When, however, he retired to the chateau, after the review, he was followed by his Marshals, and respectfully, but firmly, informed, that if he refused to negotiate on the basis of his personal abdication, and persisted in risking an attack on Paris, they would not accompany him.  He paused for a moment in silence—­and a long debate ensued.  The statements and arguments which he heard finally prevailed; and Napoleon drew up, and signed, in language worthy of the solemn occasion, this act:—­

The Allied powers having proclaimed that the Emperor Napoleon is the sole obstacle to the re-establishment of peace in Europe, he, faithful to his oath, declares that he is ready to descend from the throne, to quit France, and even to relinquish life, for the good of his country; which is inseparable from the rights of his Son, from those of the Regency in the person of the Empress, and from the maintenance of the laws of the Empire.  Done at our Palace of Fontainebleau, April the 4th, 1814.  NAPOLEON.

Buonaparte appointed Caulaincourt to bear this document to Paris on his behalf; and the Marshals proposed that Ney should accompany him as their representative.  It was suggested that Marmont also should form part of the deputation; but he was in command of the advanced division at Essonne, and Macdonald was named in his stead.  These officers now desired to know on what stipulations, as concerned the Emperor personally, they were to insist.  “On none,” he answered; “obtain the best terms you can for France—­for myself I ask nothing.”

Hitherto nothing could be more composed or dignified than his demeanour.  He now threw himself on a sofa, hid his countenance for some minutes, and then starting up with that smile which had so often kindled every heart around him into the flame of onset, exclaimed—­“Let us march, my comrades; let us take the field once more.”

The answer was silence and some tears; and he, also in silence, dismissed the messengers and the assemblage.

Caulaincourt, Ney and Macdonald immediately commenced their journey; and on reaching Essonne received intelligence which quickened their speed.  Victor, and many other officers of the first rank, not admitted to the council at Fontainebleau, and considering the events of the two preceding days in the capital as decisive, had already sent in their adhesion to the provisional government; and Marmont, the commander of Napoleon’s division in advance, had not only taken the same step for himself personally, but entered into a separate convention the night before, under which it had been settled that he should forthwith march his troops within the lines of the allied armies.  The Marshals of the mission entreated Marmont to suspend his purpose, and repair with themselves to Paris.  He complied; and on arriving in the capital they found themselves surrounded on all sides with the shouts of Vive le Roi!  Such sounds accompanied them to the hotel Talleyrand, where they were forthwith admitted to the presence of the Czar.  The act of abdication was produced; and Alexander expressed his surprise that it should have contained no stipulations for Napoleon personally; “but I have been his friend,” said he, “and I will willingly be his advocate.  I propose that he should retain his imperial title, with the sovereignty of Elba or some other island.”