—­[ Thiers (tome. vi., p. 70) says the title Grande Armee was first given by Napoleon to the force prepared in 1805 for the campaign against Austria.  The Constitution forbad the First Consul to command the armies in person.  Hence the title, “Army of Reserve,” gives to the force which fought Marengo.]—­

Even foreigners and prisoners were objects of Bonaparte’s designing intentions.  I recollect one evening his saying to me; “Bourrienne, write to the Minister of War, and tell him to select a fine brace of pistols, of the Versailles manufacture, and send them, in my name, to General Zach.  He dined with me to-day, and highly praised our manufacture of arms.  I should like to give him a token of remembrance; besides,—­the, matter will be talked of at Vienna, and may perhaps do good!”

As soon as the news of the battle of Marengo reached Paris Lucien Bonaparte, Minister of the Interior, ordered preparations for the festival, fixed for the 14th of July, in commemoration of the first Federation.  This festival and that of the 1st Vendemiaire were the only ones preserved by the Consular Government.  Indeed, in those memorable days, when the Revolution appeared in its fairest point of view, France had never known such joy as that to which the battle of Marengo gave rise.  Still, amidst all this popular transport there was a feeling of regret.  The fame of Desaix, his heroic character, his death, the words attributed to him and believed to be true, caused mourning to be mingled with joy.  It was agreed to open a subscription for erecting a national monument to his memory.  A reflection naturally arises here upon the difference between the period referred to and the present time.  France has endowed with nearly a million the children of one of her greatest orators and most eloquent defenders of public liberty, yet, for the monument to the memory of Desaix scarcely 20,000 francs were subscribed.  Does not this form a singular contrast with the patriotic munificence displayed at the death of General Foy?  The pitiful monument to Desaix, on the Place Dauphins, sufficiently attests the want of spirit on the part of the subscribers.  Bonaparte, who was much dissatisfied with it, gave the name of Desaix to a new quay, the first stone of which was laid with great solemnity on the 14th of July.

On that day the crowd was immense in the Champ-de-Mars and in the Temple of Mars, the name which at that the Church of the Invalides still preserved.  Lucien delivered a speech on the encouraging prospects of France, and Lannes made an appropriate address on presenting to the Government the flags taken at Marengo.  Two more followed; one from an aide de cramp of Massena, and the other from an aide de camp of Lecourbe; and after the distribution of some medals the First Consul then delivered the following address:—­