Note 190 — BOOK THE THIRD 1812-1815

[Briefly, the situation was as follows. After the attack of the Allies on Paris of March 30, Marmont, who was in command of the French forces, capitulated; and the populace, without Napoleon to lead them, acquiesced. A provisional Government was proclaimed under the leadership of Talleyrand; the Emperor was dethroned on April 2; and Louis XVIII. was made king. In the meanwhile Napoleon himself remained at Fontainebleau. The army was on his side, but the Marshals were tired of the unequal combat, and forced him to abdicate in favour of his infant son. This proposal was refused by the Allies, and under pressure he signed an unconditional surrender on April 6.]