On the 22nd of June, the Second and Fourth British Divisions, as also
the Cavalry, of the Anglo-Allied Army marched to Le Cateau and its
vicinity. The First and Third British Divisions, the Divisions of
Dutch-Belgian Infantry attached to the First Corps, the Nassau troops,
and the Dutch-Belgian Cavalry were encamped near Gommignies. The Fifth
and Sixth British Divisions, the Brunswick Corps, and the Reserve
Artillery, were encamped about Bavay. The Advanced Guard (VIVIAN's
Brigade) was at St Benin. Troops of the Corps under Prince FREDERICK of
the Netherlands blockaded Valenciennes and Le Quesnoy.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Le Cateau.
Prince BLÜCHER being desirous of bringing his different _Corps d'Armée_
into closer connection, moved the First and Fourth only half a march
this day. The former proceeded from Avesnes to Etroeungt, sending
forward its Advanced Guard to La Capelle, and Patrols as far as the
Oise: the latter marched along the road leading from Landrecy towards
Guise, as far as Fesmy; pushing forward its Advanced Guard to Henappe,
and Detachments to Guise. Scouring parties of Cavalry were also
detached from the First Corps in the direction of Rocroi.
The Third Prussian _Corps d'Armée_ advanced from Charleroi to Beaumont;
detaching towards Philippeville and Chimay, for the security of its
Left Flank.
The Second Prussian Corps, which was destined to operate against
the Fortresses, moved from Thuin. It was disposed in the following
manner:--The Fifth and Seventh Brigades, with the Cavalry, blockaded
Maubeuge; the Sixth Brigade was on the march to Landrecy; and the
Eighth Brigade was moving upon Philippeville and Givet.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at Catillon sur Sambre.
* * * * *
GROUCHY's troops, on this day, reached Rocroi.
* * * * *
The remains of the vanquished portion of the French Army continued
retiring upon Laon, and collecting in its vicinity. SOULT had
established the Head Quarters at this place. The men and horses of
the Artillery Train were moved on to La Fère, to be supplied with new
ordnance; and every means was adopted to replace this branch of the
service on an efficient footing. GROUCHY was effecting his retreat
upon Soissons, by the line of Rocroi, Réthel, and Rheims; and it was
considered, that as soon as the latter should be able to unite his
force to the remains of the Army collecting under SOULT, it would yet
be found practicable, with the additional aid of Reserves, to stem the
advance of the Allies.
But where was the Chief whose presence had heretofore been the spell
by which a turbulent and restless soldiery was wont, when subdued by
the _fortune de la guerre_, to be restored to its former self, and
to be imbued with new life and renovated strength by the prospect of
acquiring fresh glory in retrieving a great national disaster? Had he
flown towards the nearest _Corps d'Armée_ of RAPP and LECOURBE, to
lead them, along with all the Reserves that he could possibly collect
together, including the Regimental Depôts, the _Gensd'armerie_, and
even the _Douanerie_, against the Flank of the victorious Armies
of WELLINGTON and BLÜCHER, during their hazardous advance upon the
capital; and, in combination with SOULT and GROUCHY, to effect their
separation, perhaps their destruction?
No! The sword by which the Empire had been raised and held in
subjection, by which Europe itself had been enthralled and all but
conquered, had fallen powerless from his grasp. In him were no longer
centred the might and the will of Imperial France. These had been
delegated through the Constitution, to the organs of the nation, the
elected Representatives of the People. He no longer possessed, in
his own person, the Administrative and the Executive; but was under
the control of that power which, as before observed, when he quitted
Paris to join the Army, he dreaded more than the Enemy he was going to
confront--the power of Public Opinion legitimately expressed. If he
had so keenly felt its force before his downfall on the battle field;
how great, nay, how hopeless, must have appeared to him the task of
endeavouring to soothe its excitement, and to obtain its sanction to
renewed sacrifices, when suddenly appearing in Paris on the afternoon
of the 21st of June--but one short week from the time of his assuming
the command of his Army--himself to announce the disastrous result of
his enterprise.
The Imperialists in the capital, who had indulged in the most
extravagant hopes engendered by the news of the victory at Ligny,
had scarcely manifested their exultation when sinister rumours began
to spread of some sudden reverses which had befallen the cause of
NAPOLEON; and presently all doubts and suspense were removed by the
unexpected appearance of the Emperor himself, which gave rise to the
most gloomy anticipations.
NAPOLEON immediately summoned a Cabinet Council. He frankly explained
to his Ministers the critical state of affairs; but, at the same
time, with his usual confidence in his own resources, declared his
conviction, that if the nation were called upon to rise _en masse_,
the annihilation of the Enemy would follow; but that if, instead of
ordering new levies and adopting extraordinary measures, the Chambers
were to allow themselves to be drawn into debates, and to waste their
time in disputation, all would be lost. "Now that the Enemy is in
France," he added, "it is necessary that I should be invested with
extraordinary power, that of a temporary Dictatorship. As a measure
of safety for the country, I might assume this power; but it would be
better and more national that it should be conferred upon me by the
Chambers."
The Ministers were too well acquainted with the general views and
disposition of the Chamber of Representatives to pronounce a direct
approval of this step; but NAPOLEON, perceiving their hesitation,
called upon them to express their opinion upon the measures of public
safety required by existing circumstances. CARNOT, the Minister of
the Interior, conceived it to be essential that the country should
be declared in danger; that the _Fédérés_ and National Guards should
be called to arms; that Paris should be placed in a stage of siege,
and measures adopted for its defence; that at the last extremity the
armed force should retire behind the Loire, and take up an intrenched
position; that the Army of La Vendée, where the Civil War had nearly
terminated, as also the Corps of Observation in the south, should be
recalled: and the Enemy checked until sufficient force could be united
and organised for the assumption of a vigorous offensive, by which he
should be driven out of France. DECRÈS, the Minister of the Marine, and
REGNAULT DE SAINT JEAN D'ANGELY, the Secretary of State, supported
this opinion; but FOUCHÉ, the Minister of Police, and the remaining
Ministers, remarked that the safety of the State did not depend upon
any particular measure which might thus be proposed, but upon the
Chambers; and upon their uniting with the Head of the Government: and
that by manifesting towards them confidence and good faith, they would
be induced to declare it to be their duty to unite with NAPOLEON in the
adoption of energetic measures for securing the honour and independence
of the nation.
