Life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Volume II. Walter Scott
is fair to add, however, that Buonaparte in his Memoirs, while at St. Helena, gives a sketch of the geographical description and history of Corsica, and suggests several plans for the civilisation of his countrymen, – one of which, the depriving them of the arms which they constantly wear, might be prudent were it practicable, but certainly would be highly unpalatable. There occurs an odd observation, "that the Crown of Corsica must, on the temporary annexation of the island to Great Britain, have been surprised at finding itself appertaining to the successor of Fingal." Not more, we should think, than the diadem of France, and the iron crown of Italy, may have marvelled at meeting on the brow of a Corsican soldier of fortune. – S.
197
Alvinzi was, at this time, seventy years of age. He died in 1810.
198
Montholon, tom. iii., p. 345; Thibaudeau, tom. ii., p. 82.
199
Montholon, tom. iii., p. 345; Thibaudeau, tom. ii., p. 109.
200
Jomini, tom. ix., p. 165.
201
Montholon, tom. iii., p. 349.
202
Jomini, tom. ix., p. 170; Thibaudeau, tom. ii., p. 112.
203
"The rain fell in torrents; the ground was so completely soaked, that the French artillery could make no movement, whilst that of the Austrians, being in position, and advantageously placed, produced its full effect." – Montholon, tom. iii., p. 352.
204
"We have but one more effort to make, and Italy is our own. The enemy is, no doubt, more numerous than we are, but half his troops are recruits; when he is beaten, Mantua must fall, and we shall remain masters of all. From the smiling flowery bivouacs of Italy, you cannot return to the Alpine snows. Succours are on the road; only beat Alvinzi, and I will answer for your future welfare." – Montholon, tom. iii., p. 355.
205
"This was the day of military devotedness. Lannes, who had been wounded at Governolo, had hastened from Milan; he was still suffering; he threw himself between the enemy and Napoleon, and received three wounds. Muiron, Napoleon's aide-de-camp, was killed in covering his general with his own body. Heroic and affecting death!" – Napoleon,
206
Jomini, tom. ix., p. 180; Thibaudeau, tom. ii., p. 117.