August 18, 2025 • 26 mins
Dive into the captivating world of Napoleon Bonaparte through the eyes of his private secretary. This remarkable memoir, forged from years of close friendship and professional collaboration, offers a unique glimpse into the life and mind of one of historys most enigmatic figures. - Summary by Gillian Hendrie and Wikipedia
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Chapter twenty four of Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte, Volume three
by Louis Antoine Follilet de Bouriennese. This LibriVox recording is
in the public domain, read by Jillian Henry, Chapter twenty four,
seventeen ninety nine. Combasseires and le bourion. Gaullier deceived my
(00:24):
nocturnal visit to Barras the command of the army given
to Bonaparte. The morning of the eighteenth Brumaire meeting of
the generals at Bonaparte's house. Bernadotte's firmness, Josephine's interest for
Madame Gollier, disappointment of the directors, review in the gardens
(00:45):
of the Tuiliy Bonaparte, Harangue, proclamation of the ancients, Moreaux,
jailer of the Luxembourg, my conversation with Lavalette Bonaparte at
Saint Cloux. The parts of the great drama, which was
shortly to be enacted, were well distributed. During the three
(01:06):
days preceding the eighteenth Brumaire, everyone was at his post. Lucienne,
with equal activity and intelligence, forwarded the conspiracy in the
two councils. CIS had the management of the Directory Real
under the instructions of Fouchet, negotiated with the departments and
(01:27):
extrously managed without compromising Fouchet to ruin those from whom
that minister had received his power. There was no time
to lose, and Fouchet said to me on the fourteenth
Brumaire quote, tell your general to be speedy. If he delays,
he is lost. End quote footnote. Pierre Francois Reelle seventeen
(01:52):
fifty seven to eighteen thirty four public accuser before the
Revolutionary criminal Tribunal, became under Anapoleon concier de de and Comte,
and was charged with the affairs of the Aude police.
End footnote footnote. Joseph Fauchet seventeen fifty four to eighteen
(02:12):
twenty conventionalist, member of the extreme Jacobin Party. Minister of
Police under the directory August seventeen ninety nine, retained by
Napoleon in that ministry till eighteen oh two and again
from eighteen oh four to eighteen ten. Became Duc de
Crante in eighteen oh nine, disgraced in eighteen ten and
(02:36):
sent in eighteen thirteen as governor of the Illyrian provinces.
Minister of Police during the Saint Jour, President of the
provisional government eighteen fifteen and for a short time Minister
of Police under second restoration. In footnote on the seventeenth
Reigno de Saint Jean DARGERI told Bonaparte that the overtures
(02:59):
made to combas Cires and Lebrun had not been received
in a very decided way. I will have no turgiversation,
replied Buonaparte with warmth. Let them not flatter themselves that
I stand in need of them. They must decide today.
Tomorrow will be too late. I feel myself strong enough
(03:21):
now to stand alone. Combas Cires and Leberun were almost
utter strangers to the intrigues which preceded the eighteenth Brumaire
footnote combas Cires JJ Reggidu seventeen sixty three to eighteen
twenty four, conventionalist Minister of Justice under Directory seventeen ninety nine.
(03:44):
Second Consul twenty fifth December seventeen ninety nine, arch Chancellor
of the Empire eighteen oh four. Duc de Parma eighteen
oh six, Minister of Justice. During the Saint rou took
great part in all the legal and administrative projects of
the Consulate and Empire and footnote footnote Charles Francois le
(04:07):
Brun seventeen fifty seven to eighteen twenty four, Deputy to
the National Assembly and member of the Council of the
five hundred third Consul twenty fifth December seventeen ninety nine,
arch Treasurer of the Empire eighteen o four, Duc de
presence eighteen o six, Governor General of Holland eighteen o six,
(04:30):
Lieutenant Governor of Holland eighteen ten to eighteen thirteen, chiefly
engaged in financial measures and footnote. Bonaparte had cast his
eyes on the Minister of Justice to be one of
his colleagues when he should be at liberty to name them,
because his previous conduct had pledged him as a partisan
(04:50):
of the revolution. To him, Buonaparte added lebern to counterbalance
the first choice, le Berons, was distinguished for honorable cont
duct and moderate principles. By selecting these two men, Buonaparte
hoped to please everyone. Besides, neither of them were able
to contend against his fixed determination and ambitious views. What
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petty intrigues marked the seventeenth Brumaire. On that day I
dined with Bonaparte, and after dinner, he said, quote. I
have promised to dine tomorrow with Goyer, but as you
may readily suppose, I do not intend going. However, I
am very sorry for his obstinacy. By way of restoring
(05:36):
his confidence, Josephine is going to invite him to breakfast
with us tomorrow. It will be impossible for him to
suspect anything. I saw Barral this morning and left him
much disturbed. He asked me to return and visit him tonight.
I promised to do so, but I shall not go tomorrow.
