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diff --git a/3899-h/3899-h.htm b/3899-h/3899-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c91930f --- /dev/null +++ b/3899-h/3899-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,14512 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <title> + MEMOIRS COURT OF ST. CLOUD, By Lewis Goldsmith + </title> + <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + <h2> + MEMOIRS COURT OF ST. CLOUD, By Lewis Goldsmith + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's Memoirs of the Court of St. Cloud, Complete, +by Lewis Goldsmith + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Memoirs of the Court of St. Cloud, Complete + Being Secret Letters from a Gentleman at Paris to a Nobleman in London + +Author: Lewis Goldsmith + + +Release Date: September 11, 2006 [EBook #3899] +Last Updated: August 23, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COURT OF ST. CLOUD *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + <br /> + </p> + + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF ST. CLOUD + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Being Secret Letters from a Gentleman at Paris to a Nobleman in London + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="bookcover.jpg (144K)" src="images/bookcover.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="titlepage.jpg (52K)" src="images/titlepage.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + PUBLISHERS’ NOTE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The present work contains particulars of the great Napoleon not to be + found in any other publication, and forms an interesting addition to the + information generally known about him. + </p> + <p> + The writer of the Letters (whose name is said to have been Stewarton, and + who had been a friend of the Empress Josephine in her happier, if less + brilliant days) gives full accounts of the lives of nearly all Napoleon’s + Ministers and Generals, in addition to those of a great number of other + characters, and an insight into the inner life of those who formed + Napoleon’s Court. + </p> + <p> + All sorts and conditions of men are dealt with—adherents who have + come over from the Royalist camp, as well as those who have won their way + upwards as soldiers, as did Napoleon himself. In fact, the work abounds + with anecdotes of Napoleon, Talleyrand, Fouche, and a host of others, and + astounding particulars are given of the mysterious disappearance of those + persons who were unfortunate enough to incur the displeasure of Napoleon. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="napoleon.jpg (54K)" src="images/napoleon.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>ILLUSTRATIONS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#p078">At Cardinal Caprara’s</a><br /><br /> <a href="#p146">Cardinal + Fesch</a><br /><br /> <a href="#p214">Episode at Mme. Miot’s</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#p236">Napoleon’s Guard</a><br /><br /> <a href="#p338">A Grand + Dinner</a><br /><br /> <a href="#pb064">Chaptal</a><br /><br /> <a + href="#pb114">Turreaux</a><br /><br /> <a href="#pb118">Carrier</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#pb146">Barrere</a><br /><br /> <a href="#pb214">Cambaceres</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#pauline">Pauline Bonaparte</a><br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + SECRET COURT MEMOIRS. + </h1> + <h2> + THE COURT OF ST. CLOUD. <br /><br />INTRODUCTORY LETTER. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, November 10th, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD,—The Letters I have written to you were intended for the + private entertainment of a liberal friend, and not for the general perusal + of a severe public. Had I imagined that their contents would have + penetrated beyond your closet or the circle of your intimate acquaintance, + several of the narratives would have been extended, while others would + have been compressed; the anecdotes would have been more numerous, and my + own remarks fewer; some portraits would have been left out, others drawn, + and all better finished. I should then have attempted more frequently to + expose meanness to contempt, and treachery to abhorrence; should have + lashed more severely incorrigible vice, and oftener held out to ridicule + puerile vanity and outrageous ambition. In short, I should then have + studied more to please than to instruct, by addressing myself seldomer to + the reason than to the passions. + </p> + <p> + I subscribe, nevertheless, to your observation, “that the late long war + and short peace, with the enslaved state of the Press on the Continent, + would occasion a chasm in the most interesting period of modern history, + did not independent and judicious travellers or visitors abroad collect + and forward to Great Britain (the last refuge of freedom) some materials + which, though scanty and insufficient upon the whole, may, in part, rend + the veil of destructive politics, and enable future ages to penetrate into + mysteries which crime in power has interest to render impenetrable to the + just reprobation of honour and of virtue.” If, therefore, my humble + labours can preserve loyal subjects from the seduction of traitors, or + warn lawful sovereigns and civilized society of the alarming conspiracy + against them, I shall not think either my time thrown away, or fear the + dangers to which publicity might expose me were I only suspected here of + being an Anglican author. Before the Letters are sent to the press I + trust, however, to your discretion the removal of everything that might + produce a discovery, or indicate the source from which you have derived + your information. + </p> + <p> + Although it is not usual in private correspondence to quote authorities, I + have sometimes done so; but satisfied, as I hope you are, with my + veracity, I should have thought the frequent productions of any better + pledge than the word of a man of honour an insult to your feelings. I + have, besides, not related a fact that is not recent and well known in our + fashionable and political societies; and of ALL the portraits I have + delineated, the originals not only exist, but are yet occupied in the + present busy scene of the Continent, and figuring either at Courts, in + camps, or in Cabinets. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER I. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—I promised you not to pronounce in haste on persons and + events passing under my eyes; thirty-one months have quickly passed away + since I became an attentive spectator of the extraordinary transactions, + and of the extraordinary characters of the extraordinary Court and Cabinet + of St. Cloud. If my talents to delineate equal my zeal to inquire and my + industry to examine; if I am as able a painter as I have been an + indefatigable observer, you will be satisfied, and with your approbation + at once sanction and reward my labours. + </p> + <p> + With most Princes, the supple courtier and the fawning favourite have + greater influence than the profound statesman and subtle Minister; and the + determinations of Cabinets are, therefore, frequently prepared in + drawing-rooms, and discussed in the closet. The politician and the + counsellor are frequently applauded or censured for transactions which the + intrigues of antechambers conceived, and which cupidity and favour gave + power to promulgate. + </p> + <p> + It is very generally imagined, but falsely, that Napoleon Bonaparte + governs, or rather tyrannizes, by himself, according to his own capacity, + caprices, or interest; that all his acts, all his changes, are the sole + consequence of his own exclusive, unprejudiced will, as well as unlimited + authority; that both his greatness and his littleness, his successes and + his crimes, originate entirely with himself; that the fortunate hero who + marched triumphant over the Alps, and the dastardly murderer that + disgraced human nature at Jaffa, because the same person, owed victory to + himself alone, and by himself alone commanded massacre; that the same + genius, unbiased and unsupported, crushed factions, erected a throne, and + reconstructed racks; that the same mind restored and protected + Christianity, and proscribed and assassinated a D’Enghien. + </p> + <p> + All these contradictions, all these virtues and vices, may be found in the + same person; but Bonaparte, individually or isolated, has no claim to + them. Except on some sudden occasions that call for immediate decision, no + Sovereign rules less by himself than Bonaparte; because no Sovereign is + more surrounded by favourites and counsellors, by needy adventurers and + crafty intriguers. + </p> + <p> + What Sovereign has more relatives to enrich, or services to recompense; + more evils to repair, more jealousies to dread, more dangers to fear, more + clamours to silence; or stands more in need of information and advice? Let + it be remembered that he, who now governs empires and nations, ten years + ago commanded only a battery; and five years ago was only a military + chieftain. The difference is as immense, indeed, between the sceptre of a + Monarch and the sword of a general, as between the wise legislator who + protects the lives and property of his contemporaries, and the hireling + robber who wades through rivers of blood to obtain plunder at the expense + and misery of generations. The lower classes of all countries have + produced persons who have distinguished themselves as warriors; but what + subject has yet usurped a throne, and by his eminence and achievements, + without infringing on the laws and liberties of his country, proved + himself worthy to reign? Besides, the education which Bonaparte received + was entirely military; and a man (let his innate abilities be ever so + surprising or excellent) who, during the first thirty years of his life, + has made either military or political tactics or exploits his only study, + certainly cannot excel equally in the Cabinet and in the camp. It would be + as foolish to believe, as absurd to expect, a perfection almost beyond the + reach of any man; and of Bonaparte more than of any one else. A man who, + like him, is the continual slave of his own passions, can neither be a + good nor a just, an independent nor immaculate master. + </p> + <p> + Among the courtiers who, ever since Bonaparte was made First Consul, have + maintained a great ascendency over him, is the present Grand Marshal of + his Court, the general of division, Duroc. With some parts, but greater + presumption, this young man is destined by his master to occupy the most + confidential places near his person; and to his care are entrusted the + most difficult and secret missions at foreign