XXIX. 1800. CHAP. the vacant area, in order to conceal the oblique position in which they stood to each other; but this idea was soon abandoned, as Napoleon justly observed, that "no building, how majestic soever, could compensate for a vast open space between the Louvre and the Tuileries." The construction of a fourth side, for the great square opposite to the picture gallery, was therefore commenced, and the demolition of the edifices in the interior soon after began; a great undertaking, which the subsequent disasters of his reign prevented him from completing, and which all the efforts of succeeding sovereigns have not been able as yet to bring to a conclusion. The Pont des Arts, between the Louvre and the Palace of the Institute, was commenced about the same time, and the demolition of the convents of the Feuillans and Capucines made way for the Rue de Rivoli, which forms so noble a border to the gardens of the Tuileries. Malmaison at this time was the favourite country residence of the first consul; but he already meditated the establishment of his court at St Cloud, and the apartments of that palace began to be fitted up in that sumptuous style which has 1 Thib. 2,3. rendered them unequalled in all the palaces of Bour. iv. 46, 56. of the fête on France.' The first consul did not as yet venture openly to Suppression break with the Republican party, but he lost no 21st Janu- opportunity of showing in what estimation he held ary, and cle- their principles. On occasion of the establishment Tronchet. of the Court of Cassation, the supreme tribunal of vation of France, he said to Bourrienne," I do not venture as yet to take any decided step against the regicides; but I will show what I think of them. To-morrow I shall be engaged with Abrial in the formation of the Tribunal of Cassation. Target, who is its presi XXIX. dent, declined to defend Louis XVI.: Who do you CHAP. suppose I am about to name in his place? Tronchet, who so nobly discharged that perilous duty. 1800. They may say what they choose; my mind is made up." Tronchet accordingly received the appointment so richly deserved by his heroic conduct. The commemoration of the murder of Louis XVI. was at the same time suppressed, and concerts of sacred music were permitted on Sundays at the Opera. Thus, though the Republican calendar was still observed, an approach was made to the ancient mode of measuring time in the public amuse- 68, 70. ments.1 1 Bour. iv. dence be Louis Louis XVIII. at this time wrote several letters to Napoleon, in which he expressed the high esteem in Corresponwhich he held his character, and offered him any tween Nasituation which he chose to fix on under the govern- poleon and ment, if he would aid in reestablishing the throne of XVIII. the Bourbons. Napoleon replied in firm but courteous terms, declining to have any connexion with the exiled family. He clearly foresaw, with admirable * The letter of Louis XVIII. was in these terms :— "For long, general, you must have known the esteem in which I hold you. If you doubt my gratitude, fix upon the place you desire for Feb. 4, yourself; point out the situations which you wish for your friends. As to my principles they are those of the French character. Clemency on principle accords with the dictates of reason. "No-the victor of Lodi, Castiglione, and Arcola, the conqueror of Italy and Egypt can never prefer a vain celebrity to true glory. But you are losing the most precious moments. We could secure the happiness of France. I say we, for I require Bonaparte for such an attempt, and he could not achieve it without me. General, Europe observes you-glory awaits you, and I am impatient to restore peace to my people." Napoleon replied "I have received, sir, your letter. I thank you for the obliging ex- Sept. 24, pressions which it contains regarding myself. "You should renounce all hope of returning to France. You could not do so, but over the bodies of one hundred thousand Frenchmen. 1800. XXIX. 1800. CHAP. sagacity, all the difficulties which would attend the restoration of that unfortunate family, and felt no inclination to make way for such an event. "The partisans of the Bourbons," said he, "are much mistaken if they imagine that I am the man to play the part of Monk. I am not insensible to the hazard to which France may be one day exposed from my decease without issue, as my brothers are evidently unfit for such a throne; but consider the absurdity of the propositions which they have made to me. How could we secure so many new interests and vested rights against the efforts of a family returning with 80,000 emigrants and all the prejudices of fanaticism? What would become of the holders of national domains, and all those who had taken an active part in the Revolution? The Bourbons would conceive they had