Napoleon's Letters To Josephine Part 22

NAPOLEON.

_December 4th.--Haugwitz, the Prussian Minister, congratulates Napoleon on his victory. "Voila!" replied the Emperor; "un compliment dont la fortune a change l'addresse."_

No. 15.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.

_Austerlitz, December 5, 1805._

I have concluded a truce. The Russians have gone. The battle of Austerlitz is the grandest of all I have fought. Forty-five flags, more than 150 pieces of cannon, the standards of the Russian Guard, 20 generals, 30,000 prisoners, more than 20,000 slain--a horrible sight.

The Emperor Alexander is in despair, and on his way to Russia.

Yesterday, at my bivouac, I saw the Emperor of Germany. We conversed for two hours; we have agreed to make peace quickly.

The weather is not now very bad. At last behold peace restored to the Continent; it is to be hoped that it is going to be to the world. The English will not know how to face us.

I look forward with much pleasure to the moment when I can once more be near you. My eyes have been rather bad the last two days; I have never suffered from them before.

Adieu, my dear. I am fairly well, and very anxious to embrace you.

NAPOLEON.

No. 16.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.

_Austerlitz, December 7, 1805._

I have concluded an armistice; within a week peace will be made. I am anxious to hear that you reached Munich in good health. The Russians are returning; they have lost enormously--more than 20,000 dead and 30,000 taken. Their army is reduced by three-quarters. Buxhowden, their general-in-chief, was killed. I have 3000 wounded and 700 to 800 dead.

My eyes are rather bad; it is a prevailing complaint, and scarcely worth mentioning.

Adieu, dear. I am very anxious to see you again.

I am going to sleep to-night at Vienna.

NAPOLEON.

No. 17.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.

_Brunn, December 10, 1805._

It is a long time since I had news of you. Have the grand fetes at Baden, Stuttgard, and Munich made you forget the poor soldiers, who live covered with mud, rain, and blood?

I shall start in a few days for Vienna.

We are endeavouring to conclude peace. The Russians have gone, and are in flight far from here; they are on their way back to Russia, well drubbed and very much humiliated.

I am very anxious to be with you again.

Adieu, dear.

My bad eyes are cured.

NAPOLEON.

_December 15th.--Treaty with Prussia._

No. 18.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.

_December 19, 1805._

_Great Empress_,--Not a single letter from you since your departure from Strasburg. You have gone to Baden, Stuttgard, Munich, without writing us a word. This is neither very kind nor very affectionate.

I am still at Brunn. The Russians are gone. I have a truce. In a few days I shall see what I may expect. Deign from the height of your grandeur to concern yourself a little with your slaves.

NAPOLEON.

No. 19.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT MUNICH.

_Schonbrunn, December 20, 1805._

I got your letter of the 16th. I am sorry to learn you are in pain.

You are not strong enough to travel two hundred and fifty miles at this time of the year. I know not what I shall do; I await events. I have no will in the matter; everything depends on their issue. Stay at Munich; amuse yourself. That is not difficult when you have so many kind friends and so beautiful a country. I, for my part, am sufficiently busy. In a few days my decision will be made.

Adieu, dear. Kindest and most affectionate regards.

NAPOLEON.

_December 27th.[21]--Peace of Presburg._