This advice on the part of FOUCHÉ was an artful piece of dissimulation.
No man in France possessed so intimate a knowledge of the secret
workings of the public mind; he knew precisely the dispositions and
views of the different factions, as also the character and temperament
of their Leaders. He knew also that the great Parties in the Chambers,
with the exception of the Imperialists, who were in the minority but
whom he secretly flattered with the prospect of a NAPOLEON II., were
fully prepared to depose the Emperor, in favour of full Constitutional
Freedom and Liberal Institutions. This knowledge, obtained with an
adroitness and a precision quite peculiar to this celebrated Minister
of Police, he made completely subservient to his own personal views.
These had been, from the commencement of NAPOLEON's second reign, to
coquet with the factions in such a manner as to induce each to consider
him an indispensable instrument in the realisation of its hopes; and to
exert this extraordinary influence either to support or to undermine
the power of NAPOLEON, according as the fortunes of the latter might
be in the ascendant or on the decline. The resolute attitude assumed
by the Allies soon satisfied him that, although the Emperor might
once more dazzle the world with some brilliant feat of arms, he must
eventually succumb to the fixed determination of the Sovereigns to
crush his usurped authority; and to the overwhelming masses with which
Europe was preparing to subjugate the country. He had been, and was
still, in secret communication with the Ministers and Advisers of LOUIS
XVIII.; and was consequently in full possession of the general plans
and intentions of the Allies.
When, therefore, NAPOLEON's enterprise had so signally failed, and
the reoccupation of Paris appeared to be its necessary consequence:
FOUCHÉ foresaw clearly, that were the proposed Dictatorship to be
assumed by means of a sudden and forced dissolution of the Chambers,
implying that the recent reverses had been produced by treachery on
the part of the Representatives; and were new levies to be raised _en
masse_, in support of the force that yet remained available; the result
would inevitably be anarchy and confusion in the capital, disorder and
excesses throughout the whole country, renewed disasters to the nation,
together with an awful and useless sacrifice of life. To prevent such
a catastrophe, it was necessary to lull NAPOLEON's suspicions of the
intentions of the Chambers; with which, at the same time, FOUCHÉ was
fully acquainted. Hence it was, that to gain sufficient time for the
development of these intentions, FOUCHÉ gave to the Council the advice
before mentioned.
He strongly expressed his disapproval of the projected Dissolution of
the Chambers, and assumption of the Dictatorship; declaring that any
measures of that kind would only tend to create distrust, and, not
improbably, a general revolt. But, at the same time, his agents were
making known throughout Paris the fullest extent of the disasters that
had befallen NAPOLEON, and which had caused his sudden and unexpected
return; and the Deputies were assembling in all haste, and in great
numbers, to take a bold and decided step in this great national crisis.
In thus dissembling from his Master the real disposition of the great
political Parties, and the true state of the public mind, FOUCHÉ,
no doubt, betrayed the trust reposed in him; but, setting aside the
question whether he was really influenced by patriotic motives,
or merely acting upon a system of deep duplicity and time serving
expediency, there can also be no doubt that, by pursuing the line of
conduct which he did on this important occasion, he became the means
of preserving his country from the infliction of a still further
accumulation of evils.
The Cabinet Council continued in discussion; some supporting, and
others disapproving, the propositions of NAPOLEON: who, at length,
yielding to the arguments of FOUCHÉ and CARNOT, declared he would
submit himself to the loyalty of the Chambers, and confer with them as
to the measures which the critical position of the country might render
necessary.
In the mean time, the Deputies had met, and commenced their
deliberations on the existing state of affairs. M. DE LA FAYETTE, the
acknowledged Leader of the Liberal Party, having received intelligence
of the subject of discussion in the Council, and aware that not a
moment was to be lost in averting the blow with which their liberties
were menaced, ascended the tribune, and thus addressed the Chamber,
amidst the most profound silence, and breathless suspense:--
"Representatives! For the first time during many years you hear a
voice, which the old Friends of Liberty will yet recognise. I rise to
address you concerning the dangers to which the country is exposed.
The sinister reports, which have been circulated during the last two
days, are unhappily confirmed. This is the moment to rally round the
National Colours--the Tricoloured Standard of 1789--the Standard of
Liberty, Equality, and Public Order. It is you alone who can now
protect the country from foreign attacks and internal dissensions.
It is you alone who can secure the independence and the honour of
France. Permit a veteran in the sacred cause of liberty, in all
times a stranger to the spirit of faction, to submit to you some
resolutions which appear to him to be demanded by a sense of the
public danger, and by the love of our country. They are such as, I
feel persuaded, you will see the necessity of adopting:--
"I. The Chamber of Deputies declares that the independence of the
Nation is menaced.
"II. The Chamber declares its sittings permanent. Any attempt to
dissolve it, shall be considered high treason. Whosoever shall render
himself culpable of such an attempt shall be considered a traitor to
his country, and immediately treated as such.
"III. The Army of the Line, and the National Guards, who have fought,
and still fight, for the liberty, the independence, and the territory
of France, have merited well of the country.
"IV. The Minister of the Interior is invited to assemble the
principal Officers of the Parisian National Guard, in order to
consult on the means of providing it with arms, and of completing
this Corps of Citizens; whose tried patriotism and zeal offer a
sure guarantee for the liberty, prosperity, and tranquillity of the
capital, and for the inviolability of the national Representatives.
"V. The Ministers of War, of Foreign Affairs, of Police, and of the
Interior are invited to repair immediately to the sittings of the
Chamber."
* * * * *
No one ventured to oppose these bold Resolutions; and, after a brief
discussion, in which their instant adoption was urged in the strongest
manner, they were carried by acclamation, with the exception of the
Fourth, which was suspended on account of the invidious distinction
which it appeared to convey between the troops of the Line and the
National Guards.
