#The Office: Napoleonic Empire edition

[empiredesimparte]

POINT ROYAL Magazine | Special Edition | Coronation: portrait of H.I.M Emperor Napoleon V, the young emperor out to prove himself

Emperor Napoleon V is one of the world's youngest rulers. Among the pantheon of Napoleons, he is sometimes compared by the French people to l'Aiglon (Napoleon II). In any case, this is the affectionate nickname that the imperial family has given him since he was a child. Soon, in a grandiose ceremony, l'Aiglon will be crowned Emperor at Notre-Dame de Paris. In the run-up to the event, we invite you to rediscover His Majesty's extraordinary first 19 years through our pages packed with illustrations and memorabilia.

Who is emperor Napoleon V?

One of the first official photographs of Prince Imperial Louis, shortly after his christening.

Emperor Napoleon V was born Louis Napoleon Simparte on 22 October 2002 at the Tuileries Palace in the heart of Paris. He and his twin sister, Hortense Rose Simparte, became known as the Children of Francesim. Since the 12th century, this title has referred to the legitimate children of the French monarch. The following days, Louis and Hortense were baptised at Notre-Dame de Paris by the Archbishop of Paris.

Left: As a toddler, he attended Emperor David of Pierreland's state visit to Francesim. Right: A little later, aged just 8, Louis made his first public speech on the occasion of the Napoleonic events.

From the moment he was born, the young imperial prince was already the first in the order of succession to the throne, so he was quickly associated with the Crown's public appearances and activities.

Left: 1st official portrait of the Prince Imperial wearing the Imperial Guard uniform. Right: Francesim's children receive their first riding lessons at the Versailles stables.

From an early age, Louis showed a keen interest in a military career. He wore the uniforms of the various regiments to which he belonged. Even today, the young emperor has a vast wardrobe of uniforms, which he prefers to wear instead of civilian ceremonial dress. Not surprising for a Napoleon.

Louis and Hortense have a modern educational background, having been educated at illustrious Parisian public schools such as Sainte-Barbe. Outgoing and charming, Louis has always had the profile of a charismatic leader. Unlike his sister Hortense, who was quieter and more shy, Louis always surrounded himself with friends quickly. Little is known about this period of their lives, in accordance with the wishes of the late Emperor Napoleon IV.

Official portrait of the Children of Francesim on their 18th birthday. The photo was taken at the Château de Meudon, the official residence of the Imperial Princes of Francesim.

Last year, Louis and Hortense celebrated their 18th birthday. It was a very busy year for the Children of Francesim: Hortense took part in her first royal activities, while Louis spearheaded the maritime alliance project between the Pierreland Empire (@officalroyalsofpierreland) and the Empire of Francesim. Together with Duke Felipe, he inaugurated the Henry submarine, which combines the expertise of both armies.

The Prince Imperial and Duke Felipe on the day of the inauguration of the Francesim-Pierreland maritime alliance.

Portraits of Francesim's children taken at the Ecole Polytechnique. They are wearing the school uniform, which regularly takes part in military parades.

At the end of their respective engagements, the twins entered the Ecole Polytechnique together and became Polytechniciens. They completed their year and took part in the end-of-year gala held at the beginning of the summer at the Opéra Garnier.

The Ecole Polytechnique offered a combination of military, scientific and economic training.

While Hortense wished to continue her scientific studies at the Ecole Polytechnique, after the coronation Louis turned to the Francesim Naval School, which trained naval officers.

During his year at Polytechnique, Louis became Napoleon V at the age of 19, following the violent death of his father in an ambush in the middle of Paris.

The death of Emperor Napoleon IV is still shrouded in mystery, and an investigation is underway. It will give rise to an impressive trial, where many wonder whether Emperor Napoleon V will wish to sit as a judge - his imperial powers theoretically allow him to do so.

It was during the period of mourning that Napoleon V made his relationship with the future Empress Charlotte official. In fact, Their Imperial Majesties had known each other since the age of 3 and had grown up together. A little-known fact is that Charlotte accompanied Louis to the Ecole Polytechnique and even took part in military training! "Charlotte has always impressed me, she has a lot of presence, allure, and always the right words" confided Napoleon during the Cannes Film Festival, where the couple announced their engagement. He also admitted that he had long had feelings for his beloved (several years), but never dared to admit them until his father's death. The tragedy made him realise that he had to enjoy every moment of life.

The imperial couple shared with us some rare photos of their years before the rise of Napoleon V.

Charlotte brought much joy to the young emperor, who appreciated her advice and the "Mortemart spirit". After all, Empress Charlotte is a member of the famous and noble French family of Rochechouart-Mortemart. L'esprit Mortemart is a well-known expression that praises the family's caustic, natural and fine sense of humour. The imperial couple's entourage readily acknowledged that Charlotte had inherited this characteristic wit, which has the art of giving it to others.

The first official portrait of the married Emperor Napoleon V and Empress Charlotte. The Emperor wears the uniform of the Imperial Guard, and the Empress has reused Madame Mère's wedding dress as a tribute to her new family.

At the beginning of June, the emperor married Charlotte. It was a marriage that may have seemed rather hasty given the young age of the couple. However, Napoleon V always made it clear that he wanted to be crowned alongside Charlotte. To do so, he had to pass through the altar, as the coronation is a partly religious ceremony. Madame Mère supported her son's determination and was delighted for him. After all, "the two of them have been looking for each other since they were children, so it was bound to happen sooner or later", she assures us. Charlotte seems to have been well received by her in-laws, although there are rumours of a disagreement between the Empress and Madame Hortense.

After a well-deserved honeymoon in French Polynesia, the lovers are now devoting their full attention to preparations for the coronation. It was a year marked by many upheavals for the emperor, who courageously faced up to the trials of life. Without a doubt, the post-coronation period will be the real beginning of Napoleon V's reign, and we can't wait to see what the emperor's next initiatives will be.

⚜ Traduction française

POINT ROYAL Magazine | Edition spéciale | Couronnement : portrait de S.M l'Empereur Napoléon V, le jeune empereur qui veut faire ses preuves

L'empereur Napoléon V est l'un des dirigeants les plus jeunes au monde. Parmi le panthéon des Napoléons, il est parfois comparé par le peuple français à l'Aiglon (Napoléon II). C'est en tout cas le surnom affectueux que lui donne la famille impériale depuis sa plus tendre enfance. Bientôt, dans une cérémonie grandiose, l'Aiglon sera sacré Empereur à Notre-Dame de Paris. En vue de l'événement, nous vous proposons de redécouvrir, à travers nos pages riches d'illustrations et de souvenirs, les 19 premières années extraordinaires de Sa Majesté.

Qui est l'empereur Napoléon V ?

L'une des premières photographies officielles du prince impérial Louis, un peu après son baptême.

L'empereur Napoléon V est né Louis Napoléon Simparte, le 22 octobre 2002 au palais des Tuileries, en plein cœur de Paris. Lui et sa sœur jumelle, Hortense Rose Simparte, portent alors le titre d'Enfants de Francesim. Il désigne depuis le XIIIe siècle les enfants légitimes du monarque français. Les jours suivants, Louis et Hortense sont baptisés à Notre-Dame de Paris, par l'archevêque de Paris.

Dès sa naissance, le jeune prince impérial est d'ores et déjà premier dans l'ordre de succession au tr��ne et il est donc associé rapidement aux apparitions publiques et activités de la Couronne. Bambin, il a assisté à la visite d'Etat de l'empereur David de Pierreland en Francesim. Un peu plus tard, à l'âge de 8 ans à peine, Louis fait son premier discours public à l'occasion des événements napoléoniens.

A gauche : 1er portrait officiel du prince impérial portant l'uniforme de la garde impériale. A droite : Les Enfants de Francesim reçoivent leurs premiers cours d'équitation à l'écurie de Versailles.

Très tôt, Louis a manifesté un grand intérêt pour une carrière militaire. Il porte d'ailleurs depuis son plus jeune âge des uniformes de divers régiments dont il fait partie. Encore aujourd'hui, le jeune empereur possède une grande garde-robe d'uniformes, qu'il préfère porter à la place des tenues civiles d'apparat. Rien d'étonnant pour un Napoléon.

Louis et Hortense ont un parcours scolaire moderne, puisqu'ils ont été formés dans des écoles privées parisiennes illustres comme Sainte-Barbe. D'un caractère sociable et charmeur, Louis a toujours eu le profil d'un leader charismatique. Contrairement à sa soeur Hortense, plus calme et timide, Louis s'est toujours entouré d'amis rapidement. Peu d'informations sont connues de cette période de leur vie, selon le souhait de feu l'empereur Napoléon IV.

Portrait officiel des Enfants de Francesim pour leurs 18 ans. Le cliché a été pris au château de Meudon, la demeure officielle des princes impériaux de Francesim.

L'an dernier, Louis et Hortense célébraient leurs 18 ans. Une année très riche pour les Enfants de Francesim : Hortense a participé à ses premières activités royales, tandis que Louis a mené de front le projet d'alliance maritime entre l'empire de Pierreland et l'empire de Francesim. Il a inauguré avec le duc Felipe le sous-marin Henry, qui allie le savoir-faire des deux armées.

Le prince impérial et le duc Felipe le jour de l'inauguration de l'alliance maritime Francesim-Pierreland.

Portraits des Enfants de Francesim réalisés à l'Ecole Polytechnique. Ils sont dans le grand uniforme de l'école, qui participe régulièrement aux défilés militaires.

A la fin de leurs engagements respectifs, les jumeaux sont entrés ensemble à l'Ecole Polytechnique et sont devenus des polytechniciens. Ils ont terminé leur année et ont participé au gala de fin d'année qui a eu lieu au début de l'été à l'Opéra Garnier.

L'Ecole Polytechnique offre à la fois une formation militaire, scientifique et économique.

Si Hortense souhaite continuer son cycle scientifique à l'Ecole Polytechnique, Louis va se tourner après le couronnement vers l'Ecole navale de Francesim, qui forme les officiers de la marine.

Pendant son année à Polytechnique, Louis devient Napoléon V à l'âge de 19 ans, suite au violent décès de son père dans une embuscade en plein Paris.

La mort de l'empereur Napoléon IV est encore entourée de mystères, une enquête est en cours. Elle donnera lieu à un procès impressionnant, où beaucoup se demandent si l'empereur Napoléon V souhaitera y siéger en tant que juge - ses pouvoirs impériaux le permettent, théoriquement.

C'est durant la période de deuil que Napoléon V officialise sa relation avec la future impératrice Charlotte. En réalité, Leurs Majestés Impériales se connaissent depuis l'âge de 3 ans et ont grandi ensemble. Fait peu connu, Charlotte a accompagné Louis à l'Ecole Polytechnique et a même participé aux formations militaires ! "Charlotte m'a toujours impressionné, elle a beaucoup de prestance, d'allure, et des mots toujours justes, une personnalité assurée." confie Napoléon durant le festival de Cannes, où le couple a annoncé leurs fiançailles. Il reconnaîtra aussi qu'il a longtemps eu des sentiments pour sa belle (depuis plusieurs années), mais qu'il n'a jamais osé les avouer avant la mort de son père. La tragédie lui aurait fait réaliser qu'il doit profiter de chaque instant de la vie.

Le couple impérial a partagé avec nous de rares clichés photographiques de leurs années avant l'ascension de Napoléon V.

Charlotte apporte beaucoup de joie au jeune empereur, qui apprécie ses conseils et "l'esprit Mortemart". Car l'impératrice Charlotte est un membre de la célèbre et noble famille française des Rochechouart-Mortemart. L'esprit Mortemart est une expression bien connue, qui vante l'humour caustique, naturel et fin de la famille. L'entourage du couple impérial reconnaît volontiers que Charlotte a hérité de cet esprit si caractéristique, qui a l'art d'en donner aux autres.

Premier portrait officiel de l'empereur Napoléon V et de l'impératrice Charlotte mariés. L'empereur porte l'uniforme de la garde impériale, et l'impératrice a réutilisé la robe de mariage de Madame Mère afin de rendre hommage à sa nouvelle famille.

