Beurnonville was a member of the Provisional
Government. He praised Marshals Mortier and
Marmont, and their troops, who had fought
bravely in defence of Paris ; he spoke of the
magnanimity of the allies, of the Emperor of
Russia in particular, adding that they would no
longer treat with Napoleon, that we were to have
the English Constitution, that the Senate was
going to set to work, etc.
As soon as I was ready I took the letter, and
the Duke of Reggio, several other generals, and
I went to the castle. In spite of our entreaties,
we were all followed by our staffs. They feared
lest the Emperor, warned of our' visit, should
make up his mind to lay a trap for us.
' The times are changed,' I said ; ' he would
venture it the less that the army is with us.'

The feeling among the Guard even was the

vol. 11. 25



146 MARSHAL MACDONALD'S RECOLLECTIONS

same ; they shared the discontent of the army at
the disasters that the Emperor had brought upon
France. However, our officers insisted upon
following us to defend us if necessary. Many
others, of all ranks, in the courtyard and within
the apartments, shared the same feelings ; all
displayed impatience to have an end put to their
anxiety. There certainly was a plan to march
upon Paris, but no one seemed disposed for it.
As soon as we were announced, the Duke of
Reggio and I were shown into the study, where
the Emperor was with the Dukes of Bassano
(Maret) and Vicenza (Caulaincourt), the Prince
of the Moskowa (Ney), the Prince of Neuchatel
(Berthier), Marshal Lefebvre, and others, whom I
have now forgotten. This was the beginning of
the scene that changed so many destinies.
