Coca Cola: and you all thought that the effervescent drink was of American origin! Well, think again, because Le Vin Mariani came first. The product was invented by a Corsican, Angelo (Ange-François) Mariani (1838-1914) from Pero-Casevecchie and based on a secret recipe from Peruvian coca. It was known as 'a popular French tonic wine that 'fortifies and refreshes body & brain; restores health & vitality'. It was also described as 'old folks' milk'. It was recommended for hoarseness, 'flu, the pangs of childbirth, nervous prostration, tummy troubles and general debility. The product went on sale in 1870 and lasted until the turn of the century. Mr Mariani was well aware of brand identity and used one poster to promote his product worldwide. Charles Corbin, the French ambassador to Madrid, when asked how Europe could be unified, replied, 'but under the name of Mariani, of course'. There is a new book out that tells his story (in French) - Vin Mariani - l'histoire de la première boisson à la coca, by Jean-Michel and Toussaint Alessandri, published by Stamperia Samarcelli at 190F (or call 06 15 56 67 25). Now watch out Coca-Cola! The founders of Pietra beer in Corsica, Dominique and Armelle Sialelli have established a joint venture company, the Societé des Sodas Corses with a Breton partner to produce Corsica Cola. So the humble Mariani beverage has returned home!

Christopher Columbus: another 'American' of Corsican origin is Christopher Columbus. He was born in Calvi. Many other places have laid claim to him, but his birthplace was definitely in the citadel of Calvi. 

View from Calvi Citadel

It was obscured by the (then occupying) Genoese when they repatriated all the local records from their strongholds in Corsica. You can still the ruins of his house, laid waste by Lord Horatio Nelson in the Siege of Calvi in 1794. From early infancy (1947 onward) , I was taught the stories and songs of Christoforu Columbu's Calvi origins, and of the stone house there where he was raised.
 There is a book by  ex-secret serviceman René Massoni's published the  13 JANUARY 1958, entitled: "Christophe Colomb: Calvais, Corse, Génois".

His family tree is available at www.citeweb.net/tk5yp/colomb/photocc.htm.Les racines Corses de Christophe Colomb.

A good source of information on Columbus's Calvi origins is contained in the book by Joseph Chiari - Corsica, Columbus's Isle (Barrie & Rockcliff, London 1960) - he has 36 pages of documentary evidence. In this he also makes the connection with the De Mari family of Cap Corse - a claim also supported by a book by historian, Abbé R.Mattei - "Christophe Colomb Est Corse" / Éditeur : Imprimerie Siciliano, Ajaccio
Date d'édition : 1976,
Reliure : Couverture illustrée

Also: Christophe Colomb. marin corse, grand initié (ISBN : 9782702015704)
Bossa, Jean Jacques

The Francophone website of the Amiral de la Mer Océane Association is a good place to visit as well. It's devoted to Christopher Columbus (www.cristobal-colon.net/Colon/Colon_corse.htm).

The American Constitution: Pasquale Paoli wrote the Corsican constitution [circa 1760]. It was one of the inspirations for the US constitution. A useful article on the subject is available at Accedemia Corsa. If you want to know more about Pasquale himself, then visit his site at Pasquale Paoli.

Emigrants from Corsica: Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish-born physician and wealthy member of the East Florida Society in London which was formed in 1766, conceived a plan to bring colonists of Greek, Italian, Minorcan and Turkish origins to Florida in the hopes of cultivating the land. However, he also brought Corsicans.

Les maisons d'Américains

Les maisons d'Américains (Broché)

de Jean-Christophe Liccia (Auteur), Caroline Paoli (Auteur), Michel-Edouard Nigaglioni (Auteur), Pierre Chaubon (Préface)

Broché: 105 pages

Editeur : Albiana (7 septembre 2006)

Collection : Patrimoine du Cap Corse

Langue : Français

ISBN-10: 2846981744

ISBN-13: 978-2846981743

Massive emigration of Corsi to Florida in 1767!!!    (click here) 
WWII:

US Airmen in WWII: Quite a number USAF airmen who were stationed here during the war and their families have contacted Corsica Isula. One example was Tomi Smith Tomkins, who wrote from Arizona to tell of her father, whose plane came down off the coast near Piana in November 1943. After hours of swimming, he was picked up by a farmer. Lt Smith was taken care of and ultimately repatriated. Tomi wanted to contact the family who saved her dad. Corsica Isula was able to find the farmer's son, Dominique Ceccaldi, who was present when the aviator was found. Many people in the village had souvenirs of the event and were delighted to talk about them. Tomi & her husband John visited Piana for Christmas 2002.

There's a book published by Editions Albiana called 'USS Corsica, the island aircraft carrier' by Dominique Taddei all about the USAF in Corsica from December 1943-April 1945. An Edition in English is sought. If you have ideas, do contact Dominique (dtaddei @ aol.com).

In 1944, the 12th Air Force was stationed in Naples and the 57th Bomb Wing stationed at Migliacciaru in Corsica reported to it. The US Army Air Corps had up to 50 000 (yes fifty thousand!) airmen in Corsica

  A really interesting website about Radio Gunner Quentin C Kaiser and his experience in Corsica during WWII has been built by his son Don Kaiser (www.warwingsart.com/12thAirForce/57thoncorsica.html).

It has been said that Joseph Heller's Catch-22 was based on Corsica. He refers to the island of Pianosa, 8 miles south of Elba and Corsica is about 24 miles from there. Heller flew B25s in the USAF 12th Air Force in WWII and the 12th Air Force was based at Solenzara in Corsica, so maybe?

Corsican Command: a first-hand account of clandestine operations in the Western Mediterranean is a book by Patrick Whinney published in London, by Patrick Stephens, in 1989. If the subject interests you, it should be well worth reading.

US Navy in Corsica during WWII: I don't know much on this subject and would like to know more. However, the PTBs were active out of Bastia. Here is one: - it's PT 211. If you want to know more visit WWII PT Boats. These patrol torpedo boats carried out daring raids to keep the shipping lanes clear. They also rescued airmen. George Johansson wrote this to Corsica Isula: "Our Boats (nested) & support facilities (torpedo shops etc) were located there and on the quay was a welcome sight to return to. I can still hear "Mike Fox King" (da da  did did da dit   da dit da ) - the call letters of a U K Navy operating radio station in Corsica ( I was a radioman) FM  radio was new then and allowed secure plain talk  communication & was confined  line of sight between boats, nevertheless “MFK” was reassuring.." George was a crewman on a Boat that made many patros off Italy and France and participated in the invasions of Elba and southern France.

In September 2005, there was a ceremony in Bonifacio to render hommage to five crew of a B25 and a US Navy sailor whose remains had been recently recovered. the memories of Corsicans and Americans are long. It was on 10 May 1944 that Lt Fletcher's B25C5 (42-53371) was reported missing on a flight over southern Corsican crags. Franck Allegrini-Simonetti was the one who identified the the plane and its crew. Jean-Claude Albertini found the wreck and organised the ceremony. The US Navy man died also in 1944 on a beach at Cala Longa. USAF Col from the Joint POW/MIA Command in Hawaii and a journalist Armando Sabene (who had contacted JAPC via the US Embassy in Paris) errected a commemorative plaque.

Douglas Fairbanks Jr served in the US Navy at Bastia as an officer during WWII

Corsican Emigrés to the USA: Many Corsicans who have emigrated to the USA have contacted Corsica Isula. One interesting story concerns Ralph de Butler, whose grandfather participated in the liberation of Corsica in 1943. He was at the time a colonel and later went on to be a general. Ralph has been in the US for 20 years and if you want to know more about his dad, visit his website - www.geocities.com/SoHo/Museum/4597/monsieurpere.html.

Dearest Mag6nideum:

It may be 46 or 48 X or more.