Début juin, l'empereur épouse Charlotte. Un mariage qui a pu paraître assez précipité au-vu du jeune âge des mariés. Cependant, Napoléon V a toujours assuré qu'il souhaitait être couronné aux côtés de Charlotte. Pour cela, il devait passer par l'autel puisque le sacre est une cérémonie en partie religieuse. Madame Mère a soutenu la détermination de son fils et est ravie pour lui. Après tout, "les deux se cherchent depuis qu'ils sont enfants, ça allait forcément arriver un jour ou l'autre" assure-t-elle. Charlotte semble avoir été bien accueillie par sa belle-famille, bien que certaines rumeurs soupçonnent une mésentente entre l'impératrice et Madame Hortense.

Après un voyage de noces bien mérité en Polynésie française, les amoureux se dévouent désormais intégralement aux préparations du couronnement. C'est une année marquée par de nombreux bouleversements pour l'empereur, qui a su courageusement faire face aux épreuves de la vie. Sans nul doute, l'après couronnement sera le début véritable du règne de Napoléon V, et nous avons hâte de voir quelles seront les prochaines initiatives de l'empereur.

[inspofromancientworld]

Prometheus and its Ancient Origins

By Joseph Karl Stieler - Transferred from nds.wikipedia to Commons..org by G.Meiners at 12:05, 15. Okt 2005., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=375657

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, widely known as just Goethe, was a German polymath (someone with a vast number of specialties) who lived from 1749-1832. He was born in Frankfurt at a time that it was part of the Holy Roman Empire and died in Weimar when it was part of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. He also had Turkish ancestry through his Maternal grandmother. He was tutored by his father, who had studied law, and others in Latin, Greek, French, and Italian along with physical skills such as dancing, riding, and fencing, which was fairly typical of the time. He was particularly fond of the writings of Homer as well as drawing and theater. When he went to Leipzig University starting when he was 16, he studied law. He found learning ancient laws by heart detestable and went to lectures by Christian Fürchtegott Gellert, a poet, instead. He met Anna Katharina Schönkopf and between his love for her and admiration for Gellert, he wrote his first book of poetry and his and his first comedy, though he also discarded a lot of his writings from this time as well.

Because he was doing poorly in his main studies, Goethe was forced to return home when he was 19. He also became very ill for about a year and a half. During this time, his relationship with his father also suffered. After that time, he left to finish school at the University of Strasbourg. There, his health improved. He met Johann Gottfried Herder, who exposed Goethe to William Shakespeare's works, Ossian, the narrator in James Macpherson's poems, and Volkspoesie (folk poetry). He credits the introduction of Shakespeare's work with his love of literature. He graduated with a Licentate in Law when he was 22 and set up a practice in Frankfurt. He wanted to make the practice of law more humane, but his youth caused him to reach too far, bringing censure and loss of clients. He moved to the court of Darmstadt that worked better with his temperament. He also was able to pursue literature with his father's blessings.

By © Foto H.-P.Haack (H.-P.Haack) - Sammlung Dr. Haack → Antiquariat Dr. Haack Leipzig → Privatbesitz, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2140496

He wrote The Sorrows of Young Werther, his breakout novel, when he was 23 and it was semi-biographical. Though it was very successful, he didn't earn much from it because copyright laws at the time didn't really protect writers. Later in his life, though, when there were better protections, he would release 'new, revised' editions of his works.

When he was 26, he was invited to court by Karl August, the Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach and later Grand Duke. He held many offices in the court including chief advisor and superintendent of the duke's library over the course of the rest of his life. He was also friends and a confidant with the Duke and was more involved in the court than

By Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein - aAH2PRcepgpGwA at Google Cultural Institute, zoom level maximum, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29098753

At 37, Goethe was sent on a journey to Italy and Sicily for two years, inspired by his father. It was almost like a pilgrimage for him, to visit the classical world, and renewed his love of the art of ancient Rome and Greece. He said of Sicily '[t]o have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is to not have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.' He was struck by the simplicity of ancient Greek architecture as compared to ancient Roman. While he documented much of his first year, there wasn't a lot of documentation of his second year.

Four years after his return, he followed the Duke to the Battle of Valmy during a failed invasion of France, and later at the Siege of Mainz, he was an observer. When he was 57, Napoleon invaded Weimar. Goethe was living with his mistress, Chritiane Vulpus, who was instrumental in protecting his house from the 'spoon guards', those who were the least disciplined. While Goethe froze up, Christiane barricaded the kitchen and cellar and organized the defense of the house. Goethe later wrote '[f]ires, rapine, a frightful night… Preservation of the house through steadfastness and luck.' Rüdiger Safranski wrote 'The luck was Goethe's, the steadfastness was displayed by Christiane'. Shortly thereafter, Goethe married her after having been together for 18 years and having several children together. She died twelve years later.

When he was 72, after a near-fatal illness, he fell in love with a 17 year old Ulrike von Levetzow, but was prevented from proposing by her mother's disapproval. He also had a 'deep emotional bond' with 33 year old Maria Szymanowska, a Polish pianist, who left her husband. He died of heart failure when he was 82 years old.

By No machine-readable author provided. Atoma assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1520906

Prometheus in Greek mythology was one of the Titans, his name possibly meaning 'forward thinking' or 'forethought'. His best known myth has him defying the Olympians to bring fire to humanity, the fire leading to technology, which allowed the transmission of knowledge to be more rapid and far reaching, and then civilization. Some of the myths also having him creating humans and also fathering the hero of the flood story. The Olympians, lead by Zeus, set down a sentence of being bound to a rock on either Mount Elbrus or Mount, which are both volcanoes that separate Greece from the 'barbari' in the Caucaus Mountains, and having his liver, the seat of emotions, eaten by an eagle, the creature that represented Zeus, every day. Every night, Prometheus' liver would grow back. He remains there until he is freed by Heracles.

By Heinrich Füger - Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=175869

Prometheus was written around 1773 and published in 1789, though an unauthorized version published by Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi in 1785. It is written in a German proto-Romantic style called Sturm und Drang (storm and stress), in which extremes of emotions are allowed to breathe and given free range as opposed to the rationality demanded by the Enlightenment. It was initially going to be a play, but was changed into a poem. Prometheus is shown to be creative and rebellious, defying god, and asserting himself against god, and eventually rejecting a belief in god, citing '[w]ho helped me/Against the Titan' insolence?/Who rescued me from certain death,/From slavery?/Didst though not do all this thyself'. He further rails against god by saying '[h]ast though e'er dried up the tears/Of the anguish stricken?…Didst thou e'er fancy/That life I should learn to hate,/And ffly to deserts,/Because not all/My blossoming dreams grew ripe?' He then proclaims that he is creating humans to have the full range of emotional experiences that he has had. This poem is paired with Goethe's poem entitled Ganymed, which expresses the opposite sentiment. Both have been set to or interpreted in music multiple times.

You can read Prometheus here. You can read Ganymed here.

[turianhumanclient]

Original works: Valtakuntapeli

(Translation: Game of Empires, Empire Game. Intention of conveying a game played by great powers.)

I’ve been struck by envy, envy of other more accomplished creatives exhibiting their works! So I must put the effort to show mine too. It’s bit harder when one’s output leans to the literary while artistry remains confined to the margins of notebooks.

Nevertheless.

We must go to further than a decade away, to hazy years of high school (here in Finland, junior high being the 7th to 9th grades, followed by senior high, gymnasium, from where one graduates as baccalaureate if they didn’t opt for vocational school). I had loaned a Rogue Trader rulebook from the library and were struck by inspiration...to make my own game! Mostly. Loaning hard from Rogue Trader still mechanically.

(cover art by friend of mine, who nowadays does hard kink furry porn art, so you’ll excuse me if I don’t link his pages here.)

However one needs more than a rules set to make a game! It needs a setting. Mine’s sci-fi. What if Napoleonic France was in SPACE? Let’s elaborate. What if mankind discovered space travel, expanded out, settled worlds...until Republic of the Stars, the authority responsible for this, grew so corrupt and broken it helped birth a rebellion.

These rebels succeed. They’ve carved out a niche, then slice, portion, a big swathe out of the dying Republic. But the leaders, the junta of officers, businesses fed up with graft and not getting in on it, idealists, lawyers and all were beset with an existential question. They are replacing the republic, but with what? Eyes turned to the history books and they found Napoleon Bonaparte’s revolt against the old order of Europe and overthrow of the French First Republic that had failed him [sic]. 

They declared for an empire without an emperor. One would be crowned once the worlds of humanity were united under one flag, surely. Until then a regency council of generals and admirals directed the matters of the state and the military. Meanwhile the battered Republic had rallied and roused its state, people and defenses from centuries of hibernation. On other side of the Empire, another half of the sundered Republic re-organised, scrambled together to form an alliance, a third party, an Alliance of Free Worlds. Little worlds splintered away on the periphery or held to their own independence never surrendered.

Worlds of humanity were now set in a two-front war, between three great powers. An impasse. Time for great fleets maneuvering and armies making landfall ended. An age of intrigue, spycraft and deniable teams began. On the old homeworld of humanity, a great mercenary academy opened its doors. From here, the players would emerge as freshly graduated, eager to take jobs to shuttle them across hundred worlds.

In retrospective and as far as writing shitty words out first, it was passable primer to the setting as tabletop gaming perspective.

EDIT: This was the second iteration. I went a-digging to the old files and found a first pass where it was Germany instead of France and it was not a good iteration. Yay for being teenager in the 00′s. EDIT 2: Some more digging and talking with friends who remembered my third iteration from 2013-2014 when I tried to playtest more and translated the stuff.

[thiswaycomessomethingwicked]

The Office (& others): Napoleonic Empire Edition 

Napoleon, on the Russian Campaign: And I knew exactly what to do. But in a much more real sense, I had no idea what to do.

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Napoleon: Ok we’re going to do some team building. Write on this paper something you hate. Talleyrand you can’t write me. You can’t write my name. You don’t hate me. That’s not how this is supposed to – Berthier you can’t write the name of your mistresses’ husband. No. I was thinking existential threats. England, good work Murat. First time I’ve ever said that. Wow.

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Napoleon: I live by one rule: No office romances, no way. Very messy, inappropriate, too. Lannes: I mean, sure, but you could live by another rule: Just do it… Napoleon:  Lannes: Napoleon:  Lannes: Napoleon: Meet you in the supply closet in five?

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Arthur Wellesley: Look, Napoleon’s my enemy.  Castlereagh: Right. Following you.  Wellesley: But it turns out that Napoleon is also his own worst enemy. And the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Castlereagh: uh huh... Wellesley: Therefore Napoleon is actually my friend. Castlereagh: Castlereagh: Wellesley: But, because he is his own worst enemy, the enemy of my friend is my enemy, so actually Napoleon is my enemy. Castlereagh:  Castlereagh:  Castlereagh: You need to spend less time in the Spanish sun. 

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Murat: I am running away from my responsibilities. And it feels great.  Caroline:  Caroline: Murat: Wait - babe - I didn’t mean it. 

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Talleyrand: What are we going to do about Prussia? Napoleon: I’ve had a think. And I’ve looked into it. It turns out, you can’t just chuck someone into a monastery against their will. They have to do it voluntarily. They have to hit rock bottom. Find their calling. Hear Jesus shout their name or see Mary’s face in a piece of toast.  Talleyrand: I’m confused but intrigued. Continue. Napoleon: What we need to do, at this point, is find ways to push the King of Prussia to the bottom. The very bottom. And you know, I think I can do it. Talleyrand: Talleyrand:  Napoleon: What?

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Napoleon: And you laughed at me when I went to that weekend-long math conference. Lannes: Yeah. Because you called it 'Funky Cats and Their Feisty Stats.'

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Talleyrand: You should make me your campaign manager. I was born for politics! I have great hair and I love lying. Cambaceres:  Napoleon:  Cambaceres: No-- Napoleon: You’re hired! 

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Josephine: Yeah. I hope it wasn't a mistake. Napoleon, shouting from outside the window: 'I hope it wasn't a mistake,' title of your sex tape? Josephine: Title of our sex tape, babe.

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Napoleon: Ok, ok. Josie. I have something to say. I love you. I love how smart you are. I love how beautiful you are. I love your face, and I love your butt. I should've written this down first.

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Des Mazis: This envelope contains my inheritance from my uncle, he died a year ago. He was so rich, he had a whole room in his house just to eat in. Joseph: You mean like a dining room? Des Mazis: Yeah. But in Paris.

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Caroline: Right, that's the guy you said the lame stuff about, like he's a good listener.

Elisa: Sorry, what do you look for in a guy? Caroline: Real stuff, like the shape of his ass.

