Various interviews that took place between Napoleon and the Duke of Tarentum about this time are carefully detailed by this gossiping old soldier, in the supplement to the Biographie Universelle, and other memoirs.
Macdonald with his corps had marched in with all speed from Montereau, on receipt of an order from the Emperor, that he meant to march on Paris—a resolution that filled his officers with consternation. On the marshal's arrival at the palace, the generals waited on him in a body, to request that he would place before the Emperor, the rashness and desperation of attempting to recapture Paris from the allies.
"Messieurs," said he, "in the present juncture, such advice might displease his Majesty—leave the matter to me."
As soon as he presented himself before Napoleon—
"Well, marshal," said he, "how do things go?"
"Very ill, sire."
"What! Very ill? How is your division disposed?"
"It is completely discouraged, sire; recent events at Paris have spread consternation through its ranks."
"Think you," asked the Emperor, "it will join with me in a movement upon Paris?"
"Trust not to that, sire," was the desponding answer; "should I give such an order, I should hazard being disobeyed."