Secret History of the Court of England, from the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth, Volume 2 (of 2): Including, Among Other Important Matters, Full Particulars of the Mysterious Death of the Princess CharlotteHamilton, Anne, Lady
History
Secret History of the Court of England, from the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth, Volume 2 (of 2): Including, Among Other Important Matters, Full Particulars of the Mysterious Death of the Princess Charlotte
Hamilton, Anne, Lady
Caroline, Queen, consort of George IV, King of Great Britain, 1768-1821; George III, King of Great Britain, 1738-1820 -- Relations with courts and courtiers; George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830 -- Relations with courts and courtiers; Great Britain -- Court and courtiers -- History -- 18th ce
his days to increase the happiness and prosperity of his people. Which
of his enemies could say as much? We quote the following letter in
justification of what we here advance, which the emperor addressed to
all the sovereigns of Europe:
"_Paris, April 4, 1815._
"SIRES, MY BROTHERS,--You have no doubt learnt in the course
of the last month my return to France, my entrance into Paris,
and the departure of the family of the Bourbons. The true
nature of those events must now be made known to your
majesties. They are the results of an irresistible power,--the
results of the unanimous wish of a great nation, which knows
its duties and its rights. The dynasty which force had given
to the French people was not fitted for it; the Bourbons
neither associated with the national sentiments nor manners;
France has therefore separated herself from them; her voice
called for a liberator. The hopes which induced me to make the
greatest sacrifice for her have been deceived; I came, and,
from the spot where I first set my foot, the love of my people
has borne me into the heart of my capital. The first wish of
my heart is to repay so much affection by the maintenance of
an honourable peace. The restoration of the imperial throne
was necessary for the happiness of the French people. It is my
sincere desire to render it at the same time subservient to
the maintenance of the repose of Europe. Enough of glory has
shone by turns on the colours of the various nations. The
vicissitudes of fortune have often enough occasioned great
reverse, followed by great success; a more brilliant _arena_
is now open to sovereigns, and I am the first to descend into
it. After having presented to the world the spectacles of
great battles, it will now be more delightful to know no other
rivalship in future but that resulting from the advantages of
peace, and no other struggle but the sacred one of felicity
for our people. France has been pleased to proclaim with
candour this noble object of her unanimous wish. Jealous of
her independence, the invariable principle of her policy will
be the most rigid respect for the independence of other
nations. If such then (as I trust they are) are the personal
sentiments of your majesties, general tranquillity is secured
for a long time to come, and Justice, seated on the confines
of the various states, will of herself be sufficient to guard
the frontiers.
"I am, &c.
"NAPOLEON."
If further proof be needed against his being a tyrant, it may be found
in the following extracts from the Additional Act to the Constitution of
the Empire of France, 1815:
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