In the memorable sitting preceding his departure the Emperor presented a project of a ‘Senatus-consulte’ relative to the re-organisation of the National Guard.  The Minister for Foreign Affairs read an explanation of the reciprocal conduct of France and Austria since the peace of Luneville, in which the offences of France were concealed with wonderful skill.  Before the sitting broke up the Emperor addressed the members, stating that he was about to leave the capital to place himself at the head of the army to afford prompt succour to his allies, and defend the dearest interests of his people.  He boasted of his wish to preserve peace, which Austria and Russia, as he alleged, had, through the influence of England, been induced to disturb.

This address produced a very powerful impression in Hamburg.  For my part, I recognised in it Napoleon’s usual boasting strain; but on this occasion events seemed bent on justifying it.  The Emperor may certainly have performed more scientific campaigns than that of Austerlitz, but never any more glorious in results.  Everything seemed to partake of the marvellous, and I have often thought of the secret joy which Bonaparte must have felt on seeing himself at last an the point of commencing a great war in Germany, for which he had so often expressed an ardent desire.  He proceeded first to Strasburg, whither Josephine accompanied him.

All the reports that I received agreed with the statements of my private correspondence in describing the incredible enthusiasm which prevailed in the army on learning that it was to march into Germany.  For the first time Napoleon had recourse to an expeditious mode of transport, and 20,000 carriages conveyed his army, as if by enchantment, from the shores of the Channel to the banks of the Rhine.  The idea of an active campaign fired the ambition of the junior part of the army.  All dreamed of glory, and of speedy promotion, and all hoped to distinguish themselves before the eyes of a chief who was idolised by his troops.  Thus during his short stay at Strasburg the Emperor might with reason prophesy the success which crowned his efforts under the walls of Vienna.

Rapp, who accompanied him, informed me that on leaving Strasburg he observed, in the presence of several persons, “It will be said that I made Mack’s plan of campaign for him.  The Caudine Forks are at Ulm.”

   —­[This allusion to the Caudine Forks was always in Napoleon’s mouth
   when he saw an enemy’s army concentrated on a point, and foresaw its
   defeat—­Bourrienne.]—­

Experience proved that Bonaparte was not deceived; but I ought on this occasion to contradict a calumnious report circulated at that time, and since maliciously repeated.  It has been said that there existed an understanding between Mack and Bonaparte, and that the general was bought over to deliver up the gates of Ulm.  I have received positive proof that this assertion is a scandalous falsehood; and the only thing that could give it weight was Napoleon’s intercession after the campaign that Mack might not be put on his trial.  In this intercession Napoleon was actuated only by humanity.