Napoleon Bonaparte Journal Entry

Napoleon anxiously paced back and forth across his study. His window was opened slightly, and the chirps and songs of various birds could be heard echoing across the busy city of Paris. Often, Napoleon could hardly tell the difference between the songs of these animals and the countless conversations that all seemed to translate into one constant noise. These sounds only succeeded to aggravate him further, so he walked to the window and closed it. “Merde…” Napoleon murmured under his breath. “Where is this god-forsaken banker!? I suppose I never should have trusted such a businessman with such a task.” His banker Collot, a trusted friend, was put in charge of financing the coup that would unfold over the next few days. Maintaining an army
with arms, as well as food and shelter, was not an inexpensive task. The funds were adequate, but Napoleon was aware that these resources were very valuable. He despised the directory and their obvious incompetence as much as the next citizen, yet he realized that if this coup were unsuccessful, a large amount of currency and resources would be forfeit. As would my life, Napoleon realized. The plan had to be perfectly executed; else all would be in vain.
Suddenly, a knock at the door could be heard. “Napoleon? May I come in?” Ah, Napoleon thought. It’s Collot. Suppose I was quick to misjudge him. “Yes Collot!” he exclaimed from behind the sealed door. “I’ll be just a minute.” Napoleon secured his rapier and his uniform, making sure he looked prestigious enough to impress an eccentric crowd. He had always been fond of looking professional. Looking impressive and qualified gave him a sense of duty and responsibility, and showed others that he was openly proud of these responsibilities. His height was his only issue with his appearance. He was aware that he was attractive, and despised the fact that his look had been tainted with one ill quality. “Napoleon?” Ahh I completely forgot about Collot! Napoleon thought to himself. Fool, you were caught up staring at yourself in the mirror. He rushed over and opened the door, inviting Collot in. Collot was an honorable man, with high moral standards and an inclined sense of self worth. These qualities were not without reason, as he was an acceptably successful individual. He co-managed the General Fund of Commerce and Industry, and was very wealthy. “Would you like a drink, Collot?” Napoleon asked politely. “I could bring out the aged bottles, my personal favorites.”
“Thank you, but I must respectfully decline,” Collot answered. “I am sorry for the rush, but I must be brief with today’s meeting, as I have important business to attend to.”
“Very well. Straight to the point then.”
“I think you will find it very pleasing to hear that I managed to collect a total of 800,000 francs to fina-.” Napoleon accidentally spat out the drink he had been sipping beforehand. “800,000 Collot? You must have the utmost confidence in this plan to supply a small fortune of such for one coup!” “Well as you are aware of, the economic repercussions of this Directory’s frivolous spending effects the banks as well as the common people, if not more. One accustomed to a lifestyle of my own cannot suffer the consequences of exponential drops of income. Not to mention the respect I have for you and your abilities General. Those play a large part in my support I have for this plan,” Collot explained. Napoleon smiled briefly at the compliment. “Now back to what I was saying beforehand: Using these funds I have successfully equipped our soldiers with the best arms, provided them with shelter, and ensured them sustenance. All are waiting at their designated locations outside of the city, for your order.” “Ah, I am very appreciative of your financial support Collot, and I thank you for the compliments. This is very good news, as I must say I was beginning to grow weary of this plan. Now I have the utmost confidence in our goals. Is there anything else Collot?” “No, that is all,” Collot answered. “I am sorry but I must be off. Much preparation must be made for the coming tide, and I have the advantage of a head start. I will hold you to that drink, good day.” He walked to the door, turned and tipped his hat, and was off. Napoleon continued pacing throughout his study, his mind racing with possible outcomes of this plan.. Waking early on the morning of 18 Brumaire, Napoleon was very aware of the events that were to play out through the day.
