had influenced that body to pass a decree deposing Napoleon, and organizing a provisional government with Talleyrand at its head. As Napoleon received his office not from the Senate, but from the people, he paid no respect to this act. Still, the abandonment of the Emperor by the Senate bewildered and disheartened the people, inspirited the royalists, and introduced much perplexity into the councils of the army. At twelve o'clock the next day, Napoleon, struggling against despondency, again reviewed the troops, having previously given orders to have all things prepared for the march upon Paris. Immediately after the review he met in council all the dignitaries, civil and military, who were at Fontainebleau. A conference ensued, which crushed the hopes, and almost broke the heart of the Emperor. His most influential generals presented difficulties, and, finally, remonstrances, declaring that all was hopelessly lost. "If at this moment," says Baron Fain, "Napoleon had quitted his saloon and entered the hall of the secondary officers, he would have found a host of young men ready to follow wherever he should lead. But a step further, and he would have been greeted by the acclamations of all his troops." Disheartened, however, by the apathy which he encountered, he yielded, addressing, to his generals, these prophetic words : "You wish for repose. Take it, then. Alas! you know not how many troubles and dangers will await you on your beds of down. A few years of that ease which you are about to purchase so dearly, will cut off more of you than the most sanguinary war could have done." The Emperor then, in extreme dejection, retired alone to his cabinet. After the lapse of a few hours of perplexity and anguish, such as mortals have seldom endured, he again sent for Caulaincourt. As the Duke entered the room he found the countenance of the Emperor fearfully altered; but his demeanor was calm and firm. He took from his table a paper, written with his own hand, and presenting it to Caulaincourt, said, "Here is my abdication. Carry it to Paris." As the Emperor saw the tears gush into the eyes of his noble companion, he was for a moment unmanned himself. "Brave, brave friend!" cried he, with intense emotion. "But those ungrateful men! they will live to regret me." Then throwing himself into the arms of Caulaincourt, he pressed him fervently to his agitated breast, saying, "Depart, Caulaincourt; depart immedi- | riage and set out for Paris. Napoleon, overately." The abdication was written in the following words: "The Allied Powers having proclaimed that the Emperor Napoleon was the sole obstacle to the re-esta lishment of peace, the Emperor Napoleon, faithful to his oath, declares that he is ready to descend from the throne, to quit France, and even life itself, for the good of the country; without prejudice, however, to the rights of his son, to those of the regency of the Empress, and to the maintenance of the laws of the Empire." "Given at our palace at Fontainebleau, the 4th of April, 1814." Napoleon requested Macdonald and Ney to accompany Caulaincourt, as commissioners, to Paris. As he confided to them this important document, he said to Macdonald, whom he had in former years mistrusted, but to whom he became fully reconciled on the field of Wagram, "I have wronged you, Macdonald; do you not remember it?" "No, Sire!" Macdonald responded, "I remember nothing but your confidence in me." powered by the events of the day, retired in solitude to his chamber. He immediately sent an officer to Marshal Marmont, who, with twelve thousand men, occupied a very important position at Essonne, a village about half-way between Fontainebleau and Paris. The messenger returned at night with the utmost speed, and communicated the astounding intelligence that Marshal Marmont had abandoned his post and joined the Allies; that he had gone to Paris, and had marched his troops, without their knowledge of the treachery, within the lines of the enemy. Thus Fontainebleau was entirely undefended. Napoleon at first could not credit the story. He repeated to himself, "It is impossible. Marmont can not be guilty of dishonor. Marmont is my brother-in-arms." But when he could no longer doubt, he sank back in his chair, riveted his eyes upon the wall, pressed his burning brow with his hand, and said, in generous tones of grief, which brought tears into the eyes of those who were present, He! my pupil! my child! Ungrateful man! Well; he will be more unhappy than I!" In order to deliver up these soldiers, the sub Napoleon affectionately grasped his hand, while tears filled the eyes of both these noble men. "What conditions," said one of the commis-ordinate officers, who were devoted to the Empersioners, "shall we insist upon, in reference to your Majesty?" or, were assembled at midnight, and deceptively informed that the Emperor had decided to move upon Paris, and that they were to march, as an advance-guard, on the road to Versailles. All flew eagerly to arms, with cries of Vive l'EmpeThe commissioners immediately entered a car- reur! In the darkness of the night this disgrace "None whatever," Napoleon promptly replied. "Obtain the best terms you can for France. For myself, I ask nothing. "I defy you," the Colonel replied. 