Containing a significant amount of information concerning the latter years of Napoleon’s reign (ca. 1810-1815), this carton would be of particular interest to researchers interested in the Armistice at Pleswitz and the diplomatic negotiations surrounding the Treaty of Fontainebleau. Diplomatic dealings between Metternich and Caulaincourt are particularly heavily represented. The dense copies of diplomatic correspondence could be of considerable interest to researchers with a sharp focus on the day-to-day negotiations concerning Pleswitz and Fontainebleau.
In addition, Folder 17 contains an unpublished description of the post-Waterloo Hundred Days by Caulaincourt. Therein, Caulaincourt recounts a broad narrative from the defeat at Waterloo to the Bourbon Restoration, including important descriptions of the question of succession and of the final push made by the Allies to restore Louis XVIII to the throne.
Letter from the Duc de Richelieu addressed to “Monsieur le Baron” (unnamed) urging the latter to forego the publication of an unspecified letter between the Duke of Wellington and Lord Castlereagh.
Certification signed by the prefect of the Sarthe Department of the means and ability for the Baron de la Bouillerie to run for political office. Seal and stamp of the Sarthe Department.
Fouché criticizes Louis XVIII’s decision to send him in de facto exile as ambassador to Saxony (p.1-2). Referencing Solon’s reconciliation, Fouché asks Wellington to lend the weight of his name and character to his own cause in need of reconciliation. Description of the Hundred Days Campaign and the subsequent unease concerning the question of Napoleon’s succession (5-6). Question of Napoleonic legitimacy (7-8). Fouché offers a defense of his action during the Restoration, portraying himself as a staunch, honorable individual in the midst of political turmoil (9-19). Focuhé describes his service and ‘devotion’ to the King (19-24). Role of the police force in reestablishing order, justice, and the safety of the state (24-27). Description of public liberty and influence over the people in a time of political upheaval (27-35). An evaluation of the glory of Napoleon’s rule, as well as the problem of the concentration of power within the hands of a single individual (36-39). Importance of balance of political power (39-41). Beginning of concluding remarks; Fouché’s description of his resignation, general reflections on the political climate (41-48).
Letter from Bignon to Nesselrode describing Napoleon’s desire to retire to the United States. Proposition of an immediate armistice. Bignon suggests that if the Allies wish to create a stable political system, they must adopt a conciliatory stance. Assurance to Alexander that France, in its state of redressed borders, poses no threat to Russia and should therefore have its independence restored hastily.
Details of the battle of Waterloo and its aftermath (including mention of the famous “sauve qui peut”). Napoleon declares abdication in favor of his son. Creation of the “Commission du Gouvernement” in wake of abdication and question of succession. Ultimately successful diplomatic pressure exerted by the Allied powers to restore the Bourbons to the throne.
