Retro: Preparations for Napoleon Bonaparte coronation continue in France (1804)
It continued: “This memorable era will be celebrated by the most brilliant fete ever seen in France. We are assured, that the Senate intends to give a fete, which will cost upwards of two millions (82,000l) in the Palace of Luxembourgh [sic].
“The city of Paris will besides, as in the times of the coronation of former Kings, give an entertainment in the Hotel de Ville, never before surpassed in splendour. The Legislative Body, the Tribunate, the Council of State, the Prefect and Department of the Seine, the Mayors of the Twelve Municipalities, the Grand Officers of the Legion of Honour, the Minister of different Offices, all intend to give grand festivities on that day so much so that every person of the capital, ever so great or so low, may gratuitously enjoy the treats and festivities.
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Hide Ad“The Empress has already ordered 500 tables to be laid out in the Thuillery Gardens, and in the Elysian Fields, each large enough for 50 guests, all to be served at her expense, with the choicest dishes, and finest wines. Should the weather be unfavourable, these tables will be covered as in tents.


“Fireworks are preparing, for which the Emperor has given 600,000 livres (25,0001) from his private purse; and, upon each bridge, immense tuns with wine will be placed, and every one passing will drink as much as he pleases; on every square will be an orchestra, where the public will dance, and eat and drink at the Emperor’s expense.
“From His Majesty’s private purse, six millions (250,000l) are already delivered to the mint, where gold and silver coronation medals are striking, of which 1,500,000 livres (75,000l) will be distributed at Paris, and the remainder in the capital city of each department.”
With regards the military it was stated: “Each officer will be advanced one step, and each soldier receive from the Emperor’s private purse ten days pay.”
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