Napoleon in 1812

Chapter 123

The British flagship had surrendered, but the battle was not over yet. They obviously saw their commander taken prisoner, but the British warships continued to fight, still shooting terrifying artillery, and the captains firmly refused to surrender.

This was possible because the British Navy had a command system that differentiated it from other navies.

A battle at sea had greater variables and uncertainties than a battle on land. Starting with the fickle natural environment, some unexpected situations could occur.

In order to actively respond to these variables, Britain guaranteed the fleet's captains more autonomy.

Thanks to this, while following the admiral's strategy in a large framework, each ship was able to take its own steps in various situations, including engagement, pursuit, retreat, and boarding, depending on its own judgment.

Even without the admiral's order, they would advance to rescue allies in danger, or voluntarily step down if the enemy ship's power was strong.

If the enemy's battleship seemed to focus only on firing artillery, they could force a close combat to seize it, and such movements were only seen in the British Navy.

"You tough bastards!"

"Stop trying and surrender!"

The captains of the French Empire, who had an advantageous position, looked rather fed up. This was the fear of a unit with a mission-type command system. There was no easy way to defeat them or make them surrender.

The enemy was trying to reverse the battle by continuing to counterattack with their own organized movements even after the disappearance of their admiral. Admiral Rosnay, who was watching it all through a telescope, exclaimed in pure admiration.

"Isn't it like watching Hydra, the mythical monster who faced Hercules? When one head is cut, two heads rise from the spot and attack."

"It's a very noble comparison, different from their usual nicknames such as the swarm of cunning pirates and the cow demons on the sea."

Drennan answered as he shook off the cigarette he had been smoking.

"If the Empire's fleet could grow to that level, I would have no regrets even if I closed my eyes at this moment and never wake up again."

"There is no loser stronger than the winner in war. We defeated them, so we're stronger. The admiral's wish has already come true."

Admiral Rosnay burst into laughter at the irrefutable argument.

"Right. That's true, too. It's not that the strong survive, it's that the ones surviving are strong."

Human greed was endless without knowing satisfaction. When they first encountered the British Navy, the French restlessly prayed to survive. When they were engaged in a fight against them, they only hoped that they could enjoy the victory by swinging the tricolor flag at the end.

However, at this moment when the victory was ahead against the British Navy, officers and sailors on La Ruyter were unable to hide their bitterness and regrets.

"Oh, to think that we have to give it up...!"

"It's something that can permanently stuff the servile and miserable appearance of the British into the French naval forces..."

The power of the Paixhans cannons and explosives was greater than what they had imagined. They realized right away why the leaders of the Navy Headquarters had tried to hide this new weapon thoroughly. At the same time, however, they realized that it had one big drawback.

Capturing an enemy flagship was the highest honor given to the crew of a ship. In particular, if the flagship was British, it was an achievement that could leave its name in the naval history.

The remaining mission for the crew of La Ruyter, who defeated the HMS Hound, was to raise the honor of their country by harvesting great spoils.

Sailors were waiting for the smoke and dust to subside with joyful and falling faces. However, the appearance of the HMS Hound revealed in the dense field of view was like a pile of rags.

Explosives had exploded inside twice, causing great damage that was unbearable for a wooden sailboat.

The gunpowder stock had completely destroyed an entire area of the ship when it exploded. In fact, the lifespan of the HMS Hound was completely over. No, maybe not to that extent, but it was impossible for it to sail at all.

Drennan eventually ordered to give up the HMS Hound, which could not be dragged. He was disappointed, too. It was really a shame. That ship should have been captured and become a symbol of humiliation that could not be washed away by the British forever. The person who soothed them was Admiral Rosnay.

"The Empire's new fleet has already gained greater and more valuable spoils. That is the confidence that it defeated the fearsome navy of that maritime empire itself."

Admiral Rosnay said, pointing to the battlefield where fierce fights continued. The French Empire's new fleet was not pushed back by the world's strongest navy.

