighteenth century, will forever disgrace the judgment and + moral condition of the France which knew Charlemagne.</p> + + <p>"Citizen" Barras repudiates the story of Eugene asking the + Commander-in-Chief for his beheaded father's sword. He claims + that Napoleon himself invented the story. But it is highly + improbable that Napoleon would risk at the beginning of his + career having his veracity doubted. In itself, the incident is a + small matter. The only real interest attached to it is the + touching pathos of the small boy asking for and receiving the + sword, which, of course, gave his mother the opportunity of + calling to thank the General for his goodness, and in this way it + has historic importance, as Napoleon and Josephine were married + four months after, <i>i.e.</i>, March 9, 1796, her age being + thirty-two and his twenty-five.</p> + + <p>The quibble is that of a small man searching in every pond for + mud to throw at his master's <a name="Page_241" id= + "Page_241"></a>memory. Napoleon gave the facts to Barry O'Meara + at St. Helena, and they also appear in the "Memorial de St. + Helena." Had the introduction of these two remarkable people not + come about in this way, it would have been brought about in some + other. But, whether the story has any interest further than the + writer has stated or not, it is safer to believe Napoleon than + Barras, who boasted after the success of Napoleon in Italy that + it was he who had perceived in him a genius and urged the + Directory to appoint him Commander-in-Chief. Carnot is indignant + at this impudent falsehood, and declares that it was he and not + Barras who nominated and urged the appointment of Bonaparte. + Certainly Carnot's story is the accepted one. It matters little + who the selected spokesman of the inspiration was. France needed + a man, and he was found.</p> + + <p>On the eve of this obscure and neglected young soldier's + departure to spread the blessings of Fraternity in Italy, the + voluptuous Barras was commissioned by him to announce to the + Directory his marriage with Citizeness Tascher Beauharnais. Then + began a period of devouring love and war such as the world has + never beheld. In the midst of strife and strenuous + responsibility, this young missionary, representing the solacing + new doctrine of symbolic brotherhood, neither shirks nor forgets + <a name="Page_242" id="Page_242"></a>the responsibilities of his + instructions to lay Italy at his feet.</p> + + <p>Nor does he for a moment forget his wedded obligations. He is + in love, nay, desperately in love. The image of Josephine is + constantly soaring around him, and he pours forth ebullitions of + frantic devotion at the cannon's mouth, in the Canton, anywhere, + and everywhere. He is as rich in phrase as he is in courage and + resource. He finds time to scrawl a few burning words of passion + which indicate that his soul is at once aflame with thoughts of + her and the grim military task he has undertaken.</p> + + <p>He leads to battle flashing with the spirit of assured victory + and inspired by the belief that it has been written that he is + the chosen force which is to regenerate misgoverned + nationalities. Order out of chaos; moderation in the hour of + victory; no interference with any one's religious belief; stern + discipline—these were some of the behests of this young + Titan, whose startling and victorious campaigns were amazing an + astonished world and causing significant apprehension in the + minds of the Directory, who decided to check the swift process of + ascendancy by giving instructions that he was to give over the + command of Lombardy to General Kellerman, and go south to + commence raiding other parts of Italy, including Rome and + Naples.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243"></a>To this he promptly sends + a vigorous though respectful reply, which is intended to convey + that they are to have done with such impractical foolery. It is a + world-shaking fight he has on hand. The honour and military glory + of France are at stake. It is not for mere theoretic upholders of + Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity to meddle with such things. He + says to them, "Kellerman is an excellent General, and could lead + an army as well as I," but then he goes on to plead the + superiority of his army, always modestly leaving himself outside + the praise he takes care to bestow on others, and adds with + fervour, "The command must remain in the hands of one man." "I + believe," says he, "that one bad General is better than two good + ones." "The art of war, like the art of government, is a matter + of careful handling." Then with delicious frankness he flashes + out: "I cannot allow myself to have my feet entangled." "A free + hand or resignation." That is his ultimatum. This thunderbolt of + bewildering audacity sent a flutter through the sanctuary of + Fraternity, and in hot haste a message of confidence, coupled + with an order that he shall be left in supreme control, was + dispatched by a vigilant energetic courier. The Directory were + made to see that a great power had arisen which would hold + dominion over them.</p> + + <p>And yet this young and terrible conqueror, who <a name= + "Page_244" id="Page_244"></a>judiciously dominated every will in + the process of his achievements, he who defiantly told his + masters that he would not suffer his "feet to be entangled" by + their amateurish absurdities, was entangled for a time by a + rapturous infatuation and allowed a giddy woman with seductive + habits and a silken voice to cajole, dominate, ridicule, and + ignore him. His imploring theatrical appeals to her to come to + him are piteously pathetic. The rational parts of his letters are + without example in neat concise phrase, and portray a man + possessed of great human virtues. It is when the love-storm + attacks him that he flies into extravagances, such as when he + writes that "she has more than robbed him of his soul," and that + "she is devouring his blood." He writes to his brother Joseph + that he loves her to madness, and to Carnot even he does the same + thing. Perhaps the most extravagant outburst of all is when he + begs that she is to let him see some of her faults, and to be + less kind, gracious, and beautiful. "Your tears drive away my + reason and scorch my blood." "You set my poor heart ablaze." He + complains of her letters being "cold as friendship," and adds, + "But oh! how I am infatuated."</p> + + <p>Josephine has never been addressed in such consuming language + before. She is flattered, and her little head becomes swollen + with the idea <a name="Page_245" id="Page_245"></a>of greatness. + The ridiculous endearments amuse her. She must not allow such + opportunities of creating envy to pass, so she shows the letters + as they come along to her most intimate friends, amongst whom + Barras still continues high on the list, and with an air of dizzy + pride she playfully says Bonaparte is "very droll." And really, + Josephine was right. Some of his letters are "droll," but they + are genuine, and this highly honoured woman, launched into + prominence and position, and reaping the laurels of his work + disgraced her womanhood by showing his letters, and doubly + disgraced herself by ridiculing them.</p> + + <p>It was not until Murat, Junot, and Joseph Bonaparte were sent + by Napoleon to Paris from the seat of war with important + dispatches, and also with letters to her, that it dawned upon her + that she had carried her unwillingness to join her husband far + enough. Doubtless the gallant commissioners had given her a hint + that further refusal meant inevitable reprisals. It is quite + feasible that the rollicking Junot, who was always prepared to + give his soul for Bonaparte, was frank enough to intimate that + there was a risk of driving her husband into the arms of some + covetous female, many of whom were angling in the hope of + capturing the brilliant and rising General, and <a name= + "Page_246" id="Page_246"></a>that already he was showing signs of + jealousy and suspicion of her good faith.</p> + + <p>News of fresh victories was coming in, fêtes were held + in honour of them, crowds of people congregated, and at the sight + of her leaning on the arm of Junot after leaving the Luxembourg + they shout, "Long live General Bonaparte! Long live Citizeness + Bonaparte!" She is enthralled by the adulation which reflected + glory showers upon her. Her spirit rebels against leaving all its + pleasures and pomps. But she has exhausted every canon of truth + in excuses, even that of being pregnant, and finds herself + inevitably driven to abandon the seat of joy and easy morals and + set off for Milan with her dog "Fortune" and Eugene, her son. + Tears flow copiously at the thought of her wrongs, but these are + dried up with the compensating opportunity of commencing a + flirtation with Murat, who is soon to become the husband of + Caroline Bonaparte.</p> + + <p>The popular opinion was that it was Junot who was the object + of her designs, but the future Duchess d'Abrantès + scornfully repudiates this, and declares that Junot's devotion to + his beloved General forbade him reciprocating his wife's + indiscretion, so he made love to Louise Compoint, Josephine's + waiting-maid, instead, the result being that Louise was requested + to leave the service of the offended Josephine.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247"></a>On arrival at Milan, + Napoleon was absent, so the honour of receiving her was deputed + to the Milanese Due de Serbelloni, who took her in regal style to + stay at his palace. On Napoleon meeting his wife for the first + time since their marriage his joy was unbounded. Marmont, who + betrayed him and France in later days, says that "at that time he + lived only for his wife, and never had purer, truer, or more + exclusive love taken possession of the heart of a man, and that a + man of so superior an order."</p> + + <p>Napoleon had still much work to do, and many hard battles to + fight, so that they were frequently separated during the + remaining months before he had freed Italy and beaten the + Austrians. On no occasion when he was absent from her did he + neglect sending letters on fire with the assurance of unabated + love, but they frequently indicate not only a conviction of her + indifference, but a suspicion that it is more, which is promptly + nullified by further explosions such as "kisses as burning as my + heart and as pure as you." Poor Napoleon! he is soon to be + disillusioned. She is the same old Josephine in Italy as she was + in Paris. He pleads with her to send him letters, for she must + "know how dear they are to him." "I do not live," he tells her, + "when I am far from you." "My life's happiness is in the society + of my sweet <a name="Page_248" id="Page_248"></a>Josephine." + Again he writes, "A thousand kisses as fiery as my soul, as + chaste as yourself! I have just summoned the courier; he tells me + that he crossed over to your house, and that you told him you had + no commands. Fie! Naughty, undutiful, cruel, tyrannous, jolly + little monster. You laugh at my threats, at my infatuation; ah! + you well know that if I could shut you up in my heart I would put + you in prison there!" This playful, gloomy, humorous, and tender + quotation does not emanate from the heart of a monster, but from + an unequalled lovesick soul confiding the innermost secrets of + his mind to an inglorious helpmate, whose follies during the + first years of their married life were a cruel humiliation to + him.</p> + + <p>She courted ruin with cool dissolute persistency. She + deceived, lied, and wept with the felicity of a fanatic. She + sought and found happiness at the cost of not only self-respect, + but honour and virtue. She was not a shrew, but a born coquette, + without morals rather than immoral, and, withal, a superb + enigmatic who would have made the Founder of our faith shed tears + of sorrow. It is by distorting facts that her eulogists make it + appear that she was a loving and devoted wife during the early + years of her second marriage.</p> + + <p>On her arrival at Milan from Paris she had presented to her + many army officers, amongst <a name="Page_249" id= + "Page_249"></a>whom was a young Hussar, the friend and assistant + General of Leclerc, who became the husband of Paulette, the giddy + little schoolgirl sister of Napoleon. Josephine, at this period + of her history was famous for her aversion to chastity, so that + it is not altogether inexplicable that she should have sought the + distinction of making Hippolyte Charles her lover. He was + fascinating, witty, dressed with splendour, and was quite up to + her standard of moral quality. The friendship grew into intimacy, + so that he became a frequent visitor to Josephine during + Napoleon's absence.</p> + + <p>It was scarcely likely that this love affair, which was + assuming dramatic proportions, could be long kept from the + knowledge of Napoleon. The mocking critics of the camp and the + stern moralists amongst the civilians vied with each other in + babbling commentary of the growing dilapidated reputation that + the Commander-in-Chief's wife was precipitately acquiring. + Wherever she is or goes, so long as Bonaparte is at a safe + distance, Charles is hanging on to her skirts. Some writers have + said that on the occasion of her visit to Genoa to attend the + fêtes given by the Republic he was in attendance, and it is + most likely that this clumsy act of strategy on the part of + Josephine brought about the climax. Unquestionably her movements + were being watched by members of the Bonaparte <a name="Page_250" + id="Page_250"></a>family. They not unnaturally felt that the + scandal was exposing them as well as their brother to + ridicule.</p> + + <p>But, as frequently happens, great events are brought about in + the most unexpected way. The vivacious Paulette had fallen in + love with Freron, a man of forty, holding a high position in the + Government service. Napoleon was strongly averse to the match, so + decided that she should become the wife of General Leclerc, aged + twenty-five, who was said to be Napoleon's double. Hippolyte + Charles had been the friend of Leclerc, and Paulette resolutely + set her mind on inflicting salutary punishment on her + sister-in-law for the wrong she was doing her brother. She + quickly managed to wriggle confidences out of Leclerc concerning + the Josephine-Charles connection, then peached. Charles was + banished from the army, and, on the authority of Madame Leclerc, + we learn that Josephine "nearly died of grief." The avenging + little vixen had put a big spoke in the wheel, although there + were other powerful agencies that had no small part in bringing + light to the aching and devout heart.</p> + + <p>From this dates the fall of Josephine's complete magical + divinity over him, and a new era begins. We hear no more of + "shutting her up in his heart," or of sending her "kisses as + fiery as his <a name="Page_251" id="Page_251"></a>soul and as + chaste as herself"; though to the end his letters are studiously + kind and even reverential.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, the intrepid General, having brought the campaign + of Italy and Austria to a successful end, came back to Paris, + received the plaudits of a grateful and adoring nation, and the + doubtful favour of a jealous Directory. They banqueted him at the + Luxembourg with every outward sign of satisfaction. Talleyrand + and Barras made eloquent and flattering speeches of his + accomplishments and talents, and the latter folded him in his + arms as a concluding token of affection. Josephine revelled in + the gaiety and honours that encompassed them, while her husband + sought the consolation of privacy.</p> + + <p>After a short though not inactive stay in Paris, he was given + command of the Army of the East, and sailed from Toulon on May + 19, 1798, in the <i>Orient</i> (which came to a tragic end at + Aboukir), and Josephine waved her handkerchief, soaked in tears, + as the fleet passed from view.