27th.—I went to Paris for a short time with the minister of Marine, who
came to Malmaison, on business respecting the frigates destined for the
Emperor. He read me the instructions drawn out for the commanders, said
his Majesty depended on my zeal, and intended taking me with him;
adding, that he would take care of my family during my absence.
Napoleon II. is proclaimed by the Legislature.
Sent for my son from his school, having determined that he should
accompany me. We prepared a small parcel of clothes and linen, then
proceeded to Malmaison, accompanied by my wife, who returned
immediately. The road had now become rather unsafe, owing to the
approach of the enemy.
28th.—Being desirous of making some other arrangements before our
departure, the Duchess de Rovigo took me and my son to Paris in her
carriage. I found Messrs. de Vertillac and de Quitry at my house; these
were the last friends I embraced: they were terrified. The agitation and
uncertainty hourly increased in the capital, for the enemy was at the
gates. On reaching Malmaison, we saw the bridge of Chatou in flames:
guards were posted round the palace, and it became prudent to remain
within the park walls. I went into the Emperor’s room, and described how
Paris had appeared to me; stating the general opinion that Fouché openly
betrayed the National cause; and that the hopes of all patriots were
that his Majesty would this very night join the army who loudly called
for him. The Emperor listened to me with an air of deep thought, but
made no reply, and I withdrew soon after.
NAPOLEON QUITS MALMAISON, AND DEPARTS FOR
ROCHEFORT.
29th-30th.—A cry of Long live the Emperor! was continually heard on the
great road to Saint Germain; it proceeded from the troops who passed
under the walls of Malmaison.
Towards noon. General Becker came from Paris, sent by the Provisional
government; he told us, with feelings of indignation, that he had
received a commission to guard and watch Napoleon.[3]
Footnote 3:
On my return to Europe, chance threw the following documents in my
way, relative to the above circumstance. I transcribe them here,
because I believe they are unknown to the public. They have been
copied from the originals, and require no commentary.
Copy of a letter from the Commission of Government to Marshal Prince
d’Eckmuhl, Minister at War.
Paris, June 27th, 1815.
Sir,—Such is the state of affairs that it is indispensable for
Napoleon to decide on departing, and proceeding to the Isle of Aix. If
he does not determine to do so on your notifying to him the annexed
resolutions, you are to cause him to be watched at Malmaison, to
prevent his escape. For this purpose, you will place a requisite
portion of gendarmerie and troops of the line at the disposal of
General Becker, so as to guard all the avenues leading to Malmaison in
every direction. You will give orders to the chief inspector of
gendarmerie to this effect. These measures must be kept as secret as
possible.
This letter is intended for yourself; but General Becker, who will be
charged with delivering the resolutions to Napoleon, will receive
particular instructions from your Excellency, and inform Napoleon that
they have been drawn up with a view to the interest of the state, and
for the safety of his person; that their prompt execution is
indispensable; and, finally, that his future interests make them
absolutely necessary.
(Signed) THE DUKE OF OTRANTO.
Copy of the resolutions entered into by the Commission of Government,
extracted from the Minutes of the department of the Secretary of
State.
Paris, June 26th, 1815.
The Commission of Government resolves as follows:
Art. I. The Minister of Marine shall give orders for two frigates to
be prepared at Rochefort, to convey Napoleon Bonaparte to the United
States. Art. II. Should he require it, a sufficient escort shall
attend him to the place of embarkation under the orders of
Lieutenant-general Becker, who will be instructed to provide for his
safety.
Art. III. The Director-general of Posts will, on his part, give the
necessary orders relative to the relays.
Art. IV. The Minister of Marine will issue the requisite orders for
insuring the immediate return of the frigates, after the
disembarkation.
Art. V. The frigates are not to quit Rochefort before the arrival of
the safe-conducts.
Art. VI. The Ministers of Marine, War, and Finances, are each charged
with the execution of that part of the present resolutions which
concerns them respectively.
(Signed) THE DUKE OF OTRANTO.
By order of the Commission of Government, the Assistant Secretary of
State.
(Signed) COUNT BERLIER.
Copy of the Duke of Otranto’s letter to the Minister at War.
Paris, June 27th, 1815, at noon.
Sir,—I transmit to you a copy of the letter I have just written to the
Minister of Marine, relative to Napoleon. A perusal of it will
convince you of the necessity of giving orders to General Becker not
to separate himself from the person of Napoleon, whilst the latter
remains in the roads of Aix.
(Signed) THE DUKE OF OTRANTO.
Copy of the letter to the Minister of Marine alluded to in the
foregoing.
Paris, June 27th, 1815, noon.
Sir,—The Commission reminds you of the instructions it transmitted to
you an hour ago. The resolutions must be executed as prescribed by the
Commission yesterday; and according to which, Napoleon Bonaparte will
remain in the roads of Aix until the arrival of his passports.
The welfare of the State, which cannot be indifferent to him, requires
that he should remain there until his fate and that of his family has
been definitively regulated. Every means will be employed to render
the result of the negotiation satisfactory to him. The honour of
France is interested in it; but, in the mean time, all possible
precautions must be taken for the personal security of Napoleon, and
that he does not quit the place which is temporarily assigned him.
The President of the Commission of Government.
(Signed) THE DUKE OF OTRANTO.
Letter from the Minister at War to General Becker.
Paris, June 27th, 1815.
Sir,—I have the honour of transmitting to you the annexed resolutions
which the Commission of Government charges you to notify to the
Emperor Napoleon; observing to his Majesty that circumstances are so
imperious as to make it indispensable he should decide on setting out
for the Isle of Aix. These resolutions, observes the Commission, have
been made as much for the safety of his person, as for the interest of
the state, which must ever be dear to him.
If his Majesty does not make up his mind, on these resolutions being
notified to him, it is the intention of the Commission of Government
that the necessary steps shall be taken to prevent the escape of his
Majesty and every attempt against his person.
I have to repeat, General, that these resolutions have been adopted
for the interest of the state, and for the personal safety of the
Emperor; also, that the Commission of Government considers their
prompt execution as indispensable for the future welfare of his
Majesty and his family.