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CHAPTER XXVII: Napoleon

The Russian campaign and the war that now raged in Germany, had proved beneficial to the Spanish cause, by withdrawing many of Napoleon's experienced generals and veteran troops. Lord Wellington crossed the Douro, and, marching northwards, came up with the French army, commanded by marshal Jourdain, at Vittoria, where he obtained a decisive victory, June 21, 1813. The memorable siege of St. Sebastian, and the defeat of marshal Soult, to whose skill the task of defending the frontiers of France was confided, were the other most prominent events of the campaign; and France was soon after entered on the south-west by the English and Spaniards, and on the north-east by the combined armies of Russia, Prussia and Austria.

In the meantime the French emperor obtained a levy of 300,000 men, to oppose the threatened invasion. Several engagements took place; but the allies marched steadily on, by different routes, and at length approached the city of Paris, which capitulated. On the following day (March 31, 1814), the emperor of Russia and the king of Prussia, accompanied by their generals and staff, made their triumphal entry into Paris, amidst the acclamations of the inhabitants, who, whether sincere or not, made the air resound with reiterated cries of "Vive I'Empereur Alexandre;" "Vivent les Bourbons;" "A bas le tyran," etc. It the meantime the marquis of Wellington had defeated Soult near Toulouse, and was advancing towards the capital. Napoleon, finding that the senate had deposed him, and that the allied powers were determined not to enter into any treaty with him as sovereign of France, abdicated his usurped crown at Fontainbleau; and the isle of Elba, with a suitable income, was assigned him for his future residence. Louis XVIII. was placed on the throne of his ancestors; the other sovereigns who had been deprived of their dominions were restored; and all Europe once more hailed a general peace.

America having been dissatisfied with the British orders in council, resulting from the Berlin and Milan decrees of Napoleon, in 1812 declared war against England, and forthwith invaded Canada: but the war was chiefly confined to conflicts on the lakes, and actions between frigates. Peace was concluded at the latter end of 1814.