</p> + + <p>Her doings do not interest us until she again came across the + young ex-officer Charles in Paris, some time in 1799, and, at his + request no doubt, she introduced him to a firm of army + contractors, and for the ostensible purpose of showing his + gratitude, he called at Malmaison to thank her. <a name= + "Page_252" id="Page_252"></a>This act of grace could have been + done with greater propriety by letter, though there may have been + reasons for not putting in writing anything that might associate + the wife of the Commander-in-Chief with having dealings with army + contractors, even to the extent of interesting herself on behalf + of a man who was dismissed the service for carrying on an + intrigue with his General's wife, who happened to be Josephine + herself.</p> + + <p>But putting aside the unpardonable breach of faith in allowing + a renewal of the intimacy with such a man, the fact of a lady in + her position being mixed up with a firm of this character might + have seriously compromised Napoleon, and for this reason alone + her act was highly reprehensible. Charles was not slow to avail + himself of Josephine's hospitality, and became a regular visitor. + This further lapse of loyalty to the absent husband was + transmitted to Egypt, and very naturally determined him on the + necessity of taking proceedings to get a divorce, but although + Napoleon had ceased, so far as he could, to be the dreadful + simpleton lover of other days, he failed to gauge the grip the + old fascination had of him.</p> + + <p>He believed the avenging spirit that guided him to definite + conclusions was real, and with the thought of "divorce, public + and sensational divorce," buzzing in his head, combined with + <a name="Page_253" id="Page_253"></a>another of State policy + lurking in the background, he set sail for France, and created + wild excitement in domestic and Directorial circles by + unexpectedly landing at Fréjus.</p> + + <p>He then made his way, as quickly as the enthusiasm of the + cheering populace allowed him, towards his house in the Rue de la + Victoire; but the penitent (?) Josephine was not there. She had + gone to meet him, taken the wrong road, and missed throwing + herself into his arms as was her intention. He asks excitedly, + "Is she ill?" and the significant wink of her enemies threw him + into paroxysms of grief. His friend Collot calls and reminds him + that the hope of the nation is centred on him. His wrath is proof + that he is still in love, and Collot fears that the magical + effect of her appearance will bring forgiveness. "Never," shouts + the irate husband. "How little you know me, Collot. Rather than + abase myself, I would tear my heart out and throw it on the + fire."</p> + + <p>But Collot knew him better than he chose to admit he knew + himself, and we shall see that his heart was not thrown "on the + fire," but given again to the erring Josephine, who was + travelling back post-haste from Lyons. She arrived broken in + spirit and wearied unto death. Napoleon, obviously not quite sure + of his determination to refuse her admittance, had bolted the + door, and was <a name="Page_254" id="Page_254"></a>stamping about + the room with a glare in his piercing eye as though he were + planning an onslaught that was to be furiously contested. + Josephine arrives, knocks at the door, implores him to open it, + and addresses him as "Mon ami, <i>mon bon ami</i>." There is no + response, and in her frenzy of despair she weeps and beats her + head against the door, and piteously pleads for the opportunity + of justifying herself. But still he holds out. And then her + unfailing resource suggests that Hortense and Eugene, whom he + loves so well, shall be brought as the medium of compassion to + their distracted mother. They come, and the bolts are drawn. + Their stepfather admits them to his presence. They kneel at his + feet and appeal to him to continue to be the good, kind father he + has ever been, and to receive their mother back to his + affections.</p> + + <p>It is all over now with Napoleon. He is never proof against + tears, so sends for their mother, who falls into his arms and + faints. She is tenderly laid into his bed, saved from her woeful + fate, and when Lucien Bonaparte arrived by command next morning, + to take instructions for the impending divorce proceedings, that + horror had disappeared from their outlook, and both Josephine and + Napoleon were wrapped in a drowsy joy.</p> + + <p>Josephine, gifted with irresistible subtlety and <a name= + "Page_255" id="Page_255"></a>skilful in the art and use of + hysteria, had rekindled the embers of infatuation that was never + more to be totally quenched. In all likelihood she would give a + different explanation of her conduct to Napoleon than that given + him by Lucien and other members of his family. It is not an undue + stretch of imagination to conclude that she assured him that her + heart was shared with none other, though the assertion may be + regarded as a daring fabrication. She did not gauge calmly, but + she gauged well, the supreme power she had over the man who had + so abjectly shown her such inflammable love. She knew, too, of + his vanity, and hit him caressingly on the spot. The cry of "he + and none other," combined with a beseeching wail that he should + open his heart to an affectionate and faithful love, was more + likely to conquer than any admission of wrong. Could she forget + the oft-repeated declaration that his ruling principle was that + he would have no divided affection? It must be all or none. The + hypothesis is therefore that she played on his vanity, and not on + his confidence or judgment, the sequel being the complete + surrender of Napoleon.</p> + + <p>Josephine, whether from fear of the penalty or the purity of + her motives, never again allowed herself to be placed in the same + hazardous position. She had been cured of unfaithfulness, and + promised <a name="Page_256" id="Page_256"></a>that Hippolyte + Charles should never be allowed to lead her into such a scrape + again. He was put out of her life, and was never more heard of. + He was seen but once more by Napoleon, and the sight of his evil + face nearly caused the Emperor the humiliation of a collapse.</p> + + <p>Josephine's matrimonial transgressions, whatever they may have + been, were condoned with exuberant suddenness, and Napoleon + rushed into domestic tranquillity. The zealot of freedom + forthwith concentrated his wondrous talents with aggressive + righteousness on the task of destroying a decadence that was + bearing France to her doom. Josephine was enrolled as patron of + deliverance from anarchy, and having all the essential attributes + which make for success in such an enterprise, she daily filled + her salon with men and women who had influence to aid her husband + and his friends in upsetting the Government. She had developed + into an attractive, graceful hostess, and was endowed with the + knack of cajoling which disarmed opposition and enthused + supporters, and unquestionably she played the part given to her + with unmeasured success, and Napoleon did the rest.</p> + + <p>The <i>coup d'état</i> had been dexterously planned, + which enabled him to bring about a bloodless overthrow. Josephine + was deployed to win over her friend Gohier, the President of the + Directory. <a name="Page_257" id="Page_257"></a>She invited him + and his wife to breakfast on the 17th Brumaire. Gohier wonders + why they should be asked so early as six in the morning. He + thinks he smells a rat, excuses himself, but sends his wife, who + is ushered into the presence of a houseful of officers of the + National Guard, and the hostess does not lose time in conveying + to Gohier's former cook the meaning of their being there. + Bonaparte, be it known, is determined to form a Government, and + it grieves her that so good a friend as the President of + Directors should have been so thoughtless of his own interests as + not to accompany his wife on such an auspicious occasion.</p> + + <p>"The inevitable is at hand, Madame Gohier," says Josephine in + effect, "and at this very moment Barras is being pressed to + resign, and if he disobeys his fate is sealed." Madame Gohier is + aghast, stiffens her back, and with as much dignity as her nature + will allow, she bows, withdraws, and hastens to the side of her + husband, to convey all she has seen and heard.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, events travel swiftly under the direction of the + intrepid General. He walks into the Council of Ancients and jerks + out with vivid flashes of oratory the object of his visit. The + members see at a glance its meaning. They become inarticulate + with rage begotten of fear. He <a name="Page_258" id= + "Page_258"></a>thunders out, "I am here to demand a Republic + founded on true liberty," and swears that he will have it. In the + Hall of the Five Hundred he is met with cries of "Down with the + Cromwell!" "No Dictator!" "Outlaw him!" and so forth.</p> + + <p>But these are mere futile belchings of exasperated gasbags, on + whom he darts a look of withering scorn, which they discern means + trouble if they do not conduct themselves with decorum. His + guards are close at hand, and he is daring enough to make use of + them if there is any resistance to that which he has undertaken. + To the Directory, through their envoy Dottot, he says in + substance, and not without vigour, "Do not sicken me with your + imbecile arguments and lame, impotent conclusions. What I want to + know is: What have you done with this France which I left you so + glorious? I left you peace; I return and find war! I left you + victories; I find reverses! I left you the millions of Italy; I + find despoiling laws and misery throughout!" But ere this + terrific indictment had been thrust at them, they had become + conscious that their dissolute and chaotic regime was at an end, + and that Napoleon had become the ruler of the France he had left + prosperous and found tottering to pieces on his return from + Egypt.</p> + + <p>Josephine had played her part in the drama <a name="Page_259" + id="Page_259"></a>with surprising shrewdness and marked devotion + to her husband's cause. He was rewarded by being made First + Consul, and she by becoming the first lady of the Republic and + the leader of society. They quickly availed themselves of the + distinction by removing from their humble habitation, first to + the Petit Luxembourg and then to the Tuileries, where she + occupied the bedroom of the famous Marie Antoinette and the + apartments formerly inhabited by Louis, which were immediately + above. They gathered round them men of merit representing + science, art, literature, law, politics, military notables, and + fashion. They set up, in fact, a little Court, but lived a quiet, + unostentatious life, so far as it was diplomatic and + permissive.</p> + + <p>It was not until the advent of the Empire that gaiety and + grandeur began, excelling and putting into the shade every other + Court in Europe. Josephine wallowed in it, but Napoleon adopted + and encouraged it more from policy than taste. In fact, when in a + whimsical mood, he often said it bored him. That is not to say + that he did not adapt himself to what he believed was a + necessity. An Oriental potentate could not have carried the + dignity of splendour more naturally than he. Whilst in his secret + heart he loathed its pomp and extravagance, fixed in his memory + was the impression of poverty and suffering that he had <a name= + "Page_260" id="Page_260"></a>passed through in his boyhood days, + when, in the streets of Paris, he was on the verge of starvation + and at one time obliged to sell his meagre possession of books to + find food for the mouth of his brother Louis, and went without + himself. To his intimate friends he was accustomed to relate the + story, not in a whining manner, but with a vividness and pathos + that brought tears to the eyes of every one who heard it.</p> + + <p>The wilful and false conception of Napoleon's character that + existed amongst thousands of those who were contemporary with + him, and the persistent efforts to defame him, even now, by a + section of the world's community, are extraordinary, when so many + convincing proofs are available which show him to have been the + reverse of what they say he was. As brother, son, husband, + father, or friend, his love, devotion, and loyalty were + matchless. He was never once known to upbraid Josephine after the + condonement of her infidelities. He paid her colossal debts, not + without protest, but rather than make her unhappy he excused her + extravagance and overlooked the capricious, peevish way in which + she gave her domestic confidences concerning himself to her + friends, who were oft-times his enemies, and so forgiving was he + of faults which were so glaring to others, that he frequently + caressed when he should have chastised.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261"></a>Josephine played upon his + purblindness where she was concerned in most scandalous ways. She + had no money sense, and combined with this defect she had no + moral sense in money matters. Her debts were chronic, and + periodically so enlarged that she adopted the most monstrous + methods to reduce them before the balances were put before + Napoleon by herself, or an inkling conveyed to him by a wily + creditor; but these subterfuges only added to her spending + resources. It is said that she actually did not shrink from + receiving a thousand francs per day from Fouché as the + price of information given him of what was going on in the + Tuileries, and also that she received half a million francs from + Flachats, the predatory army contractors.</p> + + <p>It is unthinkable that Napoleon, whose rigid uprightness in + matters of money has never been disputed, could have known that + his wife was involved in such shocking financial dealings, or he + would have taken salutary measures to put a definite end to them. + He knew that he was surrounded by men who were inveterate + thieves, and when their defalcations were brought to his + knowledge, they were either cashiered or made to disgorge. + Bourrienne, Talleyrand, and Fouché, for instance. But + there is no evidence to show that he ever suspected Josephine at + any time, and let us hope that the Fouché-Flachats + transactions were either exag<a name="Page_262" id= + "Page_262"></a>gerated or mere invention, though it is hard to + believe that there was no truth in the accusation.</p> + + <p>Napoleon was no sooner made Consul than there began to be + hints and innuendoes of an heir, and as Josephine knew that she + could not bear him one, she was thrown into fits of despondency + lest he should be driven by designing persons in and outside his + family to listen to a scheme of divorce and remarriage. The + alternative was to nominate one of his brothers as his heir. + Joseph and Lucien were impossible, so he fixed his mind on Louis. + But the plot to assassinate him on the way to the opera, together + with the Duc d'Enghien, Cadoudal, Moreau, and Pichegru affair, + brought the change from Life Consul to Emperor more quickly. The + marriage of Louis to Hortense eased Josephine's mind. She had in + view the fact that an heir might be born to them, and the + possibility of the inheritance going to him. In due course + Napoleon Charles was born, and an attempt made by Napoleon to + carry his idea out. Louis was at first in favour of it, but + Joseph and Lucien had envious conceptions of what the brothers' + rights were. Louis became impressed with their views, and + ultimately decided against Napoleon's wishes. The Senate passed a + resolution in favour of "direct natural, legitimate, and adoptive + descendants of Napoleon Bonaparte, and on the direct, natural, + <a name="Page_263" id="Page_263"></a>legitimate descendants of + Joseph and Louis." The plebiscite supported the resolution of the + Senate, and Joseph and Louis had the mortification of seeing that + to them the succession was barred.