I had screen shots of "Les Invalides" in Paris where both Napoleon and his brother Joseph were buried in honor. I had also genealolgies of the brothers (including Jerome and the botonist, Lucien) while in America, showing their American decendents and what they accomplished while in the United States...and what both contributed to the developement of the US-and to the opening of Egypt to the world!
All was erased; because someone at Yuku did not want one video I showed. That was years of documention and scholarly study. Eventually I will put it all back when
I open the correct box with my documents here in Corsica.....But, for the meantime, all of that is lost to John Q Public who only think of Napoleaon as the Anti-Christ...an Anglican thing
and quite prejudicial  partly due to Admiral Horatio Nelson (who, by the way, blew-up COLUMBUS'' birth-house on the Citadel of CALVI, Corsica).
To make things even worse, the popular MAX GALLO series scripted and incorporated every false legend [size, intentions, manners and order of events], fallacy and anglo-propaganda possible. Not only was it full of inaccuracies...even concerning the Pope (which he portrayed as an old, huge man...quite contrary to the agile and handsome Pope Pius VII), it degraded the whole RELIGIOUS family of the Bonapartes! I even had Vatican documentation to the contrary as to what is publicly taught in English speaking Catholic countries...
MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN (AND CORSICA):

particularly concerning the "kidnap" of Pius VI and his death in exile....
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

During Corsica's War for Independence, Letizia Romalino-Buonaparté (carrying Napoleon in her womb) proclaimed: "Bullets whistled past my ears, but I trusted in the protection of the Virgin Mary, to whom I had consecrated my unborn child...." Her husband-Carlo's brother, Napoléoné Buonaparté [whom she would name her newborn son after] was killed in the Battle of Ponte Novo, as a Corsican martyred-patriot.

CRONIN writes: "August 15 is the Feast of the Assumption, and Letizia (with her devotion to the Virgin Mary) insisted upon going to the Cathedral for High Mass. When Mass had begun, she felt the first signs of labor." Before she could reach the first floor apartment she gave birth to a son still within its caul/veil. "Later that day, a priest came from the cathedral to baptize the boy....
Napoléoné had a generous nature; and would share his toys and sweets with other children without asking for anything in return..." Letizia saw to it (in Corsican fashion) that he bathed daily..."
At he age of five, he was sent to a mixed day-school run by Nuns....Later he went to a boys day-school run by Fr. Recco. Napoléoné was especially adept in mathematics. He learned that "honor is more important than money, fidelity than self-indulgence, courage than anything else..."and a keen sense of justice was inbred into him!..."Letizia upon hearing startling news, would cross herself very quickly and murmur 'Gesu'...a habit her son picked-up!"

When Napoléoné was 9, with his uncle Guiseppe Fesche, along with his older brother, Joseph, these three [together] would be sent to college in Autun (Aix-de- Provence) under the protection of Letizia's cousin, the subdeacon of Autun Cathedral, the Abbé Varese, to study the French language and culture together, until Napoléoné's application for Military school would come through. Thereupon, before going off to military school, Letizia had him and his brother Joseph (who would study for the priesthood) blessed by the Father Superior of the Lazarist priesthood (of which the diocese of Ajaccio's Archdeacon was his father Carlo's brother, Luciano Buonaparté [his uncle])in December 1778....The Archbishop of Lyon was the step-uncle of his mother Letizia, being the uncle to her half-brother, Guiseppe Fesch....

When, as young lieutenent on leave at age 16, he returned to Corsica, Napoléoné not only brought with him a trunk-load of classical books; but, also the desire to write down the history of Corsica, organized a "Corsican National Guard" and began his task of replacing French municipal personnel in Ajaccio with Corsicans! Where his late father Carlo had a small terrace, he built a small "summer-house" for himself, where he could study in solitude and peace. He took full charge of the Buonaparté household; and made sure the family received the missing dues for the harvests and unpaid promisary notes. Little Lucien wanted to be a Priest and Joseph needed money to continue his law studies.
For the past three years, Napoléoné spent more time with his family in Corsica, than with his regiment in France. The French ultra-Royalists accused him of being a Jacobite inciting a Corsican "rebellion" against France! He was ordered back....Napoléoné did what little he could possibly do.  He left Joseph in charge, who was studying law at Pisa now [instead of the Seminary]; and returned to his regiment at Auxunne....

Background, From the pen of Ghjuvan Filipu Antolini:

Forced into exile after the defeat of Ponte Novu (marking the bloody end of the Independence of Corsica) Pasquale de'Paoli will be celebrated throughout Europe and is received by the King of England as "head of state" that he surely was.

In 1776, the United States of America declared their Independence. In 1787, Americans produced their "Constitution".

Some do not hesitate to say America was inspired by Pasquale de' Paoli. In any case, Paoli was then known and celebrated in the U.S. (paying him homage) as "a freedom fighter". [Several cities are set up bearing his name (and still exist today).]

Napolèon supported the original Constitutional Monarchy instituted by Louis XVI.  Marbeuf had a "crush" on Napoléoné's mother and promised her many things. He was welcomed into the Buonaparté Family home. (In the entrance-way is seen a dedication to him!...although Marbeuf, in reality, was not that good to Corsica at all.)  In September 1784 MARBEUF died.

Now Corsica was handled by "THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE"! Bureaucrats moved-in; France was on the brink of Bankruptcy...subsequently, the bureaucrats refused to pay Letizia Buonoparté on the use of her groves and facilities. Letizia found herself now in a bad financial situation now that Marbeuf was no longer around. The cost of living rose extremely. Corn inflated to twice what it was in 1771, by 1784. Napoléoné sought justice. He went to Paris in the Fall of  1787 to see the CONTROLLER GENERAL. He had honest figures explaining the amount the French government owed the Buonoparté Family...but added that no sum "could ever compensate for the kind of debasement a man experiences when he is made aware at every moment of his subjection."

Still, THE MINISTERY did not pay Letizia her due monies....and did not recede the ODONE property taken from the BUONAPARTé's...because one of those bureaucratic officials, a Msr. SIOVIRIS wanted the property for himself! Napoléoné took action: He wrote to the REGISTRAR of the CORSICAN STATES-GENERAL, Laurent Giubega (his own god-father). Napoléné protested strongly concerning unerergetic tribunals and officers....where the final decision lay in the hands of one man, "a stranger not only to our language and habits but also to our legal systen (instituted by Pasquale Paoli)....very envious of the luxury he has seen on the CONTINENT; and ofcourse, which his salary would not allow him to attain." Still, Napoléoné's letter had No Effect! These injustices, particularly to his mother,totally changed Napoléoné's attitude to the French in Corsica. He completrely understood Paoli's weary position. Formerly, Napoléoné accepted the French as beneficial; NOW HE SAW IT AS A OPPRESSIVE: THE FRENCH RULE IN CORSICA WAS TOTAL INJUSTICE, particularly due to the new French System. That FRENCH RULE, he decided, MUST BE ENDED AND CORSICA again be a Free Nation.

Napoléoné writes: "The present position of my country [meaning CORSICA], and the powerlessness of changing it, is a new reason for fleeing this land where duty obliges me to praise men whom virtue obliges me to hate." It took two years for Napoléoné to figure out what had to be done: Napoléoné was to write that book, of which, he for so many years thought-of. He would write a "History of Corsica", to arose the world's feelings of humanity;..and once they knew the facts, humanity would demand freedom for Corsica.

Napoléoné made Paoli his central figure; but much of his attention was focused also on the other freedom-fighters against the Genoavese, as Guglielno and Sampiero. Unfortunately, this book was never completed; but, the several chapters completed and written by him, made the distictive point that Corsica would have escaped subjection if only they they had built a strong navy. Napoléonè believed, still, that Corsica must be freed "by a strong and just man".
In late October, in Paris, he had the unfortunate experience of "engaging a lewed woman" which so repulsed him, and turned him back to the beauties and richness of Corsican culture. He was granted "a leave of absense" for the Advent and Christmas holidays.

In 1789, the French Revolution broke out with their own ideas of democracy and freedom; and when the French Revolution began in Paris, Napoléoné viewed it from the prospective of an on-looker, rather than a "French-citizen" [which technically he was]....He was abhored by the mob; but appreciated the love of liberty and self-esteem. Corsica never had the class distinctions of feudal Continental Europe; so, these affairs seemed distant. His thoughts could only run now to where his country "Corsica" would now stand, now that the Bourbon Monarchy had fallen in France. Napoleoné was skeptical to accept the new French rulers. This was reinforced by the fact that the newer French government reversed the promises given to the Buonapartè Family by the Constitutional Monarchy and Marbeuf.

