XXII.

ism, extensive erudition. Both had vast stores of CHAP. acquired learning, which restrained without oppressing the fire of an ardent and poetical imagination. 1797. Both knew mankind well in all ranks, had seen life in all its bearings, had great powers of conversation, and had observed and meditated much on human affairs. But Burke's writings are as much superior to Johnson's, as Johnson's sayings are to Burke's. The habit and necessity of public speaking had made Burke burst through the trammels of an artificial style, which, in writing, coerced the recluse author of the Rambler. Johnson's solitary independence and asperity of character enabled him to give a point to his sayings, which the Parliamentary orator necessarily shunned, or perhaps did not possess. No collection of Burke's sayings could have equalled what are to be met with in Boswell's Johnson: but Johnson could never have written Burke's Reflections on the French Revolution or Regicide Peace.

the French

Like all men of a sound intellect, an ardent disposition, and an independent character, Mr Burke Views on was strongly attached to the principles of freedom; Revolution. and, during the American war, when those principles appeared to be endangered by the conduct of the English government, he stood forth as an uncompromising leader of the Opposition in Parliament. He was from the outset, however, the friend of freedom only in conjunction with its indispensable allies, order and property; and the severing of the United States from the British empire, and the establishment of a pure Republic beyond the Atlantic, appears to have given the first rude shock to his visions. of the elevation and improvement of the species, and suggested the painful doubt, whether the cause of liberty might not, in the end, be more endangered

XXII.

CHAP. by the extravagance of its supporters than by the efforts of its enemies. These doubts were confirmed 1797. by the first aspect of the French Revolution; and while many of the greatest men of his age were dazzled by the brightness of its morning light, he at once discerned, amidst the deceitful blaze, the small black cloud which was to cover the universe with darkness.

With the characteristic ardour of his disposition, which often led him into vehemence and invective, he instantly espoused the opposite side; and, in the prosecution of his efforts in defence of order, he was led to profounder principles of political wisdom than any intellect, save that of Bacon, kad reached, and which are yet far in advance of the general understanding of mankind. His was not the instinctive horror at revolution which arises from the possession

of

power, the prejudices of birth, or the selfishness of wealth; on the contrary, he brought to the consideration of the great questions which then divided society, prepossessions only on the other side, a heart long warmed by the feelings of liberty, a disposition enthusiastic in its support, a lifetime spent in its service. He was led to combat the principles of Jacobinism from an early and clear perception of their consequences; from foreseeing that they would infallibly, if successful, destroy the elements of freedom; and, in the end, leave to society, bereft of all its bulwarks, only an old age of slavery and decline. It was not as the enemy, but the friend of liberty, that he was the determined opponent of the Revolution; and such will ever be the foundation in character on which the most resolute, because the most enlightened and the least selfish, resistance to democratic ascendency will be founded.

2

CHAPTER XXIII.

CAMPAIGN OF 1797-FALL OF VENICE.

ARGUMENT.

1797.

Russia recedes from the contemplated Measures of Catharine-Plans of the Directory CHAP. -Bernadotte's and Delmas's divisions join Napoleon-Disposition of his Forces-Pre- XXIII. parations of the Imperialists-Great Spirit in the Hereditary States-Napoleon anticipates the Arrival of the Austrian Veterans-Danger of that Plan-Description of the Theatre of War-Its Roads and Rivers-Napoleon resolves to turn the Austrian Left-His Proclamation to his Soldiers-Great Interest excited in Europe by the approaching Contest-Operations of Massena on the left-Passage of the Isonzo by Bernadotte-Massena makes himself master of the Col-de-Tarwis-Desperate Actions there-It is finally won by the Republicans-Bayalitch's division is Surrounded, and made Prisoners-Napoleon crosses the ridge of the Alps-Occupies KlagenfurthSuccessful Operations of Joubert in the Tyrol-Desperate Action at the Pass of Clausen, which is at length carried-Joubert advances to Sterzing-General Alarm in the Tyrol-He marches across to join Napoleon at Klagenfurth-Results of these Actions-Perilous Condition, notwithstanding, of Napoleon-He in consequence makes proposals of Peace to the Archduke, and at the same time severely presses the retreating Imperialists- They are Defeated at the Gorge of Neumarkt-Napoleon pushes on to Judembourg, and the Archduke retires towards Vienna-Terror excited there by these Disasters-Preliminaries are agreed to at Leoben-Disastrous State of the French in Croatia and Tyrol-Extreme Danger of Napoleon-Conditions of the Preliminaries-Enormous Injustice of this Treaty as far as regards Venice-State of Venice at this period-Its long-continued Decline-Rapid progress of Democratic Ideas in the Cities of the Venetian Territory, which are secretly encouraged by Napoleon-Democratic Insurrection breaks out in the Venetian Provinces, which soon spreads to all the chief Towns-Consternation at Venice-The Senate send Deputies to Napoleon-His Duplicity, and refusal to act against the Insurgents, or let the Venetians do so-Venetians at last resolve to crush the Insurrection-Hostilities break out between the two parties-the Counter-Insurrection spreads immensely-Continued Indecision of the Venetian Senate in regard to France-Affected anger of NapoleonMassacre at Verona, which is speedily suppressed by the French Troops-Massacre at Lido-Efforts of the Venetian Senate to avert the storm-Resources still at the command of Venice-War declared by Napoleon against Venice-Manifestoes on both sides— Universal Revolt of the Continental Towns of the Venetian Territory-Anarchy in Venice itself The Senate abdicate their authority-The Populace still endeavour to VOL. III. U