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Wellesley: The Spanish sent you all a series of messages. Did Bonaparte get them? Meneval: Yes. But do you know what the worst one was? It said “die frenchies” but they didn’t put a comma between Die and Frenchies.  Wellesley:  Wellesley:  Wellesley: One of them described evisceration in great detail.  Meneval: Yes, but it was beautifully written. 

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Napoleon: How are you feeling today, Davout?  Davout: Better. I even managed to eat some plain toast this morning. Napoleon: Smart. Something bland. Davout: That's my favorite breakfast.

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Duroc: Sire, with all due respect, I’m going to completely ignore everything you just told me.

[clove-pinks]

What started your interest in the War of 1812?

I have an answer to this specific question! Probably a predictable one! My interest in the War of 1812 is directly tied to my interest in the novelist and Royal Navy officer Captain Frederick Marryat, who was a War of 1812 veteran among many other things. (To my amusement, the inferior second edition of Amy Miller's Dressed to Kill identifies Marryat as ONLY a War of 1812 veteran, when usually that's a neglected part of his biography).

Marryat's War of 1812 experiences are mostly described in his heavily autobiographical novel Frank Mildmay, although they also come up in his nonfiction travelogue Diary in America, written in the late 1830s. In Diary in America Marryat talks with American veterans, makes remarks on former warzones, and gets teased by bratty American kids.

After Marryat sparked my interest, I began to appreciate why the War of 1812 is not taught very much in US schools. I vaguely remember it being skimmed over, something about British harassment of American trade? And of course the USA totally won after many impressive victories—what do you mean we removed all of our original demands from the Treaty of Ghent and only restored the status quo ante bellum? What do you mean this was just an imperialist land grab and we openly threatened to invade Canada for years??

So it's a fascinating look into both US and Canadian history, deeply intertwined with our fractured relationship and broken promises to allied Indigenous nations, and slavery in the US and in the British Empire. I am very interested in the stories of Black War of 1812 veterans, and especially those who were promised safety in Canada and the West Indies (despite slavery being legal in the British Empire until 1833).

I cannot deny my love of Napoleonic-era military uniforms, which obviously includes the War of 1812. I have even seen the War of 1812 rolled into the global conflict of the Napoleonic Wars in analyses (hey it's a lot of the same guys! They even sent Sharpe's Rifles the 95th Rifle Regiment from the Peninsular War to get slaughtered in New Orleans!)

[testudoaubrei-blog]

I am going to start off by saying that your regency romance AU is good and valid whatever it looks like, but for my part I am less interested in stories about Adora and Catra as heiresses playing the marriage market and more stories about them as officers in the Napoleonic Wars who spend 4/5s of the narrative challenging each other to duels. I would love to see Lucky Jack Adora of the Royal Navy and the rakish major Catra of the hussars call each other out and end their friendship over a game of whist and Adora's association with the heiress Lady Glimmer. Or I want to see Adora and Catra, German orphans raised by the abusive and decadent noblewoman and occultist Shadow Weaver, choosing different sides of the war and fighting each other from Austerlitz to Wagram to Moscow to Leipzig. Or Captain Catra, returned from the war, cautious about reconciling with her former best friend and first love Adora. Okay the last one is Persuasion but seriously that is the best Austen novel. Basically 'regency' doesn't have to mean Empire Waists and repartee. It can also be Hussar jackets and sabers and endless dueling. I want a regency fanfic that puts She-Ra, Patrick O'Brian and The Duellists in a blender and turns it to high.

EDIT: fuck I just realized that in at least one of these fics Catra marries Scorpia to spite adora and for her money (since she is a wealthy emmigre German Princess with a lot of jewels) then literally blows it all on whist and cognac. Because she isn't always the best person.

[marryat92]

I'm thinking again about Frederick Marryat's amateur artwork, and how much I enjoy this detail from 'Lieutenant Blockhead keeping the Morning Watch'—evidently Blockhead himself, with his spyglass tucked under one arm and a cup of coffee or tea beside him on the capstan. (Drinking coffee on the morning watch is mentioned in The King's Own.) I don't know why there are Roman numerals on the capstan, but I assume this is an authentic touch.

As a visual artist Marryat is crude and lacking in technical skill, but like his writing, his artwork is a fascinating window on his world, and it's obvious that he cares about the small details.

This picture and related drawings date from 1820, when Marryat was still in the service and had yet to fight in the First Anglo-Burmese War. He wouldn't publish his first novel until 1829, so this is an early foray into self-expression: a comic series of prints that George Cruikshank would engrave (taking many liberties to improve on Marryat's rough drawings).

I suspect that there's a lot of Marryat in his character of William Blockhead, from the naughty boy with curly hair to the very well-built officer appreciating his assets in a mirror in Cruikshank's rendering. Florence Marryat threw her support behind this idea in the Life and Letters of her father, writing that "the draughtsman's own caricature figured in another publication called 'The Adventures of Master Blockhead'".

One thing that has always impressed me about Marryat's drawings is the sheer confidence expressed in them. He had to be aware that he wasn't the greatest artist, but he doesn't seem discouraged by it or defensive, in contrast to his salty and clearly hurt reactions to literary critics. Marryat is like the opposite of the cliche amateur artist who poses characters with their hands in their pockets or behind their backs to avoid drawing hands; he's not afraid to tackle any pose for some truly dynamic scenes.

Marryat's son Frank and daughter Augusta were better artists than their father, and both of them illustrated published books. Sometimes I imagine Captain Marryat drawing and painting with his children and encouraging them, since he was known as an affectionate parent who was much more involved with his children than typical upper-class parents of his day. Florence Marryat doesn't mention this scenario with art supplies so it's pure speculation on my part, but it seems likely.

I can't believe that Marryat stopped drawing after his print-making collaboration with George Cruikshank ended, and there's substantial evidence that he did not. My two-volume edition of Peter Simple with Robert W. Buss's engravings and an introductory essay by Michael Sadleir suggests that Marryat may have made sketches that Buss used as a guide for his professional illustrations. There's also an 1841 letter from Marryat reproduced in Life and Letters where he writes of an upcoming book, "I have been amusing myself with drawing all the illustrations myself and they will do very well."

Marryat's artwork documents details that sometimes are not apparent in his novels, like the appearance of convicts' uniforms (contrast with the scene from Peter Simple), or they are too minor to merit a written description but pique my interest—belaying pin racks, baskets and containers on deck for ropes and ammunition, the overcoats worn by sailors in foul weather. For all of their shortcomings, they can be treated like primary sources. Marryat didn't research his compositions, he didn't pore through reference books on sailing ships, he drew and painted from life. From his own memories and experiences.

Marryat is from an era of empire and discovery that encouraged Royal Navy officers to cultivate their skills as artists. Before portable and reliable cameras, it might be an officer sketching a newly catalogued species, a foreign landscape, or an important battle. Marryat produced both humorous nautical scenes and more sober depictions of warfare. Famously, he sketched Napoleon on his deathbed. But my personal favourites are his rough studies full of character and personality, unimproved by a professional artist and engraver.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 8.27

410 – The sacking of Rome by the Visigoths ends after three days. 1172 – Henry the Young King and Margaret of France are crowned junior king and queen of England. 1557 – The Battle of St. Quentin results in Emmanuel Philibert becoming Duke of Savoy. 1593 – Pierre Barrière failed an attempt to assassinate Henry IV of France. 1689 – The Treaty of Nerchinsk is signed by Russia and the Qing Empire (Julian calendar). 1776 – Battle of Long Island: In what is now Brooklyn, New York, British forces under General William Howe defeat Americans under General George Washington. 1793 – French Revolutionary Wars: The city of Toulon revolts against the French Republic and admits the British and Spanish fleets to seize its port, leading to the Siege of Toulon by French Revolutionary forces. 1798 – Wolfe Tone's United Irish and French forces clash with the British Army in the Battle of Castlebar, part of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, resulting in the creation of the French puppet Republic of Connacht. 1810 – Napoleonic Wars: The French Navy defeats the British Royal Navy, preventing them from taking the harbour of Grand Port on Île de France. 1813 – French Emperor Napoleon I defeats a larger force of Austrians, Russians, and Prussians at the Battle of Dresden. 1828 – Brazil and Argentina recognize the sovereignty of Uruguay in the Treaty of Montevideo 1832 – Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk tribe of Native Americans, surrenders to U.S. authorities, ending the Black Hawk War. 1859 – Petroleum is discovered in Titusville, Pennsylvania leading to the world's first commercially successful oil well. 1881 – The Georgia hurricane makes landfall near Savannah, Georgia, resulting in an estimated 700 deaths. 1883 – Eruption of Krakatoa: Four enormous explosions almost completely destroy the island of Krakatoa and cause years of climate change. 1893 – The Sea Islands hurricane strikes the United States near Savannah, Georgia, killing between 1,000 and 2,000 people. 1896 – Anglo-Zanzibar War: The shortest war in world history (09:02 to 09:40), between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar. 1914 – World War I: Battle of Étreux: A British rearguard action by the Royal Munster Fusiliers during the Great Retreat. 1915 – Attempted assassination of Bishop Patrick Heffron, bishop of the Diocese of Winona by Rev. Louis M. Lesches. 1916 – World War I: The Kingdom of Romania declares war on Austria-Hungary, entering the war as one of the Allied nations. 1918 – Mexican Revolution: Battle of Ambos Nogales: U.S. Army forces skirmish against Mexican Carrancistas in the only battle of World War I fought on American soil. 1922 – Greco-Turkish War: The Turkish army takes the Aegean city of Afyonkarahisar from the Kingdom of Greece. 1927 – Five Canadian women file a petition to the Supreme Court of Canada, asking, "Does the word 'Persons' in Section 24 of the British North America Act, 1867, include female persons?" 1928 – The Kellogg–Briand Pact outlawing war is signed by fifteen nations. Ultimately sixty-one nations will sign it. 1933 – The first Afrikaans Bible is introduced during a Bible Festival in Bloemfontein. 1939 – First flight of the turbojet-powered Heinkel He 178, the world's first jet aircraft. 1942 – First day of the Sarny Massacre, perpetrated by Germans and Ukrainians. 1943 – World War II: Japanese forces evacuate New Georgia Island in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. 1943 – World War II: Aerial bombardment by the Luftwaffe razes to the ground the village of Vorizia in Crete. 1955 – The first edition of the Guinness Book of Records is published in Great Britain. 1956 – The nuclear power station at Calder Hall in the United Kingdom was connected to the national power grid becoming the world's first commercial nuclear power station to generate electricity on an industrial scale. 1962 – The Mariner 2 unmanned space mission is launched to Venus by NASA. 1963 – An explosion at the Cane Creek potash mine near Moab, Utah kills 18 miners. 1964 – South Vietnamese junta leader Nguyễn Khánh enters into a triumvirate power-sharing arrangement with rival generals Trần Thiện Khiêm and Dương Văn Minh, who had both been involved in plots to unseat Khánh. 1971 – An attempted coup d'état fails in the African nation of Chad. The Government of Chad accuses Egypt of playing a role in the attempt and breaks off diplomatic relations. 1975 – The Governor of Portuguese Timor abandons its capital, Dili, and flees to Atauro Island, leaving control to a rebel group. 1979 – The Troubles: Eighteen British soldiers are killed in an ambush by the Provisional Irish Republican Army near Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland, in the deadliest attack on British forces during Operation Banner. An IRA bomb also kills British royal family member Lord Mountbatten and three others on his boat at Mullaghmore, Republic of Ireland. 1980 – A massive bomb planted by extortionist John Birges explodes at Harvey's Resort Hotel in Stateline, Nevada after a failed disarming attempt by the FBI. Although the hotel is damaged, no one is injured. 1982 – Turkish military diplomat Colonel Atilla Altıkat is shot and killed in Ottawa. Justice Commandos of the Armenian Genocide claim to be avenging the massacre of 11⁄2 million Armenians in the 1915 Armenian genocide. 1985 – Nigeria's military government is overthrown by another clique of army officers. 1991 – The European Community recognizes the independence of the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. 1991 – Moldova declares independence from the USSR. 2003 – Mars makes its closest approach to Earth in nearly 60,000 years, passing 34,646,418 miles (55,758,005 km) distant. 2003 – The first six-party talks, involving South and North Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, convene to find a peaceful resolution to the security concerns of the North Korean nuclear weapons program. 2006 – Comair Flight 5191 crashes on takeoff from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky bound for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta. Of the passengers and crew, 49 of 50 are confirmed dead in the hours following the crash. 2009 – Internal conflict in Myanmar: The Burmese military junta and ethnic armies begin three days of violent clashes in the Kokang Special Region. 2011 – Hurricane Irene strikes the United States east coast, killing 47 and causing an estimated $15.6 billion in damage.