It was the French Navy's dream to be able to fight and counterattack bravely without fearing the fierce British guns.

"It's time to end this battle."

The British captains, who judged that no matter how hard they tried, it was difficult to reverse the battle, began to withdraw. Admiral Rosnay took the command again, and pulled out the weapon he had saved for the moment.

Frigates, which had fast navigation speed and easy direction adjustment, were masters of maritime pursuit. Like the light cavalry of a medieval battle chasing the remnants of the defeated, French frigates persistently bit the tails of the British ships.

Frigates acting like hyenas would not be able to do much against ships of the line, but the story was different if the ships were damaged. In the fight against the French warships, the damage suffered by the British was by no means small.

A number of marines and sailors were killed and injured, some guns were lost, and other structures responsible for the function of the battleships were also broken. In this state, the joint attack of the French ships of the line and frigates was enough to inflict a serious blow.

Eventually, the British captains ordered an 'honorable retreat', and the battle between the two countries ended there.

"The pirates are retreating! Victory is ours!!"

"Woaaaahh!"

The first battle in the Great War, off the coast of Cala Emboixar in the Balearic Islands, ended with a French victory. The crew of the new fleet cheered, throwing off their hats and cloak. It was the moment when the egg broke the rock.

After coming to this world, Napoleon had been evaluated by the people around him as considerably calmer and moderate.

"Won! It's won!"

However, when he heard of the victory of the naval battle, he reacted more dramatically than ever, as if he had returned to his passionate form.

"Hahahaha! You completely met my expectations! You did a great job! Tell the admiral about my happy expression, heart, and praise. And that if he returns, there will definitely be a big feast for the entire fleet."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Today is going to be a fantastic day! Hahaha!"

Rosnay was the fastest to deliver the news of his victory to Napoleon, who rejoiced with a roaring laugh that revealed his Adam's apple. The surprise of the servants, bureaucrats, and officers who were watching him was never small.

The Emperor had never expressed this much emotion even when he won great victories that would remain in the history of war, such as the Battle of Hrodna, the Battle of the Arlanzdn River, and the Battle of La Buena-San Felices.

As the Emperor cheered so hard, forgetting to save face, they came to think again about the victory of this naval battle.

In fact, the meaning of the victory of the 'Battle of Cala Emboixar' was enormous. Upon hearing the news first, members of the Imperial Council greeted Napoleon with a heated standing ovation as soon as he entered the parliament.

Was this how the Roman senators welcomed Scipio after he defeated Hannibal in the Battle of Zama? Napoleon received this consideration even though he was not a victorious general, and the reasons were as follows.

"Early on, His Majesty the Emperor saw through the importance of the Navy and spared no investment in it. Despite the concerns of many ministers, bureaucrats, and lawmakers, he did not stop reinforcing it and ordered to continue. This incredible result today is a feat created by His Majesty's foresight."

"The Empire actually rose by gaining His Majesty the Emperor. The greatest evidence of being chosen by God would be the presence of His Majesty!"

The reviews of lawmakers were more passionate and intense than ever. Napoleon, who used to lower this kind of praise, also enjoyed it with a satisfying smile.

"The Empire's war has only just begun. We should be happy with this victory, but we should aim to win on all battlefields using it as a basis for further progress."

"Your Majesty is right! But when do you plan to inform the citizens of Paris of this congratulatory news? Several newspapers are complaining of the reporting ban."

He could feel the heat from the eyes of the lawmakers. Whenever there was an issue or achievement, the imperial government had announced it to the citizens of the square through speakers.

Naturally, this was an action of great political significance for the speaker. Although the concept or role as a voter could not be compared to that of Britain, where parliamentary democracy was established, politicians supported by citizens had more speaking power.

The victory in this naval battle was one of the most successful achievements of the Empire so far. In addition, the target was Britain, the world's strongest maritime empire.

'A glorious place to declare victory over the British Navy!'

