Mémorial - De.sainte - Hélène 02.04
Mémorial - De.sainte - Hélène 02.04
Mémorial - De.sainte - Hélène 02.04
OF THE
PRIVATE LIFE
AND
CONVERSATIONS
OF THE
EMPEROR NAPOLEON
AT SAINT HELENA
BV
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR HENRY COLBURN AND CO.
1823.
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B. Bensley,
Boit Court, Fleet Street.
—
COIN^TENTS
OF
THE FO U R T H PART.
Page
Battle of the Tagliamento 1
Affairs of Venice 27
Fragments on Leoben tîl
IV CONTENTS.
MY RESIDENCE
WITH
on the army of Italy, to aroid sepurating them too far from those
I. Situation commencement of
of Italy at the
1797. The peace of Tolentino had re-estahlished
our relations ivith Rome. The court of Naples
was satisfied with the modération of the French,
The ïnn, the Adda, and the Adigc, rise in this ele-
its proposais, no
on the strength of its ar-
reliance
mies was discoverable it had not calculated on
;
Hungarian nation.
will carry liberty to the brave
" Tlie house of Austria, which has forthree cen-
turies continued to lose part of its power in each
succeeding war; which aliénâtes its people, by de-
privingthem of their privilèges; wiirfind itselfre-
duced, at the end of this sixth campaign (since it
14 MY RESIDENCE WITH
compcls US to make it) to accept such peacc as we
niay tliink proper to grant, and to take up perma-
iiently that place amongst sccondaiy powers, which
it already fills by accepting the wages and submit-
ting to the will of England.
(Signcd) " BUONAPARTE."
The army was was ne-
speedily in motion. It
ficd with the Freneh army, nor had the hitter any
eause of eoniphiint against thèse people.
The inhabitants of the eirele of Vilhieh appef^red
amicably disposée! towards the Freneh ; they sup-
])Ued every thing necessary for the army with great
readiness. We were in Gerinany ; manners there
were différent ; our soldiers had great reason to bç
])leased with the eharaeteristie hospitality of the
Gernians. They ])roenred a great qnantity of
liorses and wagons, with greater ease than in
Italy; and thèse were of great serviee.
Tiie town of Chigentiu't, the eapital of Carin-
tliia, was also put in a state of defenee ; and a ])ro-
23
patched to Palma-Nuova.
On enterin*,'- into Carinthia the foUowing procla-r
papal influence.
THE EMPEROIl NAPOLEON. 31
the point :
" You wish to arrest those whom you
call yoiu' enemies, and whom we call our friends ;
éO MY RESIDENCE WITH
tlonal rcasons for accepting the proposais I hâve
made you. Thcy would put an end to ail thèse
troubles. But your fate hurries you on refleet, ;
troops at hand.
Laudon, with the activity and address of a tme
partisan, inundated the country with proclamations
and news ; he spread reports that the armies of the
Rhine and of the Sambre and Meuse had been an-
nihilated m attempting to repass the Rliine ; that
the Tyrol had been the tomb of the French ; and
that Joubert's army had perished. He exhorted
the \^enetians and ail Italy to a gênerai revolt,
and called upon them to rise en masse in the rear
of the French. At the same moment similar intel-
2 E
52 MY RESIDENCE WITH
ligence, spread by the friends of Pezzaro, arrived
from Vcnicc. Thiis coming from two différent
sources, it is no wondcr that it easily obtained
bclief in the Venetian States, particularly as the
armies of the Rhine had actually sustained a simi-
lar check in the fonner year. At Brescia and Ber-
gamo, wherc the partisans of liberty were the
strongest, they immediately took np arms, ar-
rangcd their plans with the French governors, and
sent dcputations to IMilan, Modena, and Bologna,
in ordcr to secure mutiial support.
But where the party of the Senate
at Verona,
prcvailed, and which Pezzaro considered as the
point of appui of his jiarty, the people, the military,
and the magistrates ail rose against the French ;
"
The numbcr of the soldiers of the army of
Italv who havc fallen victims, already amounts to
scveral hundreds. In vain you atfect to disavow
THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. 55
m ère
fille.
which
I
THE EMPEROR NPOLEON. 59
^, dependen
dependenr"" ' ^(orjiied a gvernment. Bergamo,
l^no, and Udine, im-
te republics. It
e Cispadan and
Tbe principles
•sally adopted ;
domains were
56 MY nESIDENCE WlTH
rcduce me to tlie neccssity of making war; do
not imagine that the French soldier, like thc rob-
bcrs whom you bave armed, will ravag-c tbc fields
oï tbc innocent and untbrtunate people of tbc Terra
Firma. No ; I will protcct tbcm, and tbey sball
bless tbe vcry crimes tbat bave obbged tbe Frencb
army to v/rest tbem from yonr tyrannical sway."
(Signed) Buonaparte.
Tlie aide-de-camp bad orders to read tbis letter
bimself to tbe assembled Sonate, and to express to
tbem ail tbe indignation wbicb tbeir conduct bad
cxcited. But terror bad already seized on Venice;
the illusion was dissolved. It was known tbat tbc
in tbe intcrior.
RETURX FROM RxVDSTADT.
S^ MY RESIDENCE WITH
too obscure, or they had kept tliem at too great a
distance. Howevcr that may be, Bernadotte, at
tliat time of too warm a disposition, committed
somc One day,
serions fixnlts dnring his embassy.
no one can guess from what motive, hc caused the
tri-coloured uns: to be hoisted on his liouse. It is
^^
the honour of the nation."
A speech of M. de Chateaubriand has been read
to the Emperor, on the propriety of allowing the
clergy to inherit. The Emperor observed, that it
*'
must belong to pronouncc iipon what is no
" longer within the reach of the judgment of men î
" I have never had but onc aim, never asked but
** this one question ; will you sinccrely assist me
"in promoting the true interest of France? and
" ail tliose who have answcred affirmatively have
" been placed by nie in a straight road, cased in
*'
rock, and witliout issue on either side, through
" which I have urged thcni on to the other ex-
" trcmity, where my finger pointed to the honour^
" the glory, and the splendour of France."
This reprimand was so severe, that the person
to whom it was addressed, a man of honour, and dé-
licate feelings, determined upon asking an audi-
ence the next day, in order to tender his résigna-
tion. He was admitted to the présence of thcEm-
peror, who iinmediately said to him, " My dear sir,
*'
We had certainly some reason to complain of
" the Admirai," said the Emperor; "but he at
" least was an Englishman, and this man is nothing
" but a Sbire of Italy. We bave not the same man-
a ners," added he, *' we cannot understand each
other ; our feelings do not speak the same lan-
li
guage. He probably cannot conceive, for in-
'^
stance, that beaps of diamonds would be insuffi-
" cient to atone for the affront he bas offered in
" causing one of my domestics to be arrested al-
*'
most in my présence. Since that day ail my
" household are in consternation."
On returning from our ride we breakfiisted in
the garden. In the evening, whilst we were tak-
îng an airing in the Calèche, and going over wliat
we called the double tour, we beguiled away the
time in making an estimate of the cxpenses of a
loe MY RESIDENCE WITH fJxme,
*'
knew me ; he was aware that if lie could ap-
" proach me, thc atî'air would be settled witli a
" few angiy expressions on niy part ; but I also
" knew my own weakness, I was resolvcd not to
" take liini into niy serviee again, and therefore
" refused to admit him. It was tlie only way in
" which I could liopc at tbat moment to bold out
" against bim and sevcral otbers. Esteve tbe pre-
" deeessor of Labouillerie would not bave acted
" in tbat manner ; be was entirely devoted to my
•'
perscm ; be would bave brougbt my treasure
" to Fontainbleau at ail bazards ; or if be bad
*'
failed in tbe endeavour, be would bave tbrown
'•
it into a river, or distributed it in various places,
" ratber tban give it up."
Wednesday oth. —
Tlie Emperor went out at
about four o'clock, be bad been tbree bours in
his bath, and did not feel well. Yet the weatber
was delightful ; it was aftemoon of Eu-
like a fine
rope. We walked until we came up to the Calèche,
Vol. II. Pari If. ,
114 M Y RESIDENCE WITH [June,
ties.
*^
bere you know it only by reading our bulletins,
" or by bearing of our triumpbs you know no-
—
" tbing of our nigbtly watcbes, our forced marcbes,
" tbe sufferings and privations of every kind to
" wbicb we are exposed but I do know tbem, be-
:
'^
cause I witness tbem, and sometimes sbare in
" tbem."
