Now we have a letter from post marriage depressed Hortense.
Something funny about Napoleon and Hortense is that though neither were all that happy in their marriages, they both loved to arrange marriages. This was one of the many projects that they would do in concert.
It’s also worth noting that Hortense complains that Napoleon is reading her letters to Eugène.
Dear Eugène,
Saint-Amand, this 27 Messidor, year XIII, July 16th, 1805.
For a few days, I have been in the mud of Saint-Amand, my dear Eugène, it is a very sad country. I don’t have anyone with me except Mademoiselle Cochelet and Madamoiselle de Mornay, who is undergoverness. I hope that Adele will come soon, but, as the Empress is back, I am really worried that Eglé [Adele’s sister] will go straight to Paris and perhaps to Plombieres with Mom.
General Belliard must come and take the mud here [a riff on “taking the waters”]. Tell me frankly what you think of him, for I know that he thinks a little about Adele, although she has been very displeased with him since last winter. I hope that when she sees him more close up, she might decide to marry him. It is at least time for her to get married. I had thought of General Bertrand, but I do not know what his intentions are.
The Emperor wrote yesterday to Louis. The Emperor tells me to tell you that are comporting yourself well, that you work a lot but that I must write you cheerful and not sad letters. Why should he have seen my letters? Tell me, I beg you, why he made me say that.
Farewell, my dear Eugène, in spite of your great occupations, please try to find a little moment to write to me. Give me a little detail of your days. When I think of you, I like to have an idea of where you are and how it’s going.
HORTENSE
PS. Napoleon [Hortense’s son] gives you a kiss.
Hortense’s Memoirs are available here.
Hortense complains that Napoleon is reading letters from her that are not addressed to him.
https://www.thetanster.com/blog/2019/11/2/cznadxvoben1re5nb9c5hp37g26buy
Hortense and Josephine Bonaparte’s Letters so far are here.