Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05
by Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne (1769–1834)
- Free to read
- 3 hours to read
- 8 chapters
- Reading level: 8th & 9th grade
"Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05" by Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume focuses on the pivotal events and military campaigns of the early 1800s, particularly the Italian campaign and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte as the First Consul of France. The narrative covers essential battles such as Marengo and the political maneuvers that shaped not only Napoleonic France but also Europe during this transformative period. At the start of this volume, the author sets the stage in 1800, illustrating the challenges Napoleon faced as he prepared to lead his army against the Austrians. The opening details Bonaparte's strategic mindset, his reflections on France, and the logistical difficulties of crossing the treacherous Mont St. Bernard. The narrative showcases the confidence of Bonaparte as a military leader, his impulsive actions and decisions, and his complex character as he balances ambition with the hard realities of war. As the account progresses, the groundwork for significant battles is laid, providing insight into both Napoleon’s battlefield exploits and his relationships with key figures of his time.
- Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821
- Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821 · Contemporaries
- Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821 · Relations with private secretaries
- Bourrienne, Louis Antoine Fauvelet de, 1769-1834
- Private secretaries · France · Biography
Read the opening
Chapter I: 1800
Bonaparte's confidence in the army—'Ma belle' France—The convent
of Bernadins—Passage of Mont St. Bernard—Arrival at the convent—
Refreshments distributed to the soldiers—Mont Albaredo—Artillery
dismounted—The fort of Bard—Fortunate temerity—Bonaparte and
Melas—The spy—Bonaparte's opinion of M. Necker—Capitulation of
Genoa—Intercepted despatch—Lannes at Montebello—Boudet succeeded
by Desaix—Coolness of the First Consul to M. Collot—Conversation
and recollections—The battle of Marengo—General Kellerman—Supper
sent from the Convent del Bosco—Particulars respecting the death of
Desaix—The Prince of Lichtenstein—Return to Milan—Savary and
Rapp.
It cannot be denied that if, from the 18th Brumaire to the epoch when Bonaparte began the campaign, innumerable improvements had been made in the internal affairs of France, foreign affairs could not be seen with the same satisfaction. Italy had been lost, and from the frontiers of Provence the Austrian camp fires were seen. Bonaparte was not ignorant of the difficulties of his position, and it was even on account of these very difficulties that, whatever might be the result of his hardy enterprise, he wished to escape from it as quickly as possible. He cherished no illusions, and often said all must be staked to gain all.
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About this edition
This free edition of Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05 by Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #3555, released 2002-12-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Biographies, History - European, History - Modern (1750+), History - Warfare.
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