THE SOVEREIGNS’ WAR DESPATCHES
_To the Comtesse de Montijo, Madrid._
ST. CLOUD, _July 28, 1870_.
The Emperor and Louis have left. I am full of confidence as to the
final issue. Everybody well.
EUGÉNIE.
_The Prince Imperial to his Mother._
METZ, _Same date_.
We have had a magnificent reception at Metz, and all along the
railway, Papa and I. We are quite well. Your affectionate and
respectful son,
LOUIS NAPOLÉON.
_The Empress to the Prince Imperial._
ST. CLOUD, _Same date_.
I hope thou art not over-fatigued, and that the emotions of the day
will not make thee unwell. I am always thinking of thee. I am happy
and proud to see thee sharing the fatigues and dangers of our brave
troops.
EUGÉNIE.
_The Prince to his Mother._
METZ, _Same date_.
Everything goes well. I am not tired. I have just been to see the
camps. All the soldiers are delighted. I embrace you with all my
heart. Your affectionate and respectful son,
LOUIS NAPOLÉON.
On July 29 the Empress writes a long letter to the Emperor concerning
the negotiations between France, Austria, and Italy. These appear to her
to be proceeding favourably, having regard to a telegram received from
Count Beust (Vienna), an analysis of which the Empress encloses in her
letter; and to another telegram from the Marquis Visconti Venosta (from
Turin), stating that the Roman Question[86] is about to be settled. The
Empress, in her letter to her consort, congratulates herself upon having
opposed the demands of the Emperor of Austria and his Minister (Beust),
whose advice was that France should leave the Pope to his fate. The
Emperor received this news very calmly, and on the following day replied
by telegraph as under:
_The Emperor to the Empress._
METZ, _July 30, 7.35 a.m._
Louis is very well. He slept sixteen hours straight off. I have
received thy letter of the 29th and the copy of the other [letter].
The intention is good, but I want to see deeds. We embrace thee
tenderly.
_4 p.m._
I am very well, but fatigued by the heat. We embrace thee tenderly.
NAPOLÉON.
On the 31st Captain Guzman, one of the Emperor’s orderly officers, takes
to Metz news from the Empress. His sterling character has gained him Her
Majesty’s confidence, and she tells him to inform the Emperor that she
wishes to visit Metz! Without an instant’s delay the following telegram
is despatched:
_The Emperor to the Empress._
METZ, _July 31_.
Despite my wish to see thee again, I think it will be best for you
not to come. Besides, we shall possibly be leaving here to-morrow.
We have just come from Mass. The Bishop was very agreeable. We
embrace thee tenderly.
NAPOLÉON.
On July 31 and August 1 the Emperor contemplates an attack upon
Saarlouis, but changes his mind, and all the plans which had been in the
air end with the little affair at Saarbrücken[87] on August 2, which the
Emperor describes to his wife by telegraph as soon as he returns to
Metz.
_The Emperor to the Empress, St. Cloud._
METZ, _August 2, 3.55 p.m._
Louis has had his baptism of fire. His sang-froid was admirable. He
was in no wise disconcerted, and seemed as if he were walking in
the Bois de Boulogne. One of General Frossard’s divisions captured
the heights dominating the left bank of Saarbrücken. The Prussians
made a feeble resistance. There was only rifle-fire and a
cannonade. We were in the front line. But balls [shells] and
bullets fell at our feet. Louis has a ball [bullet] which fell
close to him. There were soldiers who wept at seeing him so cool.
We embrace thee tenderly. I know the sort of language to use to
Vimercati.[88]
NAPOLÉON.
This last phrase (says M. Germain Bapst) was important; it showed that
the Empress, knowing that Count Vimercati was at Metz with a treaty,
approved by the Emperor of Austria and the King of Italy, which Napoleon
III. was to be asked to sign, had insisted that her consort should
ignore it.
When the telegram reporting the engagement at Saarbrücken reached the
Empress at St. Cloud she was walking in the park. Someone took the
despatch to her. She read and re-read it aloud, very happy, and proud of
her son. She hastened to the voltigeurs who were on guard and read it to
them--then sent it, marked “private,” to M. Émile Ollivier, President of
the Council [since January 2]. M. Ollivier perhaps forgot that the
despatch was marked “private”; at all events, he showed it to a
“Gaulois” reporter, and it appeared in large print in that paper the
next day. The Empress, upon seeing it, declared that its appearance in
the journal was the result of an “indiscretion.” Unfortunately, the
telegram was not read by the public in the right light, and the little
Prince was made the subject of ridicule.
Leaving the voltigeurs, the Empress went to her little study and wrote
these telegrams:
_The Empress to the Emperor._
_August 2, 6.32 p.m._
I am very happy at the news you give me. It compensates me for my
disquietude during so many days. You tell me nothing about
yourself; but you well know how I have you both in my thoughts. Are
you fatigued? I embrace you with all my heart.
_The Empress to her Son._
_Same date, 6.33 p.m._
I know thou hast conducted thyself well. I am proud and very happy.
Thy telegram has greatly pleased me. Thy cousins [Mlles. d’Albe,
the Empress’s nieces] congratulate thee, as does everybody. I
embrace thee with my whole soul.
EUGÉNIE.
The day following the famous “baptism” was quiet. On the next day (the
4th) Marshal Canrobert’s wife dined at St. Cloud, and she was still
there when the Empress received the two telegrams, announcing the defeat
at Weissemburg, sent by Marshal MacMahon to the Emperor, who transmitted
them to the Empress without any alteration.
_Marshal MacMahon to the Emperor._
1. Douay’s division attacked by two divisions. Douay seriously
wounded--obliged to retreat fighting--rallied near the Pigeonnier.
2. Three regiments of Douay’s division--the General killed [this
was in cipher]--enemy’s forces considerable, at least two army
corps [_i.e._, 60,000 men]--one gun taken--position at rear of
Froschweiler--I shall attack if necessary--to resume the offensive
at least three more divisions are necessary.
_The Empress to Marshal Lebœuf, Metz._
As soon as you get news from MacMahon--no matter at what time of
night--have it ciphered by Pietri[89] and send it to me. I do not
want to awaken the Emperor; that is why I telegraph direct.
EUGÉNIE.
Half an hour after midnight Marshal Lebœuf telegraphed to the Empress to
say he had no news.