Tbis plan bowever, like many otbers, was at last
abandoned, after baving been several times under
discussion, and variously modified ; and tbe bene-
fîcent intentions of tbe Emperor were, I believe,
not even known to tbe public, tbougb be bad ap-
peared to take a lively interest in tbe passing of
tbis decree, and to défend it in its most minute
détails.
and — subject
fatality of rage or of epilepsy
to fits
" and yet ail that is. I am like the watch that
" exists, without possesessing the consciousness of
" existence. However, the sentiment of religion is
*^
so consolatory, that it must be considered as
" a gift of Heaven what a resourcc would it
:
'"
deputy to the national convention for the depart-
" ment of the Var. Hc liad no talent for oratory,
" and no habits of business. After the 31st of May,
^'
he was, togcthcr with Freron, appointed Com-
^' missioner to the army of Italy, and to Provence,
''
which was then the seat of civil war. On bis re-
" turn to Paris, he threw himself into the Thermi-
" dorian party threatcned by Robespierre, as well
;
" ments of agitation, and his voice filled the lion se.
" His intellectual capaeity did not allow him to
" go beyond a few sentences, but the animation
" with whicli lie spoke would bave produced tlie
" impression tliat lie "vvas a man of resolution ; tins
" however lie was not; and he liad no opinion of
—
" tors it is tnic, but witli liis turn of mind, it is
" possible that he only amused himself by con-
" versing with mcn of activity and enterprise, and
" that he enjoyed thcir flatteries, without making
" them pay for the complaisance he shewed them.
" Ile bore a particiilar hatred to the Germanie
—
" System ^lie displayed great energy in the assem-
" blies, both bcfore and aftcr the period of his
" being a magistrate, and was fond of a life of ap-
" plication and activity. He had been a member
" of the Constituent Assembly, and of the Conven-
" tion ; by the latter he was appointed Commis-
" sioner at Mentz, whcre he gave no proofs of firm-
" nesSj or of military talent
he contributed to the
;
" Fructidor.
" Aftertlie 18th Brumaire, Carnot was recalled
'^
had conspired or disturbed the public tranquillity
" was arrestcd by their orders, they caused a re-
" publican, innocent or guilty, to be arrestcd at
" the same moment. This System was nicknamed
" The Polifkal Seesatc, but the injustice andfraud
" which characterized it cntirely discredited the
1816.] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON'. 145
*'
we think we can trace the principal reasons which
" led to the conclusion of the peace at Campe
" Formio, to his refusai to remain at the Congress
" of Rastadt, and finally, to the undertaking of the
" expédition to Egypt.
" As
it always happens in France, immediately
*'
the sovereign could not do.
* 'NV'e who liave beeii at St. Heleiia, \ve wlio hâve sceu and
'^
claimcd them with boldncss and cncrgy, thcy had
" a certain air of grandeur. Pitt introduced into the
" Cabinet a System of hypoerisy and dissimulation.
" Lord Castlcrengh, the self-styled heir of Pitt, bas
" brought into it the extrême of every kind of tur-
" pitude and immorality. Chatham gloried in being
'^
a merchant ; Lord Castlereagh, to the serions in-
'^
jury of his nation, lias indulged himself in the
" satisfaction of acting the fine gentleman ; he bas
v>V.
''
sacrificed his country to fraternise with the great
" people of the continent, and from that moment:
" bas united in bis person the vices of the saloon"^
" with the cupidity of the counting-house ; the
" duplicity and obsequiousncss of the courtier with
''
the haughtiness and insolence of the upstart. The
"^
poor English constitution is in imminent danger.
" What a différence between such men, and the
^'
Foxes, Sheridans and Greys, those great talents,
'•
those noble characters of the opposition, ^vho
" bave been the objects of the ridicule of a victo-
^'
rions oligarchy!
" Lord Cornwallis," said the Emperor, " is the
" first Englishman that gave me, in good earnest
" a favourable opinion of his nation ; after him
" Fox, and I might add to thèse, if it were neces-
" sary, our présent Admirai (ÎMalcohii).
" Cornwallis was, in every sensé of the word, a
" worthy, good and honest man. At the time of
" the treaty of Amiens, the terms having bec n
" agreed upon, he had promised to sign the nex t
Vol. IJ. Part IV. m
162 MY RESIDENCE WITH [June,
^'
day at a certain liour : sometliing of conséquence
" detained liim at home, but lie pledged liis word.
" The evening of that same day, a courier arrived
" froni London proseribing certain articles of the
" treaty, but answered that he had signed, and
lie
Tuesday 1 1 .
—The wind and rain had rendered
the weather horrible. The Emperor, about three
o'clock, took advantage of a short interval to visit
M 2
16i MY RESIDENCE WITH [June,
'•'
cost us several croivnsy Croit'«5 in English, and
in several languages of the continent, means also
a pièce of nioncy.
I observcd latterly, that it was the only pan-
I had till then heard from the Emperor's mouth,,,
but the person to whoni I made the remark, said
he had heard of his having made a similar one,
and on the same subject in the isle of Elba. A
mason employed in some buildings, which were to
be constructed by the Emperor's order, liad fallen
'•
that others sliould be compelled to foUow his ex-
" ample, and that ail the nobility should be put to
" death, &c. Yct, Monges was one of the mildest
" and weakest mcn living, and would not allow a
" chickcn to be killcd, if lie wcrc obliged to do it
" himself, or to sec it donc. This furious republi-
" can, as he believed himself, cherished, however,
" a kind of worshipforme, whichhc pushedtoado-
" ration. He loved me, as one loves his mistrcss.
" Grégoire, whose animosity to the clergy,
" whom he wishcd to briiig back to their original
'' was so grcat thathe might hâve passed
simplicity,
" for a champion of irreligion, may be mentioned as
" another instance yet Grégoire, when the rcvolu-
;
NOTE I.
NOTE II.
*•
bccomes a mine that must explode, but if left to
*'
itself it is mcrely an iinbcnt bow^ tliat can inflict
" no wound." Here thc Emperor observed, that
lie was far from being" convinced with regard
*'
were incessant, He spontaneously wrote to me
*' upon evcry evcnt that
Ictters of congratulation
" occurred in my favour. Hc had addressed pro-
" clamations to the Spaniards, recommending their
" submission; hc liad rccogniscd Joseph. AU thèse
" were circumstances, which might, indeed, hâve
" been considered as forced upon him but he re- ;
*•'
good faitb, for he remained fiiithful to tlie prin-
" ciplcs whicli he avowcd on bis departiirc, uiitil
" more acquainted with the one than witli the other,
" and view them ail with equal indifférence. " The
Emperor unfortunately formed a différent resolu-
tion. I took the liberty of telling him, I had been as-
sured by some Spaniards^ that, if the national pride
had been respected, and the Spanish junta held at
Madrid instead of Bayonne, or even, if Charles IV.
had been sent off and Ferdinand retained, the révo-
lution would hâve been popular, and affairs would
havetaken another tuni. The Emperor entertained
no doubt of it, and agreed that the enterprize had
been imprudently undertaken, and that many cir-
cumstances might hâve been better conducted.
" Charles IV." said he, "was, however, too stale for
" the Spaniards. Ferdinand should hâve been con-
" sidered in the same light. The plan most worthy
" of me, and the best suited to my projeet, would
" hâve been a kind of médiation like that of Swit-
'•
zerland. I ought to hâve given a libéral consti-
" tution to the Spanish nation, and charged Ferdi-
" nand with its exécution. If lie acted with good
" faith, Spain must hâve prospered and harmonized
'^
with our new manners. The would
great object
" hâve been obtained, and France would hâve
" acquired an intimate ally and an addition of power
" truly fonnidable. Had Ferdinand, on the con
" trary, proved faithless to his new engagements,
" the Spaniards themselves would not hâve failed
1816.] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. 105
*-'
tlîc principal transactions relative to Spain I was
" complotely a strangcr to ail the doipcstic in-
'•'
triirues of its court; tliat I broke no promise
" madc cithcr to Charles IV. or to Ferdinand VU. ;
'^
tliat I violatcd no engagement with the father
*•
or the son ; tbat I made use of no falsehoods to
" entice them both to Bayonne, but that they both
*^'
strove which should be the first to shew himself
*-'
there. \\^hen I saw them at my feet and was en-
" abled to form a correct opinion of their total in-
" capacity, I beheld with compassion the fiite of a
" great people I eagerly seized the singular op-
:
" Be that as
it may, I disdaincd having- recourse
'
scveral of Lis rcasons, and ado])tcd some of his
'
idcas, I sliould hâve bccii inucli bettcr oii'."
'
lence nor thrcats vrerc employed against liim;
•'
and if lie was influenced by fear, v\'hich I am vcr\''
'
-willing to bclieve, that could onl}' be his concern.
" There you hâve in very few words, the complète
'
historical sketch of the affair of Spain ; whatever
'
may be said, or ^vritten must amount to
on it,
'
that ; and you see, that there could be no occasion
'
for me to hâve had recourse to paltry tricks, to
'
falsehoods, to breaches of faith, or violation of en-
'
gagements. In order to establish my guilt, it
' would hâve becn necessary to shew my inclina-
'
tion to dégrade myself gratuitously ; but of that
'
propensity I hâve never given an instance.
" As to the rest, the instant my décision was
1816.] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. '2 0J
*'
You will not pledge me to an interview, in
Spnin, with Ferdinand, unless you consider the
state of things to be such, that I ought to recog-
nise him King of Spain. You will behave with
attention and respect to the King, the Queen, and
Prince Godoy. You will require for them, and
pay them the same honours as formerly. You will
manage matters so as to prevent the Spaniards
from entertaining any suspicions of the course I
shall pursue. You will find no difficvdty in this,
as I know nothing about it myself.
" You will make the nobility and clergy under-
stand, that if the interférence of France be requi-
site in the affairs of Spain, their privilèges and
immunities shall be respected. You will assure
ing to renpw her attucks the next day, and was in-
1616.] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. 315
*'
tlic rcsult of my iinliappy stars." Ile then took
leavc of lier. AVhen she reaclied lier carriage,
sbe threw herself into it in tears ; sent for Duroc,
Avhom she liiglily esteemed, renewed ail lier corn-
plaints to hini, and said, pointing to tlic palace;
*^
Tliere is a place in wliich I bave been cruelly
" dcceivcd!"
" The Queen of Pnissia," said tlie Emperor,
" was iinqiiestionably gifted witb many bappy rc-
" sources ; sbe possessed a great deal of informa-
*'
tion and bad many excellent capabiiities. It
*'
was slic, wbo rcally rcigned for more tlian fif-
tatoi's,
ISIO.] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. 319
dignity ;
—
" M. le Comte, the Emperor considered
" the asylum of kings as an inviolable sanctuar}-.
" It was a principle which lie impressed upon his
" police and we adhered to it. We hâve since
" learnt, that the same conduct was not observed
" with respect to him. But you. Sir, sliould en-
" tertain less doubt upon the subject tlian any
" other person. When I arrived at Petersburgh,
" you were there on the part of the king. The
" Emperor Alexander, in the first warmth of his
" reconciliation, acquaintcd me with every thing
" that respected you, and askcd me whether it was
" the wish of my governmcnt, that you should
" be ordered to leave his dominions. I had re-
" ceivedno instructions upon that head. I wrote
" for them to the Emperor. Mis answer was, by
" return of courier, that he was satisfied with the
" sincère ti*icndship of Alexander, that he would
Igj6.] l'HE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. '223
*'
Four, Sire." At length, as the King was at
1816.] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. 2 25
''
Hold your tonguc, I bcg, don t you sec it is tlie
" Prince r" The gentleman replied, in a higher
" tone tlian before ;
— " How, the Prince —AVell, !
made very great use, got one made exactly like it,
might be wanted.
The Emperor always shewed himself very sen-
sible of thèse attentions, wliich were innocent in
themselves, and whicli were calculated to make
an impression on the feelings, wlien dictated only
*•'
The Constituent Asscmbly acted very umvisely
" in abohshing purely titular nobility a measure ;
*'
But for thèse monarchs, I reserve in France a
" still higher title; they shall be more than kings,
"
*' No, my real sorrow is not hère î
*'
of granité, the cliimeras of political cconomists,
" woiild rcduce it to powdcr " And after some
!
*'
the Croatians Frenchmen ? or hâve you under-
" stood the excellence, utility, and importance of
" the institution r" —
" Sire," replied the individual.
1816] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. 243
Recollections of Waterloo.
*'
restore bis power. Woiikl aiiy one believe, tliat
''
while lie was liimself a prisoner
at Fontainbleau,
" and while the question of bis own existence was
" under considération, lie argucd witb me seriously
" on the existence of the monks, and endeavonred
" to indiice me to re-establish them î That
"
" was truly like the court of Rome !
" good ; he would take the facts and omit the de-
" clamation, whicli is only calculated to please
^'
fools. The author of this work proves that the
" Russians themselves burnt Moscow, Smolen-
^*
sko, &c. ; he describes the French as having
" been victorious in every engagement. The facts
^'
that are to be found in this work," continued the
Emperor, " hâve evidently been described for the
" purpose of being published during my reign, in
" the period of my power. The declamatory pas-
''
sages bave been interpolated since my fall. The
author could not easily pervert tlie ground-work of
his subject, though he bas interspersed it with
abusive remarks after the fashion of the day.
" As to the disasters of my retrcat I left him
ISIG.] TUE E.^IPEROU NAPOLEON'. 257
*'
iiothing to say any more tlian otlicr libelists.
" My '29tli bulletin plungcd tliein into despair. In
" their rage they aceused me of exaggeration.
" They werc provoked to a pitch of madness. I
" thus deprived theni of an exeellent subject, I
*'
ruined; or the Princess Charlotte of Wales,
" who we will suppose to hâve removed me
*'
hence, saying to me: if you act thus, I shall be
" hated and shall be looked u|X)n as the scourge
" of my country. At thèse words I should stop
**
short: — they would arrest me in my career
**
more eifectually than armies.
**
And what is there to fear? That
after ail,
" I should wage war ? I am now too old for that.
'*
Is it feared that I should résume my pursuit of
*•
glory ? I hâve enjoyed glory even to satiety.
*'
I hâve wallowed in it ; and it may be said to be
**
a thing which I hâve henceforth rendered at
" once common and difficult. Is it supposed that
*'
I would recommence my conquests? I did not
"persévère in them throiigh mania; they were
*'
the resuit of a great plan, and I may even say
*'
that I was urged to them by necessity. They
*'
were reasonable at the moment when I pursued
" them; but they would now be impossible. They
'*
were practicable once ; but now it would be
*'
madness to attempt them. And besides, the
s 2
260 M Y RESIDEXCF. M'ITH [.Tune,
*'
convulsions and misfortunes to which France
** has been subjected, will henceforth give rise to
*'
so many difficulties, that to remove them will
**
be a sufficient source of glory without seeking
**
for any other."
Two of the gentlemen of the Emperor's suite
had been to the town to see the persons who had
newly arrived at the Island, and to hear the news
of the day. The account which they delivered
on their return occupied the Emperor's attention
for some minutes in the garden. About six
o'clock he proceeded to his closet desiring me to
follow him ; and by chance a conversation was
introduced, which to me was in the highest de-
*'
How happened it," said he, ''
that none of
**
your friends should hâve given me a correct
'*
idea of it ? I uever saw it until I was on board
1816.] THE EMPEROR XAPOLEOX. 261
'*
the Northumberland, and now I find it is
**
favour of Sovereigns ; modest merit is almost
" always neglected. But, perhaps, after al)
*'
Clarke, Decrès, Moiualivet, M. de Montes
**
quiou, or even Barbier, my librarian, might
**
hâve withheld the hints which you intended
*'
they slioiild throw ont to me; for it is another
'*
mortifying truth, that favours are sometimes
**
more attainable throiigh the médium of the
" valet-dc-chambre than by a higher channel And !
**
advantages she could hâve wished, by describ-
" ing your real merits to me." — " Yes, Sire," I
'
stance in your favour. I was not aware that
*
you had, like myself, attended the mifitary
* school at Paris that would hâve been another
;
'
claim to my notice.
" You had been an emigrant; you weuld there-
*
fore never hâve enjoyed my full confidence. I
* knew you had been much attached to the
that
'
Bourbons; you would therefore never hâve
' been initiated in the great secrets of my go-
* vernment." — '* But Sire," I replied, "yourMa-
*
jesty pcrmitted me to approach your person,
'you made me a Counsellor of State, and en-
*
trusted me with various missions." — " That was
-264 MV RESIDENCE WITII [June,
*'
because conceived y ou to be an honest man
I ;
•*
and besides I am not of a distrustful dispo-
" sition. Withont knowing why, I considered
'*
you to be a man of pure integrity in ail that re-
**
garded pecuniary matters. If yôu had only men-
**
tioned a single word to me about your affair of
**
Few sovereigns hâve done better than I."
**
Sire," said I, **
I experienced deep mortifi-
*'
cation, at finding that your Majesty never ad-
**
dressed a word to me at your court circles and
*'
levées. And yet you never failed to speak of
*'
me to my wife when I happened to be absent:
" I sometimes thought that I wasnot well known
'*
to you, or feared, particularly during latter
" times, that your Majesty had some cause to be
*'
displeased with me." — " By no means," re-
sumed the Emperor ;
" If I spoke of you when
*'
absent, it was because I made it a rule always
**
to speak to ladies about their husbands when
•
**
your préjudices and those of the new officers
**
must inevitably clash together. This appeared
**
to me a decided objection to your appointment,
" and I thought no more about you but now,;
**
since I hâve come to know you, I find that you
**
were precisely the man I wanted. I think too,
*'
that I entertained some other ideas respecting
"your advancement; but I must again repeat
**
that you neglected your own interests. You
*'
retreated when you ought to hâve marched
** forward. Need I tell you, that with the best in-
" tentions on my part, the chance againstprocur-
**
ing an appointment to an important post was as
— —
terrupt you
**
Sire," continued I, " being ignorant of your
Majesty's good intentions with respect to me,
I was placed in a situation truly ridiculous,
amidst the numerous congratulations that I
received. I endeavoured to extricate myself
from ail this embarrassment with the best pos-
sible grâce; but the more efforts I made for
*'
tion was to get possession of the Adriatic, and
" to establish a fleet there. Ships could hâve
*'
been built at no vast expense, with the wood
**
produced in the immense forests of Croatia.
*'
I snbmitted the whole to the Minister, who
" never more mentioned the subject to me. But
'*
y ou presented some other things to my notice."
— *' Sire, you probably allude to the ideas re-
" specting the system of maritime warfare to be
*'
adopted against England, accompanied by an
—
" explanatory map." " Yes, I recollect. The
*'
map lay for several days on the desk in my
**
closet. I expressed a wish to see you ; but
**
you were absent on a mission.'
" Sire, about the same time I had the honour
" to address to you a plan for transforming the
**
Champ- de- Mars into a Naumachia, which
*'
would hâve been an ornament to the palace of
" the King of Rome. I proposed that the basin
" should be dug sufficiently deep to admit the
" launching of small corvettes which might hâve
" been built, rigged, manned and worked by the
" pupils of the naval school, which, according to
*'
my plan was to be established at the military
" school. AU the Princes of the Impérial house
*'
might hâve been required to dévote themselves
*'
to thèse naval exercises for the space of two
*'
years, whatever might hâve been their ultimate
**
destination. Your Majesty might hâve induced
*'
the distinguished families of the empire, thus to
—
*'
procure for their sons a kiiowledge of naval
" affairs. I doubted not, but that ail thèse cir-
**
cumstances combined, and the spectacle pre-
*'
sented to the capital, would infallibly hâve
*'
rendered the navy at once popular and na-
**
tional in France." '' Ah ! I was not aware of
" the extent of your plan," said the Emperor,
in whose mind every idea immediately became
magnitied. " This design would hâve pleased
'
me. It might hâve produced immense results.
'
From this plan there was but a step to that of
'
rendering the Seine navigable, and cutting a
'
canal from Paris to the sea. This could not
'
hâve been regarded as too stupendous an enter-
'
prize ; more was doue by the Romans of
for
*
ancient times, and more has already been
*
effected by the Chinese of the présent day. It
'
would hâve afforded a pastime to the army in
*
time of peace. I had conceived many plans of
'
the same kind. But our enemies kept me
'
chained to war. Of what glory hâve they
*
robbed me! .... But continue." ** Sire, I —
'
also submitted to your Majesty's considération
'
some ideas respecting the completion of the
'naval schools." —
" Did I adopt them in the
'
schools which I established ;" inquired the Em-
peror. " Did your opinions coïncide with mine?"
'
Sire, were already
the plans for your schools
*
determined on I merely suggested a few hints
;
' —
for their completion." •*' Oh, now I recoUect
272 M Y RESIDEXCE WITII [.Tune,
**
When I call to mind ail thèse circiimstances,
**
I find that I liad so many motives for bestow-
*'
ing attention on yoii, that I am astonished I
" shoiildhâve negiected y ou and I cannot help ;
**
thinking that you must hâve manœuvred ad-
*'
mirably, before you could hâve succeeded in
*'
w^ithdrawing yourself so completely from my
" notice. It is very certain that ail thèse facts
" hâve but just now occurred to me and at the ;
**
period of our departure, and some time after,
" you v^ere, w^ith the exception of your name
" and person, a stranger to me. I looked upon
" you as an individual of w^hom I knew nothing.
*'
How do you account for this? You cannot
*'
perhaps explain it ; but it is nevertheless
" true.
**
I ask again, why you did not avail yourself of
**
the good offices of your friends; or wlny you
" did not appeal to me in person ?" " Sire, those —
*'
who enjoyed the privilège of approaching most
**
nearly to you.' person, were intent only on
*'
advancing their own interests. Their friend-
**
ship did not extend beyond meie good wishes,
*' To speak a word for another, was what they
**
called using their influence; and that was re-
**
served solely for their own advantage. Be-
**
sides even thougli I had had the opportunity
Vol. II. Part IV. t
—
of General Bonaparte.
22d, —
To-day the weather was very bad. The
Emperor sent for me about three o'clock. He
was in the topographical cabinet, surrounded by
ail the individuals of his suite, who were engaged
in unpacking some boxes of books which had ar-
rived by the Newcastle.The Emperor himself
helped to unpack, and seemed to be highly
amused with the occupation. Men naturally
model themselves to their circumstances their :
*'
gine that ail the wisdom of nations is centered
" in themselves. Expérience is the triie wisdom
" of nations. And what does ail the reasoning
** of economists amount to ? They incessantly
" extol the prosperity of Enuland, and hold her
*'
iip as our model ; but the Custom-House sys-
**
tem is more biirthensome and arbitrary in
*'
England tlian in any other country. They aiso
" condemn prohibitions; yet it was England set
'*
the example of prohibitions, and they are in
" fact necessary with regard to certain objects.
*'
Duties cannot adequatel}' supply the place of
" prohibitions : there will always be found means
*'
to defeat the object of the legislator. In France
" we are still very far behind on thèse délicate
*'
which are still imperceived or ill-under-
points,
*'
stood by the mass of society. Yet what
advancement hâve we not made, what cor-
*'*
—
" rectness of ideas lias been introduced by my
" graduai classification of agriculture, industry,
**
and trade ; objects so distinct in themselves,
*'
and which présent so great and positive
"a graduation !
**
Agriculture was continiially improving diir-
ing the whole course of the révolution. Fo-
reigners thought it ruined in France. In 1814,
however, the Englisli were compelled to admit
that we had little or nothing to learn from them.
" Industry or manufactures, and internai trade,
made immense progress during my reign. The
application of chemistry to the manufactures
caused them to advance with giant strides. I
'*
they were in possession of the heights of Mont-
" martre I would still refuse to sign the treaty.
" Thèse words we echoed throiigh Europe.
**
The English will now impose some such
**
treaty on France, at least if popiilar clamoiir,
**
and the opposition of the mass of the nation,
" do not force them to draw back. This thral-
''
dom would be an additional disgrâce in the
**
eyes of that nation, which now beginning to
is
*'
acquire a jiist perception of her own interests.
**
AVhen I came to the head of the government,
**
the American ships, which were permitted to
" enter oiir ports on the score of their neutrality,
*'
brought us raw materials, and had the impu-
" dence to sail from France without freight, for
" the purpose of taking in cargoes of English
*'
goods in They moreover had the in-
London.
*'
solence to make their payments, when they had
" any to make, by giving bills on persons in
" London. Hence the vast profits reaped by the
**
English manufacturers and brokers, entirely to
*'
our préjudice. I made a law that no American
*'
should import goods to any amount, without
*'
immediately exporting their exact équivalent.
" A loud outcry was raised against this : it was
*'
said that I had ruined trade. But what was the
*'
conséquence ? Notwithstanding the closing of
**
my ports, and in spite of the English who ruled
**
the seas, the Americans returned and submitted
— —
'
to my régulations. What might I iiot hâve
'
done iinder more favourable circumstances ?
**
Thiis I naturalized in France tlie manufac-
'
ture of cotton, whicli includes :
'
as a sort of favour.
" 2d. The web. —We did not y et make it ; it
'
came to us from abroad.
" 3d. The printiiig. —This was tlie only part of
'
the manufacture that vre performed ourselves.
'
I wished to naturalize the two first branches ;
'
and proposed to the Council of State, that
I
'
their importation should be prohibited. This
*
excited great alarm. I sent for Oberkamp,
'
and I conversed with him a long tinie. I
'
triumph, whence we should dérive immense
'
advantages. Then I issued my decree in spite
*
of ail; this was a true pièce of statesmanship.
''
I at first confmed myself merely to prohibit-
'
ing the web ; then I extended the prohibition
'
to spun cotton ; and we now possess within
*
ourselves the three branches of the cotton ma-
*
nufacture to the great benefit of our population,
*
and the injury and regret of the English:
*
which proves that in civil government as well
1S16.] THE EM PEROU XAPOLEO'X 283
*
as in war, décision of character is often indis-
'
pensable to success. I offered a million of
*
francs as a reward for the discovery of a me-
'
thod of spinning flax like cotton, and this dis-
*
covery would undoubtedly liave been made,
*
bntforour unfortunate circumstances. I should
'
tlien hâve proliibited cotton if I could not hâve
'
it on tlie continent.
naturalized
" The encouragement of the production of silk
'
was an object that equally claimed my atten-
'
tion. As Emperor of France and King of Italy
*
I calculated on receiving an annual revenue of
'
120 millions from the production of silk.
" The System of commercial licences was no
'
doubt mischievous ! Heaven forbid that I should
'
hâve laid it down as a principle. It was the
'
invention of the English ; with me it was only
'
a momentary resôurce. Even the continental
'
System, in its extent and rigour, was by me
'
regarded merely as a measure occasioned by
'
the war and temporary circumstances.
*'
The difficulties and even the total stagnation
* of foreign trade during my reign, arose ont of
'
the force of circumstances and the accidents of
'
the time. One brief interval of peace would
'
immediately hâve restored it to its natural
'
level."'
284 MY IIESIDEXCE WITII ^
[June,
to their merits.*
25th. —We hâve received the third and last
package of books brought by the frigate. The
Emperor has greatly fatigued himself by assisting
in unpacking and arranging them.
About three o'clock several persons were pre-
sented to the Emperor among others the Ad-
;
in their meanin^- !
9 th. To Eng-
enter into an agreement with an
lish, a German, a Russian, an Italian, and a
'*
sc€ne of action; his position is commanding;
*'
nothing stands in his way. But certainly this
**
conductis tlie ne plus ultra of impudence, base-
*'
ness, and cowardice.'
I shall now introduce an instance which may
serve to prove the truth of the foregoing asser-
tion of Napoléon with respect to French heiresses.
I had the account from the mouth of the person
chiefly interested.
M. d'AUgre had a daughter who was heiress
to immense property : the Emperorconceived the
idea of marrying her to M. de Caulaincourt, Duke
ofVicenza, for whom he had such a particular
regard, that he was looked upon as a kind of fa-
vourite. His personal qualities, no less than his
high officiai employment, rendered him one of the
first personages in the empire. The Emperor,
thereforC; never imagined that there could be the
slightest impediment to this union. He sent for
M. d'Aligre, who often came to Court, and made
his request; but M. d'Aligre had other views,
and declined the alliance. Napoléon urged it in
every possible way, but M. d'Aligre remained
immoveable. From his manner of relating the
afïair to me, it was évident that he thought he
*
whether we should hâve been received at Court ;
'
the good old George IIL was deeply concerned
*
for our Personal misfortunes, but he was ex-
'
tremely reluctant to avow us in a political
*
sensé. And if we could hâve been received
'
there, our means would not hâve enabled us to
1816.] TIIE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. 301
*'
appear. I did not, therefore, go to Court. I
**
hâve, however, seen most of tliose whom your
" Majesty mentions, and I hâve also heard them
*'
much spoken of.
**
find there thatimmense distance between the
**
Court and the mass of the nation; the country
*'
is so crow^ded, information so gênerai, educa-
**
tion so equal, affluence so common, and the
**
sphère of activity so rapid, that the whole na-
**
tion seems to be in the same place and on the
** same plane whilst in looking at this assem-
;
**
and I am likewise fearful that the lapse of so
" much time may now confuse my memory.
**
George the Third was the honestest man in
**
his dominions; his personal virtues made him
302 MV RESIDEXCE WITH Gluae,.
**
an object of profound vénération ; an extrême
" morality, and great respect for the laws, were
*'
the principal characteristics of his whole life.
*'
He came twenty years of âge,
to the throne at
" and was deeply enamoiired of a charming yonng
*'
Scotch lady of one of the first peerages in the
" country it was much feared that he woiild
;
''
marry her but it was sufficient to remind him
;
*'
that it was contrary to law, and he instantly
" consented to marry the person who shoiild be
" chosen for him. This was a princess of Meck-
" lenburg. In his grief he thought her very or-
*' dinary, and in fact she was so; nevertheless
'•
George III. remained ail his life an exemplary
*'
hiisband ; he was never known to be gnilty of
" the least infidelity.
" The accession of George III. was an actual
" political révolution in England the days of :
*'
ers, who were no longer wanted. The govern-
" ment was again seized by the Tories, those
" friends of power, who hâve ever since kept it,
" to the great détriment of public liberty.
" The King, however, was personally free from
"préjudice in this respect; he sincerely loved
*'
the laws, justice, and the welfare and prospe-
*'
rity of his country. The violent part taken by
1816.] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEOX. 3DÏ-
**
England ag-ainst oiir French révolution, was"
" much less tlie fault of George III. than of Mr.
*'
Pitt, who was the real firebrand. The latter
'*
was instigated by the extrême hatred to France
" which he inherited from his father the great
" Chatham, and also by a strong prediliction for
" power and the oligarchy. At the commence-
" ment ofoiir révolution, Mr. Pitt was the man of
'*
the people he governed England he drew in
: ;
*'
the King, who was always to be worked on by
**
facts and it must be acknowledged, that the
;
**
dérangement of George III. was not a com-
" mon kind of madness ; that his aliénation did
" not exactly arise from a local affection of the
" brain, but from the repletion of the vessels
" leading thereto a dérangement prodiiced by a
;
'*
malady which had long been peculiar to this
*'
family. His disorder, it was said, was rather
" delirium than madness. When the cause was
*'
removed, the prince instantly recovered ail his
*' faculties, in as great perfection as if they had
" sustained no interruption; this circumstance
*'
explains his numerous relapses and restorations.
*'
As a proof thereof, people used to mention the
" strength of mind he must hâve possessed, to be
" able, immediately on his first convalescence, to
*'
support the pomp of the procession, attended
" by the assembled population of London, filling
''
the air with acclamations.
" After his second relapse he gave another no
'*
less remarkable proof of this nature, by the
" calmness and sang-froid he evinced on being
*' fired at by an assassin, as he entered his box at
*'
the théâtre. He was so little disturbed, that
" he instantly turned to the Queen, who had just
" reached the door of the box, to tell her not to
*'
be alarmed, for that it was only a squib that
'*
had been let off in >the théâtre; he remained
" during the whole performance apparently un-
" moved. Hère was certainly no proof of weak-
*' ness. The permanence of the complaint in
Vol. II. Fart IV. x
306 MY RESIDENCE WITH [June,
''
his latter years might iiideed be opposed to
" thèse facts, if it be certain that he had not long
*'
lucid interv^als.
" George III., althoiigli so worthy and well-
**
meaning a monarch, was several times very
*'
near falling a victim to assassins. Several in-
*'
stances of this kind occur in his history; and I
" do not believe any of the persons implicated
''
siiffered death, because they ail appeared to be
*'
insane — ail religions orpolitical fanatics. The
*'
last and most famous attempt occurred, I thinkj
" in 1800. The King went to the théâtre, as he
" did from time to time at that critical period, by
*'
way of a kind oîféte, to keep up his popularity.
"As he entered his box, a man in the pit took
**
aim at him and the bail
witli a holster pistol,
*'
only missed through the King's bowing at the
*'
moment to sainte the public. The dreadful tu-
*'
mult that ensued may easily be conceived The !
**
the mission which your Majesty had confided
**
to me the preceding year, concerning the
'*
dépôts of mendicity and hoiises of correction,
*'
I wished to see the English establishments of
" this description. Whilst I was taking a minute
" survey of Newgate, I entered an apartment in
" which I found a great niimber of condemned
**
persons enjoying a certain degree of liberty.
" The first on whom my conductor fixed his eyes
" happened to be Hatfield, whom he pointed ont
*' to me, and whose name I immediately recol-
**
lected, and asked if he was the man who had
" attempted to assassinate George III. It was
**
the same, he said, and that he was undergoing
*'
the confinement to which he had been con-
*'
demned for his madness, in Newgate. I ob-
**
served that, at the time, this madness had been
** much doubted and contested by the public, as
" it always happens in such cases. I was as-
" sured, however, that Hatfield was indisputably
'*
mad, but only by fits; that his madness was,
" however, so mild, that he was suffered to go
" into town, on his word and that he was the
;
**
first to request he might be attended to, when
*'
Mr. Pitt so long, towards whom lie felt a
" strong répugnance, because lie was very ill-
*'
he was always too late; Mr. Pitt had already
*'
disposed of it, and for the good of tlie state,
*'
he would say — for the sake of parliamentary
**
services. shewed too much dissa-
If the Kiiig
" tisfaction, Mr. Pitt had one invariable answer
** —
constantly ready he would resign and yield
*'
his place to another. At length a circumstance
*'
occurred of the most délicate kind, as it con-
*'
cerned the King's conscience, who was very
**
religions; that is to say, the question of the
*'
émancipation of the Catholics of Ireland, to
**
which he obstinately refused to consent. Mr.
