ITALY (Campaign of). 2 printed plates and a handwritten plan. April 1814. When Prince Eugène still hoped to retain the kingdom of Italy. The viceroy held out for a long time against the Austrian thrust into Italy, winning the battle of the Mincio, but constantly having to retreat. The Senate's dismissal of Napoleon I on April 3, 1814 and the emperor's abdication, sanctioned by the Treaty of Fontainebleau on April 11, prompted Prince Eugène to sign an armistice with the Austrians on April 17, guaranteeing the return of French troops to France under General Paul Grenier. Despite long months of muted popular discontent, particularly with conscription, the Viceroy hoped to maintain his position in Italy, and appealed to the Allies, counting on the support of his father-in-law, the King of Bavaria. However, the kingdom's Senate was divided between supporters of the French, Austrians and Italian unity without foreign tutelage, and an anti-French riot broke out as the army left the capital. On April 23, Prince Eugene signed an agreement with Austria to cede his strongholds, and on May 30 the Treaty of Paris handed over the Kingdom of Italy to Austria. - Beauharnais (Eugène de). Proclamation of S. A. I. le prince vice-roi d'Italie". Mantua, printed by the heir Pazzoni, [April 1814]. Small broadside. Proclamation dated Mantua, April 17, 1814: "French soldiers! Long misfortunes have weighed upon our homeland. France, seeking a remedy for its ills, has returned to its ancient aegis [i.e. the Bourbon monarchical regime]. The feeling of all her sufferings is already fading for her in the hope of the rest so necessary after so much turmoil. On hearing the news of these great changes, your first glance goes to your beloved mother, who calls you back to her bosom. French soldiers, you are about to return to your homes. It would have been sweet of me to be able to bring you back. In other circumstances, I would not have yielded to anyone the task of leading to rest the brave men who have followed with such noble and constant devotion the paths of glory and honor. But in parting from you, I have other duties to fulfill. A good, generous and faithful people [the Italian people] claim the remainder of an exist[e]nce that has been devoted to them for nearly ten years. I no longer pretend to dispose of myself, as long as I can take care of their happiness, which has been and will be my life's work. French soldiers, by remaining in the midst of this people, you can be sure that I will never forget the trust you have shown me in the midst of danger, as well as in the most difficult political circumstances. My attachment and gratitude will follow you everywhere, as will the esteem and affection of the Italian people [...]". - GRENIER (Paul). Agenda. [Mantoue], from the heir Pazzoni, [April 1814]. In folio. Order of the day issued in Mantua on April 18, 1814 as commander-in-chief of the French troops in the Army of Italy: "French soldiers! The proclamation of His Imperial Highness the Prince Viceroy of Italy has made known to the army the reasons which oblige it to return to France. It is announced that great changes have taken place in our homeland, but nothing official on this subject has yet reached us. While we wait for the line of our duties to be drawn, let us continue to walk the path of honor, maintaining the calm, noble and proud attitude which has earned us the esteem of the Prince, the people of Italy, his army and even the enemy. The Government's orders will undoubtedly reach us before we reach our frontiers, but our duty is to obey, we have no need to deliberate; by not giving in to foreign suggestions, by not deviating from the path of honor, by preserving that discipline which distinguishes the French army, the fatherland will again see an army worthy of itself and always ready to defend its cause [...]". - Pizzighettone: handwritten color plan. Black ink with watercolor highlights, 24.5 x 33.5 cm. This stronghold of the Kingdom of Italy controlled the passage of the Adda River north of Piacenza.