MacMahon’s dread telegrams were withheld from the public for more than
twenty-four hours. They appeared in the papers on the 5th, after 3 p.m.
This unexpected news produced great irritation in Paris. But the
people’s exaltation of spirit increased and their chauvinism was
unbounded. The Parisians comforted themselves by saying: “It required
100,000 Prussians to defeat 8,000 French, and our troops were not beaten
until they had inflicted greater losses on the enemy than the total
number of French engaged.” The boulevards rang with a hundred other
similar stupidities on the 5th. “However, MacMahon will take his revenge
to-morrow!”
But the bad news seriously perturbed Ministers. “If,” they said, “the
Crown Prince enters Alsace with 100,000 men he will attack MacMahon, who
has only 35,000. That is grave indeed.” The night wore on without any
further news. At midday some idiot or other, or perhaps a speculator
“for the rise”--nobody ever knew which--stuck up at the Bourse this
telegram: “Great victory: 25,000 prisoners, including the Crown Prince.”
The Bourse became a Bedlam; the crowds on the boulevard yelled and
danced and sang and wept. The “Marseillaise” was roared by men and
shrieked by women and children. The grocers’ shops were cleared out of
Venetian lamps, for use in the evening. Flags passed from hand to hand;
houses were decked with them; and still the crowds, maddened with joy,
sang themselves hoarse, and still they danced and wept. Traffic was
stopped, carriages and cabs blocked the way, people climbed into them,
stood on seats, and kissed each other.
A brief hour, and it was known that no news had been received from the
frontier. The Bourse “telegram” was a huge “joke,” a diabolical “sell.”
Then the mob, split into sections, roared, “Down with the Ministry!” and
sang “Des nouvelles, des nouvelles!” to the air of the “Lampions.” And
M. Chevandier de Valdrôme (Minister of the Interior) hastened to St.
Cloud and reported to the Empress the day’s events.
Her Majesty maintained her composure, although for hours her nerves had
been unstrung by suspense. At her suggestion Ministers met at six
o’clock, and discussed the expediency of sending M. Maurice Richard to
the Emperor with an urgent request to His Majesty to arrange for a
constant supply of information. During the discussion a telegram from
the Emperor announced that Frossard’s army corps was engaged--with what
result was unknown.
Meanwhile there were wild “demonstrations” in front of some of the
Ministries. All night the crowds remained on the boulevards. At midnight
a thunderbolt fell. The Government received a copy of a telegram from
the Empress announcing the double defeat at Forbach and Froschweiler. In
forwarding this despatch the Empress ordered a meeting of Ministers, and
announced that she was returning from St. Cloud to the Tuileries.
All this Saturday (August 6) the Empress was in a highly nervous
condition. She could not be still, but walked in the park a few yards,
then returned to her little room and wrote these telegrams:
_The Empress to the Prince Imperial._
All at St. Cloud think of you. The hours are very long, but the
idea of a better time supports our strength and our hopes.
EUGÉNIE.
_The Empress to the Emperor._
The impression produced in Paris has increased patriotic feeling
without shaking confidence. I have already received a reply
respecting General Douay’s widow. I expect to write to her by post.
EUGÉNIE.
_The Emperor to the Empress._
METZ, _August 6, 3 p.m._
I have no news of MacMahon. This morning the reconnoitring parties
on one side of the Sarre did not observe any movement by the enemy.
I now hear that there has been an engagement near General
Frossard’s position. It is too distant for us to go there. As soon
as I have any news I will send it to thee.
NAPOLÉON.
_The Empress to the Emperor._
ST. CLOUD, _Same date_.
We await your news with feverish impatience. All seems quiet for
the moment. The Council will reassemble this evening. Do not worry
yourself; I am sure Paris will not give us any trouble. Courage,
dear friend! Everyone must do his duty where circumstances have
placed him. I am calm and confident. Be the same yourself.
EUGÉNIE.
_The Emperor to the Empress._
METZ, _Same date_.
The result of General Frossard’s engagement is still uncertain. I
have good hopes.
NAPOLÉON.
Although over-excited by her emotions, the Empress displayed splendid
energy all through this terrible crisis, which was to last a full
month--until September 4.[90] She had not a moment’s weakness; never
abandoned her dignity. She set an example of constancy, dignity, and
courage, while around her were many instances of weakness.
On the evening of August 6 the Duc and Duchesse de Montmorency and
Prince de Metternich dined at St. Cloud with the Empress. After dinner
the two former spent the remainder of the evening at Bougival, with the
Princesse de Metternich, who had just been delivered of a girl. When the
Prince got home he said to his wife and her guests: “The Empress is much
exhausted. No news has reached her this evening. She is resting on her
bed. I hope she will have a quiet night.”
At midnight there is a dramatic scene at St. Cloud. Admiral Jurien de la
Gravière, M. Brissac, and Prince Poniatowski are sitting up awaiting
news. At twelve o’clock they are called to decode a cipher telegram from
the Emperor. They read: “General Frossard in retreat.” The Admiral goes
to the Empress in her room to report this event. He finds her lying on
the bed, fully dressed in a purple robe; she springs up from the bed,
and goes to the salon, where Brissac reads the fateful words: “Marshal
MacMahon has been beaten. Army in retreat [or “routed”]. Must expect the
gravest events. We must retain our composure. Paris must be armed and a
state of siege declared. All can be repaired. I have no news of
MacMahon.”
Even this violent shock in the middle of the night does not overwhelm
the Empress. “They must all have lost their heads!” is her only comment.
She orders a copy of the Emperor’s telegram to be sent to the Minister
of the Interior, tells him to call a meeting of the Council, and says
she is returning to the Tuileries immediately. She telegraphs to the
Emperor asking him to send further details, as she cannot understand the
last six words.
_The Empress to Princesse Mathilde._
ST. CLOUD, _12.35 midnight_.
I have bad news from the Emperor. The army is in retreat. I am
returning to Paris, where I have called a meeting of Ministers.
EUGÉNIE.
The Empress sends Prince Poniatowski to Bougival for the Prince de
Metternich, whom she wishes to accompany her to Paris, as it is “the
dead of night.” At the Metternichs’ house (Villa Staub) a white form
appears at an open window, and demands excitedly, “What do you want?”
