Page "Joseph Fouché" Paragraph 30

When, during the absence of Napoleon in the Austrian campaign of 1809, the British Walcheren expedition threatened the safety of Antwerp, Fouché issued an order to the préfet of the northern départments of the Empire for the mobilization of 60, 000 National Guards, adding to the order this statement: " Let us prove to Europe that although the genius of Napoleon can throw lustre on France, his presence is not necessary to enable us to repulse the enemy ".

The emperor's approval of the measure was no less marked than his disapproval of Fouché's words.