Manuscript copy dating from 1812 of The Midnight Court (Cuirt An Mheán Oíche), a satirical poem by Irish writer Brian Merriman (Brian Mac Giolla Meidhre) written around 1780. On wove paper.
Descriptions of the political atmosphere, mediation of the talks between the Allies and France by Austria (the latter assuming a strong negotiating position as power broker). Misc. notes in Caulaincourt’s hand (1810; 1819).
Concerns as Austria is drawn into the discussion with the Allies. The resumption of hostilities becomes increasingly likely, as Caulaincourt suggests that Napoleon should sue for peace after a few battles meant to restore the honor of the French armies/strengthen France’s negotiating position (8 August 1813). Resumption of hostilities on August 13 1813 sees Austria join the Allied cause. Caulaincourt’s breaks the news to the Emperor in agitated prose, urging Bonaparte to make peace (14 August 1813 [letter particularly noteworthy]).
Minute considerations including borders between opposing factions and the gradual diplomatic developments between the Coalition and the French. Copy of the Armistice at Pleswitz (n°55).
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
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.
Largely illegible – writing is hurried and emphatic. Description of “coup de sabre”, “tout vas et tout ira”, “les resultats de votre campagne (…) être mauvais” and “persévérer” (bold and underlined). Mention of “Louis” and relation to “l’argent mais qu’il n’en a pas voulu.”
I. (21 October 1812) Addressed to “Monsieur le Comte” reassuring the latter that no mention of his son, “le Lt. Priest” was published in the military bulletins of dead and severely wounded. II. (27 October 1813) Letter confirming the release of the recipient’s (“le Duc”) brother-in-law and his secretary. III. (Frankfurt, 10 November 1813) Continued description of the restitution of liberty of individual from Letter I. IV. (15 February 1814) Talk of negotiations within the Coalition, praise of Castlereagh.