parts of the country, in a cypher unknown to them. A guard was placed over it, but it was then too late to prevent the mischief occasioned by its facility of conveyance. All France already knew of the arrival and advance of Bonaparte. His friends and supporters were every where on the alert, and every where understood what the motions of each other were, and what they were determined to do. From Lyons, Bonaparte commenced his march on the 13th, towards Paris. From this point, it was evident, his greatest expectations arose; and the greatest exertions therefore were made to reach it. In Paris was placed the centre of the great machine, which had brought back Bonaparte from Elba, and which was to establish him on the throne of France, and secure it to his dynasty. Every thing seemed as secure, as treason unexampled, and a combination formidable from numbers, could make it. His force was augmented by the defection of the troops at Lyons, at the head of which was General Brayer; and he had, by means of his usual mode of proceeding, contributions and requisitions, obtained supplies and pay for his army. Under the former head, he levied 1,500,000 francs, which seems to have been peculiarly gratifying to the inhabitants of Lyons, as their enthusiasm and love for the Emperor "affected him so much, that he could not express what he felt, except by saying, people of Lyons, I love you."* "You have always been in the first rank in my affections, on the throne or in exile; you have still maintained the same sentiments. In moments more tranquil, I will return to occupy myself with your wants, and the prosperity of your manufactures, and your city."+ Proceeding from Lyons, the Emperor took the road up the Saone, and at three in the afternoon of the 13th, he reached Villefranche, a place containing about 4000 inhabitants; but at that time, according to his accounts 60,000. In fact, revolutionary movements had taken place in this part of the country; the inhabitants of surrounding districts, and towns in advance on the Paris road, flocked to behold their idol: All these places had been famed, and were notorious for the violence of their pro * Official Journal, Moniteur, March 22d, 1815. ceedings, and the brutality of their conduct during the sanguinary revolution; and these were its votaries who now flocked round this torch of discord, and beacon of blood. The same night Bonaparte entered Macon, which he immediately catechised for allowing the Austrians to enter it so easily, during the preceding year. The reply was quite ready: "Sire," said they, "why did you appoint a bad Mayor?" This Scotch answer pleased the Emperor. From thence, he proceeded to Tournus, where he "had only praises to bestow upon the inhabitants, for their excellent conduct and patriotism;"+ and which continued to be the same at Chalons Sur Saone, and St. Jean de Lone. At Chalons, he met a deputation from Dijon, the people of which had risen against the legitimate government, and expelled the Prefeet and the Mayor of the place. This gave the Emperor great pleasure; and on them also he conse quently bestowed praise. From Chalons, Bonaparte proceeded to Autun; and, on the 16th, to Avallon, where he sicpt. Every where, said he, meeting with the same sentiments which animated the inhabitants of the mountains of Dauphiny. He removed all the obnoxious authorities, and appointed in their places those on whom he could depend. Amongst those whom his Imperial displeasure marked out, was a " Coxcomb Sub-prefect of Saumur," for having, the preceding year, been harsh to the inhabitants of Chiffey, for opposing the enemies of their country, viz. the Bourbons. Him he ordered to be arrested, and to be committed to Prison at Avallon. On the 17th, the Emperor reached Auxerre; where Bertrand gave orders to collect boats to embark the army, "already strong, with four divisions; and to transport it the same evening to Fossard, so as to be able to reach Fontainbleau by one o'clock in the morning." In order to discourage the friends of Louis, and encourage those of Bonaparte, the agents of the latter scattered over the country, in all directions, took special care to spread the most alarming reports concerning the enthusiasm of the people in his favour, and of the prodigious augmentation of his army. This was part of his sys • Official Journal, Moniteur. † Do. do. Do. do. tem, which was as necessary to his power as its existence, and which had so long alarmed and confounded Europe. The facts in this case, however, though very much exaggerated, were too serious not to create the greatest uneasiness and anxiety to the party attached to the legitimate government But they were taken completely by surprise, and were altogether unprepared; and what was worse, without either authority, or even property, to the extent that could at all make their voice, influence, or their exertions be heard or attended with any effect. As in the road by which Bonaparte had to advance from Lyons to Auxerre, it was certain there were no number of troops of consequence, which, by deserting the cause of the King, could increase the strength of the usurper, except those under Ney, so, it was obvious, that his army could not be materially augmented in strength. Considerable hopes were, therefore, still entertained, that upon his advance nearer the capital, where a numerous army was assembling to oppose him, that this enterprize would still prove abortive. Much dependence was placed upon Ney, who had a force under him of 14 or 15,000 veteran troops, and who was advancing