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Updated: June 3, 2025
"During our stay," says M. de Bausset, "the Emperor wanted to breakfast on the dyke, or jetty, which had been begun in the unhappy reign of the most virtuous of kings. I got there before Their Majesties, on a most lovely day, and had everything arranged.
And the French memoir-writers, Marmont, Bourrienne, Pasquier, and Bausset, have expressed their surprise that so able a chief as Napoleon should have neglected this potent ally. Their criticisms seem to be prompted by later reflections rather than based on an accurate statement of facts. In truth, the nineteenth-century Hercules was still in his cradle.
When Bausset sought to soothe him by remarking that France would still form one of the finest of realms, he replied: "with remarkable serenity 'I abdicate and I yield nothing." The words hide a world of meaning: they inclose the secret of the Hundred Days.
From the Eclaircissemens Historiques of M. de Rullhiêres, and the life of Bossuet, by M. Baussét , it seems evident, that Lewis the Fourteenth, had been induced, to believe, that the number of Protestants was much smaller; that the conversions of them, would be much more rapid, general, and sincere; and that the measures, for hastening their conversion, would be much less violent than they really were.
There were four tables in the palace, that of the officers and ladies-in-waiting, that of the officers of the guard and the pages, that of the ladies who read to the Empress and introduced visitors. The Grand Marshal had under his orders the prefects of the palace: M. de Lucay, M. de Bausset, and M. de Saint Didier.
According to the Memoirs of the Baron de Bausset, who was present at the Dresden interview, "Everything which has been written about the coldness of the King of Prussia's reception is false. He was welcomed, as he had the right to expect, as a powerful ally, who, by a recent treaty, had just united his troops with those of France."
Flames speedily burst forth, and Bausset, the Prefect of Napoleon's Palace, affirms that while looking forth from the Kremlin he saw the flames burst forth in several districts in quick succession; and that a careful examination of cellars often proved them to be stored with combustibles, vitriol in one case being swallowed by a French soldier who took it for brandy!
Marie Louise," M. de Bausset goes on, "sat straight on the throne. Her erect figure was fine; her hair was blond and very pretty; her blue eyes beamed with all the candor and innocence of her soul. Her face was soft and kindly. She wore a dress of gold brocade, caught up with large flowers of different colors, which must have tired her by its weight.
"Sire, M. de Bausset has taken her to the small reception-room of your majesty; she is waiting there." "Well," said Napoleon, "she has waited long enough, and might become impatient; I will, therefore, go to her." "But, sire, you will not see her alone, I hope?" asked Duroc, anxiously. "I trust your majesty will permit me to accompany you?"
With the aid of eye-witnesses whose memoirs abound with most valuable recollections such as Prince Metternich, who had the principal charge of the Archduchess's marriage; M. de Bausset and General de Segur, both attached to the Emperor Napoleon's household, so that they saw him nearly every day; Madame Durand, the Empress's first lady-in-waiting; Baron de Meneval, his private secretary with their aid we shall try to recall the brilliant past, taking for our motto that phrase of Michelet: "History is a resurrection."
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