Memoirs of Napoleon, vol 9 | Page 7

7th the French passed
the Danube, and turned the enemy's army. On the 8th Murat, at the
battle of Wertingen, on the Danube, took 2000 Austrian prisoners,
amongst whom, besides other general officers, was Count Auffemberg.
Next day the Austrians fell back upon Gunsburg, retreating before our
victorious legions, who, pursuing their triumphal course, entered

Augsburg on the 10th, and Munich on the 12th. When I received my
despatches I could have fancied I was reading a fabulous narrative.
Two days after the French entered Munich--that is to say, on the
14th--an Austrian corps of 6000 men surrendered to Marshal Soult at
Memingen, whilst Ney conquered, sword in hand, his future Duchy of
Elchingen. Finally, on the 17th of October, came the famous
capitulation of General Mack at Ulm,' and on the same day hostilities
commenced in Italy between the French and Austrians, the former
commanded by Massena and the latter by Prince Charles.
--[Prince Maurice Liechtenstein was sent by General Mack as a flag of
truce to the Imperial headquarters before Ulm. He was, according to
custom, led blindfold on horseback. Rapp, who was present, together
with several of Napoleon's aides de camp, afterwards spoke to me of
the Prince's interview with the Emperor. I think he told me that Berthier
was present likewise. "Picture to yourself," said Rapp, "the
astonishment, or rather confusion, of the poor Prince when the bandage
was removed from his eyes. He knew nothing of what had been going
on, and did not even suspect that the Emperor had yet joined the army.
When he understood that he was in the presence of Napoleon he could
not suppress an exclamation of surprise, which did not escape the
Emperor, and he ingenuously acknowledged that General Mack had no
idea he was before the walls of Ulm." Prince Liechtenstein proposed to
capitulate on condition that the garrison of Ulm should be allowed to
return into Austria. This proposal, in the situation in which the garrison
stood, Rapp said, made the Emperor smile. "How can you expect," said
Napoleon, "that I can accede to such a proposition? What shall I gain
by it? Eight days. In eight days you will be in my power without any
condition. Do you suppose I am not acquainted with everything? . .
You expect the Russians? . . . At the nearest they are in Bohemia. Were
I to allow you to march out, what security can I have that you will not
join them, and afterwards fight against me? Your generals have
deceived me often enough, and I will no longer be duped. At Marengo I
was weak enough to allow the troops of Melas to march out of
Alessandria. He promised to treat for peace. What happened? Two
months after Moreau had to fight with the garrison of Alessandria.
Besides, this war is not an ordinary war. After the conduct of your

Government I am not bound to keep any terms with it. I have no faith
in its promises. You have attacked me. If I should agree to what you
ask, Mack would pledge his word, I know. But, even relying on his
good faith, would be he able to keep his promise? As far as regards
himself--yes; but as regards his army--no. If the Archduke Ferdinand
were still with you I could rely upon his word, because he would be
responsible for the conditions, and he would not disgrace himself; but I
know he has quitted Ulm and passed the Danube. I know how to reach
him, however."
Rapp said it was impossible to imagine the embarrassment of Prince
Liechtenstein whilst the Emperor was speaking. He, however,
somewhat regained his self-possession, and observed that, unless the
conditions which he proposed were granted the army would not
capitulate. "If that be the case," said Napoleon. "you may as well go
back to Mack, for I will never grant such conditions. Are you jesting
with me? Stay; here is the capitulation of Memingen--show it to your
General--let him surrender on the same conditions--I will consent to no
others. Your officers may return to Austria, but the soldiers must be
prisoners. Tell him to be speedy, for I have no time to lose. The more
he delays the worse he will render his own condition and yours.
To-morrow I shall have here the corps to which Memingen capitulated,
and then we shall see what is to be done. Make Mack clearly
understand that he has no alternative but to conform to my will."
The imperious tones which Napoleon employed towards his enemies
almost always succeeded, and it produced the accustomed effect upon
Mack. On the same day that Prince Liechtenstein had been at our
headquarters Mack wrote to the Emperor, stating that he would not
have treated with any other on such