Courts. When he is absent + from France, the liberty of the Continent is in danger; and when in the + Tuileries, or at St. Cloud, Bonaparte thinks himself always safe. + </p> + <p> + Gerard Christophe Michel Duroc was born at Ponta-Mousson, in the + department of Meurthe, on the 25th of October, 1772, of poor but honest + parents. His father kept a petty chandler’s shop; but by the interest and + generosity of Abbe Duroc, a distant relation, he was so well educated + that, in March, 1792, he became a sub-lieutenant of the artillery. In 1796 + he served in Italy, as a captain, under General Andreossy, by whom he was + recommended to General l’Espinasse, then commander of the artillery of the + army of Italy, who made him an aide-de-camp. In that situation Bonaparte + remarked his activity, and was pleased with his manners, and therefore + attached him as an aide-de-camp to himself. Duroc soon became a favourite + with his chief, and, notwithstanding the intrigues of his rivals, he has + continued to be so to this day. + </p> + <p> + It has been asserted, by his enemies no doubt, that by implicit obedience + to his general’s orders, by an unresisting complacency, and by executing, + without hesitation, the most cruel mandates of his superior, he has fixed + himself so firmly in his good opinion that he is irremovable. It has also + been stated that it was Duroc who commanded the drowning and burying alive + of the wounded French soldiers in Italy, in 1797; and that it was he who + inspected their poisoning in Syria, in 1799, where he was wounded during + the siege of St. Jean d’ Acre. He was among the few officers whom + Bonaparte selected for his companions when he quitted the army of Egypt, + and landed with him in France in October, 1799. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto Duroc had only shown himself as a brave soldier and obedient + officer; but after the revolution which made Bonaparte a First Consul, he + entered upon another career. He was then, for the first time, employed in + a diplomatic mission to Berlin, where he so far insinuated himself into + the good graces of their Prussian Majesties that the King admitted him to + the royal table, and on the parade at Potsdam presented him to his + generals and officers as an aide-de-camp ‘du plus grand homme que je + connais; whilst the Queen gave him a scarf knitted by her own fair hands. + </p> + <p> + The fortunate result of Duroc’s intrigues in Prussia, in 1799, encouraged + Bonaparte to despatch him, in 1801, to Russia; where Alexander I. received + him with that noble condescension so natural, to this great and good + Prince. He succeeded at St. Petersburg in arranging the political and + commercial difficulties and disagreements between France and Russia; but + his proposal for a defensive alliance was declined. + </p> + <p> + An anecdote is related of his political campaign in the North, upon the + barren banks of the Neva, which, in causing much entertainment to the + inhabitants of the fertile banks of the Seine, has not a little displeased + the military diplomatist. + </p> + <p> + Among Talleyrand’s female agents sent to cajole Paul I. during the latter + part of his reign, was a Madame Bonoeil, whose real name is De F——-. + When this unfortunate Prince was no more, most of the French male and + female intriguers in Russia thought it necessary to shift their quarters, + and to expect, on the territory of neutral Prussia, farther instructions + from Paris, where and how to proceed. Madame Bonoeil had removed to + Konigsberg. In the second week of May, 1801, when Duroc passed through + that town for St. Petersburg, he visited this lady, according to the + orders of Bonaparte, and obtained from her a list of the names of the + principal persons who were inclined to be serviceable to France, and might + be trusted by him upon the present occasion. By inattention or mistake she + had misspelled the name of one of the most trusty and active adherents of + Bonaparte; and Duroc, therefore, instead of addressing himself to the + Polish Count de S————lz, went to the Polish Count + de S——-tz. This latter was as much flattered as surprised, + upon seeing an aide-de-camp and envoy of the First Consul of France enter + his apartments, seldom visited before but by usurers, gamesters, and + creditors; and, on hearing the object of this visit, began to think either + the envoy mad or himself dreaming. Understanding, however, that money + would be of little consideration, if the point desired by the First Consul + could be carried, he determined to take advantage of this fortunate hit, + and invited Duroc to sup with him the same evening; when he promised him + he should meet with persons who could do his business, provided his + pecuniary resources were as ample as he had stated. + </p> + <p> + This Count de S——-tz was one of the most extravagant and + profligate subjects that Russia had acquired by the partition of Poland. + After squandering away his own patrimony, he had ruined his mother and two + sisters, and subsisted now entirely by gambling and borrowing. Among his + associates, in similar circumstances with himself, was a Chevalier de + Gausac, a French adventurer, pretending to be an emigrant from the + vicinity of Toulouse. To him was communicated what had happened in the + morning, and his advice was asked how to act in the evening. It was soon + settled that De Gausac should be transformed into a Russian Count de W——-, + a nephew and confidential secretary of the Chancellor of the same name; + and that one Caumartin, another French adventurer, who taught fencing at + St. Petersburg, should act the part of Prince de M——-, an + aide-de-camp of the Emperor; and that all three together should strip + Duroc, and share the spoil. At the appointed hour Bonaparte’s agent + arrived, and was completely the dupe of these adventurers, who plundered + him of twelve hundred thousand livres. Though not many days passed before + he discovered the imposition, prudence prevented him from denouncing the + impostors; and this blunder would have remained a secret between himself, + Bonaparte, and Talleyrand, had not the unusual expenses of Caumartin + excited the suspicion of the Russian Police Minister, who soon discovered + the source from which they had flowed. De Gausac had the imprudence to + return to this capital last spring, and is now shut up in the Temple, + where he probably will be forgotten. + </p> + <p> + As this loss was more ascribed to the negligence of Madame Bonoeil than to + the mismanagement of Duroc, or his want of penetration, his reception at + the Tuileries, though not so gracious as on his return from Berlin, + nineteen months before, was, however, such as convinced him that if he had + not increased, he had at the same time not lessened, the confidence of his + master; and, indeed, shortly afterwards, Bonaparte created him first + prefect of his palace, and procured him for a wife the only daughter of a + rich Spanish banker. Rumour, however, says that Bonaparte was not quite + disinterested when he commanded and concluded this match, and that the + fortune of Madame Duroc has paid for the expensive supper of her husband + with Count de S——-tz at St. Petersburg. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER II. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Though the Treaty of Luneville will probably soon be buried + in the rubbish of the Treaty of Amiens, the influence of their parents in + the Cabinet of St. Cloud is as great as ever: I say their parents, because + the crafty ex-Bishop, Talleyrand, foreseeing the short existence of these + bastard diplomatic acts, took care to compliment the innocent Joseph + Bonaparte with a share in the parentage, although they were his own + exclusive offspring. + </p> + <p> + Joseph Bonaparte, who in 1797, from an attorney’s clerk at Ajaccio, in + Corsica, was at once transformed into an Ambassador to the Court of Rome, + had hardly read a treaty, or seen a despatch written, before he was + himself to conclude the one, and to dictate the other. Had he not been + supported by able secretaries, Government would soon have been convinced + that it is as impossible to confer talents as it is easy to give places to + men to whom Nature has refused parts, and on whom a scanty or neglected + education has bestowed no improvements. Deep and reserved, like a true + Italian, but vain and ambitious, like his brothers, under the character of + a statesman, he has only been the political puppet of Talleyrand. If he + has sometimes been applauded upon the stages where he has been placed, he + is also exposed to the hooting and hisses of the suffering multitude; + while the Minister pockets undisturbed all the entrance-money, and + conceals his wickedness and art under the cloak of Joseph; which protects + him besides against the anger and fury of Napoleon. No negotiation of any + consequence is undertaken, no diplomatic arrangements are under + consideration, but Joseph is always consulted, and Napoleon informed of + the consultation. Hence none of Bonaparte’s Ministers have suffered less + from his violence and resentment than Talleyrand, who, in the political + department, governs him who governs France and Italy. + </p> + <p> + As early as 1800, Talleyrand determined to throw the odium of his own + outrages against the law of nations upon the brother of his master. Lucien + Bonaparte was that year sent Ambassador to Spain, but not sharing with the + Minister the large profits of his appointment, his diplomatic career was + but short. Joseph is as greedy and as ravenous as Lucien, but not so frank + or indiscreet. Whether he knew or not of Talleyrand’s immense gain by the + pacification at Luneville in February, 1801, he did not neglect his own + individual interest. The day previous to the signature of this treaty, he + despatched a courier to the rich army contractor, Collot, acquainting him + in secret of the issue of the negotiation, and ordering him at the same + time to purchase six millions of livres—L 250,000—in the + stocks on his account. On Joseph’s arrival at Paris, Collot sent him the + State bonds for the sum ordered, together with a very polite letter; but + though he waited on the grand pacificator several times afterwards, all + admittance was refused, until a douceur of one million of livres—nearly + L 42,000—of Collot’s private profit opened the door. In return, + during the discussions between France and England in the summer of 1801, + and in the spring of 1802, Collot was continued Joseph’s private agent, + and shared with his patron, within twelve months, a clear gain of + thirty-two millions of livres. + </p> + <p> + Some of the secret articles of the Treaty of Luneville gave Austria, + during the insurrection in Switzerland, in