</p> + + <p>This decision was regarded by Josephine as highly satisfactory + to herself. She made no fuss about it, but was greatly overjoyed + at the prospect of the effect it would have on Napoleon, and for + a time no more was openly heard of divorce; but the venom was + insidiously eating its way to that end all the same, and as he + grew in power, so did the conspiracy develop. His own family were + eager that she should be put away, but there were influences more + powerful than that of Madame Mère and her sons and + daughters. Talleyrand and Fouché being the High + Commissioners who founded the direct hereditary idea, they + persistently worried him with the plea that the State claimed + that he should make the sacrifice. They knew that this was the + strongest and most effective reason they could put forward to a + man who would have given his soul in the service of his + country.</p> + + <p>The birth of Madame Eleonore Denuelle's son Leon on December + 29, 1806, made a great impression on the Emperor's mind. It was + well known that he was the father of the child, and now that + there was no doubt as to the possibility of him having an heir, + it was only to be expected <a name="Page_264" id= + "Page_264"></a>that the advocates of divorce would press their + claim that an alliance should be made with one of the powerful + ruling families. The advantages to France would be inestimable, + and would it not establish himself and his dynasty more firmly on + the throne? It is not unlikely that Napoleon pondered over the + great possibilities of such a marriage, but he could not bring + himself to the thought of divorcing the woman he still loved. He + went so far as to seek Josephine's support in the plan of making + his natural son his heir, and Masson says that in support of his + desire he vigorously used "precedents and invented + justifications." Happily he did not stretch the law of hereditary + succession further than this.</p> + + <p>Leon, when he grew up, became a great source of trouble to all + those with whom he was connected. His features and physical make + up had a marked resemblance to his father's, but his mind was + erratic. He had inherited none of the steady, sane genius of the + Emperor, though but for a freak of nature which gave him a mental + twist, he would have been as near his prototype as may be. He was + always full of great schemes, which in the hands of a normally + constituted person would have been fashioned into public + usefulness.</p> + + <p>Masson gives a vivid and somewhat categorical account of his + predilections, which were "gambling, <a name="Page_265" id= + "Page_265"></a>duels, politics, writing pamphlets, the conception + of colossal canal, railway, and commercial undertakings that + never got far beyond the initial and rocky mental stage." He was + one of the chief mourners when his father's remains were brought + to Paris from St. Helena in 1840, and in 1848 aspired to the + Presidency of the Republic, which fell to the lot of his cousin + Louis Napoleon, whose life he desired to take, but who, with + great generosity, gave him a pension and paid the legacy left him + by Napoleon. He died in 1881.</p> + + <p>The birth of Leon gives him a prominent place in the history + of the political divorce, though so far as Napoleon was concerned + or affected by it, there is strong evidence to show that he + really thought it was a way out, and had he been left to his own + inclinations, the probability is that there would have been no + second marriage so long as Josephine lived. From 1807 to 1809 his + brain was racked to pieces with the inevitable shadow he + struggled to evade. He could not bring himself to sever the tie + that bound them together in strong attachment for nearly fifteen + years. He invented every conceivable device to try and find a + more congenial solution than divorce.</p> + + <p>For two years the Emperor lived in an atmosphere of + intolerable anguish which distracted him. The nearer he + approached the dreaded theme, <a name="Page_266" id= + "Page_266"></a>the more fascinating his wife appeared to him, and + the more tenaciously he clung to the deep impressions that had + been made by that youthful passion that swayed his very being in + other days. She had frequently recaptured him from the subtle + blandishments of an agency that was ever on his track, and then + his devotion became more rapturous than ever. Fouché was + frequently rebuked with stern severity for his pertinacious + advocacy of the separation. At another time we hear of him + falling into Josephine's arms, shedding copious tears, and, + choking with grief, he sobs out, "My poor Josephine! I can never + leave you," "I still love you," and so forth.</p> + + <p>Those who pretend to see in these outbursts of devotion + nothing but artifice, cannot have informed themselves of the true + character of this extraordinary man. In truth, his was a + sacrifice of affection forced upon him for the benefit of the + State. That is the conclusion the writer has come to after much + research. Even after he was persuaded that he would have to + submit, the recollections of the glory they had shared together, + and of their happy days, and the grief and suffering the parting + would cause, filled him with remorse and pity, and then would + come a period of wavering which exasperated his family and the + upholders of the stability of the Empire. At last he saw <a name= + "Page_267" id="Page_267"></a>clearly that it was an imperative + duty that must be fulfilled.</p> + + <p>The succession problem had been artfully revived, and the + amiable Marie Walewska, who was living close to Schönbrunn, + was about to give birth to a child which he knew to be his, and + it is not improbable that this double assurance that he might + reasonably expect to have an heir if he married again brought him + to the definite decision to go on with the divorce; and the + Emperor Francis of Austria made haste to form an alliance by + offering his daughter Marie Louise in marriage.</p> + + <p>At the end of December, 1809, the great political divorce was + ratified amid sombre signs of sympathy. Even the Bonapartes were + compelled to yield to emotion, and Napoleon himself was + profoundly affected. The subdued distress of Josephine pierced + through the chilly hearts of those who had looked on with + composure while men and women were being led to the guillotine + during the Reign of Terror. But even Josephine's tears and grief + were graceful and fascinating, so that it was not surprising that + the spectators extended sympathy to her in her sorrow. Almost + immediately after the ceremony Napoleon became overcome with + grief. He allowed a little time to elapse before asking Meneval + to accompany him to Josephine's apartments. They found her in a + condition of <a name="Page_268" id="Page_268"></a>inexorable + despair. She flung herself into the Emperor's arms; he embraced + and fervently kissed her, but the ordeal was too great. She + collapsed and fainted. He remained with her until she showed + signs of consciousness, then left her in charge of Meneval and + women attendants. The sight of her grief was too much for him to + bear.</p> + + <p>Napoleon sought a delusive diversion at Trianon after + Josephine had taken up her abode at Malmaison. His sympathetic + and affectionate attentions from there could not have been more + earnestly shown. Nothing that would appease her grief and add to + her comfort was overlooked by him or allowed to be overlooked by + others. An annual income of three million francs was settled on + her for life, which, should he pre-decease her, was to be paid by + his successors. She retained the title of Empress and every other + appearance of sovereignty.</p> + + <p>The negotiations for the second marriage were conducted from + Trianon. The Russian alliance fell through, ostensibly on + religious grounds. Napoleon did not like the thought of having + Russian priests about him, and besides, the Princess Anne was too + young to marry, and even if there had been no other difficulty, + the Emperor Napoleon could not wait. The Saxon alliance did not + appeal to him, so he gave preference to <a name="Page_269" id= + "Page_269"></a>the House of Austria, and on March 11, 1810, His + Majesty was married by proxy at Vienna to the Austrian + Archduchess, and on the 1st of April the civil marriage took + place at St. Cloud, and the following day they were + ecclesiastically united.<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id= + "FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class= + "fnanchor">[31]</a></p> + + <p>Better for him and for France had he defied the advocates of + royal alliance and stuck to Josephine, or even married Marie + Walewska. If it was merely the policy of succession that was + aimed at, he could have adopted his natural son, the brilliant + Alexander Walewska, whose subsequent career in the service of + France would have justified this course.</p> + + <p>The desire to unite the French Emperor with one of the + powerful reigning families in order to give stability to the + Empire and put an end to incessant warfare was a theory which + proved to be a delusion, and perhaps Napoleon, with his clear + vision, foresaw the jealousies and international complications + that would arise through a political marriage of this character. + This, and his unwillingness to part with Josephine, is a + conclusion <a name="Page_270" id="Page_270"></a>that may + reasonably account for the vacillation that was so pronounced + from time to time.</p> + + <p>The flippant attitude (which indicates the scope and summit of + an ill-informed mind) that he was the victim of abnormal ambition + to be connected with one or other of the royal families is + ludicrous. If he had been eager to have such distinction, it was + within his reach at any time after he became First Consul. He had + only to impart a hint and there would have been a competition of + available princesses, the choice of which would have bewildered + him. Assuredly he showed no youthful impetuosity in this respect, + and it may not be an overdrawn hypothesis to conclude that his + marriage with Marie Louise was neither popular with the French + people as a whole nor with other nationalities. It excited + jealousy and mistrust amongst the larger Powers, and in France + itself the memory of the last ill-fated union of France with + Austria—that of Marie Antoinette and Louis—had left + rankling effects in the minds of the people of the + Revolution.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id= + "FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class= + "fnanchor">[32]</a></p> + + <p><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271"></a>Murat had urged on his + brother-in-law and the grand dignitaries the fact that a marriage + with a relative of Marie Antoinette, who was an abhorrence to the + adherents of the Revolution, would alienate a large public, but + Murat's objections were suspected of having personal colour and + overruled. It is, however, beyond conjecture that the King of + Naples had diagnosed aright; whether from self-interest or not, + the warning proved accurate. The most loyal and devoted of his + subjects felt that their invincible hero was drifting into a + vortex of trouble. They had learned by bitter experience the + duplicity of Austrian diplomacy. The remembrance of the cruel + wars they had been cunningly trapped into, the bleached bones of + Frenchmen that lay on Austrian soil, and the denuded homes that + resulted from Austria's odious policy of greed, worked on them + like a subtle poison. And the glory of their conquests over her + was nullified by the eternal suspicion that she was ever hatching + new grounds of quarrel. They thought, indeed, their premonition + of Austria's perpetual treachery was clear <a name="Page_272" id= + "Page_272"></a>and definite, and that the new Empress would be a + useful medium of their enemies' machinations.</p> + + <p>We can never fully estimate to what extent these impressions + influenced their minds and actions and the part they played in + hastening the great national humiliation. It is a pretty certain + conclusion that it was only the colossal successes and magical + personality of the Emperor that kept subdued the spirit of + resentment which the marriage had caused.</p> + + <p>And we have historic evidence before us which clearly shows + that the well-balanced mind of Napoleon was torn and tattered + between doubt and conviction, and he fell into the fatal error of + allowing his judgment to be overruled either by circumstances or + pride. Had he relied on his superstition even, the chances are + that St. Helena would never have had the stigma of his captivity + stamped upon it.</p> + + <p>French and Austrian alliances have never, so far as they + affected political history, been very successful. The stability + of earthly things is governed, not by sentiment or theoretic + doctrines, but by facts as hard as granite, and no one knew this + more thoroughly than the man who fell a victim to the devices of + the Austrians and their French allies.</p> + + <p>He was usually reticent about his domestic sorrows while in + exile, but when his thoughts <a name="Page_273" id= + "Page_273"></a>were far off, reviewing the great mystery of human + destiny, he broke the rule, and with a sort of languid frankness + spoke the thoughts that crowded his mind, and it was during these + spasmodic periods that he opened his soul by declaring that it + was his "having married a princess of Austria that ruined him, + and that his marriage with Marie Louise was the cause of the + expedition into Russia," and that "he might not have been at St. + Helena had he married a Frenchwoman." It is said that he + seriously thought of doing this, and had some available ladies + put before him with that object. These dreamy utterances reveal + that his mind was centred on the causes of his misfortunes, and + that he held definite views on the marriage tragedy, and perhaps + his sense of pride, the interests of his son (the King of Rome), + and the reluctance to admit that he knew he was going wrong at + the time, constrained him to withhold much that he thought and + knew. The impression we get is that he could not bring himself to + utter the whole of the unutterable canker which haunted him.</p> + + <p>It is strange that this keen-sighted man should have yielded + up his own convictions and sunk under the admonitions of less + capable judges. Even so far back as the Directory days, when + Bernadotte was insulted at Vienna, he summed <a name="Page_274" + id="Page_274"></a>up the Austrian character in the following + terms:—"When the Austrians think of making war, they do not + insult; they cajole and flatter the enemy, so that they may have + a better chance to stick a knife into him." He told the Directory + they did not understand the Cabinet of Vienna; "it is the meanest + and most perfidious to be found." "It will not make war with you + because it cannot." "Peace with Austria is only a truce." His + diagnoses were confirmed by Bernadotte, and more than confirmed + in after years. The marvel is that he did not allow himself to + benefit by his shrewd observations at a moment when so much + depended on strength, not vacillation and weakness.</p> + + <p>A vivid justification of the opposition to another Austrian + princess sharing the throne of France is embodied in the lofty + ideals (?) of the Emperor Francis to his daughter Marie Louise at + Schönbrunn after she had deserted Napoleon. He said to + her:—"As my daughter, all that I have is yours, even my + blood and my life; as a sovereign, I do not know you."</p> + + <p>The benediction, pure and big of heart, benignly expressed, is + promptly qualified with kingly sternness; the orthodoxy being + that so long as Napoleon was in power she was his daughter, all + that he had was hers, including his life and blood, but now that + he has fallen she must not <a name="Page_275" id= + "Page_275"></a>thwart his wishes, and loyally share the fate of + him who was the father of her son, who had given her unparalleled + glory, and been so merciful to Francis himself. If she elected to + be at all wifely and cling to her husband in his misfortune, then + he would assert the sovereign, and as readily gore her as he + would Napoleon if, in his patriarchal wisdom, he judged national + interests were at stake. His spirit-crushing rhetoric had a real + ultra-monarchical ring about it. But it was meant for other ears + and a purpose other than that of making his daughter shudder. So + far as she was concerned, he might have saved himself any anxiety + on that score. She bowed her head in conformity, and swiftly cast + her amorous eyes on Neipperg, a man after his and her own heart. + This was the culminating event that brought her destiny with + Napoleon to an end, though <i>he</i> tried to avert it, and the + causes are summarised in his own pathetic language, clearly + expressed from time to time.