Previously posted letters by Hortense and Josephine are available here.
25 of October, 1805,
Dear Eugene,
Mom sends me a letter which she received from the Emperor. He says he is going to beat the Russians and he finishes his letter by saying: "I think Massena must be in Vicenza. As soon as things calm down in Italy, Eugene will fight. I'm glad you'll be happy with that, and I'm shaking.
I, who did not know anyone in the Army of Italy, or in that of the Rhine, now am going to be a participant. As I will be worried if you do not give me often frequent updates!
I will depend on Mr. Battle to do it on the days when you can not. The successes of the army of the Rhine are inconceivable and how proud we are to belong to the Emperor!
Yesterday evening, there was a little argument between Louis and Mrs. Murat. Louis said that in this campaign everything was due to the genius of the Emperor and that no one else had done anything. All of this is very well possible but it was useless to say it. Ms. Murat was a little angry and said, "How? You tell people who tire themselves out and who run the risk of being killed that they did nothing ...”
Fortunately, I was there and brought peace. I scolded Louis afterward. I told him it was wrong and that we should never humiliate anyone's self-esteem.
He replied that she had too much self-esteem and that to hear her going on, one would think that Murat had done everything, when in reality he never did what the Emperor asked him to.
I replied that there’s always some merit in one’s behavior and our dispute ended there. I think, however, that Murat will find out about this tiff and that he will be most stung.
The Empress remains, as it seems, all winter in Strasburg. The four ladies who have been with her are Madame de Segur, Talhouet, Canisy, Turenne, and Madame Lavallette. Ms. Ney joined her six days ago. Madame de Lauriston left with her husband two days ago.
The Empress will stay in Strasbourg and then she will join the Emperor. Mrs. Lannes left yesterday. You see that there are many ladies with the Empress. They are closer to the news and I imagine that it is a blessing for them. Goodbye, my dear Eugene, I kiss you.
Tell me immediately what news you have of the Emperor. I want you to be happy and yet I tremble.
HORTENSE.
PS. I think that the Emperor does not want any setbacks to pass on your account and that he wants to be sure of the success of the Army of Italy first. When it’s calm, he will bring you near him.