They were then transmitted to the Chamber of Peers; where, after a
short discussion, they were adopted without amendment.
The Message from the Chambers, conveying these resolutions, reached the
Council in the midst of its deliberations. NAPOLEON was staggered by an
act which he looked upon as an usurpation of the Sovereign Authority.
To him, who had so long exercised an almost unlimited control in the
State, who had led mighty Armies to victory, and who had subjected
powerful nations to his despotic sway, this sudden and energetic voice
of the people, conveyed through the medium of their Representatives,
aroused him to a full sense of the wonderful change which had been
effected in the public mind, and in his own individual position,
through the intervention of a Constitution. He was alike indignant at
what he conceived to be a daring presumption, and mortified at his own
miscalculation in having convoked the Chambers. _J'avais bien pensé_,
he remarked, _que j'aurais dû congédier ces gens-là avant mon départ_.
After some reflection, he determined, if possible, to temporize with
the Chambers. He sent REGNAULT DE SAINT JEAN D'ANGELY to the Chamber
of Deputies, in his capacity of Member, to soothe the irritation that
prevailed, to relate that the Army had been upon the point of gaining a
great victory, when disaffected individuals created a panic; that the
troops had since rallied; and that the Emperor had hastened to Paris
to concert, with the Ministers and the Chambers, such measures for the
public safety as circumstances seemed to require. CARNOT was directed
to make a similar communication to the Chamber of Peers. REGNAULT
vainly endeavoured to fulfil his mission: the Deputies had lost all
patience, and insisted upon the Ministers presenting themselves at the
bar of the House. The latter at length obeyed the summons; NAPOLEON
having consented, though with great reluctance, to their compliance
with the mandate. He required them, however, to be accompanied by his
brother LUCIEN, as an Extraordinary Commissioner, appointed to reply to
the Interrogatories of the Chamber.
At six o'clock in the evening, LUCIEN BUONAPARTE and the Ministers made
their appearance in the Chamber of Deputies. LUCIEN announced that he
had been sent there by NAPOLEON as a Commissioner Extraordinary, to
concert with the Assembly measures of safety. He then placed in the
hands of the President the Message of which he was the bearer from his
brother. It contained a succinct recital of the disasters experienced
at Mont St Jean: and recommended the Representatives to unite with
the Head of the State in preserving the country from the fate of
Poland, and from the reimposition of the yoke which it had thrown off.
It stated, also, that it was desirable that the two Chambers should
appoint a Commission of five Members, to concert with the Ministers the
measures to be adopted for the public safety, and the means of treating
for peace with the Allied Powers.
This Message was far from being favourably received. A stormy
discussion ensued, in the course of which it was soon made manifest
that the Deputies required a more explicit declaration of NAPOLEON's
opinions and designs: one, in fact, more in accordance with the views
which the majority of them evidently entertained, and was apparently
determined to enforce. One of their number significantly remarked, as
he addressed himself to the Ministers, "You know as well as we do,
that it is against NAPOLEON alone that Europe has declared War. From
this moment, separate the cause of NAPOLEON from that of the Nation.
In my opinion, there exists but one individual who stands in the way
between us and peace. Let him pronounce the word and the country will
be saved!" Several of the Members spoke in a similar strain, and
the debate was kept up with great animation, until at length it was
agreed, that in conformity with the terms of the Imperial Message,
a Commission of five Members should be appointed, consisting of the
President and Vice Presidents of the Chamber, to collect, in concert
with the Cabinet and with a Committee from the House of Peers, the
fullest information upon the state of France, and to propose suitable
measures of safety.
The Committee consisted of Messrs LANJUINAIS, LA FAYETTE, DUPONT DE
L'EURE, FLANGERGUES, and GRENIER.
LUCIEN now presented himself, in the same capacity of Commissioner
Extraordinary, to the Chamber of Peers. After hearing the Message, the
latter also appointed a Committee, which consisted of Generals DROUOT,
DEJEAN, ANDREOSSY, and Messrs BOISSY D'ANGLAS and THIBAUDEAU.
NAPOLEON, being fully informed of the proceedings of the Chamber of
Deputies, and of the general tenor of the debates, hesitated a long
time whether to dissolve the Assembly or to abdicate the Imperial
Crown. Some of his Ministers, on perceiving the direction of his views,
assured him that the Chamber had acquired too firm a hold of the public
opinion to submit to any violent _coup d'état_; and expressed their
opinion, that by withholding the act of abdication, he might eventually
deprive himself of the power of vacating the Throne in favour of his
son. Nevertheless he appeared determined to defer this step to the very
last moment; trusting in the mean time some favourable event might
occur, tending to modify the present disposition of the Chamber.
The Deputies again met, at an early hour on the following morning. The
utmost impatience was manifested for the Report of the Committee. Two
hours having elapsed, the Members became greatly excited. Some of them
proposed that the exigencies of the State were such, that it was their
duty to adopt immediate and decisive measures, without waiting for the
Report.
At length, in the midst of the agitation and tumult which prevailed,
General GRENIER, the Reporter of the Committee, suddenly made his
appearance. He stated that, after a deliberation of five hours, the
Committee had resolved:--
"That the safety of the country required that the Emperor should
consent to the nomination, by the two Chambers, of a Commission,
charged to negotiate directly with the coalesced Powers; stipulating
only that they should respect the national independence, the
territorial integrity, and the right which belongs to every people of
adopting such Constitutions as it may think proper; and that these
negotiations should be supported by the prompt development of the
national force."
This statement excited general murmurs of disapprobation. But the
Reporter, aware of the expectations of the Chamber, proceeded:--
"This Article, gentlemen, appears to me insufficient. It does not
fulfil the object which the Chamber proposes to itself, because it
is possible that your Deputation may not be admitted. I would not,
therefore, urge the adoption of this measure, had I not reason to
believe that you will soon receive a Message in which the Emperor
will declare his wish; that the effect of this should first be tried;
and that, should he then prove an insuperable obstacle to the nation
being permitted to treat for its independence, he will be ready to
make whatever sacrifice may be demanded of him."
