Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 15

A historical account written in the late 19th century that explores the events surrounding the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy and the aftermath of Napoleon's reign in 1815. In this volume, Bourrienne, who served as Napoleon's private secretary, provides personal reflections and insights into key political figures, including the controversial figure of Fouche as Minister of Police, as well as the dynamics between the departing Bonapartist influence and the returning Royalists. The opening of the memoir delves into Bourrienne's return to Paris after the Battle of Waterloo and the turbulent political landscape of France at that time. It captures his observations of King Louis XVIII's delayed entry into Paris amidst public anticipation and the manipulations of Fouche, who sought to consolidate power under the new regime. Bourrienne details his interactions with various political entities, including his growing discontent over the potential appointment of Fouche as a minister, reflecting on the shifting loyalties and the complex interplay of personal ambition and national sentiment in the face of restoration. The narrative vividly portrays a historical moment marked by intrigue and uncertainty, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the tumultuous world of post-Napoleonic France and the characters that shaped it.