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All will be over. There is but little time he
expects me. At eleven o'clock tonight. You shall therefore take
my carriage. Go there, send in my name, and then
enter yourself. Tell him that a severe headache confines me
to my bed, but that I will be with him
without fail tomorrow. Bid him not be alarmed, for all
(06:19):
will soon be right again. Elude his questions as much
as possible. Do not stay long, and come to me
on your return. End quote. At precisely eleven o'clock I
reached the residence of Barras in General Bonaparte's carriage. Solitude
and silence prevailed in all the apartments through which I
(06:40):
passed to Barras's cabinet. Bonaparte was announced, and when Barras
saw me enter instead of him, he manifested the greatest
astonishment and appeared much cast down. It was easy to
perceive that he looked on himself as a lost man.
I execute my commission and staid only a short time.
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I rose to take my leave, and he said, while
showing me out quote, I see that Bonaparte is deceiving me.
He will not come again. He has settled everything yet
to me, he owes all end quote. I repeated that
he would certainly come tomorrow, but he shook his head
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in a way which plainly denoted that he did not
believe me. When I gave Bonaparte an account of my visit,
he appeared much pleased. He told me that Joseph was
going to call that evening on Bernadotte and to ask
him to come tomorrow. I replied that from all I knew,
he would be of no use to him. I believe so, too,
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said he, But he can no longer injure me, and
that is enough. Well, good night be here. At seven
in the morning. It was then one o'clock I was
with him a little before seven o'clock on the morning
of the eighteenth Bluemire, and on my arrival I found
a great number of generals and officers assembled. I entered
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Bonaparte's chamber and found him already up, a thing rather
unusual with him. At this moment. He was as calm
as on the approach of a battle. In a few moments,
Joseph and Bernadotte arrived. Joseph had not found him at
home on the preceding evening, as it called for him.
That morning, I was surprised to see Bernadotte in plain clothes,
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and I stepped up to him and said, in a
low voice, General, everyone here except you and I is
in uniform. Why should I be in uniform? Said he
as he uttered these words. Bonaparte, struck with the same
surprise as myself, stopped short while speaking to several persons
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around him, and turning quickly towards Bernadotte, said, how is this?
You are not in uniform? I never am on a
morning when I am not on duty, replied Bernadotte, you
will be on duty presently. I have not heard a
word of it. I should have received my orders sooner.
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Bonaparte then led Beronadotte into an adjoining room. Their conversation
was not long, for there was no time to spare.
On the other hand, by the influence of the principal conspirators,
the removal of the legislative body to Saint Cloux was
determined on the morning of the eighteenth Brumaire, and the
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command of the army was given to Bonaparte. All this time,
Barras was no doubt waiting for Buonaparte, and Madame Bonaparte
was expecting Goullier to breakfast that Bonaparte's were assembled all
the generals who were devoted to him. I never saw
so great a number before. In the Rue de la Vitoire.
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They were all except Bernadotte, in full uniform, and there
were besides half a dozen persons the initiated in the
secrets of the day. The little hotel of the Conqueror
of Italy was much too small for such an assemblage,
and several persons were standing in the courtyard. Bonaparte was
acquainted with the decree of the Council of the Ancients,
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and only waited for its being brought to him before
he should mount his horse. That decree was adopted in
the Council of the Ancients by what may be called
a false majority, for the members of the council were
summoned at different hours, and it was so contrived that
sixty or eighty of them, whom Lucien and his friends
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had not been able to gain over, should not receive
their notices in time. As soon as the message from
the Council of the Ancients arrived, Bonaparte requested all the
officers at his house to follow him at that announcement.
A few who were in ignorance of what was going
on did not follow. At least I saw two groups
(10:57):
separately leave the hotel. Bernadout said to me, I shall
stay with you. I perceived there was a good deal
of suspicion in his manner. Bonaparte, before going down the
stairs which led from the small round dining room into
the courtyard, returned quickly to woid Bernadotte follow him. He
would not, and Bonaparte then said to me, while hurrying off,
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goye is not come so much the worse for him,
and leaped on his horse. Scarcely was he off when
Bernadout left me. Josephine and I being now left alone,
she acquainted me with her anxiety. I assured her that
everything had been so well prepared that success was certain.
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She felt much interest about Goyer on account of her
friendship for his wife. She asked me whether I was
well acquainted with Goyer, you know, Madam, replied I that
we have been only twenty days in Paris, and that
during that time I have only gone out to sleep
in the Rue Maarten. I have seen Monsieur Goier several
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times when he came to visit the General, and have
talked to him about the situation of our affairs in Switzerland, Holland,
France and other political matters. But I never exchanged a
word with him as to what is now going on.
This is the whole extent of my acquaintance with him.
I am sorry for it, resumed Josephine, because I should
(12:29):
have asked you to write to him and beg him
to make no stir but imitate c s and Roget,
who will voluntarily retire, and not to join Barrains, who
is probably at this very moment forced to do so.
