Complete Project Gutenberg Collection of Memoirs of Napoleon eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,263 pages of information about Complete Project Gutenberg Collection of Memoirs of Napoleon.

Complete Project Gutenberg Collection of Memoirs of Napoleon eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,263 pages of information about Complete Project Gutenberg Collection of Memoirs of Napoleon.

General Savary was not in the moat during the execution, but on the bank, from whence he could easily see all that passed.  Another circumstance connected with the Due d’Enghien’s death has been mentioned, which is true.  The Prince had a little dog; this faithful animal returned incessantly to the fatal spot in the moat.  There are few who have not seen that spot.  Who has not made a pilgrimage to Vincennes and dropped a tear where the victim fell?  The fidelity of the poor dog excited so much interest that the police prevented any one from visiting the fatal spot, and the dog was no longer heard to howl over his master’s grave.

I promised to state the truth respecting the death of the Due d’Enghien, and I have done so, though it has cost me some pain.  Harrel’s narrative, and the shocking circumstance of the grave being dug beforehand, left me no opportunity of cherishing any doubts I might have wished to entertain; and everything which followed confirmed the view I then took of the subject.  When Harrel left me on the 22d I determined to go to Malmaison to see Madame Bonaparte, knowing, from her sentiments towards the House of Bourbon, that she would be in the greatest affliction.  I had previously sent to know whether it would be convenient for her to see me, a precaution I had never before observed, but which I conceived to be proper upon that occasion.  On my arrival I was immediately introduced to her boudoir, where she was alone with Hortense and Madame de Remusat.  They were all deeply afflicted.  “Bourrienne,” exclaimed Josephine, as soon as she perceived me, “what a dreadful event!  Did you but know the state of mind Bonaparte is in!  He avoids, he dreads the presence of every one!  Who could have suggested to him such an act as this?” I then acquainted Josephine with the particulars which I had received from Harrel.  “What barbarity!” she resumed.  “But no reproach can rest upon me, for I did everything to dissuade him from this dreadful project.  He did not confide the secret to me, but I guessed it, and he acknowledged all.  How harshly he repelled my entreaties!  I clung to him!  I threw myself at his feet!  ‘Meddle with what concerns you!’ he exclaimed angrily.  ‘This is not women’s business!  Leave me!’ And he repulsed me with a violence which he had never displayed since our first interview after your return from Egypt.  Heavens! what will become of us?”

I could say nothing to calm affliction and alarm in which I participated, for to my grief for the death of the Due d’Enghien was added my regret that Bonaparte should be capable of such a crime.  “What,” said Josephine, “can be thought of this in Paris?  He must be the object of universal, imprecation, for even here his flatterers appear astounded when they are out of his presence.  How wretched we have been since yesterday; and he!....  You know what he is when he is dissatisfied with himself.  No one dare speak to him, and all is mournful around us. 

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Complete Project Gutenberg Collection of Memoirs of Napoleon from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.