Memoirs of the History of France During the Reign of Napoleon Volume 4 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1824 Excerpt: ...openly manifested their jealousy of him. "So much glory," said they, "is incompatible with liberty." If he had recommenced hostilities, and the French army had occupied Vienna, the Directory, constant to the principles by which they had been actuated ever since the 18th of Fructidor, would have wanted to revolutionize the empire, which would undoubtedly have involved France in a new war with Prussia, Russia, and the Germanic body; but the Republic was ill governed; and the administration corrupt; the government inspired neither confidence nor respect. Had Napoleon broken off the negotiations, the responsibility of the consequences would have lain with him; but in giving peace to his country, he added to the glory of conquest and pacification that of being the founder of two great republics; for Belgium, the departments of the Rhine, Savoy, and the county of Nice, could not be legitimately annexed to France until the treaty of peace with the Emperor, nor could the existence of the Cisalpine Republic be regularly secured without that event. Thus crowned with laurels and with the olive branch in his hand, he thought he should safely return into private life, with equal glory to the great men of antiquity; the first act of his public life would be concluded; circumstances and the interest of his country would regulate the remainder of his career; glory, and the love and esteem of the French nation, were sufficient means for the attainment of any object. France was anxious for peace. The struggle of the allied Kings with the Republic, was a conflict of principles: it was a repetition of the contest between the Ghibellines and the Guelphs; a war between the oligarchs who reigned at London, Vienna, and St. Petersburg, and the republicans of Par...