The Prince dresses quickly, and the two men dash off to St. Cloud. Upon
learning from Poniatowski what has happened, the Austrian Ambassador
abruptly says, “This is all the worse, because now an alliance is
impossible.”
At the château a landau was ready, drawn by two Russian horses, black,
with long manes and long tails. The Empress, in travelling dress, was
waiting for Metternich. Admiral Jurien de la Gravière, Cossé-Brissac,
and Poniatowski got into another carriage, and the party started for
Paris at top speed. During this midnight drive not a soul was
visible--not even a solitary drunkard.
When the Empress’s carriage crossed the Avenue Marigny it stopped;
Metternich alighted and walked to his Embassy, which he rented from Her
Majesty, who owned the house.[91] Ten minutes later the Empress reached
the Tuileries; General d’Autemarre and his aide-de-camp awaited her.
There was an air of desolation throughout the Palace. The rooms through
which the Empress passed were empty. The curtains had been taken from
the windows. The furniture was covered by striped stuff. The chairs were
ranged in rows close to the walls. The pictures, busts, garnitures of
the fireplaces--all were swathed in cloths.
Ministers trooped in immediately, followed by Marshal Baraguay
d’Hilliers, commanding the army of Paris; Trochu, General
Chabaud-Latour, and a few others, summoned from their beds by the
Empress’s orders. The capital must be put in an immediate state of
defence. The Emperor had said it, the Empress had said it, and now the
Government said it. There was still an Ollivier Ministry; but its days
were numbered.
It must have been verging on four o’clock, the daylight was streaming
into the Palace, when another cipher telegram was brought to the
Empress. In it the Emperor answered his wife’s request for an
explanation of the concluding words of the previous despatch--the last
she was to receive at St. Cloud. From the new message all learnt that no
telegram direct from Marshal MacMahon (announcing his defeat) had been
received at Metz; that news had come, according to the Emperor, from
“General de Laigle.” What was meant was “Colonel Klein de Kleinenburg.”
But it did not occur to anyone at the Tuileries that there was no such
person as “General de Laigle,” and the message, blunder included, was
sent off to the _Journal Officiel_, which published it at eleven
o’clock, to the mystification of all Paris!
In this despatch the Emperor said he was about to leave Metz and proceed
to St. Avold, if, with the 3rd and 4th Corps (the Guard), he could
assume “a vigorous offensive” with some success over the Prussians, who
had suffered severely in the battle at Forbach (situated at a short
distance from the high ground overlooking Saarbrücken which, only four
days and a few hours before, had been the
[Illustration: MISS JOSEPHINE CARTER
(SISTER OF MRS. RONALDS).
She represented “America” at the famous fancy ball given by the
Marquis and Marquise de Chasseloup-Laubat at the Ministère de la
Marine, February 12, 1866.
_A private photograph, lent for this work by Mrs. Ronalds._
_To face p. 176._]
scene of the Prince’s “baptism” and of the first “victory” of the
French).
This early-morning Council at the Tuileries was opened by the Empress,
whose freshness and vigour amazed everybody. A diversion was caused by
General Trochu, who asked all round, “Have you read my book? I foresaw
all that has happened!” Trochu’s inane query at such a moment was met
with looks of contempt and disgust. Ministers were now convinced that
the defeats of the first week of the war meant the fall of the Empire
and, with the awakening of Paris to the facts, their own overthrow.
Telegrams from the Emperor to the Empress flowed in, revealing the
disorder prevailing at Metz. “Nothing is decided upon, it seems,” said a
Minister; “they are floundering about!”
Well, the country must be told of the disasters. But how? In this
manner: With the help of a despatch from the Emperor and another from
Marshal Lebœuf, the Ministers composed, and all signed, a pretended
telegram, preceding it with a statement that they were concealing
nothing, and dating the document “6 a.m., August 7.”
The Ministers were talking in low tones, as if at a funeral, when a huge
form appeared in the doorway--that of Haussmann, the maker of the new
Paris. He had returned from a journey; walking along the Rue de Rivoli,
he had noticed an unwonted movement in the Palace, had inquired, and had
hastened to offer his services to the Empress. Her Majesty asked him to
give his opinion, and he did so, clearly and emphatically. “A state of
siege must be proclaimed immediately. If there were not sufficient
troops in Paris, those still in Algeria and the regiments of marine
infantry at the ports must be sent for.” But at 1.30 that morning
Admiral Rigault had ordered the marines to be in Paris within
forty-eight hours. A proclamation announcing these measures must be
issued immediately. Haussmann, asked by the Empress to draw it up, sat
down at a corner of the table and penned the document currente calamo.
Before the Council dispersed, at 6 a.m., orders had been sent recalling
to Paris all available land and sea forces. France had still men with
heads on their shoulders, and an indomitable Empress-Regent. General
Chabaud-Latour went straight from the Tuileries to the Rue St. Dominique
(the bureau of the comité du génie), and told of the impression made
upon him by the “admirable and simple” courage of the Empress, who had
said, “Ne vous occupez pas de l’Empereur et de mon fils, mais uniquement
du pays.”
At 8 am. the Ministers were again at the Tuileries. During their short
absence the blackest news had arrived. There was a general retreat on
Châlons! The Empress read the telegrams without a break in her voice or
a quiver of the lip.
Certain members of the Government wanted to make General Trochu Minister
of War, vice General Dejean. A Minister proposed to the Empress the
desirability of this change, on the ground that Trochu was an “orator”
and very popular, while Dejean was a slowcoach. Getting wind of this
intrigue, Dejean went to the Empress, who asked him to retain his post.
M. Ollivier, who had approved of the Emperor’s plan to retreat from Metz
and concentrate the army at Châlons, now changed his mind and
telegraphed to the Emperor to say that the Government did not like the
idea, and to request permission to replace Dejean by Trochu.
_The Empress to the Emperor._
PARIS, _August 7_.
In your military operations do not consider the opinion of Paris.
The important thing is not to act quickly, but properly. In three
days we shall have here 29,000 good troops, besides the four
regiments from Africa. With the National Guard it will be easy to
increase this force to 40,000. We can easily defend ourselves
should an army [the enemy] hold the country. The audacity which
they are showing will be fatal to them, if we do not take our
revenge too quickly.
EUGÉNIE.