[josefavomjaaga]

Sir Robert Wilson on Murat and Eugène

Okay, so I said I would read up on Wilson first before reading anything by him – but I had already looked into the second volume of his diaries, and this is just perfect: During the final days of March and April 1814, when the First Empire ended in Upper Italy, he visited both Murat and Eugène and had dinner with them.

Please bear with me, this is going to be lengthy. Plus, I do not know if these diaries were truely private or intended for publication, so I have no clue in how far they were edited later and how trustworthy they are as a source.

We start off in mid-March. Eugène is still holding the Mincio line for Napoleon. Murat has received the ratification of his treaty with Austria but is still on awful terms with Austrian Field Marshal Bellegarde – and with Bentinck [»Lord William«, as Wilson writes], of course.

March 15th – As I am of the species of anecdote collectors, I must note a speech of Beauharnois at Verona, which has made an impression in his favour, although it is not sufficiently towering for a hero's last struggle and would rather suit a sixth than a fifth Henry:

"Pour moi, je suis monté par un escalier si bas que je ne me ferai pas du mal en descendant. Je n'aurai que du chagrin pour ma femme, née et elevée princesse."

In English: "As for me, I have climbed a staircase from so low that I shall not harm myself on the way down. I will only grieve for my wife, born and bred a princess." That was Eugène’s usual attitude. Auguste did the same, in reverse: Of course she never wanted that crown of Italy for herself. But her Eugène (best of husbands™) deserved it so much more than anyone else in Napoleon’s family!

There are many others recorded equally meek; and this humility of spirit, combined with other good qualities and his present martial and military conduct, excites great interest in his favour.[...]

Yesterday, Colonel Cattanelli arrived and brought me advice that Lord William and Murat were at Reggio, contending for and against the British occupation of Tuscany. [...]

March 20th - We have no further advices from Reggio, but are most anxious to know the result of Murat's and Lord William's final conference.

Cattanelli tells me that Murat said to him: "Whereever I am in all the great battles, I have seen General Wilson. He is certainly one of the most distinguished officers, and if it had not been for him, we should in various instances in Russia have got through much better. He has done us infinite harm, but it is a fatality that he should always be opposed to me." He then continued his remarks, observing that I was an enemy to him, his family, the French nation etc. Cattanelli told him that he had heard me extol his military conduct, which pleased him much.

The fact is that I have not written a line or given an opinion under the influence of personal feeling. I have not shown the smallest prejudice in conversation or official correspondence, although I consider Murat's conduct as very dishonourable with reference to his benefactor. I have always said that the Allies did not give his renegade zeal fair trial, and that our present propositions are inadmissable by a King of Naples having only an armistice with England.

There is a reason, why, personally, I would wish to serve Murat. He now knows it, and will be satisfied that at all events I respect myself too much to wrong him.

March 29th, Bologna. - In consequence of the difficulties which existed and seemed to increase, I was requested by Lord William to negotiate with Murat. Constant to the principle of promoting public utility, I acquiesced, but I felt much personal reluctance. […]

At midday I went with Lord William, and was introduced to Murat. He received me very amicably; and we had more than an hour's very interesting conversation on past military events, particularly those relating to the Russian campaign; and I acquired some valuable information on that subject. Murat's dress was singular. Hair curled in Roman coiffure—two ringlets, or what, à la Parisienne, are styled “pensées”, dependent on each shoulder. Blue uniform coat, red pantaloons, yellow shoes, with spurs; sword, with three pictures in the handle. His countenance martial, his manners soft, his conversation easy and intelligent. I reserve further opinion until I have transacted business with his Majesty.

30th. — I dined with the Duke di Gallo - a handsome entertainment and a well-chosen party. In the evening went to the opera. Murat was seated as a Sultan -- princes and dukes all standing behind his throne-chair. He is by far the best actor that has appeared in the royalty theatre. This morning Lord William is gone to have an interview with the Pope. I am left to negotiate. I find myself much like the Allies in France—without any base for operations, line of communication uncertain, various interests clashing, and no unity of direction. [...]

April 1st. —On the evening of the 29th, at half-past six, I was at the dinner-table with Murat. The banquet was according to all the rules of perfect gastronomy. The master's manners were very gracious. It was impossible for Lord Chesterfield to have done the honours better. A certain high personage in England would, I am sure, ever feel a little jealous of his kingly courtesies. There was somewhat more of ceremony in the arrangement of the table than I ever witnessed before in royal fêtes. Murat occupied one whole side himself. Three persons sat opposite, and two at each end. With the exception of this distinction, there was no extraordinary attention paid to him, and the conversation was as general, fluent, and free as in private society. After dinner was over we remained talking till near eleven o'clock. I fought with his Majesty all the battles over again which we had witnessed together. He was exceedingly interesting, very candid, and by no means a Gascon for himself or his brethren in arms. I profited by this opportunity again to acquire information on various subjects which he was best qualified to give, and which may tend to make a posthumous memorandum of the late campaigns more valuable. […]

3rd. - I, yesterday, had a very long audience of Murat, and received his ultimatum on the subject of Lord William's demands. I begged, however, to have the statement in writing, and Murat promises to give it under his own hand. I think his case a good one. In foro conscientiæ he is justified. He has had much reason to feel mistrust and suspect hostile intentions under the pretext of peace. […]

Wilson actually lists up a whole bunch of reasons why Murat was justified both to mistrust the Allies and to break away from Napoleon, including Napoleon's intended takeover of Naples. So, in comparison with what he wrote on March 20, his opinion of Murat seems to have improved much by the end, on meeting him personally and on hearing his side of the story.

I skip over some stuff: The Allies and a bit later the Italians receive the news of Napoleon's abdication, which leads to a first military convention between Eugène and Bellegarde. Then we get the anti-French riots in Milan as soon as the senate tries to install Eugène as king of Lombardy, Pina gets tortured to death. That’s the point when Eugène quits the game.

25th. —Events have streamed so rapidly that I cannot attempt to note their progress. Yesterday, Marshal Beauharnois agreed to surrender the kingdom of Italy. The insurrection at Milan and the intelligence of Buonaparte's cession of the iron crown, with other circumstances, determined that measure.

I have, in my despatch to Lord Castlereagh, rendered justice to his conduct as an administrator, a general, and a man.

I passed the whole of yesterday evening with Beauharnois and in Mantua, and enjoyed very interesting conversation on all subjects. He treated me with a confidence that very few friends could experience from a person in his situation, and earnestly begged that I would see him again to pursue our discourses. There is unquestionably great satisfaction in a reception which gives proof of previous good repute, and shows the existence of unlimited credit on the heart's stores. [...]

Well, if I may suggest – don’t flatter yourself too much. That has, I fear, a lot to do with Eugène and rather little with you. (And btw, Eugène was not a marshal!)

The dinner was a most agreeable part of the day's entertainment, not only because we did not sit down till 7 o'clock in the evening, which is a great extension beyond 2 o 'clock, but because the society was very select, there not being more than eight, including three ladies appertaining to the Princess whose presence embellished the company. The Princess was herself not visible, having been confined only eight days, but they say she is very handsome. Her children, four of whom I saw, are of the best appearance and manners.

Beauharnois asked much after the Duke and Duchess of Bedford.

And that’s because he kinda knew the duchess pretty well before she became the duchess, during the peace of Amiens, when all the Brits crowded Paris. (There had even been talk about marriage but in the end either First Consul Bonaparte or the Duchess of Gordon decided against it.)

He is altered, but has a great resemblance to Moreau, and is as plain as Murat is gaudy in his dress. He is, in my opinion, just the man to suit some good Englishmen of my acquaintance.

Something makes me think he does not intend this to be a compliment 😉.

27th. — Yesterday, Beauharnois and his Princess arrived here. The preceding day there was much reason to fear that there might be obstacles to his departure, as the Italian generals, etc, were greatly displeased with the second convention which surrendered the capital and the fortresses without any arrangement made for them, according to the express stipulation of the first convention to that effect. I think, however, that Beauharnois does right; especially as Berthier desired him to withdraw, and the people had commenced a senseless and what threatened to be a very sanguinary insurrection, only to be repressed in its first outbreak by the presence of an Austrian force. [...]

The Princess, although only brought to bed twelve days, bore the journey very well; but Assalini tells me that she is very delicate, and that he fears the more for her as her mother died after child-birth. I have just sent her a bottle of Tokay from the cellar of John Sobieski. It was given me when I was in Warsaw, and I have carried it about intact on the presumption that I might one day apply the nectar to a better purpose than the gratification of my own palate. If I have not, as I hope, combined the “ utile dulci,” I have at least combined in this instance the “decorum dulci,” and this is more in character.

28th - Yesterday, Beauharnois showed me a letter from his sister, the Queen of Holland. It was full of anecdote about Buonaparte, the Empresses, etc, and proved that she possessed much good sense and good feeling. One of her remarks was—“Fatality determined that no experience, no counsel, not even the Emperor's own intelligent mind should discover the bandage which it had bound over his eyes. The perception of the heart was wanting, and great geniuses rarely possess it. He has been abandoned almost by all. Rustan (the Mameluke) is even about to quit, and when I saw the Empress Louisa the other day, she had not more than one valet-à-pied in her service. She came to the advanced posts to embrace her father before she followed her husband, but it is now said that she will not be allowed to go after him. It is true that he was not latterly kind to you, but I am sure you will remark only his benefactions at this time.” The tears started in the eyes of Beauharnois as he read.

May 1st. - I dined on the 29th with the Prince Eugène, the Princess and three ladies of her court; no other persons present. A conversation of five hours enabled me to travel over much matter, but without exhausting our subjects. I had every reason to be pleased with the Prince, and to be assured that we did not separate without a mutual wish to meet again. He was very anxious that I should be at Paris when he was there, but as I hate traitors and cowards - however beneficial their treason and baseness — I shall not sojourn in that city. I would rather be Buonaparte, to have written his last bulletin, than any one of the yet prosperous renegades.

So, to sum up: Murat fascinating but hard to assess, Eugène plain boring. No surprises there.

[histoireettralala]

Grande Armée: the General Staff

The Revolution found a well-organized staff corps based on the regulations of August 12, 1788, which gave the army three general staffs: one for infantry, one for cavalry, and one for artillery . They will not be reunited until October 5, 1790. [..]

The Grande Armée was officially formed following the correspondence sent by Napoleon to Berthier on 11 fructidor year XIII (August 29, 1805). [..]

This Grande Armée was characterized by a new element: the army corps, superimposed on the divisions created since 1794 and which had made  the old distribution in avant-garde, wings and battle corps of the armies of the XVII and XVIII centuries, disappear. There remained, however, a memory of this organization, in the qualification of Bernadotte's first corps which is also qualified as "vanguard of the army." The corps included two or three infantry divisions, a brigade of light cavalry, artillery and train, gendarmerie, sappers, health service, administration with commissioner of war, inspectors of reviews , payers to the armies. Each corps formed an independent army, but capable, according to the request of the Emperor, to meet on a given point and then form the Grande Armée. To this army are added three fundamental entities: the cavalry reserve, which includes the Heavy Cavalry, the Imperial Guard and the reserve of the artillery park. The first will, most often, be placed under Murat's orders; the second is under the direct orders of the Emperor, but with specific leaders for the infantry, like Lefebvre and Friant, and the cavalry like Bessières and Walther; the third forming the general artillery reserve.

In 1812, the general staff of the Grande Armée included 17 generals of division, 28 generals of brigade, 7 colonels without counting the numerous officers and non-commissioned officers. [..] A prodigious staff lived, pranced, shone and fought around these chiefs, from the Marshal of the Empire to the modest lieutenant attached to a staff. There, therefore, freely reigned favor, caprice, friendship or family relations, although the Emperor affected to take for aide-de-camp only renowned specialists or indisputable heroes. Staff officers proper, or simple aides-de-camp, these coming from those, were admirably placed to learn war by making it, and one among them, whatever his rank was, was sometimes called , following his personal inspiration, to play, without anyone knowing it, a leading role. It was the real Marshal School, made up of privileged people almost foreign to the officers who commanded the troop, envied and unloved, but in any case, and with rare exceptions, an elite as brilliant as that before 1789 and more capable. An elite who also knew very well how to shed their blood as evidenced by the number of staff officers killed at the battle of Leipzig in 1813.