'If His Majesty lets me play that role...!'

At least the speaker could leave a very strong impression on Parisians. Everyone gathered at the parliament wished to be the person to give that speech. However, Napoleon had already thought about the protagonist.

"The naval victory is like the victory of the naval minister who oversees the Navy. Please let the Minister deliver this glorious news at the Place de la Concorde (the square in front of the Tuileries Palace)."

Napoleon's choice was the Minister of the Navy and the Colonies, Denis Decres. In fact, Decres was the number one contributor to raising the French Navy with Rosnay to this extent. The lawmakers were disappointed, but congratulated with applause, saying they acknowledged him.

Minister Decres promised the best speech for the Empire, expressing his excitement, as if he had expected it but did not really know if he would receive the chance.

Praise the majestic and holy victory ofthe French Empire! The birth of a new invincible fleet!

Exactly three days after the Battle of Cala Emboixar, La Gazette, which claimed to be the political voice of the Empire, sent out a special report with headlines on the entire front page along with an illustration of the new fleet departing. Subsequently, other newspapers competitively covered the case.

A triumph rang from the south! A complete victory in the Battle of Cala Emboixar!

The sea is no longer the territory of the British! The appearance of the divine Imperial Fleet!

Heroes! Admiral Rosnay and the Southern Fleet are the new heroes of the Empire!

News about the victory in the Balearic Islands could be read everywhere. At first, Parisians looked puzzled because they did not understand all the news bursting out at once, but soon found themselves enthusiastic with explosive cheers and shouts.

Unlike the familiar victories in land battles, France had rarely won at sea. In the naval battle that took place immediately after the outbreak of the war, France achieved a great victory that would remain in history.

"God! Please bless our Great Empire forever!"

"Long live the French Empire! Long live Emperor Napoleon!!"

"The Empire has conquered the sea! Death to the island bastards!"

The citizens' cheers were very enthusiastic! That was because this victory was something they had never expected. It was only less than 15 days after the declaration of war.

By this time, the main battlefield had not yet been formed. The victory report heard in such a situation was literally like a surprise gift given to them. At the same time, it was a sign making them aware that the Empire had changed this much.

"Of the 24 British ships of the line heading to Menorca Island, 4 were captured and 3 sank, and ofthe 12 frigates, only 6 were able to escape the coast. In other words, this one battle destroyed one-third ofthe British Mediterranean fleet. The Mediterranean Sea is again an imperial sea."

On the other hand, the French fleet only had a few battleships damaged and did not lose a single ship. It was an overwhelming victory! This allowed France to gain control of the Mediterranean Sea.

"The last battle against England at sea was the Battle of The Chesapeake Bay. It happened on September 5, 1781, more than 37 years ago. Coincidentally, the captain who played a major role in this naval battle became a hero with the most brilliant victory in today's Battle of Cala Emboixar. We will have to remember the name of Pierre de Vaugiraud de Rosnay forever."

"Rosnay! Rosnay! Rosnay! Rosnay! Rosnay!"

Upon being ordered by Napoleon to boast Admiral Rosnay, Minister Decres faithfully performed the task. The story that France's last naval victory and this victory all came from the fingertips of one person was enough to touch the hearts of French citizens. Rosnay had already become France's Horatio Nelson.

"Roma eventually conquered its rival Carthage and was able to take supremacy in the Mediterranean Sea. The French Empire is following the great journey of Rome. Citizens of the Empire can now relax. Our Navy will fight at the forefront to protect your property and life and will win in the end! Long live the Emperor! Long live the French Empire!"

The speech by the Minister of the Navy and the Colonies, Denis Decres, was enough to drive the Place de la Concorde into a frenzy.

French citizens were cheering and shouting Napoleon's name enthusiastically. The war had only just begun, but Nike, the goddess of victory, was clearly smiling toward France.

TL notes

Here's a painting of the Place de la Concorde in 1829 by Guiseppe Canella: