Napoleon in 1812

Chapter 27

What happened at the diner – 5

Negotiations between France and Russia, the two major European powers, resumed. Despite the harsh and fierce atmosphere of the previous talks, the two emperors were able to reach an agreement without difficulty as they were determined to end the war. There was a sharp confrontation over several clauses, but the treaty was finally concluded as officials from both sides made small concessions.

The French Empire confirms possession of all loot obtained in the Battle of Hrodna. However, considering various circumstances, it is not possible to claim the right to the personal belongings of generals and officers who have titles. The Russian Empire rejoins the Continental Blockade against Britain. The Russian Empire will also use diplomatic and military means to force Sweden to participate in the Continental Blockade. As a sign of responsibility and apology for the outbreak of war, the Russian Empire will never again discuss the sovereignty of the Duchy of Oldenburg, as it was established in one of the Treaties of Tilsit. However, this is not a sign of approval for the French Empire’s annexation of the Duchy of Oldenburg. The Russian Empire repays 60 million francs to the French Empire as a token of its responsibility and apology for the outbreak of war. The provinces of Podolia and Volhynia are transferred to the Duchy of Warsaw. Relations between the French and Russian empires go back to 1807. The two countries are equal allies and do not violate each other’s sovereignty. The Russian Empire and the French Empire sign a three-year nonaggression pact. During this period, the two countries cannot invade each other’s territory and directly or indirectly support opposing countries. The French Empire releases all Russian prisoners as soon as the Russian Empire pays compensation and transfers the territories. During that time, the French Empire and the Russian Empire each pay half for the food and expenses of the prisoners.

On July 15th, 1812, about a month after Napoleon’s declaration of an expedition to Russia, negotiations were signed between the two countries.

Napoleon’s initial offer was 75 million francs in compensation and the transfer of the provinces of Podolia, Volhynia and Pripyat, but Napoleon himself expected that it would be difficult to get all of it. At least Russia’s pride would not tolerate it. After negotiations, it was decided that only the provinces of Podolia and Volhynia would be ceded to the Duchy of Warsaw, and that the compensation would be 60 million francs.

In the official diplomatic documents, the victorious and defeated countries were not specified separately, but were only labeled as ‘equal allies’. However, it was clear who was the winner and who was the loser.

“We have crossed an irreversible line. France and Russia have become enemies that cannot live under the same sky.’

Alexander I left Napoleon without saying goodbye. Russian generals also left the room with seriously hardened faces. Under the diplomatic treaty, France and Russia were allies, but their attitude showed that they could never be so. Russia also joined the ranks, along with Austria and Prussia. The faces of the French generals were not bright as they understood the situation.

“If they regain their military strength, they will hit the back of our country on the first occasion. We will have to prepare for this.”

There was no one to disagree with Michel Ney’slll words. That was right. France and Russia would fight again soon. This agreement was only used to make time to prepare for the war.

“Before the Slavs gain power, we must first break the coalition of the enemy nations that surround France. It’s time to operate on the Empire’s long-standing ulcers.”

All the generals understood what Napoleon was saying. The Iberian Peninsula War lasted from 1808 to this day. The number of French soldiers killed in this war alone war 200,000. Combined with the satellite countries of the Empire, such as Italy, the Duchy of Warsaw and the Confederation of the Rhine, it would soar to 250,000. The economic and social losses caused by pouring troops during that period were beyond description.

The Iberian Peninsula had established itself as the largest and most persistent source of bleeding, threatening the French supremacy on the European continent. It was even more painful that it was a war that did not have to start. Nabot’s arrogant and stupid mischief had created an ulcer for the Empire.

‘No matter how hard it is, is this the kind of war that needs to last this much? Spain is not the Spanish Empire of the 16th and 17th centuries.’

England and Portugal had united to form a front, but considering the size of their armies, it was impossible to compare, and the weight class itself was different. Indeed, by looking at the overall strength on the Iberian Peninsula, France had an overwhelming dominance throughout the war. Nevertheless, France was suffering from a retreat of the front line, rather than a decisive victory. Napoleon decided to go to the Iberian Peninsula himself and look at the situation. To see what the hell was going on there.

As the chief secretary assisting the Emperor of France, Baron Fain was the quickest to notice Napoleon’s change.

“Please deliver this report to His Majesty.”

Marshal Michel Ney had played a part in the Battle of Hrodna along with Andoche Junot and Joachim Murat. He had given the Russians a deadly blow with a valiant charge, but the expression he was making now was so cautious that he could not recall the courage of that time.

Presenting a handwritten battle report, Ney added ‘Please submit it when His Majesty is in a good mood.’

