Note 41 — Chapter XII · THE EAGLES OF THE LAST ARMY

Napoleon left Paris for the front on the early morning of June 12, after spending several hours in his cabinet, issuing orders and making arrangements for the carrying on of the Government in his absence. Caulaincourt, acting for the time being as Foreign Minister, was with Napoleon until the last moment, and witnessed his departure. “The clock struck three, and daylight was beginning to appear. ‘Farewell, Caulaincourt!’ said the Emperor, holding out his hand to me, ‘Farewell! We must conquer or die!’ With hurried steps he passed through the apartments, his mind being evidently fully taken up with melancholy thoughts. On reaching the foot of the staircase, he cast a lingering look round him, and then threw himself into his carriage and drove away.”