No. 4 To the Empress Josephine, at the Waters of Aix, in Savoy
Rambouillet, July 8, 1810.
My Dear,—I have your letter of July 8th. You will have seen Eugène, and his presence will have done you good. I learn with pleasure that the waters are beneficial to you. The King of Holland has just abdicated the throne, while leaving the Regency, according to the Constitution, in the hands of the Queen. He has quitted Amsterdam and left the Grand Duke of Berg behind.
I have reunited Holland to France, which has, however, the advantage of setting the Queen at liberty, and that38 unfortunate girl is coming to Paris with her son the Grand Duke of Berg—that will make her perfectly happy.
My health is good. I have come here to hunt for a few days. I shall see you this autumn with pleasure. Never doubt my friendship; I never change.
Keep well, be cheerful, and believe in the truth of my attachment.
Napoleon.
July 9th.—Holland incorporated with the French Empire.
July 10th.—Ney takes Ciudad Rodrigo, after twenty-five days open trenches.