The Battle of Hrodna was a decisive battle in which France had won a great victory over Russia. Even though it was not a report on a defeat but on a victory that would go down in history, the marshal’s cautiousness showed how much the Emperor’s capriciousness and irritation were unpredictable.

“You should have been subjected to such a thing once or twice… I fully understand, Duke of Elchingen (Michel Ney).’

Baron Fain answered, ‘Don’t worry, and received the report, but he did not shudder like a puppy, like in the past. He headed straight to the office of Mayor Hrodna. It was now occupied by the French and had been converted into a bedroom for the Emperor.

On the historic day when the Empire had succeeded in ending its largest expedition and made its Russian enemy kneel down, the Emperor and his former colleagues had a small victory celebration party. Although he drank quite a lot at the party, the Emperor was awake on time, reading the newspaper and drinking coffee.

“Are you awake? Your Majesty! Did you have a peaceful night?”

“It’s been a while since I’ve had a good night’s sleep. Are the newspapers and coffee brought by the Baron?”

“Yes, Your Majesty! I ordered the servants to bring them in advance.”

“Thanks to you, I’m able to smell the aroma of coffee from the morning. Thank you.”

The Emperor said so while smiling lightly.

Perhaps because he was self-made, the Emperor was kind and generous to his subordinates, but the fluctuations of his feelings were severe. Even if he saw the same actions and listened to the same words, he could react differently depending on his mood.

Sometimes he could be so petty and nervous, so his secretaries and attendants were very anxious. But at some point (Baron Fain did not remember exactly when it was), the Emperor’s attitude changed.

The biggest difference from the past was that his capriciousness and mood swings had decreased. Of course, it was human to be annoyed and angry when faced with unexpected difficulties, but he did not vent it on someone else. His hostile tone and threatening behavior also no longer scared his subordinates.

The whims’ disappearance left only kindness and generosity, and Baron Fain really liked the changed Emperor. And this became the reason why Baron Fain was able to make straightforward and loyal statements to the Emperor, unlike in the past.

“I understand that we should celebrate a hundred times our great victory that will brighten the Empire. But you should avoid drinking too much like yesterday. Didn’t the imperial physicians tell you to watch out for excessive drinking and eating?”

“… They did. This guy’s body is really…!”

“Your Majesty?”

“Oh, nothing. What’s that paper?”

Marshal Michel Ney had asked for this report to be delivered when the Emperor was in a good mood.

The Emperor was suffering from a morning hangover and was quite irritated, so technically it was not the right time. Nevertheless, Baron Fain believed in the recent change of the Emperor’s attitude.

“This is a handwritten report of the Battle of Hrodna by Marshal Ney.”

The Emperor read it without saying a word. Baron Fain watched him carefully. When his eyes passed over certain parts, his eyebrows wriggled and showed signs of discomfort. Perhaps he found something that he did not like about the explanation or interpretation of the report.

If he were like before, he would have summoned the Marshal immediately and scolded him nervously. However, the current Emperor did not do such a thing, but simply added a short annotation on the side. Baron Fain cleared the cup of coffee and left the bedroom so that the Emperor could concentrate.

It was a peaceful morning.

End of the Russian Expedition! Great victory for the French Empire!

The expedition ended and news of the victory was announced to the expedition troops, who were a bit frustrated after moving hundreds or thousands of kilometers from their hometown. They cheered enthusiastically and threw off their hats, regardless of nationality, class and age. Just the fact that they did not have to live anxiously with the fear of death anymore made their morale soared to the sky.

Joachim Murat, who was watching the scene, said, ‘That’s what we can do when we fight. If we can fight while maintaining this momentum, we will be able to defeat 10 times more enemies.’

‘Hey, this guy. Are we marching home or to death? Tsk…’

As Napoleon kept his thoughts for himself about Murat’s ignorant behavior, he paid attention to the faces of the soldiers seen through the carriage. The faces of the soldiers of the expedition were very bright and hopeful, but there was a difference among them. Surprisingly, the Prussian and Austrian soldiers were the brightest.

On the other hand, the faces of the French soldiers, the protagonists of the victory, were relatively dark.

‘This is not the end of the war for the French. Now they must feel instinctively that they are going to the Iberian Peninsula.’

The French soldiers had been struggling on the battlefields since 1805 because of Nabot, a lunatic war maniac. The only way they could be discharged was to be crippled or to cross the River Styx. Would it feel like walking without a speck of light in an endless cave?

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He felt sorry for them, who were laughing hard but ran out of hope. It would be best to end the remaining war as soon as possible and help the French find rest. Of course, that alone would not solve it.

So as soon as Napoleon returned to Paris, he decided to give ‘special gifts’ to the tired soldiers.

This would also be of great help in boosting public support for the Empire.

TL notes

[1] Michel Ney.