You have been summoned from your winter quarters; in a few moments you will be assembled, in a few days you will march to combat! Remember twenty years of glory, the innumerable feats of arms that they illustrate, and that the enemy still fears your valor and your intrepidity. Our frontiers are invaded, but the words of the Emperor have raised the Nation. Our country has appealed to its children. They have been called to arms; they march, advance; the Sovereign is at their head, showing in one hand the olive branch of peace and the deadly blade in the other. Soldiers, numerous battalions hasten to join your ranks; an army of reserve of 100,000 troops of the Line are in position behind you; it is supported by 200,000 National Guardsmen who are forming in Bretagne, Normandy, Picardie, and around the capital. These forces can be doubled and even tripled if necessary.

Soldiers! Our fortresses are armed, provisioned, and their defense is confided to you; woe to the enemy if he shows himself or if he dares to turn them! Reject with indignation his perfidious insinuations, his false promises; only remember the devastation, the pillage, and the death that mark all of the steps of these barbarian hordes.