Cover of Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 06

Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 06

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  • 10 chapters
  • Reading level: 10th to 12th grade

"Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 06" by Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The memoirs serve as a detailed record of Napoleon's life from the perspective of his private secretary, Bourrienne, providing insight into the inner workings of Napoleon's government and personal relationships, particularly during pivotal years of his rule. In this volume, the topics likely encompass political maneuvers, military campaigns, and the establishment of the Legion of Honour, alongside Bourrienne's observations on Napoleon's character and leadership style. The opening of the volume sets the stage by explaining the dubious nature of official bulletins published under Napoleon’s regime, emphasizing Bourrienne's insistence on the inaccuracies that distorted public perception of events and military victories. Throughout the early chapters, Bourrienne recounts critical moments such as the establishment of the Legion of Honour and various political struggles surrounding Napoleon’s ambition for power. The narrative details both significant political decisions and the personal dynamics within Napoleon's circle, including encounters with figures like General Bernadotte and the First Consul's oftentimes tumultuous relationships with his family and advisors. This early glimpse into the memoirs illustrates the complexities of loyalty, power, and ambition during a pivotal era in European history.

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  • 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

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Chapter IX: 1802

Proverbial falsehood of bulletins—M. Doublet—Creation of the
Legion of Honour—Opposition to it in the Council and other
authorities of the State—The partisans of an hereditary system—
The question of the Consulship for life.

The historian of these times ought to put no faith in the bulletins, despatches, notes, and proclamations which have emanated from Bonaparte, or passed through his hands. For my part, I believe that the proverb, "As great a liar as a bulletin," has as much truth in it as the axiom, two and two make four.

The bulletins always announced what Bonaparte wished to be believed true; but to form a proper judgment on any fact, counter-bulletins must be sought for and consulted. It is well known, too, that Bonaparte attached great importance to the place whence he dated his bulletins; thus, he dated his decrees respecting the theatres and Hamburg beef at Moscow.

The official documents were almost always incorrect. There was falsity in the exaggerated descriptions of his victories, and falsity again in the suppression or palliation of his reverses and losses. A writer, if he took his materials from the bulletins and the official correspondence of the time, would compose a romance rather than a true history. Of this many proofs have been given in the present work.

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Contents

  1. Chapter IX: 1802
  2. Chapter X: 1802
  3. Chapter XI: 1802
  4. Chapter XII: 1802
  5. Chapter XIII: 1802-1803
  6. Chapter XIV: 1802-1803
  7. Chapter XV: 1802
  8. Chapter XVI: 1802
  9. Chapter XVII: 1803
  10. Chapter XVIII: 1803

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About this edition

This free edition of Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 06 by Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #3556, 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+).

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