On the 29th of October, 1805, the Austrians surrendered Ulm to Napoleon.
In execution of the articles of capitulation, the Austrian troops passed
in review before the Emperor, with all the honors of war. This ceremony
began at two o’clock in the afternoon and continued until seven o’clock
in the evening. The number of the prisoners was estimated at
30,000--2000 of them cavalry. Sixty pieces of cannon and forty flags
were delivered into the hands of the conquerors, who were encamped on
the hills above the city.
The Emperor, surrounded by his guard, caused the Austrian generals to be
brought before him; they were, General Mack, Commander-in-Chief; eight
Lieutenant-Generals, and eight Major-Generals. Napoleon treated them
with great respect, and said, “Gentlemen, the Emperor, your master
maintains an unjust war against me. I tell you with candor, I know not
wherefore he fights with me; I know not what he demands of me.” Then
directing their attention to the French troops ranged upon the hills in
battle array, he added: “It is not in this army alone that my strength
consists; were it so indeed, I would still endeavor to force my way with
that alone; but I refer you to the reports which your soldiers, whom I
now send prisoners to France, shall furnish; they will see the spirit
which animates my people, and with what zeal they will rally round my
standard.”
[Illustration: THE SURRENDER OF ULM.]