The Emperor is here seen pointing a cannon. This was not the first occasion on which he had served a piece of artillery. It has been asserted by some that he was an admirable marksman, while others have maintained the contrary. At Montereau all the ardor of youth seemed to revive within him, and his military genius appeared as vigorous as in his early engagements.

On the 18th of February, 1814, General Briancks had taken his position with two divisions of Austrians, and two of Wirtemburgians, upon the heights before Montereau, covering the bridges of the city. General Chateau attacked him in vain, and was obliged to retire. The troops commanded by General Gerard kept up the fighting all the morning. Napoleon arrived on the field of battle, and immediately attacked the heights, and the effect of these successive charges was to drive the enemy with a loss of nine thousand men, in every direction. The French filed over the bridges which the Allies had not been able to destroy.

This series of unexpected triumphs revived the hopes of Napoleon. Instead of the doubtful battle which he would willingly have avoided, he had won four memorable victories: namely—those of Mormant, Valjouan, Montmirail, and Montereau.

At the close of the last decisive combat, Napoleon observed “My heart is satisfied. I will return to defend the capital of my Empire.”