This produced an extraordinary sensation in the Assembly. It was looked
upon as an artful design upon the part of NAPOLEON to create delay by
proposing to the Chambers a proceeding which he was well aware would
prove unsuccessful; and to seize the first favourable opportunity of
destroying their independence, and re-establishing his despotism--to
re-enact, in short, the Eighteenth of Brumaire. The tumult had reached
a fearful height. Many Members exclaimed vehemently against the Report.
At length, one of them, M. DUCHESNE, ascended the tribune, and spoke
in the following energetic and decided manner:--
"I do not believe that the project proposed by the Committee is
capable of attaining the desired end. The greatness of our disasters
cannot be denied: they are sufficiently proved by the presence of the
Chief of our Armies in the capital. If there are no bounds to the
energies of the nation, there are limits to its means. The Chambers
cannot offer negotiations to the Allied Powers. The documents which
have been communicated to us demonstrate that they have uniformly
refused all the overtures which have been made to them; and they have
declared that they will not treat with the French, as long as they
shall have the Emperor at their head."
The speaker was here interrupted by the President, who announced that
the Message to which the Reporter had referred would speedily be
received. The interruption, however, at this most important point of
the debate, renewed the tumult in the Chamber. Some exclaimed, "It is a
concerted plan to make us lose time." Others cried out, "Some plot is
concerting;" and the majority vociferated, "Proceed, proceed; there is
no middle course."
DUCHESNE continued:--
"It is necessary that we should be certain of finding in the
development of the national force, a defence sufficient to support
our negotiations, and to enable us to treat with success concerning
our honour and independence. Can that force be developed with
sufficient rapidity? May not circumstances again lead victorious
Armies to the capital? Then, and under their auspices, will reappear
the ancient Family." ("Never! never!" exclaimed several voices.) "I
freely express my opinion. What may be the consequences of these
events? We have only _one_ certain means left, which is, to engage
the Emperor, in the name of the safety of the State, in the sacred
name of a suffering country, to declare his _Abdication_."
No sooner was this word pronounced than the entire Assembly rose; and
amidst the clamour that ensued were heard a hundred voices exclaiming,
"Seconded! seconded!"
When, at length, the President succeeded in restoring some degree of
order, he said:--
"I cannot hope to arrive at any result, unless the agitation of the
Assembly be repressed. The safety of the country depends on the
decision of this day. I entreat the Chamber to wait for the Emperor's
Message."
The proposition of DUCHESNE was instantly supported by General
SOLIGNAC: an Officer who, during the last five years, had been made to
suffer the severest mortifications, arising from the hatred entertained
towards him by NAPOLEON, in consequence of his refusal to be the
servile instrument of his ambition; and, therefore, the curiosity of
the Chamber was naturally excited to hear what course he was about to
adopt.
"And I also," said the General; "I share in the uneasiness of him who
has preceded me at this tribune. Yes! we ought to consider the safety
of the Empire, and the maintenance of our Liberal Institutions; and,
while the Government is inclined to present to you such measures as
tend to this end, it appears important to preserve to the Chamber the
honour of not having proposed an object which ought to be the free
concession of the Monarch. I move that a Deputation of five Members
shall be appointed to proceed to the Emperor, which Deputation shall
express to His Majesty the urgency of his decision. Their Report
will, I trust, satisfy at once the wish of the Assembly, and that of
the Nation."
This proposition was most favourably received, and the President was on
the point of putting it to the vote, when SOLIGNAC again appeared in
the tribune.
"I wish," said he, "to propose an Amendment to my Motion. Several
persons have intimated to me that we shall soon be informed of His
Majesty's determination. I consequently think it necessary that
we should wait for _one hour_, to receive the Message; which it
seems is to be addressed to the Chambers. I therefore move that
we adjourn for that time." (This part of his speech was met with
great disapprobation on the part of the Chamber.) "Gentlemen!"
continued the General, "we all wish to save our country; but can we
not reconcile this unanimous sentiment with the laudable desire that
the Chamber should preserve the honour of the Chief of the State?"
(Cries of "Yes! yes!") "If I requested that we should wait until this
evening or tomorrow, some considerations might be opposed--but, one
hour"--("Yes! yes! To the vote!" was the general exclamation; and the
Chamber adjourned).
In the mean time, NAPOLEON had been made acquainted with the
disposition of the Chamber of Representatives, by REGNAULT DE SAINT
JEAN D'ANGELY; who hastened to warn him that if he did not immediately
abdicate, his deposition would, in all probability, be declared.
He was enraged at the idea of this contemplated violence. "Since that
is the case," he said, "I will not abdicate at all. The Chamber is
composed of a set of Jacobins, impracticables, and intriguers; who are
seeking for disorder, or for place. I ought to have denounced them to
the Nation, and given them their dismissal. The time that has been lost
may yet be recovered."
REGNAULT, however, urged him in the strongest manner to yield to
imperious circumstances, and to renew the noble and generous sacrifice
he made in 1814. He assured him that if he did not take this step,
he would be accused by the Chamber, and even by the whole Nation, of
having, out of personal considerations alone, prevented the possibility
of obtaining peace.
SOLIGNAC and other Deputies were then announced. They boldly declared
to him that he had no other course open to him but that of submission
to the desire entertained by the Representatives of the Nation.
SOLIGNAC described to him the scene in the Chamber of Deputies, and the
difficulty he had experienced in inducing the latter to suspend, even
for one hour, their decision; which, if not anticipated by a voluntary
Abdication, would entail upon him the disgrace of forfeiture. Even his
brothers, LUCIEN and JOSEPH, now gave their opinion that the moment for
resistance had passed.
When the paroxysm of rage, to which these representations gave rise,
had subsided: NAPOLEON announced his determination to abdicate in
favour of his son; and, desiring his brother LUCIEN to take a pen, he
dictated to him the following Declaration:--
"Frenchmen! In commencing the War for maintaining the national
independence, I relied on the union of all efforts, of all desires,
and the concurrence of all the national authorities. I had reason to
hope for success, and I braved all the Declarations of the Powers
allied against me.
