“The Emperor has not yet received any of the authorities of Vienna, except a deputation from the different bodies of the city, who, on the day of his arrival, met him at Sigarts-Kirchen. They were composed of the Prince of Seuzendorf, the prelate of Seidenstetten, the Count of Veterani, the Baron de Kees, the Burgomaster of the city, M. de Wohebben, and General Burgeois.
“His majesty received them with much condescension, and told them that they might assure the people of Vienna of his protection.
“General Clarke is named Governor-General of Lower Austria; Darn is appointed Intendant General.”
Girodet has chosen his subject from this fragment of the bulletin. On the side of the Emperor are the Princes Murat and Neufchatel, Marshal Bessieres, and other officers of different ranks.
NAPOLEON RECEIVING THE KEYS OF VIENNA.
THE MORNING OF AUSTERLITZ.
At one o’clock in the morning of December 2d, 1805, the Emperor mounted his horse, to take a survey of his position, and to ascertain from the advance guards what they had observed of the movements of the Russians. He wished to do so without being recognized, but the soldiery recognized him immediately, and, lighting great fires of straw all along the line, received him from post to post with enthusiasm. They reminded him that this was the anniversary of his coronation and assured him that they would celebrate the day in a manner worthy of it: ‘only promise us,’ cried an old grenadier, ‘that you will keep yourself out of range.’ “I will do so,” answered Napoleon. “I shall be with the reserve until you need me.” This pledge, which so completely reveals the mutual confidence of the leader and his soldiers, he repeated in a proclamation issued at day break. The sun rose with unusual splendor; and was the harbinger of one of the most lovely days in autumn. This engagement, which the soldiers persist in calling the battle of the three emperors, will be ever memorable in the calendar of the “great” nation.
The Emperor surrounded by his staff, gave his last orders at dawn and each marshal hastened to rejoin his corps.