The death of Hortense’s little boy Napoleon Charles was a turning point for Napoleon, Josephine and Hortense. Josephine knew that Napoleon was never really going to be happy as a husband or a leader without his own children. Hortense was pushed in to fill the chasm - and because Napoleon adored her - it worked for a while - but when the heir was gone, it was obvious divorce was on the horizon. Here are 2 letters from that time where Napoleon’s personal life is collapsing as he’s on the eve of one of his most impressive military feats - the battle of Friendland.
LETTER CXXX TO THE EMPRESS, IN SAINT-CLOUD.
June 3, 1807.
I slept last night in Marienbourg. I left Dantzick yesterday. My health is very good. All the letters coming from Saint-Cloud say that you are still crying: this is not good; you have to be well and be happy.
Hortense is still in pain; what you write to me hurts me. Goodbye my friend; believe in all the feelings I have for you.
NAPOLEON.
…
LETTER CXXXI TO THE EMPRESS, IN SAINT-CLOUD.
June 6, 1807.
I am in good health, my friend. Your letter yesterday hurt me.
It seems that you are still in sorrow, and that you are not reasonable.
The weather is very beautiful. Farewell, my friend; I love you, and want to know that you are content and happy.
NAPOLEON.
La mort du petit garçon d'Hortense, Napoléon Charles, a été un tournant pour Napoléon, Joséphine et Hortense. Joséphine savait que Napoléon n'allait jamais vraiment être heureux en tant que mari ou chef sans ses propres enfants. Hortense a été poussée pour remplir l'abîme - et parce que Napoléon l'adorait - cela a fonctionné pendant un certain temps - mais quand l'héritier a disparu, il était évident qu'un divorce était à l'horizon.
Voici 2 lettres de cette époque où la vie personnelle de Napoléon s'effondre alors qu'il est à la veille de l'un de ses exploits militaires les plus impressionnants - la bataille de Friendland.