The Empress rushed away from a Cabinet meeting to dictate some telegrams
to the Emperor and to write others herself. She was still the moving
spirit--restless, never giving way to fatigue, indefatigable. All her
combative spirit, inherited from an illustrious ancestry, manifested
itself. She was in her element. Her consort was reigning, but she was
governing, and those around her--not all friends--could not withhold
their admiration. Ministers thought the young Prince should be brought
back to Paris. They were perturbed by the Emperor’s bad health, and
asked themselves if he was in a fit state to hold the supreme command of
the army.
_M. Ollivier to the Emperor._
The Council of Ministers and the Privy Council are unanimously of
opinion that the Prince Imperial should return to Paris.
OLLIVIER.
The Empress added the words: “I do not think it my duty to oppose this.”
Then she sent the following telegram, in her special cipher:
_The Empress to the Emperor._
For reasons which I cannot explain in this despatch I desire that
Louis should remain with the army, and that the Emperor should
promise that he [the Prince] should be sent back, but should keep
him with the army....
EUGÉNIE.
The Government knew nothing of this subterfuge. The Empress’s next step
was to summon from Cherbourg Charles Duperré (then commanding the
frigate _Taureau_), in whom she had full confidence. He was to go to
Metz and tell the Emperor what she could not telegraph to him.
Trochu bluntly told Ollivier he would not accept the headship of the War
Office.
Hearing from the Emperor that the enemy was at no point pursuing the
French, and that Frossard’s army corps was concentrated at Puttelange,
the Empress telegraphed:
_The Empress to the Emperor._
_August 6._
I have received your despatch, and am quite satisfied with it. It
is evident to me that we shall have a success, if we do not press
forward.
_The Empress’s Second Telegram to her Consort._
_Same date._
Opinion in Paris increases against Marshal Lebœuf and General
Frossard. They are accused of having brought about the defeats.
Speak to Marshal Bazaine respecting future operations.
The Empress had not previously mentioned Bazaine’s name. The Emperor
telegraphed to her that at the moment only “very vague details” about
the fighting had reached Metz. “It was said that there had been several
cavalry charges.” Such was the state of the French “intelligence”
department--if it ever had more than a shadowy existence.
Paris was naturally indignant. “The Ministers ought to be arrested! They
are to blame for all that has happened.”
“Those who remember those days,” says M. Germain Bapst, “can recall the
terrible anguish which tortured all hearts.” And, with admirable
fairness to the Empress and the Emperor, he adds these significant
words:
Overwhelmed, deceived in our blind confidence--_for all, it must be
said, had wished for the war_, believing in the invincibility of
our army--we cursed the Ministers. Since Sadowa all the Deputies,
the spokesmen of the country, had opposed those armaments which
were declared by the Emperor, Marshal Niel, and M. Thiers to be
indispensable. Those who became Ministers six months ago [the
Ollivier Cabinet] reduced the contingent and declared loudly for
disarmament. Now they are reproached for our defeats, and it is
impossible for them to govern owing to their unpopularity. One sole
authority remained in Paris--that of Marshal Baraguay d’Hilliers.
_The Emperor to the Empress._
METZ, _August 7, 8.30 a.m._
To support us here it is necessary for Paris and France to make
great patriotic efforts. Here we do not lose sang-froid or
confidence, but we are sorely tried. After the Battle of
Reichshoffen MacMahon retired, covering the road to Nancy.
Frossard’s corps has been determinedly attacked. Energetic measures
are being taken to defend that corps. The Major-General is with the
outposts.
While, that afternoon (August 7), the Empress was presiding at the
Council, the Opposition Deputies demanded the immediate convocation of
the Chambers. Jules Favre was at their head.
One of the best-informed Ambassadors perceived what was coming--what, in
fact, did come less than a month later. He telegraphed to his Government
these inspired words:
The Republican party is agitating. Should there be another check,
the worst is to be feared--déchéance of the Emperor, proclamation
of the Republic, and the rest.
The Emperor, on August 8, ordered the junction of the Lorraine army
corps at Metz and the creation of a new army in Paris.
_The Emperor to the Empress._
METZ, _August 8_.
The retreat upon Châlons is dangerous. I can be more useful by
remaining at Metz, with 100,000 well-organized men. Canrobert must
return to Paris and be the kernel of a new army. Then there will
be two great centres--Paris and Metz. Such is our opinion. Let the
Council know. There is no news.
NAPOLÉON.
The Empress replied by trying to persuade the Emperor that Paris was
quiet, and that there was “no fear of a revolution.” She was preoccupied
with the hope of concentrating, to face the enemy, the largest possible
number of troops.
_The Empress to the Emperor._
PARIS, _August 9_.
Do not worry about Paris; I will answer for it. We are also trying
to form an army here. Do not get rid of Canrobert. You have not too
large a force. We have called upon Palikao to form an army here.
Opinion points to him.
On August 7 and 8 M. Maurice Richard saw the Emperor at Metz. His
Majesty was much cast down, absorbed in studying a map, and made no
answer when spoken to. Sighing, and pressing his hand upon his left
side, he said every now and then, “What a misfortune!” But no words of
recrimination escaped him. His bent figure and slow movements gave M.
Richard the impression of a man who was at his last gasp--whose illness
made him unfit to command. General Lebrun, M. Davilliers, and M.
Franceschini Pietri advised the Emperor to return to Paris and hand over
the command to Marshal Bazaine. The Government shared that opinion. The
Empress also advised the transfer of the command to Bazaine. Pietri
telegraphed to her proposing the Emperor’s return to Paris. Her
Majesty’s reply was telegraphed direct to the Emperor, and ran: “Have
you thought of all the consequences of your return to Paris after two
defeats?”
Faced by this pregnant question, the suffering Emperor gave way, as
always, for he dreaded above all his wife’s anger. One week of warfare
had brought Napoleon III. to this piteous state. Bowed down by bodily
pain, tortured by defeat following defeat, unable to “see daylight” in
any direction, forbidden from returning to Paris, motiveless, powerless,
the nominal head of disorganized forces, perhaps (fatalist that he was)
even foreseeing what would happen three weeks hence--how vividly these
despatches bring before us the picture of Hugo’s “Napoleon the Little”!
