Paris exhibition shows Napoleon’s final will
58-page document covers Emperor’s final wishes expressed in exile
History fans can see Napoleon’s final will as part of a free exhibition in Paris this spring, providing a rare glimpse into the last days of the former Emperor’s exile on Saint Helena.
The 58-page document is being shown in Paris’ National Archives Museum (musée des Archives nationales) until June 29.
It is part of the museum’s ongoing ‘Les Remarquables’ series that highlights historic documents from famous French citizens.
The document has been kept in France’s ‘Iron Cabinet’ for historical archives (L’Armoire de Fer) since 1860, listed as a priceless piece of France’s history.
While some of Napoleon’s wishes are well-known – ‘It is my wish that my ashes [mortal remains] may repose on the banks of the Seine, in the midst of the French people, whom I
have loved so well’ – the document shows much more.
Will written just before death
Napoleon spent several years in exile in Saint Helena following his defeat at Waterloo in 1815, where he wrote several texts including autobiographical works and political pamphlets, smuggled into England.
It was only in the final months of his life, however, after learning of the death of his sister in December 1820 (she died in August but the news took months to reach him) and his own worsening health that he began to seriously consider his will.
He dictated the full document to his chamberlain Montholon, before writing it in full with his own hand as a holographic will.
This was required as there was no notaire present to authorise the document – a rule Napoleon had introduced himself during his tenure.
The document starts with several proclamations, of Napoleon’s Catholic faith, love for his second wife Marie-Louise and the desire for his son to remember his princely status and take up the motto ‘Tout pour le peuple français’ (everything for the French people).
Scathing attacks on his political opponents constitute the next section:
“I die prematurely, assassinated by the English oligarchy and its assassin. The English nation will not be slow in avenging me.
“The two unfortunate results of the invasions of France, when she had still so many resources, are to be attributed to the treason of Marmont, Augereau, Talleyrand, and La Fayette. I forgive them, may the posterity of France forgive them as I do.”
The document then goes through the Emperor’s private estate, financial resources, and personal objects he bequeathed to others.
He donated half of his estate to soldiers who joined him in his European wars, and the other half to the French areas invaded in 1814 and 1815.
The document was sealed using Napoleon’s coat of arms and his sovereign name.
More information on the exhibition, including an English-language document to aid visitors, is available on the museum website.
