English Caricature And Satire On Napoleon I. - free ebook by John Ashton

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English Caricature And Satire On Napoleon I.

John Ashton

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CARICATURE AND SATIRE ON NAPOLEON I.

CARICATURE AND SATIRE ON NAPOLEON I.

VOL. I. WORKS BY JOHN ASHTON. A HISTORY OF THE CHAP-BOOKS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. With nearly 400 Illustrations, engraved in facsimile of the originals. Crown 8vo. cloth extra, 7 s. 6 d. SOCIAL LIFE IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. From Original Sources. With nearly 100 Illustrations. Crown 8vo. cloth extra, 7 s. 6 d. HUMOUR, WIT, AND SATIRE OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. With nearly 100 Illustrations. Crown 8vo. cloth extra, 7 s. 6 d. London: CHATTO &amp; WINDUS, Piccadilly. THE EXILE. A SKETCH

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PREFACE.

PREFACE.

This book is not intended to be a History of Napoleon the First, but simply to reproduce the bulk of the Caricatures and Satires published in England on our great enemy, with as much of history as may help to elucidate them. The majority of the caricatures are humorous; others are silly, or spiteful—as will occasionally happen nowadays; and some are too coarse for reproduction—so that a careful selection has had to be made. Gillray and Rowlandson generally signed their names to the work of their

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

BIRTH AND GENEALOGY—HIS OWN ACCOUNT—MAJORCAN OR GREEK EXTRACTION—ENGLISH BIOGRAPHIES. Curiously enough, it has never been practically settled whence the ancestors of Napoleon Bonaparte came. He, himself, cared little for the pride of birth, and when, during his Consulate, they manufactured for him a genealogy descending from a line of kings, he laughed at it, and said that his patent of nobility dated from the battle of Montenotte. But, still, one would think he ought to know, for family traditi

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

DESCENT FROM THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK—ANAGRAMS, ETC., ON HIS NAME—THE BEAST OF THE APOCALYPSE—HIS MOTHER’S ACCOUNT OF HIS BIRTH. The foregoing was the sort of stuff given to our grandfathers for history; nothing could be bad enough for Boney, the Corsican Ogre —nay, they even tortured his name to suit political purposes. It was hinted that the keeper of ‘the Man with the Iron Mask,’ who was said to be no other than the twin (and elder) brother of Louis XIV., was named Bon part ; that the said ke

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

COUNT MARBŒUF, HIS PUTATIVE FATHER—POVERTY OF THE BONAPARTE FAMILY—EARLY PERSONAL DESCRIPTION OF NAPOLEON—HIS OWN ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF—SATIRISTS’ NARRATION OF HIS SCHOOL-DAYS. In after life, when Napoleon was successful, and had made a position, reports were spread that his real father was Count Marbœuf, who had been in Corsica, and in after life, or at all events at his entrance into it, acted as his benefactor and patron. Lætitia Ramolini, afterwards Madame Lætitia Bonaparte, was very graceful a

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CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

NAPOLEON AT THE ECOLE MILITAIRE—PERSONAL DESCRIPTION— PUSS IN BOOTS —VISIT TO CORSICA—SOLICITS SERVICE IN ENGLAND—REPORTED VISIT TO LONDON—SIEGE OF TOULON. On October 14 or 17, 1784, he left Brienne for the Ecole Militaire at Paris. Gillray, when he drew the picture (on next page) of the abject, ragged, servile-looking Napoleon, could hardly have realised the fact that Napoleon was then over fifteen years of age, and that, having been already five years at a military school, he must necessarily

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CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

NAPOLEON’S PROMOTION—HIS POVERTY—JUNOT’S KINDNESS—REVOLT OF THE SECTIONS—NAPOLEON’S SHARE THEREIN—MADE GENERAL OF THE INTERIOR—INTRODUCTION TO JOSEPHINE—SKETCH OF HER LIFE. For the capture of Toulon, Bonaparte was speedily promoted; indeed, his superior officer, Dugommier, in his report, said, ‘Reward and advance this young man, otherwise he will find means to advance himself.’ He afterwards joined the army at Nice, and was sent on a secret diplomatic mission to Genoa; on his return from which h

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CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

JOSEPHINE’S DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE—HER REPUTED CONNECTION WITH BARRAS—MARRIAGE WITH NAPOLEON—HER TASTES AND DISPOSITION. Let us for a moment, as an antidote to the caricaturist’s pictures, see what was Josephine’s dress at this period. 26 ‘Here is Madame de Beauharnais, that excellent Josephine, whose heart is not made for coquetry, but who throws a childish joy into her dress. With an air less dramatic and superb than her rivals, 27 the joyous and kindly creole is, perhaps, the most Fren

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CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

NAPOLEON MADE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMY OF ITALY—HIS SHORT HONEYMOON—HIS FIRST VICTORY—STATE OF THE FRENCH ARMY—THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN—FRENCH DESCENT ON IRELAND—ITS RESULT—STATE OF ENGLAND. Napoleon now waxed great. Through Barras’ influence he was made Commander in Chief of the army of Italy, and bade adieu to his wife after the very brief period of conjugal life, as aforesaid, and, on the way to join the army, he visited his mother and family, at Marseilles, writing frequent and affectionat

