NAPOLEON.

_February 26th.--Dupont defeats Russians at Braunsberg._

No. 50.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode, March 2, 1807._

_My Dear_,--It is two or three days since I wrote to you; I reproach myself for it; I know your uneasiness. I am very well; my affairs prosper. I am in a wretched village, where I shall pa.s.s a considerable time; it is not as good as the great city! I again a.s.sure you, I was never in such good health; you will find me very much stouter.

It is spring weather here; the snow has gone, the streams are thawing--which is what I want.

I have ordered what you wish for Malmaison; be cheerful and happy; it is my will.

Adieu, dear; I embrace you heartily.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

_March 9th._--The Grand Sanhedrim, which a.s.sembled at Paris on February 9, terminates its sittings.

No. 51.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode_, _March 10, 1807_, 4 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I have received your letter of the 25th. I see with pleasure that you are well, and that you sometimes make a pilgrimage to Malmaison.

My health is good, and my affairs prosper.

The weather has become rather cold again. I see that the winter has been very variable everywhere.

Adieu, dear; keep well, be cheerful, and never doubt my affection,--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 52.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode, March 11, 1807._

_My Dear_,--I received your letter of the 27th. I am sorry to see from it that you are ill; take courage. My health is good; my affairs prosper. I am waiting for fine weather, which should soon be here. I love you and want to know that you are content and cheerful.

A great deal of nonsense will be talked of the battle of Eylau; the bulletin tells everything; our losses are rather exaggerated in it than minimised.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 53.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode_, _March 13, 1807_, 2 P.M.

_My Dear_,--I learn that the vexatious t.i.ttle-tattle that occurred in your salon at Mayence has begun again; make people hold their tongues.

I shall be seriously annoyed with you if you do not find a remedy. You allow yourself to be worried by the chatter of people who ought to console you. I desire you to have a little character, and to know how to put everybody into his (or her) proper place.

I am in excellent health. My affairs here are good. We are resting a little, and organising our food supply.

Adieu, dear; keep well.

NAPOLEON.

No. 54.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

_Osterode, March 15, 1807._

I received your letter of the 1st of March, from which I see that you were much upset by the catastrophe of Minerva at the opera. I am very glad to see that you go out and seek distractions.

My health is very good. My affairs go excellently. Take no heed of all the unfavourable rumours that may be circulated. Never doubt my affection, and be without the least uneasiness.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.

No. 55.

TO THE EMPRESS, AT PARIS.

Osterode, March 17, 1807.

_My Dear_,--It is not necessary for you to go to the small plays and into a private box; it ill befits your rank; you should only go to the four great theatres, and always into the Royal box. Live as you would do if I were at Paris.

My health is very good. The cold weather has recommenced. The thermometer has been down to 8.--Yours ever,

NAPOLEON.