By comparison with her stricken, nerveless--shall we say deluded and
betrayed?--husband, the Wife’s figure becomes almost colossal. Her
hopefulness, her tenacity, her inflexible will had their effect upon
some at least of those with whom she was in feverish consultation day
and night. From the Emperor, even at this early stage, there was nothing
to hope for. What could he have done in Paris, save precipitate the
Revolution, which was already in gestation?
The man to whom the Empress turned for advice was the chief of the
Bonapartist Parliamentary party--Jérôme David. “In 1867,” says M. Bapst,
“during the debates on the Press laws and the right of public meeting,
acting by the Empress’s request, he had endeavoured to procure the
withdrawal of the projected laws, which had originated with the Emperor
himself. David’s appeal for assistance in his task prompted a member of
the Senate to reply, with not unkindly humour, that it seemed to him to
be a question of a little Ministerial intrigue springing into existence
from under the folds of a petticoat!”
After a meeting of Ministers, a deputation from the Chamber had an
audience of the Empress, and asked her to sanction the immediate
dismissal of Ollivier and his Ministers. To this mild request she
answered that it was a question for the Chamber, not for her, to decide.
“It would be regrettable to cause a Ministerial crisis at a moment of
such gravity.”
One of the deputation, M. Durangel, remained after his colleagues had
withdrawn. The Empress took him aside, and, bursting into tears, said:
“What do you think of the Emperor’s proposed return to Paris?” Then,
without giving him time to answer, she exclaimed, “It is impossible! A
Napoleon cannot return to Paris unless he is victorious.” The Empress
kept him in conversation until half-past one in the morning! She was now
taking large doses of chloral every night, but the drug did not bring
her any but the most fitful sleep.
By August 8 Captain Duperré had arrived from Cherbourg. The Empress told
him he must go to Metz (as he did) and prevent the Emperor, and even the
Prince, from returning to Paris. “I would rather see my son killed by
the enemy than become another Louis XVII.!” she exclaimed, and seemed to
gain some consolation by repeating it. It was reported that the _Times_
had made the Empress say, “If the Prince returns to Paris, I will
immediately take him back to the army.” To force her hand, the
Government published an announcement that the Prince had returned to
Paris!
Some troops had been ordered to station themselves in the courtyard of
the Carrousel. The Empress suggested to Marshal Baraguay d’Hilliers
(commanding the forces in Paris) that they should be supplied with
rations from the Tuileries kitchens. “No,” said the old warrior; “people
would say that it was the repast of the gardes du corps”--the allusion
(says M. Bapst) being to the banquet in the Orangerie in 1789, when the
appearance of Marie Antoinette had aroused the troops to enthusiasm, and
caused them to reject the tricoloured cocardes. Previously the Empress
had told the Marshal to prevent the mob from invading the Palais
Bourbon, should an attempt be made to “rush” it. “Rioters! brawlers!” he
exclaimed; “I would sweep them all out, and if it was necessary to fire
upon them I would do so!” Her Majesty cut him short with the question,
“But not without orders, would you?” This was too much for the fiery
Marshal, and he retorted that he “did not wish to retain his command.”
He remained intractable. Princesse Mathilde, who had been asked by the
Empress to see if she could make him change his mind, told him he was a
coward to desert his post, and there was nothing for it but to replace
him by conferring the Paris command upon General Soumain. By August 9
Ministers had lost their authority, and at the opening of the Chambers
they were overthrown.
On the morning of August 9, at the Tuileries, General Palikao was
announced. The Empress was at a Council, and upon Palikao entering the
room, she rose, shook hands with the old soldier, who had done good
service in China, and appeared to be overjoyed at the arrival of “a
Messiah, whose coming had been anxiously awaited.” The Empress poured
forth her soul; it was difficult for anyone else to edge in a word, so
excited was the Regent--anxious, perhaps, to let the warrior see how
well acquainted she was with what was happening in Lorraine. So steeped
was she in military lore that, hearing her expound theories and ideas,
even experts might have been betrayed into accepting her speculations as
facts. Would Palikao take command of the Paris forces? Or would he
prefer to replace Marshal Lebœuf as Major-General of the army of the
Rhine at Metz? He could have either post. Seeing how the land lay,
Palikao asked abruptly, “Will you make me a Marshal?” The Empress hinted
at something of the kind; but Palikao “opted” for the army of the Rhine,
and everybody was satisfied. The Regent, bubbling over with delight,
could not keep the good news from “Louis” for a moment.
_The Empress to the Emperor._
PARIS, _August 9, 1.13 p.m._
General Palikao accepts, and leaves immediately for Metz. The
Marshal [Lebœuf] must resign before he [Palikao] arrives. This
step, I believe, will quiet the Chamber. Everything going well
here. Order will not be disturbed. The Council and I do not agree
with the view brought by M. Maurice Richard from Metz [that the
Emperor should return to Paris and form a new army]. I embrace you
tenderly, and also Louis. My affection [for you both] increases
with events.
A cold douche soon arrived at the Tuileries. The proposed sending of
Palikao to Metz surprised the Emperor.
_The Emperor to the Empress._
METZ, _August 9_.
I do not at all understand [the meaning of] sending Palikao to
Metz. It cannot change the situation in any way. I thought it was
the resignation of the Minister of War which was wanted. The other
[that of Major-General] is impossible. As regards the army, nothing
must be done without consulting me. Changarnier has come here to
place himself at my disposal.
NAPOLÉON.
All the clever combinations of the poor Regent were thus upset.
_The Empress to the Emperor._
PARIS, _August 9_.
The situation would become graver than you can imagine if Palikao
were not Minister of War. Marshal Lebœuf is held responsible for
giving orders and counter-orders which are known in Paris. They
tell me that the Chamber desires he should be replaced. I am in a
Ministerial crisis. Do not disturb yourself. To satisfy public
opinion it is urgent that at the opening of the Chamber Marshal
Lebœuf’s supersession should be announced.
EUGÉNIE.
_The Empress to Marshal Lebœuf._
PARIS, _August 9, 2 p.m._
In the name of your former devotion, give in your resignation as
Major-General. I beg you to do so. I know how much it will cost
you, but in the actual circumstances we are all obliged to make
sacrifices. Believe that it is as hard for me to take this step as
for you.
EUGÉNIE.
