Memoirs of Napoleon, vol 9 | Page 6

regarded as a punishment what was, on the Emperor's part, a precaution
to preserve a young man whose merit he appreciated. At the close of
the campaign, when the Emperor promoted those officers who had
distinguished themselves, Bernard, who was thought to be in disgrace,
was not included in Berthier's list among the captains of engineers
whom he recommended to the rank of chef de bataillon; but Napoleon
himself inscribed Bernard's name before all the rest. However, the
Emperor forgot him for some time; and it was only an accidental
circumstance that brought him to his recollection. I never had any
personal acquaintance with Bernard, but I learned from Rapp, how he
afterwards became his colleague as aide de camp to the Emperor; a
circumstance which I shall now relate, though it refers to a later period.
Before the Emperor left Paris for the campaign of 1812 he wished to
gain precise information respecting Ragusa and Elyria. He sent for

Marmont, but was not satisfied with his answers. He then interrogated
several other generals, but the result of his inquiries always was, "This
is all very well; but it is not what I want. I do not know Ragusa." He
then sent for General Dejean, who had succeeded M. de Marescot as
first inspector of the Engineers.
"Have you any one among your officers," he asked, "who is well
acquainted with Ragusa? "Dejean, after a little reflection, replied, "Sire,
there is a chef de bataillon who has been a long time forgotten, but who
knows Elyria perfectly."--"What's his name?"--"Bernard."--"Ah!
stop . . . Bernard! I remember that name. Where is he?"--"At Antwerp,
Sire, employed on the fortifications."--"Let a telegraphic despatch be
immediately, transmitted,--[by semaphore arms.]--desiring him to
mount his horse and come with all speed to Paris."
The promptitude with which the Emperor's orders were always
executed is well known. A few days after Captain Bernard was in the
Emperor's cabinet in Paris. Napoleon received him very graciously.
The first thing he said was, "Talk to me about Ragusa." This was a
favourite mode of interrogation with him in similar cases, and I have
heard him say that it was a sure way of drawing out all that a man had
observed in any country that he had visited. Be that as it may, he was
perfectly satisfied with M. Bernard's information respecting Elyria; and
when the chef de bataillon had finished speaking Napoleon said,
"Colonel Bernard, I am now acquainted with Ragusa." The Emperor
afterwards conversed familiarly with him, entered into details
respecting the system of fortification adopted at Antwerp, referred to
the plan of the works, criticised it, and showed how he would, if he
besieged the town, render the means of defence unavailing. The new
Colonel explained so well how he would defend the town against the
Emperor's attack that Bonaparte was delighted, and immediately
bestowed upon, the young officer a mark of distinction which, as far as
I know, he never granted but upon that single occasion. The Emperor
was going to preside at the Council of State, and desired Colonel
Bernard to accompany him, and many times during the sittings be
asked him for his opinion upon the points which were under discussion.
On leaving the Council Napoleon said, "Bernard, you are in future my

aide de camp." After the campaign he was made General of Brigade,
soon after General of Division, and now he is acknowledged to be one
of the ablest engineer officers in existence. Clarke's silly conduct
deprived France of this distinguished man, who refused the brilliant
offers of several sovereigns of Europe for the sake of retiring to the
United States of America, where he commands the Engineers, and has
constructed fortifications on the coast of the Floridas which are
considered by engineers to be masterpieces of military art.

CHAPTER II.
1805.
Rapidity of Napoleon's victories--Murat at Wertingen--Conquest of
Ney's duchy--The French army before Ulm--The Prince of
Liechtenstein at the Imperial headquarters--His interview with
Napoleon described by Rapp--Capitulation of Ulm signed by Berthier
and Mack--Napoleon before and after a victory--His address to the
captive generals-- The Emperor's proclamation--Ten thousand prisoners
taken by Murat-- Battle of Caldiero in Italy--Letter from
Duroc--Attempts to retard the Emperor's progress--Fruitless mission of
M. de Giulay--The first French eagles taken by the Russians--Bold
adventure of Lannes and Murat--The French enter Vienna--Savary's
mission to the Emperor Alexander.
To convey an idea of the brilliant campaign of 1805 from an abstract of
the reports and letters I received at Hamburg I should, like the almanac-
makers, be obliged to note down a victory for every day. Was not the
rapidity of the Emperor's first operations a thing hitherto unprecedented?
He departed from Paris on the 24th of September, and hostilities
commenced on the 2d of October. On the 6th and