Corsica had sent two deputy-representatives to the "States-Generale" and dearly hoped this would end the occupation of the "Royal-Commissioners" in Corsica. Napoléoné wanted to command the Local Militia; and Joseph desired to be an elected-official deputy! He truly had hopes now of fulfilling Paoli's dream of a free and independent nation of Corsica.
In Dec. 1789 the newly formed the "Constuent Assembly" in France declared that Corsica was no longer just a possession but a full fledged "Department of the Country of France. Napoléoné was saddened, and ordered his mother Letizia to hoist up banners: "Viva la Nationé; Viva Paoli"....

It was therefore logical that Paoli was received well, in triumph, by the Paris Convention, after a long winded speech by the young Napoléoné Buonaparté. The Marquis de Lafayette served Paoli well as a guide to Paris. Pasquale Paoli to Napoléoné: "There is nothing modern about you: You are a character out of Plutarch." So, Paoli was invited back by the DIRECTOIRE, to become the miltary Governeur of Corsica and appointed head of the Corsican National Guard and President of the General Council. Joseph received his dream; and was chosen as one of the three delegates to receive Paoli ! When Paoli returned from British exile, Paoli greeted Joseph like a long-lost son; and presented Joseph with a portrait of Paoli (that his father Carlo drew of him on the back of a playing-card) when Carlo was his First Secretary. Letizia treasured this.

From 1789-1791, Paoli only wished to preserve good relations on the Island with the French Government.

Paoli was 64 years of age; and Letizia in her mid-thirties believed Paoli was making unwarrented advances toward her! Things got very mixed-up...with Paoli believing that Napoléoné was rejecting his authority....Nothing could have been further from the truth; as Napoléoné adored Pasquale Paoli.

Napolèoné believed a HIGHER VENGEANCE at work; that over all human affairs there broods a DIVINE regulative JUSTICE! In the reforms Napoléoné wished accomplished, he saw the tragic fate of those he envisages for the reformation....BUONAPARTé wrote a 40 page essay, of which he submitted for a prize of 1200 livres offered by THE ACADEMY OF LYON in answer to the QUESTION: "What are the Most Important Truths and feelings to instill into men for their happiness?"

Napoléoné began with an epigraph: "Morality will exist when governments are free" [echoing Raynal's "Good morals depend upon good government"]. Napoléoné writes: "Man is born to be happy: Nature, an enlightened mother, has endowed him with all the organs necessary to this end. So, happiness is the enjoyment of Life in the way most suitable to man's constitution.And every man is born with a right to that part of the fruits of the earth necessary for subsitence. Paoliìs chief merit lies in having assured this."

On 'feeling', Napoléoné says that man experiences his most exquisite pleasure when he is alone at nightfall, meditating on Nature's Origin; and such sentiments would be man's most precious of gifts, among which also must be included as, LOVE OF COUNTRY, LOVE OF WIFE, and "DIVINE FRIENDSHIP". He writes: "A wife and children! A father and a mother, brothers and sisters, a friend! yet, surprisingly, some people find fault with nature, and ask why they were ever born!.... Feelings make us love what is beautiful and just; but, they also make us rebel against tyranny and evil. It is the second aspect we must try to develop and protect from perversion. The good legislator must therefore, guide feeling by reason. At the same time, he must permit complete and absolute frredom of thought, and freedom to speak and write (except where this would endanger/DAMAGE the social order. Tenderness, for instance, must not degenerate into flabbiness....It is reason which distinguishes genuine feeling from VIOLENT Passion, reason that keeps society going, reason that develops a natural feeling and makes it great: To LOVE one's country is an elementary feeling; BUT to love it above everything else is the 'love of beauty in all its energy, the pleasure of HELPING TO MAKE A WHOLE NATION happy'....But there is a perverted kind of PATRIOTISM, engendered by ambition." Napoléoné denounces this fanatical ambition, "with its pale complexion, wild-eyes, hurried footsteps, jerky jestures and sardonic laugh."....Napoleon repeastedly comments in his notebook "To what lengths can a man be driven by his passion for fame!" Napoléoné contrasts the ambitious egoist with the genuine PATRIOT: the man who lives in order to HELP OTHERS. Through courage and manly strength, the patriot attains true happiness. To live happilly and to work for others' happiness is the only religion of God. He says, what pleasure there is to die surrounded by one's children and be able to say, "I have insured the happiness of a hundred families: I have had a hard life; but the State will benefit from it. Through it, my fellow citizens live calmly; through my perplexities, they are made happy, and, through my sorrows, they are joyous."

VINCENT CRONIN

SUMS IT THUS: "This was the essay written by Second Lieutenant Buonaparté in his cramped billet in Auxonne(Auçun) between parades and sentry duty...The patriot is clearly Napoléoné himself. His aim in life is to work for others' happiness....he sees himself as a member of a greater community, working for "a hundred famiies"...and he is not now a soldier; but a civilian. Napoléoné, on 12 June 1789, wrote to General Pasquale Paoli: "I am still young, and maybe rash to undertake this: but I shall be upheld by my love of thruth, of my country and my compatriots, and by the enthusiasm I never cease to derive from the prospect of an improvement of our state...."
 
Napoléoné, who never ceased admiring Paoli, had early in 1791 requested of Pasoli to provide him with documents, in order that he could fulfill his dream of writing the true history of Corsica. ...But the misunderstanding esculated to the point where Paoli issued a legal warrant to have Napoléoné summoned to his "court"! Napoléoné and some others of his "militia" thought it was a warrant for his arrest and inprisonment...which ofcourse it was not (as all Paoli wanted to do was speak and question Napoléoné); but, this was enough to send Napoléoné and his 12 year-old brother Luigi (now known as Louis) fleeing Corsica, to Provence. Napoléoné was transferred back to Valance. Dying, great-uncle Lucciano, the Archdeacon, said to Joseph: "You may be the eldest; but mark my words, your brother Napoléoné will be head of the Buonaparté family." To Napoléoné he said, "Tu poi, Napoléoné, serai un omone;" and told him to keep an eye on Lucien...to be weary of him. In October 1791, Archdeacon Lucciano died, Guiseppi Fesch took his uncle's archdeaconite position at Ajaccio. Letizia feared Paoli and was confused to what a good Corsican patriotess should do...the French or the English! Three months later, Napoléoné was appointed Adjuntant Major of the "Corsican-Volunteers". The minister of War in Paris granted it to him! He considered resigning from the French Army, and make Corsica his career...for the cause of Life And Liberty!

Robespiere, with his "new edict of Nantes", declared war on the Roman Church by the oath required of priests November 27, 1790 the day after Christmas Federation. Its adapted declaration , stifled religious consciences, and compelled religious-opposition, in declaring war on the Roman Church, by the oath required of priests 27 November 1790 the day after Christmas Federation.
"This meeting will, in earnest, bring bishops, priests, vicars, to swear to the constitution within a week, otherwise they will be deemed to have waived their office. The mayor is held eight days later to denounce the lack of swearing. And those who, on oath, to fail, would be cited in district court and those who refused to interfere in their former office, prosecuted as disturbers."

It is the creation of "the constitutional church", the priests philosophers who confuse law and morality, the sworn priests who turn away from the Pope, to stand up against him. The fanaticism of refractory priests transform this into a heretical schism, especially in the West, Brittany and Vendée.

On 28 February 1792, Saliceti ordered the suppression of Corsican convents in Ajaccio, Bastia, Bonifacio and Corté!. In Ajaccio on 25 March, Capucins delivered Easter Communion. The receivers of Holy Communion declared it was by religious men, and not the bought "priests" of the Directory.

In San Francesco a delegation of faithful Corsicans petitioned a stay of the Orders from Saliceti. It was JOSEPH Buonaparté who ordered them home! When Napoléoné heard about this, he was angered and upset. (It is told that Paoli told Napoléoné: "go forth and be the successor of Alexander.") Napoléoné was a second lieutenant in the Artllery. Two lieutenant-colonels were to be elected for each batallion. One candidate, Quenza, qas also favored of Paoli. Napoléoné kept "open-house" for his Volunteers. He was very impressed that one decided to stay at his home. The election came the next day, at the Church in San Francesco. Matteo Pozzo di Borgo can in like a Malfia bully with arms; and Naopoléoné's followers marked him down openly with shouts and dragged him from the platform; And against the French law, Napoléoné got himself elected "lieutenant-colonel" with his Corsican Militia along with Quenza.

