The Tragedy of St. HelenaRunciman, Walter Runciman, Baron
History
The Tragedy of St. Helena
Runciman, Walter Runciman, Baron
Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821 -- Captivity, 1815-1821
Napoleon's motto was "Everything for the French people." He
seems to have predicted that after his death they would require
his "ashes" to tranquillise an enraged people. Of the other
contracting party he says in the fifth paragraph of his
will:--"I die prematurely, assassinated by the English oligarchy
and its deputy; the English nation will not be slow in avenging
me."
Well, it is requested that his ashes shall be given up to France so
that peace may prevail. And now follows the great act of
condescension:--
"MY LORD,--Her Majesty's Government having taken into
consideration the request made by the French Government for an
authorisation to remove the remains of the Emperor Napoleon from
St. Helena to France, you are instructed to inform M. Thiers
that Her Majesty's Government will with pleasure accede to the
request. Her Majesty's Government entertains hopes that its
readiness to comply with the wish expressed will be regarded in
France as a proof of Her Majesty's desire to efface every trace
of those national animosities which, during the life of the
Emperor, engaged the two nations in war. Her Majesty's
Government feels pleasure in believing that such sentiments, if
they still exist, will be buried for ever in the tomb destined
to receive the mortal remains of Napoleon. Her Majesty's
Government, in concert with that of France, will arrange the
measures necessary for effecting the removal.
--(Signed) PALMERSTON."
One of the chief features of this State document is its veiled
condition that in consideration of H.B.M. Government giving up the
remains of Napoleon, it is to be understood that every _trace_ of
national animosity is to be effaced. Another is, now that his mortal
remains are in question, he is styled "the Emperor Napoleon."
Twenty-five years before, when the atrocious crime of captivity was
planned, Lord Keith, in the name of the British Government, addressed
a communication to "General Bonaparte." The title of Emperor which his
countrymen had given to him was, until his death, officially ignored,
and he was only allowed to be styled "General" Bonaparte--the rank
which the British Government in that hour of his misfortune thought
best suited to their illustrious captive. He was, in fact, so far as
rank was concerned, to be put on a level with some and beneath others
who followed him into captivity. Well might he "protest in the face of
Heaven and mankind against the violence that was being enacted"
towards him. Well might he appeal to history to avenge him. There is
nothing in history to equal the malignancy of the conquerors'
treatment of their fallen foe. We shall see now and hereafter
prejudices making way, reluctantly it may be, but surely, for the
justice that should be done him.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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