A winter in Smolensk, a sixth coalition TL
- Thread starter Parmenion
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Hot dang that was a fight! The propagandists will probably work overtime to make it look like Napoleon played a key part, instead of cowering and missing his one attacks. The Coalition can probably spin it too, about how Boney can't keep himself safe anymore.
A few errata:
A few errata:
Fixed, thanks for catching that . Gotta be careful writing stoned!
Yep. In OTL he tried to shot himself but a pistol misfired and poor Nappy could not get another one that would work. Wasn’t it really tragic? I mean, not a single good pistol in the whole army and probably the same problem with the muskets: no surprise that they finally lost.
Well, few centuries earlier someone predicted that the French (nobles) will have no luck with the pistols because they’d pass the task of cleaning and loading to their servants who’d neglect their duties. I’d add that when the servants were OK, one could always count on the idiocy of their bosses, like Count of Soissons who used a loaded pistol to raise visor of his helmet. 😉
And, if you don’t mind me saying so, chances for the colonel of the Cossacks to wear a beard were extremely slim: unlike the rank Cossacks and their non-coms and junior officers, he was a noble, which meant no beard. 😉
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Part 37- The French are in Spain, but the S is Silent
As the tentative armistice of Lindenau came into effect in late July, the Western European members of the Coalition took little notice of the ceasefire. Wellington's trinational army had essentially cleansed Spain of the French soldiers, the main body of Marshal Jourdan having fled across the Pyrenees. The only two remaining holdouts in North Spain were the port of San Sabastian, and the fort at Pamplona, each garrisoned with about 5,000 men.
Many had expected after his amputation at Vittoria, assuming he survived, Wellington would be honorably recalled and replaced. Wellington however, only reliquished command to Sir Thomas Graham for two days, he even famously continued to give orders during his actual amputation in Vittoria. The expectation had been that the wounding of the newly-created Duke of Wellington would slow up the British push North, but the duke replied when hearing that "What are you on about? I've never slown an army for one wounded man!". Pamplona and San Sabestian were ordered taken by August, the former only exceeding that by three days.
As Jourdan resigned and Napoleon's elder brother returned to Paris, Eugène de Beauharnais arrived at Saint-Jean on August 1st to take command. Following behind him were about 6,000 Italian and Neapolitan reinforcements, albeit they were mostly raw conscripts. Eugène's plan had been to strike across the mountains to relieve the fortresses in Spain, but Wellington bad been too fast for him. Nonetheless, his plan hadn't changed much, he still planned to assault the two Spanish forts, and keep France's frontier free of the enemy.
The French actually enjoyed a significant numerical advantage in the South, with about 75,000 French soldiers against 60,000 of the Coalition. These numbers however, masked the large and still growing gap in quality between the seasoned Anglo-Iberian army, and the already ragged French who were being reinforced by completely raw conscripts. Eugène even had to send a brigade to Bayonne to continue drilling, declaring it unsuitable for combat due to its utter lack of training. Morale had a similar contrast across the two sides, and French desertions soared as they reached friendly territory.
(Map of the Pyrenees front, unit positions are OTL)
Eugène launched his attack on the 4th of August, using onelhis Corps to storm the pass at Roncesvalles. The pass was taken after a short but bloody clash, with 1,500 casualties on each side. As the French attempted to move back into Spain however, Wellington and five divisions rapidly converged on General Gérard, forcing him to make a chaotic retreat that cost him 1,000 prisoners. Believing the British had fully committed, Eugène had Gazan's Corps attack Irun, directly across the Bidassoa. The river was held by the short tempered General Picton's division, who managed to delay the French in a full day of savage fighting, with another 3,000 casualties on each side. Gazan and Reille behind him finally crossed on the 7th, just as four more divisions arrived to save Picton.
Eugéne decided to confront Wellington directly, and that day the two armies clashed. The French nearly forced Wellington to withdraw, but the timely arrival of O'Donnell's Spanish division allowed him to launch his own counterattack that made the enemy retreat across the river once more. Eugène would try over the next month to outmanuver the British, but to no avail. While both cmanders had quickly learned new respect for one another, Eugène had suffered 15,000 casualties, and aside from inflicting similar losses on the Coalition, was in the same position he'd been in when he took command.
Wellington didn't have any grand offensive plans himself, not yet at least. With no other alternatives available, he intended to force France to divert as much of their attention and resources from Germany as possible. While few suspected it, the bloodiest days of the war in Southern Europe, still lay ahead...
Many had expected after his amputation at Vittoria, assuming he survived, Wellington would be honorably recalled and replaced. Wellington however, only reliquished command to Sir Thomas Graham for two days, he even famously continued to give orders during his actual amputation in Vittoria. The expectation had been that the wounding of the newly-created Duke of Wellington would slow up the British push North, but the duke replied when hearing that "What are you on about? I've never slown an army for one wounded man!". Pamplona and San Sabestian were ordered taken by August, the former only exceeding that by three days.