Joseph Buonaparte sent the company of Volunteers to Ajaccio. On 02 April 1792 they were formerly inspected by the French garrison official, Colonel Maillard. Maillard insisted that only a quarter of the Volunteers [Napoléoné included] could stay in Ajaccio, the rest, under Rossi would have to go into the interior. The "Ajaccienne division" would be given barracks just outside of Ajaccio's walls. Son fighting broke-out between the Volunteers and the Ajaccio mariners. Many families fled the city and took ship for Italian ports.

Easter Sunday, the nonjurying priests offered Mass at the Convent of San Francesco. On 09 April, the Faithful made a Procession. 17:00 hours in the evening. Violance broke out again between the sailers and the Volunteers. One of Napoléoné's lieutenants, Rocco-Serra, was murdered beside him. Napoléoné with some others ran through the Ternano mansion to escape...right aside the Cathedral Square...where the seminarians sheltered them. He tried to go to and explain to Colonel Maillard. But Maillard refused Napoléné's admittance to his residential-governing house in Ajaccio,The Volunteers needed to be within the cidadel for their safety. Napoléoné relentlessly pleaded with Maillard; but said only the King's orders could permit that!.

Maillard refused to give Napoléoné and Quenza municians they so badly needed. The next day some unruly Jacobeans, accused of being among the Volunteers of Napoléoné, killed Abbé Santo Peraldi, a widow and a young girl, 13 years-old. The Abbé's father, Mario Battista Peraldi, with some parishoners, attacked the Seminary. The Volunteers counter-attacked and had to occupy the local houses. The ancient Church of the Jesuits was stormed. . The townsfolk blamed Napoléoné for causing a riot. The French Governor Maillard said that he would attack and destroy the Volunteers if they did not withdraw immediately!

Both Napoléone and Quenza were "men of religion"; and were well known to Abbé Coti, the Procurator Syndic of the District of Ajaccio. Abbé Coti, acted on his own Authority, knowing Napolèoné....Maillard finally agreed to make peace with the Volunteers. Napoléoné that night had attacked the Benelli mansion; so on 10 April, in the meeting with Quenza, Napoléoné, some other officers and Maillard, there was drawn-up an armistace....But the armistance was not being obeyed! There was a break-ot of violence again over a water-fountain. Napoléoné saw these French troops, and Maillard who led them, as disreputable bullies and is believed to have organized an insurrection against Maillard. On the 11th, Maillard reversed his armistace and gave the Municipality cannons to fight the Volunteers.

The French government sent two commisioners, Cesari and Bartolemeo Arrighi to Ajaccio. Meeting them ahead in Bocognano, Napoléoné gave them the true story. Paoli himself gave Napoléoné and Quenza the right of arms to bring-down the violence in the city of Ajaccio! On 16 April, Cesari and Arrighi entered Ajaccio. The Commissioners sent Quenza to Corté; despite Napoléoné's pleas; but his brother Joseph interceded against his brother's wishes and Napoléoné had to give way. There was no "cuccagna"! Abbé Coti was threatened with suspension of his position and called to Corté. In Paris, Pozo and Peraldi spoke-up against Napoléoné and Paoli. Carlo Andrea Pozzo was made in Paris one of the Four Commissioners of War! It became increasingly plain, that Pasquale Paoli was the one sure center of Corsica: and the only one who could guarantee Corsica's security. Saliceti deplored Paoli, seeking his "power". When Napoléoné came to Corté with his batallion in May, he immediately sought out Paoli. He proposed a new batallion under his command on 13 May. Joseph told Napoléoné: "It seems to me, that your most prudent course of action would be to leave the island immediately and return to France." Letizia and Joseph convinced Napoléoné to go to Paris to defend himself and Paoli.
 
Napoléone told his brother Joseph on 29 May 1792: "Keep on close terms with General Paoli. He is everything, and can do everything. He will be all important in a future that no one in the world can predict...." 
Soon came the revelation of the Royal family fleeing justice....and three months after the flight of Varennnes , Napoléoné defended Paoli, finally, at the French Consul despite all that ocurred...as he loved "Il Babbu", when the French wanted to remove and behead Paoli! Napoléoné was granted leave to return to his Corsican family and meet with the old General!
Napoléoné was sickened by what he saw; recognizing Robespierre and "the Committe for Public Safey" as the vermin they were. His sister, Maria-Anna was at St Cyr: the aristocratic convent school where her name became Elisa. The Invading Prussian Army were raping and murdering in the wild unruly atmosphere of Paris. The prisons were broken into by them; and they butchered 14,000 prisoners by September! The Revolutionaries tried to stop Napoléoné and Elisa ...only thing stopping them from being slaughtered was he and his sister's Corsican tongue, his uniform and his Corsican passport. They made it back to Ajaccio.

Napoléoné was reinstated, and Letizia wrote Louis XVI a letter of thanks...one of the last letters of correspondence sent to the great constitutional-Bourbon King! At this time, Robespierre had supressed all regious Orders. In two weeks time, by August, the Tuilleries were attacked; and then began the mass public executions! The Royal Family had been imprisoned in the Temple!

Napoléoné condemned the beheading of the Royal family;  therefore by 1793, came "the severe rupture".

Pasquale Paoli understands that the revolution is falling into the errors of terror, and turns away from France...after a confirmed meeting with General Napoléoné Buonaparté...who was highly critical of "the Commitee for Public Safety" and

the Directory of Robespierre!
Napoleonic QUOTE:
"The federalism discordant sects vanished in unity, indivisibility of Reason".
When King Louis XVI was executed, Pasquale Paoli said to Lucien Buonaparté: "The wretches have guillotined their King: the best of men, a Saint! No Corsican wants anything to do with them [the Robespierreists]...shame on anyone who side with the brigands!"

It was LUCIEN [not Napoléoné] who made accusations against Paoli in the Toulon Revolutionaries Club. "The Convention" orderered Paoli's arrest....Thus these advents fulfiled the old Archdeacon Luciano's prophecy concering young Lucien.....

On 11 July 1793, they all finally were enabled to rondevous together out of Ajaccio with the French vessel commadered by Napoléoné; and they sailed for Toulon. They landed in two days time...the whole clan and the Fesch's. Napoléon [removing the "é" from his Christian name, and the "u" and accent of his surname] landed with his family in Toulon, 14 July 1793. France had as its new Government "The "Commitee of Public Safety" (a Commitee of 12 likened to the 12 Apostles!) ...into the scheming arms of Lucien, who felt no remorse....

After the holiday season, masqueraders of Reason storm Notre-Dame de Paris on 10 November 1793 dis-establishing the worship of the Supreme Being.

On 16 November 1793, the Convention says Catholicism is "deprived of public worship". The most concrete consequences of this, lie in the confiscation of Church property. "In principle all buildings used for worship and housing of his ministers should serve as an asylum for the poor and establishment for public instruction". Thus began a process of dispossession of all Church properties!!!

Just after this, the British win control of Corsica.

Paoli despised the French, was afraid of his own head be taken...And although having no great love for the English, Paoli hoped that the English would grant Corsica the liberty and freedom of State that France was denying Corsica...as he made a few prominent English "friends" to Corsica's "cause"....But little hope, commitment and no money was coming from the English Government; and from his so-called "friends", came but a few British pounds Sterling.

Napoleon despised Robespierre, was very fearful of the The "Commitee of Public Safety", and condemned the beheading of the Royal family. He loved the ringing of Church bells; and said that he firmly believed that only religion could answer man's thirst for perfect justice...

He plucked the Convention on Freedom of Worship, on 21 November 1793, hoping to calm the spirits of the nation, and restore sanity to the "state"!.
Paradoxically, Napoléon intended to induce the clergy to respect "the powers of the state", Catholicism, still widely popular, especially for the needs of the masses, finally re-appears as "an Institution that qualifies for renewal. The Church of the Papacy is decisively right"; and Napoléon seeks to reestablish its full presence in France.
In August of 1794, Napoléon was involved with the fall of the Robespierrists. He was imprisoned near ANTIBES. Saliceti played a part in his imprisonment....and wished Napoléon to be guillotined!  