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CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

NAPOLEON DESPOILS ITALY OF HER WORKS OF ART—THE SIEGE OF MANTUA—WÜRMSER’S SURRENDER—EARLIEST ENGLISH CARICATURE OF NAPOLEON—INVASION OF ENGLAND—LANDING IN PEMBROKESHIRE—NELSON’S RECEIPT TO MAKE AN OLLA PODRIDA—‘THE ARMY OF ENGLAND.’ Such a subject as the spoliation of Italian works of art was not likely to go a-begging among caricaturists, so George Cruikshank illustrated the poet Combe. At the siege of Mantua, Würmser sent his aide-de-camp Klenau to Napoleon to treat for terms of peace. G. Crui

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CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

CARICATURES ABOUT THE FRENCH INVASION—FOX’S FRENCH PROCLIVITIES—PATRIOTISM IN THE COUNTRY—EXPEDITION TO EGYPT—NELSON’S BLUNDERS—LANDING IN EGYPT—NAPOLEON AS A MAHOMETAN—HIS PROCLAMATIONS. In 1798 the caricatures with regard to the relations between France and England became more numerous, and in this year the personal entity of Napoleon is confessed, and his likeness, a somewhat rough one, but still recognisable, is established. An early one in this year is, the ‘Storm Rising, or the Republican

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CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

CONDUCT OF FRENCH SOLDIERY—NAPOLEON’S HATRED OF ENGLAND—THE EGYPTIAN CAMPAIGN—DESTRUCTION OF THE MAMELUKES—BATTLE OF THE NILE—TARDY NEWS THEREOF. After the entry into Alexandria, Napoleon, by several proclamations, imposed the strictest discipline upon his soldiers; and, although it is possible some irregularities may have occurred on the part of the troops, such scenes as were depicted by Cruikshank and Combe, one with his pencil, the other with his pen, were simply impossible. The avowed objec

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CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

RECEPTION OF THE NEWS OF THE BATTLE OF THE NILE—NELSON SENDS FRENCH ADMIRAL’S SWORD TO THE CITY OF LONDON—VARIOUS CARICATURES ON THE BATTLE—TYPICAL JOHN BULL. It was not till October 2 that a glimmer of the truth, through rather a roundabout channel, appeared in the papers; and later on that day appeared a ‘London Gazette extraordinary,’ with Nelson’s despatches, which were very brief. Who can wonder at the excessive national rejoicing? People were drunk with joy. Take a few paragraphs from the

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CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

REVOLT AND MASSACRE AT CAIRO—CARICATURES OF THE CAPTURE OF FRENCH SHIPS—FIGHTING FOR THE DUNGHILL, ETC.—PRICE OF BREAD AND CONSOLS IN 1798. I have omitted an episode which, to be chronologically correct, should have been introduced earlier; and here, as usual, we find a French authority for what might seem an English slander: Émile de la Bédoliére, in his ‘Tableau Chronologique de l’Histoire de Napoléon,’ gives the story of the revolt at Cairo very tersely:— October 21.—‘During two months the Mu

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CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

REPORTED ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE NAPOLEON—HIS AMOUR WITH MADAME FOURÉS—THE EGYPTIAN CAMPAIGN—THE ‘SAVANTS’—CARICATURES ON THEM. The new year opens with a somewhat curious print by I. Cruikshank, January 1, 1799, of the ‘Ghost of Buonaparte appearing to the Directory.’ The latter are in fearful dismay at the apparition, which, attired in the airiest of costume, shakes his notched sword at them, saying, ‘Regicides, Parricides, Matricides, and Patricides, this is the effect of your insatiable thirst

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CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

TAKING OF JAFFA, AND MASSACRE OF SOLDIERS—DE BOURRIENNE’S ACCOUNT—NAPOLEON’S OWN VERSION. It is sad to turn from this rollicking fun to the episode of Jaffa; but it cannot be dismissed, as it has afforded so much employment to the detractors of Napoleon, and to the English satirists of the time. First of all, let us give the version of an eye-witness (De Bourrienne), friend of, and secretary to, Napoleon. It is rather long, but no word of it can be omitted, as it gives every argument that can be

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CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

THE MASSACRE AT JAFFA ( continued )—ENGLISH EVIDENCE THEREON—SIEGE OF ST. JEAN D’ACRE—CAPTURE OF NAPOLEON’S BATTERING TRAIN—FAILURE OF THE SIEGE, AND RETREAT TO JAFFA. It is a singular thing, that, even in the very meagre accounts, of transactions in Egypt no mention of this should have got into the English newspapers; but I have searched, and can find none. But when, in 1803, this country was in fear of invasion, it was brought up, and used with great effect, in stimulating patriotism. Take, as

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CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

RETREAT FROM JAFFA—POISONING OF FIVE HUNDRED SOLDIERS—DIFFERENT ENGLISH AUTHORITIES THEREON—NAPOLEON’S OWN STORY, ALSO THOSE OF LAS CASES AND O’MEARA—RETREAT TO CAIRO. But this retreat became the subject of a dreadful accusation against Napoleon, which must have hit him hard at the time of his projected invasion in 1803—aye, quite as hard as the massacre at Jaffa. It was nothing less than that he poisoned, with opium, 500 of his sick soldiers, before he left Jaffa. There was a solid foundation f

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CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.