on his flank and on his rear. This hope was, however, quickly dissipated. Ney adopted a different line of conduct. Instead of advancing and intercepting Bonaparte's route, he remained at Lons le Saulnier, from the 11th to the 14th, with a force much superior to his, leaving the road quite open; and on the following day, he abandoned the cause of Louis XVIII. and directed his army to march and join the standards of Napoleon, which he immediately did, and which he effected, at Auxerre, on the 18th, before his master left that place. The conduct of this man was odious and base in the extreme. No language is ca pable of expressing its iniquity. His name, for infamy, has become proverbial over Europe. Before leaving Paris, as we have already noticed, he gave the King the strongest assurances of his affection and fidelity. In a tone of energy and affection he kissed the King's hand, and told him, that "if he should subdue the enemy of the King, and of France, he would bring him prisoner in an iron cage to Paris."* After assuming * Official statement of occurrences by the King. the command, he continued to reiterate his professions of fidelity, and to assure his sovereign of the loyalty of the troops under his orders. But his kiss was treason, and his smile murder, "Officers, subalterns, and soldiers!" said he, "the cause of the Bourbons is lost for ever! the legitimate dynasty which the French nation has adopted, re-ascends the throne: it is to the Emperor Napoleon, our sovereign, that it belongs to rule over our fine country! Liberty at length triumphs; and Napoleon, our august Emperor, will establish it for ever. Henceforth, let his fine cause be ours, and that of all Frenchmen-Soldiers, I have often led you to victory; now I wish to lead you to that immortal phalanx which the Emperor Napoleon conducts to Paris, and which will be there in a few days; and there our hopes and our happiness will be for ever realized.-Vive le Empereur."* Proud promises-vain expectations-The hours of French treason and rebellion were numbered-It was reserved for an unconquered arm, and for an untarnished honour, on a fatal field, to wipe out this disgraceful stain from the history of Europe. If perplexity and fear overspread the councils of the King of France, at this unexpected and disastrous intelligence, one general burst of detestation and indignation met it from every corner in Europe. But one resource was now left to save the capital, and the regal authority; and that was from the efforts of the army assembled in front of Melun, under the command of Macdonald and Monsieur. This army was composed of the troops in the first military division, the garrison and the national guards of Paris; and was variously estimated at from 30 to 100,000 men. It certainly exceeded the former number. It was not in this point, however, that it was deficient. It want ed a proper spirit. It was obvious that the troops were little to be depended upon; therefore they were mixed with the national guards of Paris, who, it was supposed were animated with better feelings, and which might thereby keep the others to their duty. Vain expectation. The national guards of Paris had long been used to wallow in the midst of debauchery • Ney's proclamation to his army, Lons le Saulnier, March 15th, 1815. and riches, collected by the concentration of the plunder of Europe, to their haughty capital; and, therefore, could not cordially hate the man whose ambition had so long continued to feed their enjoyment. Their morals were corrupted-their bodies enervated; and though they marched from Paris at the sound of martial music, shouting, Vive le Roi, they had not yet come to danger in the cannon's mouth. When that moment arrived, it tried the virtuous mettle of the "lads of Paris." Surrounded with enemies, menaced with dangers, and bending under bodily infirmities, the King yet continued firm, in this emergency. Though advised by his most faithful adherents to retire in time from this scene of danger: "Can I better terminate my career, at 60 years of age," said be, "than by ending my life in defence of my people." His people were a worthless and a faithless race, and did not deserve such a sacrifice. He abode with them, however, to the last moment. He threw himself upon the protection of his legislature. The war was declared national, and his cause the cause of all Frenchmen. Addresses continued to pour in from the different departments, expressive of their fidelity and attachment. Whenever he appeared in Paris, he was welcomed with shouts of " Vive le Roi," and on the 16th March, in the chambers of the legislative bodies, the universal cry was, "long live the King! the King in life and death." But, alas! these were mere words, and would not stop the career of Bonaparte. These were Parisian praises, and went for little. These were shared by any thing might be considered uppermost in Paris, whether it was the voice of liberty or terror-Robespierre, the Guillotine, or the Goddess of Reason. Many, no doubt, hated Bonaparte. But would they support the one or oppose the other? No! unless words and tongues would do it. Immorality and debauchery had corrupted and enervated their feelings and their faculties-tyranny and anarchy had debased them. The virtuous Louis was destined to feel this. The turn of his successor, who had once felt, but was yet to feel this more bitterly, was rapidly circling round in the wheel of fortune. From Auxerre, Bonaparte advanced to Melun. The army, at this place, was drawn up to oppose his progress. He ad |