Bonaparte has told me that if Goyer voluntarily resigns, he
will do everything for him. I believe, Josephine, communicated directly
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with the President of the Directory through a friend of
Madame Goyer's. Go Yer and Molan, no longer depending on
c s and Roget Duco waited for their colleague Barras
in the hall of the Directory to adopt some measure
on the decree for removing the Council to Saint Claux,
but they were disappointed for Barras, whose eyes had been
(13:17):
opened by my visit on the preceding night, did not
join them. He had been invisible to his colleagues from
the moment that Bris and Monsieur de tail had informed
him of the reality of what he already suspected, and
insisted on his retirement. On the eighteenth Brumaire, a great
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number of military amounting to about ten thousand men, were
assembled in the gardens of the Tuileri and were reviewed
by Bonaparte, accompanied by Generals boonon Ville, Moreaux and MacDonald.
Bonaparte read to them the decree just issued by the
Commission of Inspectors of the Council of the Ancients, by
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which the legislative body was removed to Saint Cloux, and
by which he himself was entrusted with the execution of
that decree and appointed to the command of all the
military force in Paris, and afterwards delivered an address to
the troops. Whilst Bonaparte was haranguing the soldiers, the Council
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of the Ancients published an address to the French people,
in which it was declared that the seat of the
legislative body was changed in order to put down the
factions whose object was to control the national representation. Whilst
all this was passing abroad, I was at the general's
house in the Rue de la Victoire, which I never
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left during the whole day. But al Bonaparte and I
were not without anxiety. In Bonaparte's absence, I learned from
Josephine that Joseph's wife had received a visit from adjutant
to General Rapadev, who had been sent by Bonaparte and
Moreau to bring her husband to the Tuiri. Joseph was
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from home at the time, so the message was useless.
This circumstance, however, awakened hopes which we had scarcely dared
to entertain. Moreau was then in accordance with Bonaparte, for
Rapatel was sent in the name of both generals. This
alliance so long despaired off appeared to augur favorably. It
(15:21):
was one of Bonaparte's happy strokes. Moreau, who was a
slave to military discipline, regarded his successful rival only as
a chief nominated by the Council of the Ancients. He
received his orders and obeyed them. Bonaparte appointed him commander
of the Guard of the Luxembourg, where the directors were
under confinement. He accepted the command, and no circumstance could
(15:46):
have contributed more effectually to the accomplishment of Bonaparte's views
and to the triumph of his ambition. At length, Bonaparte,
whom we had impatiently expected, returned. Almost everything had gone
well with him, for he had had only to do
with soldiers. In the evening. He said to me, I
(16:06):
am sure that the Committee of Inspectors of the Hall
are at this very moment engaged in settling what is
to be done at San Clox tomorrow. It is better
to let them decide the matter, for by that means
their vanity is flattered. I will obey orders which I
have myself concerted. What Bonaparte was speaking of had been
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arranged nearly two or three days previously. The Committee of
inspectors was under the influence of the principal conspirators. In
the evening, at this anxious day, which was destined to
be succeeded by a stormy morrow, Buonaparte, pleased with having
gained over Morreaux, spoke to me of Bernadotte's visit in
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the morning I saw, said he that you were as
much astonished as I at Bernadotte's behavior and general out
of uniform. They might as well have come in slippers.
Do you know what passed when I took him aside?
I told him all I thought that the best way.
I assured him that his directory was hated and his
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constitution worn out, that it was necessary to turn them
all off and give another impulse to the government. Go
and put on your uniform, said I, I cannot wait
for you long. You will find me at the tuilerie
with the rest of our comrades. Do not depend on Morreaux,
vernon Ville, or the generals of your party. When you
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know them better, you will find that they promise much
but perform little. Do not trust them. Bernadouct then said
that he would not take part in what he called
a rebellion. A rebellion Pourienne. Only think of that a
set of imbeciles who from morning to night do nothing
but debate in their kennels. But all was in vain.
(17:56):
I could not move bernadout. He is a bar of iron.
I asked him to give me his word that he
would do nothing against me. What do you think? Was
his answer? Something unpleasant, No doubt unpleasant. That is too
mild a word, he said. I will remain quiet as
a citizen, but if the Directory order me to act,
(18:20):
I will march against all disturbers. But I can laugh
at all that. Now my measures are taken, and he
will have no command. However, I set him at ease
as to what would take place. I flattered him with
a picture of private life, the pleasures of the country,
and the charms of Madmison. And I left him with
(18:41):
his head full of pastoral dreams. In a word, I
am very well satisfied with my day's work. Good night, Bourienne.
We shall see what will turn up tomorrow. On the
nineteenth I went to San Claux with my friend La Valette.
As we passed the place Louis now Louis says, he
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asked me what was doing and what my opinion was
as to the coming events. Without entering into any detail,
I replied my friend, either we shall sleep tomorrow at
the Luxembourg, or there will be an end of us.
