Josephine and Napoleon

Much is known about the love that Napoleon felt for his dear Josephine because of the heartfelt love letters he sent to her as he journeyed far and long waging battles in the name of his country. Josephine, his first wife, was six years his senior when they took to one another. Her given name was Rose but because Napoleon so disliked the name she further more went by Josephine. Having married in March of 1796 he soon went off to war and she stayed behind waiting for letter after letter that he sent to her professing his love. Despite their love for one another each strayed from the marriage. Even after their infidelities Napoleon and Josephine were coronated as Emperor and Empress of France in 1804. She was forever known as Empress at Napoleon’s behest even after their divorce in 1810. The love they shared and the problems they faced could not overcome his need for an heir. Not able to bear children forced the divorce so that Napoleon could marry again so he could supply an heir to the crown. Through it all he loved her as he always had as illustrated in this love letter from February 23, 1796 sent sometime in between his proposal of marriage and their wedding day. What follows is one of the many letters that Napoleon sent his love Josephine from the book Napoleon’s Letters to Josephine by Henry Foljambe Hall.

1796. February 23rd.
Seven o’clock in the morning
My waking thoughts are all of thee. Your portrait and the remembrance of last night’s delirium have robbed my senses of repose. Sweet and incomparable Josephine, what an extraordinary influence you have over my heart. Are you vexed? do I see you sad? are you ill at ease? My soul is broken with grief, and there is no rest for your lover. But is there more for me when, delivering ourselves up to the deep feelings which master me, I breathe out upon your lips, upon your heart, a flame which burns me up-ah, it was this past night I realised that your portrait was not you. You start at noon; I shall see you in three hours. Meanwhile, mio dolce amor, accept a thousand kisses but give me none, for they fire my blood.

N.B.
A Madame Beauharnais

‘Josephine & Napolean’ by egleasondesign

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