La Bataille de Lützen

PROCLAMATION TO THE ARMY

From Our Imperial Camp At Lutzen, 3rd May, 1813

SOLDIERS,—I am satisfied with you! You have fulfilled my expectations. You have made up for everything by your good will and your bravery. On the celebrated day of the 2nd May, you defeated and routed the Russian and Prussian army, commanded by the Emperor of Russia and the King of Prussia. You have added new lustre and glory to my eagles; you have shown all that French blood is capable of. The battle of Lutzen will be placed above the battles of Austerlitz, Jena, Friedland, and Borodino.

In the last campaign the enemy found refuge against our armies by following the ferocious method of his barbarous ancestors; the armies of the Tartars burned the fields, the towns, and even holy Moscow. Today they arrive in our countries preceded by all that Germany, France, and Italy have in the way of scamps and deserters, to preach revolt, anarchy, civil war, and murder; they have made themselves the apostles of every crime. It is a moral conflagration which they wish to light up between the Vistula and the Rhine, in order, after the manner of despotic governments, to place deserts between them and us. The madmen! they little know the wisdom, the good sense and the attachment of the Germans to their sovereigns. They little know the power and the bravery of the French.

In one single day you have defeated these parricidal plots. We will drive the Tartars back into their fearful climate, which they ought never to have left. Let them remain in their frozen deserts, the abode of slavery, barbarism, and corruption, where man is considered on a par with the brute!

You have deserved well of civilised Europe. Soldiers, Italy, France, and Germany thank you!

NAPOLEON