He rose quietly out of his bed, careful not to awaken his wife. He had told her little of his plans to seize power, although he was certain that she was aware he had been planning something. She was an intelligent woman; he hadn’t expected her to stay completely in the dark. Josephine was not entirely trustworthy, as Bonaparte suspected her of infidelities. He was not sure if he loved her any longer, and was thinking of divorce, but he figured it best to keep his feelings secret until a better time. The preparations that had been taking place over the last week had been too important, as this would be one of the most influential events of his life. The coup was not engineered by Napoleon himself, which was one of the only reasons he doubted its reliability. A friend and one of the five directors, Abbé Sieyès, had designed the coup, and was to take place as one of the consuls in the newly created government. Napoleon doubted the abilities of his coconspirators, more than his own, as he was very confident that he would perform flawlessly. He felt that this was an unfamiliar scenario, and it was frightening. The natural environment for Napoleon was a battlefield, in which he could control his forces and crush his enemy the one way he was proud of: with honor and wits. This plan almost seemed.. cowardly. No other choice seemed as responsible, though, as Napoleon was aware that the Directory was not fit to stay in power. Knowing he would lead France to glory was empowering to Napoleon, and helped him stay optimistic towards his
goals. Lucien, Napoleon’s younger brother, was waiting leaned against the wall outside of Napoleon’s house, waiting for him to come out. Napoleon approached his brother and kissed him on the cheek. “Ahh, Lucien, brother, come, tell me the latest news.” “Well brother, the Ancients have the council convinced to lock themselves in the Château de Saint-Cloud, due to the looming threat of a Jacobin conspiracy. The meeting will commence tomorrow, and they are oblivious to the plan.” “Très bien,” Napoleon let out. “Inform the others that I will be on the way with my troops before noon.” “I will, and I will make sure the directors are in position.” “Au revoir,” Napoleon said, looking satisfied. He started to walk away from his brother, turned back, gave him one last nod, and continued on his way. Napoleon walked into the military camp, only to be greeted with countless compliments and handshakes. All of Napoleons forces had been proud to serve under his command. He deserved the high standard they held to his name, as he had led them through victory after victory. His presence was renowned as an honor, and all of his success even seemed to outweigh his losses. Yet the losses are what stuck in Napoleon’s mind. His mistakes would cling to him like poison, and nag at his consciousness on a regular basis. He knew that even the most intelligent of commanders could not have done better under the circumstances, but that was not enough to reassure him. The great Napoleon Bonaparte was supposed to be better than that. He was supposed to be the best. Napoleon’s most trusted lieutenant was left in charge of his forces, and the plan seemed effective. Troops would surround the council and the Directory, giving them and their guards nowhere to flee. As Napoleon rode back into Paris on his horse, he contemplated the words he would use in front of the Ancients and the council. He was not nervous, as that was something that was just not a part of his character. He wanted to deliver a powerful message, he wanted his voice to define the fate of his country, and he knew how to do it. Public opinion was obviously weighed in Napoleon’s favor, as the irresponsibility of the directory was no secret. His military campaigns also gave him an advantage in the eyes of the people. He was a hero, and he would use that.
The sun began to fall as the rhythmic click-clack of the horses hooves echoed through French streets. Napoleon approached his estate, and dismounted his horse. It was an uncharacteristically quiet night in Paris. The city was always alive and festive, even during the night. One thing the French were never absent of was parties and festive events. Although this was unsettling to Napoleon, he was not a believer of superstitions or omens, and thought no more of it.
As he walked into his home, he heard the voice of his adopted daughter. She was running through the halls, evading the grasp of her mother.
“Can you help me Napoleon? I have not the strength to chase this girl.”
“Oui, of course, Josephine.” Napoleon turned and ran into the hallway, cutting his step-daughter off, and picked up her up, swinging her around in the air. “Ahh, bonjour mademoiselle, my Hortense is looking very beautiful today. You can’t disobey your mother like that, okay?”
“Yes Father, I’m sorry.”
He carried her into her room and tucked her into the covers. “Sweet dreams joli.” Hortense was the only reason why Napoleon would hate to leave Josephine, as she was as much his daughter as her mothers. He loved both of her children, but he wished to have a son of his own one day, something he was not sure if Josephine was capable of doing. Troubling thoughts such as these were something he knew he should keep out of mind due to present circumstances, but the great Napoleon Bonaparte was an emotional and passionate man. These were thoughts that could not escape his consciousness, no matter how hard he tried.
As Napoleon walked into his bedroom, Josephine was changing into her night gown. When she noticed him, she turned towards him and asked, “You have something planned don’t you?”
Napoleon looked surprised. “What do you mean?”
“The council of ancients and the directory were evacuated today, and I saw you speaking with Lucien this morning, whom should have been with the council, respectively. You’ve been very secretive with your work and meetings recently. Usually you are very open and proud of your political duties and responsibilities, but the news has run silent as of late. You and your brother, you’re planning something, aren’t you?”
Napoleon flinched unnervingly. He had hoped he could keep his plans secret until the deed was done, but he knew Josephine would put the pieces together. “I knew you were too intelligent to let my scheming go unnoticed Josephine, but I have to say I mustn’t tell you of my plans, as I refuse to include, and in turn endanger you as well. I will tell you that my work is absolutely necessary for the well-being of not only our family, but all of France. I am fulfilling my service by changing that of which no one else will take the liberty. And you will not stop me Josephine.”
She was taken aback by his defensiveness, something that Napoleon did not anticipate. “You needn’t remind me Napoleon. I am very aware of your confidence and stubbornness, and I do not wish to harm either of these… Only promise me this; that you will be careful. I admire your resolve and determination, but I couldn’t live through the death of a second husband.”