the autumn of 1802, an + opportunity and a right to make representations against the interference + of France; a circumstance which greatly displeased Bonaparte, who + reproached Talleyrand for his want of foresight, and of having been + outwitted by the Cabinet of Vienna. The Minister, on the very next day, + laid before his master the correspondence that had passed between him and + Joseph Bonaparte, during the negotiation concerning these secret articles, + which were found to have been entirely proposed and settled by Joseph; who + had been induced by his secretary and factotum (a creature of Talleyrand) + to adopt sentiments for which that Minister had been paid, according to + report, six hundred thousand livres—L25,000. Several other tricks + have in the same manner been played upon Joseph, who, notwithstanding, has + the modesty to consider himself (much to the advantage and satisfaction of + Talleyrand) the first statesman in Europe, and the good fortune to be + thought so by his brother Napoleon. + </p> + <p> + When a rupture with England was apprehended, in the spring of 1803, + Talleyrand never signed a despatch that was not previously communicated + to, and approved by Joseph, before its contents were sanctioned by + Napoleon. This precaution chiefly continued him in place when Lord + Whitworth left this capital,—a departure that incensed Napoleon to + such a degree that he entirely forgot the dignity of his rank amidst his + generals, a becoming deportment to the members of the diplomatic corps, + and his duty to his mother and brothers, who all more or less experienced + the effects of his violent passions. He thus accosted Talleyrand, who + purposely arrived late at his circle: + </p> + <p> + “Well! the English Ambassador is gone; and we must again go to war. Were + my generals as great fools as some of my Ministers, I should despair + indeed of the issue of my contest with these insolent islanders. Many + believe that had I been more ably supported in my Cabinet, I should not + have been under the necessity of taking the field, as a rupture might have + been prevented.” + </p> + <p> + “Such, Citizen First Consul!” answered the trembling and bowing Minister, + “is not the opinion of the Counsellor of State, Citizen Joseph Bonaparte.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said Napoleon, as recollecting himself, “England wishes for + war, and she shall suffer for it. This shall be a war of extermination, + depend upon it.” + </p> + <p> + The name of Joseph alone moderated Napoleon’s fury, and changed its + object. It is with him what the harp of David was with Saul. Talleyrand + knows it, and is no loser by that knowledge. I must, however, in justice, + say that, had Bonaparte followed his Minister’s advice, and suffered + himself to be entirely guided by his counsel, all hostilities with England + at that time might have been avoided; her Government would have been + lulled into security by the cession of Malta, and some commercial + regulations, and her future conquest, during a time of peace, have been + attempted upon plans duly organized, that might have ensured success. He + never ceased to repeat, “Citizen First Consul! some few years longer peace + with Great Britain, and the ‘Te Deums’ of modern Britons for the conquest + and possession of Malta, will be considered by their children as the + funeral hymns of their liberty and independence.” + </p> + <p> + It was upon this memorable occasion of Lord Whitworth’s departure, that + Bonaparte is known to have betrayed the most outrageous acts of passion; + he rudely forced his mother from his closet, and forbade his own sisters + to approach his person; he confined Madame Bonaparte for several hours to + her chamber; he dismissed favourite generals; treated with ignominy + members of his Council of State; and towards his physician, secretaries, + and principal attendants, he committed unbecoming and disgraceful marks of + personal outrage. I have heard it affirmed that, though her husband, when + shutting her up in her dressing-room, put the key in his pocket, Madame + Napoleon found means to resent the ungallant behaviour of her spouse, with + the assistance of Madame Remusat. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER III. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—No act of Bonaparte’s government has occasioned so many, so + opposite, and so violent debates, among the remnants of revolutionary + factions comprising his Senate and Council of State, as the introduction + and execution of the religious concordat signed with the Pope. Joseph was + here again the ostensible negotiator, though he, on this as well as on + former occasions, concluded nothing that had not been prepared and + digested by Talleyrand. + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte does not in general pay much attention to the opinions of others + when they do not agree with his own views and interests, or coincide with + his plans of reform or innovation; but having in his public career + professed himself by turns an atheist and an infidel, the worshipper of + Christ and of Mahomet, he could not decently silence those who, after + deserting or denying the God of their forefathers and of their youth, + continued constant and firm in their apostasy. Of those who deliberated + concerning the restoration or exclusion of Christianity, and the + acceptance or rejection of the concordat, Fouche, Francois de Nantz, + Roederer, and Sieges were for the religion of Nature; Volney, Real, + Chaptal, Bourrienne, and Lucien Bonaparte for atheism; and Portalis, + Gregoire, Cambaceres, Lebrun, Talleyrand, Joseph and Napoleon Bonaparte + for Christianity. Besides the sentiments of these confidential + counsellors, upwards of two hundred memoirs, for or against the Christian + religion, were presented to the First Consul by uninvited and volunteer + counsellors,—all differing as much from one another as the members + of his own Privy Council. + </p> + <p> + Many persons do Madame Bonaparte, the mother, the honour of supposing that + to her assiduous representations is principally owing the recall of the + priests, and the restoration of the altars of Christ. She certainly is the + most devout, or rather the most superstitious of her family, and of her + name; but had not Talleyrand and Portalis previously convinced Napoleon of + the policy of reestablishing a religion which, for fourteen centuries, had + preserved the throne of the Bourbons from the machinations of republicans + and other conspirators against monarchy, it is very probable that her + representations would have been as ineffective as her piety or her + prayers. So long ago as 1796 she implored the mercy of Napoleon for the + Roman Catholics in Italy; and entreated him to spare the Pope and the + papal territory, at the very time that his soldiers were laying waste and + ravaging the legacy of Bologna and of Ravenna, both incorporated with his + new-formed Cisalpine Republic; where one of his first acts of sovereignty, + in the name of the then sovereign people, was the confiscation of Church + lands and the sale of the estates of the clergy. + </p> + <p> + Of the prelates who with Joseph Bonaparte signed the concordat, the + Cardinal Gonsalvi and the Bishop Bernier have, by their labours and + intrigues, not a little contributed to the present Church establishment, + in this country; and to them Napoleon is much indebted for the intrusion + of the Bonaparte, dynasty, among the houses of sovereign Princes. The + former, intended from his youth for the Church, sees neither honour in + this world, nor hopes for any blessing in the next, but exclusively from + its bosom and its doctrine. With capacity to figure as a country curate, + he occupies the post of the chief Secretary of State to the Pope; and + though nearly of the same age, but of a much weaker constitution than his + Sovereign, he was ambitious enough to demand Bonaparte’s promise of + succeeding to the Papal See, and weak and wicked enough to wish and expect + to survive a benefactor of a calmer mind and better health than himself. + It was he who encouraged Bonaparte to require the presence of Pius VII. in + France, and who persuaded this weak pontiff to undertake a journey that + has caused so much scandal among the truly faithful; and which, should + ever Austria regain its former supremacy in Italy, will send the present + Pope to end his days in a convent, and make the successors of St. Peter + what this Apostle was himself, a Bishop of Rome, and nothing more. + </p> + <p> + Bernier was a curate in La Vendee before the Revolution, and one of those + priests who lighted the torch of civil war in that unfortunate country, + under pretence of defending the throne of his King and the altars of his + God. He not only possessed great popularity among the lower classes, but + acquired so far the confidence of the Vendean chiefs that he was appointed + one of the supreme and directing Council of the Royalists and Chouans. + Even so late as the summer of 1799 he continued not only unsuspected, but + trusted by the insurgents in the Western departments. In the winter, + however, of the same year he had been gained over by Bonaparte’s + emissaries, and was seen at his levies in the Tuileries. It is stated that + General Brune made him renounce his former principles, desert his former + companions, and betray to the then First Consul of the French Republic the + secrets of the friends of lawful monarchy, of the faithful subjects of + Louis XVIII. His perfidy has been rewarded with one hundred and fifty + thousand livres in ready money, with the see of Orleans, and with a + promise of a cardinal’s hat. He has also, with the Cardinals Gonsalvi, + Caprara, Fesch, Cambaceres, and Mauri, Bonaparte’s promise, and, of + course, the expectation of the Roman tiara. He was one of the prelates who + officiated at the late coronation, and is now confided in as a person who + has too far committed himself with his legitimate Prince, and whose past + treachery, therefore, answers for his future fidelity. + </p> + <p> + This religious concordat of the 10th September, 1801, as well as all other + constitutional codes emating from revolutionary authorities, proscribes + even in protecting. The professors and protectors of the religion of + universal peace, benevolence, and forgiveness banish in this concordat + from France forever the Cardinals Rohan and Montmorency, and the Bishop of + Arras, whose dutiful attachment to their unfortunate Prince would, in + better times and in a more just and generous nation, have been recompensed + with distinctions, and honoured even by magnanimous foes. + </p> + <p> + When Madame Napoleon was informed by her husband of the necessity of + choosing her almoner and