"Circumstances appear to be changed. I offer myself a sacrifice to
the hatred of the Enemies of France. May they prove sincere in their
Declarations, and have really directed them solely against my power.
My political life is terminated; and I proclaim my Son, under the
title of NAPOLEON II., Emperor of the French.
"The present Ministers will form provisionally the Council of the
Government. The interest which I take in my Son induces me to invite
the Chamber to form the Regency by a law without delay.
"Unite all for the public safety, in order to remain an independent
Nation.
"NAPOLEON."
This was the last great act of his political life. Defeated and humbled
by foreign Enemies, subdued and controlled by the Representatives of
the Nation; he was forced to descend from a Throne whence he had at
one time swayed the destinies of Sovereigns rendered dependent on
his mighty will. Almost all the previous changes and gradations in
his extraordinary career had been preluded or accompanied by some
magnificent scene of dramatic effect, or a violent _coup d'état_; but,
in this instance, the transition was attended by no circumstance more
remarkable than the quietude with which it was effected. The cessation
of the political existence of such a man would have been most naturally
looked for as an event coincident only with the termination of a life
which, if not closed upon the pinnacle of glory, would be sought for
amidst the shock of battle, or in the vortex of a state convulsion.
That he meditated a second 18th of Brumaire, there can be no doubt;
but the decided tone of the debates in the National Assembly, the
solicitations of his friends, and the hope of securing the Throne to
his family, induced him to abandon all idea of such a project. It is,
besides, more than probable that, aware as he was of the bad feeling
that existed, to a great extent, both in the Chambers and in the
country, towards the BOURBONS; as also of the conflicting principles of
the different factions, he calculated upon the chances of a Revolution
productive of anarchy and confusion, which he yet might be called upon
to reduce to order and submission.
When it is considered that the great mass of the Army of the Line was
devoted to NAPOLEON; that the rallied Army of the North was falling
back upon Paris, where it would concentrate its strength and be
reinforced from Regimental Depôts; and, further, that the Armies on the
Eastern Frontier were still holding their respective positions, and
that even in La Vendée the Imperial troops had succeeded in quelling
the insurrection,--when, in addition to all this, it is considered how
great, how extraordinary, was the influence induced by the _prestige_
of NAPOLEON with the majority of the nation, dazzled as the latter had
been by countless victories that outweighed, in its estimation, those
fatal disasters which it ascribed solely to the united power of the
great European League established against France,--it is impossible
not to be struck by the firm, bold, and determined attitude assumed by
the French Parliament. France, on this critical occasion, displayed
one of the brightest examples the World has yet beheld of the force
of Constitutional Legislation. Under all the attendant circumstances,
it was a remarkable triumph of free institutions over monarchical
despotism.
* * * * *
It is now necessary to revert to the operations of the Allied Armies.
On the 23d of June, WELLINGTON and BLÜCHER gave to the great mass of
their troops a halt; not merely for the sake of affording them rest,
but also for the purpose of collecting the stragglers, and bringing up
the ammunition and the baggage.
The only movement made on the part of the Anglo-Allied Army, on this
day, was that by Major General LYON's Sixth Hanoverian Brigade, which,
together with GRANT's Hussar Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel WEBBER
SMITH's Horse Battery, Major UNETT's and Major BROME's Foot Batteries,
marched, under the personal command of Sir CHARLES COLVILLE, to attack
Cambray, the garrison of which, the Duke had been led to believe,
had abandoned the place, leaving in it at most three hundred or four
hundred men. COLVILLE was furnished with a letter from the Duke to
the Governor, summoning him to surrender; as also with some copies of
his Grace's Proclamation of the 22nd to the French. The 1st Brunswick
Light Battalion was sent forward from the Reserve at Bavay, to watch Le
Quesnoy; which Fortress was still occupied by the Enemy.
The Third Prussian _Corps d'Armée_ was pushed forward to Avesnes, by
which means the Three Corps destined to advance upon Paris were so
placed that they could form a junction, with only half an ordinary
march; and this relative position was maintained throughout the
remainder of the line of advance.
The Allied Commanders had an interview on this day at Catillon, for
the purpose of arranging their plan of combined operations. The
intelligence they had procured having satisfied them that the Enemy
was collecting his forces at Laon and Soissons: they decided upon not
pursuing him along that line, since their progress towards the capital
might, in that case, be impeded by affairs of Advanced and Rear Guards;
but upon moving by the right bank of the Oise, and crossing this river
at either Compiegne or Pont St Maxence. By thus turning the French
Left, they hoped to intercept the Enemy's retreat, or at all events
to reach Paris before him; and in order to deceive him as to these
intentions, he was to be followed by Prussian Cavalry, assuming to be
the Advanced Guard of the Allied Armies.
It was also settled, that as they might find it necessary to throw
bridges across the Oise, the British General should bring forward his
Pontoon Train; that possessed by the Prussians being inadequate for the
purpose.
In order to secure a good base whence to conduct these operations,
it was further arranged that the Corps under Prince FREDERICK of the
Netherlands should remain, for the purpose of besieging the Fortresses
situated on the Scheldt, and between that river and the Sambre:
and that the following Corps should undertake the besieging of the
Fortresses on the Sambre, and between this last river and the Moselle,
namely, the Second Prussian _Corps d'Armée_, commanded by General
PIRCH; the _Corps d'Armée_ of North Germany, commanded at first by
General Count KLEIST VON NOLLENDORF, and subsequently by Lieutenant
General HACKE; as also a portion of the garrison troops of Luxemburg,
commanded by Lieutenant General Prince LOUIS of Hesse Homburg,--the
whole of these German forces being placed under the chief command of
Prince AUGUSTUS of Prussia.