A French naval squadron had appeared in Ajaccio.
Paoli decides to abdicate his power, as he, General Paoli, will not serve under England's [Sir Eliot's] incompetant Governorship and cruelty, anyway. Paoli abdicated his power...and is exiled to London, for fear that "the Commitee for Public Safety" & France's "First Consul" would have his head as well!!

Paoli resides in London under the hope that someday his ideals will see the free light of a republic of Corsica and the Western would would follow suit in return...He hoped that if General Bonaparte finally achieved high enough position that he would keep his desired promise of freeing Corsica...BUT the Directory of France (while Napoléon was in Egypt) had other ideas.... 
In 1796: upon hearing of Napolèon's triumph in the abolishment of the Republic of Genoa, Paoli cried out: "It is by the hand of a Corsican that Genoa has received "la Coup de Grace!"

 

*A "Man of Faith", Napoleon was, have no doubt.
"The existence of God is reflected in everything that affects our imagination and if our minds does not reach Him , it is that we did not allow that our intelligence should go so far.
An honest man never doubts the existence of God; because, if reason does not understand, the instinct of the soul adopts. All things that make the soul, has sympathy with religious sentiment>>.
There is no doubt of Napoléon's sincerity iin making these statements. In other circumstances, he will summarize in more explicitly: "Our credulity is the vice of our nature>>.
It seems that the Spirit continually lived in Napoléon's measurable periods: Premonition... this question was addressed, as sort of meditation aloud, reading like a inspired prophecy :
"Who knows if the happiness of today is not the misfortune of tomorrow? Religion offers comfort in all phases of life - We are less unhappy when given to religious thought; it is therefore, always in itself, the strength for us to bear misfortune>>.

The spiritual foundation of the Catholic Church has never been questioned and no persecution took place under the Empire:
"The most sacred among men is the consciousness that man has a secret voice crying that nothing on earth can make him believe what he does not believe. The most horrible of all tyranny is that which obliges a nation to embrace a religion contrary to their beliefs, otherwise they can not exercise the rights of citizens, or possess any property, which is the same thing as to have some country on earth>>.
At a minister, whose name we would now be destined to laugh at, Bigot, truly Bigot de Preameneu said by way of injunction:
"The officers and prisons should never be a means of reducing practice of religion.
We can bring the conscience of a man to no court; and, no one is accountable for his religious opinions to any earthly power>>.

Napoleon believed in God, he advocated freedom of conscience; but also, he admits the need for the Church:
"Society can not exist without religion. When a man dies of hunger near another who is full, it is impossible to make him admit the difference if there is not an Authority who tells him: "God wills it: It must be that there are poor and the rich in the world; but, then and for eternity, the division will otherwise cease>>.
Priests are required to pass through the beautiful liturgy of mysteries.
The Justice of God's power is given to the people through the power of priests>>.
How is Napoléon to be more explicit in his definition of religion in the public interest?
"Religion is still a sort of inoculation or vaccination, which satisfying our love of the marvelous, guarantees us quacks and sorcerers, as well as the priests who are better than Cagliostro, Kant and all the dreamers of Germany>> .
And the best way to maintain/supply this wonderful need is through the Ritual Offices.
"Does the Catholic religion speak more to the imagination of the people by the pomp of her ceremonies than by Her Supreme Morality? When you want to electrify the masses we must first talk to them>>.
Under this aspect [and only in respect] of the necessary annals of Liturgical-Ritual, a sort of audio-visual storytelling [which permits man with the understanding of the Holy precepts]; and so, this remains validly clear today. Napoleon was a family-minded traditionalist who was willingly suited the nostalgic moment....

( Read Archbishop Lefebvre, Bishop of Epon, who is still a figure of thought with close to the thinking to that of the Emperor Napoléon.)
The policy of the Eternal Church is made of a diplomacy of small steps.

Napoléoné, found in religion a natural adjuvant against tyranical-monarchy.
"The biggest Republican is Jesus Christ. Aristocracy is in the Old Testament, democracy in the new.
The moral of the Gospel is that of equality and therefore most favorable to republican government.
Popular sovereignty, freedom, equality, is the code of the Gospel>>.
For other reasons, the Roman Church in France [banned under the Revolution, then tolerated with the legal separation of church and state], was re-proclaimed by the Convention of February 21, 1795. It remains even today, very faithful to the Pope and continues to be favored by French Catholics.
Thus, popular with the large French majority, The Church condemned The Revolution; yet it bustled with vitality and holiness. Bishop Gregory, accused the State of being subservient to power of the Revolution !.
Unfortunately, the Roman-Catholics hierarchy mistakenly identified with a con-revolutionary "spirit". Napoléon tried to counteract this attitude.
For him, the body of the State is willing to concede to religious Authority and a republic.

"Priests have an administrative function: they are on the verge of civil service"

.
"A priest must be a natural judge, the moral head of population.
The priests, in the true spirit of the Gospel, must contribute to the public peace by preaching the true mission of charity>>.
And that's a chagrin that never fails:
"To make really useful Cures, and prevent them from abusing their department, I wanted them to be joined through an agricultural-discourse of theology and matters of law and medicine>>.
Before the letter, this is a manner of "worker-priest" that Napoleon tried to invent.
In short, it is clear that he saw in the social utility of religion, a means of government:
"The Christian religion is always the strongest support for any government clever enough to use it>>.
The power seemed to result from its separation of genres.
"The Church must be in the state, not the rule in the Church.
The administrative authority must be careful not to place undue meddling in the affairs of the clergy and priests must act to the courts, opposing dress, esprit de corps . The judges, in their way, must be kind of theologians such as priests, as they also have their missions, their rules, their common law>>.
Napoleon hoped for a religion that was more open, more present, more Gallican: only concerned with spirituality and with a detachment to property, almost a fonctionnarisée rise from today [as a Church with wide public utility, engaged in a godly service to the state, saying yes to the service of the people]. This design is revolutionary for the traditionalist Roman hierarchy of Napoléon's day, sovereign and sometimes even in fairly recent past, overlords. For those many, who were committed to that Church, the official religion had a whiff of blousé. The "Enlightenment" brought forth a radicalism which denied Divine power; replacing it with the accomplishmments of man (devoid of God).

　

First failure: Napoléon and Pope Pius VI

The first contact of General Bonaparte, Commander in Chief of the Army of Italy, with Pope Pius VI is on 22 June 1796 in Bologna. The advance of French troops upon the Papal States, forceding the Sovereign Pontiff to negotiate an armistice to prevent a march on Rome is something Pius VI probably fears. Taking advantage of these provisions, Bonaparte tries to put an end to religious riots in France by offering PiusVI an amnesty clause which formalizes the Church designed by the Constitutional Revolution: Pope Pius VI refuses! It is a failure.
The armies of the Directory thus retain control of Bologna and Ferrara. Culturally, the French Republic receives all the artwork [details of which are determined by the negotiators]. Finally, to replenish the empty coffers of the state, the Pope is forced to sell them to the French for £ 20 million.
After Arcola and Rivoli, Austria is defeated and must deal in turn with Leoben. Bonaparte wished to clarify his situation with the Pope and be free to negotiate, preparing for Campo Formio. In his design, the populations of occupied regions are encouraged to reject temporal papal authority; but to keep the Pope as their Spiritual-Authority.
On 22 January 1797, the General contacted the Chief Minister of the Republic based in Rome. In February, he declared war on Papal temporal Authority. He won, without fighting, the Romagna and the port of Ancona.
On 16 February, in Tolentino, Bonaparte received a delegation of Cardinals led by Cardinal Mattei who demanded draconian conditions. These "conditions" stoped the progression of the French army towards Rome; but he demanded $ 30 million sent to the Directoire [so financially desperate in pressing for a BLOCKADE: for the prohibition of opening ports to the English].
A note handed to the Pope's minister, takes the leit-motiv of Bonaparte's thinking:
"The Pope thinks maybe he is worthy of his wisdom, the holiest of religions, to the command that directs priests to obey the government>>.
Again Pius VI refuses, who could not retract! Thus, a confirmed failure....
Napoléon DID NOT order the capture of the Pope; nor was he responsible for his death...