THE OLD RÉGIME AND THE REPUBLICANS—THE ‘INCROYABLES’—NAPOLEON LEAVES EGYPT—HIS REASONS FOR SO DOING—FEELING OF THE ARMY—ACCUSED OF TAKING WITH HIM THE MILITARY CHEST. It is refreshing, and like going among green pastures and cool streams, to leave for a while political caricature, with its ambitions, and its carnage, and find a really funny social skit, aiming at the follies of the times, even if it be only in ridiculing extravagance in dress. Exceedingly droll is a social caricature by Gillray

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CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

NAPOLEON’S ARRIVAL IN PARIS—HIS POPULARITY—DISSOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF FIVE HUNDRED—GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF THE SCENE—NAPOLEON, SIÈYES, AND DUCOS NAMED CONSULS. Napoleon arrived in Paris at, for him, a happy moment, for the Directory was then as good as defunct. There was a feeling that a strong hand was needed to guide the affairs of the nation, and Generals Moreau and Jubert had already been offered the post of First Magistrate of the Republic, and each had declined the honour. When Napoleon

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CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.

NAPOLEON TAKES THE LEAD—SIÈYES AND DUCOS ARE DEPOSED—CAMBACÉRÈS AND LEBRUN NAMED SECOND AND THIRD CONSULS—NAPOLEON’S LETTER TO GEORGE THE THIRD—REPLY TO SAME. Napoleon had now got his foot fairly on the ladder, but it was he alone who was to mount it. At the first meeting of the Consuls, Sièyes asked, ‘Which of us is to preside?’ Ducos had grasped the position, and replied, ‘Do you not see that the General presides?’ There is a caricature by Cawse (November 30, 1799) of ‘Satan’s return from Egyp

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CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XX.

BATTLE OF MARENGO—DEATH OF DESAIX—SAID TO HAVE BEEN ASSASSINATED—NAPOLEON’S LOVE FOR HIM—SOUP KITCHENS AT PARIS—LAVISH EXPENDITURE OF NAPOLEON’S GENERALS. There was very little caricature of Napoleon in the year 1800, for the best of reasons, that we had very little to do with him, as he was occupied till May in settling his Government, and then he left for his Italian campaign. But in this year (May 12) Gillray issued a series of eight plates, ‘Democracy, or a Sketch of the life of Buonaparte,’

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CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.

PLOTS AGAINST NAPOLEON’S LIFE—THAT OF OCTOBER 10, 1800—THAT OF DECEMBER 24, 1800—NUMBER OF PEOPLE KILLED AND INJURED—NAPOLEON’S PORTRAIT. The two plots against Napoleon’s life which occurred in this year must not be forgotten. Let us have Combe’s version, which does not much exaggerate the facts of the cases:— The first plot was that of October 10, 1800, and it has, certainly, somewhat of a police ‘get up’ about it. The First Consul knew all about it through an ex chef de bataillon named Harrel,

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CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXII.

GENERAL FAST—ADULTERATION, AND COMPULSORY SALE OF STALE BREAD—WAR IN EGYPT—THE BOULOGNE FLOTILLA—NEGOTIATIONS FOR PEACE—RATIFICATION OF PRELIMINARIES—RECEPTION IN ENGLAND—GENERAL REJOICINGS. It is sad to take up the very first number of the ‘London Gazette’ for 1801, and find ‘A Proclamation for a general Fast,’ which was to be held on February 13, the reason wherefore is stated thus: ‘ We , taking into Our most serious consideration the heavy Judgments with which Almighty God is pleased to visi

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CHAPTER XXIII.

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE PEACE OF AMIENS—CESSION OF TRINIDAD AND CEYLON—INTERNATIONAL VISITS—FOX’S TRIP TO FRANCE, AND RECEPTION BY NAPOLEON. An unknown artist, probably Ansell, produced on October 26, 1801, a caricature of ‘The Child and Champion of Jacobinism new Christened (vide Pitt’s Speech).’ Bonaparte is bending over a font, which, is supported by Egyptian sphinges, whilst a bishop calls out, ‘Name this Child.’ Addington and Pitt are the godfathers, and Lord Hawkesbury is the godmother. Pitt replies, ‘Deliver

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CHAPTER XXIV.

CHAPTER XXIV.

LORD WHITWORTH AS PLENIPOTENTIARY—HIS EQUIPAGE—ENGLISH VISIT PARIS—UNSETTLED FEELING—NAPOLEON BEHAVES RUDELY TO LORD WHITWORTH. In June, Lord Whitworth was appointed ambassador extraordinary, and minister plenipotentiary, to the French Republic, and the state he then kept up was a striking contrast to the plainness of Republican equipages. It was different under the Empire; but then the word Citizen had not been dropped, and there was a certain affectation of simplicity. The English attracted gr

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CHAPTER XXV.

CHAPTER XXV.

