Description
Austerlitz (campaign). - NAPOLÉON Ier. Printed document. One p. small folio. Famous proclamation to the soldiers of the Grande Armée dated the day after the battle of Austerlitz, 12 frimaire an XIV [3 décembre 1805]. "Soldiers. I am pleased with you. On the day of Austerlitz, you justified everything I expected of your intrepidity; you decorated your eagles with immortal glory. An army of one hundred thousand men, commanded by the emperors of Russia and Austria, was either cut off or dispersed in less than four hours; what escaped your iron was drowned in the lakes. 40 flags, the standards of the Imperial Guard of Russia, 120 cannon, 20 generals, more than 30,000 prisoners, are the result of this forever famous day. This much-vaunted infantry, in superior numbers, was unable to withstand your shock, and from now on you have no rivals to fear: thus, in two months, this third coalition has been defeated and dissolved. Peace can no longer be far off; but, as I promised my people before crossing the Rhine, I will only make a peace that gives us guarantees and rewards our allies. Soldiers, when the French people placed the imperial crown on my head, I entrusted myself to you to maintain it always in that high glory which alone could give it value in my eyes; but at the same time, our enemies were thinking of destroying and debasing it, and this iron crown, conquered by the blood of so many Frenchmen, they wanted to force me to place it on the head of our cruellest enemies : reckless and foolish projects which, on the very anniversary of your Emperor's coronation, you destroyed and confounded. You have taught them that it is easier to defy and threaten us than to defeat us. Soldiers, when all that is necessary to ensure the happiness and prosperity of our homeland has been accomplished, I will take you back to France; there you will be the object of my most tender solicitudes; my people will see you again with transports of joy; all you will have to do is say: I was at the battle of Austerlitz, and the response will be: voilà un Brave [...]".
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