Memoirs of Napoleon, vol 13 | Page 5

some coolness among his
officers, and even among the private soldiers, who had evinced such
enthusiasm when he inspected them on the 2d of April. He was so
much affected by this change of conduct that he remained but a short
time on the parade, and afterwards retired to his apartments.
About one o'clock on the morning of the 6th of April Ney, Macdonald,
and Caulaincourt arrived at Fontainebleau to acquaint the Emperor with
the issue of their mission, and the sentiments expressed by Alexander
when they took leave of him. Marshal Ney was the first to announce to
Napoleon that the Allies required his complete and unconditional
abdication, unaccompanied by any stipulation, except that of his
personal safety, which should be guaranteed. Marshal Macdonald and
the Duke of Vicenza then spoke to the same effect, but in more gentle
terms than those employed by Ney, who was but little versed in the
courtesies of speech. When Marshal Macdonald had finished speaking
Napoleon said with some emotion, "Marshal, I am sensible of all that
you have done for me, and of the warmth with which you have pleaded
the cause of my son. They wish for my complete and unconditional
abdication . . . . Very well. I again empower you to act on my behalf.
You shall go and defend my interests and those of my family." Then,
after a moment's pause, he added, still addressing Macdonald, "Marshal,
where shall I go?" Macdonald then informed the Emperor what
Alexander had mentioned in the hypothesis of his wishing to reside in

Russia. "Sire," added he, "the Emperor of Russia told me that he
destined for you the island of Elba, or something else."--"Or something
else!" repeated Napoleon hastily," and what is that something
else?"--"Sire, I know not."--"Ah! it is doubtless the island of Corsica,
and he refrained from mentioning it to avoid embarrassment! Marshal, I
leave all to you."
The Marshals returned to Paris as soon as Napoleon furnished them
with new powers; Caulaincourt remained at Fontainebleau. On arriving
in Paris Marshal Ney sent in his adhesion to the Provisional
Government, so that when Macdonald returned to Fontainebleau to
convey to Napoleon the definitive treaty of the Allies, Ney did not
accompany him, and the Emperor expressed surprise and dissatisfaction
at his absence. Ney, as all his friends concur in admitting, expended his
whole energy in battle, and often wanted resolution when out of the
field, consequently I was not surprised to find that he joined us before
some other of his comrades. As to Macdonald, he was one of those
generous spirits who may be most confidently relied on by those who
have wronged them. . Napoleon experienced the truth of this.
Macdonald returned alone to Fontainebleau, and when he entered the
Emperor's chamber he found him seated in a small armchair before the
fireplace. He was dressed in a morning-gown of white dimity, and lie
wore his slippers without stockings. His elbows rested on his knees and
his head was supported by his hands. He was motionless, and seemed
absorbed in profound reflection. Only two persons were in the
apartment, the Duke of Bassano; who was at a little distance from the
Emperor, and Caulaincourt, who was near the fireplace. So profound
was Napoleon's reverie that he did not hear Macdonald enter, and the
Duke of Vicenza was obliged to inform him of the Marshal's presence.
"Sire," said Caulaincourt, "the Duke of Tarantum has brought for your
signature the treaty which is to be ratified to-morrow." The Emperor
then, as if roused from a lethargic slumber, turned to Macdonald, and
merely said, "Ah, Marshal! so you are here!" Napoleon's countenance
was so altered that the Marshal, struck with the change, said, as if it
were involuntarily, "Is your Majesty indisposed?"--"Yes," answered
Napoleon, "I have passed a very bad night."

The Emperor continued seated for a moment, then rising, he took the
treaty, read it without making any observation, signed it, and returned it
to the Marshal, saying; "I am not now rich enough to reward these last
services."--"Sire, interest never guided my conduct."--"I know that, and
I now see how I have been deceived respecting you. I also see the
designs of those who prejudiced me against you."--"Sire, I have already
told you, since 1809 I am devoted to you in life and death."--"I know it.
But since I cannot reward you as I would wish, let a token of
remembrance, inconsiderable though it be, assure you that I shall ever
bear in mind the services you have rendered me." Then turning to
Caulaincourt Napoleon said, "Vicenza, ask for the sabre which was
given me by Murad Bey in Egypt, and which I wore at the battle of
Mount Thabor." Constant having brought the sabre, the Emperor took it
from