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Updated: June 1, 2025
"Hence, sire, pray tear this mask from Talleyrand's treacherous face. Meet him as an open enemy. Then either his enmity will be destroyed by terror, or he will betray his intentions." "I lack proof to convict him," said Napoleon, in a hesitating and wavering tone.
As a set-off to these losses, you shall receive Moldavia, Wallachia, and northern Bulgaria. If the Russians object to this and attack you, I will be your ally." Such was Talleyrand's proposal.
She did not dare to reproach him with his infidelities at Warsaw or the Castle of Finkenstein, or to show that she noticed his attentions to many ladies of the court, notably to a beautiful Italian woman, a friend of Talleyrand's, who was one of her readers and a prominent object of Napoleon's attentions.
As a set-off to these losses, you shall receive Moldavia, Wallachia, and northern Bulgaria. If the Russians object to this and attack you, I will be your ally." Such was Talleyrand's proposal.
What Talleyrand's might be, we can imagine from the singular subtlety and universal knowledge of that most dexterous player of the most difficult game which was ever on the diplomatic cards. But as his definition of the excellence of a letter was "to say any thing, but mean nothing," we must give up the hope of his contribution.
The men of the Revolution and the men of the Empire The Council of Regency Departure of the Empress from Paris Marmont and Mortier Joseph's flight Meeting at Marmont's hotel Capitulation of Paris Marmont's interview with the Emperor at Fontainebleau Colonels Fabvier and Denys The Royalist cavalcade Meeting at the hotel of the Comte de Morfontaine M. de Chateaubriand and his pamphlet Deputation to the Emperor Alexander Entrance of the Allied sovereigns into Paris Alexander lodged in M. Talleyrand's hotel Meetings held there The Emperor Alexander's declaration My appointment as Postmaster-General Composition of the Provisional Government Mistake respecting the conduct of the Emperor of Austria Caulaincourt's mission from Napoleon His interview with the Emperor Alexander Alexander's address to the deputation of the Senate M. de Caulaincourt ordered to quit the capital.
Talleyrand's views on this question may be seen in his letter to Bonaparte, when he assures his chief that he has now reaped from his noble advance to the Russian Emperor the sole possible advantage "that of proving to Europe by a grand act of frankness your love of peace and to throw upon England the whole blame for the war."
His advances only began on the eve of the last war, and the sharpness of the transition from threats to endearments could not be smoothed over even by Talleyrand's finesse.
But Napoleon only replied to it by an exclamation of contempt: "Does that man believe himself to be so necessary? Does he expect to teach me?" He then compelled his secretary to send that letter to the very minister who stood most in dread of Talleyrand's influence. It would not be correct to say, that all those about Napoleon beheld the war with an anxious eye.
That heroic charge was not even mentioned in the bulletin. Napoleon's coolness toward Kellermann, Fouche's fall, and Talleyrand's disgrace were all attributable to the same cause; it is the ingratitude of a Charles VII., or a Richelieu, or " "But, father," said Lucien, "suppose that you should save my life and make my fortune, you are making the ties of gratitude somewhat slight."
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