GENERAL UNEASINESS—CARICATURES THEREON—ADDINGTON’S NEPOTISM—NAPOLEON’S DISCOURTESY TO LORD WHITWORTH—TRIAL OF JEAN PELTIER. ‘The Political Cocks’ (by Ansell, March 27, 1803) is very graphic. Napoleon, a game cock armed with terrific spurs, is calling across the Channel to Pitt, who, standing on the British Crown, is crowing lustily. Napoleon says, ‘Eh Master Billy, if I could but take a flight over this brook, I would soon stop your Crowing. I would knock you off that Perch, I swear by Mahomet,

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CHAPTER XXVI.

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE ULTIMATUM —LORD WHITWORTH LEAVES PARIS—DECLARATION OF WAR—CARICATURES PREVIOUS THERETO—SURRENDER OF HANOVER. Now came the ultimatums on both sides. The presentation of an ultimatum is hardly a personal caricature of Napoleon, but it belongs to the history of the times. One picture was published May 3, 1803, by an unknown artist, and was called ‘Waste Paper.’ A French officer holds four ultimatums in his hand, and presents John Bull with No. 1. A servant, behind, carries a huge sack of ultima

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CHAPTER XXVII.

CHAPTER XXVII.

PATRIOTIC HANDBILLS. On June 10, 1803, Gillray published an extra-sized picture of ‘French Invasion—or Buonaparte Landing in Great Britain.’ The French fleet is nearing land, and boats, full of armed men, are putting off. Bonaparte, and a large body of troops, including cavalry, have landed; but, before they can scale the cliffs, and are yet on the shore, a few artillerymen, with two guns, have utterly routed them. It is Sauve qui peut . Napoleon, joining in the flight, throws away his sword; th

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CHAPTER XXVIII.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

ATTEMPT AT MEDIATION BY RUSSIA—MARTIAL ENTHUSIASM IN ENGLAND—ENROLMENT OF VOLUNTEERS—PATRIOTIC HANDBILLS AND SONGS. Ineffectual attempts at mediation seem to have been made, but, situated as the two opposing Powers were, this could not be. ‘Bruin become mediator’ (artist unknown, June 1803) represents the Emperor of Russia as a bear, joining the hands of a Bull and a Monkey. The peacemaker thus addresses them, ‘I wonder you civilized folks could not agree upon matters without reference to me, wh

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CHAPTER XXIX.

CHAPTER XXIX.

PATRIOTIC HANDBILLS, ETC. We meet with a slight notice of Toussaint l’Ouverture, and the war in St. Domingo, in a broadside dwelling on the consequences of a successful invasion: ‘Here then there would be no volunteering , no balloting , unless, indeed, such Volunteers as were raised in France for the conquest of St. Domingo. And how were they raised? Why, by every man having a bayonet put to his breast, being seized by force, and then chained in couples like dogs , and drove down in a string to

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CHAPTER XXX.

CHAPTER XXX.

INVASION SQUIBS, CONTINUED—BONAPARTE’S TEN COMMANDMENTS, ETC. THE NEW MOSES OR Bonaparte’s Ten Commandments . Translated from a French Manuscript , By Soliman the Traveller . And when the great man came from Egypt, he used cunning, and force, to subject the people. The good, as well as the wicked, of the land trembled before him, because he had won the hearts of all the fighting men; and, after he had succeeded in many of his schemes, his heart swelled with pride, and he sought how to ensnare th

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CHAPTER XXXI.

CHAPTER XXXI.

INVASION, continued ,—‘BRITONS, STRIKE HOME’—BONAPARTE’S WILL. At this time much use was made of the phrase ‘Britons, strike home!’ which first appears in an adaptation of Beaumont and Fletcher’s play of ‘Bonduca,’ or Boadicea—which was set to music by Henry Purcell in 1695. The few words are not in the original drama, but are interpolated with other songs, and form a solo and chorus. But these simple words would hardly suit the times, so a brand new patriotic song was evolved, embodying the tit

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CHAPTER XXXII.

CHAPTER XXXII.

INVASION SQUIBS, continued —‘BRITONS TO ARMS’—BRAGGADOCIO—NAPOLEON’S EPITAPH. A most ghastly picture, which should not be called a caricature, yet is meant so to be, is by Gillray (July 26, 1803), and is called ‘Buonaparte forty-eight Hours after Landing!’ A crowd of rural volunteers are assembled, and one of them hoists the head of Napoleon upon a pitchfork, calling out ‘Ha, my little Boney! what do’st think of Johnny Bull, now? Plunder Old England! hay? make French slaves of us all! hay? ravis

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CHAPTER XXXIII.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

INVASION SQUIBS, continued —‘HARLEQUIN INVASION’—‘BOB ROUSEM’S EPISTLE’—NAPOLEON’S TOUR TO BELGIUM. ‘Harlequin Invasion’ is by West (August 12, 1803). Napoleon is a Harlequin, and points with his wooden sword ‘Invincible’ to Great Britain, which is surrounded by goodly ships of war. Pantaloon, as the Pope, typifying Italy, lies dead, and Holland, dressed as a Pierrot, does not relish the command of his master, who tells him, ‘As Pantaloon is no more, I insist on your joining me to invade that li

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CHAPTER XXXIV.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

INVASION SQUIBS, continued —THE BOTTLE CONJUROR—PIDCOCK’S MENAGERIE. In order to understand the next caricature, it is necessary to go back to January 16, 1749, when a famous hoax was played on the public. The ‘Gentleman’s Magazine’ for that month says, ‘A person advertised that he would, this evening, at the Theatre in the Hay-market , play on a common walking cane the music of every instrument now used, to surprising perfection; that he would, on the stage, get into a tavern quart bottle, with

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CHAPTER XXXV.

