The euphoria of the fall of Napoleon and the consequent freedom of the Church came to an abrupt end in March 1815 when Napoleon escaped from Elba and\u00a0 began to rule again in Paris.<\/p>\n
Eugene responded to this situation with vigor.<\/p>\n
\n… However low my opinion of the human race, I would never have gone so far as to suppose it could sink so low as we see it now. What a nation we are! Along with faith, it has lost all sense of honour, probity, etc. One group openly betrays the most sacred of causes; they give their oath only the better to deceive an all too generous Prince who had heaped these traitors with favours and benefactions; the rest would almost be tempted to sta nd by as unruffled spectators of a struggle that scarcely seems to interest them, although their happiness depends on it. Egoism has lead to total aridity, national honour has gone by the board along with religion. What a despicable people! But we must be fair; it is the army who are guilty of this crime rather than the nation. You can see this clearly in these parts and in several other provinces.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
I have only time to assure you we are well, that I am the calmest of men and the one least alarmed. My trust in Providence is unlimited.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Eugene backed his criticism with action:<\/p>\n
\nI have written His Grace the Duke of Angouleme to offer him my services for his troops. I have not heard a thing in reply, perhaps I never will; but I have done my duty, which required of me this act of allegiance. Not being able to serve my King with a sword, I must serve him with every means my ministry gives me.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Goodbye, I send you all my affectionate greetings. Within a month we shall have beaten and punished all our enemies, who are those too of honour, the common good, and religion.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to his father, 26 March 1815, EO XV, n 132<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The euphoria of the fall of Napoleon and the consequent freedom of the Church came to an abrupt end in March 1815 when Napoleon escaped from Elba and\u00a0 began to rule again in Paris. Eugene responded to this situation with … Continue reading