Alain Pigeard, Histoire de la Grande Armée, Editions de la Bisquine, P. 43-44

[rvexillology]

The funeral of Admiral Nelson, 9 January 1805. St Paul's cathedral is draped in enemy ensigns captured at Trafalgar.

from /r/vexillology Top comment: edit: 1806. Apart from the fact I thought it would be interesting flag-related content, I also have a question: what are all the flags? Clearly there are French and Spanish flags, but the others I don't know. I thought perhaps some of them were Sardinia and Wurttemberg but looking closer they're not. Surely someone here will know. Thanks :) edit 2: someone asked for an explanation so: this is the funeral of Lord Horatio Nelson, a Royal Navy admiral during the Napoleonic Wars. He was the most famous naval officer of his day, and years before his death he was already a national hero due to his command of the British fleet at the famous battles of Copenhagen and the Nile, the latter against the forces of the First French Empire, ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte. At the time, France was in the process of conquering all of mainland Europe, and seemed unstoppable despite the efforts of most of the other European powers to form a series of coalitions against France. At sea, however, the UK was still the number one power, and while this kept Britain safe from French invasion (unlike so many other countries), Napoleon was determined to defeat the Royal Navy and clear the way to launch an invasion of Britain. Britain at the time was incredibly rich from its empire and trade abroad, and it funded a lot of the other European powers' wars against France, so if Britain had fallen, it would have put the French in a very good position to defeat the remaining countries that stood against them. So, in 1805, Napoleon's admirals gathered together a huge fleet of French and Spanish ships in order to defeat the Royal Navy once and for all. They met the British fleet off the coast of Trafalgar (in southern Spain) on 21 October 1805, and the Royal Navy won despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, in no small part due to the unconventional tactics employed by Nelson. During the battle, however, Admiral Nelson was shot by a French sharpshooter and died of his wounds a few hours after his greatest victory. He became even more of a national hero in the UK, and remains so to this day.

[scarlettrhettelizabethrichard]

Chapter 8. New Encounters, my GWTW fanfiction

Read all the chapters edited of The Robillard Boutique, my fanfiction of Gone With the Wind, what happened next ? , on my blog : https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/tag/the%20robillard%20boutique/

********************** New York, March 21, 1875

The three French girls were enjoying the crisp ocean air on the promenade deck. In a few minutes, they would set foot on the New World. And that would be the beginning of the adventure. The trip had lasted eight days. It was Roger Dax who, at the request of his partner, had gone to the offices of the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, the French Line, at 6 rue Auber in Paris, to reserve tickets for Blanche Augustine Bonsart Ratier and her daughters Marguerite and Georgette Ratier. The transatlantic crossing was made on the ship SS Amérique*, which had left the port of Le Havre on March 13, 1875. During the journey, the young woman had met an American passenger, a shipowner by profession, who explained the history of this ship, the first French transatlantic. When it was built in 1864, it was named "Impératrice Eugénie", after the wife of Emperor Napoleon III. At that time, it served Central America, from Saint-Nazaire to Vera Cruz. "Do you realize, my young lady? On this bridge traveled, before you, the Empress of Mexico, Charlotte of Belgium. » "In 1870, after the fall of the Empire, the ship was renamed "Atlantique". For the past thirty years, the number of emigrants like you has been increasing. And the shipping companies have "sniffed" the good business. So, all the ships were progressively transformed to increase their capacity in passengers and in speed. Our boat here was completely remodeled in 1873 to be lengthened to 396 feet. The paddle wheel was removed and replaced by a propeller, and a mast was added. It's true that it looks good! The name was changed again to "America". Even if I am a regular on transatlantic journeyses, I am still amazed by the speed records, eight days instead of three weeks twenty years ago! ». Flattered by the interest that the pretty young lady seemed to have in his story, Mr. Watts continued to tell the story of their ship. "She returned to service in January 1874, heading from Le Havre to New York. But it was a close call, because three months later, on the return trip to Le Havre, the ship had to face a great storm. Imagine the fear of the 83 passengers and 152 crew members*! Fortunately, everyone was transferred to small ships that came to help. But the "America" was abandoned. An English ship came to tow it from Plymouth and then it had to return, as best it could, to the port of Le Havre to be repaired. » Blanche breathed a great sigh of relief at the retrospective apprehension of having been confronted with such a catastrophe. The American gentleman added, very happy with this conclusion: "And we have the pleasure to be part of this first Le Havre - New York* crossing since its modernization! This christening deserves to be celebrated. What do you think? "Smiling, he got up to get hot drinks for the young mother and her two little girls. Blanche Augustine Bonsart was once again delighted that the owner of "La Mode Duncan" had bought them a first class ticket in "cabin passage" instead of "steerage class". What a luxury to have a personal cabin! Her mother Augustine had replied that it was quite normal. The rich American was going to deprive her of her only daughter, not to mention little Germain, who would remain under her grandmother's protection. So, at least she was reassured that the trip would go well. The cabins were located in the middle of the boat so that one was not disturbed by the vibrations of the engines. The small room was luxurious, equipped with sheets, water basin, storage space, etc... Blanche was aware that she was one of the privileged few. Everything had been thought of so that the rich passengers would be comfortable. Even the door, with its slatted shutters, allowed for ventilation. The first class had one main living room where one could eat and chat with the other passengers. The room where these wealthy people gathered had two bays separated by a balustrade, furnished with long tables, chairs and upholstered armchairs. There were even bells to call the steward*. "When I think that I ate last night with the captain of the ship! How I wish Germain had been there too. My little boy would have been wide-eyed at the Captain's presence. And Papa would have been proud as a peacock to receive such a character in our estaminet in Lille!" The pretty girl Blanche attracted the eyes of the gentlemen gathered there. But she did not belong to their world. She was in solidarity with the emigrants of the steerage. These were middle-class or working-class people who had to make do with a place in the steerage. The common dormitories were overcrowded, with bunk beds. There was often a struggle to cook in the small stove the food that had been distributed by the shipping company in small portions before departure: oatmeal, cookies, flour, rice, sugar, molasses and a little tea. The single women with children could not defend themselves sufficiently and could only manage to prepare a hot meal from time to time. Everyone ate, slept and talked in the same room. Blanche was pleased that the weather had not been too bad during the crossing, allowing the occupants of the steerage (or "tween deck"), installed above the hold, to get some fresh air on the deck. Continuing his conversation with the Frenchwoman, the friendly shipowner recalled his experience as a passenger on the British ship "Oceanic" leaving from Liverpool. In 1870, this ship had at least 143 crew members, 166 privileged passengers in first class and, above all, a thousand people crammed into the "steerage". Fortunately, the legislation concerning the transatlantic crossing of emigrants had improved since the laws of 1840 and 1850. Before these more protective rules, the consequences of the crossing for the poor migrants could be dramatic, as the hygiene conditions were deplorable and epidemics were frequent. But they all left the Old Continent with hope in their hearts. They had fled famine, misery, religious discrimination and revolutions. So what did this painful journey matter? At the arrival, the hope of a new life in this mythical America was waiting for them. A small, frail hand tugged at the sleeve of her cape. "Maman, when are we arriving?" Blanche looked lovingly at Marguerite, "Soon, my dear. "Reassured, the child hugged her, and her twin sister followed suit. They were dressed warmly: their grandmother Augustine had knitted them large vests and bonnets of the same color. With the money from Roger Dax, her boss, Blanche had bought warm, durable coats for herself and her two daughters from the tailor on Boulevard de la Liberté in Lille. Since the day she received Duncan Vayton's telegram, the young woman had felt as if she were being swept away in a whirlwind. The faces of those she was leaving behind in France appeared to her as a regret: her parents, her brother Georges and especially her eldest child, Germain. Victor Ratier, her husband, had been dead for nearly five years. As for her own heart, it had been buried for a long time in a small village in the North of France, in Erny Saint-Julien. Like hundreds of passengers on deck, Blanche could see the American coastline getting closer and closer. In a few minutes, she would disembark, like all emigrants, at the Emigration Center in Castle Garden**, Manhattan. Her suitcase was ready. Mr. Vayton had insisted that she only pack a few clothes. It was complicated enough to travel with two little girls as young as five. When they arrived in Charleston, she could buy what she and her twins needed, at her boss's expense. Finally, it was time to disembark! With Marguerite and Georgette pressed up against her, Blanche followed the crowd of emigrants, sharing the feeling of being thrown into the unknown. "Maman! Is this America? " Georgette pouted in disappointment as she looked at the austere-looking, circular-shaped fort, which looked menacing. "Don't worry, my little ones. Soon we'll arrive at a nice house. But we have to be good in the meantime. » First, it was necessary to pass the customs formalities. The Captain of the "America" had previously established the list of passengers destined for American customs**. Here again, Blanche Bonsart had an exceptional privilege: in order to prevent her employee from being drowned among the hundreds of asylum seekers gathered in the large amphitheater, the powerful Charleston industrialist had asked his agent to come and greet her upon arrival, carrying a sign so that she would recognize him. As expected, he was there! Blanche breathed a sigh of relief. Duncan Vayton's man of trust guided her into a private office of U.S. Customs. All the documents were ready, including the employment contract with Vayton & Son Limited, her place of residence and, of course, the name of her contact in Charleston. Soon, the little Bonsart Ratier family was officially declared an emigrant of the United States of America. Duncan's employee made sure they had something to eat. He was now in charge of accompanying them to Charleston by train. A little more patience and Blanche Augustine Bonsart would arrive in Charleston! *****************

Charleston, March 21, 1875

The clock was ticking now. Duncan had set his priorities for the day: select the building that would be the headquarters and workshop for "La Mode Duncan," arrange for accommodations for his French employee and her children who would be arriving, and then entertain himself with Rebecca. In reviewing the Vayton & Son Ltd. property list, Duncan noted that there were three buildings in Charleston that had been renovated by his company that would fit his needs. The first house was quickly eliminated. It was a classic Charlestonian single house, but the showrooms would have been too small. The second visit was also disappointing: the colonial-style house was suited to the prestige of "La Mode Duncan" with its high ceilings and large windows. On the other hand, the state rooms would be too close to the sewing room, so the noise of the sewing machines would be disturbing. Tomorrow, his notary will put these buildings up for sale. His last possibility was on the south side of the Battery, near the Magniolas' Mansion! "What a beauty! "Duncan exclaimed as he admired the white building. This venerable antebellum palace was Italianate. It was primarily its asymmetrical "L" shape that set it apart from the others, with its front gable and a two-story, molded-vaulted loggia occupying three-quarters of the facade at the broken-angle end. Instantly, the designer of "La Mode Duncan" had the vision of his models walking around the piazza that encircled three quarters of the building, under the gaze of the invited clients admiring the show from both sides through the French doors in the impressive showroom. What a great show this will be! Because Duncan had already made up his mind, even before he entered the house: Duncan's Fashion USA had its permanent home at 26 South Battery. He passed through the door with sanded windows. An impressive spiral staircase faced him. The vast showrooms, with arches around the windows and room entrances, the waxed parquet floor bringing an authentic warmth to the place, the ceiling moldings reminiscent of Italian architectural motifs, all this ensemble would perfectly embody the luxury and elegance of the "La Mode Duncan" label. An octagonal skylight decorated with stained glass overhung the top of the stairs. Upstairs, smaller, well-lit rooms would be perfect for use as fitting rooms. Other narrower rooms would be used to store accessories and the most beautiful models visible to the privileged clients. His office was already chosen next door. The key architectural element in Duncan's choice of building was the famous "L" shape, which had a building alongside it that would allow the sewing room to operate in large spaces without the noise of the machines interfering with visitors to the showroom. An outbuilding had been added as a continuation. Duncan was pleased to see that these rooms had clearly been converted into separate living quarters. A kitchen, a bathroom, a dining room, and three bedrooms upstairs were perfect. Duncan would ask one of his Magniolas' Mansion housekeepers to freshen up the place. The butler would go in today to stock the little house with food, cleaning supplies and linens. When Blanche and the twins arrive, their beds will be ready!