Who could tell which of the two things would happen.
Success legalized a bold enterprise which the slightest accident might
(19:27):
have changed into a crime. The City of the Ancients,
under the presidency of the Mersie commenced at one o'clock.
A warm discussion took place upon the situation of affairs,
the resignation of the members of the Directory, and the
immediate election of others. Great heat and agitation prevailed during
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the debate. Intelligence was every minute carried to Bonaparte of
what was going forward, and he determined to enter the
hall and take part in the discussion. He entered in
a hasty and angry way, which did not give me
a favorable foreboding of what he was about to say.
We passed through a narrow passage to the center of
(20:08):
the hall. Our backs were turned to the door. Bonaparte
had the President to his right. He could not see
him full in the face. I was close to the
general on his right. Bertier was at his left. All
the speeches which have been subsequently passed off as having
been delivered by Bonaparte on this occasion. Differ from each
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other as well, they may, for he delivered none to
the ancients, unless his confused conversation with the President, which
was alike devoid of dignity and sense, is to be
called a speech. He talks of his brothers in arms
and the frankness of a soldier. The questions of the
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President followed each other rapidly. They were clear, But it
is impossible to conceive anything more confused, used, or worse
delivered than the ambiguous and perplexed replies of Bonaparte. He
talked without end of volcanoes, secret agitations, victories of violated constitution.
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He blamed the proceedings of the eighteenth Fructidor, of which
he was the first promoter and the most powerful supporter.
He pretended to be ignorant of everything until the Council
of Ancients had called him to the aid of his country.
Then came Caesar Cromwell, tyrant, and he several times repeated,
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I have nothing more to say to you, though in
fact he had said nothing. He alleged that he had
been called to assume the Supreme authority on his return
from Italy, by the desire of the nation, and afterwards
by his comrades in arms. Next followed the words liberty, equality,
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though it was evident he had not come to Saint
Clux for the sake of either. No sooner did he
utter these words than a member of the ancients named
I think Langley, interrupting him, exclaimed, you forget the Constitution.
His countenance immediately lighted up. Yet nothing could be distinguished
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but the eighteenth fuctidor the thirtieth real hypocrites intriguers. I
will disclose all. I will resign my power when the
danger which threatens the Republic shall have passed away. Bonaparte,
believing all his assertions to be admitted as proved, assumed
a little confidence and accused the two directors, Barras and Moulain,
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of having proposed to put him at the head of
a party whose object was to oppose all men professing
liberal ideas. At these words, the falsehood of which was odious,
a great jumult arose in the Hall a General Commits.
He was loudly called for to hear the disclosures. No, no,
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exclaimed others, no General Committee conspirators have been denounced. It
is right that France should know all. Buonaparte was then
required to enter into the particulars of his accusation against
Barrats and Mulain, and of the proposals which had been
made to him. You must no longer conceal anything. Embarrassed
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by these interruptions and interrogatories, Buonaparte believed that he was
completely lost. Instead of giving an explanation of what he
had said, he began to make fresh accusations and against
whom the Council of the five hundred, who he said,
wished for scaffolds, revolutionary committees, and a complete overthrow of everything.
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Violent murmurs arose, and his language became more and more incoherent,
and inconsequent he addressed himself one moment to the representatives
of the people, who were quite overcome by astonishment, at
another to the military in the courtyard, who could not
hear him. Then, by an unaccountable transition, he spoke of
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the thunderbolts of war, and added that he was attended
by the god of war and the God of fortune.
The President, with great calmness, told him that he saw nothing,
absolutely nothing upon which the council could deliberate that there
was vagueness in all he had said. Explain yourself, reveal
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the plot which you say you were urged to join.
Bonaparte repeated again the same things, But only those who
were present can form any idea of his manner. There
was not the slightest connection in what he sammered out.
Bonaparte was then no orator. It may well be supposed
that he was more accustomed to the din of war
(24:59):
than to the discussions of the tribunes. He was more
at home before a battery than before a president's chair.