Napoléon refused to dispose of the Pope and reordered the reopening of the Churches throughout France; and went, 2 days after marrying Josephine, on his Egyptian Campaign, following orders of the Directory----who wished "this troublesome General 'out of the country' because he interfered with their Papal plans!"

It was not until 1798 that French General Berthier occupies the Eternal City on the pretext of the assassination of General Duphot. The Pope was then made a "prisoner" of the Republic and had to leave Rome. He stayed in Siena and, during his stay in France, he died at Valencia, 21  August 1799 at the age of 81 years.  Of this account, Cronin wrote:
"Passing through Valencia, on his return from Egypt, Napoléon had found the body of Pius VI unburried after six weeks because the Constitutional clergy refused to perform the Last Rites..."

Returning from the campaign in Egypt, Bonaparte found in October 1799, that Religious Peace was still not established. Napoléon went west to pacify the Vendee. He suppressed the uprising of the Chouannerie in 1800 with the feeling that many things remain to be accomplished: as the root of the problem remains to be the French Church as relations with Rome were not settled.
From Brumaire there is an ending the chaos; but, the state of religion remains  prime-priority for the First Consul. With the Male religious-orders, here as elsewhere, it is Napoléon's desire to quickly restore the unity of the Christians and convinced the First Consul that the Catholic religion would be politically useful.
So legally, he reformed the civil constitution of the clergy by a decree allowing freedom of worship. This opening of freedom was necessary; but too ample, it would be dangerous [thought The First Consul], because of the anarchy of the moment. Priests with special status organized worship appropriate to their status: the constitutional-oath was refracted: Religious Orders and the practice of the Liturgy were not subjected to it.
Clearly peace and religious unity can only result from understanding and, if possible, to support the Pope. Bonaparte therefore considered that the time had come to speak directly and officially to the Highest Authority of the Catholic Church.
"If the Papacy did not exist, we would have had to create such an opportunity [as the Roman consuls were] under these difficult circumstances. The Pope can certainly do for me a great service [without bloodshed] with his help; for only he, can organize the Catholics of France into obedience to Republican Civility. Therefore, I asked him>>.

Fears of a Second failure: Napoléon and Pius VII

A second time, after Marengo, June 14, 1800, Bonaparte began negotiations with the new Pope Pius VII.

Indeed, the Holy Papal-See was vacant, the new conclave elected at Venice, then part of Austria, Chiaramonti Barnabas, Bishop of Imola, whom she proclaimed Successor of Peter, on 14 March 1800, under the name of Pius VII.
Convinced that the New Bishop will be less intricate than Pius VI, the First Consul convened in Milan three months after a small Synod of 200 local priests and two bishops  on 05 June 1800.
"Currently," the Pope said, "I am equipped with full power and I am determined to implement all the means I believe the most suitable to ensure and guarantee that religion remains free>>.
The new Pope assesses the risk of rejection. The French armies are victorious and running. He feared the establishment of a Republic in Rome and prepared for perhaps, his deportation. It is said that Bonaparte speaks, in his conversations, of a possible department of the Tiber. The Pope prefered to save time by sending negotiators to Paris.
the church's "maneuver" did not escape Bonaparte. He does not want the Church to be Roman without some "Gallicism". Subtly, Napoléon designated 2  Cardinals: Consalvi and Caprara. The Pope sent a delegation of Christian leaders having little intention to understand.
Abbe Bernier Chouan joined them  to make life hard for ten months, with Cretet. 

In 1800, upon hearing that Napoléon was elected the First Consul, Paoli lit-up all the window's in his London house on Oxford Street..

Joseph Bonaparte negotiated for his brother's position with the Roman Curial Secretary of State. These were indeed harsh clashes; but the Pope finally signed a Concordat  on 16 July 1801.
- Catholicism is the religion proposed by the majority of French. (There really was no compromise; this was obvious.)
- The Consulate can nominate new bishops, but their Apointment remains to the Pope.
- The sale of Church property must be endorsed by Rome, but upkeep of the houses and chapels of worship are the responsibility of France.
- Freedom of religion, is fully accepted by the Concordat.
- The regular orders are not mentioned in the document, but a restructuring of dioceses is modeled after the repblican redistricting of departments/parishes.
Indeed, upon analysis, the Concordat reveals "flaws" that do not serve their interests in France. Thus, the Pope took advantage of the concessions. He consented to take back control of all the French clergy who, since the Gallican Declaration of 1682, were virtually independent, or, in schism. (Similiar to the way Pope Benedict XVI annulled the excommunication of the LeFevbre Bishops, in hope that they would be reunited to the Papal Church.) Through the appointments of the new bishops (replacing the ones who demanded their resignation), the Pope put the bishops (and priests appointed by the bishops) under its dependence. The Gallicanism schism, born of the Revolution and its conspirators, ended. The undeniable leader of The Church is  the Pope.
Bonaparte finally wipes-away a second failure. The slate is now clean....
QUOTE:"...I have received Cardinal Caprara, Your Holiness' legate, with great pleasure. Peace has been signed with England, Russia, Portugal and the Porte. I hasten to send this information, well knowing the interest Your Holiness takes in the happiness and peace of nations...." [10 Oct. 1801]

The struggle for influence

Napoléon, recognized moreover, that the Consul was drafting an amendment, giving it the name of Organic Articles. This was an attempt to restore government rule over all major religious non-eccliastical decisions involving the state]. Certainly, the Pope protested the publication of these articles that misrepresent the Concordat; but believed they would have no consequence spiritually, morally and temporally; so, he decided to live with it.
Napoleon Bonaparte asked to be crowned on 18 May 1804. He hoped that the problems which arose because of half-solutions proposed by the First Consul, would be resolved if he were declared Emperor,
Napoléon wished the Solemn Coronation in Notre-Dame de Paris by the Pope in person; for even the kings of France had claimed it there!
During the winter of 1804, Pius VII, with great crew, left Rome for Paris. On 27 November a real caravan of carriages passed through the forest of Fontainebleau. In the most sumptuous, was the Pope, prematurely-old, distinguished in face, but still incocgnito. Gradually and thoughtfully he better understands the game that makes him play; waiting for the next step now, in the castle nearby.
Napoléon found the head of the Roman Catholic Church an easy man.  The Pope measured the weight and price of the bond he had given on 02 December. That day he decided never to concede anything more, and if necessary, to oppose Napoleon's strong stability of Christian-Imperialism. Napoléon, without the Pope on his side, understood only too well how far he could go without serious risk to his standing with God as well as in public analysis. He was restricted, and he knew that history's analysis of the journey of Pius VII in France would include grave reservations about his part.
In this assessment of the strength of commitment by both men, the play went beyond the limits of courtesy. Napoléon's Coronation pushed up his challenge to listen to the Pope. But what if he is kept in Paris?

"Everything is planned, said the Pontiff, before leaving Italy, I signed an abdication regularly and is in the hands of Cardinal Pignatelli Palermo, beyond the reach of the power of French. Instead of a Pope, he will remain in your hands a less known Barnabas Chiaramonti>>.

 CRONIN writes: "PiusVII left for Paris on 02 November 1804. He traveled slowly, with a suit of 100...Napolon wrote: 'He will be much less tired if he gets it over quickly.'
Napoléon welcomed the Pope at a crossroads in the forests of Fountainebleu, and installed him in the Tuileries THOUGHTFULLY arranging  the room to look exactly like Pius' roomin the Wuirnal...Napoléon gave pleasure to his old wet-nurse (Camilla) by getting her a private audience with the Pope! Napoléone also knew that his original "marriage" with Josephine was not sanctioned by the Church...but only by the French legal-state. He firmly believed in the Sacrament of Marriage; so on the Eve of his Coronation, he had his uncle, Cardinal Joseph Fesch seal for them the sacrament in the private Chapel of the Tuileries.

