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DISPERSION OF BONAPARTE'S ARMY, AND ANOTHER REVOLUTION IN
FRANCE
August 8, 1815
Since our last intelligence we then gave,
has been amply confirmed, by Paris dates to the 24th, and London
to the evening of the 27th of June.
The battle of the 18th, ended in nearly the annihilation of the
French Army which was engaged, and the loss of all its material.
After a desperately fought battle, towards its close, at night,
they appear to have been thrown into a panic, and fled in
excessive confusion, crying out "all is lost -- save
himself who can." Many were killed, many taken prisoners,
and many dispersed. Of the National Guards, (Militia) numbers
probably returned to their homes. Attempts were made to rally the
fugitives -- but few were collected. The Legislature, when they
heard of the disaster and flight, proposed to outlaw all the
troops that did not return to their colours.
Great agitations existed at Paris -- and, in tumult and uproar,
attempts were made in the Legislature to adopt new measures.
In the midst of this alarm the Emperor, discouraged by the result
of the fatal 18th of June, came among the first from the northern
frontier to Paris. Ney also came to Paris.
Fouche, the Minister of War, endeavoured to revive the hopes of
the Legislature, by assurances that they still had a formidable
army on the norther frontier; and mentioned an instance in which
the troops had been rallied. But Ney pronounced it altogether
FALSE, from his personal knowledge he said there was
nothing to prevent the enemy's passing the frontier; that in 5 or
6 days they would be at Paris; and that the country could only be
saved by negotiation.
It was then moved to send a mission to the Allies -- and other
extraordinary measures were proposed, but suspended by a Message
from the Emperor ANNOUNCING his ABDICATION in favour of his SON.
The Abdication was accepted -- UNCONDITIONALLY. The Emperor
recommended a Regency; but the Legislature chose to appoint a
Provisional Government.
The persons appointed are CAULAINCOURT, QUINETTE, FOUCHE, CARNOT
and GRENIER. They immediately organized themselves, Fouche was
appointed President, and they proceeded to designate Envoys to
the Allies.
In the House, for their Members of the Provisional Government,
the votes were, for Carnot 324, Fouche 293, Grenier 204,
Macdonald 197, and La Fayette 142. The two first were chosen. But
Grenier had not a majority till a second trial. Probably 500
Members were present.
Attempts had been repeated to have Napoleon II proclaimed Emperor;
but they had not been successful. The Allies will be obliged by
their experience to insist on having the custody of Napoleon I.
The Duke of WELLINGTON and Marshal BLUCHER continued their
advances towards Paris, and were well received by the People. The
former was within 52 miles of the Capital.
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-Napoleon Bonaparte
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