This plan of operations was such as might have been expected from
the combined councils of such Leaders as WELLINGTON and BLÜCHER, and
was undoubtedly the one best calculated to attain the object they
had in view; and it was carried into effect with all that mutual
cordiality and good fellowship which had invariably characterised their
proceedings.
On the morning of the 24th, the Duke of WELLINGTON, in consequence of
a report which he had received from Sir CHARLES COLVILLE, directed
Lord HILL to march the two Brigades of the Fourth Division then at Le
Cateau, towards Cambray, where they would join the other Brigade of the
Division; and also to send with them a nine pounder Battery.
On the arrival of these troops, COLVILLE made his preparations for the
attack; which took place in the evening, in the following manner. Three
Columns of Attack were formed. One commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Sir NEIL CAMPBELL (Major in the 54th Regiment) escaladed at the angle
formed by the Valenciennes Gateway and the Curtain of the body of the
place. A Second, commanded by Colonel Sir WILLIAM DOUGLAS, of the 91st
Regiment, and directed by Lieutenant GILBERT of the Royal Engineers,
escaladed at a large Ravelin near the Amiens road. A Third, consisting
of Colonel MITCHELL's Brigade, and directed by Captain THOMPSON of
the Royal Engineers, after having forced the Outer Gate of the Couvre
Port in the Hornwork, and passed both ditches, by means of the rails
of the drawbridges, attempted to force the main Paris Gate; but not
succeeding in this, it escaladed by a breach on that side, which was in
a state of reparation. The three Batteries of Lieutenant Colonel WEBBER
SMITH, and Majors UNETT and BROME, under the direction of Lieutenant
Colonel HAWKER, rendered the most essential service in covering these
attacks; which having succeeded, the town speedily fell into the hands
of the assailants. The Citadel continued to hold out, but the Governor
solicited a suspension of hostilities; which, however, could not be
granted.
Of the Anglo-Allied Army, the First and Third British Divisions,
the Dutch-Belgian Infantry attached to the First Corps, and the
Dutch-Belgian Cavalry, were moved this day from Gommignies, to Forest,
upon the road to Le Cateau, and then encamped between the villages of
Croix and Bousies.
The Second British Division continued at Le Cateau.
The Duke made no movement in advance; having found it necessary to
afford additional time for the coming up of the Pontoons and supplies.
The Reserve, consisting of the Fifth and Sixth Divisions, of the
Brunswick Corps, and the Reserve Artillery, was moved nearer to the
main body; and cantoned and encamped in and about the villages of Engle
Fontaine, Rancour, and Préau au Bois.
On this day Proposals were made to the Advanced Posts of this Corps
under Prince FREDERICK of the Netherlands near Valenciennes, as also
to those of the First Prussian _Corps d'Armée_, for a Suspension of
Hostilities, upon the grounds that NAPOLEON had abdicated in favour of
his son; that a Provisional Government had been appointed, consisting
of FOUCHÉ, CAULINCOURT, GRENIER, and QUINETTE; and that these persons
had sent Ministers to the Allied Powers to treat for peace.
Both WELLINGTON and BLÜCHER considered that they would not be acting
in accordance with the spirit and intentions of the Alliance of the
Powers of Europe were they to listen to such proposals, and therefore
peremptorily refused to discontinue their operations. Those which were
addressed to the Prussian Commander emanated from General Count MORAND,
who commanded the Rear Guard of the French Army at Laon; and to whom
BLÜCHER replied, that no Armistice could be entered into, except in the
case of NAPOLEON being delivered up, and the Fortresses in rear of the
Armies being abandoned and conceded as guarantees for its fulfilment.
LOUIS XVIII., acting on the advice so urgently tendered to him by the
Duke of WELLINGTON, arrived at Le Cateau late in the evening, followed
by a numerous train; and only awaited the surrender of the Citadel of
Cambray to fix his temporary residence in the latter town.
* * * * *
The Prussian Army renewed its operations on the 24th, according to the
plan agreed upon the day before by the Allied Commanders. At break of
day, Lieutenant Colonel SCHMIEDEBERG was despatched with the Silesian
Regiment of Uhlans, and some Horse Artillery, towards Laon; for the
purpose, in conjunction with the Detachments already sent from the
First _Corps d'Armée_, of watching and deceiving the Enemy. BLÜCHER
disposed his three _Corps d'Armée_ in two Columns. The Left Column,
which was the one nearest to the Enemy, consisted of the First and
Third Corps; and was to move close along the Oise--the Third Corps
remaining half a march in rear of the First. The Right Column, formed
by the Fourth _Corps d'Armée_, was to advance along a parallel road,
keeping on a line with the former, and at the distance of about half a
march. The Left Column moved upon Compiegne, the Right upon Pont St
Maxence.
At nine o'clock, the First _Corps d'Armée_ (ZIETEN's) commenced its
march from Etroeungt towards Guise. The Advanced Guard, under Major
General JAGOW, to which were attached the 8th Foot Battery, and two
ten pounder howitzers, halted when opposite to St Laurent, a suburb of
Guise, in order to observe the Fortress on this side; whilst ZIETEN
sent an Infantry Brigade, a Regiment of Cavalry, together with a Horse,
and a Foot, Battery, by St Germain and La Bussière, across the Oise, to
menace the place from the other side.
The Enemy, on finding himself completely invested, withdrew his troops
into the Citadel; whereupon preparations were immediately made by the
Prussians to open their Batteries against that part: but previously to
giving the Order to commence the cannonade, ZIETEN sent a summons to
the Commandant to surrender; with which the latter did not hesitate to
comply. The garrison, consisting of eighteen Officers and three hundred
and fifty men, laid down their arms on the glacis, and were made
prisoners of war. The Prussians found in the place, fourteen pieces of
cannon, three thousand muskets, two million musket ball cartridges, a
quantity of ammunition, and considerable magazines; and gained, what
was of more importance, another strong point in their new base of
operations, without having fired a single cannon shot.
Major MÜLLER, with the two weak Fusilier Battalions of the 28th
Regiment, and of the 2nd Westphalian Landwehr, remained to garrison the
place.