CHAPTER XXXV.

INVASION SQUIBS AND CARICATURES, continued . Song. THE INVASION. Reference is made to Napoleon’s attempts to stir up sedition in Ireland in ‘An attempt on the Potatoe bag,’ by some artist unknown (August 1803). It shows an Irishman trudging along towards Dublin, having on his back a huge sack of potatos, which Napoleon is slitting, allowing the potatos to escape. Says Bonaparte: ‘I say, Paddy, Give up the bag quietly, and you shall have this Purse of Gold.’ But Paddy replies: ‘I see what you are

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CHAPTER XXXVI.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

INVASION SQUIBS, continued —TALLEYRAND’S DISINCLINATION TO INVADE ENGLAND. ‘A full and particular Account of the Trial of Napoleon Buonaparte before John Bull,’ drawn by Woodward, etched by Cruikshank (September 14, 1803), is a broadside not remarkable for artistic merit; it does not even give a fair idea of Napoleon’s features. The letterpress is as follows:— The Court being opened, and John Bull on the bench, Napoleon Buonaparte was put to the Bar, charged with various high crimes, thieving, a

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CHAPTER XXXVII.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

INVASION SQUIBS—VOLUNTEERS. ‘The Corsican Locust’ (West, September 1803) shows him hovering over a picnic party, saying: ‘Bless me, how comfortably these People live.’ The party consists of an Englishman, Irishman, and a Scotchman. The first has roast beef, plum-pudding, and a foaming tankard, before him, and, regarding the insect, says: ‘As sure as I’m alive, that Corsican locust smells the Roast Beef and Plumb pudding.’ Paddy has only ‘praties,’ but looks up at it, and asks: ‘Perhaps, my Jewel

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CARICATURE AND SATIRE ON NAPOLEON I.

CARICATURE AND SATIRE ON NAPOLEON I.

VOL. II. WORKS BY JOHN ASHTON. A HISTORY OF THE CHAP-BOOKS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. With nearly 400 Illustrations, engraved in facsimile of the originals. Crown 8vo. cloth extra, 7 s. 6 d. SOCIAL LIFE IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. From Original Sources. With nearly 100 Illustrations. Crown 8vo. cloth extra, 7 s. 6 d. HUMOUR, WIT, AND SATIRE OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. With nearly 100 Illustrations. Crown 8vo. cloth extra, 7 s. 6 d. London: CHATTO &amp; WINDUS, Piccadilly. ENGLISH CARICATURE

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CHAPTER XXXVIII. INVASION SQUIBS—CADOUDAL’S CONSPIRACY—EXECUTION OF THE DUC D’ENGHIEN—CAPTAIN WRIGHT.

CHAPTER XXXVIII. INVASION SQUIBS—CADOUDAL’S CONSPIRACY—EXECUTION OF THE DUC D’ENGHIEN—CAPTAIN WRIGHT.

The Volunteer movement was well shown in a print by A. M., November 1803: ‘Boney attacking the English Hives, or the Corsican caught at last in the Island.’ There are many hives, the chief of which has a royal crown on its top, and is labelled ‘Royal London Hive. Threadneedle Street Honey’—which Napoleon is attacking, sword in hand. George the Third, as Bee Master, stands behind the hives, and says, ‘What! what! you plundering little Corsican Villain, have you come to rob my industrious Bees of

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CHAPTER XXXIX. NAPOLEON PROCLAIMED EMPEROR—THE FLOTILLA—INVASION SQUIBS.

CHAPTER XXXIX. NAPOLEON PROCLAIMED EMPEROR—THE FLOTILLA—INVASION SQUIBS.

The most important event of the year to Napoleon himself, was his being made Emperor. Although First Consul for life, with power to appoint his successor, it did not satisfy his ambition. He would fain be Emperor, and that strong will, which brooked no thwarting, took measures to promote that result. In the Senate M. Curée moved, ‘that the First Consul be invested with the hereditary power, under the title of Emperor,’ and this motion was but feebly fought against by a few members, so that at la

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CHAPTER XL. NAPOLEON’S CORONATION.

CHAPTER XL. NAPOLEON’S CORONATION.

Napoleon’s coronation was the great event of the year; but some time before it was consummated the English caricaturist took advantage of it, and J. B. (West), in September 1804, produced a ‘Design for an Imperial Crown to be used at the Coronation of the New Emperor.’ A perusal of the foregoing pages will render any explanation unnecessary. Napoleon omitted no ceremony which could enhance the pageant of his coronation. The Pope must be present: no meaner ecclesiastic should hallow this rite, an

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CHAPTER XLI.

CHAPTER XLI.

NAPOLEON’S LETTER TO GEORGE THE THIRD—NAVAL VICTORIES—CROWNED KING OF ITALY—ALLIANCE OF EUROPE—WITHDRAWAL OF THE ‘ARMY OF ENGLAND.’ Very shortly after his coronation, and with the commencement of the year 1805, Napoleon wrote a letter to George the Third, intimating how beneficial peace would be to both countries. The text of this letter, and its answer, are as follow:— Sire, my brother,—Called to the throne by Providence, and the suffrages of the Senate, the people, and the army, my first feeli

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CHAPTER XLII. SURRENDER OF ULM—BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR—PROPOSALS FOR PEACE—DANIEL LAMBERT.

