Napoleon leaves Elba

Contrary to what people believe, Napoleon did not flee from Elba

Many stories have been told about Napoleon's departure from Elba, many of which are set against the backdrop of the night of the ball, a masquerade, during which the belief took root that Napoleon sneaked away through a staircase specially carved into the cliff of the Palazzina dei Mulini.

In truth, the Emperor did not flee secretly from Elba. Preparations for his departure had been underway for days: the Inconstant was anchored, refurbished, rearmed, stocked with supplies, and repainted to resemble an English brig.

The preparations for the escape were at their peak by mid-February; even the blind could see it, even the fools understood it, so obvious were they. [...]

He believed that Campbell did not notice his agitation. In fact, one day he had asked for explanations [...]

The Emperor reassured him:
- Nonsense, fantasies, Colonel; I am so well on Elba that I would not leave it for all the gold in the world!

The decision to leave the island was actually prompted by the departure for Florence of the English Commissioner Sir Neil Campbell; on February 26, everything was ready for departure:

Napoleon runs into the central hall where Madame Mother, the excellent femme mère san ségale, and Paolina, the best living creature, were at a window in tears, watching his every move. A few brief words: "Mámmata abbidècci"!

An embrace, a kiss, and he runs away for fear that they notice his deep emotion. No one speaks. Accompanied by his entourage, not before turning several times toward the Palazzina dei Mulini where Letizia and Paolina wave goodbye with handkerchiefs soaked with tears, he crosses via Ferrandini, the Pompone staircase, Piazza delle Granguardia, and reaches Porta a Mare to go to Punta del Gallo. He leaves from where he arrived. A crowd awaits him at the dock.

[...] It takes force to clear a path to allow the Emperor to reach the dock. Everyone wants to kiss his clothes, his hands, touch him, caress him. It’s madness. And amidst all that turmoil, the clanging of arms, not a word, not a voice: only a single heartbeat from a hundred and hundred hearts.

- I will return, my children; I entrust my mother and my sister to you!

These were his last words, as he was about to board the boat that took him to the Inconstant anchored between the Gallo and the Torre del Martello.

The events that followed Napoleon after he left Elba are well known: the Battle of Waterloo, his exile to Saint Helena, his illness, and his death. Some words the great Emperor spoke just before dying remain in memory:

Six years ago - he said with regret - exactly, I arrived at the Island of Elba. It was raining. I would heal if I could feel that rain again. (p. 59)

Napoleon Bonaparte died on May 5, 1821.

On May 5 of every year, a mass is celebrated in memory of Napoleon at the Church of the Reverend Misericordia in Portoferraio, and throughout the month, historical reenactments, conferences, and celebratory events recall the sovereignty of Napoleon I over the Island of Elba.