Series J

"When he shows as seeking quarter, with paws like hands in prayer,

That is the time of peril—the time of the truce of the Bear!"

—Kipling.

Series J

(For subjoined Notes to this Series see pages -)

LETTER PAGE

No. 1. I have rather a cold

I am pleased with the Emperor

No. 2. Shooting over the battlefield of Jena

The Weimar ball

A few trifling ailments

No. 3. I am pleased with Alexander

He ought to be with me

Erfurt 273

Letters of the Emperor Napoleon to the Empress Josephine During His Stay at Erfurt, 1808.

No. 1.

To the Empress, at St. Cloud.

Erfurt, September 29, 1808.

I have rather a cold. I have received your letter, dated Malmaison. I am well pleased with the Emperor and every one here.

It is an hour after midnight, and I am tired.

Adieu, dear; take care of yourself.

Napoleon.

No. 2.

To the Empress, at St. Cloud.

October 9, 1808.

My Dear,—I have received your letter. I note with pleasure that you are well. I have just been shooting over the battlefield of Jena. We had breakfast (déjeuné) at the spot where I bivouacked on the night of the battle.

I assisted at the Weimar ball. The Emperor Alexander dances; but not I. Forty years are forty years.

My health is really sound, in spite of a few trifling ailments.

Adieu, dear; I hope to see you soon.—Yours ever,

Napoleon.

No. 3.

To the Empress, at St. Cloud.

My Dear,—I write you seldom; I am very busy. Conversations which last whole days, and which do not improve my cold. Still all goes well. I am pleased with Alexander; he ought to be with me. If he were a woman, I think I should make him my sweetheart.

I shall be back to you shortly; keep well and let me find you plump and rosy.

Adieu, dear.

Napoleon.