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Napoleon diplomatic papers With digital objects
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Relay to Napoleon describing the current diplomatic situation

Caulaincourt highlights that his presentiments were verified – the Allies want to redress France’s frontiers back to its pre-Revolutionary borders. Nevertheless, the French Foreign Minister claims that there is still time to negotiate with the two prime Allied negotiators, Castlereagh and Metternich.

Letters from Napoleon to Alexander

I. (Schoebrunn, 10 October 1809) Acknowledgement of Russia’s recent peace agreement with Sweden. Highlighting the peace settlement with Austria; Napoleon emphasizes his view of the leniency of the agreement. Description of Wellesley’s landing in “le plus terrible pays du monde” (Iberian Peninsula). Mention of the United States’ growing discontent towards Britain and the possibility of a rapprochement between France and the U.S.
II. (19 February 1811) High praise for Caulaincourt and his role as ambassador in St-Petersburg. Napoleon justifies recalling his ambassador for ‘health reasons’ – marking a shift in France’s policy towards Russia in the build up to the Campaign of 1812.
III. (Paris, 6 April 1811) Faced with news of approaching (Russian) divisions to the borders of the Duchy of Warsaw, Napoleon declares he will raise fresh levies. Bonaparte nevertheless claims he wants peace, desires to remain amicable, and assures that he will “never to attack”.
IV. (Vilna, 10 July 1812) Request to transfer Alexander’s correspondence to the King of Saxony. Note Letter is misfiled as correspondence between Napoleon and Alexander

Letter from Bignon to Nesselrode

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.

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