Perceiving the bad effect which this unconnected babbling produced on
the assembly, as well as the embarrassment of Bonaparte, I said,
in a low voice, pulling him gently by the skirt
of his coat, withdraw General, you know not what you
(25:23):
are saying. I made signs to Bertier, who was on
his left, to second me in persuading him to leave
the hall and all at once. After having stammered out
a few more words, he turned round, exclaiming, let those
who love me follow me. The sentinels at the door
offered no opposition to his passing. The person who went
(25:46):
before him quietly drew aside the tapestry which concealed the door,
and General Buonaparte leaped upon his horse, which stood in
the courtyard. It is hard to say what would have
happened if, on seeing the general attire, the President had
said Grenadiers let no one pass. Instead of sleeping next
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day at the Luxembourg, he would, I am convinced, have
ended his career on the Place de des revolution. End
of Chapter twenty four
Chapter twenty four of Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte, Volume three
by Louis Antoine Follilet de Bouriennese. This LibriVox recording is
in the public domain, read by Jillian Henry, Chapter twenty four,
seventeen ninety nine. Combasseires and le bourion. Gaullier deceived my
(00:24):
nocturnal visit to Barras the command of the army given
to Bonaparte. The morning of the eighteenth Brumaire meeting of
the generals at Bonaparte's house. Bernadotte's firmness, Josephine's interest for
Madame Gollier, disappointment of the directors, review in the gardens
(00:45):
of the Tuiliy Bonaparte, Harangue, proclamation of the ancients, Moreaux,
jailer of the Luxembourg, my conversation with Lavalette Bonaparte at
Saint Cloux. The parts of the great drama, which was
shortly to be enacted, were well distributed. During the three
(01:06):
days preceding the eighteenth Brumaire, everyone was at his post. Lucienne,
with equal activity and intelligence, forwarded the conspiracy in the
two councils. CIS had the management of the Directory Real
under the instructions of Fouchet, negotiated with the departments and
(01:27):
extrously managed without compromising Fouchet to ruin those from whom
that minister had received his power. There was no time
to lose, and Fouchet said to me on the fourteenth
Brumaire quote, tell your general to be speedy. If he delays,
he is lost. End quote footnote. Pierre Francois Reelle seventeen
(01:52):
fifty seven to eighteen thirty four public accuser before the
Revolutionary criminal Tribunal, became under Anapoleon concier de de and Comte,
and was charged with the affairs of the Aude police.
End footnote footnote. Joseph Fauchet seventeen fifty four to eighteen
(02:12):
twenty conventionalist, member of the extreme Jacobin Party. Minister of
Police under the directory August seventeen ninety nine, retained by
Napoleon in that ministry till eighteen oh two and again
from eighteen oh four to eighteen ten. Became Duc de
Crante in eighteen oh nine, disgraced in eighteen ten and
(02:36):
sent in eighteen thirteen as governor of the Illyrian provinces.
Minister of Police during the Saint Jour, President of the
provisional government eighteen fifteen and for a short time Minister
of Police under second restoration. In footnote on the seventeenth
Reigno de Saint Jean DARGERI told Bonaparte that the overtures
(02:59):
made to combas Cires and Lebrun had not been received
in a very decided way. I will have no turgiversation,
replied Buonaparte with warmth. Let them not flatter themselves that
I stand in need of them. They must decide today.
Tomorrow will be too late. I feel myself strong enough
(03:21):
now to stand alone. Combas Cires and Leberun were almost
utter strangers to the intrigues which preceded the eighteenth Brumaire
footnote combas Cires JJ Reggidu seventeen sixty three to eighteen
twenty four, conventionalist Minister of Justice under Directory seventeen ninety nine.
(03:44):
Second Consul twenty fifth December seventeen ninety nine, arch Chancellor
of the Empire eighteen oh four. Duc de Parma eighteen
oh six, Minister of Justice. During the Saint rou took
great part in all the legal and administrative projects of
the Consulate and Empire and footnote footnote Charles Francois le
(04:07):
Brun seventeen fifty seven to eighteen twenty four, Deputy to
the National Assembly and member of the Council of the
five hundred third Consul twenty fifth December seventeen ninety nine,
arch Treasurer of the Empire eighteen o four, Duc de
presence eighteen o six, Governor General of Holland eighteen o six,
(04:30):
Lieutenant Governor of Holland eighteen ten to eighteen thirteen, chiefly
engaged in financial measures and footnote. Bonaparte had cast his
eyes on the Minister of Justice to be one of
his colleagues when he should be at liberty to name them,
because his previous conduct had pledged him as a partisan
(04:50):
of the revolution. To him, Buonaparte added lebern to counterbalance
the first choice, le Berons, was distinguished for honorable cont
duct and moderate principles. By selecting these two men, Buonaparte
hoped to please everyone. Besides, neither of them were able
to contend against his fixed determination and ambitious views. What
(05:15):
petty intrigues marked the seventeenth Brumaire. On that day I
dined with Bonaparte, and after dinner, he said, quote. I
have promised to dine tomorrow with Goyer, but as you
may readily suppose, I do not intend going. However, I
am very sorry for his obstinacy. By way of restoring
(05:36):
his confidence, Josephine is going to invite him to breakfast
with us tomorrow. It will be impossible for him to
suspect anything. I saw Barral this morning and left him
much disturbed. He asked me to return and visit him tonight.
I promised to do so, but I shall not go tomorrow.
(05:56):
All will be over. There is but little time he
expects me. At eleven o'clock tonight. You shall therefore take
my carriage. Go there, send in my name, and then
enter yourself. Tell him that a severe headache confines me
to my bed, but that I will be with him
without fail tomorrow. Bid him not be alarmed, for all
(06:19):
will soon be right again. Elude his questions as much
as possible. Do not stay long, and come to me
on your return. End quote. At precisely eleven o'clock I
reached the residence of Barras in General Bonaparte's carriage. Solitude
and silence prevailed in all the apartments through which I
(06:40):
passed to Barras's cabinet. Bonaparte was announced, and when Barras
saw me enter instead of him, he manifested the greatest
astonishment and appeared much cast down. It was easy to
perceive that he looked on himself as a lost man.
