#aleksander walewski

The Emperor placed Mme Walewska's son next to him; he was very good at first, but that didn't last, and as his mother was scolding him, the Emperor said:

"Aren't you afraid of the whip? Well, I urge you to be: I felt it only once, but have remembered it always." He told how this had happened: "My grandmother was quite old and stooped, and seemed to me and to Pauline like an old fairy godmother. She walked with a cane, and her affection for us always led her to bring us candy; this didn't prevent us from walking behind her and mimicking her. Unfortunately she noticed this and complained to Madame, telling her she was raising us without any respect for grandparents. Although she loved us very much, Madame put up with no nonsense, and I saw that I was in for it. Pauline got hers first, because skirts are easier to pull up than pants are to unbutton and pull down. That evening she tried to get me, but in vain; I thought I would get off scot-free. The next morning she pushed me away when I tried to kiss her, but I had forgotten all about it when during the day Madame said to me: 'Napoléone, you are invited to lunch at the governor's house, go get dressed!' I went upstairs, quite happy at the idea of lunching with officers, and got undressed rapidly.

But Madame was like a cat waiting for a mouse; she suddenly entered my room, closing the door behind her. I realized the trap into which i had fallen, but it was too late, I had to submit to the spanking." And as the child had listened with great care, the Emperor said to him: "Well, what do you think of that?"

Yesterday, I luckily discovered that on 4rd may it is Aleksander Walewski’s birthday (don’t judge me I have dyscalculia so I have a hard time remembering anything number related)

So, Happy birthday Alexander Walewski…!

+ a meme I made months ago

(English Translation)

June 22, 1843:

Mr. Count

You are this pretty little Alexander that I saw, almost 29 years ago on the Emperor's lap, near the Madonna delle grazie on the island of Elba; I took the liberty of coming to remember your memory. Please accept the expression of the high consideration with which I say to myself,

Mr. Count

Your very humble and devoted servant Dtr Foureau de Beauregard 1st doctor of the Emperor Napoleon in 1814 and 1815".

{Preface: À Monsieur

Napoléon’s granddaughter the Countess Elise Joséphine Marie Colonna-Walewska (who was married to Count Félix de Bourqueney). Eldest Daughter of count Alexandre and Marie (Ann) Walewska.

The photograph, taken at Piazza Frescobaldi in Florence in Federigo Guidi’s studio, at the masquerade ball held at the Strozzi residence on February 9, 1875. According to the February 10 chronicles in “La Nation,” the event featured Countess Marie Anne Walewska, née de’ Ricci, who was accompanied by her daughter (Elise) dressed in a bizarre harvester costume.

The Last Mission and death of the Count Alexandre Walewski

In September 1868, Count Alexandre Walewski, aged 58, left his Villa d’Amphion on Lake Geneva with his wife and eldest daughter Elise, bound ultimately for Paris. Emperor Napoléon III was expecting him for a meeting of critical importance.

Newspapers at the time reported that the former Foreign Minister was tasked with a confidential mission to Germany. Some claimed he was headed to Munich, others that he was returning from there. Regardless, his mission—centered on the growing threat of Prussia—was real.

Two years earlier, following the Battle of Sadowa, Walewski had warned the Emperor that war with Prussia was inevitable. In anticipation, he was to sound out Bavaria—and possibly Württemberg—on the prospect of remaining neutral, potentially through territorial concessions.

Some even speculated that Walewski was poised to come out of retirement and reenter public life, perhaps with a return to the Quai d’Orsay. The city of Strasbourg was a planned stop on his journey. He arrived at the station at 5:15 p.m. and was driven with his family to their hotel. Walewski appeared in good health, though his wife was visibly fatigued. After carrying her up the stairs to their apartment and settling her on a the couch, he moved into another room to read newly arrived dispatches.

Moments later, he cried out: “A glass of water, for me—a doctor, quickly!” His daughter Elisa rushed in, but it was too late. Count Walewski collapsed and died almost instantly of a brain haemorrhage, just minutes after arriving. Doctors tried in vain to revive him. An autopsy confirmed the sudden nature of his death, occurring between 5:15 and 5:30 p.m.

"Madam, the Duke of Frioul shows me a letter by which I see that you have not received the one where I let you know all the pleasure I had felt with the news your brother brought. If your health is well recovered, I want you to come to Paris at the end of the fall where I really want to see you. Never doubt my interest in you and the feelings that you know me.~September 3, 1810. "

November 26, 1860

Dear Count, You have been busy accomplishing such excellent things in recent days that I did not dare to disturb you. You know that from afar, and even close by, my best hopes and my most ardent wishes follow you along the path you are pursuing so courageously.

However, I do not want to delay any longer in shaking your hand and congratulating you. For all that you have already done and for the happy results you are achieving.

When you wish to see me, let me know, and I am certain that you will not cease to treat me as an old friend. Your devoted,

~Metternich

Paris, August 20, 1864

My dear Count, I deeply regret not being able to shake your hand before leaving. I must be in Vienna on Monday, so I will have to set out this evening.

The Countess, to whom I took the liberty of recommending Fabien, has been kind and generous to this good man, for which I am very grateful to her. She asked him why I was laughing. It is a purely platonic friendship, I assure you, for he is quite unfaithful and stays out late after university whenever the opportunity arises. Nevertheless, i cannot deny that he is a man of science, with talent, a pleasant character, and, above all, a diplomat who, I am convinced, would be of great service to his government.

And I believe he would be happy under your protection. My last conversation with the Emperor had some positive results, mainly in securing my minister's confidence in His Majesty's best Please keep me in your good friendship, my dear Count; i value it greatly. You have no doubt of my deep gratitude for your kindness, your perfect and unwavering amiability in this matter. A thousand regards to the Countess, and goodbye. ~Metternich