PARIS — SERIOUS INCIDENTS ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE CAPITAL
Fellow citizens,
March 31 of this year will go down in the nation’s history as a day marked by circumstances that were as painful as they were unexpected.
Yesterday, in the early hours of the morning, the coalition forces—comprising Russian, Prussian, and Austrian armies—engaged in battle on the outskirts of our capital. Despite the exemplary bravery of our troops and the heroic resistance mounted on the heights of Montmartre, the enemy, superior in numbers, managed to breach Paris’s defenses.
In the interest of protecting the population and to spare the city from irreparable destruction, the authorities agreed to an honorable surrender later that day.
As a result, foreign troops entered Paris peacefully, with no major disturbances reported so far.
His Majesty the Emperor, occupied with directing military operations in the provinces, was unable to reach the capital in time to personally lead the defense. However, everyone is well aware of his steadfast character and his unwavering devotion to the Fatherland.
The government is calling on citizens to remain calm, act with dignity, and uphold public order. Now more than ever, the nation must stand united in the face of this crisis.
Fellow French citizens, let us remain confident in France’s future.
Long live the Emperor. Long live the Nation.