As Jourdan resigned and Napoleon's elder brother returned to Paris, Eugène de Beauharnais arrived at Saint-Jean on August 1st to take command. Following behind him were about 6,000 Italian and Neapolitan reinforcements, albeit they were mostly raw conscripts. Eugène's plan had been to strike across the mountains to relieve the fortresses in Spain, but Wellington bad been too fast for him. Nonetheless, his plan hadn't changed much, he still planned to assault the two Spanish forts, and keep France's frontier free of the enemy.
The French actually enjoyed a significant numerical advantage in the South, with about 75,000 French soldiers against 60,000 of the Coalition. These numbers however, masked the large and still growing gap in quality between the seasoned Anglo-Iberian army, and the already ragged French who were being reinforced by completely raw conscripts. Eugène even had to send a brigade to Bayonne to continue drilling, declaring it unsuitable for combat due to its utter lack of training. Morale had a similar contrast across the two sides, and French desertions soared as they reached friendly territory.
(Map of the Pyrenees front, unit positions are OTL)
Eugène launched his attack on the 4th of August, using onelhis Corps to storm the pass at Roncesvalles. The pass was taken after a short but bloody clash, with 1,500 casualties on each side. As the French attempted to move back into Spain however, Wellington and five divisions rapidly converged on General Gérard, forcing him to make a chaotic retreat that cost him 1,000 prisoners. Believing the British had fully committed, Eugène had Gazan's Corps attack Irun, directly across the Bidassoa. The river was held by the short tempered General Picton's division, who managed to delay the French in a full day of savage fighting, with another 3,000 casualties on each side. Gazan and Reille behind him finally crossed on the 7th, just as four more divisions arrived to save Picton.
Eugéne decided to confront Wellington directly, and that day the two armies clashed. The French nearly forced Wellington to withdraw, but the timely arrival of O'Donnell's Spanish division allowed him to launch his own counterattack that made the enemy retreat across the river once more. Eugène would try over the next month to outmanuver the British, but to no avail. While both cmanders had quickly learned new respect for one another, Eugène had suffered 15,000 casualties, and aside from inflicting similar losses on the Coalition, was in the same position he'd been in when he took command.
Wellington didn't have any grand offensive plans himself, not yet at least. With no other alternatives available, he intended to force France to divert as much of their attention and resources from Germany as possible. While few suspected it, the bloodiest days of the war in Southern Europe, still lay ahead...
A bone? My friend, if Nelson is anything to go on, British flag officers get more dangerous the fewer limbs they have.
Part 38- Letters from Hofburg
To the Foreign Minister
I am of the absolute agreement that this latest ceasefire is merely a concealment by my son in-law to allow his forces a respite, however you must consider (As you doubtlessly already have) our own military situation. I've been in ceaseless consultation with the commanding generals, and while they have given assurances that the army is capable of combat immediately, they believe it is prudent that at least another several weeks of training and mobilization occur, I shall not waste your time with this minutiae however.
As we discussed, our terms of restored access to the sea, the end of the French occupation of Germany, and the liberation of Galicia from the Poles, are all to be unconditional. If my French counterpart agrees to cede these territories, or perhaps even a great part of them, I would be elated to avoid the deaths of innumerable young Austrian soldiers. So long as you believe even the faintest hope of achieving this remains, endeavor to continue the negotiations. If on the contrary he seems to be merely attempting to impede our entry into the war, do not humor him a moment. God support you in your pivotal task
- Emperor Francis I
To my beloved Maria-Louisa
I do wish circumstances permitted us to write more frequently, but I understand your duties are taxing. How's my grandson? I do hope you tell him about all of us, even if that's awkward at times like this. I'd loathe nothing more than for you to think my hostility towards your husband and I's respective crowns, extends to the two of you. I'm delighted you'll be visiting soon, your sisters all miss you
-Your dear father.
To my brother Charles
I understand we've quarelled in the past, especially about the matters of state. I believe I've been too critical of your actions four years ago, you certainly commanded the army with more competency than I would! It is because of these regrets of mine that I write to you now. The number of men who have defeated Bonaparte on the battlefield can be counted on one hand, of those, the number who are still alive is even smaller. If you'll forgive my failures as a sovereign, and as a brother, I request you resume your prior posting with all the honor that is justly accredited to you. Please consider accepting my sincere request.
-Still your brother, Francis
I can’t even imagine how dangerous would any of them become with a head blown off…. 🤔
The headless horseman is actually just the ghost of General Picton.
As was pointed out in a (reasonably old) song, a ruler (and by extension, a military leader) does not really need a head. The indispensable part of his anatomy are posteriors because without them he can’t ride a horse and, thus, led the people.
That's a surprise. AFAIK after their falling out Charles never commanded an army ever again. Wonder what changed that here.
Part 39- Peace and War
Leipzig, August 26th, 1813
The past weeks had been a constant effort by Napoleon to delay the inevitable. First, he'd had the reasonable excuse that his foreign minister had to arrive from Paris, and he'd ensured Maret took his time leaving for Germany. After that, he'd sent Caulaincourt to negotiate on his behalf, not on the fate of Central Europe, but rather, on every minute detail of the meetings themselves. Everything had been argued, discussed, and decided upon at a snails paste. Now however, the patience of the Coalition was at end, with the monarchs, and the Austrian foreign ministers demanding Napoleon personally negotiate if the ceasefire was to hold. Out of excuses, Napoleon reluctantly crossed the new temporary bridge over the Elster, to meet with Metternich.