66 There is no law which compels the troops to obey treachery; and if there were, there is no soldier here so base as to obey it." ful transaction was consummated. With enthu- | mounted one of his fleetest horses, and soon oversiasm the soldiers commenced their march. But took the retiring column. "Stop!" he cried to they were astonished in meeting no enemy. They Colonel Ordiner, "or I will have you court-marheard strange noises on either side of them, as of tialed for usurping the command." troops in motion, but the darkness of the night concealed all distant objects from their view. The break of day showed them the batteries, battalions, and squadrons of the Russian army, by whom they were now completely encircled. Escape was impossible. A cry of indignation and grief, loud and long-continued, broke from the ranks. The rear-guard, in the early dawn, discovered the snare before it had crossed the bridge of Essonne. It immediately halted and fortified the pass to protect the Emperor, resolving to defend him to the last drop of blood. The loud altercation caused a halt in the ranks. The soldiers had respected Marmont and admired his courage. He appealed to them; showed his scars, and his still bleeding wounds; assured them that peace was already negotiated, and that the movement they were making was harmless to themselves and to the Emperor. He entreated them to kill him rather than disgrace themselves by abandoning their general. The soldiers, accustomed to obedience, believed him, and shouting" Vive Marmont !" bewildered, returned again to their cantonments within the lines of the Allies.* Bourrienne, who was associated with Talleyrand in the Provisional Government, says, "The mission of the The entrapped soldiers, as soon as they recovered from their astonishment, congregated together in groups, almost insane with rage, and commenced loud shouts, in the very camp of the Allies, of Vive l'Empereur! Colonel Ordiner called together all the other colonels, who, indig- In the mean time the commissioners, unconnant at the treachery of their generals, immedi-scious of this treachery, were rapidly approaching ately conferred upon him the command of their Paris. Just as the evening lamps were lighted, battalions. He accordingly ordered the cavalry to mount, and directed them on Rambouillet, that they might return by that circuitous route to marshals" (Caulaincourt, Ney, and Macdonald) "had Fontainebleau. The entire force-infantry, artil-caused the most lively apprehensions among the members lery, and cavalry-seized their arms, and, in the spirit of desperation, commenced their march, through the ranks of their multitudinous enemies, back to Napoleon. "The roads and woods echoed," says Lamartine, "with fury and acclamations, the expression of their desperate and indomitable fidelity to their vanquished Emperor." Marmont hearing the tidings, in great alarm of the Provisional Government; but the alarm was equally great on hearing the news of the mutiny of Marmont's troops. During the whole of the day we were in a state of the most cruel anxiety. The insurrectionary spirit, it was feared, might extend to other corps of the army. But the successful gallantry of Marmont saved every thing; and it would be impossible to convey an idea of the manner in which he was received by us at Talleyrand's when he related the particulars of what had passed at Versailles." they entered the gates of the agitated city. Cau- | cy. Talleyrand and others contended against it laincourt, leaving his companions, immediately with all their might. The Abbé de Pradt deobtained a private audience with Alexander.clared that neither Bonaparte nor his family had The Emperor, though cordial, seemed not a little any partisans—that all France earnestly demandembarrassed. He, however, promptly announceded the Bourbons. The adherences of the civil to Caulaincourt that the whole aspect of affairs and military bodies are pouring in. You thus was now changed. see the impossibilities which master my good wishes." But, Sire," said Caulaincourt, "I am the bearer of the act of abdication of the Emperor Napoleon in favor of the King of Rome. Marshals Ney and Macdonald accompany me as the plenipotentiaries of his Majesty. All the formalities are prepared. Nothing now remains but the conclusion of the treaty." "My dear Duke," Alexander replied, "when you departed, the position of the Emperor Napoleon was still imposing. The rallying of troops around Fontainebleau, their devotion to the Emperor, his address and courage, were of a nature to create alarm; but to-day the position of the Emperor is not the same." "Your Majesty deceives yourself," Caulaincourt replied. "The Emperor has at his command, within the circle of a few leagues, eighty thousand men who demand to be led upon Paris, who will allow themselves, in defense of the Emperor, to be cut in pieces to the last man, and whose example will electrify the capital." "My dear Duke," Alexander replied, "I am truly sorry to afflict you. But you are in complete ignorance of what is going on. The Senate has declared the forfeiture of Napoleon. The commanders of corps of the army are sending in their adherence from all parts. They disguise, under pretext of submission to the mandates of the Senate, their eagerness to absolve themselves from allegiance to a sovereign who is unfortu nate. Such are mankind. At the very moment at which we speak, Fontainebleau is uncovered, and the person of Napoleon is in our power.' "What say you, Sire," cried Caulaincourt, in amazement-"still fresh treasons?" "The camp of Essonne is raised," Alexander deliberately added. "Marshal Marmont has sent in his adherence and that of his division of the army. The troops which compose it are in full march into the camp of the Allies." At this intelligence Caulaincourt was struck dumb as by a thunderbolt. After a moment's pause, he bowed his neck to the storm, and sadly said, "I have no hope but in the magnanimity of your Majesty." now, "As long as the Emperor Napoleon," Alexander replied, "was supported by an army, he held the councils of his adversaries in check; but when the marshals and generals are leading away the soldiers, the question is changed. Fontainebleau is no longer an imposing military position. All the persons of note at Fontainebleau have sent in their submissions. Now judge for yourself, what could I do?" Caulaincourt raised his hand to his burning brow, so bewildered that he was unable to utter a single word. "During your