No. 9 To the Empress, at Strasburg
Munich, Sunday, October 27, 1805.
I received your letter per Lemarois. I was grieved to see how needlessly you have made yourself unhappy. I have heard particulars which have proved how much you love me, but you should have more fortitude and confidence. Besides, I had advised you that I should be six days without writing you.
To-morrow I expect the Elector. At noon I start to support my advance on the Inn. My health is fair. You need not think of crossing the Rhine for two or three weeks. You must be cheerful, amuse yourself, and hope that before the end of the month19 we shall meet.
I am advancing against the Russian army. In a few days I shall have crossed the Inn.
Adieu, my dear; kindest regards to Hortense, Eugène, and the two Napoleons.
Keep back the wedding present a little longer.
Yesterday I gave a concert to the ladies of this court. The precentor is a superior man.
I took part in the Elector’s pheasant-shoot; you see by that that I am not so tired. M. de Talleyrand has come.
Napoleon.
October 28th.—Grand Army cross the Inn. Lannes occupies Braunau.
October 28th to October 29th-30th.—Battle of Caldiero.—Massena with 55,000 men attacks Archduke Charles entrenched with 70,000; after two days’ fight French repulsed at this place, previously disastrous to their arms.