In the parlour of a wealthy Saxon noble, the Emperor waited for the Austrian. He'd tried to read the expressions of the Austrian grenadiers who'd escorted Metternich, but their stoic expressions revealed little. Napoleon waited several minutes, before a knock on the door signalled the arrival of his opponant for today. The foreign minister stepped into the room, he gave Napoleon a perfunctory bow, to which the Frenchman replied with a nod.
"Your Majesty" Metternich began "It's an honor to finally make your aquaintance once again." He didn't attempt to sound genuine. "The feeling is certainly mutual." Nor did Napoleon "It's certainly a disgrace we've not been able to cooperate our talents before." Metternich squinted "Well, you've seemed more keen to use your talents to dismantle my state these past eight years, I've used my own to keep my nation alive." Napoleon frowned and took a step forward "I've done exactly what you claim to do, for my empire, the difference being only one of us is wearing trousers." He gestured to the German's breeches.
"Let us be frank." Metternich paced around the Emperor "Neither I nor my Emperor desire to see you deposed, executed, whatever fantasies you've concocted for yourself." "You'll watch how you speak to me, Österreichisch." Napoleon suddenly switched languages "If we are truly to be frank, so be it. You want territorial concessions, at no cost mind you, or you'll attack me." Metternich retorted "My Emperor wants returned to his kingdoms, the land you've taken in unjustly." The Emperor let out a belly laugh "Remind me who started that nonsense in '09?!"
Napoleon stepped forward again as to be nearly touching noses with Metternich "Nonetheless." He quietly spat "You leave me little choice, so I'm going to tell you what you're going to do." Metternich raised an eyebrow "The Coalition can have Galicia back, not Austria the Coalitions." He said quickly "I don't care who takes it. As for Germany, I may permit a national conference to discuss several alternatives to the Confederation. I'm also willing to return parts of Hanover to Prussia." Metternich saw clearly what Napoleon was doing "You realize that won't be sufficient?" He asked him "I realize, that you'll still have to bring it to the other sovereigns, and they'll have much to discuss." Napoleon now turned away "My calender is far more packed than yours will ever be." He gestured to the door.
Metternich took the hint, gave another obligatory bow, and stepped out. As he did so, he turned back to the Emperor "Peace and war lay in Your Majesties hands. Today you can still make peace, tomarrow it may be too late." Napoleon didn't reply...
A few hours later, back in Lindenau, Napoleon revealed all that had happened to his entourage "Do you think they'll accept that?" Caulaincourt asked him. Maret shook his head "Not a chance, but they'll have to talk it out, I'm sure Alexander will get greedy for Poland." "Not to mention that business with Hanover won't make England very happy." Napoleon concurred. Maret nodded "All it needs to do is last, till what?" "No later than mid November." Berthier replied "I doubt they'll want to muck around in Germany well into winter." "Which gives us until Spring to mobilize, train, work our way out of this mess." Napoleon finished. "In the meantime though, there's much to be done." Berthier groaned, he wouldn't be sleeping tonight.
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You sorta saw what changed it. OTL he and Francis fell out hard after Wagram, here he makes the choice to reconcile.
I was wondering more why he made the decision to reconcile. What exactly drove him to do so when he never did OTL?
Nothing in particular besides butterflies, that's the fun thing about family dynamics, they're fickle.
Well, there was also a fact that Charles had the best record of fighting against Napoleon and a much higher social position than Schwarzenberg, which could not be discounted. On a negative (for Metternich) side, he was much more difficult to manipulate from Vienna than OTL choice. In OTL the second consideration prevailed but why not the first one in your TL? IIRC, the coalition leaders wanted Charles.
You keep Nappy completely void of the diplomatic graces. 😉 AFAIK, he could be quite charming, when he wanted.
Those seem to be very mild terms least the way they were phrased, with the exception of the last one that I also think is not really what Austria wanted. It doesn't ask for Napoleon to leave the Papal States, or any part of Italy, it does ask for the end of the French occupation of Germany, but not the dismantling of the puppet states, it also doesn't ask for the return of Austrian lands annexed to Bavaria, nor Venice, also doesn't specify if they want the entirety of the Illyrian Provinces or just their pre 1789 parts or even less.
About the last one I don't think that the Austrians were ever eager to have Galicia back, in 1815 they were even accepting to give more territory to have an independant Poland...
My opinion about what would happen next, just press play:
I don't think that Napoleon gained more than a day with these proposals, he didn't propose anything really meaningful. I think he should have tried to really tempt the Austrians, instead of giving a proposal that will take them little time to reject. He should offer Austria their 1805 contiguous borders minus Galicia, the restoration of the Papal States, the withdrawal of French troops from Germany after the war, offer them to put a person that they like on the throne of Poland, offer them Silesia if they join on his side... Napoleon should offer things that he knows that Austria can't get from the coalition.
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