CHAPTER XLII. SURRENDER OF ULM—BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR—PROPOSALS FOR PEACE—DANIEL LAMBERT.

Meantime the Austrians were in a very awkward position. General Mack was, from October 13, closely invested in Ulm, and Napoleon had almost need to restrain his troops, who were flushed with victory and eager for the assault. The carnage on both sides would, in such a case, have been awful; but Napoleon clearly pointed out to Mack his position: how that, in eight days, he would be forced to capitulate for want of food: that the Russians were yet far off, having scarcely reached Bohemia; that no

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CHAPTER XLIII. NEGOTIATIONS FOR PEACE—DEATH OF FOX—NAPOLEON’S VICTORIOUS CAREER—HIS PROCLAMATION OF A BLOCKADE OF ENGLAND.

CHAPTER XLIII. NEGOTIATIONS FOR PEACE—DEATH OF FOX—NAPOLEON’S VICTORIOUS CAREER—HIS PROCLAMATION OF A BLOCKADE OF ENGLAND.

Apropos of the negotiations for peace, there is a picture of Woodward’s (July 1806), in which Fox is just closing the door behind a messenger laden with despatches. John Bull, whose pockets are stuffed with Omnium and Speculation on Peace , entreats him with clasped hands: ‘Now do Charley, my dear good boy, open the door a little bit farther, just to enable me to take in a few of my friends at the Stock Exchange.’ But Fox remonstrates: ‘Really, Mr. Bull, you are too inquisitive—don’t you see the

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CHAPTER XLIV. NAPOLEON’S POLISH CAMPAIGN—BATTLE OF EYLAU—MEETING OF THE EMPERORS AT TILSIT—CAPTURE OF THE DANISH FLEET.

CHAPTER XLIV. NAPOLEON’S POLISH CAMPAIGN—BATTLE OF EYLAU—MEETING OF THE EMPERORS AT TILSIT—CAPTURE OF THE DANISH FLEET.

1807 commences with ‘ John Bull playing on the Base Villain’ (artist unknown, January 1, 1807), in which we see that revered personage playing ‘Britains Strike home’ on poor Boney, with a sword in lieu of a bow, and grasping him tightly round the neck. In November 1806, Napoleon, with his army, had entered Poland, and, on December 18 of the same year, he entered Warsaw. An unknown artist (January 1807) depicts ‘The Entrance into Poland or another Bonne Bouche for Boney.’ On their knees are the P

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CHAPTER XLV.

CHAPTER XLV.

FRENCH ENTRY INTO PORTUGAL—BLOCKADE OF ENGLAND—FLIGHT OF THE PORTUGUESE ROYAL FAMILY—THE PENINSULAR WAR—FLIGHT OF KING JOSEPH. On October 18 or 19 Junot entered Portugal, and then it was that John Bull began to fear for his stock of port wine. This is very amusingly put in a picture: ‘In Port, and Out of Port, or news from Portugal,’ which is the title of a caricature by Woodward (November 10, 1807), and it represents Bonaparte seated on a pipe of ‘Genuine Old Port.’ With folded arms he thus spe

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CHAPTER XLVI. PENINSULAR WAR, continued—MEETING AT ERFURT.

CHAPTER XLVI. PENINSULAR WAR, continued—MEETING AT ERFURT.

‘The Valley of the Shadow of Death’ is, as far as I know, the last caricature of Gillray (September 24, 1808) in connection with Napoleon—if, indeed, it can be called a caricature, for it is far too serious in its conception. Napoleon’s situation at the moment is here firmly grasped. He is surrounded by enemies. With notched sword in hand, he leads the Russian bear. He is pursued by the German eagle and the spirit of Charles XII. Above is the ‘Turkish New Moon Rising in blood,’ the obscured port

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CHAPTER XLVII. RETREAT TO CORUNNA—THE BROKEN BRIDGE OVER THE DANUBE—WAGRAM—JOSEPHINE’S DIVORCE.

CHAPTER XLVII. RETREAT TO CORUNNA—THE BROKEN BRIDGE OVER THE DANUBE—WAGRAM—JOSEPHINE’S DIVORCE.

In the year 1809 there are very few caricatures of Napoleon. After the taking of Madrid, Sir John Moore thought it prudent to retreat, which he did, and, after many difficulties, reached Corunna. The repulse of the French there, although at the cost of Sir John Moore’s life, enabled the troops to be embarked. Napoleon had but little rest, for in March the Austrians again took up arms against him, to which he replied by victoriously marching to Vienna, which was bombarded before it capitulated. O

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CHAPTER XLVIII.

CHAPTER XLVIII.

