Josephine is a historical personage that has been called many names. I frequently receive comments calling Josephine either a whore or a tragic victim.
Since we are looking at the Napoleon story searching for the truth, coming at it from every possible angle, I am happy to show Josephine in her own words. To find out who Josephine really was from the Napoleon memoirs click here.
Below, we get a snapshot of Josephine during the time where Napoleon was baited into the disasters in Spain. At this point, Napoleon is in a few traps and he has a limited number of potential “solutions”. At the time of the letter below, one of Napoleon’s choices could’ve been a political marriage that would provide him with a legitimate heir. We learn later on in the story that this “solution” was merely yet another trap.
Here we see how these circumstances impact Josephine’s serenity.
Dear Eugène,
Paris, 2 January, 1809
I wrote to Auguste (Eugène’s wife) yesterday, my dear Eugène. Today I take the opportunity Méjean affords me. I talked a lot with him about my position; it has changed a great deal since Murat's first trip to Spain, where the veil that covered the Emperor's eyes has finally fallen. This family really hates mine to the core, although I have done only good.
Murat has some disgruntled friends here and all the events that have been going on for over a year have helped me learn a lot of things and a lot of people. I have kept the greatest silence on all these matters, and in my position one is often obliged to live with one's enemies, but it is always good to know them. I do not meddle with anything, I ask nothing and I have no other desire than to see you from time to time.
I must applaud myself for my conduct. The Emperor is perfect to me; I can only praise his confidence and attachment. He gives me very often his news. I have no other issue than Hortense’s situation. She is really unhappy.
As for my debts, I have taken new means of order and economy, which I hope very much will work out; debts become due with the start of the year they are not nice to cope with. However Auguste gave me very a good gift. I know you would have preferred a boy, but he will arrive at the latest in eighteen months.
While waiting for him, I receive with pleasure the granddaughter whom you give me; everything that comes from you will always be dear to me. It would have been nice to see you in the course of last year; it is a long time that I have been separated from you, my dear Eugène, but I like to believe that the Emperor will allow you this year to make a little trip to Paris. I have just received a letter from him; he tells me in a letter dated the 22nd, that he was marching against the English. It seems that they are in force near Valadolid and that they have left Portugal; it worries me a little, I will be happy only when I learn the result of this news. Farewell, my good Eugene, continue to give me news of Auguste. I kiss you tenderly.
JOSEPHINE.
