Proclamation to the Grande Armée After Austerlitz
Issued on December 3, 1805, the day after Napoleon's decisive victory over the Austro-Russian armies at the Battle of Austerlitz.
Full Transcript
Soldiers! I am pleased with you. In the battle of Austerlitz, you have justified what I expected from your intrepidity; you have decorated your eagles with immortal glory.
An army of one hundred thousand men, commanded by the Emperors of Russia and Austria, has been, in less than four hours, either cut off or dispersed. What escaped your arms has been drowned in the lakes.
Forty colors, the standards of the Imperial Guard of Russia, one hundred and twenty pieces of cannon, twenty generals, and more than thirty thousand prisoners are the result of this day, forever memorable.
When all that is necessary to secure the happiness and prosperity of our country is accomplished, I will lead you back to France. There you will be the object of my tenderest solicitude.
My people will receive you with joy, and it will be enough for you to say, ‘I was at the Battle of Austerlitz,’ for everyone to answer, ‘There is a brave man!’
Defining Key Excerpts
"Soldiers! I am pleased with you. You have decorated your eagles with immortal glory."
"It will be enough for you to say, 'I was at the Battle of Austerlitz,' for everyone to answer, 'There is a brave man!'"
Bring this Speech to your Wall
Get this historic speech professionally typeset, printed on structured canvas, and delivered in a solid wood frame.