Страница 5 из 169
All the while Napoleon carefully scrutinised the regular intelligence reports sent to him by Davout. As soon as the threat to Vie
Early in May, the spires and roofs of the Austrian capital came within sight of the French army and Napoleon gave the order for the artillery to prepare to bombard Vie
‘I wonder what they want?’ Berthier mused as he raised his telescope and watched them cautiously approach the French pickets. He turned to his Emperor. ‘Maybe they want to sue for peace already.’
‘I would hope so,’ Napoleon replied. ‘But if they intend to defend Vie
‘Have them brought to the main battery,’ Napoleon instructed Berthier.‘I’ll meet them there. Might as well let them see what they can expect if they fail to meet my demands.’
‘Yes, sire.’ Berthier nodded and wheeled his horse away to carry out the order. Napoleon turned his gaze from the approaching horsemen to the defences of the city beyond. There were a handful of forts guarding the approaches to Vie
Half an hour later Napoleon, together with Berthier and a squadron of Guard cavalry, rode into the main battery to meet the enemy deputation. On either side the line of twelve-pounders stretched out across the Austrian countryside. Fifty yards behind them lay the caissons, loaded with powder and shot, ready to feed the guns when they opened fire on Vie
‘What is the purpose of your presence here?’
‘Sire, I represent the mayor of Vie
‘Your name?’
‘Baron Karinsky, sire.’
‘Tell me what your master wants.’
‘Yes, sire. He wishes to discuss terms for the surrender of Vie
‘Vie
‘As far as I understand, sire.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘His imperial majesty and the court have left the city, sire. The mayor was left in charge with orders to defend it for as long as is practicable.’
‘Then this offer relates to Vie
‘Indeed, sir.’
‘There is no intention on the part of Emperor Francis to discuss an armistice?’
‘Not as far as I am aware.’
Berthier exchanged a look with Napoleon, who let out a brief sigh of frustration before he continued addressing Karinsky.
‘So why is the mayor preparing to discuss surrender before we have fired a single shot?’
The Austrian gestured towards the city. ‘The garrison has already withdrawn from the walls, sire. On the orders of Archduke Charles. All that remains is the militia. Accordingly, the mayor has determined that he ca
‘Where is the garrison now?’ Napoleon snapped.
‘They have retreated across the Danube.’
Napoleon stared at the man briefly. ‘And the bridges are intact?’
The man lowered his eyes as he replied. ‘They were when I left the city, sire.’
Napoleon turned to Berthier. ‘Send a cavalry division forward. Tell Bessiиres I want his men to take those bridges at once. We must have access to the far bank if we are to—’
He was interrupted by a faint roar and looked towards Vie
‘They’ve blown the bridges,’ Berthier said quietly.
Napoleon nodded, and glared at Baron Karinsky. ‘Tell the mayor Vie
Karinsky shook his head. ‘Sire, I am not authorised to negotiate with you. My master simply sent me here to invite you to speak with him.’
‘There is nothing to say. There will be no negotiations. Tell him that I demand he surrender, and that if he fails to do so then the death and destruction that I will rain down on Vie
The Austrian opened his mouth to protest but Napoleon took out his watch and glanced down briefly. ‘It is now just gone eleven o’clock. If the city has not surrendered by noon I will order the guns to open fire. It would be wise of you to waste no time in informing the mayor of my terms.’
Karinsky frowned and then abruptly turned his horse about and spurred it into a gallop as he headed back down the road to Vie
As soon as the gates of Vie
Napoleon gazed at the bridges with a heavy heart. The enemy would be safe until the French could find another way across the river.
General Bertrand had finished surveying the bridges and the Austrian forces beyond, and clicked his tongue. ‘It would be suicide to attempt any repairs, sire.’
‘I can see that for myself,’ Napoleon replied testily. ‘If we can’t cross here, then we must find somewhere else.’
‘Yes, sire.’ Bertand nodded thoughtfully as he removed his hat and scratched the thin strands of hair plastered to his skull. ‘The main problem is the current. As you can see, the river flows quickly, particularly at this time of year. Any sudden storms can only make matters worse. If there is a sudden flood, then our pontoons could be carried away.’