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.