The Regent does not let much, or many, stand in her way when beset by
difficulties. She causes a communiqué to be sent to the _Journal
Officiel_ (in which it appeared next day) to the effect that Marshal
Lebœuf and General Lebrun had resigned! This was untrue. But “À la
guerre comme à la guerre.” This reflection may have quieted her moral
sense, at some times not as strong as at others.
While all this frantic telegraphing to and from Metz was going on,
events in Paris were taking an ugly shape. While the Empress was
scribbling, or dictating, her despatches, the mob took possession of the
Place de la Concorde and the approaches to the Palais Bourbon (the seat
of the Chamber). But, bitterly disappointed with his treatment as he had
reason to be, Baraguay d’Hilliers was still military commandant at
Paris. He put his foot down with a “thus far shall you go, but no
farther.” The mob was cowed, and did not rush into the Chamber, but
contented itself with yelling in chorus (the troops joining): “À la
frontière! À la frontière!” These fervent patriots did not, however,
make any move towards “the frontier”; they were not “out” for that. They
heard with satisfaction that the Deputies belonging to the Left had
demanded that an Executive Commission should be substituted for the
Ollivier Government.
When one sees the stupidity, the powerlessness, and the disgusting
attitude of Parliaments at times of crisis, one cannot refrain
from admiring the old republicans of Rome, who established the
Dictatorship to save the Republic when it was in danger.--BAPST.
The Empress now set about the formation of a new Ministry, with Jérôme
David at its head and Palikao as War Minister. Schneider objected, and
tried to persuade the Regent to include in the Ministry some Deputies of
the Left. Her Majesty ordered Palikao to form a Government, and preside
over it as well as over the War Office. Jérôme David was again ruled out
of any post, Schneider (of the Creusot factories) hinting that David was
too much “the Empress’s man.” All night Palikao was hunting about for a
Minister of the Interior--anyone but David.
_The Empress to the Emperor._
PARIS, _August 9, 6 p.m._
What I feared has happened--a change of Ministry. Palikao is at its
head; this is agreeable to all. The announcement of Marshal
Bazaine’s new position has produced the best effect. Your prestige
is intact. The same cannot, unfortunately, be said of your
Major-General [Marshal Lebœuf]. Everybody is making the greatest
sacrifices. Our sole preoccupation is that you have not sufficient
troops.
EUGÉNIE.
Serious news from the Chargé d’Affaires (M. de la Boulaye) at Brussels;
General Chazal, Belgian Commander-in-Chief,[92] had removed his
headquarters to Namur, and had stated that the French army of Metz
would probably be attacked by the massed German armies. The Regent
rightly insisted upon the Metz forces being reinforced.
_The Empress to the Emperor._
PARIS, _August 9, 6 p.m._
I think it is absolutely necessary you should be reinforced.
According to my information, the junction of the two Prussian
armies will put 300,000 men on your shoulders. Call to your aid the
troops at Châlons and all others that you can get. If you approve,
send immediate orders.
EUGÉNIE.
Not a solitary blade of grass does the Regent allow to grow under her
feet. Having sent that telegram, she immediately occupies herself with
the Paris Mobiles, the objects of much disquietude.
_The Empress to the Emperor._
_August 9, 8 p.m._
The proposed law [drawn up by General Dejean] authorizes the
incorporation of the Gardes Mobiles with the army. I entreat you to
order the Mobiles to go immediately to the camp at Châlons for
formation in regiments.
I think the day after to-morrow I shall be able to send you 15,000
men from Paris. Will you have them? Palikao tells me there are too
many troops at Lyons. Should some of them be sent to you?
EUGÉNIE.
All this time the Empress was reporting to the Emperor what was taking
place at the Corps Législatif. Through her he learns that Marshal
Baraguay d’Hilliers does not wish to retain his command [of the Paris
forces]; she would like him replaced by Marshal Canrobert. She insisted
upon Lebœuf resigning the position of Major-General, but the Emperor
would not let the Marshal go.
On August 9 Charles Duperré reached Metz at 8 p.m., and had an immediate
interview with the Emperor, with this result:
_The Emperor to the Empress._
METZ, _August 9, 10.5 p.m._
I have seen Duperré, who will take my answer to you [in reference
to the return of the Emperor and the Prince to Paris]. We seem to
be returning to the fine times of the Revolution, when they wanted
the army led by the representatives of the Convention. General
Dumont can have the Lyons post in place of Montauban [Palikao]. I
would bring to Metz, if I had the time and the means, the Châlons
corps d’armée. I could do nothing better at the moment.
I wish to keep Canrobert at the head of his corps. As to Marshal
Lebœuf, he has already resigned, but I cannot accept it until I can
get someone capable of replacing him. D’Autemarre must replace
Baraguay d’Hilliers, and someone must be found to command the
National Guard of the Seine. We embrace thee tenderly.
NAPOLÉON.
_Commander Duperré to the Empress._
METZ, _August 9, 10 p.m._
This morning the Emperor gave General (_sic_) Bazaine the direction
of operations and the command of the army, nominating him
Major-General. All orders are to be transmitted and carried out by
him. Consequently the Emperor must be constantly with him. The post
of Major-General thus becomes superfluous. It must be suppressed,
and taken from Marshal Lebœuf. This is what you must say in answer
to the Emperor’s despatch.
DUPERRÉ.[93]
Much annoyed by the Emperor’s refusal to adopt her views, Her Majesty
sent a strongly-worded despatch to Metz the same night.
_The Empress to the Emperor._
_August 9, 11 p.m._
You do not know the situation. Only Bazaine inspires confidence.
The presence of Marshal Lebœuf upsets things as much at Metz as
here. The difficulties are immense. M. Schneider puts a knife to my
throat for an almost impossible Ministry. I have to face this
situation without troops, with disorder almost in the streets.
D’Autemarre inspires the National Guard with confidence. If I
displace him, they will not follow a new General. Canrobert is,
then, indispensable to me. Take Trochu from his post, and you will
satisfy public opinion and give me a devoted man, which at present
I lack completely. In forty-eight hours I shall be betrayed by the
fear of some and the inertia of others.
EUGÉNIE.
The Empress, as her despatch proves, was bent upon (1) getting Trochu
out of Paris; (2) having Canrobert as Commander of the Paris force; (3)
making Bazaine Commander-in-Chief; and (4) preventing the Emperor and
the Prince from returning from the front to Paris.