CHAP. XXIII.

1797.

cedes from

the con

measures

of Catha

rine.

resist the Subjugation of the State-But Venice falls-Joy of the Democratic PartyTreaty of 16th May between Napoleon and Venice-State of the Armies on the Rhine -Passage of that River at Diersheim, and Defeat of the Austrians-Operations cut short by the Armistice of Leoben-Commencement of operations by Hoche on the Lower Rhine-Passage of that River forced at Neuwied-Defeat of the AustriansHostilities stopped by the Armistice of Leoben-State of Prussia during this yearIts Policy-Death of the King-His Character-Accession of Frederick William III. -His Character-Early Measures and Policy-Retrospect of the Astonishing Suecesses of Napoleon-Commencement of the Negotiations at Udina in Italy--Splendour of Napoleon's Court there--Revolution at Genoa brought about by the French-The Senate defeat the Insurgents-The French then Interfere, and vigorously support the Democratic Party-Senate upon this Submit-Violent Passions of the People-Rural Insurrection breaks out- Which is Suppressed-Deplorable Humiliation of Piedmont -Negotiations between England and France opened at Lisle-Moderation of England -They are broken off by the vehemence and arrogance of France-Progress of the Negotiations at Udina- Terms are at length agreed to-Simulated arrogance and real fears of Napoleon-His Secret Motives for signing this Treaty-The Directory had forbid the Spoliation of Venice--Its Infamy rests exclusively on Napoleon-Terms of the Treaty of Campo Formio-Its Secret Articles-Horror excited at Venice by the Publication of the Treaty-Great Sensation excited by this event in Europe-Infamous Conduct of Napoleon in this Transaction-Important light which it throws upon his Character-Atrocious Conduct of Austria-Weakness of the Venetian Aristocracy— Insanity of the Democratic Party-Striking Contrast exhibited at the same period by the Nobility and People of England.

THE year 1797 was far from realizing the brilliant Russia re- prospects which Mr Pitt had formed for the campaign, and which the recent alliance with the Empress Catemplated tharine had rendered so likely to be fulfilled. The death of that great princess, who, alone with the British statesmen, appreciated the full extent of the danger, and the necessity of vigorous measures to counteract it, dissolved all the projected armaments. The Emperor Paul, who succeeded her, countermanded the great levy of a hundred and fifty thousand men, which she had ordered for the French war; and so far from evincing any disposition to mingle in the contentions of Southern Europe, seemed absorbed only in the domestic concerns of his vast empire. Prussia was still neutral, and it was ascertained that a considerable time must elapse before the veterans of the Archduke could be drawn from the Upper Rhine

XXIII.

to defend the Alpine frontier of the Hereditary CHAP. States. Every thing, therefore, conspired to indicate, that, by an early and vigorous effort, a fatal blow 1797. might be struck at the heart of the Austrian power, 1 Th. ix. before the resources of the monarchy could be collected 49, Jom. to repel it.1

1

x. 12.

the Direc

and Delmas

leon.

Aware of the necessity of commencing operations early in spring, Napoleon had in the beginning of the Plans of preceding winter urged the Directory to send him tory. powerful reinforcements, and put forth the strength of Bernadotte the Republic in a quarter where the barriers of the join NapoImperial dominions were already in a great measure overcome. Every thing indicated that that was the most vulnerable side on which the enemy could be assailed; but the jealousy of the government prevented them from placing the greater part of their forces at the disposal of so ambitious and enterprising a general as the Italian conqueror. Obstinately adhering to the plan of Carnot, which all the disasters of the preceding campaign had not taught them to distrust, they directed Hoche to send his forces to the army of the Sambre and Meuse, of which he received the command, while large reinforcements were also dispatched to the army of the Rhine; the plan being to open the campaign with two armies of eighty thousand each in Germany, acting independent of each other, and on a parallel and far distant line of operations. The divisions of Bernadotte and Delmas, above twenty thousand strong, were sent from the Rhine to strengthen the Army of Italy. These brave men crossed the Alps in the depth of winter. In ascending Mont Cenis, a violent snow-storm arose, and the guides recommended a halt; but the officers ordered the drums to beat and the charge to sound, and they faced the