As soon as the remainder of ZIETEN's Corps arrived near Guise, which
was before the place surrendered; the Advanced Guard, consisting of
the Third Brigade, moved on, but did not reach Origny before nine
o'clock in the evening. The 1st Regiment of Silesian Hussars pushed on
as far as Ribemont. Parties were also detached from the Reserve Cavalry
towards Crecy, Pont à Bussy, and La Fère, to observe the Serre.
THIELEMANN, with the Third _Corps d'Armée_, moved from Avesnes upon
Nouvion; which he reached about four o'clock in the afternoon. The
Detachments of Observation which had been previously sent out to the
left from this Corps, to endeavour to gain intelligence concerning
GROUCHY's Army, reached Hirson and Vervin in the evening. Scouring
parties were also sent towards the road leading from Mézières by
Montcornet towards Laon.
BÜLOW, with the Fourth _Corps d'Armée_, which formed the Right Prussian
Column, marched from Ferny to Aisonville and Bernonville. Parties of
Cavalry, detached from the Corps, reached Chatillon sur Oise, and
found St Quentin unoccupied. This circumstance having been made known
to General SYDOW, upon his arrival at Fontaine Notre Dame with the
Advanced Guard, he pushed on, and took possession of that important
town. A Detachment of from five hundred to six hundred French Cavalry
had marched from this place on the previous day towards Laon. The
troops which had been employed in the investment of Landrecies rejoined
the Fourth Corps on this day.
By means of these movements, and of the halt of the Duke of WELLINGTON
at Le Cateau, the Prussians were a day's march in advance of the
Anglo-Allied Army.
* * * * *
GROUCHY's troops this day reached Réthel.
* * * * *
The positions of the respective Armies on the evening of the 24th were
as follows:--
The First, Second, and Third Divisions of the Anglo-Allied Army were
in and around Le Cateau Cambresis: the Fourth Division at Cambray;
the Fifth and Sixth Divisions, the Brunswick Corps, and Reserve
Artillery, at, and in the vicinity of, Engle Fontaine.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Le Cateau Cambresis.
The First Prussian _Corps d'Armée_ was at Guise, the Third at Muvion,
and the Fourth at Aisonville and Bernonville.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at Henappe.
The French troops under SOULT were at Laon; those under GROUCHY at
Réthel.
* * * * *
On the 24th, the Provisional Government in Paris, which had been
appointed on the previous day after a stormy discussion in both
Chambers on the subject of the recognition of NAPOLEON II., and which
consisted of the Duke of OTRANTO (FOUCHÉ), Minister of the Police; the
Duke of VICENZA (CAULINCOURT), Minister of Foreign Affairs; CARNOT,
Minister of the Interior; General GRENIER; and M. QUINETTE; issued the
following Proclamation:--
"Frenchmen!
"Within the period of a few days, brilliant successes and dreadful
reverses have marked your destinies.
"A great sacrifice appeared necessary to your peace and that of the
World; and NAPOLEON abdicated the Imperial Throne. His Abdication
forms the termination of his political life. His Son is proclaimed.
"Your new Constitution, which possesses as yet only good principles,
is about to undergo its application; and even those principles are to
be purified and extended.
"There no longer exist Powers jealous of one another. The space is
free to the enlightened patriotism of your Representatives; and the
Peers feel, think, and vote, as they are directed by the public
opinion.
"After twenty five years of political tempests, the moment has
arrived when every thing wise and sublime that has been conceived
respecting social institutions may be perfected in yours. Let reason
and genius speak, and from whatever side their voices may proceed,
they shall be heard.
"Plenipotentiaries have been despatched, in order to treat in the
name of the Nation, and to negotiate with the Powers of Europe
that Peace which they have promised on one condition, which is now
fulfilled.
"The whole World will, like you, be attentive to their reply. Their
answer will make known whether justice and promises are accounted
anything on earth.
"Frenchmen! be united! Let all rally under circumstances of such vast
importance. Let civil discords be appeased. Let dissensions be silent
at this period, in which the great interests of nations are to be
discussed. From the Northern frontier to the Pyrenees, and from La
Vendée to Marseilles, let all France be united.
"Who is the man, that, born on the soil of France, whatever may be
his Party or political opinions, will not range himself under the
National Standard, to defend the independence of the country.
"Armies may in part be destroyed; but the experience of all Ages and
of all nations proves that a brave people, combating for justice and
liberty, cannot be vanquished.
"The Emperor, in abdicating, has offered himself a sacrifice. The
Members of the Government devote themselves to the due execution
of the authority with which they have been invested by your
Representatives.
"THE DUKE OF OTRANTO,
"T. BERLIER, Secretary."
"June 24th, 1815."
* * * * *
On the 25th, LOUIS XVIII., at the suggestion of the Duke of WELLINGTON,
despatched an Officer, Le Comte D'AUDENARDE, with a summons, in His
Majesty's name, for the Governor, Baron ROOS, to surrender the Citadel
of Cambray. The summons was obeyed, and the garrison capitulated; when
the Duke immediately gave over the Fortress entirely to His Majesty.
The main body of the Anglo-Allied Army advanced this day to Joncour.
The Fourth Division continued at Cambray. The Reserve moved on to
Marets.
The First Prussian _Corps d'Armée_ marched this day from Guise to
Cérisy, on the road from St Quentin to La Fère: its Advanced Guard
pushed on to Fargnières, near the latter place. An Officer and thirty
Dragoons were detached across the Oise to cut off the communication
between this Fortress and Laon, by which means the investment of the
place was effected. Along the right bank of the Oise, La Fère was
protected by inundations, and no favourable points presented themselves
for the establishment of Batteries. On this account, preparations were
made in the night to cross the river below the place, and gain the
Heights which command the Fortress on the Laon side.
During the march of the Advanced Guard, Major General JAGOW, who
commanded it, sent a Detachment of the 1st Silesian Hussars to Chauny,
which communicated by its left, through St Gobain, with Captain
GOSCHITZKY in Crespy, and by its left, with the Outpost at Jussy of
the Advanced Guard of the Fourth Corps. The parties detached on the
previous day to Crecy, Pont à Bussy, and along the Serre, were now
called in.