I execute my commission and staid only a short time.
(07:03):
I rose to take my leave, and he said, while
showing me out quote, I see that Bonaparte is deceiving me.
He will not come again. He has settled everything yet
to me, he owes all end quote. I repeated that
he would certainly come tomorrow, but he shook his head
(07:23):
in a way which plainly denoted that he did not
believe me. When I gave Bonaparte an account of my visit,
he appeared much pleased. He told me that Joseph was
going to call that evening on Bernadotte and to ask
him to come tomorrow. I replied that from all I knew,
he would be of no use to him. I believe so, too,
(07:45):
said he, But he can no longer injure me, and
that is enough. Well, good night be here. At seven
in the morning. It was then one o'clock I was
with him a little before seven o'clock on the morning
of the eighteenth Bluemire, and on my arrival I found
a great number of generals and officers assembled. I entered
(08:08):
Bonaparte's chamber and found him already up, a thing rather
unusual with him. At this moment. He was as calm
as on the approach of a battle. In a few moments,
Joseph and Bernadotte arrived. Joseph had not found him at
home on the preceding evening, as it called for him.
That morning, I was surprised to see Bernadotte in plain clothes,
(08:32):
and I stepped up to him and said, in a
low voice, General, everyone here except you and I is
in uniform. Why should I be in uniform? Said he
as he uttered these words. Bonaparte, struck with the same
surprise as myself, stopped short while speaking to several persons
(08:52):
around him, and turning quickly towards Bernadotte, said, how is this?
You are not in uniform? I never am on a
morning when I am not on duty, replied Bernadotte, you
will be on duty presently. I have not heard a
word of it. I should have received my orders sooner.
(09:12):
Bonaparte then led Beronadotte into an adjoining room. Their conversation
was not long, for there was no time to spare.
On the other hand, by the influence of the principal conspirators,
the removal of the legislative body to Saint Cloux was
determined on the morning of the eighteenth Brumaire, and the
(09:33):
command of the army was given to Bonaparte. All this time,
Barras was no doubt waiting for Buonaparte, and Madame Bonaparte
was expecting Goullier to breakfast that Bonaparte's were assembled all
the generals who were devoted to him. I never saw
so great a number before. In the Rue de la Vitoire.
(09:53):
They were all except Bernadotte, in full uniform, and there
were besides half a dozen persons the initiated in the
secrets of the day. The little hotel of the Conqueror
of Italy was much too small for such an assemblage,
and several persons were standing in the courtyard. Bonaparte was
acquainted with the decree of the Council of the Ancients,
(10:16):
and only waited for its being brought to him before
he should mount his horse. That decree was adopted in
the Council of the Ancients by what may be called
a false majority, for the members of the council were
summoned at different hours, and it was so contrived that
sixty or eighty of them, whom Lucien and his friends
(10:36):
had not been able to gain over, should not receive
their notices in time. As soon as the message from
the Council of the Ancients arrived, Bonaparte requested all the
officers at his house to follow him at that announcement.
A few who were in ignorance of what was going
on did not follow. At least I saw two groups
(10:57):
separately leave the hotel. Bernadout said to me, I shall
stay with you. I perceived there was a good deal
of suspicion in his manner. Bonaparte, before going down the
stairs which led from the small round dining room into
the courtyard, returned quickly to woid Bernadotte follow him. He
would not, and Bonaparte then said to me, while hurrying off,
(11:22):
goye is not come so much the worse for him,
and leaped on his horse. Scarcely was he off when
Bernadout left me. Josephine and I being now left alone,
she acquainted me with her anxiety. I assured her that
everything had been so well prepared that success was certain.
(11:44):
She felt much interest about Goyer on account of her
friendship for his wife. She asked me whether I was
well acquainted with Goyer, you know, Madam, replied I that
we have been only twenty days in Paris, and that
during that time I have only gone out to sleep
in the Rue Maarten. I have seen Monsieur Goier several
(12:07):
times when he came to visit the General, and have
talked to him about the situation of our affairs in Switzerland, Holland,
France and other political matters. But I never exchanged a
word with him as to what is now going on.
This is the whole extent of my acquaintance with him.
I am sorry for it, resumed Josephine, because I should
(12:29):
have asked you to write to him and beg him
to make no stir but imitate c s and Roget,
who will voluntarily retire, and not to join Barrains, who
is probably at this very moment forced to do so.
