August 18, 2025 • 27 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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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter twenty five of Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte, Volume three
by Louis Antoine Foilet de Bouriennes. This LibriVox recording is
in the public domain, read by Jillian Henry, Chapter twenty five,
seventeen ninety nine. The two councils Barra's letter Bonaparte at
(00:21):
the Council of the five hundred false reports tumultuous sitting.
Lucien's speech, he resigns the presidency of the Council of
the five hundred. He is carried out by grenadiers. He
harangues the troops. A dramatic scene, Mura and his soldiers
drive out the five hundred Council of thirty Consular Commission
(00:46):
decree return to Paris, conversation with Bonaparte and Josephine, respecting
Goier and Bernadotte, the directors, Gouier and Mula imprisoned. The
scene which occurred at the sitting of the Council of
the Ancients was very different from that which passed outside.
Bonaparte had scarcely reached the courtyard and mounted his horse
(01:09):
when cries of vive Bonabart resounded on all sides, But
this was only a sunbeam between two storms. He had
yet to brave the Council of the five Hundred, which
was far more excited than the Council of the Ancients.
Everything tended to create a dreadful uncertainty. But it was
(01:30):
too late to draw back. We had already staked too heavily.
The game was desperate, and everything was to be ventured.
In a few hours, all would be determined. Our apprehensions
were not without foundation. In the Council of the five Hundred,
agitation was at its height. The most serious alarm marked
(01:51):
its deliberations. It had been determined to announce to the
Directory the installation of the Councils, and to inquire of
the Council of the Ancients their reasons for resolving upon
an extraordinary convocation. But the Directory no longer existed. C
S and Roge Ducat had joined Bonaparte's party. Gaullier and
(02:14):
Mulin were prisoners in the Luxembourg and in the custody
of General Moreau. And at the very moment when the
Council of the five Hundred had drawn up a message
to the Directory, the Council of the Ancients transmitted to
them the following letter received from Barras. This letter, which
was addressed to the Council of the Ancients, was immediately
(02:36):
read by Lucien Bonaparte, who was President of the Council
of the five hundred quote citizen President. Having entered into
public affairs solely from my love of liberty, I consented
to share the first magistracy of the state, only that
I might be able to defend it in danger, to
protect against their enemies, the patriots compromised in its cause,
(03:00):
and to insure to the defenders of their country that
attention to their interests, which no one was more calculated
to feel than a citizen, long the witness of their
heroic virtues, and always sensible to their wants. The glory
which accompanies the return of the illustrious warrior, to whom
I had the honor of opening the path of glory.
(03:20):
The striking marks of confidence given him by the legislative body,
and the decree of the National Convention, convince me that
to whatever post he may henceforth be called, the dangers
to liberty will be averted, and the interests of the
army insured. I cheerfully returned to the rank of a
(03:40):
private citizen, happy after so many storms to resign unimpaired,
and even more glorious than ever the destiny of the Republic,
which has been in part committed to my care, Signed Bahrah.
This letter occasioned a great sensation in the Council of
the five hundred. A second reading was called for, and
(04:03):
a question was started whether the retirement was legal or
was the result of collusion and of the influence of
Bonaparte's agents. Whether to believe Barras, who declared the dangers
of liberty averted, or the decree for the removal of
the legislative Corps, which was passed and executed under the
(04:23):
pretext of the existence of imminent peril. At that moment,
Bonaparte appeared, followed by a party of Grenadier's who remained
at the entrance of the hall. I did not accompany
him to the Council of the five hundred. He had
directed me to send off an express to ease the
apprehension of Josephine and to assure her that everything would
(04:45):
go well. It was some time before I joined him again, however,
without speaking as positively as if I had myself been
an eyewitness of the scene. I do not hesitate to
declare that all that has been said about assault and
poniards is pure invention. I rely on what was told
me on the very night by persons well worthy of credit,
(05:09):
and who were witnesses of all that passed. As to
what passed at the sitting, the accounts given both at
the time and since have varied according to opinions. Some
have alleged that unanimous cries of indignation were excited by
the appearance of the military. From all parts of the
hall resounded quote the sanctuary of the laws is violated.
(05:33):
Down with the tyrant, down with Cromwell, down with the dictator.
End quote. Bonaparte stammered out a few words, as he
had done before the Council of the Ancients, but his
voice was immediately drowned by cries of vive la la publique,
vive la constitucion, outlaw the dictator. The grenadiers are then
(05:55):
said to have rushed forward, exclaiming, let us save our general,
which indignation reached its height, and cries even more violent
than ever were raised. That Bonaparte, falling insensible into the
arms of the grenadiers, said they mean to assassinate me
all that regards the exclamations and threats I believe to
(06:17):
be correct, But I rank with the story of the poniards,
the assertion of the members of the five hundred being
provided with firearms, and the grenadiers rushing into the hall,
because Bonaparte never mentioned a word of anything of the
sort to me, either on the way home or when
I was with him in his chamber. Neither did he
(06:37):
say anything on the subject to his wife, who had
been extremely agitated by the different reports which reached her.