</p> + + <p>His nephew, Napoleon III., taking a lesson from his folly, + refused to be buffeted into political matrimony by any of the + matchmaking factions. When his turn came he acted with + independence and wisdom by ignoring the blandishments of meddling + advisers and royal conventionalism, and elected to marry the lady + on whom he had set his affections.</p> + + <p><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276"></a>Incidentally, it may be + stated that Napoleon III.'s merits have been overshadowed by the + greater genius of his uncle, but as time separates the reigns of + the two men it will be realised that, though he was not looked + upon as a great military general, he had genius of a different + kind, and was unquestionably a great ruler, acting under somewhat + changed conditions, but subject to the same human caprices, and a + time will come when the benefits he bestowed upon the French + nation will be appreciated more than they are this day.</p> + + <p>In 1812, Europe was in a state of dammed convulsion. The wars, + though always successful for France, had brought about no + definite settlement of international affairs. Peace was + transitory, and the dread of Napoleon's power and genius was the + only check on rapacious designs on his dominion.</p> + + <p>What direct or indirect share Marie Louise had in bringing + about the war with Russia and then the great European struggle + will never be wholly known, but as the wife of Napoleon she would + have opportunities of hearing from himself and those who were in + his confidence remarks and even discussions on the complexities + of the political situation. She was in daily communication with + Metternich, and constantly corresponding with her father; and + even allowing that her intentions were loyal at that time to her + <a name="Page_277" id="Page_277"></a>husband and to the country + of her adoption, she may have unconsciously conveyed something + that in the hands of adroit diplomats would reveal the pivot on + which great issues might depend. Then, placing the Regency in her + hands was an unchecked temptation, and must be counted as one of + Napoleon's great mistakes. Imbued with an abundant share of + Austrian predilection, and occupying a mechanical or fictitious + position towards France and its ruler, and in view of her + subsequent conduct, it is a reasonable assumption that during the + Regency she conveyed important information of military movements + and intentions to the Austrian Court, which it was not slow to + take advantage of; and if truth were told, it would be found that + the Allies owed much of their success to the Austrian + Archduchess. May it not have been part of the subtle policy of + Austria in arranging the marriage? Everything certainly points to + it.</p> + + <p>Instead of making Metternich a present at the Prague Congress + of a snuff-box which cost 30,000 francs, as a token of + friendship, Fouché, who always had his mind well stored + with ideas of corruption, suggested to the Emperor that, if it + was intended to buy Austria off, he ought to make it millions. If + Napoleon had been a man after his own heart, this might have been + a successful <a name="Page_278" id="Page_278"></a>solution for a + time, but only for a time. Meneval says that the Emperor, who had + a horror of corruption, replied to him with a gesture of + disgust.</p> + + <p>In the early part of 1812, when war with Russia had become + imminent, Napoleon carried out a promise that Josephine should + see the King of Rome. The meeting took place at Bagatelle. She + hugged and kissed the child with motherly affection, and her + tears flowed with profusion. The scene was touching, and proved + to be the everlasting farewell. Strange as it may appear, + Josephine formed an enduring affection for Napoleon's natural + son, afterwards Count Colonna (Alexander Walewska), and for his + mother, Marie Walewska. She loved the child and treated him with + the same indulgence as she did her own grandchildren. The mother + was a regular visitor, and no one was more welcome at Malmaison + than she. These incidents of magnanimity, characteristic of + Josephine, would make her not only attractive but lovable, were + it not there are also left on record flaws which show that she + was seriously lacking in probity and fidelity to him to whom she + owed everything. Her maternal affection and loving care of her + children are without reproach, and her generosity to worthy and + unworthy people was extraordinary. She loved Napoleon with + peculiar eccentricity. His honour and interests <a name= + "Page_279" id="Page_279"></a>were never a consideration. She + allowed herself to be surrounded at Malmaison during the Russian + campaign with Royalist plotters and treachery of the most + implacable character. She poured out her woes to them with + acceptable results, and nothing that would damage him and draw + sympathy to herself was left uncommunicated. Her whole thought + was of herself. She did not intend to be false or cruel to him, + and yet she was both cruel and false.</p> + + <p>As soon as the Allied Armies had taken possession of Paris, + the irrepressible Madame de Staël made a call on Josephine + to ascertain how she stood now towards her former husband. She + promptly asked her whether she still loved him. Josephine + resented the impertinence, so the Duchesse de Reggio relates, and + told some of her visitors that she had never ceased to love the + Emperor in the days of his prosperity, and it was unthinkable + that she should cease to do so in his adversity. Unhappily for + Josephine, she adopted a most astounding course of showing her + devotion by agreeing to the visits, first, of the Emperor of + Russia, and then the other sovereigns and foreign dignitaries. + She gave balls and treated the enemies of France, and especially + the Tsar, as though they were the real descendants of the + builders of the Temple to Jehovah. She and Hortense walked about + the grounds linked to <a name="Page_280" id= + "Page_280"></a>Alexander's arms during frequent visits, which was + indicative of strongly formed affection.</p> + + <p>Had Josephine been possessed of a grain of discernment or a + proper estimate of her dignity, she would have seen that this was + part of a well-defined policy of striking a blow through her at + the man she professed to love still, even with a greater passion + now that he was the victim of combined and unrelenting hostility. + Hortense, it would appear, refused at first to have any dealings + with Alexander, but this sovereign's personal charms, winning + manners, and homely ways soon fascinated and captured her. She + may be excused, but her mother did not act the part of a + nobleminded woman, and her memory must bear the reproach of + it.</p> + + <p>Apart from the respect she owed to herself, she should have + remembered the duty and loyalty she owed to a vast French public, + and to the victim of her guests, who had been to her the most + forgiving, indulgent friend that ever a human soul was blessed + with. He had been a father to her children, and even when he was + overwhelmed with the consequences of great disaster, his + tenderest and most generous thoughts were sent to her.</p> + + <p>A woman who had a high sense of duty and honour would not have + accepted a single favour from either one or the other of the + inimical sovereigns, even if it had been offered to her; <a name= + "Page_281" id="Page_281"></a>much less would she have cringed and + whined indelicately in order that she might receive either their + smiles or their favours at so abhorrent a price.</p> + + <p>Some writers have endeavoured to give Josephine credit for + having influenced Alexander in a way that secured for Napoleon + better terms than he would have otherwise got at the first + abdication. The suggestion is ludicrous. Presumably the + alternative was that he should be shot or confined in a fortress + for the balance of his life. Either of these ideas of disposing + of his person would have created reaction and public vengeance. + The Allies shied at this, though some of the most ferocious, but + by no means the bravest, of the set clamoured for shooting, which + is always the way with spurious heroes.</p> + + <p>The diplomats amongst them devised the more subtle plan of + exiling him first to Elba with the title of Emperor, and a + pension of £200,000 per annum, never a penny of which was + paid, or, in the light of history, was ever intended to be + paid.</p> + + <p>They had preconceived the notion of masking the St. Helena + plan until they thought they had cheated the public into + believing that they were inspired by humane motives and the + necessity for the peace of Europe. They laboriously studied out + the most ingenious plots so that they might be glorified for + ridding Europe of a "monster."</p> + + <p><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282"></a>Napoleon was kept + advised, during his stay at Elba, of their designs on the liberty + they had graciously (?) given him (with a pension that was + designedly withheld), and, acting on certain specific + information, he promptly developed one of his most brilliant + achievements—the sudden landing in France, his triumphal + march to Paris, and the resultant flight of the Bourbons at his + unexpected approach at the head of an enthusiastic army.</p> + + <p>The campaign which followed—ending with the Battle of + Waterloo—enabled the Allies, after his defeat, to satisfy + the cravings of their savage instincts by carrying out their plan + as mentioned above and sending him to martyrdom.</p> + + <p>But one of their most brutal acts was in refusing the request + that his wife and child should accompany him to Elba. These are + the ultimate "better terms" that Josephine is said to have + secured by coquetting with Alexander of Russia!</p> + + <p>She revelled in grasping at every fragment of wreckage that + would be of advantage to herself and her family, and Alexander's + crafty friendship unquestionably gave her opportunities to + indulge unchecked in complaints of her grievances against the man + who had been so foully betrayed. Her mania for the distribution + of confidences of the most sacred character was only equalled by + her capacity for intriguing and piling up debts, <a name= + "Page_283" id="Page_283"></a>and these attributes never forsook + her at any time.</p> + + <p>Josephine's moral qualities cannot be accurately judged by her + frequent outpourings of admiration and affection for Napoleon to + Eugene and Hortense. In the letters to each which are extant, she + declares it would be impossible for anyone to be kinder, more + amiable, or considerate than he has always been, and even after + the divorce she writes that if she loved him less sincerely, he + could not show more anxiety to mitigate anything that might be + painful to her.</p> + + <p>But notwithstanding these declarations, she never failed to + gratify her insatiable love of pouring forth to his most + inveterate enemies faults and failings that her constitutional + moral obliquity indicated he had. It is not an unfair assumption, + therefore, that their Majesties and others had conveyed to them + in handfuls (unwittingly perhaps) much that was valuable to their + pernicious purpose while they were being entertained at + Malmaison. It has been said that it was her intention to be + presented to the Bourbon King, and though we would fain believe + her to be incapable of such perfidy, it is quite in keeping with + the by-ways of her complex character, more especially as Eugene + had paid him a visit. The promises of the sovereigns that the + interests of herself and children <a name="Page_284" id= + "Page_284"></a>would be protected became less reassuring as the + few days that were left to her went on. At last she realised they + were mere silken verbiage, and gave way to despair. This, and the + anxiety of entertaining her royal guests, accentuated the illness + she had contracted. Alexander paid his first visit on May 14th, + and she died of quinsy or diphtheria on May 29, 1814.</p> + + <p>The allied monarchs were all represented at her funeral, and + the Prince of Mecklenburg (the Queen of Prussia's brother) was + amongst the mourners. It was of him the Court gossipers + assiduously circulated reports that he was paying suspicious + attention to Josephine after the divorce. Napoleon, on hearing of + the flirtation through Fouché, rebuked her with + justifiable vigour on the ground of it being a gross violation of + dignity to go about with the Prince and others of lower ranks to + second-rate theatres, even under the cover of incognito. He does + not appear to have thought there was anything more than + Josephine's habitual lack of respect for herself and the high + position he had preserved for her, though according to the + unreliable Madame de Remusat Napoleon suggested to his divorced + wife that she should take Prince Mecklenburg as her husband. The + same authority (?) asserts that the Prince had written to + Napoleon asking his permission, and, further, says <a name= + "Page_285" id="Page_285"></a>that Josephine told her this curious + story. It is entirely unsupported by either the words or actions + of the Emperor himself, and may be put aside as another of the + fabrications of the memoir writer.</p> + + <p>That there was a flirtation there can be little doubt, but the + Prince's object may have been part of the political intrigue, + rather than carnal intercourse with a woman of nearly fifty years + of age. Josephine, always sorry for herself, a sieve of the first + water, susceptible to flattery, blind to device, yearning for + admiration and pity, was rejoiced to find attention extended to + her from any quarter, but coming from the Royal House of Prussia + or any other royal personage it was a dazzling compliment to the + high esteem in which she believed she was held, and enhanced the + luxury of feeling that she was the centre of international + sympathy.</p> + + <p>It was not that she had any malicious intent to do deliberate + wrong to Napoleon, or any thought of degrading herself. Her mind + did not work in these grooves. She was merely carried off her + feet by vain love of self-approbation, which led her far beyond + the bounds of honourable prudence. She was interred at Rueil + amidst quiet solemnity, and in 1825 Eugene and Hortense erected a + monument in her memory.</p> + + <p>The legend is that her last articulate utterance <a name= + "Page_286" id="Page_286"></a>was the enchanted name of + "Napoleon"—"Elba." Corvisat, the Imperial physician, was + piteously asked by the Emperor on his return why he allowed her + to die, and the nature of the malady that took her spirit away. + He replied that she "Died of grief and sorrow." Her own doctor, + Horeau, told him pretty much the same thing, which brought forth + the sad reply, she was a "good woman" and "loved me well." The + intimation that she had spoken often and kindly of him brought + back all the old passion for her and filled him with emotion. He + had heard of her death while at Elba, and told Corvisat that it + was a most acute grief to him, and although she had her failings + <i>she</i> at least would "never have abandoned him"; and + possibly this latter expressed opinion, so often repeated, might + have been fulfilled had he at once thrown Marie Louise over after + her desertion of him.