the Arve, which could not have been carried

without immense loss. the same day, and the

Geneva was occupied on

French driven from the heights of Savonen. This corps afterwards advanced towards Paris, by way of Châlons.

Another army under Count Bubna, released from the war with Murat, passed Mount Cenis on the 28th. The French occupied the tête-dupont of Arly, near Conflans, with about three thousand men. While the Piedmontese occupied the attention of the enemy on the right, the Austrians attacked the position in front, and attempted to carry it by assault. The contest was long and bloody. The assailants were often driven back with loss, and as often returned to the charge with increased fury, and at length they succeeded in carrying the position, but not until more than half the garrison was destroyed, and the Austrians had lost nearly two thousand men. While these formidable armies were advancing from so many points, and directing themselves on one common centre, the capital of France, the Allied sovereigns followed with another numerous corps. On the 27th of June they crossed the Rhine at Spires, and had their head-quarters at Rheinzabern on the 28th, at Weissenburgh on the 29th, at Haguenau on the 30th, at Savern on July 1st, at Saarebourg on the 2d, and at Hall on the 3d.

The total amount of these armies was eight hundred thousand men, against whom the French could have opposed no effectual resistance, unless the first successes of the campaign had dissolved the coalition, as Napoleon confidently asserted they would have done.

364

CHAP. IX.

Arrival of Buonaparte at Rochefort.-His Irresolution.-Attempts at Escape.-Surrender to the British. His Conduct on board the Bellerophon -Interesting Conversation.-The Question of his final Destination examined.-Determination of Ministers to send him to St. Helena.-His Conduct on receiving the Intelligence.-Protest against the Measure. Another interesting Conversation.-His Departure from Torbay, and Arrival at St. Helena.

On the very day on which Paris capitulated to the Allies, Buonaparte arrived at Rochefort to embark for America*. Two frigates had been

*The following letters were intercepted from Lucien and Cardinal Fesch, and shew that it was the intention of the whole family to accompany him to America.

To the Princess Borghese.

You must have learned, my dear Pauline, the new misfortune of the Emperor who has just abdicated in favour of his son. He is about to depart for the United States of America where we are to rejoin him. He is full of courage and calmness. I shall endeavour to rejoin my family at Rome, in order to conduct it to America. If your health permit we shall see you there. Adieu, my dear sister. Our mother, Joseph, Jerome, and myself, embrace you.

Neuilly, June 25.

Your affectionate brother,

P. S. I have retired to your fine estate of Neuilly.

LUCIEN.

stationed here by the provisional government to receive him and his suite, and had he lost no time he might have effected his escape without difficulty. But, fortunately for the repose of Europe, he lingered at Rochefort, deluded by the vain and groundless hope that he might be recalled by the affection of his army, or the dangers of the government.

From the 3d to the 10th, he resided in the house of the prefect, apparently busily employed in preparations for his departure. Waggons daily arrived from his palaces laden with valuable articles, and he even demanded and obtained from many of the public establishments whatever he chose to consider as useful on his voyage, or necessary for his comfortable establishment at the place of his future residence.

From Cardinal Fesch to the Same.

Lucien set off yesterday for London, in order to get passports for the rest of the family. Joseph and also Jerome will wait for their passports. Lucien has left here his second daughter who is just arrived from England. She will set off again in a few days. I foresee that the United States will be the end of the chase. I think you ought to remain in Italy, but recollect that character is one of the inestimable gifts of the Creator, with which he has enriched your family. Exercise courage then and strength of mind to rise superior to misfortune. Let not economy appear a sacrifice. At this moment we are all poor. Your mother and brothers embrace you.

Paris, June 28.

Your affectionate uncle,

FESCH.

The prefect and the general who was charged by the government to see him embark daily urged the necessity of his speedy departure, and boats were ready every tide to convey him to the ships; but his irresolution could not be overcome. He was a prey to constant anxiety and embarrassment. Sometimes he resolved to return to Paris, and make a forcible appeal to the fidelity of his troops; then he addressed the government requesting a superior or even a subordinate command in the army;-presently he issued orders to embark, but in a few minutes countermanded them under the pretext that all his baggage was not arrived. Thus day after day passed on until the British cruisers, informed of the important personage which Rochefort contained, closely blockaded the port, and rendered his escape impossible.

All intentions of embarking were now relinquished, but he remained at Rochefort, undeter mined what course to pursue, and awaiting intelligence from his friends at Paris. On the 10th that intelligence arrived, and filled him with dismay. Paris had surrendered to the Allies, the provisional government was dissolved, and the King was daily expected in his capital. He now rẹgretted the golden opportunity which he had lost, and abandoned himself to despair. A strange and insurmountable somnolency stole upon him, and he was incapable of all bodily or mental exertion.