chaplain, and of attending regularly the Mass, + she first fell a-laughing, taking it merely for a joke; the serious and + severe looks, and the harsh and threatening expressions of the First + Consul soon, however, convinced her how much she was mistaken. To evince + her repentance, she on the very next day attended her mother-in-law to + church, who was highly edified by the sudden and religious turn of her + daughter, and did not fail to ascribe to the efficacious interference of + one of her favourite saints this conversion of a profane sinner. But + Napoleon was not the dupe of this church-going mummery of his wife, whom + he ordered his spies to watch; these were unfortunate enough to discover + that she went to the Mass more to fill her appointments with her lovers + than to pray to her Saviour; and that even by the side of her mother she + read billets-doux and love-letters when that pious lady supposed that she + read her prayers, because her eyes were fixed upon her breviary. Without + relating to any one this discovery of his Josephine’s frailties, Napoleon, + after a violent connubial fracas and reprimand, and after a solitary + confinement of her for six days, gave immediate orders to have the chapels + of the Tuileries and of St. Cloud repaired; and until these were ready, + Cardinal Cambaceres and Bernier, by turns, said the Mass, in her private + apartments; where none but selected favourites or favoured courtiers were + admitted. Madame Napoleon now never neglects the Mass, but if not + accompanied by her husband is escorted by a guard of honour, among whom + she knows that he has several agents watching her motions and her very + looks. + </p> + <p> + In the month of June, 1803; I dined with Viscomte de Segur, and Joseph and + Lucien Bonaparte were among the guests. The latter jocosely remarked with + what facility the French Christians had suffered themselves to be hunted + in and out of their temples, according to the fanaticism or policy of + their rulers; which he adduced as a proof of the great progress of + philosophy and toleration in France. A young officer of the party, + Jacquemont, a relation of the former husband of the present Madame Lucien, + observed that he thought it rather an evidence of the indifference of the + French people to all religion; the consequence of the great havoc the + tenets of infidelity and of atheism had made among the flocks of the + faithful. This was again denied by Bonaparte’s aide-de-camp, Savary, who + observed that, had this been the case, the First Consul (who certainly was + as well acquainted with the religious spirit of Frenchmen as anybody else) + would not have taken the trouble to conclude a religious concordat, nor + have been at the expense of providing for the clergy. To this assertion + Joseph nodded an assent. + </p> + <p> + When the dinner was over, De Segur took me to a window, expressing his + uneasiness at what he called the imprudence of Jacquemont, who, he + apprehended, from Joseph’s silence and manner, would not escape punishment + for having indirectly blamed both the restorer of religion and his + plenipotentiary. These apprehensions were justified. On the next day + Jacquemont received orders to join the colonial depot at Havre; but + refusing to obey, by giving in his resignation as a captain, he was + arrested, shut up in the Temple, and afterwards transported to Cayenne or + Madagascar. His relatives and friends are still ignorant whether he is + dead or alive, and what is or has been his place of exile. To a petition + presented by Jacquemont’s sister, Madame de Veaux, Joseph answered that + “he never interfered with the acts of the haute police of his brother + Napoleon’s Government, being well convinced both of its justice and + moderation.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—That Bonaparte had, as far back as February, 1803 (when the + King of Prussia proposed to Louis XVIII. the formal renunciation of his + hereditary rights in favour of the First Consul), determined to assume the + rank and title, with the power of a Sovereign, nobody can doubt. Had it + not been for the war with England, he would, in the spring of that year, + or twelve months earlier, have proclaimed himself Emperor of the French, + and probably would have been acknowledged as such by all other Princes. To + a man so vain and so impatient, so accustomed to command and to + intimidate, this suspension of his favourite plan was a considerable + disappointment, and not a little increased his bitter and irreconcilable + hatred of Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + Here, as well as in foreign countries, the multitude pay homage only to + Napoleon’s uninterrupted prosperity; without penetrating or considering + whether it be the consequence of chance or of well-digested plans; whether + he owes his successes to his own merit or to a blind fortune. He asserted + in his speech to the constitutional authorities, immediately after + hostilities had commenced with England, that the war would be of short + duration, and he firmly believed what he said. Had he by his gunboats, or + by his intrigues or threats, been enabled to extort a second edition of + the Peace of Amiens, after a warfare of some few months, all mouths would + have been ready to exclaim, “Oh, the illustrious warrior! Oh, the profound + politician!” Now, after three ineffectual campaigns on the coast, when the + extravagance and ambition of our Government have extended the contagion of + war over the Continent; when both our direct offers of peace, and the + negotiations and mediations of our allies, have been declined by, or + proved unavailing with, the Cabinet of St. James, the inconsistency, the + ignorance, and the littleness of the fortunate great man seem to be not + more remembered than the outrages and encroachments that have provoked + Austria and Russia to take the field. Should he continue victorious, and + be in a position to dictate another Peace of Luneville, which probably + would be followed by another pacific overture to or from England, mankind + will again be ready to call out, “Oh, the illustrious warrior! Oh, the + profound politician! He foresaw, in his wisdom, that a Continental war was + necessary to terrify or to subdue his maritime foe; that a peace with + England could be obtained only in Germany; and that this war must be + excited by extending the power of France on the other side of the Alps. + Hence his coronation as a King of Italy; hence his incorporation of Parma + and Genoa with France; and hence his donation of Piombino and Lucca to his + brother-in-law, Bacchiochi!” Nowhere in history have I read of men of + sense being so easily led astray as in our times, by confounding + fortuitous events with consequences resulting from preconcerted plans and + well-organized designs. + </p> + <p> + Only rogues can disseminate and fools believe that the disgrace of Moreau, + and the execution of the Duc d’Enghien, of Pichegru, and Georges, were + necessary as footsteps to Bonaparte’s Imperial throne; and that without + the treachery of Mehee de la Touche, and the conspiracy he pretended to + have discovered, France would still have been ruled by a First Consul. It + is indeed true, that this plot is to be counted (as the imbecility of + Melas, which lost the battle of Marengo) among those accidents presenting + themselves apropos to serve the favourite of fortune in his ambitious + views; but without it, he would equally have been hailed an Emperor of the + French in May, 1804. When he came from the coast, in the preceding winter, + and was convinced of the impossibility of making any impression on the + British Islands with his flotilla, he convoked his confidential Senators, + who then, with Talleyrand, settled the Senatus Consultum which appeared + five months afterwards. Mehee’s correspondence with Mr. Drake was then + known to him; but he and the Minister of Police were both unacquainted + with the residence and arrival of Pichegru and Georges in France, and of + their connection with Moreau; the particulars of which were first + disclosed to them in the February following, when Bonaparte had been + absent from his army of England six weeks. The assumption of the Imperial + dignity procured him another decent opportunity of offering his + olive-branch to those who had caused his laurels to wither, and by whom, + notwithstanding his abuse, calumnies, and menaces, he would have been more + proud to be saluted Emperor than by all the nations upon the Continent. + His vanity, interest, and policy, all required this last degree of + supremacy and elevation at that period. + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte had so well penetrated the weak side of Moreau’s character that, + although he could not avoid doing justice to this general’s military + talents and exploits, he neither esteemed him as a citizen nor dreaded him + as a rival. Moreau possessed great popularity; but so did Dumourier and + Pichegru before him: and yet neither of them had found adherents enough to + shake those republican governments with which they avowed themselves + openly discontented, and against which they secretly plotted. I heard + Talleyrand say, at Madame de Montlausier’s, in the presence of fifty + persons, “Napoleon Bonaparte had never anything to apprehend from General + Moreau, and from his popularity, even at the head of an army. Dumourier, + too, was at the head of an army when he revolted against the National + Convention; but had he not saved himself by flight his own troops would + have delivered him up to be punished as a traitor. Moreau, and his + popularity, could only be dangerous to the Bonaparte dynasty were he to + survive Napoleon, had not this Emperor wisely averted this danger.” From + this official declaration of Napoleon’s confidential Minister, in a + society of known anti-imperialists, I draw the conclusion that Moreau will + never more, during the present reign, return to France. How very feeble, + and how badly advised must this general have been, when, after his + condemnation to two years’ imprisonment, he accepted a perpetual exile, + and renounced all hopes of ever again entering his own country. In the + Temple, or in any other prison, if he had submitted to the sentence + pronounced against him, he would have caused Bonaparte more uneasiness + than when at liberty, and been more a point of rally to his adherents and + friends than when at his palace of Grosbois, because compassion and pity + must have invigorated and sharpened their feelings. + </p> + <p> + If report be true, however, he did not voluntarily exchange imprisonment + for exile; racks were shown him; and by the act of banishment was placed a + poisonous draught. This report gains considerable credit when it