Memoirs of Napoleon, vol 11 | Page 7

for a long time exposed to showers of grapeshot.- Editor of 1836
edition.]--
On that day [the type] of French honour, Macdonald, who, after
achieving a succession of prodigies, led the army of Italy into the heart
of the Austrian States, was made a marshal on the field of battle.
Napoleon said to him, "With us it is for life and for death." The general
opinion was that the elevation of Macdonald added less to the marshal's
military reputation than it redounded to the honour of the Emperor.
Five days after the bombardment of Vienna, namely, on the 17th of
May, the Emperor had published a decree, by virtue of which the Papal
States were united to the French Empire, and Rome was declared an
Imperial City. I will not stop to inquire whether this was good or bad in
point of policy, but it was a mean usurpation on the part of Napoleon,
for the time was passed when a Julius II. laid down the keys of St. Peter
and took up the sword of St. Paul. It was, besides, an injustice, and,

considering the Pope's condescension to Napoleon, an act of ingratitude.
The decree of union did not deprive the Pope of his residence, but he
was only the First Bishop of Christendom, with a revenue of 2,000,000.
Napoleon while at Vienna heard of the affair of Talavera de la Reyna. I
was informed, by a letter from headquarters, that he was much affected
at the news, and did not conceal his vexation. I verily believe that he
was bent on the conquest of Spain, precisely on account of the
difficulties he had to surmount. At Talavera commenced the celebrity
of a man who, perhaps, would not have been without some glory even
if pains had not been taken to build him up a great reputation. That
battle commenced the career of Sir Arthur Wellesley, whose
after-success, however, has been attended by such important
consequences.
--[The battle of Talavera took place on the 28th of July, twenty-two
days after the fatal defeat of the Austrians at Wagram.]--
Whilst we experienced this check in Spain the English were attempting
an expedition to Holland, where they had already made themselves
masters of Walcheren. It is true they were obliged to evacuate it shortly
after; but as at that time the French and Austrian armies were in a state
of inaction, in consequence of the armistice concluded at Znaim, in
Moravia, the news unfavourable to Napoleon had the effect of raising
the hopes of the Austrian negotiators, who paused in the expectation
that fresh defeats would afford them better chances.
It was during these negotiations, the termination of which seemed
every day to be farther distant, that Napoleon was exposed to a more
real danger than the wound he had received at Ratisbon. Germany was
suffering under a degree of distress difficult to be described. Illuminism
was making great progress, and had filled some youthful minds with an
enthusiasm not less violent than the religious fanaticism to which
Henry IV. fell a victim. A young man formed the design of
assassinating Napoleon in order to rid Germany of one whom he
considered her scourge. Rapp and Berthier were with the Emperor
when the assassin was arrested, and in relating what I heard from them
I feel assured that I am giving the most faithful account of all the

circumstances connected with the event.
"We were at Schoenbrunn," said Rapp, "when the Emperor had just
reviewed the troops. I observed a young man at the extremity of one of
the columns just as the troops were about to defile. He advanced
towards the Emperor, who was then between Berthier and me. The
Prince de Neufchatel, thinking he wanted to present a petition, went
forward to tell him that I was the person to receive it as I was the aide
de camp for the day. The young man replied that he wished to speak
with Napoleon himself, and Berthier again told him that he must apply
to me. He withdrew a little, still repeating that he wanted to speak with
Napoleon. He again advanced and came very near the Emperor; I
desired him to fall back, telling him in German to wait till after the
parade, when, if he had anything to say, it would be attended to. I
surveyed him attentively, for I began to think his conduct suspicious. I
observed that he kept his right hand in the breast pocket of his coat; out
of which a piece of paper appeared. I know not how it was, but at that
moment my eyes met his, and I was struck with his peculiar look and
air of fixed determination. Seeing an officer of gendarmerie on the spot,
I desired him to seize the