</p> + + <p>The popular charges against Napoleon, by those who are either + prejudiced or have failed to inform themselves of his history, + are that he must have been a cruel and barbarous husband or he + would not have divorced his wife, and that, as a ruler, he + thirsted for blood. Each of these, as well as many other silly + things that are said and believed of him, is palpably false. As a + husband, so far as kindness and indulgence goes, he was + exemplary. As a soldier, First Consul, and Emperor, his desire at + all <a name="Page_287" id="Page_287"></a>times was for peace. + History has revealed the real man, and in recent years it has + been convincingly proved that he was the very antithesis of the + monster he has been given out and supposed to be. Now, in the + light of more accurate knowledge and calmer judgment, the world + is showing a desire to do him the justice he never ceased to + believe that it would do him.</p> + + <p>His unexampled personality and fame is spreading and inspiring + everywhere. His faults are being put in the limelight of public + opinion, and the growing desire to treat even these with proper + generosity is an indication that reason and knowledge are taking + the place of stereotyped international prejudice, political and + personal. We are beginning to see more clearly through the fog of + enmity that he had rare virtues, besides having unparalleled + genius. The divorce of Josephine was unquestionably political, + though had he been the ferocious creature he has been made to + appear, the opportunities she gave him so frequently would have + justified the divorce at a much earlier stage on other than + political grounds.</p> + + <p>It ill becomes a nation which knew George I., George IV., and + Henry VIII. to take such unctuous exception to the gentle and + benevolent attitude of Napoleon before and after the annulment of + the marriage.</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> It has + been asserted that when Josephine found the divorce to be + inevitable she herself suggested the alliance with Marie + Louise. One reason for believing that this might be the case + lies in the fact that the affection of Josephine's children + for Napoleon suffered no diminution on account of the + divorce—indeed, Eugene took a leading part in the + negotiations for the marriage.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> In the + notorious "Letters from the Cape," addressed to Lady + Clavering and variously attributed to an Englishman, Las + Cases, and even Napoleon himself, there is noted a curious + coincidence with regard to the two Franco-Austrian alliances. + Both marriage contracts were signed under somewhat similar + circumstances, and in both cases fêtes were held in + honour of the event. At the marriage fête of Louis XVI. + and Marie Antoinette a calamity occurred which resulted in + the loss of about two thousand lives. To celebrate the union + of Napoleon and Marie Louise, Prince Schwartzenberg gave a + fête, at which a fire occurred, the Prince's wife and + some twenty other people being burnt to death. The + superstitious drew attention to the coincidence, and it is + said that Napoleon looked upon it as an evil omen.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a><a name="Page_288" + id="Page_288"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + + <h3>RELIGIOUS NOTIONS OF NAPOLEON</h3> + + <p>In contrast with members of the oligarchy, who threw all moral + restraints to the winds, Napoleon towers above them. Take any + grounds—administrative, strategical, religious, + domestic—he was preeminent above his contemporaries. On + religious grounds alone, those thoughts of his which have been + recorded not only disclose the insight of a man of affairs, but + reveal the thinking mind of a deeply religious being. His + conversations with Gourgaud on religious subjects, some of which + are quoted in Lord Rosebery's admirable book, "The Last Phase," + are so contradictory that they cannot be taken as authentic + beliefs. It greatly depended to whom he was talking as to the + line he took.</p> + + <p>It is evident that the Emperor took a delight in arguing with + and contradicting the devout Catholic for sheer intellectual + exercise. At one time he declares to his refractory companion, + "If I had to choose a religion, I would worship the sun, because + <a name="Page_289" id="Page_289"></a>the sun gives to all things + life and fertility." At another time he torments the Count, after + tying him into a knot and exposing his superficial knowledge, by + saying that "the Mohammedan religion is the finest of all." But + when his mind seriously dwells on sacred things, he declares + "that religion lends sanctity to everything." "The remission of + sins is a beautiful idea." "It makes the Christian religion so + attractive that it will never perish. No one can say 'I do not + believe and I never shall believe.'"</p> + + <p>Montholon is more to the writer's liking than Gourgaud, even + though Gourgaud's authenticity is backed by Lord Rosebery, and we + shall see later what <i>he</i> says about his Emperor's religious + beliefs. It was he who endeavoured to mitigate his master's + mental and physical sufferings, and it was he whom he desired + should close his eyes in death when the nefarious assassination + had been completed. It was he, too, who got himself locked up in + the fortress of Ham for seven years by adhering steadfastly to + the cause of the great exile's nephew. Gourgaud was loyal and + devoted on a sort of sliding scale, which led him to do great + injustice to the stricken hero. Montholon's devotion was + consistent and abiding under all circumstances, while Gourgaud's + fluctuated with his moods.</p> + + <p>None of Napoleon's companions in exile were <a name="Page_290" + id="Page_290"></a>admitted to such close intimacy with the + illustrious warrior-statesman as was Count Montholon, not even + Bertrand or Marchand. It was he who had won confidence by the + most amazing attachment that one human being could give to + another, and it was natural that the big soul of Napoleon should + respond to what amounted to fanatical fidelity. He was the + beloved companion of the Emperor for six years, and during the + last forty-two nights of his life he was with him in the + death-chamber, and at his request he kept vigil and witnessed, + his spirit pass away.</p> + + <p>It was to him, when the shadow of death was hovering round the + smitten rock, that Napoleon conveyed his most sacred thoughts, + domestic, civil, and religious. He made him one of his executors, + bequeathed to him a fortune, entrusted him with the custody of + precious documents, and to his dying day the recipient of such + flattering confidences never betrayed by word or act the faith + that was reposed in him, nor did he ever falter in his devotion + to the martyr's cause. It is from him we have handed down the + famous constitution drawn up by Napoleon for his son, which is + pregnant with democratic wisdom and flows with the genius of + statesmanship. We get, too, a vivid knowledge of the religious + side of Napoleon's versatile character. His talks and dictations + on <a name="Page_291" id="Page_291"></a>this controversial + subject are unorthodox if you like, but nevertheless religious; + copious in thought and trenchant in vocabulary, they disclose the + magic of a well-stored inspired mind. He indulges in neither + puerilities nor conventionalities. He is a vigorous student of + the Bible and the Koran; he knows his subject, and speaks his + reasonings without reservation, and in the end we see the vision + of the omnipotent God fixed in an enduring belief.</p> + + <p>In the first clause of his will he declares: "I die in the + Apostolic Roman religion, in the bosom of which I was born more + than fifty years since." If any other proof were needed that he + believed in the divinity of Jesus Christ, this avowed declaration + on the eve of the great transformation may be confirmed by the + fact that the cardinal doctrine of the Roman religion centres in + the divinity of Christ. Again, in the course of his public and + private duties, you frequently come across passages in his + letters and official documents such as "May God have you in His + holy keeping." It may be said that this is a mere form or figure + of speech but then unbelievers do not use such phrases.</p> + + <p>We find in everyday life a lack of courage to do justice and + be generous to one another. But surely, in the interest of + political, historical, and personal rectitude, the dying man's + message to the <a name="Page_292" id="Page_292"></a>world should + absolve him from having his lucid, succinct conversations + jargoned into a tattered tedium. It is either a perversion of + understanding or a misanthropic egoism that can twist Napoleon's + discourses on religious topics into meaning that he ever was + seriously thinking of giving preference to the worship of the + sun, or contemplating becoming a follower of Mohammed, or that he + ever showed real evidences of being an unbeliever in the God of + his race.</p> + + <p>He praised many of the virtues of the Mohammedan religion, + such as honesty, cleanliness, temperance, and devoutness, and + denounced with scathing sarcasm, not Christ, but professing + Christians whose conduct towards himself was beneath the dignity + of the pagan. But this in no way detracts from his admiration of + the genuine follower of Christ. He says that "religious ideas + have more influence than certain narrow-minded philosophers are + willing to believe; they are capable of rendering great services + to humanity." Again, he says that "the Christian religion is the + religion of a civilised people; it is entirely spiritual, and the + reward which Jesus Christ promises to the elect is that they + shall see God face to face; and its whole tendency is to subdue + the passions; it offers nothing to excite them."</p> + + <p>There were frequently heated arguments on <a name="Page_293" + id="Page_293"></a>religion between Napoleon and members of his + suite during the dreary hours at Longwood, and on one of these + occasions he, Montholon, and Antommarchi are the debaters. To the + former he suddenly flashed out: "I know men well, and I tell you + that Jesus Christ was not a man"; then he curtly attacks the + pretentious doctor by informing him that "aspiring to be an + atheist does not make a man one."</p> + + <p>Dr. Alexander Mair published in the <i>Expositor</i>, some + twenty years ago, a critical study of the authenticity of the + declarations imputed to Napoleon when at St. Helena on the + subject of the Christian religion, from which I make the + following extract:—</p> + + <p>"One evening at St. Helena," says M. Beauterne, "the + conversation was animated. The subject treated of was an exalted + one; it was the divinity of Jesus Christ. Napoleon defended the + truth of this doctrine with the arguments and eloquence of a man + of genius, with something also of the native faith of the + Corsican and the Italian. To the objections of one of the + interlocutors, who seemed to see in the Saviour but a sage, an + illustrious philosopher, a great man, the Emperor + replied:—</p> + + <p>"'I know men, and I tell you that Jesus Christ is not a + man.</p> + + <p>"<a name="Page_294" id="Page_294"></a>'Superficial minds may + see some resemblance between Christ and the founders of empires, + the conquerors, and the gods of other religions. That resemblance + does not exist.</p> + + <p>"'I see in Lycurgus, Numa, Confucius, and Mahomet merely + legislators; but nothing which reveals the Deity. On the + contrary, I see numerous relations between them and myself. I + make out resemblances, weaknesses, and common errors which + assimilate them to myself and humanity. Their faculties are those + which I possess. But it is different with Christ. Everything + about Him astonishes me; His spirit surprises me, and His will + confounds me. Between Him and anything of this world there is no + possible comparison. He is really a Being apart.</p> + + <p>"'The nearer I approach Him and the more clearly I examine + Him, the more everything seems above me; everything continues + great with a greatness that crushes me.</p> + + <p>"'His religion is a secret belonging to Himself alone, and + proceeds from an intelligence which assuredly is not the + intelligence of man. There is in Him a profound originality which + creates a series of sayings and maxims hitherto unknown.</p> + + <p>"'Christ expects everything from His death. Is that the + invention of a man? On the contrary, it is a strange course of + procedure, a superhuman <a name="Page_295" id= + "Page_295"></a>confidence, an inexplicable reality. In every + other existence than that of Christ, what imperfections, what + changes! I defy you to cite any existence, other than that of + Christ, exempt from the least vacillation, free from all such + blemishes and changes. From the first day to the last He is the + same, always the same, majestic and simple, infinitely severe, + and infinitely gentle.</p> + + <p>"'How the horizon of His empire extends, and prolongs itself + into infinitude! Christ reigns beyond life and beyond death. The + past and the future are alike to Him; the kingdom of the truth + has, and in effect can have, no other limit than the false. Jesus + has taken possession of the human race; He has made of it a + single nationality, the nationality of upright men, whom He calls + to a perfect life.</p> + + <p>"'The existence of Christ from beginning to end is a tissue + entirely mysterious, I admit; but that mystery meets difficulties + which are in all existences. Reject it, the world is an enigma; + accept it, and we have an admirable solution of the history of + man.</p> + + <p>"'Christ speaks, and henceforth generations belong to Him by + bonds more close, more intimate than those of blood, by a union + more sacred, more imperious than any other union beside. He + kindles the flame of a love which kills out the love <a name= + "Page_296" id="Page_296"></a>of self and prevails over every + other love. Without contradiction, the greatest miracle of Christ + is the reign of love. All who believe in Him sincerely feel this + love, wonderful, supernatural, supreme. It is a phenomenon + inexplicable, impossible to reason and the power of man; a sacred + fire given to the earth by this new Prometheus, of which Time, + the great destroyer, can neither exhaust the force nor terminate + the duration. That is what I wonder at most of all, for I often + think about it; and it is that which absolutely proves to me the + divinity of Christ!'</p> + + <p>"Here the Emperor's voice assumed a peculiar accent of + ironical melancholy and of profound sadness: 'Yes, our existence + has shone with all the splendour of the crown and sovereignty; + and yours, Montholon, Bertrand, reflected that splendour, as the + dome of the Invalides, gilded by us, reflects the rays of the + sun. But reverses have come; the gold is effaced little by + little. The rain of misfortunes and outrages with which we are + deluged every day carries away the last particles; we are only + lead, gentlemen, and soon we shall be but dust. Such is the + destiny of great men; such is the near destiny of the great + Napoleon.</p> + + <p>"'What an abyss between my profound misery and the eternal + reign of Christ, proclaimed, worshipped, beloved, adored, living + throughout the <a name="Page_297" id="Page_297"></a>whole + universe! Is that to die? Is it not rather to live?'"</p> + + <p>A more beautiful panegyric on the divinity of Christ has never + been pronounced. The thrilling and convincing conclusions evolved + from the mind of a great reader, a great thinker—a man, in + fact, who had studied and knew the human side of life, and could + describe it with flawless accuracy—are a complete + refutation of the opinions expressed either from prejudice or + personal and political motives. Napoleon conversed about religion + with other men in a critical way, not always with orthodox + reverence, but certainly with the conviction that he had a + thorough knowledge of every phase of the subject. Perhaps he + derived pleasure from showing that he did not accept the popular + doctrine unreservedly.</p> + + <p>His unorthodox view of the Catholic religion is shown by the + fact that in 1797 he endeavoured to get Pius VI. to suppress the + Inquisition throughout Europe. The Pope, in his reply, addressing + the General as his "very dear son," urges him to abandon the idea + and assures him that the charges made against the Holy Office are + false. He further says that the Inquisition is not tyrannical, + and that sooner than remove the Holy Office he would part with a + province. Napoleon for a time gave way, and it was not until 1808 + that he issued a decree suppressing the institution in France and + confiscating its property. This incident is another <a name= + "Page_298" id="Page_298"></a>proof of Napoleon's humane attitude + towards his people and his abhorrence of religious + intolerance.