is + remembered that, immediately after his condemnation, Moreau furnished his + apartments in the Temple in a handsome manner, so as to be lodged well, if + not comfortably, with his wife and child, whom, it is said, he was not + permitted to see before he had accepted Bonaparte’s proposal of + transportation. + </p> + <p> + It may be objected to this supposition that the man in power, who did not + care about the barefaced murder of the Duc d’Enghien, and the secret + destruction of Pichegru, could neither much hesitate, nor be very + conscientious about adding Moreau to the number of his victims. True, but + the assassin in authority is also generally a politician. The untimely end + of the Duc d’Enghien and of Pichegru was certainly lamented and deplored + by the great majority of the French people; but though they had many who + pitied their fate, but few had any relative interest to avenge it; whilst + in the assassination of Moreau, every general, every officer, and every + soldier of his former army, might have read the destiny reserved for + himself by that chieftain, who did not conceal his preference of those who + had fought under him in Italy and Egypt, and his mistrust and jealousy of + those who had vanquished under Moreau in Germany; numbers of whom had + already perished at St. Domingo, or in the other colonies, or were + dispersed in separate and distant garrisons of the mother country. It has + been calculated that of eighty-four generals who made, under Moreau, the + campaign of 1800, and who survived the Peace of Lundville, sixteen had + been killed or died at St. Domingo, four at Guadeloupe, ten in Cayenne, + nine at Ile de France, and eleven at l’Ile Reunion and in Madagascar. The + mortality among the officers and men has been in proportion. + </p> + <p> + An anecdote is related of Pichegru, which does honour to the memory of + that unfortunate general. Fouche paid him a visit in prison the day before + his death, and offered him “Bonaparte’s commission as a Field-marshal, and + a diploma as a grand officer of the Legion of Honour, provided he would + turn informer against Moreau, of whose treachery against himself in 1797 + he was reminded. On the other hand, he was informed that, in consequence + of his former denials, if he persisted in his refractory conduct, he + should never more appear before any judge, but that the affairs of State + and the safety of the country required that he should be privately + despatched in his gaol.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” answered this virtuous and indignant warrior, “you will spare my + life only upon condition that I prove myself unworthy to live. As this is + the case, my choice is made without hesitation; I am prepared to become + your victim, but I will never be numbered among your accomplices. Call in + your executioners; I am ready to die as I have lived, a man of honour, and + an irreproachable citizen.” + </p> + <p> + Within twenty-four hours after this answer, Pichegru was no more. + </p> + <p> + That the Duc d’Enghien was shot on the night of the 21st of March, 1804, + in the wood or in the ditch of the castle at Vincennes, is admitted even + by Government; but who really were his assassins is still unknown. Some + assert that he was shot by the grenadiers of Bonaparte’s Italian guard; + others say, by a detachment of the Gendarmes d’Elite; and others again, + that the men of both these corps refused to fire, and that General Murat, + hearing the troops murmur, and fearing their mutiny, was himself the + executioner of this young and innocent Prince of the House of Bourbon, by + riding up to him and blowing out his brains with a pistol. Certain it is + that Murat was the first, and Louis Bonaparte the second in command, on + this dreadful occasion. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER V. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Thanks to Talleyrand’s political emigration, our Government + has never been in ignorance of the characters and foibles of the leading + members among the emigrants in England. Otto, however, finished their + picture, but added, some new groups to those delineated by his + predecessor. It was according to his plan that the expedition of Mehee de + la Touche was undertaken, and it was in following his instructions that + the campaign of this traitor succeeded so well in Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + Under the Ministry of Vergennes, of Montmorin, and of Delessart, Mehee had + been employed as a spy in Russia, Sweden, and Poland, and acquitted + himself perfectly to the satisfaction of his masters. By some accident or + other, Delessart discovered, however, in December, 1791, that he had, + while pocketing the money of the Cabinet of Versailles, sold its secrets + to the Cabinet of St. Petersburg. He, of course, was no longer trusted as + a spy, and therefore turned a Jacobin, and announced himself to Brissot as + a persecuted patriot. All the calumnies against this Minister in Brissot’s + daily paper, Le Patriote Francois, during January, February, and March, + 1792, were the productions of Mehee’s malicious heart and able pen. Even + after they had sent Delessart a State prisoner to Orleans, his inveteracy + continued, and in September the same year he went to Versailles to enjoy + the sight of the murder of his former master. Some go so far as to say + that the assassins were headed by this monster, who aggravated cruelty by + insult, and informed the dying Minister of the hands that stabbed him, and + to whom he was indebted for a premature death. + </p> + <p> + To these and other infamous and barbarous deeds, Talleyrand was not a + stranger when he made Mehee his secret agent, and entrusted him with the + mission to England. He took, therefore, such steps that neither his + confidence could be betrayed, nor his money squandered. Mehee had + instructions how to proceed in Great Britain, but he was ignorant of the + object Government had in view by his mission; and though large sums were + promised if successful, and if he gave satisfaction by his zeal and + discretion, the money advanced him was a mere trifle, and barely + sufficient to keep him from want. He was, therefore, really distressed, + when he fixed upon some necessitous and greedy emigrants for his + instruments to play on the credulity of the English Ministers in some of + their unguarded moments. Their generosity in forbearing to avenge upon the + deluded French exiles the slur attempted to be thrown upon their official + capacity, and the ridicule intended to be cast on their private + characters, has been much approved and admired here by all liberal-minded + persons; but it has also much disappointed Bonaparte and Talleyrand, who + expected to see these emigrants driven from the only asylum which + hospitality has not refused to their misfortunes and misery. + </p> + <p> + Mehee had been promised by Talleyrand double the amount of the sums which + he could swindle from your Government; but though he did more mischief to + your country than was expected in this, and though he proved that he had + pocketed upwards of ten thousand English guineas, the wages of his infamy, + when he hinted about the recompense he expected here, Durant, Talleyrand’s + chef du bureau, advised him, as a friend, not to remind the Minister of + his presence in France, as Bonaparte never pardoned a Septembrizer, and + the English guineas he possessed might be claimed and seized as national + property, to compensate some of the sufferers by the unprovoked war with + England. In vain did he address himself to his fellow labourer in + revolutionary plots, the Counsellor of State, Real, who had been the + intermedium between him and Talleyrand, when he was first enlisted among + the secret agents; instead of receiving money he heard threats; and, + therefore, with as good grace as he could, he made the best of his + disappointment; he sported a carriage, kept a mistress, went to + gambling-houses, and is now in a fair way to be reduced to the status quo + before his brilliant exploits in Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + Real, besides the place of a Counsellor of State, occupies also the office + of a director of the internal police. Having some difference with my + landlord, I was summoned to appear before him at the prefecture of the + police. My friend, M. de Sab——-r, formerly a counsellor of the + Parliament at Rouen, happened to be with me when the summons was + delivered, and offered to accompany me, being acquainted with Real. Though + thirty persons were waiting in the antechamber at our arrival, no sooner + was my friend’s name announced than we were admitted, and I obtained not + only more justice than I expected, or dared to claim, but an invitation to + Madame Real’s tea-party the same evening. This justice and this politeness + surprised me, until my friend showed me an act of forgery in his + possession, committed by Real in 1788, when an advocate of the Parliament, + and for which the humanity of my friend alone prevented him from being + struck off the rolls, and otherwise punished. + </p> + <p> + As I conceived my usual societies and coteries could not approve my + attendance at the house of such a personage, I was intent upon sending an + apology to Madame Real. My friend, however, assured me that I should meet + in her salon persons of all classes and of all ranks, and many I little + expected to see associating together. I went late, and found the assembly + very numerous; at the upper part of the hall were seated Princesses Joseph + and Louis Bonaparte, with Madame Fouche, Madame Roederer, the cidevant + Duchesse de Fleury, and Marquise de Clermont. They were conversing with M. + Mathew de Montmorency, the contractor (a ci-devant lackey) Collot, the + ci-devant Duc de Fitz-James, and the legislator Martin, a ci-devant + porter: several groups in the several apartments were composed of a + similar heterogeneous mixture of ci-devant nobles and ci-devant valets, of + ci-devant Princesses, Marchionesses, Countesses and Baronesses, and of + ci-devant chambermaids, mistresses and poissardes. Round a gambling-table, + by the side of the ci-devant Bishop of Autun, Talleyrand, sat Madame + Hounguenin, whose husband, a ci-devant shoeblack, has, by the purchase of + national property, made a fortune of nine millions of livres—L375,000. + Opposite them were seated the ci-devant Prince de Chalais, and the present + Prince Cambaceres with the ci-devant Comtesse de Beauvais, and Madame + Fauve, the daughter of a fishwoman, and the wife of a tribune, a ci-devant + barber. In another room, the Bavarian Minister Cetto was conferring with + the spy Mehee de la Touche; but observed at a distance by Fouche’s + secretary, Desmarets, the son of