*' Pitt insisted with equal persévérance ; he was
*'
pledged to this measure, he said, and resorted
" to his usual threat. But the King this time
" took him at his word, and, overjoyed at his
*' deliverance, repeated the same day to several'
*'
persons, that he had now got rid of a man who
*'
had for twenty years been kicking at him. And-
*'
it may not, perhaps, be useless to observe hère,
*'
as a remarkable singularity, in contrast ta
*'
Mr. Pitt's ill usage of the King, that George III.
** has been heard to say, that of ail his ministers,
** Mr. Fox, (so much accused of republicanism,
** and perhaps not without foundation) was the
*' person who, when at the head of affairs, had
** constantly shewn him the greatest delicacy,
** déférence, respect, and attention.
**Nevertheless, such was the influence of
the
*' public interest over the King's mind, that not-
310 M Y RESIDENCE WITH [June,
*'
ham, or any of the most violent on that side of
" the question, appeared to us to be delicious ;
'
brothers caused hini many vexations by their
*
marriages ; and he had not reason to be per-
'
fectly satisfied witli his eldest son.
" The two brothers of George III. were the
*
Duke of Cumberland and the DukeofGlouces-
'
ter. I often saw the latter in private society ;
'
he was the worthiest, most polite, and honour-
'
able gentleman in England. Both thèse illus-
'
trions individuals, accordiiig to the spirit of the
'
British constitution, were entirely strangers to
'
public business. The King heard that one of
'
theni had was about to marry a
niarried, or
'
private individual. This was a great crime in
*
his estimation he had himself made a great
;
'
sacrifice to avoid committing it. He was ex-
'
tremely angry and whilst he was sending a
;
'
message to Parliament against the brother who
'
had thus given offence, he was informed that
*
the other had eloped to Calais for a similar
'
purpose. It was like a fatality, an absolute
'
épidémie, for it was at the same time reported
'
on ail sides, that the heir apparent himself was
*
also secretly married." '* —
What," said the
Emperor, " the Prince of Wales !"
—
*' Yes, Sire,
*
himself: his marriage was every where talked
*
of, but with circumstances not sufficiently cer-
*
tain for me to venture to repeat them ; the fact,
'
however, seemedgenerally acknowledged. But
*
as the Prince afterwards caused it to be con-
*
tradicted in Parliament, through the médium of
1816.J THE EMPEROR XAPOLEOX. 313
lieve him.
**
I hâve it, however, from the moiith of a very
near relation of his pretended wife, that the
matter was positively so. I heard this person
give way to the most violent rage on the solemn
marriage of the prince, and threaten to resort
to Personal violence. It might, therefore, be
considered a contested point, which was un-
avoidably represented according to party spirit ;
''
against tlie Prince, tliat Mr. Pitt dexterously
" took the opportunity of persuading him to con-
" sent to a marriage with the Princess of Bnins-
—
" wick." " But stay," said the Emperor, " you
" go too fast you pass over what chiefly mterests
;
*'
thrown himself, as heirs presumptive too fre-
" frequently do the opposition, whose stay and
;
**
hope he was, perhaps trying to deceive them-
*'
selves, when this misconduct was mentioned
" to them, used to get through it by saying, that
" he would be another Henry V. that Henry V. ;
**
the monarchy had produced and thence they
;
'
and obtained. But during the short interval of
*
the négociation, a celebrated woman who had
*
long aspired to govern the prince, finding the
'
place vacant, occupied it herself. It is pre-
'
tended that she has said she had sought this
'
conn'iction for twenty years ; was much
for she
'
older than himself, a circumstance wliich seemed
'
like a peculiar taste in this family, having also
'
been remarked in several of his brothers. This
'
person was immediately appointed Lady of the
*
Bed-chamber to the future Princess of Wales ;
'
she even went to meet her and bring her to
'
England. It was under such auspices, such
'
malignant influence, that the bride landed on
'
the British shore. Accordingly, it is positively
'
asserted that this unhappy princess had net
'
even the whole twenty-four hours of enjoyrnent,
*
still less that privileged period emphatically
'
called by the English the Honey Moon. From
*
the very day after her marriage, ridicule, neglect,
'
and contempt were her portion."
**
Ail who possessed the least spark of gene-
'
rosity or morality inEngland took her part,
'
and loudly exclaimed agamst the manner in
*
which she was treated. The greater share of
'
the odium, however, fell on Lady J who
*
was accused of having bewitched the prince.
*
She became the object of public exécration;
*
yet the Prince, it was declared could not plead
*
the excuse of illusion orblindness; forit issaid.
1816.] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON". 317
" of Lady J ——
was found written on every one
•
*'
bound to say, that in the circles in which I saw
" her, she even possessed a sort of attractive kind-
" ness whether the manners of her class render
;
**
it is the certainty of being able to command
**
this sort of success that has so often led him, as
" his detractors say, to disregard public opinion.
**
His enemies hâve said that he has camed this
*'
species of courage to absolute heroism. They
" hâve censured him for his hardihood, in per-
*'
sisting, whilst lying himself under the reproach
" of an irregular life, in accusing his vv^ife of that
*'
conduct of which he set the example an in- ;
**
consistency which ought, undoubtedly, to be
" attributed to the fatal suggestions of pernicious
" counsellors, inimical to his glory and tranquil-
" lity. It is at least certain, that the basest cor-
" ruption, the aid of the laws, and the influence
" of the heir to the throne. were ail employed
**
against the Princess, and ail in vain : a circura-
**
stance which, it is said, used to torment the
" Prince and expose him to ridicule. People
**
laughed at his unprecedented ill-luck, in being
**
unable to prove, wdth ail his endeavours, what
" so many husbands w^ould give so much to con-
" ceal. Hatred increased on every new defeat,
" and with it the sufFerings of the victim. She
**
was reduced, at last, to a sort of banishment,
**
to a place a few miles from London ; she was
*'
deprived of her daughter ; she was insulted in
**
the sight of the allied Sovereigns when they
1816.] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. 319
**
two nations had no longer any thing in common.
** There is, therefore, an actual blank in my in-
*'
I never saw more graceful manners, more pleas-
" ing expression, more harmony in the tout-ai-
" se?)ible ; I thought him the bcau-idcal of élégance.
" I comprehended the full power, the whole truth
" of that magie fascination which I had so often
" heard attributed to him and even at this mo- ;
* Since this was said, the great victim has fallen. I, his ser-
This immortal victim accordingly left with his own hand, thèse
dreadful words :
" I lequeuth the infainy of my lUath to the
*' !"
rçigning/ainily of England
J816'.] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON, :î'23
**
scarcely is one seated there when the poison
" begins to operate. Thèse Brunswicks, brought
*'
in by libéral ideas, raised by the will of the
**
people, hâve scarcely ascended the throne, when
".they grasp at arbitrary and despotic power;
" they must absolutely drive their wheels in the
" track which overturned their predecessors and ;
**
That fine stem of the Nassaus> for instance,
yg
—
*'
those patrons of noble independence in Europe,
**
whose liberalism ought to be in the blood, and
**
even in the marrow of their bones ; those
**
Nassaus, who, as far as regards their dominions,
" would be only at the tail, and who might by
**
their doctrines, place themselves at the head,
**
they hâve just been placed on a throne; well,
" you will infallibily see them concern themselves
**
about noihing but becomingwhat they call legi-
**
timates ; and adopt the principles, the proceed-
" ings, and the errors of that class. Nay, after
" ail, my dear Sir, has not the same thing been
" said of me, myself ? and perhaps not without
" some appearance of reason for, probably many ;
'*
circumstances may hâve escaped my observa-
•*
tion. Nevertheless I declared, on a solemn oc-
**
casion, that in my estimation the sovereign
**
power was not in the title, nor the throne in
**
its splendour. It has been said of me, that
**
searcely had I attained power, when I exercised
*'
a despotic and arbitrary sway but it was rather ;
**
times will be a sufficient excuse for me. I hâve
" also been reproached with having suffered my-
" self to be intoxicated with pride at my alliance
**
with the house of Austria, and having thought
**
myself more truly a sovereign after my marriage ;
" But eau ail this be just ? Did I really fall iiato
1816.] THE EMPEROft XAPOLEON". 325
**
such errors ? A young, handsome, agreeable
**
woman, fell to my lot was it inadmissible for
;
**
like the Sultan we hâve read of, to hâve her head
**
struck off, in order to escape the reproaches of
**
the multitude ? No my ! only fault in that al-
**
liance was that of carrying too plebeian a heart
" with me. How often hâve I said that the heart
**
of a statesman ought only to be in his head.
" Mine, unfortunately, in this instance, remained
**
in its place, subject to family feelings, and this
*'
marriage ruined me ; because I believed, above
" ail things, in the religion, the piety, the mora-
'*
lity and honour of Francis I. He has cruelly
*'
deceived me. I am willing to believe he was
**
himself deceived ; and I him with ail
forgive
**
my heart. But will history spare him ? If,
"
**
however,
Hère Napoléon was silent for a few moments,
resting his head on one of his hands ; then re-
suming, *'
But what a romance is my life !