The Third Prussian _Corps d'Armée_ marched from Nouvion to Homblières
and its vicinity. Two of its Brigades occupied passages across the
Oise, namely, the Ninth at Origny, and the Twelfth at Neuvillette.
The Eleventh Brigade bivouacked at Marey, and the Tenth at Homblières
and Menil St Laurent. The Detachments sent out from this Corps on the
previous day towards the road leading from Mezières to Laon, brought
in word that at eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the 24th, the French
troops had abandoned Aubenton, and marched off to Monternet; also that
GROUCHY's Army had reached Rocroi on the 23rd, and Réthel on the 24th;
and it was presumed that his next march was to be on Soissons. On the
receipt of this intelligence these Detachments were drawn back, and
their observation limited to the ground nearest to the left bank of the
Oise.
The Advanced Guard of the Fourth Prussian _Corps d'Armée_ was closely
followed by the Reserve Cavalry, and all these troops were placed under
the command of Prince WILLIAM of Prussia. The Cavalry marched along the
road leading to Chauny, as far as Montescour, where it bivouacked. The
main body of the Corps reached Essigny le Grand.
At St Quentin, Prince BLÜCHER received a letter from Laon addressed to
the Allied Commanders by the Commissioners sent from the two Chambers
of the French Parliament; in which they communicated the fact of
NAPOLEON's abdication, and of the elevation of his Son to the Throne,
and stated that they had been deputed by the Provisional Government to
negotiate an Armistice.
To this the Prince replied verbally, by an Aide de Camp, that he would
suspend hostilities on arriving at Paris, provided BUONAPARTE was given
up to him, and several Fortresses on the frontiers delivered up as
sureties; and provided, also, that the Duke of WELLINGTON should agree
to what might be proposed.
According to the accounts which were this day received from Lieutenant
Colonel SCHMIEDEBERG it was presumed that the Enemy was still at
Laon. The reports from the Detachments of the Third _Corps d'Armée_
also confirmed this view, and intimated that GROUCHY's troops were
yet two marches distant from Laon. This intelligence, combined with
the attempts made by the French to induce the Allies to enter into
negotiations, clearly showed the importance of endeavouring, by means
of a forced march, to gain the passages of the Oise, and then to
intercept the Enemy's line of retreat by Soissons upon Paris.
In the night of the 25th, however, decided information was received
that the French Army had marched from Laon to Soissons, a fact from
which it was naturally concluded that the Enemy was no longer deceived
as to the advance of the Prussians towards Laon; and that he was
therefore bent upon effecting his further retreat, or, perhaps, even of
anticipating their movements towards the Oise, and detaching towards
Compiegne. Hence, not a moment was now to be lost in securing the
points of passage, particularly that at Compiegne; to which Prince
BLÜCHER attached so much more importance from the circumstance that his
Army had no Pontoons; and that the British Pontoon Train was still far
behind, and not to be calculated upon. The Prince decided upon moving
his Left Column (the First and Third Corps) on Compiegne, and his Right
Column (the Fourth Corps) upon Pont St Maxence; the latter to secure
the passage both at this place, and at Creil lower down the Oise.
* * * * *
SOULT, who had been indefatigable in collecting at Laon the remains
of the defeated portion of the French Army, marched the latter, on
the 25th, to Soissons; where it was to be joined by the force under
GROUCHY: who, having preceded his troops which were yet a march and
a half distant, had arrived in that town, to take the command of
the whole Army, according to instructions conveyed to him from the
Provisional Government.
SOULT, as soon as he found himself thus superseded in the command,
quitted the Army, and repaired to Paris; disgusted with the abrupt and
uncourteous manner in which he had been treated.
* * * * *
The position of the respective Armies, on the evening of the 25th, were
as follows:--
Of the Anglo-Allied Army, the Advanced Guard (VIVIAN's Brigade) was
at Crisour, near St Quentin.
The Second Division, the Nassau troops, and the British Cavalry, were
encamped in the vicinity of Joncour.
The First and Third Divisions, the Dutch-Belgian Infantry attached to
the First Corps, and the Dutch-Belgian Cavalry, were encamped near
Serain and Premont.
The Fourth Division, with GRANT's Light Cavalry Brigade, was at
Cambray.
The Fifth and Sixth Divisions, the Brunswick Infantry and Cavalry,
and the Reserve Artillery, were encamped at, and in the vicinity of,
Marets.
The Duke of WELLINGTON's Head Quarters were at Joncour.
The First Prussian _Corps d'Armée_ was at Cérisy; the Third at
Homblières; and the Fourth at Essigny le Grand.
Prince BLÜCHER's Head Quarters were at St Quentin.
The Right Wing of the French Army, led by VANDAMME, was at Rheims;
the Left, with GROUCHY, at Soissons.
* * * * *
On the 25th, NAPOLEON withdrew from the capital to the country Palace
of Malmaison, whence he issued the following Address to the Army:--
"SOLDIERS!
"While obeying the necessity which removes me from the French Army;
I carry with me the happy assurance that it will justify, by the
eminent services which the country expects from it, the praises which
our Enemies themselves have not been able to refuse it.
"Soldiers! I shall follow your steps, though absent. I know all
the Corps; and not one of them will obtain a single advantage over
the Enemy, but I shall give it credit for the courage it may have
displayed. Both you and I have been calumniated. Men, very unfit to
appreciate your labours, have seen in the marks of attachment which
you have given me, a zeal of which I was the sole object. Let your
future successes convince them that it was the Country above all
things, which you served in obeying me; and that if I had any share
in your affection, I owe it to my ardent love for France--our common
mother.
"Soldiers! Some efforts more, and the Coalition will be dissolved.
NAPOLEON will recognise you by the blows which you are about to
strike. Save the honour, the independence, of France! Be, unto the
last, the same men which I have known you for these twenty years; and
you will be invincible.
"NAPOLEON."
"De la Malmaison, le 25 juin 1815."