After Bonaparte left the Council of the five Hundred, the
deliberations were continued with great violence. The excitement caused by
the appearance of Bonaparte was nothing like subsidied when propositions
(06:58):
of the most furious nature were made. The President Lucienne
did all in his power to restore tranquility. As soon
as he could make himself heard. He said, quote Luccene,
which has just taken place in the council, proves what
are the sentiments of all sentiments which I declare are
also mine. It was, however, natural to believe that the
(07:20):
General had no other object than to render an account
of the situation of affairs and of something interesting to
the public. But I think none of you can suppose
him capable of projects hostile to liberty. End quote. Each
sentence of Lucian's address was interrupted by cries of but
(07:40):
a part has tarnaghed his glory. He is a disgrace
to the republic. Lucienne footnote the next younger brother of Napoleon,
President of the Council of the Five Hundred in seventeen
ninety nine, Minister of the Interior first of December seventeen
ninety nine to eighteen forty one, Ambassador in Stance Spain
eighteen o one to December eighteen o one, left France
(08:04):
in disgrace in eighteen o four, retired to Papal States.
Prisoner in Malta and England eighteen ten to eighteen fourteen,
created by Pope in eighteen fourteen France. De Canino and
Duc de Mossignano married, firstly seventeen ninety four. Christine Boyer
who died eighteen hundred, married secondly eighteen o two or
(08:27):
eighteen o three, and Madame Jean Berton. Of his part
in the Eighteenth Brumaire, Napoleon said to him in eighteen
o seven, I well know that you were useful to
me on the eighteenth Brumaire, but it is not so
clear to me that you saved me then Jung's Lucienne
Tom three, page eighty nine, end footnote. Lucien made fresh
(08:50):
efforts to be heard and wished to be allowed to
address the Assembly as a member of the council, and
for that purpose resigned the presidentship to Chassal. He begged
that the General might be introduced again and heard with calmness,
but this proposition was furiously opposed. Exclamations of outlaw Bonaparte
(09:10):
outlaw him rang through the Assembly and were the only
reply given to the President. Lucien, who had reassumed the
president's chair, left it a second time that he might
not be constrained to put the question of outlawry demanded
against his brother. Braving the displeasure of the Assembly, he
(09:31):
mounted the tribune, resigned the presidentship, renounced his seat as
a deputy, and threw aside his robes. Just as Lucien
left the Council, I entered Buonaparte, who was well informed
of all that was passing. Footnote. Lucian distinctly states that
he himself acting within his right as president had demanded
(09:52):
an escort of the grenadiers of the councils as soon
as he saw his withdrawal might be opposed. Then the
first of the soldiers with Napoleon would be illegal, the
second to withdraw Lucien was nominally legal. See Yung's Lucien
tom I, pages three hundred and eighteen to three hundred
and twenty two, end footnote. Buaparte, who was well informed
(10:17):
of all that was passing, had sent in soldiers to
the assistance of his brother. They carried him off from
the midst of the council, and Buaparte thought it a
matter of no little importance to have with him the
president of an assembly which he treated as rebellious. Lucien
was reinstalled in office, but he was now to discharge
(10:37):
his duties not in the president's chair, but on horseback
and at the head of a party of troops ready
to undertake anything. Roused by the danger to which both
his brother and himself were exposed, he delivered on horseback
the following words, which can never be too often remembered
as showing what a man then dared to say, who
(10:59):
never was anything except from the reflection of his brother's
glory quote citizens, Soldiers. The President of the Council of
the five hundred declares to you that the majority of
that Council is at this moment held in terror by
a few representatives of the people, who are armed with stilettos,
(11:19):
and who surround the tribune, threatening their colleagues with death,
and maintaining most atrocious discussions. I declare to you that
these brigands, who are doubtless in the pay of England,
have risen in rebellion against the Council of the Ancients,
and have dared to talk of outlawing the General who
is charged with the execution of its decree, as if
(11:42):
the word outlaw was still to be regarded as the
death warrant of persons most beloved by their country. I
declare to you that these madmen have outlawed themselves by
their attempts upon the liberty of the Council in the
name of that people, which for so many years have
been the sport of terrorism. I consign to you the
(12:02):
charge of rescuing the majority of their representatives, so that
delivered from stilettos by bayonets, they may deliberate on the
fate of the Republic General, and you soldiers and you citizens,
you will not acknowledge as legislators of France any but
those who rally round me. As for those who remain
(12:23):
in the orangery, let force expel them. They are not
the representatives of the people, but the representatives of the Poniard.
Let that be their title, and let it follow them everywhere,
and whenever they dare show themselves to the people, let
every finger point at them, and every tongue designate them
by the well merited title of representatives of the Poniard.
(12:47):
Vive the repubrique end quote. Notwithstanding the cries of vive
but a part which followed this harangue, the troops still hesitated.
It was evident that they were not fully prepared to
turn their swords against the national representatives. Lucien and then
drew his sword, exclaiming, quote, I swear that I will
(13:10):
stab my own brother to the heart if he ever
attempt anything against the liberty of frenchmen. End quote. This
dramatic action was perfectly successful. Hesitation vanished, and at a
signal given by Bonaparte, Muras, at the head of his grenadiers,
rushed into the hall and drove out the representatives. Everyone
(13:34):
yielded to the reasoning of Bayonet's and thus terminated the
employment of the armed force on that memorable day. At
ten o'clock at night, the palace of Saint Cloux, where
so many tumultuous scenes had occurred, was perfectly tranquil. All
the deputies were still there, pacing the hall, the corridors,
and the courts. Most of them had an air of consternation,
(13:58):
others affected to have foreseen the event and to appear
satisfied with it. But all wished to return to Paris,
which they could not do until a new order revoked
the order for the removal of the councils to Saint Cloux.