FAILURE OF EXPEDITIONS TO SPAIN, PORTUGAL, AND HOLLAND—NAPOLEON’S WOOING OF, AND MARRIAGE WITH, MARIA LOUISA—BIRTH OF THE KING OF ROME—NAPOLEON IN THE NURSERY. In closing the record of this year, I cannot omit to mention the fact of the failures of the expeditions to Spain, Portugal, and Holland. The latter, or Walcheren expedition, as it was called, was just returning in a woful plight, fever having thoroughly done its work among the troops; and, in December, the City of London, through the Lor

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CHAPTER XLIX.

CHAPTER XLIX.

A NAVAL ENGAGEMENT—NAPOLEON’S TOUR IN GERMANY—DECLARATION OF WAR WITH RUSSIA—ENTRY INTO WILNA—SMOLENSKO—BORODINO—ENTRY INTO MOSCOW—BURNING OF THE CITY—NAPOLEON’S RETREAT. The next caricature requires some little explanation. We find in the ‘Courier’ of September 20, 1811, the following paragraph:—‘Dover, September 19. Early this morning we heard a heavy firing on the opposite shore; it continued at times all the morning, and was very hot about one o’clock; the wind is to the southward, and eastw

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CHAPTER L. REJOICINGS IN ENGLAND OVER THE RESULT OF NAPOLEON’S RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN—THE EMPEROR’S RETURN TO FRANCE.

CHAPTER L. REJOICINGS IN ENGLAND OVER THE RESULT OF NAPOLEON’S RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN—THE EMPEROR’S RETURN TO FRANCE.

One of the last caricatures of this year is a very elaborate picture—‘The Arms and Supporters of Napoleon Bonaparte the self created Emperor, alias the Corsican, and now the Curse of Europe.’ It was published December 1812, but the artist is unknown, which is a pity, as the execution is very good. The animus that inspired it will be seen in the following Explanation, which accompanies it:— The Crest represents the World, which, England and Sweden excepted, is set on fire everywhere by the incend

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CHAPTER LI. THE ARMISTICE—BATTLE OF VITTORIA—DEFEAT AT LEIPSIC—THE BRIDGE BLOWN UP.

CHAPTER LI. THE ARMISTICE—BATTLE OF VITTORIA—DEFEAT AT LEIPSIC—THE BRIDGE BLOWN UP.

An armistice was signed between the allies and Napoleon on June 4, 1813, to last till July 20: six days’ notice to be given of the recommencement of hostilities. But Wellington seems to have disregarded it; for, on June 21, he defeated the French army commanded by Joseph Bonaparte, who had Marshal Jourdan under him, at Vittoria; completely routing them, and taking 151 pieces of cannon, 415 ammunition waggons, all their baggage, besides many prisoners. Needless to say, the caricaturist did not om

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CHAPTER LII. NAPOLEON’S RETURN TO PARIS—HIS RECEPTION.

CHAPTER LII. NAPOLEON’S RETURN TO PARIS—HIS RECEPTION.

‘Grasp all Lose all— Atlas enraged—or the punishment of unqualified ambition’ is the title of a picture (December 1, 1813) which represents Atlas, who is kneeling down, preparing to drop the whole world on Napoleon. The latter, who has been touching those parts of the earth which are in his possession, and boasting, ‘France be mine! Holland be mine! Italy be mine! Spain and Poland be mine! Russ, Prussia, Turky, de whole world vil be mine!!!!’ staggers back, exclaiming, ‘Mons. Atlas, hold up, don

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CHAPTER LIII. L’HOMME ROUGE—NAPOLEON’S SUPERSTITION.

CHAPTER LIII. L’HOMME ROUGE—NAPOLEON’S SUPERSTITION.

This ends the caricatures for the year 1813, at the close of which Napoleon was in Paris. Wellington and Soult were fighting their prolonged duel in Spain, to the great advantage of the former. One after another did the French garrisons surrender, until, at the close of the year, Santona alone remained to the French. His troops, shut up in garrison in Germany and Prussia, were in very evil case, from hardships and sickness. St. Cyr abandoned Dresden, and all the garrison were made prisoners of w

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CHAPTER LIV.

CHAPTER LIV.

NAPOLEON AGAIN TAKES THE FIELD—HIS DEFEATS—THE ALLIES AT PARIS—NAPOLEON ABDICATES—HIS ATTEMPT TO POISON HIMSELF. On January 1, 1814, Rowlandson published ‘The double humbug, or the Devil’s Imp praying for peace,’ a picture in two parts. One represents Napoleon addressing the Senate from his throne, which stands on divers crowns: his friend, the Devil, being perched a-top. A soporific effect among his audience seems to be the outcome of his address, which is as follows: ‘ Extracts of Bonyparty’s

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CHAPTER LV. NAPOLEON LEAVES FOR ELBA—HIS RECEPTION THERE.

CHAPTER LV. NAPOLEON LEAVES FOR ELBA—HIS RECEPTION THERE.

After a sad parting with his old guard at Fontainebleau, on April 20, Napoleon left for Elba, embarking on board an English frigate on the 28th. We can now resume the caricatures. Rowlandson produced (April 12, 1814) ‘Bloody Boney, the Carcass Butcher; left off Trade and retiring to Scarecrow Island.’ Napoleon and the Empress, together with a bag of brown bread, are mounted on a donkey—he wears a fool’s cap, and she belabours the ass with a ‘Baton Marechale’; the young King of Rome precedes them

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CHAPTER LVI. NAPOLEON AT ELBA—HIS OCCUPATIONS WHILST THERE—FAITH BROKEN WITH HIM—THE VIOLET—GENERAL REJOICINGS AT HIS EXILE.