conquered by force; all their professions and promises would give way before the tion, i. 137, possession of power. My part is taken; no one but a fool would place any reliance upon them."1 1 Bour. iv. 72, 83. Capefigue, Hist. de la Restaura 141. Sacrifice your interest to the repose and happiness of France. History will duly appreciate your conduct in so doing. "I am not insensible to the misfortunes of your family, and shall learn with pleasure that you are surrounded with every thing which can secure the tranquillity of your retreat." This answer was not despatched for seven months after the receipt of the letter from Louis, and when the Congress of Luneville was about to open. See BOURRIENNE, iv. 77-79. Not disconcerted with this repulse, the Bourbon family endeavoured to open a negotiation with Napoleon, through the Duchess of Guiche, a lady of great beauty and abilities, who found no difficulty in penetrating to Josephine, and conveying to her the propositions of the exiled family, which were, that he should, on restoring them, be made Constable of France and receive the principality of Corsica. Napoleon no sooner heard of it than he ordered the fascinating duchess to leave Paris in twenty-four hours. It had been proposed that a splendid pillar should be erected on the Place Carrousel, surmounted by a statue of Napoleon crowning the Bourbons. " Nothing was wanting," said Napoleon, such a design except that the pillar should be founded on the dead body of the first consul."-LAS CASAS, i. 289-290, and CAPEFIGUE, i. 140. " to XXIX. 1800. provement France. Thus, on all sides, the prospects of France rapidly CHAP brightened under the auspices of Napoleon. To the insecurity, distrust, and terror which had paralysed all the efforts of patriotism under the Directory, suc- General imceeded confidence, energy, and hope; genius emer- in the prosged from obscurity to take an active part in public pects of affairs; corruption and profligacy ceased to poison every branch of administration. There is nothing more striking in European history than the sudden resurrection of France under the government of this great man, or more descriptive of the natural tendency of human affairs to right themselves after a period of disorder, and the general disposition of all classes, when taught wisdom by suffering, to resume that place in society for which they were destined by nature, and in which alone their exertions can add to the sum of general felicity. CHAP. XXX. 1800. CHAPTER XXX. CAMPAIGN OF MARENGO. FROM THE OPENING OF THE CAMPAIGN TO THE ARMISTICE MARCH-JULY, 1800. ARGUMENT. Disposition of the French armies at the opening of the Campaign-Formation of the French army of reserve-Forces of the Imperialists-Plan of the Austrians for the campaign-And of the First Consul-Position of Kray's forces in GermanyAnd of Moreau's troops-First movements of the French General-Irresolution of the Austrian Generals in consequence-Moreau advances against their centreBattle of Engen-Victory of the French-Its great results-Retreat of KrayBattle of Moeskirch-It at length terminates in the defeat of the Imperialists— Perilous situation of St Cyr on the following day-Affair of Biberach-Kray retreats to the intrenched camp at Ulm—Advantages of that position—Kray keeps the field with part of his force-Great strength of the intrenched camp-Measures of Moreau to dislodge him from it-Vigorous stroke of the Austrian General against the left wing of the French-Increasing perplexity of Moreau-He in vain moves round to Augsbourg-He next advances on the left bank of the DanubeImminent risk of the French left-At length Moreau cuts off his communications— The passage of the Danube is effected by the French-Severe action at Hochstedt -Kray is at length obliged to evacuate Ulm and reaches Nordlingen-Moreau occupies Munich-Kray crosses the Danube and descends the right bank to Landshut —And falls back behind the Inn-Operations against the Prince of Reuss in the Tyrol-Feldkirch is carried by the Republicans-Armistice of Parsdorf in Germany-Extreme suffering of the French on the summit of the Maritime AlpsMassena is appointed to the command-Napoleon's proclamation to these troopsEnergetic measures taken to restore order-Positions of the Austrians-Description of Genoa-Measures taken for its blockade by land and sea-Successful attack of the Imperialists on the French position-Suchet is separated from the main body and driven back towards France-Desperate and successful sortie of Massena-His disposition for reopening his communications with Suchet-Austrian measures to prevent it, which prove successful-Continued successes of the Imperialists— Massena is finally driven into Genoa-Defeat of Suchet by Elnitz-Who is driven over the Var into France-General attack by Ott on the French positions |