a tailor at Fontainebleau, and for years + a known spy. When I was just going to retire, the handsome Madame Gillot, + and her sister, Madame de Soubray, joined me. You have perhaps known them + in England, where, before their marriage, they resided for five years with + their parents, the Marquis and Marquise de Courtin; and were often admired + by the loungers in Bond Street. The one married for money, Gillot, a + ci-devant drummer in the French Guard, but who, since the Revolution, has, + as a general; made a large fortune; and the other united herself to a + ci-devant Abbe, from love; but both are now divorced from their husbands, + who passed them without any notice while they were chatting with me. I was + handing Madame Gillot to her carriage, when, from the staircase, Madame de + Soubray called to us not to quit her, as she was pursued by a man whom she + detested, and wished to avoid. We had hardly turned round, when Mehee + offered her his arm, and she exclaimed with indignation, “How dare you, + infamous wretch, approach me, when I have forbidden you ever to speak to + me? Had you been reduced to become a highwayman, or a housebreaker, I + might have pitied your infamy; but a spy is a villain who aggravates guilt + by cowardice and baseness, and can inspire no noble soul with any other + sentiment but abhorrence, and the most sovereign contempt.” Without being + disconcerted, Mehee silently returned to the company, amidst bursts of + laughter from fifty servants, and as many masters, waiting for their + carriages. M. de Cetto was among the latter, but, though we all fixed our + eyes steadfastly upon him, no alteration could be seen on his diplomatic + countenance: his face must surely be made of brass or his heart of marble. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The day on which Madame Napoleon Bonaparte was elected an + Empress of the French, by the constitutional authorities of her husband’s + Empire, was, contradictory as it may seem, one of the most uncomfortable + in her life. After the show and ceremony of the audience and of the + drawing-room were over, she passed it entirely in tears, in her library, + where her husband shut her up and confined her. + </p> + <p> + The discipline of the Court of St. Cloud is as singular as its composition + is unique. It is, by the regulation of Napoleon, entirely military. From + the Empress to her lowest chambermaid, from the Emperor’s first + aide-de-camp down to his youngest page, any slight offence or negligence + is punished with confinement, either public or private. In the former case + the culprits are shut up in their own apartments, but in the latter they + are ordered into one of the small rooms, constructed in the dark galleries + at the Tuileries and St. Cloud, near the kitchens, where they are guarded + day and night by sentries, who answer for their persons, and that nobody + visits them. + </p> + <p> + When, on the 28th of March, 1804, the Senate had determined on offering + Bonaparte the Imperial dignity, he immediately gave his wife full powers, + with order to form her household of persons who, from birth and from their + principles, might be worthy, and could be trusted to encompass the + Imperial couple. She consulted Madame Remusat, who, in her turn, consulted + her friend De Segur, who also consulted his bonne amie, Madame de + Montbrune. This lady determined that if Bonaparte and his wife were + desirous to be served, or waited on, by persons above them by ancestry and + honour, they should pay liberally for such sacrifices. She was not + therefore idle, but wishing to profit herself by the pride of upstart + vanity, she had at first merely reconnoitred the ground, or made distant + overtures to those families of the ancient French nobility who had been + ruined by the Revolution, and whose minds she expected to have found on a + level with their circumstances. These, however, either suspecting her + intent and her views, or preferring honest poverty to degrading and + disgraceful splendour, had started objections which she was not prepared + to encounter. Thus the time passed away; and when, on the 18th of the + following May, the Senate proclaimed Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor of the + French, not a Chamberlain was ready to attend him, nor a Maid of Honour to + wait on his wife. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 20th May, the day fixed for the constitutional + republican authorities to present their homage as subjects, Napoleon asked + his Josephine who were the persons, of both sexes, she had engaged, + according to his carte blanche given her, as necessary and as unavoidable + decorations of the drawing-room of an Emperor and Empress, as thrones and + as canopies of State. She referred him to Madame Remusat, who, though but + half-dressed, was instantly ordered to appear before him. This lady avowed + that his grand master of the ceremonies, De Segur, had been entrusted by + her with the whole arrangement, but that she feared that he had not yet + been able to complete the full establishment of the Imperial Court. The + aide-de-camp Rapp was then despatched after De Segur, who, as usual, + presented himself smiling and cringing. + </p> + <p> + “Give me the list,” said Napoleon, “of the ladies and gentlemen you have + no doubt engaged for our household.” + </p> + <p> + “May it please Your Majesty,” answered De Segur, trembling with fear, “I + humbly supposed that they were not requisite before the day of Your + Majesty’s coronation.” + </p> + <p> + “You supposed!” retorted Napoleon. “How dare you suppose differently from + our commands? Is the Emperor of the Great Nation not to be encompassed + with a more numerous retinue, or with more lustre, than a First Consul? Do + you not see the immense difference between the Sovereign Monarch of an + Empire, and the citizen chief magistrate of a commonwealth? Are there not + starving nobles in my empire enough to furnish all the Courts in Europe + with attendants, courtiers, and valets? Do you not believe that with a + nod, with a single nod, I might have them all prostrated before my throne? + What can, then, have occasioned this impertinent delay?” + </p> + <p> + “Sire!” answered De Segur, “it is not the want of numbers, but the + difficulty of the choice among them. I will never recommend a single + individual upon whom I cannot depend; or who, on some future day, may + expose me to the greatest of all evils, the displeasure of my Prince.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” continued Napoleon, “what is to be done to-day that I may augment + the number of my suite, and by it impose upon the gaping multitude and the + attending deputations?”—“Command,” said De Segur, “all the officers + of Your Majesty’s staff, and of the staff of the Governor of Paris, + General Murat, to surround Your Majesty’s sacred person, and order them to + accoutre themselves in the most shining and splendid manner possible. The + presence of so many military men will also, in a political point of view, + be useful. It will lessen the pretensions of the constituted authorities, + by telling them indirectly, ‘It is not to your Senatus Consultum, to your + decrees, or to your votes, that I am indebted for my present Sovereignty; + I owe it exclusively to my own merit and valour, and to the valour of my + brave officers and men, to whose arms I trust more than to your + counsels.’” + </p> + <p> + This advice obtained Napoleon’s entire approbation, and was followed. De + Segur was permitted to retire, but when Madame Remusat made a curtsey also + to leave the room, she was stopped with his terrible ‘aux arrets’ and left + under the care and responsibility of his aide-de-camp, Lebrun, who saw her + safe into her room, at the door of which he placed two grenadiers. + Napoleon then went out, ordering his wife, at her peril, to be in time, + ready and brilliantly dressed, for the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + Dreading the consequences of her husband’s wrath, Madame Napoleon was not + only punctual, but so elegantly and tastefully decorated with jewels and + ornaments that even those of her enemies or rivals who refused her beauty, + honour, and virtue, allowed her taste and dignity. She thought that even + in the regards of Napoleon she read a tacit approbation. When all the + troublesome bustle of the morning was gone through, and when Senators, + legislators, tribunes, and prefects had complimented her as a model of + female perfection, on a signal from her husband she accompanied him in + silence through six different apartments before he came to her library, + where he surlily ordered her to enter and to remain until further orders. + </p> + <p> + “What have I done, Sire! to deserve such treatment?” exclaimed Josephine, + trembling. + </p> + <p> + “If,” answered Napoleon, “Madame Remusat, your favourite, has made a fool + of you, this is only to teach you that you shall not make a fool of me: + Had not De Segur fortunately for him—had the ingenuity to extricate + us from the dilemma into which my confidence and dependence on you had + brought me, I should have made a fine figure indeed on the first day of my + emperorship. Have patience, Madame; you have plenty of books to divert + you, but you must remain where you are until I am inclined to release + you.” So saying, Napoleon locked the door and put the key in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + It was near two o’clock in the afternoon when she was thus shut up. + Remembering the recent flattery of her courtiers, and comparing it with + the unfeeling treatment of her husband, she found herself so much the more + unfortunate, as the expressions of the former were regarded by her as + praise due to her merit, while the unkindness of the latter was + unavailingly resented as the undeserved oppression of a capricious despot. + </p> + <p> + Business, or perhaps malice, made Napoleon forget to send her any dinner; + and when, at eight o’clock, his brothers and sisters came, according to + invitation, to take tea, he said coldly: + </p> + <p> + “Apropos, I forgot it. My wife has not dined yet; she is busy, I suppose, + in her philosophical meditations in her study.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Louis Bonaparte, her daughter, flew directly towards the study, and + her mother could scarcely, for her tears, inform her that—she was a + prisoner, and that her husband was her gaoler. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Sire!” said Madame Louis, returning, “even this remarkable day is a + day of mourning for my poor mother!” + </p> + <p> + “She deserves worse,” answered Napoleon, “but, for your sake, she shall be + released; here is the key, let her out.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Napoleon was, however, not in a situation to wish to appear before + her envious brothers and sisters-in-law. Her eyes were so swollen with + crying that she could hardly see; and her tears had stained those Imperial + robes which the unthinking and inconsiderate no doubt believed a certain + preservative against sorrow and affliction. At nine o’clock, however, + another aide-de-camp of her husband presented himself, and gave her the + choice either to accompany him back to the study or to join the family + party of the Bonapartes. + </p> + <p> + In deploring her mother’s situation, Madame Louis Bonaparte informed her + former governess, Madame Cam—-n, of these particulars, which I heard + her relate at Madame de M——r’s, almost verbatim as I report + them to you. Such, and other scenes, nearly of the same description, are + neither rare nor singular, in the most singular Court that ever existed in + civilized Europe. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Though Government suffer a religious, or, rather, + anti-religious liberty of the Press, the authors who libel or ridicule the + Christian, particularly the Roman Catholic, religion, are excluded from + all prospect of advancement, or if in place, are not trusted or liked. + Cardinal Caprara, the nuncio of the Pope, proposed last year, in a long + memorial, the same severe restrictions on the discussions or publications + in religious matters as were already ordered in those concerning politics. + But both Bonaparte and his Minister in the affairs of the Church, + Portalis, refused the introduction of what they called a tyranny on the + conscience. Caprara then addressed himself to the ex-Bishop Talleyrand, + who, on this occasion, was more explicit than he generally is. + </p> + <p> + “Bonaparte,” said he, “rules not only over a fickle, but a gossiping + (bavard) people, whom he has prudently forbidden all conversation and + writing concerning government of the State. They would soon (accustomed as + they are, since the Revolution, to verbal and written debates) be tired of + talking about fine weather or about the opera. To occupy them and their + attention, some ample subject of diversion was necessary, and religion was + surrendered to them at discretion; because, enlightened as the world now + is, even athiests or Christian fanatics can do but little harm to society. + They may spend rivers of ink, but they will be unable to shed a drop of + blood.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” answered the Cardinal, “but only to a certain degree. The + licentiousness of the Press, with regard to religious matters, does it not + also furnish infidelity with new arms to injure the faith? And have not + the horrors from which France has just escaped proved the danger and evil + consequences of irreligion, and the necessity of encouraging and + protecting Christianity? By the recall of the clergy, and by the religious + concordat, Bonaparte has shown himself convinced of this truth.” + </p> + <p> + “So he is,” interrupted Talleyrand; “but he abhors intoleration and + persecution” (not in politics). “I shall, however, to please Your + Eminence, lay the particulars of your conversation before him.” + </p> + <p> + Some time afterwards, when Talleyrand and Bonaparte must have agreed about + some new measure to indirectly chastise impious writers, the Senators + Garat, Jaucourt, Roederer, and Demeunier, four of the members of the + senatorial commission of the liberty of the Press, were sent for, and + remained closeted with Napoleon, his Minister Portalis, and Cardinal + Caprara for two hours. What was determined on this occasion has not + transpired, as even the Cardinal, who is not the most discreet person when + provoked, and his religious zeal gets the better of his political + prudence, has remained silent, though seemingly contented. + </p> + <p> + Two rather insignificant authors, of the name of Varennes and Beaujou, who + published some scandalous libels on Christianity, have since been taken + up, and after some months’ imprisonment in the Temple been condemned to + transportation to Cayenne for life,—not as infidels or atheists, but + as conspirators against the State, in consequence of some unguarded + expressions which prejudice or ill-will alone would judge connected with + politics. Nothing is now permitted to be printed against religion but with + the author’s name; but on affixing his name, he may abuse the worship and + Gospel as much as he pleases. Since the example of severity alluded to + above, however, this practice is on the decline. Even Pigault-Lebrun, a + popular but immoral novel writer, narrowly escaped lately a trip to + Cayenne for one of his blasphemous publications, and owes to the + protection of Madame Murat exclusively that he was not sent to keep + Varennes and Beaujou company. Some years ago, when Madame Murat was + neither so great nor so rich as at present, he presented her with a copy + of his works, and she had been unfashionable enough not only to remember + the compliment, but wished to return it by nominating him her private + secretary; which, however, the veto of Napoleon prevented. + </p> + <p> + Of Napoleon Bonaparte’s religious sentiments, opinions are not divided in + France. The influence over him of the petty, superstitious Cardinal + Caprara is, therefore, inexplicable. This prelate has forced from him + assent to transactions which had been refused both to his mother and his + brother Joseph, who now often employ the Cardinal with success, where they + either dare not or will not show themselves. It is true His Eminence is + not easily rebuked, but returns to the charge unabashed by new repulses; + and be obtains by teasing more than by persuasion; but a man by whom + Bonaparte suffers, himself to be teased with impunity is no insignificant + favourite, particularly when, like this Cardinal, he unites cunning with + devotion, craft with superstition; and is as accessible to corruption as + tormented by ambition. + </p> + <p> + As most ecclesiastical promotions passed through his pure and + disinterested hands, Madame Napoleon, Talleyrand, and Portalis, who also + wanted some douceurs for their extraordinary expenses, united together + last spring to remove him from France. Napoleon was cajoled to nominate + him a grand almoner of the Kingdom of Italy, and the Cardinal set out for + Milan. He was, however, artful enough to convince his Sovereign of the + propriety of having his grand almoner by his side; and he is, therefore, + obliged to this intrigue of his enemies that he now disposes of the + benefices in the Kingdom of Italy, as well as those of the French Empire. + </p> + <p> + During the Pope’s residence in this capital, His Holiness often made use + of Cardinal Caprara in his secret negotiations with Bonaparte; and + whatever advantages were obtained by the Roman Pontiff for the Gallican + Church His Eminence almost extorted; for he never desisted, where his + interest or pride were concerned, till he had succeeded. It is said that + one day last January, after having been for hours exceedingly teasing and + troublesome, Bonaparte lost his patience, and was going to treat His + Eminence as he frequently does his relatives, his Ministers, and + counsellors,—that is to say, to kick him from his presence; but + suddenly recollecting himself, he said: “Cardinal, remain here in my + closet until my return, when I shall have more time to listen to what you + have to relate.” It was at ten o’clock in the morning, and a day of great + military audience and grand review. In going out he put the key in his + pocket, and told the guards in his antechamber to pay no attention if they + should hear any noise in his closet. + </p> + <p> + It was dark before the review was over, and Bonaparte had a large party to + dinner. When his guests retired, he went into his wife’s drawing-room, + where one of the Pope’s chamberlains waited on him with the information + that His Holiness was much alarmed about the safety of Cardinal Caprara, + of whom no account could be obtained, even with the assistance of the + police, to whom application had been made, since His Eminence had so + suddenly disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! how absent I am,” answered Napoleon, as with surprise; “I entirely + forgot that I left the Cardinal in my closet this morning. I will go + myself and make an apology for my blunder.” + </p> + <p> + His Eminence, quite exhausted, was found fast asleep; but no sooner was he + a little recovered than he interrupted Bonaparte’s affected apology with + the repetition of the demand he had made in the morning; and so well was + Napoleon pleased with him, for neglecting his personal inconvenience only + to occupy himself with the affairs of his Sovereign, that he consented to + what was asked, and in laying his hand upon the shoulders of the prelate, + said: + </p> + <p> + “Faithful Minister! were every Prince as well served as your Sovereign is + by you, many evils might be prevented, and much good effected.” + </p> + <p> + The same evening Duroc brought him, as a present, a snuffbox with + Bonaparte’s portrait, set round with diamonds, worth one thousand louis + d’or. The adventures of this day certainly did not lessen His Eminence in + the favour of Napoleon or of Pius VII. + </p> + <p> + Last November, some not entirely unknown persons intended to amuse + themselves at the Cardinal’s expense. At seven o’clock one evening, a + young Abbe presented himself at the Cardinal’s house, Hotel de Montmorin, + Rue Plumet, as by appointment of His Eminence, and was, by his secretary, + ushered into the study and asked to wait there. Hardly half an hour + afterwards, two persons, pretending to be agents of the police, arrived + just as the Cardinal’s carriage had stopped. They informed him that the + woman introduced into his house in the dress of an Abby was connected with + a gang of thieves and housebreakers, and demanded his permission to arrest + her. He protested that, except the wife of his porter, no woman in any + dress whatever could be in his house, and that, to convince themselves, + they were very welcome to accompany his valet-de-chambre into every room + they wished to see. To the great surprise of his servant, a very pretty + girl was found in the bed of His Eminence’s bed-chamber, which joined his + study, who, though the pretended police agents insisted on her getting up, + refused, under pretence that she was there waiting for her ‘bon ami’, the + Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="p078" id="p078"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p078.jpg (84K)" src="images/p078.