CHAPTER LVI. NAPOLEON AT ELBA—HIS OCCUPATIONS WHILST THERE—FAITH BROKEN WITH HIM—THE VIOLET—GENERAL REJOICINGS AT HIS EXILE.

In the ‘Satirist’ of May 1, 1814, is a picture by G. Cruikshank, called ‘ Otium cum dignitate , or a view of Elba.’ It is not a good one. Napoleon, ragged and stockingless, smoking a short clay pipe, is blowing up the fire with a pair of bellows. Bertrand is kissing a female, probably Pauline, on the sly, and Jerome Bonaparte is mending nets. ‘Boney’s Elb ow a Chair, a new Throne for a new Emperor; or an old sinner brought to the stool of repentance. A dialogue between one of his admirers &a

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CHAPTER LVII.

CHAPTER LVII.

NAPOLEON’S ESCAPE FROM ELBA—UNIVERSAL CONSTERNATION—FLIGHT OF THE BRITISH FROM FRANCE—CARICATURES ON HIS RETURN. A somewhat elaborate caricature is by George Cruikshank (January 1815), and is entitled ‘Twelfth Night, or What you Will! now performing at the Theatre Royal Europe, with new Scenery, decorations, &amp;c., &amp;c., &amp;c.’ It represents a theatre, on the stage of which sit Wellington, Austria, Russia, and Prussia. The former has been dividing an enormous Twelfth Cake, wit

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CHAPTER LVIII.

CHAPTER LVIII.

PREPARATIONS FOR WAR—THE SHORT CAMPAIGN—WATERLOO—NAPOLEON’S ABDICATION. ‘The Royal Allied Oak and self-created mushroom Kings’ is a curiosity on account of the many profiles contained therein. An account of them is given as under:— This clever picture is by I. Field, and was published May 29, 1815. S. T. Taw, a new caricaturist, gives us ‘The Crown Candidates, or a modest request politely refused’ (May 1815). Louis the Eighteenth, Napoleon, and the young King of Rome are seated at a table. The f

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CHAPTER LIX. NAPOLEON A PRISONER—SENT TO THE ISLE OF AIX—NEGOTIATIONS FOR SURRENDER—GOES ON BOARD THE ‘BELLEROPHON.’

CHAPTER LIX. NAPOLEON A PRISONER—SENT TO THE ISLE OF AIX—NEGOTIATIONS FOR SURRENDER—GOES ON BOARD THE ‘BELLEROPHON.’

Napoleon retired to Malmaison, but was not long there before General Becker came to him and informed him that he was appointed by the Provisional Government to command the troops detailed for his protection. Napoleon knew the meaning of this message, but even being made a prisoner by his own soldiery did not quell his spirit. But the presence of Napoleon at Malmaison embarrassed the Government, and Becker had orders to convey Napoleon with all speed to the Isle of Aix. Accordingly they set out,

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CHAPTER LX.

CHAPTER LX.

NAPOLEON ON BOARD THE ‘BELLEROPHON’—ARRIVAL AT TORBAY—CURIOSITY OF THE PEOPLE—THE ENGLISH GOVERNMENT DETERMINE TO SEND HIM TO ST. HELENA. On board the ‘Bellerophon’ he was treated with every consideration by Captain Maitland. He was still looked upon as Emperor, and dined off his own gold plate, the dinner being ordered by his own maître d’hôtel ; and when he visited the ‘Superb’ he was received with all the honours accorded to royalty, with the exception of a salute being fired. On the 16th Jul

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CHAPTER LXI. NAPOLEON IS SENT ON BOARD THE ‘NORTHUMBERLAND’—HE PROTESTS AGAINST HIS EXILE—PUBLIC OPINION AS TO HIS TREATMENT.

CHAPTER LXI. NAPOLEON IS SENT ON BOARD THE ‘NORTHUMBERLAND’—HE PROTESTS AGAINST HIS EXILE—PUBLIC OPINION AS TO HIS TREATMENT.

That the Government was in earnest, as to his departure, was soon shown, for orders came on August 4 for the ‘Bellerophon’ to weigh, and join the ‘Northumberland,’ which was the ship in which Napoleon was to take his passage to St. Helena. He issued a formal protest:— I hereby solemnly protest in the face of heaven and mankind against the violence that is done me; and the violation of my most sacred rights, in forcibly disposing of my person and liberty. I voluntarily came on board the Belleroph

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CHAPTER LXII. VOYAGE TO ST. HELENA—CESSATION OF CARICATURES.

CHAPTER LXII. VOYAGE TO ST. HELENA—CESSATION OF CARICATURES.

The ‘Northumberland’ crossed the Line on September 23, and the sailors had their then usual bit of fun. Neptune and Amphitrite came on board, and Napoleon’s suite were introduced to them in a ceremonious and courtly manner, escaping the usual ordeal by some small presents to their Majesties. Napoleon, of course, was sacred, and, when he was told of the extreme, and unusual, tenderness with which his followers had been treated, he wanted to give the crew a hundred napoleons; but the admiral would

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