February 9th, 1801, Republic of France, Lunéville.
Joseph Bonaparte's carriage rolled to a stop outside the Treaty House in Lunéville. It was a sunny afternoon, and the air was crisp. French soldiers were stationed around the building, along with a group of Austrian guards. Their job was simple: protect the important people from both countries who were here to sign a treaty ending the war.
Napoleon had chosen Joseph to sign the treaty on behalf of the French Republic because he was occupied with various responsibilities as the First Consul of France. Additionally, sending Joseph to sign the treaty added a personal touch and signified the importance of the treaty to Napoleon, aiming to convey sincerity and genuineness to the Austrian Empire.
"Your Excellency," one of the French troops tasked with protecting Joseph called. "The representative of the Austrian Empire is now waiting for you in the drawing room inside the Treaty House."
Joseph nodded, acknowledging the soldier's words. Stepping out of the carriage, he adjusted his coat and walked towards the entrance of the Treaty House.
In the drawing-room, he saw the representative of the Austrian Empire sitting across a large wooden table with a composed demeanor.
"Your Excellency," the Austrian representative greeted with a nod and walked towards him. He extended his hand offering a handshake. "I'm Count Ludwig von Cobenzl, The Austrian Empire Minister of Foreign Affairs."
"Joseph Bonaparte, the Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France," Joseph introduced himself before accepting Cobenzl's offer of a handshake. "
"I wonder, what is your relationship with His Illustrious Highness, Philipp von Cobenzl?" Joseph added." He is the diplomat who signed the Treaty of Campo Formio along with my brother, Napoleon."
"Ah!" Cobenzl exclaimed softly. "Philipp is my cousin…how should I address you?"
"Joseph will do just fine," Joseph replied with a congenial smile. "It appears that diplomatic service runs in your family, Count Cobenzl."
Cobenzl chuckled lightly. "Indeed, it seems to be a family tradition. Now, shall we proceed with the business at hand?"
Joseph nodded, taking his seat at the table. "Certainly. We are here to put an end to the conflict that has plagued our nations and to establish terms that will bring about a lasting peace."
Cobenzl leaned forward, his expression serious. "Agreed."
As they delved into the discussions, the atmosphere shifted from formal pleasantries to the pragmatism of negotiation. The two representatives discussed terms, boundaries, and the allocation of resources. Behind the scenes, a team of diplomats meticulously drafted the treaty that would spell out the agreement between the nations.
Hours passed as the discussions continued. Points of contention were addressed, compromises were made, and a sense of progress began to take shape.
Five o'clock in the afternoon, the discussions drew to a close, and Joseph and Cobenzl exchanged a final nod of mutual understanding. The terms had been agreed upon, and the moment had come to formalize the agreement.
The terms were similar to the Treaty of Lunéville with some minor changes with Veneto being ceded to France, a state which will join the Italian Republic when Napoleon establishes it in the future.
"It appears we have reached an accord," Cobenzl said.
Joseph nodded in agreement. "Yes, Count Cobenzl. Let us finalize this for the sake of both our nations."
With that, Joseph took a pen and signed the document. After that, he passed the document to Count Cobenzl, who added his signature beside Joseph's. The ink dried quickly on the paper, sealing the fate of nations and marking the end of two years of conflict.
As simple as that, the Austrian Empire now ended its participation in the Second War of the Coalition.
Joseph and Cobenzl exchanged one last handshake before heading their separate ways.
Outside the Treaty House, the soldiers from both sides continued to stand guard, waiting for an update from their representatives.
Joseph and Cobenzl exited the Treaty House and there, Joseph glanced at the French troops, who looked back at him expectantly.
"Soldiers of France! The peace treaty has been signed, ending the war between our nations," Joseph announced with a clear voice.
Upon saying that, the French troops raised their musket rifles and cheered. Meanwhile, the Austrian troops looked defeated, dejected, and depressed. They could only watch in envy as the French soldiers celebrated the news.
Joseph's gaze shifted to Count Cobenzl, who stood among his compatriots. The Austrian minister's face was a mask of defeat, but he maintained his composure despite the situation. He had fulfilled his duty as a diplomat, negotiating the best possible terms for his country.
"I need to go back to Versailles as soon as possible," Joseph muttered under his breath before walking towards his carriage.
Joseph climbed into his carriage, ready to return to Paris and report the successful outcome of the negotiations to Napoleon.
***
The French Republic railway lines already connected eighty-five percent of the country by 1801, making travel faster and more efficient. Joseph's journey back to Paris was no exception. It took the steam locomotive five hours to cover the distance that would have taken horse-drawn carriage days.
It was nine o'clock in the evening and Joseph was mesmerized at the radiant glow of the city of Versailles. The night was alive with construction workers working to complete the ambitious projects that were transforming the city. Electric trams glided along the tracks, carrying passengers to various destinations. Life in the city changed dramatically.
As much as he could stare at it for long, he has a duty that couldn't wait. So, he headed towards the Palace of Versailles.
Arriving at the Palace of Versailles, Joseph stepped out of the carriage and made his way to Napoleon's office. Outside Napoleon's office, he was blocked by Beaumont.
"I'm sorry, Your Excellency but Napoleon is still in the middle of the meeting with the Finance Minister," Beaumont informed with a respectful tone.
Joseph's expression remained determined. "This is urgent news that couldn't wait, Beaumont. I need to speak with Napoleon immediately. It's about the peace treaty with the Austrians."
Beaumont hesitated for a moment, his eyes assessing Joseph's seriousness. Without further delay, he nodded.
"Very well, Your Excellency. I will inform Napoleon of your arrival."
Beaumont entered Napoleon's office and informed Napoleon of Joseph's arrival. He quickly received his orders from Napoleon and stepped outside.
"The First Consul granted you permission to enter," Beaumont said as he held the door open for Joseph.
Joseph wasted no time and entered the office, finding Napoleon engrossed in a conversation with a man Joseph recognized as the Finance Minister, Necker.
"So, the heavy industry in France has risen another forty-seven percent from last year? This is huge progress…" Napoleon paused as he noticed Joseph.
"Oh, Joseph! Come on here," Napoleon beckoned with a slight smile, interrupting his conversation with Necker.
Joseph walked briskly into the room. He came to the point without a preamble.
"Napoleon, I bring significant news from Lunéville. The Austrians have signed the peace treaty, officially ending the war."
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