School volunteered to serve at the great guns, and the
artillery was, though not numerous, well arranged, and in gallant hands.

The French defence, in spite of all the previous disasters, and of the
enormous superiority of the enemy's numbers, was most brave: but by two
o'clock the Allies had completely beaten them at all points, except only
at Montmartre, where they were rapidly making progress. Marmont then
sent several aides-de-camp to request an armistice, and offer a
capitulation. One only of his messengers appears to have reached the
headquarters of the sovereigns--and both the Czar and King of Prussia
immediately professed their willingness to spare the city, provided the
regular troops would evacuate it. Blucher, meanwhile, continued pressing
on at Montmartre, and shortly after four, the victory being completed in
that direction, the French cannon were turned on the city, and shot and
shells began to spread destruction within its walls. The capitulation
was drawn up at five o'clock, close to the barrier St. Denis.

King Joseph showed himself on horseback among the troops early in the
morning; but was not visible after the attack began. At one o'clock he
received a message from Marmont, requesting reinforcements. "Where am I
to find them?" answered he--"is your horse a good one?" The aide-de-camp
answered in the affirmative. "Then follow me," said Joseph; and without
further ceremony began his journey to Blois.[66]

We must now turn to Napoleon. It was not until the 27th that he
distinctly ascertained the fact of both the allied armies having marched
directly on Paris. He instantly resolved to hasten after them, in hopes
to arrive on their rear, ere yet they had mastered the heights of
Montmartre; nor did his troops refuse to rush forward once more at his
bidding. He had to go round by Doulevent and Troyes, because the direct
route was utterly wasted, and could not furnish food for his men. At
Doulevent he received a billet from La Vallette, his Post-Master
General, in these terms: "The partisans of the stranger are making head,
seconded by secret intrigues. The presence of the Emperor is
indispensable--if he desires to prevent his capital from being delivered
to the enemy. There is not a moment to be lost." Urging his advance
accordingly with renewed eagerness--Buonaparte reached Troyes on the
night of the 29th--his men having marched fifteen leagues since the
daybreak. On the 30th, Macdonald in vain attempted