She instructed Duperré to speak “discreetly” to M. Franceschini Pietri
in order that he might telegraph directly to her, without the Emperor’s
knowledge, all that would be likely to interest her.
By August 10 Palikao had practically completed his new Ministry, making
the Prince de La Tour d’Auvergne (Ambassador at Vienna) Foreign Minister
without his knowledge! The Empress wanted a special post created for
Baron Haussmann, but to this Ministers objected, and Her Majesty had to
abandon her idea, excellent as it was. Haussmann as administrator of
everything relating to war supplies and to the provisioning of Paris
would have been worth his weight in gold.
At 3 am. on the 9th the Empress, unable to sleep, telegraphed to the
Emperor that Canrobert _must_ come to Paris and replace Trochu; and her
consort gave way!
The Empress had always admired Trochu, and it was only when, after the
defeats at Reichshoffen and Forbach, he blamed everybody, and boasted
that he alone had foreseen all the disasters, that her eyes were opened.
_The Prince Imperial to his Mother._
METZ, _August 10_.
I have seen M. Duperré, who gave me great good news from Paris.
Papa is well.
LOUIS.
_The Empress to the Emperor._
PARIS, _August 10_.
I send you contents of a telegram which I have received [this
referred to some alarming and inaccurate news from Brussels].
Shall we send masses of Gardes Nationales Mobiles in the direction
of the army? We will provide them with food and arms.
The Ministry will, I hope, be formed at 3 p.m. to-day. I shall then
be able to send marine infantry--an excellent force--to Châlons.
All my preoccupation is that you have not enough men. Will you
authorize me to send you men whenever I can do so, and can assure
them a supply of food? You have not answered several telegrams
which I sent yesterday. I am quite well. I embrace you tenderly. Do
not worry about us. All will come right.
EUGÉNIE.
_The Emperor to the Empress._
METZ, _August 10_.
I refuse the battalions of Mobiles. I am getting the corps from
Châlons. The Minister of War must occupy himself especially with
arming the country people who ask for weapons. Form centres with
the fourth battalions at Paris, Châlons, and Langres. MacMahon is
going to re-form his corps at Châlons.
NAPOLÉON.
The Empress complained to her consort of telegrams from Lebœuf and the
Emperor being so contradictory that they produced “the most deplorable
effect” when they became known to the public (as she asserted was the
case). The Emperor explained all this in a telegram on the 10th,
concluding: “It rained in torrents last night. No fighting. We embrace
thee tenderly.”
Acting upon the advice given to her by Duperré in his telegram of the
9th, the Empress telegraphed to the Emperor begging him to suppress the
functions of Major-General.
_The Emperor to the Empress._
METZ, _August 10, evening_.
It would be more impossible for me to do without a Major-General
than without a Minister of War. There is no connection between
those functions and those of Marshal Bazaine. For example, if I
suppress the Major-General without advantageously replacing him,
the army would go short of food, the cavalry would be without
forage, and all the details of the service would suffer. One can
know nothing about war to think that on the eve of a battle I can
suppress the most important spoke in the wheel. I regret to hear
that the Chamber has declared that it is sitting permanently. That
is a manifest violation of the Constitution.
NAPOLÉON.
_The Emperor to Marshal Canrobert._
METZ, _August 10, 2.35 p.m._
Continue uninterruptedly and without loss of time the movement of
all your divisions at Châlons on Metz.
Canrobert was handed the above while he was waiting at the Tuileries, at
11 p.m., to see the Empress. In the face of that order how could he
abandon his corps on the eve of a battle? He could not, therefore,
comply with the Empress’s natural, yet somewhat flighty, desire that he
should remain in Paris at the head of its troops.
The Empress was now in a state of exhaustion, “living on her nerves and
strength of will.” All agreed that her conduct was “admirable.” She
could not eat, and, despite the large quantities of chloral which she
continued to take, she was unable to sleep. But she slaved on. Acting on
the advice of M. Magne (the financial expert) an inventory of the Crown
jewels was made, and the various objects were sent to the Bank of
France. Pepa, the Empress’s femme de chambre, was trembling with fear,
so she was sent away. The Prince de Metternich, who was honoured by the
Sovereign with her complete confidence, was constantly with her. He told
her of the increasing probability of a revolution, and depicted its
horrors in terms which made her consent to hand him her diamonds and her
other jewels.[94] These the Austrian Ambassador took away in his
carriage and sent them to England. Metternich’s gloomy forebodings
greatly excited the Empress. She thought once more of Marie Antoinette,
and felt that she might share that Queen’s fate on the scaffold.
The Council of August 10 finished at midnight, and the Empress warmly
thanked Canrobert for his presence. The Marshal was grieved at her
changed appearance. In a few days she appeared to have aged by ten
years. Her features were drawn, the wrinkles showed, her face was
puffed, fever burnt in her eyes, she was shaking with cold. As Canrobert
was there, she thought he had come to tell her he would not leave the
capital--would remain to protect her and to keep order in the town.
Taking him apart, she said: “Marshal, I wanted to see you to give you
the command of Paris. I reckon upon your devotion. You have influence
with the troops, and I am certain you will hold the command
successfully.” He showed her the Emperor’s imperative telegram, and
said: “Madame, I cannot accept. My corps is at this moment on the march
to Metz. There may be a battle to-morrow. If I remained here while my
men are fighting, your Majesty would have but a worm-eaten bâton which
would give you no support. Let me go and do my duty as a soldier.”
She understood, and was silent. Later, she regretted that she had not
compelled the Marshal to remain by her side, had a grudge against him
for ever, and reproached this faithful servant of the Empire for leaving
her at the moment of danger--leaving her by command of the Emperor.
Events proved that, as regards Canrobert, she was right, while it cannot
be said that the Emperor was wrong. Canrobert’s refusal gave Prince
Napoleon, a week later, the opportunity of making Trochu Governor of
Paris, with fatal results to the dynasty.
_Canrobert to the Emperor._
PARIS, _August 11, 1.10 a.m._
As the Empress and the Montauban (Palikao) Ministry think that my
presence here is not obligatory, I am going to Metz, where your
Majesty has assembled all my corps for the decisive battle. I am
leaving at once.
MARSHAL CANROBERT.