The propanda of his insurping the Pope's power by "crowning himself"" is also highly inaccurate.
Napoléon, out of respect for Pope Pius VII....and NOT OUT OF ARROGANCE....[for by tradition, it would have been a French ecclesiastic to crown Napoléon], dared not to humilify the Pope. So, Napoléon decided [to avoid a dispute] that he would himself place the laurel-crown on his own brow. Pius VII raised NO objection....Napoléon was always a modest man, despite his position in life. He refused to have made for him elegant uniforms. Instead he wore his original lt.-general's uniform throughout his life and upon his burial as well, He only "dressed to the throngs" in his Coronation....In contrast to Louis XVI's coronation (where the public was only permitted when the sacring was over), Napoléon insisted  that the sacring must be publicly seen. The notary, Msr. Raguideau....who originally advised Josephine NOT to marry Napoleon (who at that time "owned only a cape and sword") was invited to the ceremonies as well. Napoléon never forgot anyone!

Napoleon was pleased with the depiction of the Coronation by the artist DAVID. Napoléon was shown in the painting crowning Josephine. He told David, "You have guessed what I had in mind: You have depicted me as a French Knight!"
For Napoléon, nothing had changed. He was still the same republican. He told Josephine never to address him as "your majesty" and to always write "tu"!

"I am always the same; my kind (a Corican) never changes..."

Quietly, he whispered to his brother Joseph, 

"IF ONLY OUR FATHER COULD SEE US NOW!"




The Pope's visit to Paris did not reduce the litigation between the two men. The Pope measured the weight and price of the bond he had given on 02 December. That day he decided never to concede anything more, and if necessary, to oppose Napoleon's strong stability of Christian-Imperialsism. Napoleon, without the Pope on his side, understood how far he could go without serious risk. He knew that history's analysis of the journey of Pius VII in France included grave reservations .
In this assessment of the strength of commitment by both men, the play has even gone to the limits of courtesy. Napoleon's Coronation pushed up the challenge to listen to the Pope.
From that moment, there are no excuses too good for quarreling with a Pope. The details are known concerning this tragedy.

In 1805, Paoli continued to make sure his dream of Corté University in Corsica was a reality. Napoléon's Prefect in Corsica was Pietri. To him, Paoli outlined in great detail, what each of the chairs should be teaching, the syllibus for each Corsican instructor: the completed project should produce a responsible and educated electorate, politicians which were solely devoted to the well-being of their Corsican Nation, and an educated and responsible Clergy.* He desired a school be errected in his native glen of Rostino where all children could be educated. He also desired that 5 scholarships be available to young Corsicans to be enabled to go to the mainland and study at a University of their choice.
Upon hearing of Paoli's passing in the arms of co-patriot Giacomorsi, on 05 February 1807, [aged 82] Napoléon exclaimed, with great passion, love and admiration: "He devined that I should be something extraordinary." He was unable-to (while Paoli was still alive) reinstate him, because, as he (Napoléon) explains: "But taken-up with Affairs of State, I rarely had the opportunity in endulging my personal desires."
_________________
*: Each professor is given a two year course. First Chair: to teach the fundamentals of natural theology and revealed Catholic religion and examination of religious Texts; Second Chair was the teaching of Political Science and Philosophy, using his conscribed Constitution for the Corsican Nation, so that the students will learn to govern well and with probity. The Third Chair would go to logistics, metaphysics and math. Logic and Metaphysics were to accomplish and "direct and assist man's natural faculties of reasoning and understanding in consideration of general ideals"; and math was to provide the foundation for future studies of the natural sciences, as well as establish a future administrator to manage the nation's finances in the wisest manner.


- On 15 February 1806 Napoléon wrote from Paris to the Pope telling him of his willingness to submit all of Italy to the laws of the Empire. Napoléon recognized the Pope as "The Spiritual Sovereign" but he did not hide his intention to remove his temporal power [despite his strong love and affection for the Holy Father]. "You're the King of Rome and the Vicar to the World, but I am the emperor>>.

Upon hearing of Paoli's passing in the arms of co-patriot Giacomorsi, on 05 February 1807, [aged 82] Napoléon exclaimed, with great passion, love and admiration: "He devined that I should be something extraordinary." He was unable-to (while Paoli was still alive) reinstate him, because, as he (Napoléon) explains: "But taken-up with Affairs of State, I rarely had the opportunity in endulging my personal desires.".
- On 02 February 1808 General Miollis occupies Rome. The Pope is trapped on Mount Cavallo, in the Quirinal Palace.
- On 10 June 1809  (pursuant to a decree signed at Vienna on 17 May) Napoléon meets Pius VII in Rome, and the Papal States are handed over to the French Empire. -


On 06 July 1809, the Pope is exiled to Savona BY GENERAL MIOLLIS.
(From "30 Days" by Lorenzo Cappelletti) we read:
Only when the Pope was already on his way to Savona, was Napoleon told of his capture. The Pope had consecrated Napoléon in 1804, and now his generals in early 1808 captured him.


The Pope was forced to stay in Savona for 5 years, from the summer of 1809 to 1812 when Napoléon gave him Fontainebleu to reside in; from whence  the Pope returned to Rome only after another 2 years of negotiations with Napoléon. "Napoleon forbade looting ....In letter after angry letter he condemned"  the army suppliers who

"stole everything from quinine to badges."

In a letter Napoléeon wrote in Dresden on the 21st Of May 1812, he writes:

"....I have just heard that there are English vessels off Savona, and I think that the Pope must be put in a safe place....Explain to this prelate that the European situation, and the presence of the English off Savona, made the Pope's residence there dangerous; that he must be placed in the center of the Empire; that he will be received at Fontainebleau by the bishops of the deputation; that he will occupy the same rooms as he had before; that he will see the French Cardinals, etc....You must collaborate with the Minister of Police in carrying out these measures. I wish the greatest secrecy to be observed...."

Fountainebleau
Napoléon was afraid that, during his absence on the Russian campaign, that the English might try to abduct the Pope from Savona.
I wish I had my papers available to me with the exact names and places; but "30 Days" had a beautiful exposition on this happening in reference to Pope Benedict XVI's visit to "Les Invalides"...and later his visit to the Italian city of Savona recalling Pope Pius VII's exile, as well... The peoples of Savona (both Catholic and Protestant) adored the Holy Father and supported the Pope in his exile.... A Piedmontese soldier wrote:


"It really moves the heart to hear the cries of an immense crowd of every sex, every age and even the Protestants kneeling on the ground shouting: Holy Father, bless our souls, our children..."


"It is documented that on several occasions, the Pope called Napoleon 'a dear son, a little stubborn, but always a son.'," and on several other occasions (also in Fontainebleu) the Pope yielded to Napoleon's request of his named candidates for the Bishopric, in-so-much that legitimate pastors were available to perform sacraments for the populace....

...................

Napoléon claimed "there are no men who understand better than the soldiers and priests"; and, we could retort today with a hindsight into history, given the Emperors and Popes.... So, even in face of the challenges that Pope Pius VII gave him....
with a conflict, unresolved between the two men, (more precisely, between the Emperor and the Roman Curia), this was the only defeat of Napoleon. The military setbacks and defeats that lead to his abdication are misfortunes of war, the diplomatic failure of relationships and reversals of alliances [with the contemporary temporal Executive powers] are related to the economy; but his love of God and His Authority endured....and he did not blame God for his fall from political fortune.

For in Napoleon's form of "physical resistance", his moral and spiritual support was absolutely amazing, and could never be defeated.

It incorporates, in effect, a power that transcends human power; and in condensenting to this unequal battle, Napoleon certainly knew he was no match, [and] he wished whole-heartedly not to transgress Divine will.

  Be
patient, and in a few weeks, I hope to reinstate the lost materials...and the genealogies leading up to some of the greatest American statesmen in 20th century NY!
Meanwhile [to prove this is not just "my" slant on history]  a "teaser"!  Here is a shot of the 1801 Concordat of Bonaparte and Pius VII:




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Painting from Napoleon's personal collection: The Pope

On 12 June 1789, Napoléon writing a book at the time, wrote to General Pasquale Paoli:  "I am still young, and maybe rash to undertake this: but I shall be upheld by my love of thruth, of my country and my compatriots, and by the enthusiasm I never cease to derive from the prospect of an improvement of our state...."

