No. 113. ADVERSE FORTUNE.

The fortune of Napoleon seemed to abandon him at this period. The campaign, so glorious from his talents, exhibited nothing more than his courage in resisting misfortunes. The month of March produced so many events fatal to France as the month of February had awakened hopes. The boldest combinations were formed, and France was inundated with all the troops of Europe united against her. This is the subject of the medal, which represents, on one side, Fortune on a vessel, which she causes to turn around by altering the direction in which she had herself proceeded before; to characterize Fortune still more in this situation, her broken wheel lies on the field.

Things did change in March of 1814. The Allies intercepted a letter from Napoleon to Marie Louise in which he announced he was leaving the immediate vicinity of Paris to gather troops from invested fortresses at the eastern border of France. The Allies stormed Paris; Napoleon learned of his error too late and did not have an alternative to resigning.

Bramsen 1365. Capitulation de Paris.

Note: This is the obverse of Scargill 135.