No. 77 To the Empress, at St. Cloud
Friedland, June 15, 1807.
My Dear,—I write you only a line, for I am very tired, by reason of several days’ bivouacking. My children have worthily celebrated the anniversary of the battle of Marengo.
The battle of Friedland will be as celebrated for my people, and equally glorious. The entire Russian army routed, 80 pieces of cannon captured, 30,000 men taken or slain, 25 Russian generals killed, wounded, or taken, the Russian Guard wiped out. The battle is worthy of her sisters—Marengo, Austerlitz, Jena. The bulletin will tell you the rest. My loss is not considerable. I out-manœuvred the enemy successfully.
Be content and without uneasiness.
Adieu, dear; my horse is waiting.
Napoleon.
You may give this news as official, if it arrives before the bulletin. They may also fire salvoes. Cambacères will make the proclamation.