Davous's letter to Wellington and Blücher, 30 June 1815

Headquarters, La Villette, June 30, 1815.

My Lord,

Your hostile movements continue, although, according to the Declarations of the Allied Sovereigns, the motives of the War which they make upon us no longer exist; since the Emperor Napoleon has abdicated.

At the moment when blood is again on the point of flowing, I receive from Marshal the Duke of Albufera a telegraphic despatch, of which I transmit you a copy. My Lord, I guarantee this Armistice on my honour. All the reasons you might have had to continue hostilities are destroyed; because you can have no other instruction from your Government than that which the Austrian Generals had from theirs.

I make the formal demand to your Excellency of ceasing all hostilities, and of our proceeding to agree to an Armistice, according to the decision of Congress. I cannot believe, my Lord, that my request will be ineffectual; you will take upon yourself a great responsibility in the eyes of your fellow countrymen.

No other motive but that of putting an end to the effusion of blood, and the interests of my country, has dictated this letter.

If I present myself on the Field of Battle, with the idea of your talents, I shall carry the conviction of there combating for the most sacred of causes — that of the defence and independence of my country; and, whatever may be the result, I shall merit your esteem.


 * Accept, &c.,
 * The Marshal Prince of Eckmühl,
 * Minister at War.