At eleven o'clock, Buonaparte, who had eaten nothing all day,
but who was almost insensible to physical wants, in moments
(14:21):
of great agitation, said to me, we must go and
write Bourienne. I intend this very night to address a
proclamation to the inhabitants of Paris. Tomorrow morning, I shall
be all the conversation of the capital end quote. He
then dictated to me the following proclamation, which proves no
(14:41):
less than some of his reports from Egypt. How much
Bonaparte excelled in the art of twisting the truth to
own advantage. Quote to the People, nineteenth Roumaire, eleven o'clock,
p M. Frenchman. On my return to France, I found
a vision reigning amongst all the authorities. They agreed only
(15:03):
on this single point, that the constitution was half destroyed
and was unable to protect liberty. Each party, in turn
came to me, confided to me their designs, imparted their secrets,
and requested my support. I refused to be the man
of a party. The Council of the Ancients appealed to me.
(15:24):
I answered their appeal. A plan of general restoration had
been concerted by men whom the nation has been accustomed
to regard as the defenders of liberty, equality and property.
This plan required calm and free deliberation, except from all
influence and all fear. The Ancients therefore resolved upon the
(15:45):
removal of the legislative bodies to Saint Clux. They placed
at my disposal the force necessary to secure their independence.
I was bound in duty to my fellow citizens, to
the soldiers perishing in our armies, and to the national
glory acquired at the cost of so much blood, to
accept the command. The councils assembled at San Clo. Republican
(16:08):
troops guaranteed their safety from without, but assassins created terror within.
Many members of the Council of the five Hundred, armed
with dilettos and pistols, spread menaces of death around them.
The plans which ought to have been developed were withheld.
The majority of the council was rendered inefficient, The boldest
(16:31):
orators were disconcerted, and the inutility of submitting any salutary
proposition was quite evident. I proceeded, filled with indignation and grief,
to the Council of the Ancients. I besought them to
carry their noble designs into execution. I directed their attention
to the evils of the nation, which were their motives
(16:53):
for conceiving those designs. They concurred in giving me new
proofs of their uniform goodwill. I presented myself before the
Council of the five Hundred, alone, unarmed, my head uncovered,
just as the ancients had received and applauded me. My
object was to restore to the majority the expression of
(17:14):
its will, and to secure to it its power. The
stilettos which had menaced the deputies were instantly raised against
their deliverer. Twenty assassins rushed upon me and aimed at
my breast. The grenadiers of the Legislative Body, whom I
had left at the door of the hall, ran forward
and placed themselves between me and the assassins. One of
(17:38):
these brave grenadiers note Tomay end note at his clothes
pierced by a stiletto. They bore me off. Footnote Tomay
merely had a small part of his coat torn by
a deputy who took him by the collar. This constituted
the whole of the attempted assassinations of the nineteenth Brumaire
(18:00):
and footnote. At the same moment, cries of outlaw him
were raised against the defender of the law. It was
the horrid cry of assassins against the power destined to
repress them. They crowded round the President, uttering threats. With
arms in their hands, they commanded him to declare the outlawry.
(18:22):
I was informed of this. I ordered him to be
rescued from their fury, and six grenadiers of the Legislative
Body brought him out. Immediately afterwards, some grenadiers of the
Legislative Body charged into the hall and cleared it. The factions, intimidated,
dispersed and fled. The majority, freed from their assaults, returned
(18:45):
freely and peaceably into the hall, listened to the propositions
made for the public safety, deliberated and drew up the
salutary resolution, which will become the new and provisional law
of the Republic. Frenchmen doubtless recognize in this conduct the
zeal of a soldier, of liberty of a citizen devoted
(19:06):
to the republic. Conservative, tutelary and liberal ideas resumed their
authority upon the dispersion of the factions who domineered in
the councils, and who, in rendering themselves the most odious
of men, did not cease to be the most contemptible.
Signed Bonaparte General, and so on. The day had been
(19:30):
passed in destroying a government, it was necessary to devote
the knight to framing a new one. Talion Ledere and
c S were at Saint Claux. The Council of the
Ancients assembled, and Lucienne set himself about finding some members
of the five hundred on whom he could reckon. He
(19:50):
succeeded in getting together only thirty, who, with their President
represented the numerous assembly of which they formed part. The
ghost of representation was essential for Bonaparte, notwithstanding his violation
of all law on the preceding day, wished to make
it appear that he was acting legally. The Council of
(20:13):
the Ancients had, however, already decided that a provisional executive
Commission should be appointed, composed of three members, and was
about to name the members of the commission, a measure
which should have originated with the five hundred, when Lucien
came to acquaint Bonaparte that his chamber Antrouvabru was assembled.