Napoleon had been unaware he was nervously pacing back and forth across the room, and stopped when he heard Josephine say this. It was not the first response he had expected, and was much more emotional than he had anticipated. He walked over to the bed where she was resting, and kissed her. “I will be back Josephine, in higher regard and glory than even before. You will be proud of me, and I will do it not only for you and me, but you-... our children.” After changing into his bed clothing, Napoleon put out the candles situated around the room, and laid down in his bed. As he fell asleep, millions of thoughts and questions raced through his mind, as they did every night.
Awaking to the sound of newspaper boy shouting the headlines outside his window, Napoleon stared out over the city of Paris. Hmm, Josephine must be up, I don’t remember leaving the window open. Napoleon’s Generals uniform was already set out and clean, as was his hat. He rose from his bed, and dressed himself, wondering where his wife was. Waking before him was unusual for Josephine, but he did not mind.
When he finished securing his uniform, Napoleon went downstairs to find Josephine preparing him breakfast. This was strange as they had servants that would do the lowly housework; Josephine was a woman of grace, not a cook. Yet at the same time, Napoleon was very appreciative of this gesture. It was truly empowering to Napoleon, to know that his wife woke up early in the morning to prepare him a meal. No woman had done something as sweet for him yet.
“Darling, you did not have to wake up and prepare me a meal.”
“Don’t worry about it; with the day ahead of you a good meal will go a long way.”
Napoleon sat down and looked at the beef and eggs prepared for him. It was a satisfying meal, and he was very happy to eat it, especially since it was his wife’s cooking. As he ate his wife washed the dishes and silverware that were dirtied from previous use. Josephine was a very responsible woman, a trait Napoleon admired both in his wife and in him. No duty was below her, regardless of the help that could do it for her. Napoleon lived very comfortably in a nice estate, but he was not wealthy. At least, not yet.
“Are you ready for the day ahead of you, my dear?” He hesitated. “I suppose. I really do hope things go smoothly. I do not want to be the laughingstock of France.” Josephine let out a laugh. “I doubt that could happen to the Invincible Napoleon Bonaparte. Go, I’m sure you have work to do.” Napoleon stood up and looked down at the empty plate before him. The meal was delightful, and he was happy he woke up to it, as he felt it thoroughly reinvigorated him like no servant prepared meal could. Stepping into the main hallway, Napoleon took his coat and hat from the rack near his front door. He then took a step out into the fresh air and went over to his stables. The horses were properly groomed, as the servants were to see to this responsibility every morning. He mounted his favorite horse, Marengo. The companion had seen Napoleon through many battles, and had been his friend ever since they met. As he was entering the city, Napoleon met with a battalion of soldiers that were marching on the streets of Paris. He took command of the group and proceeded to march on the Château. When they approached, several groups of Napoleons soldiers already stood surrounding the building. Cries of approval could be heard from the crowd when they became aware of Napoleon’s presence. Napoleon’s high standing throughout his military career only boosted his ego, something he was consciously aware of. Approaching his first lieutenant, Napoleon noticed that he had been wounded. “What happened here?” “Loyal bastards… they opened fire in an attempt to prevent military interaction inside the Château. They wounded me when I attempted to move anyways.” “Don’t worry, I will handle this situation. Rally my best grenadiers! Rapidement!” Grenadiers are the strongest and hardiest of all the troops in the French army. They are chosen to throw grenades, which were generally heavy in mass and weight. They were common front line troops, as their size gives them an advantage over a majority of the other troops in the army. These would be the best soldier archetype to use in the coup scenario. No one would dare to attack Napoleon while he is surrounded by these hulking men. When he was properly escorted, he made his way into the tall building, ready to meet with the Directory. Charged with the protection of the councils, Napoleon purposely left the job unattended. The council’s guard was obviously in disarray, as when they saw Napoleon approach on the other side of the coup they were very confused. They weren’t only leaderless, but also outnumbered by the troops in the garden outside. Napoleon’s men completely surrounded the Château, leaving no escape for the Directory. As Napoleon walked down a large hall, he was escorted by his most trusted soldiers and grenadiers, hoping they would not be not necessary. Any resistance encountered along the way to the great hall was quickly subdued by Napoleon’s men, peacefully. He knew that he’d prefer to not spill French blood on this day. Approaching the large doors at the end of the corridor, muffled voices could audibly be heard coming from the other side. Before opening the door, Napoleon turned and addressed his men: “Enter prepared for a fight, but do not fire unless you must!” The wide double doors swung open, revealing Napoleon and his men. The Directors, the council, and their respective guards were all present, and in the middle of the room was director Abbé Sieyès, the founder