''
said
he, rising. " Open the door, and let us walk."
And we walked up and down the adjoining rooms
for some time.
326 MY RESIDENCE WITH [July,
month.
The Emperor condescended to come into my
room, about 1 1 o'clock, to learn the state of my
son, whom he rated well for his aukwardness. I
**
pillage he enriches himself, he immediately
**
becomes a bad soldier, and will not fight. Be-
**
sides," continued he, " pillage is incompatible
" with our French manners ; the hearts of our
**
soldiers are not bad ; when the first transport
" of fury is over, they come to themselves again.
*'
It would be impossible for French soldiers to
*'
pillage for twenty-four hours, many of them
**
would employ the latter part of the time in
" repairing the mischief they had donc in the
" beginning. They afterwards reproach each
**
other, in their quarters, with the excesses they
**
hâve committed, and load with réprobation and
" contempt those whose conduct has been parti-
**
cularly odious."
About three o'clock the new Admirai, Sir
Pulteney Malcolm, and ail his officers, were pre-
sented to the Emperor. The Admirai first con-
versed with the Emperor alone, for nearly two
hours. He must hâve been much impressed with
this conversation, for he said, as he came out, that
*'
mine to be raised by your parliament." ** And
*'
that is the true summary of the matter," replied
the Admirai.
The Admirai was bringing from America some
old troops consisting of 12,000 men, without the
least suspicion of the new state of Europe. At
sea a vessel informed him of the return of the
Emperor from the isle of Elba, and the consé-
quent révolution ; it seemed to him so magical
that he could scarce believe it. But when he
arrived in sight of Plymouth, he received orders
to proceed, with ail possible expédition, to
Ostend ; he reached it in time, and 4,000 of the
men on board his ships were enabled to take
part in the battle, and they were unquestionably
amongst the best troops in the whole line, as the
Admirai declared. Who can détermine what
degree of influence they may hâve had ? The
English thought the battle lost, during the whole
day, and they acknowledge that it would hâve.
**
dispute, whether we did not violate the laws,
**
and whether we were not criminal ; but thèse
**
are mère abstractions, at best fit for books and
" tribunes, and which ought to disappear before
**
imperious necessity ; one might as well blâme
**
a sailor for waste and destruction, when he cuts
" away his masts to avoid being overset. The
" fact is, that had it not been for us the country
**
must hâve been lost; and we saved it. The
" authors and chief agents of that mémorable
" State transaction may and ought, instead of de-
" niais or justifications, to answer their accusers
**
proudly, like the Roman, We protest that we hâve
" saved our country ; corne with us and return thanks
**
to the gods."
On the completion of the Révolution of the
18th Brumaire, three provisional consuls were
appointed ; Napoléon, Sieyes, and Ducos. A
président was to be chosen, the moment was
critical, and rendered the General highly neces-
sary ; he accordingly seized the arm chair, and
his two acolytes did not venture to dispute it
**
it might perhaps, be too late. The colleagues
" did not wait to be told twice," observed the
Emperor, " Sieyes hastily undertook the opera-
*'
tion, and divided the spoil like the lion in the
" fable. He made several lots ; he took one as
"the eldest Director; another, because he was
" to hâve continued in office longer than his col-
**
league ; a third, because he had suggested the
**
idea of this happy change, &c. In short he ad-
" judged 600,000 francs to himself, and only sent
" 200,000 to poor Ducos, who when his first
**
émotions had subsided, insisted on revising this
" calculation, and seemed bent on quarrelling
" with Sieyes. Both of them reverted to the
*'
subject every moment, vvishing their third col-
*'
league to arbitrate between them ; but the
" latter always replied, — settle it between your-
**
Above ail, be quiet for if the matter
selves. ;
**
zens.
Napoléon for want of expérience in assemblies,
and also through a degree of circumspection
which the circumstances of the moment required,
had taken little or no share in what had preceded ;
" would hâve been the case, if ail the consuls had
**
been equal ; we should then hâve ail been ene-
" mies : but the constitution having made them
S3G MY RESIDENCE WITH [July,
z 2
340 M Y RESIDENCE WITH [July,
*'
like to choose my shops myself." In consé-
quence of this, the Governor afterwarcls sent him
Word by the Doctor, that he should complain of
him, for having contanptuoiislij refused the gifts of
*'
every day," said the child, quickly. *'
Such
" is the influence of the belly," said the Em-
peror, tapping that of little Tristan. " It is
*'
hunger that makes the world move. Corne my
1816.] THE FMPEROR NAPOLEON. S43
*'
his countenance undoubtedly .... But
" after ail he had a mischievous eye ; I ought to
*'
hâve guessed something from that." He then
went into some particulars of the character of
the person in question. They had known each
other from infancy, he said; he had long placed
his en tire confidence in this individual, who had
talent and resources Emperor even thought
the
—
;
—
Saturday 13th. The conversation again fell
upon Junot. Of tlie considérable fortunes which
the Emperor had bestowed, that of Junot, he said,
was one of the most extravagant. The sums he
had given him almost exceeded belief, and yet
he was always in debt he had squandered trea-
;
*'
knows to hâve been long since on the road to
" bankruptcy it has other claims to satisfy.
;
''
was induced to marry her. Her family was
*'
from Corsica, and resided in the neighbourhood
" of mine they were under great obligations
;
**
downfal of Constantinople was believed in at
" that moment, and it would hâve suited France
" to advance some prétentions to a portion of
" that empire. A man of the name of Cummene,
*'
a relation of Madame de Vergennes, was there-
**
fore sent for from the Greek colony near Ajaccio,
" and having been brought to Versailles was soon
" after by virtue of letters patent of Louis XVI.
**
acknowledged a descendant from the emperors
" of Constantinople. This said Commene was a
" good farmer, whose sister had unexpectedly
" married, some years before, a Frenchman, a
" clerk in the victualling department named P —
**
After the élévation of the family, and through
" the interest of M. de Vergennes, this P — , clerk
**
in the victualling department, had become a
" man of great conséquence, having had the con-
" tract for supplying the whole army of Rocham-
**
beau. The daughter of the clerk was this very
*'
Madame Junot, duchess of Abrantes.
1816.] THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. SSl
—
Sunday 14th. During the dinner, speaking of
dress, it was said that amongst the number of
great personages of that time, none had carried
the ridicule in that point further than Murât, and
yet, some one observed, his dress was for the
most part so singular and fantastic that the public
called him king Franconi.*
*'
had unfortunately over - heard them whisper
" to each otiier, as they thought without being
**
heard, that it was impossible he could escape.
" Every moment the iinfortunate Lannes called
" for the Emperor; he twined himself round me,"
said Napoléon, " with ail he had left of life ; he
**
would hear of no one but me, he thought but
" of me, it was a kind of instinct Undoubtedly !
*'
he loved his wife and children better than me ;
*'
protected them, whilst I on the contrary was
*'
his protector. I was for him something vague
**
and iindefined, a superior being, his providence,
*'
which he implored !"
Somebody then observed, that the world had
spoken very differently on the subject that it ;
*'
expense of your ow^n life you ought to hâve
" defended your brother, your benefactor, your
**
master, against the sanguinary attempts of your
" husband."
" On my return from Elba," said the Emperor,
" Murat's head was turned on hearing that I had
*'
landed in France. The first intelligence lie re-
" ceived of this event informed him that I was at
" Lyons. He was accustomed to my great re-
" turns of fortune ; he had more than once seen me
*'
placed in most extraordinary circumstances. On
" this occasion he thought me already master of ail
" Europe, and determined to endeavour to wrest
**
Italy from me; was his object, the aim
for that
*'
of ail his liopes. It was in vain that some men
" of the greatest influence amongst the na.tions
" which he attempted to excite to rébellion, threw
*'
themselves at his feet and assured him that
" he was mistaken that the Italians had a king
;
2 a2
356 MY RESIDENCE WITH [July, 1816.]
*'
mained courageous and nothing more. The
" mind of Lannes, on the contrary, had risen to
" the level of his courage he had become a giant.
;
an act of inhumanity.
After that, he seems to hâve no other occupa-
tion, to hâve received no other instruction, than
to torment us and make us suffer under every
shape, on every occasion, and in every way.
The Emperor, who had at first resolved to adopt
a System of strict Stoicism, is nevertheless moved
with indignation at this conduct, and expresses
himself in strong terms. Conversations grow
warm ; the breach is made; itwill grow wider
every day.
The Emperor s health is visibly affected, and
—
thereby !
case ;
" But, perhaps, this is new to you ?