(20:35):
This chamber, which called itself the Council of the five hundred,
though that council was now nothing but a council of thirty,
hastily passed a decree, the first article of which was
as follows quote. The directory exists no longer, and the
individuals hereafter named are no longer members of the National Representation,
(20:56):
on account of the excesses and illegal acts which they
have constantly committed, and more particularly the greatest part of
them in the sitting of this morning. Then follow the
names of sixty one members expelled by other articles of
the same decree. The council instituted a provisional commission similar
(21:18):
to that which the ancients had proposed to appoint, resolved
that the said commissions should consist of three members who
should assume the title of Consuls and nominated as consuls c. S. Roggie,
Ducaut and Bonaparte. The other provisions of the nocturnal Decree
of San Claux had for their object merely the carrying
(21:39):
into effect those already described. This nocturnal sitting was very calm,
and indeed it would have been strange had it been otherwise,
for no opposition could be feared from the members of
the five hundred, who were prepared to concur with Lucien.
All knew beforehand what they would have to do. Everything
(22:00):
was concluded by three o'clock in the morning, and the
palace of Saint Cloux, which had been so agitated since
the previous evening, resumed in the morning its wonted stillness
and presented the appearance of a vast solitude. All the
hurrying about, the brief notes which I had to write
to many friends, and the conversations in which I was
(22:22):
compelled to take part, prevented me from dining before one
o'clock in the morning. It was not till then that Bonaparte,
having gone to take the oath as consul before the
five hundred, afforded me an opportunity of taking some refreshment
with Admiral Bruix and some other officers. At three o'clock
(22:42):
in the morning, I accompanied Buonaparte in his carriage to Paris.
He was extremely fatigued. After so many trials and fatigues.
A new future was opened before him. He was completely
absorbed in thought and did not utter a single word
during the journey. But when he arrived at his house
in the Rue de la Vitoires, he had no sooner
(23:03):
entered his chamber and wished good morning to Josephine, who
was in bed and in a state of the greatest
anxiety on account of his absence. Than he said before
her Pourienne, I said many ridiculous things, not so very bad. General,
I like better to speak to soldiers than to lawyers.
(23:23):
Those fellows disconcerted me. I have not been used to
public assemblies, but that will come in time. We then
began all three to converse. Madame Bonaparte became calm, and
Buonaparte resumed his wonted confidence. The events of the day
naturally formed the subject of our conversation. Josephine, who was
(23:45):
much attached to the Gaullier family, mentioned the name of
that director in a tone of kindness. What would you have,
my dear, said Bonaparte to her. It is not my fault.
He is a respectable man, but a simpleton. He does
not understand me. I ought perhaps to have him transported.
He wrote against me to the Council of the Ancients.
(24:07):
But I have his letter and they know nothing about it.
Poor man. He expected me to dinner yesterday. And this
man thinks himself a statesman. Speak no more of him.
During our discourse the name of Bernaduct was also mentioned.
Have you seen him, Dourienne, said Bonaparte to me, no, General,
(24:29):
neither have I. I have not heard him spoken of.
Would you imagine it? I had intelligence to day of
many intrigues in which he is concerned. Would you believe it?
He wished nothing less than to be appointed my colleague
and authority. He talked of mounting his horse and marching
with the troops that might be placed under his command.
(24:50):
He wished, he said, to maintain the constitution. Nay, more,
I am assured that he had the audacity to add
that if it were necessary to outlaw me, the government
might come to him, and he would find soldiers capable
of carrying the decree into execution. All this general should
give you an idea how inflexible his principles are. Yes,
(25:13):
I am well aware of it. There is something in
that he is honest. But for his obstinacy. My brothers
would have brought him over. They are related to him.
His wife, who is Joseph's sister in law, has ascendancy
over him. As for me, Have I not, I ask
you made sufficient advances to him. You have witnessed them. Moreau,
(25:34):
who has a higher military reputation than he, came over
to me at once. However, I repent of having cajoled Bernadotte.
I am thinking of separating him from all his coutteries
without anyone being able to find fault with the proceeding.
I cannot revenge myself in any other manner. Joseph likes him.
(25:55):
I should have everybody against me. These family considerations are fallen.
Good Night, Bourienne. By the way, we will sleep in
the Luxembourg tomorrow. I then left the General whom henceforth
I will call the first Consul. After having remained with
him constantly during nearly twenty four hours, with the exception
(26:17):
of the time when he was at the Council of
the five hundred, I retired to my lodging in the
Rue Martel at five o'clock in the morning. It is
certain that if Goullier had come to breakfast on the
morning of the eighteenth Blomaire, according to Madame Bonaparte's invitation,
he would have been one of the members of the government.
(26:37):
But Goullier acted the part of the stern republican. He
placed himself, according to the common phrase of the time,
as stride of the Constitution of the year three, and
as his stage made a sad stumble, he fell with it.
It was a singular circumstance which prevented the two directors,
gou Yier and Moulin, from defending their loved constitution. It
(27:02):
was from their respect for the Constitution that they allowed
it to perish, because they would have been obliged to
violate the article which did not allow less than three
directors to deliberate together. Thus a king of Castile was
burned to death because there did not happen to be
in his department. Men of such rank as etiquette would
(27:23):
permit to touch the person of the monarch. End of
Chapter twenty five.