Bonaparte has told me that if Goyer voluntarily resigns, he
will do everything for him. I believe, Josephine, communicated directly
(12:53):
with the President of the Directory through a friend of
Madame Goyer's. Go Yer and Molan, no longer depending on
c s and Roget Duco waited for their colleague Barras
in the hall of the Directory to adopt some measure
on the decree for removing the Council to Saint Claux,
but they were disappointed for Barras, whose eyes had been
(13:17):
opened by my visit on the preceding night, did not
join them. He had been invisible to his colleagues from
the moment that Bris and Monsieur de tail had informed
him of the reality of what he already suspected, and
insisted on his retirement. On the eighteenth Brumaire, a great
(13:37):
number of military amounting to about ten thousand men, were
assembled in the gardens of the Tuileri and were reviewed
by Bonaparte, accompanied by Generals boonon Ville, Moreaux and MacDonald.
Bonaparte read to them the decree just issued by the
Commission of Inspectors of the Council of the Ancients, by
(13:57):
which the legislative body was removed to Saint Cloux, and
by which he himself was entrusted with the execution of
that decree and appointed to the command of all the
military force in Paris, and afterwards delivered an address to
the troops. Whilst Bonaparte was haranguing the soldiers, the Council
(14:17):
of the Ancients published an address to the French people,
in which it was declared that the seat of the
legislative body was changed in order to put down the
factions whose object was to control the national representation. Whilst
all this was passing abroad, I was at the general's
house in the Rue de la Victoire, which I never
(14:37):
left during the whole day. But al Bonaparte and I
were not without anxiety. In Bonaparte's absence, I learned from
Josephine that Joseph's wife had received a visit from adjutant
to General Rapadev, who had been sent by Bonaparte and
Moreau to bring her husband to the Tuiri. Joseph was
(14:58):
from home at the time, so the message was useless.
This circumstance, however, awakened hopes which we had scarcely dared
to entertain. Moreau was then in accordance with Bonaparte, for
Rapatel was sent in the name of both generals. This
alliance so long despaired off appeared to augur favorably. It
(15:21):
was one of Bonaparte's happy strokes. Moreau, who was a
slave to military discipline, regarded his successful rival only as
a chief nominated by the Council of the Ancients. He
received his orders and obeyed them. Bonaparte appointed him commander
of the Guard of the Luxembourg, where the directors were
under confinement. He accepted the command, and no circumstance could
(15:46):
have contributed more effectually to the accomplishment of Bonaparte's views
and to the triumph of his ambition. At length, Bonaparte,
whom we had impatiently expected, returned. Almost everything had gone
well with him, for he had had only to do
with soldiers. In the evening. He said to me, I
(16:06):
am sure that the Committee of Inspectors of the Hall
are at this very moment engaged in settling what is
to be done at San Clox tomorrow. It is better
to let them decide the matter, for by that means
their vanity is flattered. I will obey orders which I
have myself concerted. What Bonaparte was speaking of had been
(16:27):
arranged nearly two or three days previously. The Committee of
inspectors was under the influence of the principal conspirators. In
the evening, at this anxious day, which was destined to
be succeeded by a stormy morrow, Buonaparte, pleased with having
gained over Morreaux, spoke to me of Bernadotte's visit in
(16:47):
the morning I saw, said he that you were as
much astonished as I at Bernadotte's behavior and general out
of uniform. They might as well have come in slippers.
Do you know what passed when I took him aside?
I told him all I thought that the best way.
I assured him that his directory was hated and his
(17:10):
constitution worn out, that it was necessary to turn them
all off and give another impulse to the government. Go
and put on your uniform, said I, I cannot wait
for you long. You will find me at the tuilerie
with the rest of our comrades. Do not depend on Morreaux,
vernon Ville, or the generals of your party. When you
(17:33):
know them better, you will find that they promise much
but perform little. Do not trust them. Bernadouct then said
that he would not take part in what he called
a rebellion. A rebellion Pourienne. Only think of that a
set of imbeciles who from morning to night do nothing
but debate in their kennels. But all was in vain.
(17:56):
I could not move bernadout. He is a bar of iron.
I asked him to give me his word that he
would do nothing against me. What do you think? Was
his answer? Something unpleasant, No doubt unpleasant. That is too
mild a word, he said. I will remain quiet as
a citizen, but if the Directory order me to act,
(18:20):
I will march against all disturbers. But I can laugh
at all that. Now my measures are taken, and he
will have no command. However, I set him at ease
as to what would take place. I flattered him with
a picture of private life, the pleasures of the country,
and the charms of Madmison. And I left him with
(18:41):
his head full of pastoral dreams. In a word, I
am very well satisfied with my day's work. Good night, Bourienne.
We shall see what will turn up tomorrow. On the
nineteenth I went to San Claux with my friend La Valette.
As we passed the place Louis now Louis says, he
(19:02):
asked me what was doing and what my opinion was
as to the coming events. Without entering into any detail,
I replied my friend, either we shall sleep tomorrow at
the Luxembourg, or there will be an end of us.
Who could tell which of the two things would happen.