of the coup. “- Abbé Sieyès, hereby formally announce the resignation from my position as director. The system is corrupt, the revolution has failed.” “And I, Roger Ducos, resign as well. I will not stand for this infighting.” Napoleon approached the three disgruntled crowds. Reassured shouts could be heard as they thought Napoleon was there to take command of the guard, yet these were short lived. He drew his saber and prepared to embrace the crowd. Silence ensued at the sound of the metal leaving the sheath. “My fellow countrymen... there is no honor in continuing this faulty government. The pain and loss they have inflicted on France is criminal! There are many individuals far better suited to handle this great nation… myself included.” He started pacing back and forth as he was speaking, repeatedly turning to face the crowd. “The revolution is over! The fighting, in France and out, needs to stop. Firm leadership and just cause must be restored!” Napoleon took steps forward towards the crowds. "And the Constitution?" Napoleon mentioned, referring to earlier parliamentary coups, "The Constitution! You yourselves have destroyed it. You violated it on 18 Fructidor; you violated it on 22 Floreal; you violated it on 30 Prairial. It no longer has the respect of anyone." Outrage erupted from the multiple crowds littering the room. Half of the council of ancients had fainted, as the real intentions of the coup were revealed. The French were not at the risk of a Jacobin conspiracy, their own trusted war heroes were the heart of it. Heckling and ridicule could be heard all over the room. “And what does a young soldier have to offer the French in terms of government?!” “You know nothing of politics!” “Traitor!” Napoleon could handle these insults. Hell, he even welcomed them, as he knew he was in the right. No amount of words or persuasion could convince him that someone was more qualified to rule than himself. He then turned to Barras and said, “So Barras? You are a reasonable man. Do you ally yourself with me and my colleagues, or these weak narrow minded fools? The smart man would resign Barras.” Barras shifted nervously. “I do not know. The rational man in me agrees with you, but the Frenchman in me does not want to give up the freedoms and liberty men have died for over the past years!” Cries of approval burst from the council and many began to stand and shout their own protests. It was then Charles Tallyrand, one of Napoleon’s trusted colleagues, who stepped forward and addressed Barras. “My dear Barras, we have no intention of stealing the freedom of any Frenchman, and wouldn’t in a thousand lifetimes. This government will fail, it is inevitable. We are just taking the liberty of replacing it before it destroys France once and for all!” Barras sat, ignoring the cries of anger coming from his fellow remaining directors and the council. He was not one they expected resistance from, and was a responsible fellow, more or less. He was not one to openly object to change regardless of the results. He was aware that this could result in blood, and did not want people to die when he could have prevented it. “Very well, I Paul François Barras, hereby resign from my position as lead director.” The council and their guard reacted equally as horrified. Napoleon did not like the ensuring scene, as the crowds grew restless. In some areas open conflicts were visible, and many deputies and councilmen started to run towards Napoleon, bearing knives. He parried a few incoming attackers, before numbers overwhelmed him, and he was cut, struck, and shoved by the council members and remaining directors. Napoleon withdrew from the front of the crowd, taking cover behind his grenadiers, who now held back the attackers. “We raise the motion to declare Napoleon Bonaparte an outlaw, and therefore, an enemy of the state!” “I second that!” “And I as well!” Lucien saw an opportunity, and snuck around the outside of the commotion, to speak to the captain of the council’s guard. He left through the back door, to avoid being seen, and spoke to General Murat. He approached him, to have a cutlass drawn and held level with his nose. “Ah, let me speak. The council and the remaining directors are being threatened by deputies brandishing daggers! They are not under the appropriate influence.” Lucien became flush with emotion, and he threw open the door into the meeting chamber. A few of the men in the room turned to look, but most were caught up in the fighting going on in the room. Lucien then stood up on a chair, and drew his own rapier, and pointed to his brother’s bloody face as proof of the insanity. “I would plunge my sword through the heart of my own brother if he were an enemy of France!” Murat hesitated, but quickly came to reason, and rallied his men. Marching in like the sound of a bass drum, the lines of grenadiers quickly dispersed the council and the deputies. Several were arrested, and many were exiled on the spot. The entire room was a wreck, as many pieces of furniture and decorations had been destroyed in the fighting. Napoleon approached the remaining directors, and stared at them contently for a few seconds. “Arrest them, until they come to their senses.” Several grenadiers came forward and took the men into custody, after a fit of pointless resistance. Napoleon was content. Not one person had died, although there were injuries. Within the coming hours, Napoleon would be named first consul; a position which he was very unlikely to lose. He would have control over a majority of the power the French nation possessed. He had finally found a position worthy of his great mind.