I have always had a hunger for knowledge and the truth...If people just did not put their own "spin" on things; and history was retold as it really was and happened...perhaps the need would not be as strong. Throughout all my schooling I had to accept (but not believe) all the lies and tales they brainwashed us with in the 1950's and early '60's...and today all of the "hoghwash" is the accepted form and story...just look at the NY TIMES! and prime-tine TV!

But the truth is out there...just that one has to do good searching, evaluation and prayer...and know the background to many things...or else one just follows the crowd and accepts what is blasted into their eyes and ears!

 

Usually, if one finds someone...or an author worthy of one's trust, that person can simplfy the search and make it easier. That is why we have favorite authors, politicians and leaders...etc...and favorite periodicals!

To quote Dr. Robert Moynihan: 

"My comment is this: Many journalists, no matter how well-meaning they are, cannot report in a full, balanced way on events, especially regarding the Church, because their papers or television stations are owned by corporations with little interest in the full truth, but great interest in those portions of the truth which will help sway public opinion, bit by bit, in the direction of their agenda, which is not the agenda of the Church.

 

The influence of these media companies, because of the financial power behind them, often is greater than the influence of all other blogs, emails and newsletters combined."

...I do not believe in relativism! Ratzinger proved this to me...And, by the way, when Pope Benedict XVI made his Apostolic visit to France, he visited "les Invalides"...paying homage to Napoleon and his brother Joseph Bonaparte.

It IS hallowed ground....Another unknown snippet perhaps is the fact that when they opened his coffin for reinterment there, his body was found in perect intact state, uncorrupted by death so many  years prior!
Also apparitions of Emperor Napoleon have been reported long after his demise...even up to this very day, by credible witnesses! 
While he was alive, and had marched into Italy, those sick and with pestilence begged for him to touch them...just like the original Aposles of Christ!: 

One can still be tolerent and know the truth!

reminds me of the purpose of "parenthood"!

and without a past...there would not be a present!
and all this creates a future.....so, YES, the past IS of utmost importance....If all humans disregarded their past....civilization would still be in the stone-age...like the Neanderthals perhaps for 30,000 years remaining the same?

Stories create and reflect imagination...but they need a basis to begin....

Many times evil designs govern what is preported to be historical truth...just see how Hiltler was able to twist history to his own sinister designs....and brainwash a nation...mostly youthful...(because a majority of the older generation of adults were killed during WW1) and the youthful mind he found easy to bend. ...That is why he created his "Hitler Youth"....he weeded-out all those who thought differently, as all dictators have a habit of doing.

Napoléoné was different! He fostered public education in a positive way...and would never dream of "the Burning book campaigns"/ and mass deicides of Hitler and Stalin and their like!...I would NEVER term Napoléoné a dictator;..and, he did prove that a simple Corsican could now dominate over his/their former supressors: The Italians and the French! He also opened Egypt to the world..and found the Rosetta Stone! His father was Pasqale Paoli's secretary. Please!: Read some of his literary works..You will be impressed; no one evil could write such heart touching and pure  literature!

Napoleonic quote.

"He  who views a battlefield without tears lets many men die needlessly...."  

Dear Mag6nideum:

Napoleon's Generals did a number of things contrare to his wishes...one obviously was the kidnapping of the Pope,. (From "30 Days" by Lorenzo Cappelletti) we read:
Only when the Pope was already on his way to Savona, was Napoleon told of his capture. The Pope had consecrated Napoleon in 1804, and now his generals in early 1808 captured him. The Pope was forced to stay in Savona for 5 years, from the summer of 1809 to 1812 when Napoleon gave him Fontainebleu to reside in; from whence  the Pope returned to Rome only after another 2 years of negotiations with Napoleon. "Napoleon forbade looting ....In letter after angry letter he condemned"  the army suppliers who

"stole everything from quinine to badges."

In a letter Napoléeon wrote in Dresden on the 21st Of May 1812, he writes:

"....I have just heard that there are English vessels off Savona, and I think that the Pope must be put in a safe place....Explain to this prelate that the European situation, and the presence of the English off Savona, made the Pope's residence there dangerous; that he must be placed in the center of the Empire; that he will be received at Fontainebleau by the bishops of the deputation; that he will occupy the same rooms as he had before; that he will see the French Cardinals, etc....You must collaborate with the Minister of Police in carrying out these measures. I wish the greatest secrecy to be observed...."

Fountainebleau
Napoléon was afraid that, during his absence on the Russian campaign, that the English might try to abduct the Pope from Savona.
I wish I had my papers available to me with the exact names and places; but "30 Days" had a beautiful exposition on this happening in reference to Pope Benedict XVI's visit to "Les Invalides"...and later his visit to the Italian city of Savona recalling Pope Pius VII's exile, as well... The peoples of Savona (both Catholic and Protestant) adored the Holy Father and supported the Pope in his exile.... A Piedmontese soldier wrote:


"It really moves the heart to hear the cries of an immense crowd of every sex, every age and even the Protestants kneeling on the ground shouting: Holy Father, bless our souls, our children..."


"It is documented that on several occasions, the Pope called Napoleon 'a dear son, a little stubborn, but always a son.'," and on several other occasions (also in Fontainebleu) the Pope yielded to Napoleon's request of his named candidates for the Bishopric, in-so-much that legitimate pastors were available to perform sacraments for the populace....Later,  when Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena, Pope Pius VII asked mercy for Napoleon. Letitia (Bonaparte's mother) "acknowledged as much in a letter dated 27 May 1818 to the Secretary of State: 'The only consolation granted me is that is knowing that the Holy Father forgets the past to remember only the affection that he shows for all my family. We find no support and assylum except in the Papal govenment , and our gratitude is as great as the benefit we receive.' "....Italians will, obviously, be always vicely prejudiced concerning the Bonapartes....But Manzoni wrote the beautiful and now famous eulogy upon Napolean's passing:
"Beautiful immortal,! Beneficient
Faith inured to triumps!
Write this, lighten your heart,
For more supurb grandeur
To the dishonor of Golgoltha
Never yet did stoop.

From the tired ashes
Scatter each mocking word:
The God who brings down and raises,
Who wearies and Who consoles
On the deserted deathbed
Beside him lay down.  "

********************************************************************************

This was Napoleon's personal cross he wore under his vestments.

Brando as Napoléoné in 1954.

QUOTES:

"...I have received Cardinal Caprara, Your Holiness' legate, with great pleasure. Peace has been signed with England, Russia, Portugal and the Porte. I hasten to send this information, well knowing the interest Your Holiness takes in the happiness and peace of nations...."

[10 Oct. 1801]

"...I am a religious man; but I am not a bigoted idiot....For the Pope, I am Charlemagne, because like Charlemagne, I unite the crowns of France and of the Lombards, and my Empire touches the East..."
[in reponse to a letter from the Pope, 1806]

"....Holy Father, ....I entreat you to please put an end to this quarrel...."
[22 August 1807]

To Pope Pius VII: "Holy Father, I hasten to send one of the Officers of my household to express my gratification at what the Bishop of Nantes has told me of the satisfactory condition
of Your Holiness' health, for I had been for a moment alarmed this summer on hearing that Your Holiness had been seriously indisposed. The new residence of Your Holiness will give us
an opportunity for meeting, and I have it much at heart to declare that, not-with-standing all that has passed, I have always maintained the same sentiments of friendship for Your Holiness. Perhaps now we can reach a settlement of all those questions that divide State and Church. I, on my side, am altogether disposed that way, SO THAT IT WILL DEPEND ENTIRELY ON YOUR HOLINESS."
[29 Dec- 1812, showing his respect for the Authority of the Pope]

"I closed the gulf of anarchy and brought order out of chaos. I rewarded merit regardless of birth, or wealth, wherever I found it. I abolished fuedalism and restored equality to all regardless of religion and before the law...."

Napoléon had NO intentions of turning Notre Dame Cathedral into a pagan temple!!! So many lies have been spread about him since his departure, that what is universally accepted and "taught" about him is almost hard to comprehend!...and where does the truth lie?

��

Before the British made the final decision to exile Napoléon to St Helena, Napoléon really desired to remain his final years..."out of politics" in the United States. He even gave specific instructions to his brother Joseph...about what to bring, the titles of books, etc...[and many of those titles dealt with the framework and early history of the U.S]
Joseph made it, obviously, but he did not, ofcourse....