Chapter twenty five of Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte, Volume three
by Louis Antoine Foilet de Bouriennes. This LibriVox recording is
in the public domain, read by Jillian Henry, Chapter twenty five,
seventeen ninety nine. The two councils Barra's letter Bonaparte at
(00:21):
the Council of the five hundred false reports tumultuous sitting.
Lucien's speech, he resigns the presidency of the Council of
the five hundred. He is carried out by grenadiers. He
harangues the troops. A dramatic scene, Mura and his soldiers
drive out the five hundred Council of thirty Consular Commission
(00:46):
decree return to Paris, conversation with Bonaparte and Josephine, respecting
Goier and Bernadotte, the directors, Gouier and Mula imprisoned. The
scene which occurred at the sitting of the Council of
the Ancients was very different from that which passed outside.
Bonaparte had scarcely reached the courtyard and mounted his horse
(01:09):
when cries of vive Bonabart resounded on all sides, But
this was only a sunbeam between two storms. He had
yet to brave the Council of the five Hundred, which
was far more excited than the Council of the Ancients.
Everything tended to create a dreadful uncertainty. But it was
(01:30):
too late to draw back. We had already staked too heavily.
The game was desperate, and everything was to be ventured.
In a few hours, all would be determined. Our apprehensions
were not without foundation. In the Council of the five Hundred,
agitation was at its height. The most serious alarm marked
(01:51):
its deliberations. It had been determined to announce to the
Directory the installation of the Councils, and to inquire of
the Council of the Ancients their reasons for resolving upon
an extraordinary convocation. But the Directory no longer existed. C
S and Roge Ducat had joined Bonaparte's party. Gaullier and
(02:14):
Mulin were prisoners in the Luxembourg and in the custody
of General Moreau. And at the very moment when the
Council of the five Hundred had drawn up a message
to the Directory, the Council of the Ancients transmitted to
them the following letter received from Barras. This letter, which
was addressed to the Council of the Ancients, was immediately
(02:36):
read by Lucien Bonaparte, who was President of the Council
of the five hundred quote citizen President. Having entered into
public affairs solely from my love of liberty, I consented
to share the first magistracy of the state, only that
I might be able to defend it in danger, to
protect against their enemies, the patriots compromised in its cause,
(03:00):
and to insure to the defenders of their country that
attention to their interests, which no one was more calculated
to feel than a citizen, long the witness of their
heroic virtues, and always sensible to their wants. The glory
which accompanies the return of the illustrious warrior, to whom
I had the honor of opening the path of glory.
(03:20):
The striking marks of confidence given him by the legislative body,
and the decree of the National Convention, convince me that
to whatever post he may henceforth be called, the dangers
to liberty will be averted, and the interests of the
army insured. I cheerfully returned to the rank of a
(03:40):
private citizen, happy after so many storms to resign unimpaired,
and even more glorious than ever the destiny of the Republic,
which has been in part committed to my care, Signed Bahrah.
This letter occasioned a great sensation in the Council of
the five hundred. A second reading was called for, and
(04:03):
a question was started whether the retirement was legal or
was the result of collusion and of the influence of
Bonaparte's agents. Whether to believe Barras, who declared the dangers
of liberty averted, or the decree for the removal of
the legislative Corps, which was passed and executed under the
(04:23):
pretext of the existence of imminent peril. At that moment,
Bonaparte appeared, followed by a party of Grenadier's who remained
at the entrance of the hall. I did not accompany
him to the Council of the five hundred. He had
directed me to send off an express to ease the
apprehension of Josephine and to assure her that everything would
(04:45):
go well. It was some time before I joined him again, however,
without speaking as positively as if I had myself been
an eyewitness of the scene. I do not hesitate to
declare that all that has been said about assault and
poniards is pure invention. I rely on what was told
me on the very night by persons well worthy of credit,
(05:09):
and who were witnesses of all that passed. As to
what passed at the sitting, the accounts given both at
the time and since have varied according to opinions. Some
have alleged that unanimous cries of indignation were excited by
the appearance of the military. From all parts of the
hall resounded quote the sanctuary of the laws is violated.
(05:33):
Down with the tyrant, down with Cromwell, down with the dictator.
End quote. Bonaparte stammered out a few words, as he
had done before the Council of the Ancients, but his
voice was immediately drowned by cries of vive la la publique,
vive la constitucion, outlaw the dictator. The grenadiers are then
(05:55):
said to have rushed forward, exclaiming, let us save our general,
which indignation reached its height, and cries even more violent
than ever were raised. That Bonaparte, falling insensible into the
arms of the grenadiers, said they mean to assassinate me
all that regards the exclamations and threats I believe to
(06:17):
be correct, But I rank with the story of the poniards,
the assertion of the members of the five hundred being
provided with firearms, and the grenadiers rushing into the hall,
because Bonaparte never mentioned a word of anything of the
sort to me, either on the way home or when
I was with him in his chamber. Neither did he
(06:37):
say anything on the subject to his wife, who had
been extremely agitated by the different reports which reached her.