Satisfied, Duncan headed back to the Magniolas' Mansion. He still had to select from a catalog the latest model of Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Machine Company, which would be shipped from Bridgeport, Connecticut. As for raw materials, and before the Duncan & Harvey mill was operational, the best fabrics from a northern mill would do. He would make the trip this week. He had already placed an order with his partner in France to send him the finest lace, embroidery, silk and organdy. ******************

The young man sighed with satisfaction. Everything was going as he had imagined. Tonight he could finally relax. He walked to a residential street near the Battery. The Widow Mansfield's house was well kept. No sooner had he signaled his presence with the door knocker than a smiling young woman greeted him. Rebecca, her brother John and Duncan had been childhood friends. They spent all their free time at each other's family homes. They were from the same social background, and the plantations of both families were close. As they grew up, the clan was still very close. It was a race to see who could do the most mischief between the two boys of the same age. Rebecca, two years younger than they were, followed them faithfully and shared their games. Later, John and Duncan went to school together. Then time separated them. A fortnight ago, Duncan stumbled across John Paxton on the street. The two old friends hugged loudly, happy to be reunited after all this time. Over a drink, sitting in a tavern, the two men recalled the years they had spent without seeing each other. John had become a shipowner, owning cargo vessels docked at the Battery's port. "Always wanting to be on the high seas! "Duncan commented, tapping his friend on the back of his shoulder. "I could say the same about you, the Parisian! ». John laughed. He was always cheerful. That was one of the qualities Duncan loved about him, a great optimist. Naturally, Duncan asked about his former childhood friend, Rebecca. "My dear sister is well. Should I even confess? She's fine! She is a widow, mind you! » Duncan looked surprised and was about to offer his condolences. But John Paxton stopped him with a wave of his hand. "Frankly, there's nothing to be sorry about. I'm not sad that he died of a heart attack. It was probably a fit of nastiness that took him! "John added wryly. Noting Duncan's raised eyebrows, the young man said, "He put my sister through hell. Jealousy, greed, and violence. In short, he had all the faults. It made my heart ache to see how unhappy Rebecca was under him. When he died four years ago, no one mourned him. Especially not his wife! » So Rebecca was free now... Duncan stared at his friend, smiling. They knew each other so well. I'd love to see her again. Did she go back to live with your parents? » "No, she kept her late husband's house. Let it at least serve her for something. » Duncan laughed under his breath. Good John, generous to everyone, had made an exception for his brother-in-law. "I was just about to go see her. Do you want to go with me? » And that's how he had found Rebecca. With the same pleasure as when they were teenagers. In fact, more pleasure because Rebecca was even more attractive than he remembered. The clan of the three had reformed. Then Duncan twice invited Rebecca to the restaurant and the theater. Their exchanges were full of gaiety and connivance. On the evening of March 21, 1875, his childhood friend invited him home for dinner. The young woman jumped on Duncan's neck in a natural way, recapturing the closeness of their teenage years. After a light meal, they enjoyed coffee in the living room. Duncan simply poured himself a glass of whiskey. "How good we are together! Don't you think so? " Rebecca relaxed in a shepherdess, and looked at her childhood friend with laughing eyes. "Sure, you know you're even prettier than you were at fifteen? "Duncan's blue eyes played with his young friend's gray ones. She made a small modest moue. The widow knew she was pretty and had never lacked for admirers. She had only made one mistake in her life, marrying Henry Mansfield. He was rich, of course, and she had inherited a substantial sum from him. Since his death, she felt like she could breathe again. She was enjoying life. And the admiring glances of the men in her world. After having been so constrained by a tyrannical husband, and recluse without being able to visit her friends, Rebecca had decided to enjoy her widow status as a free woman. Oh, very elegantly and discreetly, of course! Her birth and education as a lady of Charleston's good society did not allow her to display too much misbehavior. But one also knew how to be discreet in her world. She had had two affairs in the last four years. "In fact, nothing very captivating! " thought internally the young woman. "A stunt to pass the time. » But it would be different with Duncan Vayton if.... "Duncan, you know, I've never forgotten the afternoons we spent by the lake. How carefree the three of us were. Do you remember that? "She looked wistfully at her guest. Duncan felt like he was floating. The whiskey, of course, was working. But not only that. With Rebecca, golden years flashed before his eyes. And early teenage emotions... "Becca, I haven't forgotten anything. "He used the nickname from their childhood. "Especially not a certain stormy day when you and I had to take shelter in the lean-to by the riverbank. "Duncan's voice became more and more caressing. The blond curls of Rebecca had released from its bun. One of her had rested on her breast. With amusement, he compared it with the small breasts which he had caressed that day, under the rain. They had exchanged a real kiss for the first time. There had been many others before, behind a bush, in a corridor, but all that remained quite childish, like a slightly more demonstrative embrace. But, the fury of the storm had brutally stimulated their nascent envy. The caresses had become lascivious. Who knows what would have happened if John had not come to join them at that moment? Rebecca's cheeks reddened at this mention. Not because of embarrassment, but because she remembered her emotion, as if it was yesterday. An emotion which has just reappeared, even more violent. "How handsome he is! " thought she. Even as a child, she admired him. She adored him. Duncan, with his blonde hair, was her sunshine. As she grew up, she didn't even mind the other male friends who wanted to play with her. There was only Duncan. Then there was that first unsettling kiss in the lean-to. And then there were many more which followed. John was not fooled and had well understood the maneuver of his two companions. My goodness! He could see himself becoming Duncan Vayton's brother-in-law. And then the visits between the two teenagers became more and more frequent, as they were received by one family or another. So much so that the Vaytons and Paxtons began to dream.... It would be a beautiful alliance, that was certain. When Duncan and John went off to boarding school to study, it was a heartbreaker for Rebecca. As soon as the vacations rolled around, the sun came back out with Duncan's blond hair. The caresses between the two youngs became more precise and insistent. With a glass in his hand, sitting in the widow Mansfield's living room, Duncan mused as he moistened his lips, "I'd like to compare your little breasts from before with those of today..." It was at that precise moment that their eyes met. Duncan stood up, and without a word, walked up to his hostess, brushing against her. Rebecca shivered. "How is it possible to feel the same attraction as sixteen years ago? As if we had left each other yesterday? "She hadn't realized she'd spoken aloud. Duncan's azure eyes grew deeper. "Becca, you're more gorgeousl as ever. When I thought of Charleston, back in Paris, I saw your beautiful gray eyes again. "With one hand, he wrapped his arms around her shoulder. With the other, he lifted her chin and kissed her gently. With ardor, Rebecca answered his kiss. She had the impression to live a dream. After some languid embracing, Duncan stopped and bowed his head. "What is it? "the young woman asked. Her lifelong friend looked her squarely in the eye: "I have never lied to you, you know that. When we were young, I felt an immense tenderness for you. But I left because I didn't want to get married. I was too young. I even confessed to you that I didn't imagine one day committing myself. » "I know, I remember," Rebecca had lowered her head before Duncan caught her expression of sadness. "Unfortunately, I haven't changed my mind on that. I can even tell you that I will never marry. I am too used to my independence. And yet, you know that, as before, I am attracted to you. But you deserve the truth. I care about you too much. » Then, Rebecca looked him in the eyes. She clasped her hands around his neck and kissed him fiercely. When they caught their breath, she confidently stated: "My darling, I too love my freedom. I have been deprived of it too much. No more marital constraints, that's fine with me. We get along so well, Duncan. And... I betrayed myself earlier by speaking out loud. So you know how I feel. Why don't we both take advantage of our physical attraction and our immense closeness to enjoy life? No one would need to know. What do you think? "Her voice had softened a bit, for fear that Duncan wouldn't believe her detachment. In response, Duncan lifted her in his arms and laid her back on the couch. The friend-lovers had just rekindled the flame of adolescence. ****************

In the morning, after a cheerful breakfast, Duncan Vayton kissed Rebecca tenderly and left the Mansfield’s house. He had many things to do, including contacting his business agent in Charleston to let him know that Vayton's fashion house was hiring, and that they were looking for serious, experienced, motivated workers. It was only in the evening that James drove Duncan to the train station to greet the French woman and her two children. When he appeared on the platform, two little girls rushed towards him. "Tonton Duncan, Tonton Duncan! "(uncle), and they took turns kissing him. Blanche looked at them with a tender look. A great breath of happiness came over her. Then Duncan stood up and kissed the young woman on both cheeks. "At last, Blanche, you're here! I've been waiting for you because we have work to do! And I need my best seamstress to take over the sewing room. Welcome to America, Miss Blanche! » Duncan gave her his best smile. He was sure now that "La Mode Duncan" was well on its way, with the help of his loyal assistant.

***************** Notes on chapter 8 :

The Compagnie Générale Transatlantique was created in 1855 by the brothers Emile and Isaac Péreire. Transatlantic ship: first called Empress Eugenie PSS (1865~1871) America SS (until 1895) Built by the Chantier de l'Atlantique de Penhoët in Saint Nazaire. Inaugurated on April 23, 1864. Originally, she was 105.63 meters long, 13.41 meters wide, with a tonnage of 3,200 tons. Iron hull, two masts, with a speed of 12 knots. On February 16, 1865, it made its first crossing from Saint-Nazaire to Vera Cruz. In 1873, it was extended to 121.91 meters, with a tonnage of 4,585 tons. The first voyage from Le Havre to New York was resumed on 13 March 1875. No luck! In December 1875, she broke her propeller shaft while leaving, and had to be towed again to Ireland. In 1876, it was equipped with a lighthouse and electric light on the outside. She ran aground again on January 7, 1877 at Seabright, New Jersey, and was refloated on April 10. She resumed her transatlantic crossing on August 11, 1877. On May 1, 1886, she made her last trip from Le Havre to New York, and then moved on to the Le Havre - Panama route. In 1888, electric light was installed inside the ship. Finally, on January 28, 1895, it ran aground in Savanilla to be transformed into a wreck. Sources: Noel Reginald Pixell, wrecksite. Castle Garden, New York: the first emigration center, originally a military fort. This reception center was created in 1855 in order to prevent unscrupulous employees or swindlers from accosting emigrants upon their arrival in this unknown country in order to offer them lodging, shelter, and, ultimately, to swindle them. Custom passenger list.

Author : Arlette Dambron

**********

Disclaimers : I do not own the story and characters of Gone with the Wind, which belong to Margaret Mitchell. I have created the "world" of Duncan Vayton and Blanche Bonsart.

#fanfiction, #GWTW fanfiction, #GWTW fantic, #Gone with the Wind fanfiction, #end of Gone with the Wind, #migrants, #migration USA, #migration from Europe, #French roots, #french ancestors, #transatlantic trips, #transatlantic boats, #Castle Garden, #Charleston, #Battery house, #steerage class, #french boats

[thiswaycomessomethingwicked]

Napoleon: This is my office, Josephine. You and your friends can’t gather here. Josephine: Do you like my hair like this? Napoleon: Yes....and you can’t gather here. Josephine: Wow, sleeping with the Emperor is getting me nothing.  Napoleon: Napoleon: Napoleon:  Josephine: What babe?

[godssea7-blog]

“We do possess a European symbol which belongs to all nations equally. This is the crown of the Holy Roman Empire, which embodies the tradition of Charlemagne.” —Otto von Habsburg

By the early eighth century, Catholicism was well established as the most dominant religion in Western Europe. Despite its significant spiritual and cultural penetration, the Vatican was still a long way from uniting Europe politically and fulfilling its supreme ambition of resurrecting the Roman Empire. To do that, Rome would need a military and political partner.

Rome still had an alliance with Byzantium. But the Byzantines were under pressure from Islam and not in a position to be a Roman Catholic weapon. Rome needed a new partner.

Within a few decades, the Vatican had found its man. He was an exceptional military leader and an astute leader. He adored the legacy of ancient Rome and was enthusiastic about its restoration in Europe. Most importantly, he was an avid Roman Catholic.

His name was Charles. He would soon be called Charlemagne—Charles the Great.

Although he died well over a thousand years ago, the life and work of this eighth-century Frankish king are revered to this day. The Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, created by Otto the Great in the late 10th century, is called the Crown of Charlemagne. Napoleon was hailed as “Charlemagne reborn.” Adolf Hitler was a faithful student of Charlemagne’s vision of Europe, and even built his famous Eagle’s Nest next to the mountain where, according to legend, Charlemagne is sleeping and will someday rise again. Out of adoration for the ancient monarch, European leaders, when deciding how to create a single currency, met in Aachen, Charlemagne’s capital. Each year, the city of Aachen awards one prominent individual for “distinguished service on behalf of European unification” with one of Europe’s most illustrious honors: the Charlemagne Prize.

