A Narrative of the Political and Military Events of 1815

WHEN I first considered the extraordinary events, and the memorable campaigns, of 1812, 1813, and 1814, I did not expect that by the time I had closed the volume, a fresh subject, proceeding from the same system, and arising in the same quarter, should so soon claim the attention of Europe, and demand the labour of the Narrator. That the restless mind and evil disposition of the mass of the population of France, would, in a short period, plunge Europe into a fresh war, I did not doubt; but that, to accomplish this object, they would so soon arm themselves with the same weapons, and march under their former banners, I believe, few were prepared to expect. While Europe yet remained in arms, and in threatening array-when the Andalusian, in his return to his home, had as yet only gained a distant view of the mountain which he revered, and the Cossack of the stream which he loved; who could have supposed that the former would not have been suffered to enhale, in peace, the healthful breeze on the one, and the latter not to taste the refreshing draught from the other. Worn grey in the service, half his life spent in the tented field, familiar with glory, and satisfied that, with his own peace and liberty, he had secured the independence and repose of his native land, we beheld the soldier returning to enjoy the fruits

of his honourable wounds, his toils, and his dangers. Under the prospect of durable comfort and repose, we saw him welcomed by his family and friends, whether these were situated around the banks of the Danube, or the Moskwa, or the Oder; on the shores of Britain, or the mountains of the North. We every where belreld the brave defenders of their country, standing, as it were, upon the threshold of their beloved homes; while the tear of welcome, and the smile of satisfaction animated the countenances of those dearest to their hearts; and whose eager arms prepared to unbuckle their armour, and to lay aside their arms. But soon those soft scenes were rufled. Soon these transports fled. The cloud of the storm rolled sullen on the brow of the mountain. The wind began to howl fiercely along the agitated stream. The blast of the trumpet again sounded the alarm of battle, and commanded the warrior to retrace his footsteps with the utmost speed-commanded him again to leave his native land, his friends and his family-so often desired thus barely found, and to leave them, perhaps, for ever. Who can describe the feelings, which such a moment called forth in the agitated groupe? Who can paint the anguish and alarm which, at such a moment, overspread Europe? Bitter, however, as these were; equally so, was the indignation aroused, against those whose conduct had occasioned all this.

The Treaty of Paris, it was fondly anticipated, had secured for a long time the repose of Europe. That of Ghent, concluded at the close of the year, was believed to have consolidated the harmony of the civilized world. Vain hope! Scarcely was the ink dry with which the former was ratified, and the vast military force of the allies, at first too lightly felt, and next too hastily removed, withdrawn beyond the boundaries of France, when the restless, arrogant, ambitious, and ungrateful character of that nation, which, during the hour of danger, had either shrunk from observation, or had been passed over unnoticed amidst the general satisfaction which pervaded the world, began again to shew itself. The Jacobin party, whom no social compact can bind, nor limited power control, saw that family restored, on whose unfortunate heads their fury and their crimes had without reason, as without

mercy, heaped numberless calamities. It was impossible that this family could ever look upon them as their sincere friends. Their presence, besides, constantly recalled to the memories of those Revolutionary characters, the carnage and the crimes perpetrated by them in the bosom of their unhappy country. The establishment of peace and order, constantly recalled to: their memories how completely they overturned both. Their guilty consciences took the alarm; and as soon as the fiery sword of indignant Europe, the edge of which their odious conduct had to the utmost provoked, was removed from above their trembling heads, these still bade them dread those innocent individuals whom they had formerly so grievously persecuted and oppressed. Under these circumstances, the backwardness of the Court to treat these men with that familiarity, confidence, and kindness, which it practised to its friends, excited, but without any just reason, their suspicions, their hatred, and their indignation. That Louis XVIII. forgave them in sincerity, there is no doubt. That he pardoned them freely, is certain. For him to do more, was what they had no reason to expect, and was what they did not deserve. This mercy, however, did not satisfy them-they had been accustomed to rule and to dictate, but not patiently to obey any power but such as they trembled to behold; namely, such as that of Rob spierre, and that of Napoleon Bonaparte. These men took every opportunity to spread their own base, suspicious, and guilty fears, amongst the thoughtless multitude; who, in every country, but more particularly in France, are ever ready to believe what is bad, and to look forward with satisfaction to changes and convulsions. All the danger, however, proceeding from this quar ter, great as it was, might have been got the better of, by firm ness and wisdom on the part of the Government; and that odious, but powerful party, have been consigned to deeper and deeper obscurity, a mild punishment for their conduct, had not more dangerous weapons of faction and discord remained ready at hand,' and been found most abundant in France. These were the military. Equally unprincipled as the others, born and educated in the same school, their intentions were equally criminal, and their pursuits more dangerous than those of their

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