Laurent de Gouvion Saint-Cyr was born on April 13th, 1764, in Toul, France. Growing up during a time of political unrest, his early life was marked by the aftermath of the Seven Years' War and the looming specter of revolution. As he came of age, Saint-Cyr's natural talents for military strategy and leadership became evident, earning him a place at the Royal Military School in Paris.
The events of 1789, including the storming of the Bastille, ignited Saint-Cyr's own evolution. He embraced the revolutionary ideals and aligned himself with the newly established Republic. Climbing the ranks, he exhibited dedication and tactical prowess in the midst of the tumultuous era.
He is a staunch Republican and did not support Napoleon's decision on becoming an emperor. For him, it was a betrayal of the revolutionary ideals and wasting a decade-long effort of establishing a Republic. However, over time, he acknowledged Napoleon's exceptional military abilities and the relative stability he brought to France.
Napoleon looked at Saint-Cyr for a moment. There's no doubt about his military skills as he was one of the finest generals France had. He wanted Saint-Cyr to support him should he decide to become emperor, that way, he can use him to expand the empire in the making.
"Saint-Cyr," Napoleon said. "I don't possess an extensive dossier on your military career. Perhaps you could enlighten me on the battles you've been engaged in prior to our meeting?"
Saint-Cyr stood straight. "Certainly, Your Excellency. I have served in various campaigns throughout my career. One of my earliest experiences was during the Revolutionary Wars, where I participated in the Battle of Fleurus in 1794. Later, I played a key role in the Rhine Campaigns, particularly in the battles of Mannheim and Stockach in 1799. My experience also extends to Italy, where I contributed to the campaigns of 1796 and 1799."
"Not only that, Your Excellency," Talleyrand interjected. "Saint-Cyr here briefly commanded the Army of Italy."
Napoleon's attention shifted momentarily to Talleyrand before returning to Saint-Cyr. "Impressive indeed," he remarked. "Your track record suggests that you have encountered a range of challenges and emerged successful."
Saint-Cyr's expression remained composed as he continued. "Thank you, Your Excellency. I have always striven to apply my knowledge and skills effectively in service of the Republic."
"Well, perfect timing because the Republic of France needs your expertise once again," Napoleon interjected.
Saint-Cyr met Napoleon's gaze directly, his posture unwavering. "Your Excellency, I stand ready to serve."
Napoleon's lips quirked in a measured smile. "So what do you know about the Kingdom of Portugal?"
Your Excellency, the Kingdom of Portugal is situated on the Iberian Peninsula, sharing borders with Spain. Historically, it has had close ties to Britain, leading to a strategic alliance that could potentially work against our interests."
Napoleon nodded, his expression grave. "Precisely. Portugal's alignment with the British poses a challenge to our ambitions in Europe. We need to neutralize that influence. Since Talleyrand had recommended you to me and you seemed to be a fine general, I'm giving you a command to lead an army, march down to the Iberian Peninsula along with our Spanish allies, and together enter the Portuguese territory. Of course, that is if the Kingdom of Portugal rejects our ultimatum."
"Your Excellency, I accept the responsibility. If it comes to military action, I will lead our forces to execute the campaign effectively."
Napoleon's smile held a sense of approval. "Good. Now, Talleyrand, how long would it take for the Kingdom of Portugal to receive the ultimatum?"
"With your orders, within a day or two via telegraph," Talleyrand replied.
"Okay, do it immediately. I want to end this quickly before we invade the United Kingdom," Napoleon said.
"You are going to invade the United Kingdom?" Saint-Cyr raised a brow.
"That's correct Saint-Cyr, Why? Do you have any problems with it?"
"Of course none, Your Excellency. It's just that I wanted to participate in the invasion. I hate the British," Saint-Cyr explained.
Napoleon chuckled. "Of course you do. But unfortunately, I already selected the Generals who will be coming with me. As for the task at hand," Napoleon continued, his tone becoming more serious, "leading the campaign in Portugal is a crucial assignment. We defeat Portugal or have them accept our ultimatum, the British are no more."
Saint-Cyr processed Napoleon's words, recognizing their significance. The impending campaign in Portugal held ramifications far beyond tactical conquest; it bore the potential to recalibrate the power equilibrium across Europe. A growing realization settled in, affirming that triumph in this mission could profoundly shift the balance in favor of France and its ambitions.
***
Two days later, at the Ribeira Palace in Lisbon, Her Majesty, Dona Maria I, was in her bedroom with her ladies-in-waiting who were meticulously attending to her.
A soft knock echoed through the chamber, and the grand doors creaked open to reveal an attendant bearing a sealed letter, stamped with the emblems of France and Spain. The attendant bowed respectfully and presented the missive on a silver tray, offering it to the queen.
"Your Majesty, a letter for you."
Maria's eyes narrowed as she regarded the official seals on the envelope. A sense of foreboding settled over her. She took the letter from the silver tray and broke the seal and unfolded the message.
[Your Majesty,
We write to you with a grave matter that necessitates your immediate attention. The political landscape of Europe is shifting, and the actions of nations hold the power to shape its future course. It is in this spirit that we address you, seeking a resolution through diplomacy before any further escalation.
The Kingdom of Portugal's close alignment with the British Empire has not gone unnoticed. While each sovereign nation has the right to cultivate alliances, we must emphasize that the ties between Portugal and Britain threaten the stability and peace of the continent. This alliance has the potential to disrupt the equilibrium of power and sow discord among nations.
We are not blind to the complexities of international relations, nor do we seek to undermine the sovereignty of Portugal. However, as leaders of France and Spain, we bear the responsibility to safeguard the interests of our nations and ensure the harmony of Europe. It is with this intention that we extend an ultimatum, an opportunity for resolution through peaceful means.
The ultimatum is as follows:
1. The Kingdom of Portugal must immediately sever its military and political ties with the British Empire. This includes the termination of any existing alliances, treaties, and military cooperation.
2. Portugal shall declare its neutrality in any conflicts involving the British Empire or any potential conflicts that may arise due to its previous alliances.
3. The Kingdom of Portugal shall refrain from engaging in any trade or economic transactions with the British Empire. This measure is necessary to prevent further reinforcement of the alliance between Portugal and Britain.
4. Portugal shall open negotiations for a new agreement with France and Spain, one that promotes regional stability and cooperation while respecting the independence of all nations involved.]
May wisdom and reason guide your decisions in these critical times.
Sincerely,
[Napoleon Bonaparte]
[First Consul of the Republic of France]
[Manuel de Godoy]
[Prime Minister of Kingdom of Spain]
]
Maria clicked her tongue after reading the ultimatum. Rejection of the ultimatum would mean war with France and Spain, but accepting it would mean ceding the sovereignty of her country to France. She was well aware of the delicate balance she needed to maintain. She didn't want Portugal to become a mere puppet of France, a godless nation.
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