Why the fascination with a long-dead emperor? Who was he? What was the true nature of his achievements? Most importantly, considering that contemporary European Union leaders want to emulate his accomplishment, how did Charlemagne unite the divided Continent?

A Political Alliance

Before Charlemagne’s emergence, Europe was fragmented. The territory that is now France, Germany and the Low Countries was split among many tribes. Much of Italy was occupied by the Lombards. Byzantium was recognized as the successor to the eastern region of the old Roman Empire.

In northwestern Europe, the region of France today, the Franks had been the first tribe to embrace Catholicism. The Franks first did so for political gain rather than for religious reasons. Mostly of Germanic origin, the Franks exploited the support of the Catholic Church to further their expansionist policies. Never one to miss an opportunity, the Vatican relied on Frankish rulers for protection. It was a union based on politics alone.

The seeds of Charlemagne’s relationship with the Catholic Church were sown by his grandfather, Charles Martel. The relationship essentially began in a.d. 732, after Martel defeated the Muslim armies of Abdul Rahman al-Ghafiqi that were attempting to invade Europe through Spain. Following Martel’s victory in the Battle of Tours-Poitiers, the Vatican hailed Charles as the savior of Christendom, despite the fact that he had seized land and money from the church. The Vatican saw Martel’s victory over the Muslims as an opportunity.

Charles Martel, despite his power as ruler of the Franks, was more of a tribal ruler than a king. That changed with his son Pepin. It is a fact long forgotten, but the Vatican was the indispensable power behind the rise of Charlemagne’s Frankish kingdom. Pepin became king after he wrote the pope and asked whether or not the Frankish King Childeric iii was truly the rightful king. The pope ruled that Childeric’s kingship was illegal, thereby giving Pepin the spiritual cover needed to imprison the man—in a monastery, no less.

In 751, with papal endorsement, Catholic bishops anointed Pepin king of the Franks in a ceremony copied from the coronations of kings David and Solomon. Three years later, the pope personally repeated the ceremony. For the first time in European history, the Roman Catholic Church claimed the authority to make kings. Later it would be emperors.

It is hard to overstate the impact of the relationship between the Vatican and the Frankish kingdom under Charlemagne and his forbearers. “Phrases like ‘revolutionary happenings,’ a ‘decisive moment in European history’ are easy to write, less easy to justify,” writes historian Donald Bullough in his book The Age of Charlemagne. “Yet the direct involvement of the bishop of Imperial Rome in a change of royal dynasty among a Germanic people, the association of a religious ceremony with the making of a king, and the unavoidable political consequences of a closer link between the papacy and the largest of the Romano-Germanic kingdoms, surely warrant such language even if the son and successor of Pepin had not turned out to be the man he was.”

By ordaining Pepin king of the Franks, the church had secured an ally. And under Pepin’s son Charlemagne, this alliance would forever ensure that Europe was a Catholic continent—through violence and war yet unprecedented in that land.

The Rise of Charlemagne

In 755, at the pope’s request, King Pepin led his Frankish army into Italy. Pepin quickly defeated the Lombards, and in the process secured Vatican territory and removed the Lombard threat against the pope. Pepin died soon after, and his empire was divided between his two sons, Charlemagne and Carloman. Three years later, Carloman died, leaving Charlemagne the sole king of the Franks.

In 774, with the Frankish kingdom firmly consolidated, Charlemagne made a brief trip to Italy to aid the pope. After safeguarding the Vatican, Charlemagne and his army set off to conquer Europe. He spent the next 25 years pursuing his goal of subjugating the tribes of Europe and forging Europe into a united Catholic continent.

“The first three decades of Charlemagne’s reign were dominated by military campaigns,” Encyclopedia Britannica explains, “which were prompted by a variety of factors: the need to defend his realm against external foes and internal separatists, a desire for conquest and booty, a keen sense of opportunities offered by changing power relationships, and an urge to spread Christianity” (emphasis added throughout).

One by one the tribes of Europe fell to Charlemagne and his Catholic hammer. But one tribe held out against the Catholic crusaders. Situated in north-central Europe, the Saxons clung to their faith and refused to acquiesce to Charlemagne as he tried to impose Roman Catholicism.

Charlemagne was enraged. His determination to convert the Saxons to Catholicism intensified. For years the Saxons resisted, fighting the Catholic armies whenever and wherever possible. In one conflict, Charlemagne executed 4,500 Saxon prisoners. But his barbarism only strengthened the Saxons’ fortitude.

During Charlemagne’s reign, tens of thousands of Saxons were forced to be baptized into the Catholic faith. Strict laws enforcing Catholic worship were enacted throughout Charlemagne’s European empire. The penalty for cremating someone, the old pagan way, was death. In contrast, the penalty for murder was to pay compensation to the man’s family—provided, of course, the murdered man wasn’t a priest. All children had to be baptized before they were a year old. Unauthorized public meetings were outlawed—making it illegal to keep the Sabbath on Saturday.

Over the course of more than 30 years, many thousands of Saxons were executed for their religious beliefs. It took at least 18 conquests, but Charles finally prevailed: The Saxon people were forced to either convert to Catholicism and subject themselves to Charlemagne and the pope, or be killed.

As emperor of the “Holy” Roman Empire, Charles considered it his duty to spread the Christian faith employing whatever instruments necessary. Encyclopedia Britannica says, “The violent methods by which this missionary task was carried out had been unknown to the earlier Middle Ages, and the sanguinary [bloody] punishment meted out to those who broke canon law or continued to engage in pagan practices called forth criticism in Charles’s own circle” (15th edition). The scale of violence Charlemagne used to enforce Catholicism on his subjects was simply unknown in earlier empires. His empire may have had distinct ties to the ancient Romans, but it was certainly not “holy,” even if there was a great church guiding it.

Is this the legacy to which modern Europe aspires?

The Vatican’s Ally

In 774, at the request of Pope Adrian i, Charlemagne entered northern Italy and conquered the Lombard Kingdom. In 799, Pope Leo iii was kidnapped, brutally beaten and thrown into prison by a band of conspirators. After being rescued by two Frankish clerics, he fled to Charlemagne, who escorted him back to Rome. On December 23, 800, with the military backing of Charles and his Frankish troops, the pope was exonerated of all wrongdoing and reinstated to his ecclesiastic office.

Just a few days later, in Rome, while Charlemagne was kneeling in prayer during a Christmas celebration inside old St. Peter’s Church, the pope placed a crown on his head, pronouncing him “the 73rd emperor of the fourth world empire.”

Notice: This Catholic pope recognized Rome as the “fourth world empire.” (We will discuss the biblical significance of this fact in Chapter 9.)

“After the Empress Irene had her son Constantine vi blinded in 797, both easterners and westerners regarded the imperial throne as vacant,” states The Mainstream of Civilization. “Why not, they asked, resurrect the Roman Empire with Charles [Charlemagne] as emperor?” Charlemagne’s empire was nothing new: It was a resurrection of what had gone before—just as the Bible prophesied.

But Charlemagne’s coronation also contained the seeds of a dispute that would plague the Holy Roman Empire for centuries to come. Who was the ultimate authority? Was it the pope, “God’s representative on Earth”? Or was it the king, the one with the armies? Charlemagne knew that the pope’s seal of approval gave him his legitimacy. But he didn’t want to owe his crown to the pope alone. That made him subservient and dependent. The pope gained the upper hand early in this struggle by placing the crown on Charlemagne’s head, asserting himself as the king’s superior. But the king did not approve. When Charlemagne’s son was made emperor, Charlemagne himself did the crowning.

The Bible describes this great false church as a whore—a prostitute (Revelation 17:1-5). She gives herself to others in exchange for benefits. Even the historians see this. Paul Johnson writes that the Roman church formed an “unseemly marriage between church and state.” He asks, “[D]id the empire surrender to Christianity, or did Christianity prostitute itself to the empire?” (A History of Christianity).

With the rise of Charlemagne, this harlot left the employ of the Byzantine Empire and instead served the Franks. She gave Pepin and Charlemagne legitimacy as kings, and supplied them an efficient system of administration. Without her backing, they couldn’t have united Western Europe in a new Roman Empire. What did she get in return? Converts, for one. Political power for another. But the reign of Charlemagne also cemented Rome’s position as head of the “Christian” world.

Creating a Catholic Continent

Prior to Charlemagne, in each of the various regions of Europe, the local Catholic Church celebrated Sunday services with its own local customs. When Charlemagne arrived, he made it policy to use the liturgy from Rome. Throughout his empire, the Sunday service was observed in the same way it was at Rome. Now that Western Europe was united under one empire, the emperor could ensure that “Christianity” was practiced uniformly.

Under the pope’s direction, Charlemagne streamlined the observance of Catholicism throughout Europe, ensuring it was looking to Rome. He also relied on the church to regulate the lives of his subjects. “Bishops, abbots, priests and monks were the king’s chief agents,” wrote Johnson. “Royal officials were selected from among the higher clergy, and Charlemagne and his successors expanded and developed the use of church councils as legislative and executive organs. … Through the church, the Carolingian age legislated in enormous detail on every aspect of conduct, especially on economic, family and sexual relationships” (ibid).

Despite Charlemagne’s wars and violence, his reign was not one of brutality and barbarism alone. Historians speak of the “Carolingian Renaissance”—a revival of arts and learning that took place under Charlemagne. “His thirst for knowledge was tremendous; he was curious to know and understand everything,” wrote Robert Folz in The Coronation of Charlemagne. “His political genius likewise enabled him to see the need for promoting culture if his kingdom was to acquire the splendor and prestige of the ancient world.”

The culture, politics and educational systems endorsed and promoted by Charlemagne, however, were distinctly Catholic creations.

The emperor exhorted the Catholic clergy to become better educated. He then instructed them to teach the general population and raise up schools throughout the empire. He encouraged and patronized liberal arts education, bringing in Catholic teachers from Italy, Ireland and England.

“His aim,” Johnson explained, “especially in the last decades of his life, was enormously to expand the literate manpower of empire, to create a clergy capable not only of evangelizing the new Christians he had brought under his rule, but of deepening the knowledge of Christianity everywhere” (op cit).

To many, the image of an enlightened ruler promoting culture and education for all seems incompatible with a violent warrior converting thousands by the sword. But Charlemagne’s example teaches us an important lesson: Culture and peace do not always go together. Modern Europe may appear to be a cultured and sophisticated group of nations. But as history reveals, that does not mean it is immune to Charlemagne’s style of violence.

In fact, part of the reason Charlemagne worked so hard on education was because of his conquests. He needed trained clergymen to teach his new subjects the Catholic religion. All the new churches needed new books, which required more experts.

Charlemagne also reformed Europe’s currency, minting standardized silver coins all over his empire. His coins helped spur trade, but most importantly, they gave Europe a sense of unity. “[H]is portrait coinage,” writes historian Joanna Story, “sent an impressive and influential message of imperial status and power throughout the Frankish world—and beyond” (Charlemagne: Empire and Society). Indeed it did: Charlemagne’s coins replaced crude locally made coins that bore the name of a local ruler. They were deliberately modeled after Roman coinage, bearing a portrait of the emperor for the first time since the fall of Rome.

Much like the euro today, Charlemagne’s common currency was a tool for uniting the Continent.

‘The Spirit of Charlemagne’

In December 1978, then French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing and German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt held a summit in Aachen, the main seat of Charlemagne’s authority, to hash out the details of the European Monetary System, the precursor to the euro. “The symbolism was heavily underlined in both France and Germany,” wrote Bernard Connolly in The Rotten Heart of Europe. “The two leaders paid a special visit to the throne of Charlemagne and a special service was held in the cathedral; at the end of the summit, Giscard remarked that: ‘Perhaps when we discussed monetary problems, the spirit of Charlemagne brooded over us.’”

This is the spirit European leaders wish to recapture: one that used currency to unify and control a squabbling bunch of nations while it increased its power abroad by torturing people to conversion.

Even Catholic historians recognize the centrality of Catholicism to Charlemagne’s legacy. The Catholic Encyclopedia, for example, says the heritage Charlemagne left was essentially “the idea of a Europe welded together out of various races under the spiritual influence of one Catholic faith and one vicar of Christ ….”

Paul Johnson summarizes Charlemagne’s empire this way: “It laid the foundations for the complementary concepts of Christendom and Europe. It projected, in broad outline, the directions which European institutions and culture would take. And it determined in embryo many of the aspects of the world we live in now. We are right to regard the total Christianity of the Carolingian age as one of the great formative phases of human history” (op cit).