</p> + + <p>The basis for such an attitude towards an accepted institution + of the Roman Catholic Church was Napoleon's belief that "Faith is + beyond the reach of the law and the most sacred property of man, + for which he has no right to account to any mortal if there is + nothing in it contrary to social order."</p> + + <p>Unquestionably he had pride in impressing his auditors with + the vastness of his information, acquired by reading and study. + He had, moreover, a kind of childlike vanity in making men feel + that he was not only extraordinary, but greatly their superior, + even when they got him to talk on their own subjects. This habit + was especially pronounced at St. Helena.</p> + + <p>But this in no way impairs the evidences of his spiritual + character. One of his first acts when his authority was + established in France was to face the most hostile declamation + against the Concordat, but believing that no good government + could be assured without religion, he carried his convictions + through in spite of it being a reversion of one of the cardinal + doctrines of the Revolution, and there is abundance of proof that + when he was faced with the last great problem, he accepted it + without a sign of superstitious dread, believing in the + immortality of the soul which should reveal all things.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="BIBLIOGRAPHY" id="BIBLIOGRAPHY"></a><a name= + "Page_299" id="Page_299"></a>BIBLIOGRAPHY</h2> + + <p>LIST OF SOME OF THE BOOKS REFERRED TO OR CONSULTED BY THE + AUTHOR</p> + + <p>Correspondence of Napoleon.<br /> + Last Letters of Napoleon.<br /> + Letters and Despatches of the First Napoleon, by Bingham.<br /> + Napoleon's Miscellanies.<br /> + Napoleon's Own Memoirs.<br /> + Napoleon Anecdotes, Ireland.<br /> + Talks of Napoleon at St. Helena, by Count Gourgaud.<br /> + Napoleon's Correspondence with King Joseph.<br /> + Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, by H.F. Hall.<br /> + Letters from the Island of St. Helena.<br /> + History of Napoleon, by Lanfrey.<br /> + Life of Napoleon, by Sir Walter Scott.<br /> + Life of Napoleon, by J.H. Rose.<br /> + Napoleon, by Phyfe.<br /> + Private Life of Napoleon, by Levy.<br /> + Life of Napoleon, by Bourrienne.<br /> + Short Life of Napoleon, by J.R. Seeley.<br /> + Life of Napoleon the Third, by Blanchard.<br /> + Life of Napoleon, by W. Hazlitt.<br /> + History of Napoleon, edited by R.H. Horne.<br /> + Life of Napoleon, by MacFarlane.<br /> + History of Napoleon, by George Moir Bussey.<br /> + Life of Napoleon, by W.M. Sloane.<br /> + Napoleon, by J.T. Bailey.<br /> + Napoleon, by Dr. Max Lenz.<br /> + Baron de Meneval, Memoirs.<br /> + <a name="Page_300" id="Page_300"></a> Memoirs of Count Miot de + Melito.<br /> + Memoirs of General Count Rapp, written by himself.<br /> + Memoirs of the Duke of Rovigo.<br /> + Memoirs of Madame Junot, Duchess of Abrantès.<br /> + Secret Memoirs of Napoleon, by Charles Doris.<br /> + Mallet Du Pan, by B. Mallet.<br /> + Madame de Staël.<br /> + Recollections of Marshal MacDonald.<br /> + Memoirs of the Empress Josephine.<br /> + Memoirs of Queen Hortense.<br /> + Memoirs of the Court of St. Cloud.<br /> + Memoirs of the Empress Marie Louise, by De St. Amand.<br /> + Memoirs of Joseph.<br /> + Memoirs of Madame de Remusat.<br /> + Life of Nelson, by Southey.<br /> + Life of Wellington, by George Hooper.<br /> + Life of Sir Walter Scott, by Lockhart.<br /> + Dumourier Memoirs.<br /> + Life of Byron.<br /> + William Pitt, by Lord Rosebery.<br /> + William Pitt, by Charles Whibley.<br /> + Memoirs of the Court of the Empress Josephine, by Ducrest.<br /> + The Sailor King, by Fitzgerald Molloy.<br /> + Marmont Memoirs.<br /> + General Marbot Memoirs.<br /> + Marshal Berthier, by General Derrecagaix.<br /> + Constant, Memoirs of the Life of Napoleon.<br /> + Napoleon and Marie Louise, by Madame Durand.<br /> + The Women Napoleon Loved, by Tighe Hopkins.<br /> + The Marriages of the Bonapartes, by Bingham.<br /> + Napoleon at Home, by F. Masson.<br /> + Napoleon et les Femmes, by F. Masson.<br /> + Josephine, Imperatrice et Reine, by F. Masson.<br /> + Love of an Uncrowned Queen, by Wilkins.<br /> + The Love Affairs of Napoleon, by Joseph Turquan.<br /> + The Women Bonapartes, by Noel Williams.<br /> + Las Cases' Journal.<br /> + <a name="Page_301" id="Page_301"></a> Napoleon at St. Helena and + Sir Hudson Lowe, by Forsyth.<br /> + Napoleon's Captivity in Relation to Sir Hudson Lowe, by R.C. + Seaton.<br /> + The Exile of St. Helena, by Philippe Gonnard.<br /> + Napoleon, Last Voyages, by J.H. Rose.<br /> + The Last Days of Napoleon, by Dr. F. Antommarchi.<br /> + Duke of Reichstadt, by De Wertheimer.<br /> + Napoleon, the First Phase, by Oscar Browning.<br /> + Napoleon, The Last Phase, by Lord Rosebery.<br /> + Talks of Napoleon at St. Helena, by Latimer.<br /> + The Surrender of Napoleon, by Rear-Admiral Sir Frederick + Maitland.<br /> + Napoleon in Exile, by Barry O'Meara.<br /> + The Drama of St. Helena, by Paul Frembeaux.<br /> + History of a Crime, by Victor Hugo.<br /> + History of the Captivity of Napoleon, by Count Montholon.<br /> + Warden's Letters from St. Helena.<br /> + With Napoleon at St. Helena, by Dr. John Stokoe.<br /> + Napoleon's Last Voyages, by Sir Thomas Usher.<br /> + Napoleon and His Fellow Travellers, by Clement Shorter.<br /> + An Exposition of Some of the Transactions that have taken<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">place at St. Helena since the + Appointment of Sir Hudson</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lowe as Governor of that Island, + by B.E. O'Meara.</span><br /> + Facts Illustrative of the Treatment of Napoleon Bonaparte<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">in St. Helena, by Theodore Hook + (?).</span><br /> + History of the Consulate and the Empire, by Thiers.<br /> + Napoleon's Expedition to Russia, by Count Philippe de + Segur.<br /> + Napoleon in Russia, by Verestchagen.<br /> + Napoleon, King of Elba, by Paul Gruyer.<br /> + Cambridge Modern History, Volume IX., Sections by—<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Georges Pariset.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">T.A. Walker.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">H.W. Wilson.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Anton Guilland.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">H.A.L. Fisher.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">L.G. Wickham-Legg.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">E.M. Lloyd.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">J. Holland Rose.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">August Keim.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">C.W. Oman.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Eugen Stschepkin.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Julius von + Pflugk-Harttung.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">A.W. Ward.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">G.P. Gooch.</span><br /> + Napoleon and His Detractors, by Prince Napoleon.<br /> + <a name="Page_302" id="Page_302"></a> Heinrich Heine's + Essays.<br /> + France, by J.E.C. Bodley.<br /> + Talleyrand, by Lady Blennerhassett.<br /> + Napoleon's Marshals, by R.P. Dunn Pattison.<br /> + French Revolution, by Thomas Carlyle.<br /> + French Revolution, by Lord Acton.<br /> + Bonaparte and the Consulate, by Thibeaudeau.<br /> + Napoleonic Studies, by J. Holland Rose.<br /> + Biographical Sketches, by Harriet Martineau.<br /> + From Howard to Nelson, by Mahan.<br /> + The Life of Nelson, by Mahan.<br /> + A Mariner of England, 1780-1817, edited by Colonel Spencer<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Childers.</span><br /> + Bonapartism, by H.A.L. Fisher.<br /> + Bernadotte's Correspondence with Napoleon.<br /></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name= + "LIST_OF_EVENTS_AND_DATES_HAVING_REFERENCE_TO_NAPOLEON_BONAPARTE" + id= + "LIST_OF_EVENTS_AND_DATES_HAVING_REFERENCE_TO_NAPOLEON_BONAPARTE"> + </a><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303"></a>LIST OF EVENTS AND DATES + HAVING REFERENCE TO NAPOLEON BONAPARTE</h2> + + <p>1769. Aug. 15. Napoleon the First born.<br /> + <br /> + 1789. July 14. French Revolution breaks out with the<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">destruction of the + Bastille.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1790. July 14. France declared a Limited Monarchy.<br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">July 14. Louis XVI. swears + to maintain the Constitution.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1791. June 21. The King, Queen, and Royal family arrested<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">at Varennes.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Sept. 15. Louis (a prisoner) + signs the National Constitution.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1792. July 17. First coalition against France.<br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Nov. 19. French people + declare their fraternity</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">with all nations who desire to be + free</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">and offer help.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1796. Mar. 9. Bonaparte's marriage with Josephine.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 8em;">Bonaparte's successful campaign + in Italy.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1798. Expedition to Syria and Egypt.<br /> + <br /> + 1799. April. European coalition against France.<br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Nov. 10. Council of 500 + deposed by Bonaparte; he</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">is declared First + Consul.</span><br /> + 1800. June 14. Bonaparte defeats the Austrians at Marengo.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Dec. 24. Bonaparte's life + attempted by an infernal</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">machine.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 8em;">Bank of France founded by + Napoleon.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1802. Mar. 28. Peace of Amiens (with England, Spain,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">and Holland) signed.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1802. May 19. Legion of Honour instituted by Napoleon.<br /> + <a name="Page_304" id="Page_304"></a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Aug. 2. Napoleon made First + Consul for life.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1803. April 14. Bank of France established.<br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">May 22. Declaration of war + against England.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1804. Feb. 15. Conspiracy of Moreau and Pichegru against<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 8em;">Napoleon.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Mar. 21. Duc d'Enghien + executed.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">May 18. Napoleon proclaimed + Emperor of France.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Dec. 2. Napoleon crowned by + the Pope.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1805. May 26. Napoleon crowned King of Italy.<br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Aug. Third + coalition against France.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Dec. 2. Napoleon defeats + the Allies at Austerlitz.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1806. Oct. 14. Napoleon defeats the Prussians at Jena.<br /> + <br /> + 1807. Feb. 8. Napoleon defeats the Russians at Eylau.<br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">July 7. Peace of Tilsit + signed.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Dec. 17. Napoleon issues + his Milan Decree against</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">British commerce.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1808. Mar. 1. New Nobility of France created.<br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">May 5. Abdication of + Charles IV. of Spain and his</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">son in favour of + Napoleon.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">July + Commencement of the Peninsular War.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1809. April Alliance of England and Austria against<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">France.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">May Napoleon + defeats the Austrians and enters</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">Vienna.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Oct. 14. Peace of Vienna + signed.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Dec. 16. Divorce of the + Emperor and the Empress</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">Josephine decreed by the + Senate.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1810. April 1. Marriage of Napoleon to Marie Louise of<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">Austria.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">July 9. Holland united to + France.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1811. Mar. 20. Birth of the King of Rome (Napoleon II.).<br /> + <br /> + 1812. June 22. War with Russia declared.<br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Oct. The + retreat from Moscow.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1813. Mar. Alliance of Austria, Russia, and Prussia<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">against France.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Oct. 7. British enter + France.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1814. Mar. 31. Surrender of Paris to the Allies.<br /> + <br /> + <a name="Page_305" id="Page_305"></a> 1814. April 5. Abdication + of Napoleon negotiated.<br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">May 3. Restoration + of the Bourbon dynasty.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">Louis XVIII. arrives at + Paris.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">May 4. Napoleon + arrives at Elba.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">May 29. Death of + Josephine.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1815. Mar. 1. Napoleon escapes from Elba and lands<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">at Cannes.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Mar. 20. Napoleon arrives + at Fontainebleau.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Mar. 22. Napoleon is joined + by all the Army.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Mar. The + Allies sign a treaty against him.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Mar. 29. Napoleon abolishes + the slave trade.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">June 12. Napoleon leaves + Paris for the Army.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">June 18. Battle of + Waterloo.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">June 20. Napoleon returns + to Paris.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">June 22. Abdicates in + favour of his son.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">July 3. He arrives at + Rochefort, intending to</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">embark for America.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">July 3. Louis XVIII. + re-enters Paris.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">July 15. Napoleon + surrenders to Captain Maitland,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">of the <i>Bellerophon</i>, at + Rochefort.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Aug. 8. Is transferred at + Torbay to the <i>Northumberland</i>,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">and, with Admiral Sir George + Cockburn, sails for St. Helena.