Marmont's convention,
and those which had followed himself from Troyes, nearly 50,000 men
were once more assembled around Fontainebleau; and with such support
Napoleon was not yet so humbled as to fear hazarding a blow, despite all
the numerical superiority of the Allies.

When, however, he retired to the chateau, after the review, he was
followed by his Marshals, and respectfully, but firmly, informed, that
if he refused to negotiate on the basis of his personal abdication, and
persisted in risking an attack on Paris, they would not accompany him.
He paused for a moment in silence--and a long debate ensued. The
statements and arguments which he heard finally prevailed; and Napoleon
drew up, and signed, in language worthy of the solemn occasion, this
act:--

_The Allied powers having proclaimed that the Emperor Napoleon is
the sole obstacle to the re-establishment of peace in Europe, he,
faithful to his oath, declares that he is ready to descend from the
throne, to quit France, and even to relinquish life, for the good
of his country; which is inseparable from the rights of his Son,
from those of the Regency in the person of the Empress, and from
the maintenance of the laws of the Empire. Done at our Palace of
Fontainebleau, April the 4th, 1814. NAPOLEON._

Buonaparte appointed Caulaincourt to bear this document to Paris on his
behalf; and the Marshals proposed that Ney should accompany him as their
representative. It was suggested that Marmont also should form part of
the deputation; but he was in command of the advanced division at
Essonne, and Macdonald was named in his stead. These officers now
desired to know on what stipulations, as concerned the Emperor
personally, they were to insist. "On none," he answered; "obtain the
best terms you can for France--for myself I ask nothing."

Hitherto nothing could be more composed or dignified than his demeanour.
He now threw himself on a sofa, hid his countenance for some minutes,
and then starting up with that smile which had so often kindled every
heart around him into the flame of onset, exclaimed--"Let us march, my
comrades; let us take the field once more."

The answer was silence and some tears; and he, also in silence,
dismissed the messengers and the assemblage.

Caulaincourt, Ney and Macdonald immediately commenced their journey; and
on reaching Essonne received intelligence which quickened their speed.
Victor, and many