Success legalized a bold enterprise which the slightest accident might
(19:27):
have changed into a crime. The City of the Ancients,
under the presidency of the Mersie commenced at one o'clock.
A warm discussion took place upon the situation of affairs,
the resignation of the members of the Directory, and the
immediate election of others. Great heat and agitation prevailed during
(19:48):
the debate. Intelligence was every minute carried to Bonaparte of
what was going forward, and he determined to enter the
hall and take part in the discussion. He entered in
a hasty and angry way, which did not give me
a favorable foreboding of what he was about to say.
We passed through a narrow passage to the center of
(20:08):
the hall. Our backs were turned to the door. Bonaparte
had the President to his right. He could not see
him full in the face. I was close to the
general on his right. Bertier was at his left. All
the speeches which have been subsequently passed off as having
been delivered by Bonaparte on this occasion. Differ from each
(20:31):
other as well, they may, for he delivered none to
the ancients, unless his confused conversation with the President, which
was alike devoid of dignity and sense, is to be
called a speech. He talks of his brothers in arms
and the frankness of a soldier. The questions of the
(20:52):
President followed each other rapidly. They were clear, But it
is impossible to conceive anything more confused, used, or worse
delivered than the ambiguous and perplexed replies of Bonaparte. He
talked without end of volcanoes, secret agitations, victories of violated constitution.
(21:14):
He blamed the proceedings of the eighteenth Fructidor, of which
he was the first promoter and the most powerful supporter.
He pretended to be ignorant of everything until the Council
of Ancients had called him to the aid of his country.
Then came Caesar Cromwell, tyrant, and he several times repeated,
(21:37):
I have nothing more to say to you, though in
fact he had said nothing. He alleged that he had
been called to assume the Supreme authority on his return
from Italy, by the desire of the nation, and afterwards
by his comrades in arms. Next followed the words liberty, equality,
(21:58):
though it was evident he had not come to Saint
Clux for the sake of either. No sooner did he
utter these words than a member of the ancients named
I think Langley, interrupting him, exclaimed, you forget the Constitution.
His countenance immediately lighted up. Yet nothing could be distinguished
(22:20):
but the eighteenth fuctidor the thirtieth real hypocrites intriguers. I
will disclose all. I will resign my power when the
danger which threatens the Republic shall have passed away. Bonaparte,
believing all his assertions to be admitted as proved, assumed
a little confidence and accused the two directors, Barras and Moulain,
(22:44):
of having proposed to put him at the head of
a party whose object was to oppose all men professing
liberal ideas. At these words, the falsehood of which was odious,
a great jumult arose in the Hall a General Commits.
He was loudly called for to hear the disclosures. No, no,
(23:05):
exclaimed others, no General Committee conspirators have been denounced. It
is right that France should know all. Buonaparte was then
required to enter into the particulars of his accusation against
Barrats and Mulain, and of the proposals which had been
made to him. You must no longer conceal anything. Embarrassed
(23:27):
by these interruptions and interrogatories, Buonaparte believed that he was
completely lost. Instead of giving an explanation of what he
had said, he began to make fresh accusations and against
whom the Council of the five hundred, who he said,
wished for scaffolds, revolutionary committees, and a complete overthrow of everything.
(23:51):
Violent murmurs arose, and his language became more and more incoherent,
and inconsequent he addressed himself one moment to the representatives
of the people, who were quite overcome by astonishment, at
another to the military in the courtyard, who could not
hear him. Then, by an unaccountable transition, he spoke of
(24:14):
the thunderbolts of war, and added that he was attended
by the god of war and the God of fortune.
The President, with great calmness, told him that he saw nothing,
absolutely nothing upon which the council could deliberate that there
was vagueness in all he had said. Explain yourself, reveal
(24:37):
the plot which you say you were urged to join.
Bonaparte repeated again the same things, But only those who
were present can form any idea of his manner. There
was not the slightest connection in what he sammered out.
Bonaparte was then no orator. It may well be supposed
that he was more accustomed to the din of war
(24:59):
than to the discussions of the tribunes. He was more
at home before a battery than before a president's chair.
Perceiving the bad effect which this unconnected babbling produced on
the assembly, as well as the embarrassment of Bonaparte, I said,
in a low voice, pulling him gently by the skirt
of his coat, withdraw General, you know not what you
(25:23):
are saying. I made signs to Bertier, who was on
his left, to second me in persuading him to leave
the hall and all at once. After having stammered out
a few more words, he turned round, exclaiming, let those
who love me follow me. The sentinels at the door
offered no opposition to his passing. The person who went
(25:46):
before him quietly drew aside the tapestry which concealed the door,
and General Buonaparte leaped upon his horse, which stood in
the courtyard. It is hard to say what would have
happened if, on seeing the general attire, the President had
said Grenadiers let no one pass. Instead of sleeping next
(26:06):
day at the Luxembourg, he would, I am convinced, have
ended his career on the Place de des revolution. End
of Chapter twenty four
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