As soon as Maria Louisa was made acquainted with the events that had taken place around Paris she sent for the Duc de Cadore, and gave him a letter addressed to the Emperor of Austria, saying, “Take this to my father, who must be at Dijon.  I rely on you for defending the interests of France, those of the Emperor, and above all those of my son.”  Certainly Maria Louisa’s confidence could not be better placed, and those great interests would have been defended by the Duc de Cadore ’si defendi possent.’

After the departure of the Due de Cadore Maria Louisa published the following proclamation, addressed to the French people: 

By the empress regent.

A Proclamation

The events of the war have placed the capital in the power of foreigners.  The Emperor has marched to defend it at the head of his armies, so often victorious.  They are face to face with the enemy before the walls of Paris.  From the residence which I have chosen, and from the Ministers of the Emperor, will emanate the only orders which you can acknowledge.  Every town in the power of foreigners ceases to be free, and every order which may proceed from them is the language of the enemy, or that which it suits his hostile views to propagate.  You will be faithful to your oaths.  You will listen to the voice of a Princess who was consigned to your good faith, and whose highest pride consists in being a Frenchwoman, and in being united to the destiny of the sovereign whom you have freely chosen.  My son was less sure of your affections in the time of our prosperity; his rights and his person are under your safeguard.

   (By order) Montalivet. (Signed) Maria Louisa
   Blois, 3d April 1814.

It is to be inferred that the Regency had within three days adopted the resolution of not quitting Blois, for the above document presents no blanks, nor words filled up in writing.  The Empress’ proclamation, though a powerful appeal to the feelings of the French people, produced no effect.  Maria Louisa’s proclamation was dated the 4th of April, on the evening of which day Napoleon signed the conditional abdication, with the fate of which the reader has already been made acquainted.  M. de Montalivet transmitted the Empress’ proclamation, accompanied by another circular, to the prefects, of whom very few received it.

M. de Champagny, having left Blois with the letter he had received from the Empress, proceeded to the headquarters of the Emperor of Austria, carefully avoiding those roads which were occupied by Cossack troops.  He arrived, not without considerable difficulty, at Chanseaux, where Frances ii. was expected.  When the Emperor arrived the Duc de Cadore was announced, and immediately introduced to his Majesty.  The Duke remained some hours with Francis ii., without being able to obtain from him anything but fair protestations.  The Emperor