First abdication of Napoleon, April 11, 1814

Done at our palace of Fontainebleau, April 11, 1814.

The allied powers having proclaimed that the Emperor Napoleon was the sole obstacle to the re-establishment of peace in Europe, the Emperor Napoleon, faithful to his oath, declares that he is ready to descend from the throne, to leave France and even to lay down his life for the welfare of the fatherland, which cannot lie separated from the rights of his son, those of the regency of the Empress, and the laws of the Empire.

Napoleon.

Manuscript of the act of abdication of Napoleon I