At 8 a.m. Canrobert started for Metz. All along the railway he saw
indescribable disorder. The employés had lost their heads. The line was
blocked. There were trains full of Failly’s stragglers. One man put his
head out of the window and shouted to Canrobert: “Now it is your turn
to go and get a drubbing!” The Marshal dragged the ruffian from the
carriage, shook the life out of him, and made him crave for pardon. At
last (August 12) the Marshal, famishing, got to the Metz station, where
one of his staff discovered a loaf, which they devoured. The Emperor was
at the Préfecture, and at seven o’clock he gave Canrobert an audience. A
conference was proceeding with Marshal Lebœuf and General Lebrun, and
Canrobert was an eager listener to the talk. The Emperor, well aware of
the scarcity of biscuits and also of cartridges, was endeavouring to get
supplies of both. He wanted to collect 200,000 men at Metz, but
Canrobert could not understand why. The Sovereign seemed to be dreaming.
While Canrobert was with the Emperor, Commandant Lanclos (one of the
Marshal’s aides-de-camp) witnessed a strange scene at the Hôtel de
l’Europe. The house was full of officers, all much excited, and deeming
the game lost. “See what fifteen years of favouritism have done for us,”
said a Colonel of the Staff. “The Emperor ought not to give any more
orders. He should make Bazaine Commander-in-Chief, with full powers.”
This was openly said by a General, one of His Majesty’s aides. Another
General spoke strongly in favour of Bazaine, in whom all appeared to
have confidence. He was “the saviour hailed by everybody.” Even the most
devoted friends of the Emperor had lost their faith in him. When he was
at the Tuileries, Canrobert had observed the same feeling. Those
surrounding the Empress no longer troubled about the Emperor--what he
did, what he said, what he thought. He had become an embarrassment.
In 1867 all the “strong places” had been well supplied with biscuits by
Marshal Niel; but by June, 1870, not one was left, and the Chamber
(previous to the declaration of war) had refused to vote money for
further supplies. Thus Metz and the frontier places were now without
resources. A hurried contract had been made with the house of Rothschild
for 2,500 tons of biscuits, which were on board ship at various ports,
until they could be taken to Metz. The railway at Nancy and other places
was blocked, so that no food, or anything else, could get to Metz. Plans
were changed hourly. Orders followed by counter-orders--this was the
rule.
Marshal Canrobert left the Emperor firmly convinced that the only plan
in existence at the moment was to concentrate 200,000 men at Metz; what
they were to do when, if ever, they arrived there was a mystery!
After forcing his way through the streets, which were in a state of
turmoil, Canrobert reached his hotel, the Europe, and ordered lunch--an
omelette and a cutlet. These he could have, but only in the room common
to all comers.
In a large room, on the ground-floor, was a great table; around it
were smaller ones. At all of them were seated, pell-mell, Generals,
officers of all ranks, civilians, reporters, and women of every
description--in such costumes! All these people were talking,
gesticulating, and eating. Such were the avant-coureurs of defeat.
Nothing had been seen of the enemy for many days. Canrobert was furious,
but he said nothing, and ordered his officers to remain silent. He rode
to Woippy, saw his troops, and returned to the Emperor. His Majesty,
bombarded by telegrams from the Empress and Palikao, gave way. By
half-past two o’clock that day Lebœuf had ceased to be Major-General,
and Bazaine was Commander-in-Chief of the French army, vice Napoleon
III., resigned!
Canrobert saw at the Metz Préfecture the ghost of an Emperor.
Overwhelmed, pale as death, seated at a large table, Napoleon held in
one hand a pocket-handkerchief, with which he continually wiped his
mouth. Either he had had a nephritic attack or had taken an over-dose of
extrait thébaïgne; for he was inert.
Canrobert left Lebœuf, Bazaine, and the Emperor together at the
Préfecture. The Emperor never told anyone what Bazaine and he had
discussed. General Lebrun has put it on record that the Emperor told
Bazaine he wished the army to retreat, and that Bazaine made no reply.
In the evening Napoleon wrote to Bazaine: “See what can be done, and if
we are not attacked to-morrow we will come to a decision.”
Marshal Bazaine, tried by a court-martial--presided over by H.R.H. the
Duc d’Aumale--for dereliction of duty, was found guilty, deprived of his
military rank, and sentenced to imprisonment for life. I doubt very much
whether the guilt or innocence of Bazaine will ever be satisfactorily
established. The temper of the French people at the time of
his trial required a victim, and he was freely offered up by his
companions-in-arms on the altar of National Vanity. Nothing throughout
the war was more remarkable than the discussions, the rivalries, the
petty jealousies, which characterized the relations of Napoleon’s
Marshals and Generals. A friend of mine who was at Metz in the early
period of the war assured me that he had never seen anything more
pitiable than the look of sheer despondency which he saw on the
Emperor’s face as he sat presiding at a council of war, and listening to
the noisy and even brutal recriminations of one General after another as
he rose to defend his own movements, or attack the tactics of a brother
officer. Naturally, Bazaine had few friends among the Commanders of
Corps. They were only too glad to be able to point to his retirement on
Metz, and his subsequent surrender, as the proximate causes of the
overthrow of the French army. Each one felt his military honour less
seriously impeached when the court-martial ordered Bazaine’s name to be
struck off the roll of the Legion of Honour.
I do not presume to offer an opinion on the subject of Bazaine’s crime;
but, from all that I have been able to gather from French military
experts, the conviction is now prevalent that Bazaine was no traitor. I
know that the Empress Eugénie, who suffered as much as anybody through
his falling back on Metz, had nothing worse to say of him than that he
was “ramolli,” that all the thoughts of the old soldier were centred in
his young and pretty wife and her children, and that France was
secondary. At any rate, it is pretty certain that when the German armies
got between him and Paris all the energy and skill and bravery of the
best General France had would have been overtaxed by the effort to
pierce the barrier of fire and steel built across the roads by the
Germans. Happily, there was one exception. Bazaine’s Chief of Staff,
his devoted friend during the siege, and subsequently his support during
the trial, his comrade in imprisonment, ultimately his saviour, deserves
honourable mention. He it was who planned and carried out Bazaine’s
escape from the Isle St. Marguerite in a little rowing-boat, and enabled
his old commander to spend the rest of his days in exile instead of in
prison.[95]