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Oct. 15. Arrives at St. + Helena, to remain for life.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Dec. 7. Execution of + Marshal Ney.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1816. Jan. 12. Family of Bonaparte excluded <i>for ever</i><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">from France by the Law of + Amnesty.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1821. May 5. Death of Napoleon.<br /> + <br /> + 1836. Oct. 29. Attempted insurrection by Louis Napoleon<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">(afterwards + Emperor).</span><br /> + <br /> + 1837. May 8. Amnesty proclaimed for political offences.<br /> + <br /> + 1838. "Idees Napoleoniennes" published by<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">Prince Louis + Napoleon.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1840. May 12. The Chambers decree the removal of<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">Napoleon's remains from St. + Helena.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Oct. 15. Exhumation of + Napoleon's remains.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Nov. 30. Arrival of + <i>Belle Poule</i> frigate at Cherbourg</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">with remains on + board.</span><br /> + <br /> + <a name="Page_306" id="Page_306"></a> 1840. Dec. 15. Remains + deposited in the Hôtel des Invalides.<a name= + "FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Aug. 6. Descent of Louis + Napoleon, General Montholon,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">and fifty followers at Vimeraux, + near Boulogne.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Oct. 6. The Prince captured + and sentenced to</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">imprisonment for + life.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1841. Aug. 15. Bronze statue of Napoleon placed on the<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">column of the Grande + Armée, Boulogne.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1846. May 25. Louis Napoleon escapes from Ham.<br /> + <br /> + 1847. Oct. 10. Jerome Bonaparte returns to France, after<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">an exile of thirty-two + years.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1848. June 13. Election of Louis Napoleon to the National<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">Assembly.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Sept. 26. Louis Napoleon takes + his seat in the</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">National Assembly.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1857. Longwood, the residence of Napoleon<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">Bonaparte at St. Helena, bought + for</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">180,000 francs.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1860. June 24. Jerome Bonaparte (the Emperor's uncle)<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">dies, aged 76.</span><br /> + <br /> + 1861. Mar. 31. Napoleon's body finally placed in the crypt<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">of the Hôtel des + Invalides.</span><br /></p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> The + ceremony was witnessed by about 1,000,000 persons and 150,000 + soldiers assisted at the obsequies. No relatives of the + Emperor were present, as at this time the various members of + the Bonaparte family were either proscribed and in exile or + in prison.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="INDEX" id="INDEX"></a><a name="Page_307" id= + "Page_307"></a>INDEX</h2> + + <p>Abrantès, Duke and Duchess of, <i>see</i> Junot<br /> + Acton, Lord, <a href="#Page_115">115</a><br /> + Aglietti, Dr., <a href="#Page_157">157</a><br /> + Alexander, <i>see</i> Russia, Emperor of<br /> + Amherst, Lord, <a href="#Page_48">48</a><br /> + Anne of Russia, Princess, <a href="#Page_268">268</a><br /> + Antommarchi, Dr., <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href= + "#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href= + "#Page_84">85</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href= + "#Page_293">293</a><br /> + Archambaud, <a href="#Page_171">171</a><br /> + Arnott, Dr., <a href="#Page_84">85</a><br /> + Augereau, General, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <a href= + "#Page_176">176</a><br /> + Austria, Commissioner for, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href= + "#Page_49">49</a><br /> + Austria, Emperor of, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href= + "#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_112">113</a>, <a href= + "#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>, <a href= + "#Page_266">267</a>, <a href="#Page_274">274</a><br /> + <br /> + Baranti, M., <a href="#Page_217">217</a><br /> + Barras, "Citizen," <a href="#Page_239">240</a>, <a href= + "#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_251">251</a><br /> + Bathurst, Lord, <a href="#Page_33">34</a>, <a href= + "#Page_33">35</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href= + "#Page_70">70</a>, <a href="#Page_79">80</a>, <a href= + "#Page_79">81</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href= + "#Page_83">83</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href= + "#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_181">181</a>, <a href= + "#Page_184">184</a><br /> + Beauharnais, Alexandre, <a href="#Page_231">231</a>, <a href= + "#Page_232">232</a>, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>, <a href= + "#Page_235">235</a><br /> + Beauharnais, Eugene, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>, <a href= + "#Page_239">240</a>, <a href="#Page_254">254</a>, <a href= + "#Page_282">283</a>, <a href="#Page_284">285</a><br /> + Beauharnais, Hortense, <a href="#Page_115">116</a>, <a href= + "#Page_232">232</a>, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>, <a href= + "#Page_254">254</a>, <a href="#Page_262">262</a>, <a href= + "#Page_278">279</a>, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>, <a href= + "#Page_282">283</a>, <a href="#Page_284">285</a><br /> + Beauharnais, Marquis de, <a href="#Page_231">231</a>, <a href= + "#Page_232">232</a><br /> + Beauterne, M., <a href="#Page_293">293</a><br /> + Beauvais, Bishop of, <a href="#Page_103">104</a><br /> + Bernadotte, Marshal, <a href="#Page_175">175</a>, <a href= + "#Page_273">273</a><br /> + Berthier, General, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href= + "#Page_176">176</a><br /> + Bertrand, Count, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href= + "#Page_33">34</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href= + "#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>, <a href= + "#Page_171">171</a>, <a href="#Page_172">172</a>, <a href= + "#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_290">290</a><br /> + Bertrand, Madame, <a href="#Page_72">72</a><br /> + Bessières, General, <a href="#Page_153">153</a><br /> + Bismarck, Prince von, <a href="#Page_166">166</a><br /> + Blücher, Marshal, <a href="#Page_189">189</a><br /> + Bombelles, M. de, <a href="#Page_158">158</a><br /> + Bonaparte, Caroline, <a href="#Page_245">246</a><br /> + Bonaparte, Joseph, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href= + "#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_172">172</a>, <a href= + "#Page_243">244</a>, <a href="#Page_247">245</a>, <a href= + "#Page_262">262</a><br /> + Bonaparte, Leon, <a href="#Page_263">263</a>, <a href= + "#Page_264">264</a><br /> + Bonaparte, Louis, <a href="#Page_262">262</a><br /> + Bonaparte, Lucien, <a href="#Page_254">254</a>, <a href= + "#Page_262">262</a><br /> + Bonaparte, Madame Mère, <a href="#Page_146">146</a> <i>et + seq.</i><br /> + Bonaparte, Napoleon, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href= + "#Page_18">19</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href= + "#Page_33">35</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href= + "#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href= + "#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href= + "#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href= + "#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>, <a href= + "#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_84">85</a>, <a href= + "#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href= + "#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_115">116</a>, <a href= + "#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href= + "#Page_120">121</a>, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href= + "#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_125">126</a>, <a href= + "#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>, <a href= + "#Page_139">139</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>, <a href= + "#Page_160">160</a>, <a href="#Page_162">162</a>, <a href= + "#Page_172">172</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a>, <a href= + "#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>, <a href= + "#Page_207">207</a>, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>, <a href= + "#Page_212">213</a>, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>, <a href= + "#Page_239">240</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href= + "#Page_243">243</a>, <a href="#Page_247">247</a>, <a href= + "#Page_250">250</a>, <a href="#Page_251">252</a>, <a href= + "#Page_253">253</a>, <a href="#Page_254">254</a>, <a href= + "#Page_257">257</a>, <a href="#Page_259">259</a>, <a href= + "#Page_261">261</a>, <a href="#Page_265">265</a>, <a href= + "#Page_266">267</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a>, <a href= + "#Page_277">277</a>, <a href="#Page_280">281</a>, <a href= + "#Page_284">284</a>, <a href="#Page_284">286</a>, <a href= + "#Page_288">288</a> <i>et seq.</i>;<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">on the Christian religion, + <a href="#Page_293">293</a> <i>et seq.</i></span><br /> + Bonaparte, Pauline, <a href="#Page_115">116</a>, <a href= + "#Page_249">249</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a><br /> + Borghesi, Countess Pauline, <a href="#Page_83">83</a><br /> + Bourrienne, M., <a href="#Page_112">113</a>, <a href= + "#Page_128">128</a>, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>, <a href= + "#Page_162">162</a>, <a href="#Page_177">177</a><br /> + Browning, Oscar, <a href="#Page_117">117</a><br /> + Brutus, Marcus, <a href="#Page_124">124</a><br /> + Bülow, von, <a href="#Page_189">189</a><br /> + Burton, Dr., <a href="#Page_84">85</a><br /> + Byron, Lord, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>, <a href= + "#Page_198">199</a> <i>et seq.</i>, <a href= + "#Page_216">216</a><br /> + <br /> + <a name="Page_308" id="Page_308"></a> Cadoudal, <a href= + "#Page_262">262</a><br /> + Cæsar, Julius, <a href="#Page_123">123</a><br /> + Camerata, Countess Napoleone, <a href="#Page_123">145</a><br /> + Carlyle, Jane, <a href="#Page_84">84</a><br /> + Carlyle, Thomas, <a href="#Page_163">163</a><br /> + Carnot, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href= + "#Page_243">244</a><br /> + Cases, Count Las, <a href="#Page_33">34</a>, <a href= + "#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href= + "#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>, <a href= + "#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>, <a href= + "#Page_195">195</a><br /> + Castlereagh, Lord, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href= + "#Page_79">80</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href= + "#Page_181">181</a><br /> + Catherine of Westphalia, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href= + "#Page_154">154</a><br /> + Charles, Hippolyte, <a href="#Page_249">249</a> <i>et + seq.</i><br /> + Charles VII., <a href="#Page_105">105</a><br /> + Charles X., <a href="#Page_168">168</a><br /> + Cipriani, <a href="#Page_54">54</a><br /> + Cockburn, Captain, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href= + "#Page_54">34</a><br /> + Collot, <a href="#Page_253">253</a><br /> + Colonna, Count, <i>see</i> Walewska, Alexander<br /> + Colonna, Signor Simeon, <a href="#Page_82">82</a><br /> + Commissioners of the Powers, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href= + "#Page_49">49</a><br /> + Compoint, Louise, <a href="#Page_245">246</a><br /> + Conquereau, l'Abbé, <a href="#Page_171">171</a><br /> + Constant, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href= + "#Page_207">207</a>, <a href="#Page_212">213</a>, <a href= + "#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a><br /> + Corvisat, Dr., <a href="#Page_284">286</a><br /> + Coulon Brothers, <a href="#Page_128">128</a><br /> + Cromwell, Oliver, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br /> + <br /> + Davoust, Marshal, <a href="#Page_176">176</a><br /> + Denuelle, Madame Eleanore, <a href="#Page_263">263</a><br /> + Desaix, General, <a href="#Page_153">153</a><br /> + Dietrichstein, Count, <a href="#Page_137">137</a><br /> + Documents, <i>see</i> Official Documents<br /> + Dottot, M., <a href="#Page_258">258</a><br /> + Duroc, Marshal, <a href="#Page_125">126</a>, <a href= + "#Page_153">153</a><br /> + <br /> + Editor of <i>Edinburgh Review</i>, <a href= + "#Page_50">50</a><br /> + Eliot, George, <a href="#Page_216">216</a><br /> + d'Enghien, Due, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href= + "#Page_262">262</a><br /> + <br /> + Fesch, Cardinal, <a href="#Page_150">150</a><br /> + Flachats, MM., <a href="#Page_261">261</a><br /> + Forsyth, William, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href= + "#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>, <a href= + "#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href= + "#Page_100">101</a>, <a href="#Page_179">179</a>, <a href= + "#Page_192">192</a>, <a href="#Page_196">196</a><br /> + Fouché, M., <a href="#Page_128">128</a>, <a href= + "#Page_129">129</a>, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>, <a href= + "#Page_206">206</a>, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>, <a href= + "#Page_263">263</a>, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>, <a href= + "#Page_284">284</a><br /> + Fox, Charles James, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>, <a href= + "#Page_93">93</a><br /> + France, Commissioner for, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href= + "#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a><br /> + Francis, <i>see</i> Austria, Emperor of<br /> + Frederick of Prussia, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href= + "#Page_162">162</a><br /> + Frederick the Great, <a href="#Page_163">163</a><br /> + Freron, M., <a href="#Page_250">250</a><br /> + <br /> + George I., <a href="#Page_162">162</a>, <a href= + "#Page_287">287</a><br /> + George IV., <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>, + <a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href= + "#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_117">180</a>, <a href= + "#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_287">287</a><br /> + Gohier, M., <a href="#Page_256">256</a><br /> + Gorrequer, Major, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href= + "#Page_100">100</a><br /> + Gourgaud, General, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href= + "#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href= + "#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, <a href= + "#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_79">80</a>, <a href= + "#Page_79">81</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href= + "#Page_139">139</a>, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>, <a href= + "#Page_179">179</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href= + "#Page_194">194</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href= + "#Page_207">207</a>, <a href="#Page_208">288</a>, <a href= + "#Page_289">289</a><br /> + Granville, Earl, <a href="#Page_18">19</a><br /> + Grouchy, Marshal, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>, <a href= + "#Page_191">191</a><br /> + Guizot, M., <a href="#Page_17">17</a><br /> + <br /> + Hanover, Elector of, <a href="#Page_162">162</a><br /> + Henin, General, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br /> + Henry, Mr., 99, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br /> + Henry VIII., <a href="#Page_287">287</a><br /> + Hill, General Lord, <a href="#Page_189">189</a><br /> + Hoche, General, <a href="#Page_239">240</a><br /> + Holland, Lady, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href= + "#Page_57">57</a><br /> + Holland, Lord, <a href="#Page_79">80</a>, <a href= + "#Page_89">89</a><br /> + Hooper, <a href="#Page_161">61</a><br /> + Horeau, Dr., <a href="#Page_284">286</a><br /> + <br /> + Jersey, Lady, <a href="#Page_201">201</a><br /> + Joan of Arc, <a href="#Page_103">104</a>, <a href= + "#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a><br /> + Joinville, Prince, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href= + "#Page_171">171</a>, <a href="#Page_172">173</a><br /> + Josephine, <a href="#Page_100">101</a>, <a href= + "#Page_118">118</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>, <a href= + "#Page_210">210</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href= + "#Page_231">231</a> <i>et seq.