de Talleyrand and the Duc de Picence-Offer of a Dukedom and the Grand Cordon of the Legion of Honour-Definitive refusal-The Duc de Vicence's message to me in 1815-Commencement of the siege of Hamburg-A bridge two leagues long-Executions at Lübeck-Scarcity of provisions in Hamburg-Banishment of the inhabitants-Men bastinadoed and women whipped-Hospitality of the inhabitants of Altona. CHAPTER XXXII. 1813-1814. Prince Eugène and the affairs of Italy-The army of Italy on the frontiers of Austria-Eugène's regret at the defection of the Bavarians-Murat's dissimulation and perfidy-His treaty with Austria-Hostilities followed by a declaration of war-Murat abandoned by the French generals-Proclamation from Paris-Murat's success-Gigantic scheme of Napoleon-Napoleon advised to join the Jacobins-His refusal-Armament of the National Guard-The Emperor's farewell to the officers-The Congress of Chatillon-Refusal of an armistice-Napoleon's character displayed in his negotiations- Opening of the Congress-Discussions-Rupture of the Conferences. CHAPTER XXXIII. 1814 Curious conversation between General Reynier and the Emperor Alexander-Napoleon repulses the Prussians-The Russians at Fontainebleau-Battle of Brienne-Sketch of the campaign of France- Supper after the battle of Champ Aubert-Intelligence of the arrival of the Duc d'Angouleme and the Comte d'Artois in France-The battle of the ravens and the eagle-Battle of Craonne-Departure of the Pope and the Spanish Princes-Capture of a convoy-Macdonald at the Emperor's headquarters-The inverted cipher. CHAPTER XXXIV. 1814. The men of the Revolution and the men of the Empire-The Council of Regency-Departure of the Empress from Paris-Marmont and Mortier- Joseph's flight-Meeting at Marmont's hotel-Capitulation of Paris- Marmont's interview with the Emperor at Fontainebleau-Colonels Fabvier and Denys-The Royalist cavalcade-Meeting at the hotel of the Comte de Morfontaine-M. de Chateaubriand and his pamphlet- Deputation to the Emperor Alexander-Entrance of the Allied sovereigns into Paris-Alexander lodged in M. Talleyrand's hotel- Meetings held there-The Emperor Alexander's declaration- My appointment as Postmaster-General-Composition of the Provisional Government-Mistake respecting the conduct of the Emperor of Austria-Caulaincourt's mission from Napoleon-His interview with the Emperor Alexander-Alexander's address to the deputation of the Senate-M. de Caulaincourt ordered to quit the capital. CHAPTER XXXV. 1814.