After Bonaparte left the Council of the five Hundred, the
deliberations were continued with great violence. The excitement caused by
the appearance of Bonaparte was nothing like subsidied when propositions
(06:58):
of the most furious nature were made. The President Lucienne
did all in his power to restore tranquility. As soon
as he could make himself heard. He said, quote Luccene,
which has just taken place in the council, proves what
are the sentiments of all sentiments which I declare are
also mine. It was, however, natural to believe that the
(07:20):
General had no other object than to render an account
of the situation of affairs and of something interesting to
the public. But I think none of you can suppose
him capable of projects hostile to liberty. End quote. Each
sentence of Lucian's address was interrupted by cries of but
(07:40):
a part has tarnaghed his glory. He is a disgrace
to the republic. Lucienne footnote the next younger brother of Napoleon,
President of the Council of the Five Hundred in seventeen
ninety nine, Minister of the Interior first of December seventeen
ninety nine to eighteen forty one, Ambassador in Stance Spain
eighteen o one to December eighteen o one, left France
(08:04):
in disgrace in eighteen o four, retired to Papal States.
Prisoner in Malta and England eighteen ten to eighteen fourteen,
created by Pope in eighteen fourteen France. De Canino and
Duc de Mossignano married, firstly seventeen ninety four. Christine Boyer
who died eighteen hundred, married secondly eighteen o two or
(08:27):
eighteen o three, and Madame Jean Berton. Of his part
in the Eighteenth Brumaire, Napoleon said to him in eighteen
o seven, I well know that you were useful to
me on the eighteenth Brumaire, but it is not so
clear to me that you saved me then Jung's Lucienne
Tom three, page eighty nine, end footnote. Lucien made fresh
(08:50):
efforts to be heard and wished to be allowed to
address the Assembly as a member of the council, and
for that purpose resigned the presidentship to Chassal. He begged
that the General might be introduced again and heard with calmness,
but this proposition was furiously opposed. Exclamations of outlaw Bonaparte
(09:10):
outlaw him rang through the Assembly and were the only
reply given to the President. Lucien, who had reassumed the
president's chair, left it a second time that he might
not be constrained to put the question of outlawry demanded
against his brother. Braving the displeasure of the Assembly, he
(09:31):
mounted the tribune, resigned the presidentship, renounced his seat as
a deputy, and threw aside his robes. Just as Lucien
left the Council, I entered Buonaparte, who was well informed
of all that was passing. Footnote. Lucian distinctly states that
he himself acting within his right as president had demanded
(09:52):
an escort of the grenadiers of the councils as soon
as he saw his withdrawal might be opposed. Then the
first of the soldiers with Napoleon would be illegal, the
second to withdraw Lucien was nominally legal. See Yung's Lucien
tom I, pages three hundred and eighteen to three hundred
and twenty two, end footnote. Buaparte, who was well informed
(10:17):
of all that was passing, had sent in soldiers to
the assistance of his brother. They carried him off from
the midst of the council, and Buaparte thought it a
matter of no little importance to have with him the
president of an assembly which he treated as rebellious. Lucien
was reinstalled in office, but he was now to discharge
(10:37):
his duties not in the president's chair, but on horseback
and at the head of a party of troops ready
to undertake anything. Roused by the danger to which both
his brother and himself were exposed, he delivered on horseback
the following words, which can never be too often remembered
as showing what a man then dared to say, who
(10:59):
never was anything except from the reflection of his brother's
glory quote citizens, Soldiers. The President of the Council of
the five hundred declares to you that the majority of
that Council is at this moment held in terror by
a few representatives of the people, who are armed with stilettos,
(11:19):
and who surround the tribune, threatening their colleagues with death,
and maintaining most atrocious discussions. I declare to you that
these brigands, who are doubtless in the pay of England,
have risen in rebellion against the Council of the Ancients,
and have dared to talk of outlawing the General who
is charged with the execution of its decree, as if
(11:42):
the word outlaw was still to be regarded as the
death warrant of persons most beloved by their country. I
declare to you that these madmen have outlawed themselves by
their attempts upon the liberty of the Council in the
name of that people, which for so many years have
been the sport of terrorism. I consign to you the
(12:02):
charge of rescuing the majority of their representatives, so that
delivered from stilettos by bayonets, they may deliberate on the
fate of the Republic General, and you soldiers and you citizens,
you will not acknowledge as legislators of France any but
those who rally round me. As for those who remain
(12:23):
in the orangery, let force expel them. They are not
the representatives of the people, but the representatives of the Poniard.
Let that be their title, and let it follow them everywhere,
and whenever they dare show themselves to the people, let
every finger point at them, and every tongue designate them
by the well merited title of representatives of the Poniard.
(12:47):
Vive the repubrique end quote. Notwithstanding the cries of vive
but a part which followed this harangue, the troops still hesitated.
It was evident that they were not fully prepared to
turn their swords against the national representatives. Lucien and then
drew his sword, exclaiming, quote, I swear that I will
(13:10):
stab my own brother to the heart if he ever
attempt anything against the liberty of frenchmen. End quote. This
dramatic action was perfectly successful. Hesitation vanished, and at a
signal given by Bonaparte, Muras, at the head of his grenadiers,
rushed into the hall and drove out the representatives. Everyone
(13:34):
yielded to the reasoning of Bayonet's and thus terminated the
employment of the armed force on that memorable day. At
ten o'clock at night, the palace of Saint Cloux, where
so many tumultuous scenes had occurred, was perfectly tranquil. All
the deputies were still there, pacing the hall, the corridors,
and the courts. Most of them had an air of consternation,
(13:58):
others affected to have foreseen the event and to appear
satisfied with it. But all wished to return to Paris,
which they could not do until a new order revoked
the order for the removal of the councils to Saint Cloux.
