In the Words of Napoleon by R.M. Johnston

Author:R.M. Johnston [Johnston, R.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780598502797
Google: yxIsAAAAMAAJ
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Published: 1910-01-15T00:24:43+00:00

1809

On New Year’s Day, Napoleon broke off his pursuit of Sir John Moore, leaving Soult to follow him; on 16 January, Soult was defeated at Corunna, from where the British Army was evacuated; Moore was killed in the battle. Napoleon returned to Paris upon receipt of the news of renewed Austrian belligerence. The war against Austria was the most important event of 1809, and it began when that nation took the field again, encouraged by Britain and by the transfer of French troops to Spain. Austria invaded Bavaria (Napoleon’s ally) and Italy, but when Napoleon arrived in the area he quickly took the offensive himself. He won engagements at Abensberg (19–20 April) and Landeshut (21 April); reinforced Davout and beat off the Archduke Charles at Eckmühl (22 April); and captured Ratisbon (23 April). Vienna was occupied without opposition, Charles marshalling his forces on the far bank of the Danube. To reach him, Napoleon crossed the river at the island of Lobau and established a bridgehead encompassing the villages of Aspem and Essling, but the bridge over the river broke, precluding proper reinforcement. After withstanding two days of Austrian assaults (21–22 May) that saw severe fighting (which cost the life of his close friend, Lannes), Napoleon withdrew across the Danube. It was the first serious military reverse that he had suffered. In Italy, however, the campaigning was rather more successful: Archduke John withdrew his Austrian forces, pursued by Eugène, who defeated him at Raab (16 June).

Napoleon was determined to defeat Charles before he could be reinforced by John, and made better preparations for his next attempt. He crossed the Danube again (4–5 July) and inflicted a heavy defeat upon Charles at Wagram (5–6 July). Austria sued for peace on 10 July, which was concluded by the Treaty of Schönbrunn, signed on 14 October, by which Austria surrendered territory and agreed to join the Continental System; Napoleon had confirmed his domination of continental Europe.

In Spain, the Peninsular War continued, with Wellesley inflicting a notable defeat upon Marshal Victor at Talavera (28 July). After some years of mixed relations with the Pope, in May Napoleon annexed the Papal States, which had been occupied by the French during the previous year, and the Pope excommunicated Napoleon. In July, the Pope was arrested and was deported to Grenoble. At this stage of his life, Napoleon became aware of the absence of a direct heir to succeed him, a factor that may have become more obvious following an attempted assassination by a youth named Friedrich Staps. It was obvious that Josephine could not provide the required heir, so in December Napoleon divorced her.

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January 1st, near Astorga, arrival of the courier from Paris.

2nd, Astorga:

We have found 800 dead horses along the road and much baggage, with supplies. The Guard is returning to Benavente, and I am coming back closer to the centre of my armies.

6th, Benavente:

[To Joseph.] I thank you for your good wishes for the new year. I have no hope as yet that Europe will be pacified this year.

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