absence,” Alexander continued, "a discussion arose on the subject of the regen "The Emperor Napoleon," exclaimed Caulaincourt, indignantly, “is betrayed, basely abandoned, delivered to the enemy by the very men who ought to have made for him a rampart of their bodies and their swords. This, Sire, is horrible, horrible!" Alexander, with an expression of bitter disdain, placing his hand confidingly on the arm of Caulaincourt, said, "And add, Duke, that he is betrayed by men who owe him every thing, every thing-their fame, their fortune. What a lesson for us sovereigns! I verily believe that if we had wished to place Kutusoff upon the throne of France, they would have cried out, Vive Kutusoff! But take courage. I will be at the council before you. We will see what can be done." He then took the act of abdication, read it, and expressed much surprise that it contained no stipulations for Napoleon personally. "But I have been his friend," said Alexander, "and I will still be his advocate. I will insist that he shall retain his imperial title, with the sovereignty of Elba, or some other island.” As Caulaincourt was passing out of the courtyard, exasperated by grief and despair, he met the Abbé de Pradt, who, with the basest sycophancy, was hovering around the court of the Allies. The smiling ecclesiastic, complacently rubbing his hands, advanced to meet the tall, courtly, and dignified Duke, exclaiming, "I am charmed to see you." Caulaincourt fixed his eye sternly upon him, and was proudly passing by, refusing to return his salutation, when the Abbé ventured to add, with an insulting smile, "Your affairs are not going on very prosperously, Duke." Caulaincourt could restrain his indignation no longer. He lost all self-control. Seizing the astonished and gray-headed Abbé by the collar, he exclaimed, "You are a villain, sir!" and after almost shaking his breath out of his body, twirled him around upon his heels like a top. Then, ashamed of such an instinctive ebullition of fury toward one so helpless, he contemptuously left him and went on his way. The Abbé never forgave or forgot this rude pirouette. The Bourbons administered to his wounded pride the balm of many honors. Caulaincourt immediately sought his companions, Macdonald and Ney, and proceeded to the council. But he had no heart to reveal to them the awful defection of Marmont. They found the council-chamber filled with the highest dignitaries of the various kingdoms allied against France. The Emperor of Russia was earnestly talking with the King of Prussia in the embrasure of a window. In other parts of the room were groups of English, Russian, Prussian, Aus-ings, followed this declaration, as the Allies pertrian, and Swedish diplomatists, engaged in very ceived that Macdonald was unaware how entirely animated conversation. Napoleon's position was uncovered. Just at that moment Marmont entered the room with his head erect and a smile upon his features. The entrance of the French commissioners interrupted the colloquy. The Emperor of Russia and the King of Prussia approached a long table covered with green cloth, in the centre of the room, and sat down. Each person then took his seat at the table. The Emperor of Austria, perhaps from motives of delicacy, was not present. Lord Castlereagh, the English plenipotentiary, had not yet arrived. Caulaincourt presented, in the name of Napoleon, the act of abdication in favor of the King of Rome and of the regency of Maria Louisa. For a moment there was profound silence. Then Frederick William, the King of Prussia, remarked, "Events no longer permit the Powers to treat with the Emperor Napoleon. The wishes of France for the return of her ancient sovereigns are manifest on all sides." Macdonald replied, "The Emperor holds the crown from the French nation. He resigns it for the purpose of obtaining general peace. The Allied Sovereigns having declared that he is the only obstacle to peace, he does not hesitate to sacrifice himself when the interests of his country are concerned. But if they deny him the right of abdicating in favor of his son, great misfortunes may resu't therefrom. The army, entirely devoted to its chief, is still ready to shed the last drop of its blood in support of the rights of its sovereign." A smile of disdain, accompanied with whisper He was received with shaking of hands and congratulations. The discussion was again resumed. Pozzo di Borgo, the aid of Bernadotte, inveighed loudly against the regency. He foolishly hoped to gain for his traitorous master the throne of France.* "As long," said he, "as the name of Napoleon weighs from the throne upon the imagination of Europe, Europe will not consider itself satisfied or delivered. It will always see in the government of the son the threatening soul of the father. If he is present, nothing will restrain his genius, impatient of action and of adventures. The allied armies will have no sooner returned into their respective countries than ambition will inflame the mind of this man. Again he will *Pozzo di Borgo was a Corsican. He was a strong partisan of the Bourbons, and joined the English in their attack upon his native island. As Napoleon adopted the cause of popular rights, Borgo became his implacable enemy. He took refuge in London, and joined with intense zeal those who were conspiring against the popular government of France. Though a man of dissolute habits, his elegant manners and his zeal for royalty secured for him the familiarity and esteem of the English and Continental aristocracy. Entering the Russian service, he had been employed by Alexander at the court of Bernadotte. "He knew," says Lamartine, "that he flattered, in secret, the inclinations of his master, the intrigues of M. de Talleyrand, the vengeance of the court of London, and the resentment of the aristocracy of Vienna, in speak ing against the half measure of the regency." |