On the 30th, the Allies fought and won the final battle.  The French occupied the whole range of heights from the Marne at Charenton, to the Seine beyond St. Denis; and the Austrians began the attack about eleven o’clock, towards the former of these points, while nearly in the midst between them, a charge was made by the Russians on Pantin and Belleville.  The Prussians, who were posted over against the heights of Montmartre, did not come into action so early in the day.  The French troops of the line were stationed everywhere in the front, and commanded by Marmont and Mortier.  Those battalions of the National Guard, whose spirit could be trusted, and who were adequately armed, took their orders from Moncey, and formed a second line of defence.  The scholars of the Polytechnic School volunteered to serve at the great guns, and the artillery was, though not numerous, well arranged, and in gallant hands.

The French defence, in spite of all the previous disasters, and of the enormous superiority of the enemy’s numbers, was most brave:  but by two o’clock the Allies had completely beaten them at all points, except only at Montmartre, where they were rapidly making progress.  Marmont then sent several aides-de-camp to request an armistice, and offer a capitulation.  One only of his messengers appears to have reached the headquarters of the sovereigns—­and both the Czar and King of Prussia immediately professed their willingness to spare the city, provided the regular troops would evacuate it.  Blucher, meanwhile, continued pressing on at Montmartre, and shortly after four, the victory being completed in that direction, the French cannon were turned on the city, and shot and shells began to spread destruction within its walls.  The capitulation was drawn up at five o’clock, close to the barrier St. Denis.

King Joseph showed himself on horseback among the troops early in the morning; but was not visible after the attack began.  At one o’clock he received a message from Marmont, requesting reinforcements.  “Where am I to find them?” answered he—­“is your horse a good one?” The aide-de-camp answered in the affirmative.  “Then follow me,” said Joseph; and without further ceremony began his journey to Blois.[66]

We must now turn to Napoleon.  It was not until the 27th that he distinctly ascertained the fact of both the allied armies having marched directly on Paris.  He instantly resolved to hasten after them, in hopes to arrive on their rear, ere yet they had mastered the heights of Montmartre; nor did his troops refuse to rush forward once more at his bidding.  He had to go round by Doulevent and Troyes, because the direct route was utterly wasted, and could not furnish food for his men.  At Doulevent he received a billet from La Vallette, his Post-Master General, in these terms:  “The partisans of the stranger are making head, seconded by secret intrigues.  The presence of the Emperor is indispensable—­if he desires to prevent his capital from being delivered