</i><br /> + Jourdan, General, <a href="#Page_176">176</a><br /> + Junot, Marshal, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href= + "#Page_245">245</a>, <a href="#Page_245">246</a><br /> + <br /> + <a name="Page_309" id="Page_309"></a> Keith, Lord, <a href= + "#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href= + "#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href= + "#Page_120">121</a>, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href= + "#Page_124">124</a><br /> + Kellerman, General, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>, <a href= + "#Page_243">243</a><br /> + Kleber, General, <a href="#Page_153">153</a><br /> + <br /> + La Fayette, <a href="#Page_156">156</a><br /> + Lallemand, <a href="#Page_165">65</a><br /> + Las Cases, <i>see</i> Cases, Las<br /> + Leclerc, General, <a href="#Page_249">249</a>, <a href= + "#Page_250">250</a><br /> + Lenz, Dr. Max, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href= + "#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_209">209</a><br /> + Liverpool, Lord, <a href="#Page_79">80</a>, <a href= + "#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_181">181</a><br /> + Livingstone, Dr., <a href="#Page_84">85</a><br /> + Louis Philippe, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href= + "#Page_21">21</a> <i>et seq.</i>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, + 1<a href="#Page_168">68</a>, <a href="#Page_169">169</a>, + <a href="#Page_171">171</a>, <a href="#Page_172">172</a><br /> + Louis XVI., <a href="#Page_125">126</a>, <a href= + "#Page_270">270</a><br /> + Louis XVIII., <a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href= + "#Page_168">168</a><br /> + Lowe, Sir Hudson, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href= + "#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_33">34</a>, <a href= + "#Page_33">35</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href= + "#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href= + "#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href= + "#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href= + "#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href= + "#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href= + "#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href= + "#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href= + "#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_79">81</a>, <a href= + "#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>, <a href= + "#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_84">85</a>, <a href= + "#Page_88">88</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href= + "#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_178">178</a>, <a href= + "#Page_180">180</a>, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>, <a href= + "#Page_183">183</a>, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>, <a href= + "#Page_185">185</a>, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>, <a href= + "#Page_191">191</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a>, <a href= + "#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_196">196</a><br /> + <br /> + Macaulay, Lord, <a href="#Page_162">162</a><br /> + Macdonald, Marshal, <a href="#Page_176">176</a><br /> + Maceroni, Colonel, <a href="#Page_75">75</a><br /> + Manning, Mr., <a href="#Page_57">57</a><br /> + Mair, Dr. Alexander, <a href="#Page_293">293</a><br /> + Maitland, Captain, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href= + "#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href= + "#Page_118">118</a><br /> + Marchand, M., <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href= + "#Page_156">156</a>, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>, <a href= + "#Page_290">290</a><br /> + Marie Antoinette, <a href="#Page_270">270</a><br /> + Marie Caroline, Queen, <a href="#Page_158">158</a><br /> + Marie Louise, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href= + "#Page_84">85</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href= + "#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href= + "#Page_150">151</a> <i>et seq.</i>, <a href="#Page_266">267</a>, + <a href="#Page_270">270</a>, <a href="#Page_274">274</a>, + <a href="#Page_276">276</a>, <a href="#Page_284">286</a><br /> + Marmont, General, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href= + "#Page_134">134</a>, <a href="#Page_134">135</a>, <a href= + "#Page_156">156</a>, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>, <a href= + "#Page_247">247</a><br /> + Masséna, General, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href= + "#Page_176">176</a><br /> + Masson, F., <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href= + "#Page_234">234</a>, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>, <a href= + "#Page_264">264</a><br /> + Mecklenburg, Prince of, <a href="#Page_284">284</a><br /> + Melito, Miot de, <a href="#Page_128">128</a><br /> + Meneval, <a href="#Page_156">156,</a> <a href= + "#Page_159">159</a>, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>, <a href= + "#Page_190">190</a>, <a href="#Page_266">267</a>, <a href= + "#Page_278">278</a><br /> + Metternich, Count, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <a href="#Page_276">276</a>, <a href="#Page_277">277</a><br /> + Miguel, Dom, <a href="#Page_132">132</a><br /> + Montchenu, Marquis de, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href= + "#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a><br /> + Montholon, Count, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href= + "#Page_33">34</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href= + "#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_45">43</a>, <a href= + "#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href= + "#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href= + "#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>, <a href= + "#Page_88">88</a>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>, <a href= + "#Page_172">172</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href= + "#Page_289">289</a>, <a href="#Page_290">290</a>, <a href= + "#Page_293">293</a><br /> + Montholon, Countess, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br /> + Moreau, M., <a href="#Page_262">262</a><br /> + Müller, <a href="#Page_189">109</a>, <a href= + "#Page_110">110</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a><br /> + Murat, Marshal, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href= + "#Page_245">245</a>, <a href="#Page_245">246</a>, <a href= + "#Page_271">271</a><br /> + <br /> + Napoleon, Charles, Prince, <a href="#Page_262">262</a><br /> + Napoleon I., <i>see</i> Bonaparte, Napoleon<br /> + Napoleon II., <i>see</i> Rome, King of<br /> + Napoleon III., <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href= + "#Page_142">142</a>, <a href="#Page_275">275</a>, <a href= + "#Page_276">276</a><br /> + Napoleon, Prince Louis, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href= + "#Page_135">135</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href= + "#Page_172">172</a>, <a href="#Page_265">265</a><br /> + Neipperg, Count, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href= + "#Page_133">133</a>, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>, <a href= + "#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_156">156</a> <i>et seq.</i>, + <a href="#Page_274">274</a><br /> + Ney, Marshal, <a href="#Page_153">153</a><br /> + Noverraz, <a href="#Page_171">171</a><br /> + <br /> + Obenaus, Baron, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>, <a href= + "#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_142">142</a><br /> + Official Documents, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href= + "#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href= + "#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a> <i>et seq.</i>, + <a href="#Page_79">81</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href= + "#Page_83">83</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href= + "#Page_197">197</a><br /> + O'Meara, Dr. Barry E., <a href="#Page_29">30</a>, <a href= + "#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href= + "#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href= + "#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href= + "#Page_77">77</a>, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href= + "#Page_79">81</a>, <a href="#Page_181">181</a>, <a href= + "#Page_188">188</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href= + "#Page_241">241</a><br /> + Orange, Prince of, <a href="#Page_162">162</a><br /> + Oudinot, Marshal, <a href="#Page_176">176</a><br /> + <br /> + Pagerie, Joseph Tascher de la, <a href="#Page_232">232</a><br /> + Palmerston, Lord, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href= + "#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_169">169</a><br /> + Peel, Sir Robert, <a href="#Page_186">186</a><br /> + Permon, Madame, <a href="#Page_127">127</a><br /> + Philipon, Jeanne Marie, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>, <a href= + "#Page_237">237</a><br /> + Pichegru, <a href="#Page_267">267</a><br /> + Pieron, <a href="#Page_171">171</a><br /> + Pitt, William, <a href="#Page_93">93</a><br /> + Pius VII., <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href= + "#Page_150">150</a><br /> + Plampin, Sir Robert, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href= + "#Page_196">196</a><br /> + <a name="Page_310" id="Page_310"></a> Poppleton, Captain, + <a href="#Page_61">61</a><br /> + Prokesch, Count, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>, <a href= + "#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>, <a href= + "#Page_143">143</a><br /> + Prussia, Commissioner for, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href= + "#Page_49">49</a><br /> + Prussia, King of, <i>see</i> Frederick<br /> + <br /> + Radowich, Gunner, <a href="#Page_57">57</a><br /> + Reade, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href= + "#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href= + "#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href= + "#Page_63">63</a><br /> + Reggio, Duchess of, <a href="#Page_279">279</a><br /> + Remusat, Charles de, <a href="#Page_219">219</a><br /> + Remusat, Madame de, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>, <a href= + "#Page_219">219</a> <i>et seq.</i>, <a href= + "#Page_284">284</a><br /> + Remusat, M. de, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href= + "#Page_221">221</a><br /> + Remusat, Paul de, <a href="#Page_219">219</a><br /> + Robespierre, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>, <a href= + "#Page_235">235</a>, <a href="#Page_237">237</a><br /> + Rocca, M., <a href="#Page_214">214</a> <i>et seq.</i><br /> + Roderer, M., <a href="#Page_114">114</a><br /> + Rome, King of, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href= + "#Page_57">57</a> <i>et seq.</i>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a> + <i>et seq.</i>, <a href="#Page_278">278</a><br /> + Rosebery, Lord, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href= + "#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_289">289</a><br /> + Rovigo, Duke of, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href= + "#Page_139">139</a><br /> + Ruskin, John, <a href="#Page_196">196</a><br /> + Russia, Commissioner for, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href= + "#Page_49">49</a><br /> + Russia, Emperor of, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href= + "#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href= + "#Page_279">279</a>, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>, <a href= + "#Page_282">282</a><br /> + <br /> + Saint-Denis, <a href="#Page_171">171</a><br /> + Samson (M. de Paris), <a href="#Page_237">237</a><br /> + Santini, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, + <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a><br /> + Scott, Sir Walter, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href= + "#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>, <a href= + "#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>, <a href= + "#Page_184">184</a><br /> + Seguier, M., <a href="#Page_115">115</a><br /> + Serbelloni, Duke of, <a href="#Page_247">247</a><br /> + Short, Dr., <a href="#Page_85">85</a><br /> + Somerset, Lord Charles, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href= + "#Page_69">69</a><br /> + Soult, Marshal, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>, <a href= + "#Page_190">190</a><br /> + Staël, Madame de, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>, <a href= + "#Page_204">204</a> <i>et seq.</i>, <a href= + "#Page_279">279</a><br /> + Stokoe, Dr. John, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href= + "#Page_196">196</a><br /> + Strange, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_42">42</a><br /> + <br /> + Taine, M., <a href="#Page_144">144</a><br /> + Talleyrand, M., <a href="#Page_128">128</a>, <a href= + "#Page_129">129</a>, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <a href= + "#Page_161">161</a>, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>, <a href= + "#Page_206">206</a>, <a href="#Page_251">251</a>, <a href= + "#Page_261">261</a>, <a href="#Page_263">263</a><br /> + Teynham, Lord, <a href="#Page_187">187</a><br /> + Thiers, M., <a href="#Page_17">17</a><br /> + <br /> + Vandamme, General, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br /> + Villemarest, <a href="#Page_129">129</a><br /> + Volney, Senator, <a href="#Page_116">116</a><br /> + <br /> + Walewska, Alexander (Count Colonna), <a href="#Page_269">269</a>, + <a href="#Page_278">278</a><br /> + Walewska, Madame, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href= + "#Page_267">267</a>, <a href="#Page_269">269</a>, <a href= + "#Page_278">278</a><br /> + Wellington, Duke of, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href= + "#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>, <a href= + "#Page_187">187</a>, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>, <a href= + "#Page_189">189</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a><br /> + Wieland, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href= + "#Page_111">111</a><br /> + Whitworth, Lord, <a href="#Page_117">117</a><br /> + Wilhelmina of Prussia, <a href="#Page_163">163</a><br /> + Williams, H. Noel, <a href="#Page_148">148</a><br /> + Wolseley, Lord, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> + Wordsworth, William, <a href="#Page_200">200</a><br /></p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Tragedy of St. Helena, by Walter Runciman + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRAGEDY OF ST. HELENA *** + +***** This file should be named 15246-h.htm or 15246-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/2/4/15246/ + +Produced by Steven Gibbs and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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