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