At eleven o'clock, Buonaparte, who had eaten nothing all day,
but who was almost insensible to physical wants, in moments
(14:21):
of great agitation, said to me, we must go and
write Bourienne. I intend this very night to address a
proclamation to the inhabitants of Paris. Tomorrow morning, I shall
be all the conversation of the capital end quote. He
then dictated to me the following proclamation, which proves no
(14:41):
less than some of his reports from Egypt. How much
Bonaparte excelled in the art of twisting the truth to
own advantage. Quote to the People, nineteenth Roumaire, eleven o'clock,
p M. Frenchman. On my return to France, I found
a vision reigning amongst all the authorities. They agreed only
(15:03):
on this single point, that the constitution was half destroyed
and was unable to protect liberty. Each party, in turn
came to me, confided to me their designs, imparted their secrets,
and requested my support. I refused to be the man
of a party. The Council of the Ancients appealed to me.
(15:24):
I answered their appeal. A plan of general restoration had
been concerted by men whom the nation has been accustomed
to regard as the defenders of liberty, equality and property.
This plan required calm and free deliberation, except from all
influence and all fear. The Ancients therefore resolved upon the
(15:45):
removal of the legislative bodies to Saint Clux. They placed
at my disposal the force necessary to secure their independence.
I was bound in duty to my fellow citizens, to
the soldiers perishing in our armies, and to the national
glory acquired at the cost of so much blood, to
accept the command. The councils assembled at San Clo. Republican
(16:08):
troops guaranteed their safety from without, but assassins created terror within.
Many members of the Council of the five Hundred, armed
with dilettos and pistols, spread menaces of death around them.
The plans which ought to have been developed were withheld.
The majority of the council was rendered inefficient, The boldest
(16:31):
orators were disconcerted, and the inutility of submitting any salutary
proposition was quite evident. I proceeded, filled with indignation and grief,
to the Council of the Ancients. I besought them to
carry their noble designs into execution. I directed their attention
to the evils of the nation, which were their motives
(16:53):
for conceiving those designs. They concurred in giving me new
proofs of their uniform goodwill. I presented myself before the
Council of the five Hundred, alone, unarmed, my head uncovered,
just as the ancients had received and applauded me. My
object was to restore to the majority the expression of
(17:14):
its will, and to secure to it its power. The
stilettos which had menaced the deputies were instantly raised against
their deliverer. Twenty assassins rushed upon me and aimed at
my breast. The grenadiers of the Legislative Body, whom I
had left at the door of the hall, ran forward
and placed themselves between me and the assassins. One of
(17:38):
these brave grenadiers note Tomay end note at his clothes
pierced by a stiletto. They bore me off. Footnote Tomay
merely had a small part of his coat torn by
a deputy who took him by the collar. This constituted
the whole of the attempted assassinations of the nineteenth Brumaire
(18:00):
and footnote. At the same moment, cries of outlaw him
were raised against the defender of the law. It was
the horrid cry of assassins against the power destined to
repress them. They crowded round the President, uttering threats. With
arms in their hands, they commanded him to declare the outlawry.
(18:22):
I was informed of this. I ordered him to be
rescued from their fury, and six grenadiers of the Legislative
Body brought him out. Immediately afterwards, some grenadiers of the
Legislative Body charged into the hall and cleared it. The factions, intimidated,
dispersed and fled. The majority, freed from their assaults, returned
(18:45):
freely and peaceably into the hall, listened to the propositions
made for the public safety, deliberated and drew up the
salutary resolution, which will become the new and provisional law
of the Republic. Frenchmen doubtless recognize in this conduct the
zeal of a soldier, of liberty of a citizen devoted
(19:06):
to the republic. Conservative, tutelary and liberal ideas resumed their
authority upon the dispersion of the factions who domineered in
the councils, and who, in rendering themselves the most odious
of men, did not cease to be the most contemptible.
Signed Bonaparte General, and so on. The day had been
(19:30):
passed in destroying a government, it was necessary to devote
the knight to framing a new one. Talion Ledere and
c S were at Saint Claux. The Council of the
Ancients assembled, and Lucienne set himself about finding some members
of the five hundred on whom he could reckon. He
(19:50):
succeeded in getting together only thirty, who, with their President
represented the numerous assembly of which they formed part. The
ghost of representation was essential for Bonaparte, notwithstanding his violation
of all law on the preceding day, wished to make
it appear that he was acting legally. The Council of
(20:13):
the Ancients had, however, already decided that a provisional executive
Commission should be appointed, composed of three members, and was
about to name the members of the commission, a measure
which should have originated with the five hundred, when Lucien
came to acquaint Bonaparte that his chamber Antrouvabru was assembled.
