On Easter morning 1799, the...
On Easter morning 1799, the Austrian citizens of Feldkirch awoke to find their peaceful village besieged by Napoleon's army. Knowing the town's defenses could not withstand Napoleon's Army, who stood in regimental formation outside the city walls, the town's officials called a meeting to decide whether or not to hoist the white flag and surrender to the enemy. The pastor rose at the meeting, and in a trembling voice, said to the somber assembly, "This is Easter Day. This is the day of our King's resurrection. We must have one moment of triumph. Let us at least ring the bells.