Complete Project Gutenberg Collection of Memoirs of Napoleon eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,263 pages of information about Complete Project Gutenberg Collection of Memoirs of Napoleon.

Complete Project Gutenberg Collection of Memoirs of Napoleon eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,263 pages of information about Complete Project Gutenberg Collection of Memoirs of Napoleon.
triumphal course, entered Augsburg on the 10th, and Munich on the 12th.  When I received my despatches I could have fancied I was reading a fabulous narrative.  Two days after the French entered Munich—­that is to say, on the 14th—­an Austrian corps of 6000 men surrendered to Marshal Soult at Memingen, whilst Ney conquered, sword in hand, his future Duchy of Elchingen.  Finally, on the 17th of October, came the famous capitulation of General Mack at Ulm,’ and on the same day hostilities commenced in Italy between the French and Austrians, the former commanded by Massena and the latter by Prince Charles.

—­[Prince Maurice Liechtenstein was sent by General Mack as a flag of truce to the Imperial headquarters before Ulm.  He was, according to custom, led blindfold on horseback.  Rapp, who was present, together with several of Napoleon’s aides de camp, afterwards spoke to me of the Prince’s interview with the Emperor.  I think he told me that herthier was present likewise.  “Picture to yourself,” said Rapp, “the astonishment, or rather confusion, of the poor Prince when the bandage was removed from his eyes.  He knew nothing of what had been going on, and did not even suspect that the Emperor had yet joined the army.  When he understood that he was in the presence of Napoleon he could not suppress an exclamation of surprise, which did not escape the Emperor, and he ingenuously acknowledged that General Mack had no idea he was before the walls of Ulm.”  Prince Liechtenstein proposed to capitulate on condition that the garrison of Ulm should be allowed to return into Austria.  This proposal, in the situation in which the garrison stood, Rapp said, made the Emperor smile.  “How can you expect,” said Napoleon, “that I can accede to such a proposition?  What shall I gain by it?  Eight days.  In eight days you will be in my power without any condition.  Do you suppose I am not acquainted with everything? . .  You expect the Russians? . . .  At the nearest they are in Bohemia.  Were I to allow you to march out, what security can I have that you will not join them, and afterwards fight against me?  Your generals have deceived me often enough, and I will no longer be duped.  At Marengo I was weak enough to allow the troops of Melas to march out of Alessandria.  He promised to treat for peace.  What happened?  Two months after Moreau had to fight with the garrison of Alessandria.  Besides, this war is not an ordinary war.  After the conduct of your Government I am not bound to keep any terms with it.  I have no faith in its promises.  You have attacked me.  If I should agree to what you ask, Mack would pledge his word, I know.  But, even relying on his good faith, would be he able to keep his promise?  As far as regards himself—­yes; but as regards his army—­no.  If the Archduke Ferdinand were still with you I could rely upon his word, because he would be responsible for the conditions, and he would not disgrace himself; but I know he has quitted Ulm and passed the Danube. 
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