(20:35):
This chamber, which called itself the Council of the five hundred,
though that council was now nothing but a council of thirty,
hastily passed a decree, the first article of which was
as follows quote. The directory exists no longer, and the
individuals hereafter named are no longer members of the National Representation,
(20:56):
on account of the excesses and illegal acts which they
have constantly committed, and more particularly the greatest part of
them in the sitting of this morning. Then follow the
names of sixty one members expelled by other articles of
the same decree. The council instituted a provisional commission similar
(21:18):
to that which the ancients had proposed to appoint, resolved
that the said commissions should consist of three members who
should assume the title of Consuls and nominated as consuls c. S. Roggie,
Ducaut and Bonaparte. The other provisions of the nocturnal Decree
of San Claux had for their object merely the carrying
(21:39):
into effect those already described. This nocturnal sitting was very calm,
and indeed it would have been strange had it been otherwise,
for no opposition could be feared from the members of
the five hundred, who were prepared to concur with Lucien.
All knew beforehand what they would have to do. Everything
(22:00):
was concluded by three o'clock in the morning, and the
palace of Saint Cloux, which had been so agitated since
the previous evening, resumed in the morning its wonted stillness
and presented the appearance of a vast solitude. All the
hurrying about, the brief notes which I had to write
to many friends, and the conversations in which I was
(22:22):
compelled to take part, prevented me from dining before one
o'clock in the morning. It was not till then that Bonaparte,
having gone to take the oath as consul before the
five hundred, afforded me an opportunity of taking some refreshment
with Admiral Bruix and some other officers. At three o'clock
(22:42):
in the morning, I accompanied Buonaparte in his carriage to Paris.
He was extremely fatigued. After so many trials and fatigues.
A new future was opened before him. He was completely
absorbed in thought and did not utter a single word
during the journey. But when he arrived at his house
in the Rue de la Vitoires, he had no sooner
(23:03):
entered his chamber and wished good morning to Josephine, who
was in bed and in a state of the greatest
anxiety on account of his absence. Than he said before
her Pourienne, I said many ridiculous things, not so very bad. General,
I like better to speak to soldiers than to lawyers.
(23:23):
Those fellows disconcerted me. I have not been used to
public assemblies, but that will come in time. We then
began all three to converse. Madame Bonaparte became calm, and
Buonaparte resumed his wonted confidence. The events of the day
naturally formed the subject of our conversation. Josephine, who was
(23:45):
much attached to the Gaullier family, mentioned the name of
that director in a tone of kindness. What would you have,
my dear, said Bonaparte to her. It is not my fault.
He is a respectable man, but a simpleton. He does
not understand me. I ought perhaps to have him transported.
He wrote against me to the Council of the Ancients.
(24:07):
But I have his letter and they know nothing about it.
Poor man. He expected me to dinner yesterday. And this
man thinks himself a statesman. Speak no more of him.
During our discourse the name of Bernaduct was also mentioned.
Have you seen him, Dourienne, said Bonaparte to me, no, General,
(24:29):
neither have I. I have not heard him spoken of.
Would you imagine it? I had intelligence to day of
many intrigues in which he is concerned. Would you believe it?
He wished nothing less than to be appointed my colleague
and authority. He talked of mounting his horse and marching
with the troops that might be placed under his command.
(24:50):
He wished, he said, to maintain the constitution. Nay, more,
I am assured that he had the audacity to add
that if it were necessary to outlaw me, the government
might come to him, and he would find soldiers capable
of carrying the decree into execution. All this general should
give you an idea how inflexible his principles are. Yes,
(25:13):
I am well aware of it. There is something in
that he is honest. But for his obstinacy. My brothers
would have brought him over. They are related to him.
His wife, who is Joseph's sister in law, has ascendancy
over him. As for me, Have I not, I ask
you made sufficient advances to him. You have witnessed them. Moreau,
(25:34):
who has a higher military reputation than he, came over
to me at once. However, I repent of having cajoled Bernadotte.
I am thinking of separating him from all his coutteries
without anyone being able to find fault with the proceeding.
I cannot revenge myself in any other manner. Joseph likes him.
(25:55):
I should have everybody against me. These family considerations are fallen.
Good Night, Bourienne. By the way, we will sleep in
the Luxembourg tomorrow. I then left the General whom henceforth
I will call the first Consul. After having remained with
him constantly during nearly twenty four hours, with the exception
(26:17):
of the time when he was at the Council of
the five hundred, I retired to my lodging in the
Rue Martel at five o'clock in the morning. It is
certain that if Goullier had come to breakfast on the
morning of the eighteenth Blomaire, according to Madame Bonaparte's invitation,
he would have been one of the members of the government.
(26:37):
But Goullier acted the part of the stern republican. He
placed himself, according to the common phrase of the time,
as stride of the Constitution of the year three, and
as his stage made a sad stumble, he fell with it.
It was a singular circumstance which prevented the two directors,
gou Yier and Moulin, from defending their loved constitution. It
(27:02):
was from their respect for the Constitution that they allowed
it to perish, because they would have been obliged to
violate the article which did not allow less than three
directors to deliberate together. Thus a king of Castile was
burned to death because there did not happen to be
in his department. Men of such rank as etiquette would
(27:23):
permit to touch the person of the monarch. End of
Chapter twenty five.
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