It remains a mystery to most people today, but when political and religious leaders talk about reviving the spirit of Charlemagne, this is what they are talking about: a single empire united under one leader and one church. The question is, how far are Europe’s leaders willing to go to resurrect the legacy of Charlemagne?

[mebeingserious]

(c.) End 2012 - Early 2013

- - #1

#Based On A You Story. Blinking cursor.

Peep my Doogie Howser blue screen. Peep my blue light. No bloc festivities, streamers, or tails to pin anything on. Pin that shit on yourself, B. Take responsibility.

“Pin The Tail” had a Max B verse on the original. Do with that knowledge what you will if what you will do is reimburse me for my strong miscellany-fact-brain game. I refined it through the arthritis of those on my personal Mt. Rushmore.

I’m unknowable, really. You should get to un-know me.

And it was an inside job, btw. Egged on by the peanut gallery, flipped the switch, gave you a parachute and some mumble-mumble about how the chlorophyll’s gonna be stunning.

I’m just another human cat, word to Grass Green. Don’t treat me like the grassy knoll. Leave them stones turnt all the way down.

But that “you” isn’t you, that’s you’s on you’s on you’s. UUU, if you will. Gotta not have it.

New swatch alert. Here. Peep the texture and the hues. That’s the interior.

Cam’ron in a Utah Jazz throwback staring back at me through a phone’s reflection. [||]. You right, you right.

Captain Quirk but the Captain Crunch Dog at the same damn time. Pretend it’s two months ago, though.

Your last.fm recent plays leave you vulnerable, if you think about it. I thought about it.

I need to remind myself I don’t do this for the little or the big dunns. Everyone needs to get their Lex Luger on from time to time. B.Y. Before Yokozuna.

So I say that to say this: “Can’t call it, might spoil it”

Performing tune-ups with some VBRs and possibly, 192s. You can only crash so many planes before you start frisking yourself in the airport.

Further and farther are in full effect. But then I remember “that’s when the money starts running” and Stoicism, and put it in hands I once knocked down.

- - #2

Spot ‘em, got ‘em. I got dirt on you, doggie.

But God made dirt and dirt bust your ass.

Or my ass. I know too much. Internal Spy vs. Spy.

I saw those stars. Had my radars up. Tangible air.

One minute it’s in the constellations, the next sixty-seconds it’s a “Superthug” if.

Hella.

No, not you. The other. But you? You’re putting together a 150-piece in the dark.

Me? S.O.L. S.O.S. But I’m like Private Ryan. So you can save that.

Oh wait, I forgot that motherfucker survived.

Anyways, haardships.

My window’s been closed but at least I have a window. But it’s lowkey amazing that a window is even a thing.

I just did what Game did with the coaching of the fat producer on ironing Dickies. But you don’t hear me, doe.

Do you hear me, doe? This is the Gawd.

He doesn’t take requests but he’ll play me, though.

But really, I did that. Sorta like what Kane said on “The Symphony.”

Anyways, indecision.

He who hesitates in peace is even worse.

The pyramids didn’t get built by throwing stones or sitting on them. But I fucked up when I entertained the E.T. theory.

I’m the man now, dog. But really, without the seven you’re not Sean Connery. You’re just…

Anyways, alternate universes. That exist in shared thought bubbles.

But that’s the only place they ever existed, nah?

But let’s thought experiment. Does that outcome satisfy?

Or is it just better than hearing a single echo against drywall?

I can give you advice on farther but my track record is a stumble out the blocks paired with a horizontal starting gun, finished off with a somersault. 1.0 - 1.0 - 1.0

Got gotted and spotted.

Need is whatever you think it is.

But try to take my arm and leg and I might be that shoe with the band between the big toe.

You can have a symphony composed of c-notes in that porcelain but if you don’t embrace that internal Hammer … well. Basslines don’t come across well in sign.

You can go on and be Big L’s Rocafella debut, but you don’t know voodoo.

But tangible is good. I mean, Tough Luv holds up pretty well eight years later.

I guess I misunderstood that originally. Or I tried to understand too soon. He was right when he said “…or rather me.”

- - #3

The last verse on “Pyramids” without the sonic context.

Strikes Back. In the Empire. They say it’s their favorite flick.

Swore my hand waved to me as it fell, in that “Hi, Hater” motion.

Took off that mask and it was a mirror. No disrespect but there’s truth to it.

Anton Chigurh in the guidance counselor’s office basically saying “heads or tails.”

Saw it with the old man. In the alt. section of the universe it was Batman Returns.

Trying to lucid dream about the Northwest in 1996, but I’m better off sleeping. And peeping those trees with the date emblazoned in a reddish orange beneath their stumps.

Subsidized Napoleon complex had me fighting on the wrong side. Got did like Waterloo.

Manila envelopes addressed to that British newspaper. Don’t you know this is the Empire?

Telepathy returned to sender.

Heard “boo” from that pocket-sized frame.

But ghosts only come for your wig when you turn your back.

“Whoa” ain’t me, that’s Black Rob.

Speaking of that song…

Come to terms with endearment.

You chose the ball and you joined me in breadth.

Another one chewing dead skin, dirt particles and textile fibers.

Carly Simon. Bet.

What came first, the wound or the egg that provided the shells that were stuck in the soles?

South West here like Northern OH. Something something “talent.”

Indecisive travel agent that forgot to build a plane.

I saw the white plates, the blue plates, and now they’re yellow. i.e. I’ve seen the Empire crumble.

Let an ocean talk for me.

What the fuck is portamento? Not worth it.

Waking up to a foreign vocabulary test. Appealing. No comprende.

Opted-in because I was loyal to the wrong things. Minus the fuckboy-isms.

He was the Pookie of venlafaxine.

Caesar: Judas.

Conversational anesthesia. Was on that Freud shit.

Liked the yellow yoshi that stomped and the one with wings.

And you can tell a lot about a man by how he uses a warp whistle. Button on the VCR.

Meant to hear Tiến Quân Ca in person but couldn’t. If he saw the inland, I wouldn’t.

Lucas Arts revisionist tip. Script = flipped. And now…

Telling the emperor “We don’t need to see all that.” I’ll say it.

And maybe worth it. But no capitulation. The sign fixed.

- Carly.

“You, Me, Him and Her” gets played twice.

The first one’s near Luxor, prolly.

Gut snitched.

Us couldn’t stop dreaming, then I couldn’t get to sleep. Both.

“I fuck around and have you sleeping underneath something”

But that last verse, though.

- - #4

Pop culture hustling and cocaine references are the way to my heart. My heart is sullen and abandoned; full of un-shatterable Pyrex-brand measuring cups.

Or is it. Racially ambiguous inquisition. Internal. In-terminal, I keep ticking. So, maybe occupied.

Don’t knock it. I’m taking out this time. To compose choppy sentences that stop before they start because I’m so non-fiction I might call myself Tumblr Game Tom Wolfe.

Looking back, YN really inspired me with his Letters From The Editor. But nah to that “Ha!”

Flirting with disaster because she sent me a flick. Y’all are too literal. Down to the ‘I’m so crazy.’

Meanings on top of meanings. Princess and the Pea. That now archaic Jay-Z and Kanye interplay. References need a new hard drive. They’re making that grindin’, too busy to stay up-to-date sound.

I’m not looking at your dues, I’m looking past you. Why are ghosts see-through but you can’t see through what you can see.

Peter Piper was too fucking picky. End of story. Citing Antwan Patton in MLA style. If you want the references, you gotta pay for this. I accept Juelz. Pay the pause forward.

Subtle is my subtitle. You can read or watch. An internet quiz will tell you what that means for you and your personality.

John on the run eating. But wasn’t gaining.

Acting like shenanigans in loosie, but there was no explaining.

No, no, no. I’m not you, rapper.

Jesus H. Pylori. The church of disrupted insulin function and latter day faints.

Glue where the flex be. Vampires that never heard about the smallpox blankets. Paul’s Boutique sample count. Dust, brother. Trying not to bite down.

That admittance, and the small BIC. Alluhdat.

Three letters. Now I feel alluhdat.

Maybe knowing in retrospect is the win. Like when they extend those legs and and hold their hands in a state-enforced half-hearted semi-prayer position saying “I hope this provides closure for your family.”

A & B convos. Split-tests. More like a two and eight.

Good things surface for those that hold elevators. Or something.

Lost the top about fitty-leven times. No lojack. Find it, then repeat. Dementia. Kojack.

No lolli. Point the finger, no Rollie. No handle, no bars. Just folly.

Was on that “If I die, I die.” Life Game Ivan Drago.

Try to be a fatalist. Unexciting Mortal Kombat finishers.

Marcus Aurelius darts onto the screen to kill the opponent with mercy.

No hip hop genius to help you. Y’all Nah Right sidebar. Newsy. Your quotient can’t save thee. Or thou. Or you. Let’s say you.

Because I’m like Jason Bourne asking himself about that one birthday party when he was an age that gets spelled out by the Associated Press. Hope unseen sequels don’t kill my simile.

We’re all trying to live facsimile’s meaning if you said it quick. Gender neutral, though.

Don’t, doe.

Because reflection requires dedication. Three’s ain’t always charming. There’s precedent. See the millionaire trying to kickflip.

I’m not a walking version of the back of the teacher’s edition history/sociology/psychology combo cost-saving textbook.

Slight of hand. Converse with it.

Phonte’s monologues on the last two from Get Back.

That’s the point. Nipsey Russell.

[charleschuang]

Returning visit to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada 2019/Carlos Pueblo

Hurricane Dorian was weaken substantially behind us while we sailed through the fresh water of the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. It's it the main reason why I select this cruise back to back because that I like to return to visit Quebec City one more time to see more of the gorgeous city of the world. Once I came to visit Montreal, Quebec, when I was a little bit younger and people advised me hat I should visit Quebec City as well. I did come back for another trip from Boston driving through the Niagara Falls, Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa, and Montreal again by car on the following year. I did make a special driving from Montreal to Quebec City and made it back in a day. I have been very impressed and always like to spend more time to count the cannons on the old city wall. We came in earlier and spent three days and two nights at the pier by the River.

I am always aware of the French speaking city of Quebec City is; however, I don't run into difficulty in the old down section of the city in English speaking. As a matter of fact the locals are very friendly and nice when I pop up one or two sentences in French. The European came to Quebec in around 1602 and the French were dominant and in control of the area called New France until 1760. The decisive battle was fought at the Plains of Abraham near by the old city settlement between France and England. New France since then changed hand; however, the English continued to strengthen the citadel with the cannons defense of the city from the invasion of newly U.S. expedition force until 1812. The U.S. and the British Empire signed a peace treaty. The story of the city has been continued since that time yet under a permanent peaceful settlement among three nations.

A young English army general who lead to fight that decisive war of 1759 in Quebec was also died at the battlefield. English adored him and built a statute on top of the Greenwich Hill by the famous Greenwich Observatory. I have been there to visit him three times and visited his mother's childhood home town Marsden, England on the suburban of Manchester. His name is James Wolfe. He also has a statute at the old Montreal park, Montreal, Canada along with his counterpart at the battlefield Louis-Joseph de Montcalm. Canadian school children learn two different descriptions of the battle on their two different editions of textbooks. At that time, the Europe was not in peace at all.

I marched across a busy street up to the city wall or citadel and found the familiar scenery in my mind, the cannons on the wall facing to the River. I intended to count the total numbers until I read a monument at the urban park on the next day. At the beginning, the French attempted to built 5,000 of them with a financial help of Louis IV, he and the Napoleon Bonaparte both believed big guns. After 1760, the English authority still tried to build up the cannons defense. Now, the city keeps the old cannons in site to beautify the city wall. I saw one site somewhere was under innovation with 14 cannons available to show also facing to the River.

I reached to a huge building like a governmental office with a big lovely garden in front of it and small pots surrounded the building. I think that the building is the assembly house of the Province. Quebec City is the capital city of the Quebec Province. On a side of the Garden, there is a St. Jean Gate directly to the old town streets of Quebec City. At another site of the building on the back, there is a big garden named Joan of Arc to memorize another hero in the 15th century between the endless wars of the two nations. It was donated by anonymous American donor.

I came down from a steep wood board ladder by the Museum to a street by the river. It is very steep and not that comfortable for me to get down while many youngsters are jogging up and down for exercises. From the street, or highway, I walked back to the ship. Along the way, I saw some lovely housing for the residents.