" To
which the best reply I could make, in order to be
true, was " Yes, Sire it is, and for the most part,
**
new altogether," How could I then on occa-
sions of such inestimable value, go and aukvvardly
interrupt him to inform him that I found it difficult
Omission^ p. '239, after line 24. " I wish to raise the glory
" of the French name to such a pitch as to make it the envy
" of ail nations. I will, nitli God's help, bring it to pass,
" that in whatever part of Europe a Frenchman may travel^ he
" shall alvvay find himself at home."
—
INDEX
TO
ing-rooms of — At
Paris. Erfurt, loudly protessed the senti-
ments of warm friendship and genuino admiration for Na-
poléon they passed some days together in the pleasuies of per-
;
—
marriage with Austria, 220. Na})oleon attributed the late en-
—
mity of Alexander to intrigues and lies. Napoléon was much
pleased with him, and had a real regard for him, 221.
Aligre, (M. (V.) The Emperor wished to marry his daughter to
the Duke de Vicenza, but the father courageously refused the
match, 295.
Amb.\ssadors. Sitting of the Council of State. The Emperor's —
project of substituting new forms for the antient public rights
of Ambassadors, 243.
Artillery. The Emperor's observations on this branch of the
service. —
Recommended incessant firing in battle, without cal-
culating the expence, 284. —
Said, that if he \vishcd to avoid
the post of danger, he would rather bave placed hiiïiself
at 30() toises distance than at 6(K) at the former distance
;
the balls pass over-head at the latter they must fall some-
;
366 INDEX.
stantly acted the part of a warm friend to Napoléon, in
public, 134.
Beef. . Its extravagant price at St. Hclena, 1G4. — Pun by Na-
poléon, 165.
BiZANET, {Gentral) His brilliant conduet at Bergen-op-Zoom,
121. — Napoléon says General Bizanet is certainly a brave
man, 122.
BoxAPARTK, {Madame Letitia.) Her indignation at the tinie of
— Repelled
Murat's défection. and advances from
ail his offers
INDEX. 367
368 INDEX.
poem of la Pitié, the verses were good, the language pure, and
the ideas agreeable but without warnith or invention ; it was
;
570 INDEX.
l'ulernal ad\ice of tlie Emperor. — Slie refuses it. —Was, or
conceived herselt to be^ a Princess of the house of Comnena,
349.— Detail5,350.
Labouillkrie, (WTde, Treusurer of the Crown.) The Emperor
coinplains that in 1814, he did not convey his private treasure
to hiiii at Fonlaineblcaii, lor. —
The Emperor, however, rather
attributed it to the sudden dérangement of affairs than to bad
intentions on his part refuses, therefore, to see him on his re-
;
inan who had the greatest affection for him, and on whom he
—
could place the most reUance, 353. The Emperor said he had
become a giant, 356.
La Reveillere Lepaux. His portrait by the Emperor, 136.
The High Priest of Theophilanthropy, 137. Undertakes to —
make Napoléon, on his returnfromItaly,oneof hiscouverts, 138.
Las Cases, (Counf.)Confidential and highly valuable conver-
sation of Napoléon, 260. —
The Emperor had intended him
for the maritime Préfecture of Toulon, 266. To educate —
the Eing of Rome, 267. —
Had entertained the idea of convert-
ing the Champs de Mars to the purpose of a Naumachia, 270.
Las Cases, (Emmanuel.) Nearly killed by-his horse running
away, kept his bed in conséquence of his fall. The Em- —
peror goes to see him, and scolds him for his unskilfulness,
326. — The Emperor said, that his résidence at St.Helena would
be invahiable to him for the remainder of his life ; that his
moral character would appear to hâve been forwarded as in a
hot-house, 329.
Lebrun, (Arch-Treasurer, Duke of Piacenza.) The Emperor
characterized him as a man of merit prudent, moderate, able
:
INDEX. 371
'
his former mistresses,' 277.
MiLiTARY ScHooLs. At that of Paris, under Louis XVI., the
pupils were treatedas officers enjoying a handsome compétence.
— The Emperor wished that in his scliools the youths should
be treated as soldiers, who, at a subséquent period, were to
conmiand others, 114.
MiN'isTRY, {English.) Exclaimed against the despotism, the ego-
tism, the ambition, and the perhdy of the Emperor, Avhen it
alone was guilty of that of which it dared to accuse Napoléon,
158. —
Sacrifices Austria in 1805, and 1809 Prussia in 1806 ; ;
the Danish tleer, in the midst of peace, 159. For a half cen- —
tury has continually been on the décline in public considération
—
and esteem. Makes a sliop of the Cabinet of St. James's, 160.
M0LLIEX, {Cotait.) The Emperor said he had brought tiie
Public Treasury to the simpliciiy of a bunking-house, 108.
—
MoNGES. His portrait. From his words he would ha\ e been taken
fora desperate man in his actions he was mild in the e.Ktremej
—
;
INDEX. 373
rided Ihe question, 147- —
What he would hâve done if the
( ouncils had got the upper-hand, 14S. —
Principal reasons for
the peace of Campo-Formio, for his refusai to remain at the
Congress of Radstadt, and for the enterprize to Egypt, 151.
Nothing- sodangerous and so faithless as the officiai conversa-
tions with diplomatie agents of England, 155. —
Mentions his
own with Lord Whitworth ; how niuch it had been per-
verted by calumny, 156. — Exposes the Machiavelism of the
English, 158. — SaysthatLordCornwallis was thefirstEnglish-
man who had given him a good opinion of the nation, after-
•wards Fox and Admirai Malcolm, 161. —
Says that half a dozen
like Fox or Cornwallis, would be sufficient to estabUsh the
—
moral worth of a nation, 163. His observations on certain
characters of the Révolution, 167- —
On ^his return from the
Island of Elba, would hâve recognised the independence of St.
—
Domingo, 169. Thought he had committed a great error in
—
seeking to subdue it by force, 170. Dictâtes fragments of
notes on the Convention, 17'-^. — His opinion on the liberty of
the press, 187- — Enters into the history of the war in Spain,
—
189. Résolves to maintain in his own dynasty, the family
System of Louis XIV., and to unité Spain to the destinies of
France said that Europe, and even France, had never had a
;
374 INDEX.
—
merce, agriculture, and iudustry, 279- The ruln of commerce
xinder his reign arose from the force of circumstances j a mo-
ment of peace would hâve restored it to its natural state, 281.
—
On artillery, 284 Said that he had never been able to enjoy
any of his victories in Italy, because the victory of one day
was immediately forgotten, to attend to the necessity of
gaining a fresh one the day following, 291. —
Seeks to blend
parties byreciprocal alliances. —
Déception of Lord Castlereagh
—
on this subject, 293. Goldsmith's Irish Lady, 297- Par- —
ticulars, 298. —
Observations on the Prince of Wales re- :
marked that the love of glory was not to be traced in the phy-
siognomy but was situated at the bottom of the heart, 322.
;
— —
On the Stuarts. The Nassaus. The Brunsvvicks, 323. De- —
fended himself from the imputation of being intoxicated
with sovereign power, and above ail with his alliance with
Austria, 324. —
His happiness and enjoyments were simple ;
376 INDEX.
SuMMARY for the inonths of April, May, and June, 356.
ÏAGLiAMEN'TO, {Baitle of the.) A chapter of the campaign» of
Italy, dictated by the Emperor, 1.
TiLSiT. Historical particuiars of the Conférences Anecdotes,
:
&c. 212.
Toussaint Louvkrture. Was not without merit j but not to
be depended on, 171.
Univebsity. Napoléon complahied that his finest ideas were
spoiled.— Was vexed at the manner in which his wlshes res-
pecting the Universities were executed, 250.
Venice, ('/Vie affairs of.) A chapter of the campaign of Italy,
dictated by Napoléon, 27-
Wales, {The Prince of.) Historical sketch of the English Court,
304.— —
Youth of the Prince of Wales. Anecdotes, 312. His —
connection with the opposition, 314. —
His séparation. His —
privatelife, 315. — —
His inarriage, 316. His Courte 321. Na- —
poleon's opinion, 322.
, ( The Princess of.) —
Her marriage, S16. Her misfortunes
—
and persécutions, 318. The attachment of the multitude to
her.— Is induced, by injudicious or perfidious advice, to
leave England, 319.
Waterloo, {Baitle of) The Emperor's remarks, 251. ^Th? —
English throughout the day thought the battle lost. They —
allow that it would hâve been so but for Grouchy's mistake.
328.
Whitworth, {Lord.) His conversation with the First Consul.
False report thereof in the English papers. —
The Emperora
remarks on this subject, 156.
WoMEN. Comparison of their lot in the east and west, 109.:
The Emperor said their attributes were beauty, grâce, and at-
traction ; their duties, submission and dependence, 111.
457
HiNnfNq SECT. MAY 1 81983
1 DC
S