The French Revolution of 1789 overthrew our King Louis XVI. In 1804, Napolean Bonaparte became our emperor. Now then years later, the wars by which Napoleon expected to conquer Europe were over. The allied powers of Europe had defeated us. They exiled Napoleon to the island of Elba, and restored the monarchy.

The joy of the people when Louis XVIII came to the throne was unbounded. We had suffered so much misery, and were so weary of battles, that we wished for nothing but to live in peace.