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + His Eminence was no sooner told of this than he shut the gate of his + house, after sending his secretary to the commissary of police of the + section. In the meantime, both the police agents and the girl entreated + him to let them out, as the whole was merely a badinage; but he remained + inflexible, and they were all three carried by the real police commissary + to prison. + </p> + <p> + Upon a complaint made by His Eminence to Bonaparte, the Police Minister, + Fouche, received orders to have those who had dared thus to violate the + sacred character of the representative of the Holy Pontiff immediately, + and without further ceremony, transported to Cayenne. The Cardinal + demanded, and obtained, a process verbal of what had occurred, and of the + sentence on the culprits, to be laid before his Sovereign. As Eugene de + Beauharnais interested himself so much for the individuals involved in + this affair as both to implore Bonaparte’s pardon and the Cardinal’s + interference for them, many were inclined to believe that he was in the + secret, if not the contriver of this unfortunate joke. This supposition + gained credit when, after all his endeavours to save them proved vain, he + sent them seventy-two livres L 3,000—to Rochefort, that they might, + on their arrival at Cayenne, be able to buy a plantation. He procured them + also letters to the Governor, Victor Hughes, recommending that they should + be treated differently from other transported persons. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—I was particularly attentive in observing the countenances + and demeanour of the company at the last levee which Madame Napoleon + Bonaparte held, previous to her departure with her husband to meet the + Pope at Fontainebleau. I had heard from good authority that “to those + whose propensities were known, Duroc’s information that the Empress was + visible was accompanied with a kind of admonitory or courtly hint, that + the strictest decency in dress and manners, and a conversation chaste, and + rather of an unusually modest turn, would be highly agreeable to their + Sovereigns, in consideration of the solemn occasion of a Sovereign + Pontiff’s arrival in France,—an occurrence that had not happened for + centuries, and probably would not happen for centuries to come.” I went + early, and was well rewarded for my punctuality. + </p> + <p> + There came the Senator Fouche, handing his amiable and chaste spouse, + walking with as much gravity as formerly, when a friar, he marched in a + procession. Then presented themselves the Senators Sieyes and Roederer, + with an air as composed as if the former had still been an Abbe and the + confessor of the latter. Next came Madame Murat, whom three hours before I + had seen in the Bois de Boulogne in all the disgusting display of + fashionable nakedness, now clothed and covered to her chin. She was + followed by the pious Madame Le Clerc, now Princesse Borghese, who was + sighing deeply and loudly. After her came limping the godly Talleyrand, + dragging his pure moiety by his side, both with downcast and edifying + looks. The Christian patriots, Gravina and Lima, Dreyer and Beust, Dalberg + and Cetto, Malsburgh and Pappenheim, with the Catholic Schimmelpenninck + and Mohammed Said Halel Effendi,—all presented themselves as + penitent sinners imploring absolutions, after undergoing mortifications. + </p> + <p> + But it would become tedious and merely a repetition, were I to depict + separately the figures and characters of all the personages at this + politico-comical masquerade. Their conversation was, however, more + uniform, more contemptible, and more laughable, than their accoutrements + and grimaces were ridiculous. To judge from what they said, they belonged + no longer to this world; all their thoughts were in heaven, and they + considered themselves either on the borders of eternity or on the eve of + the day of the Last Judgment. The truly devout Madame Napoleon spoke with + rapture of martyrs and miracles, of the Mass and of the vespers, of + Agnuses and relics of Christ her Saviour, and of Pius VII., His vicar. Had + not her enthusiasm been interrupted by the enthusiastic commentaries of + her mother-in-law, I saw every mouth open ready to cry out, as soon as she + had finished, “Amen! Amen! Amen!” + </p> + <p> + Napoleon had placed himself between the old Cardinal de Bellois and the + not young Cardinal Bernier, so as to prevent the approach of any profane + sinner or unrepentant infidel. Round him and their clerical chiefs, all + the curates and grand vicars, almoners and chaplains of the Court, and the + capitals of the Princess, Princesses, and grand officers of State, had + formed a kind of cordon. “Had,” said the young General Kellerman to me, + “Bonaparte always been encompassed by troops of this description, he might + now have sung hymns as a saint in heaven, but he would never have reigned + as an Emperor upon earth.” This indiscreet remark was heard by Louis + Bonaparte, and on the next morning Kellerman received orders to join the + army in Hanover, where he was put under the command of a general younger + than himself. He would have been still more severely punished, had not his + father, the Senator (General Kellerman), been in so great favour at the + Court of St. Cloud, and so much protected by Duroc, who had made, in 1792, + his first campaign under this officer, then commander-in-chief of the army + of the Ardennes. + </p> + <p> + When this devout assembly separated, which was by courtesy an hour earlier + than usual, I expected every moment to hear a chorus of horse-laughs, + because I clearly perceived that all of them were tired of their assumed + parts, and, with me, inclined to be gay at the expense of their + neighbours. But they all remembered also that they were watched by spies, + and that an imprudent look or an indiscreet word, gaiety instead of + gravity, noise when silence was commanded, might be followed by an airing + in the wilderness of Cayenne. They, therefore, all called out, “Coachman, + to our hotel!” as if to say, “We will to-day, in compliment to the + new-born Christian zeal of our Sovereigns, finish our evening as piously + as we have begun it.” But no sooner were they out of sight of the palace + than they hurried to the scenes of dissipation, all endeavouring, in the + debauchery and excesses so natural to them, to forget their unnatural + affectation and hypocrisy. + </p> + <p> + Well you know the standard of the faith even of the members of the + Bonaparte family. Two days before this Christian circle at Madame + Napoleon’s, Madame de Chateaureine, with three other ladies, visited the + Princesse Borghese. Not seeing a favourite parrot they had often + previously admired, they inquired what was become of it. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the poor creature!” answered the Princess; “I have disposed of it, as + well as of two of my monkeys. The Emperor has obliged me to engage an + almoner and two chaplains, and it would be too extravagant in me to keep + six useless animals in my hotel. I must now submit to hearing the + disgusting howlings of my almoner instead of the entertaining chat of my + parrot, and to see the awkward bows and kneelings of my chaplains instead + of the amusing capering of my monkeys. Add to this, that I am forced to + transform into a chapel my elegant and tasty boudoir, on the ground-floor, + where I have passed so many delicious tete-a-tetes. Alas! what a change! + what a shocking fashion, that we are now all again to be Christians!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Notwithstanding what was inserted in our public prints to + the contrary, the reception Bonaparte experienced from his army of England + in June last year, the first time he presented himself to them as an + Emperor, was far from such as flattered either his vanity or views. For + the first days, some few solitary voices alone accompanied the “Vive + l’Empereur!” of his generals, and of his aides-de-camp. This indifference, + or, as he called it, mutinous spirit, was so much the more provoking as it + was unexpected. He did not, as usual, ascribe it to the emissaries or gold + of England, but to the secret adherents of Pichegru and Moreau amongst the + brigades or divisions that had served under these unfortunate generals. He + ordered, in consequence, his Minister Berthier to make out a list of all + these corps. Having obtained this, he separated them by ordering some to + Italy, others to Holland, and the rest to the frontiers of Spain and + Germany. This act of revenge or jealousy was regarded, both by the + officers and men, as a disgrace and as a doubt thrown out against their + fidelity, and the murmur was loud and general. In consequence of this, + some men were shot, and many more arrested. + </p> + <p> + Observing, however, that severity had not the desired effect, Bonaparte + suddenly changed his conduct, released the imprisoned, and rewarded with + the crosses of his Legion of Honour every member of the so lately + suspected troops who had ever performed any brilliant or valorous exploits + under the proscribed generals. He even incorporated among his own + bodyguards and guides men who had served in the same capacity under these + rival commanders, and numbers of their children were received in the + Prytanees and military free schools. The enthusiastic exclamation that + soon greeted his ears convinced him that he had struck upon the right + string of his soldiers’ hearts. Men who, some few days before, wanted only + the signal of a leader to cut an Emperor they hated to pieces, would now + have contended who should be foremost to shed their last drop of blood for + a chief they adored. + </p> + <p> + This affected liberality towards the troops who had served under his + rivals roused some slight discontent among those to whom he was chiefly + indebted for his own laurels. But if he knew the danger of reducing to + despair slighted men with arms in their hands, he also was well aware of + the equal danger of enduring licentiousness or audacity among troops who + had, on all occasions, experienced his preference and partiality; and he + gave a sanguinary proof of his opinion on this subject at the grand parade + of the 12th of July, 1804, preparatory to the grand fete of the 14th. + </p> + <p> + A grenadier of the 21st Regiment (which was known in Italy under the name + of the Terrible), in presetting arms to him, said: “Sire! I have served + under you four campaigns, fought under you in ten battles or engagements; + have received in your service seven wounds, and am not a member of your + Legion of Honour; whilst many who served under Moreau, and are not able to + show a scratch from an enemy, have that distinction.” + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte instantly ordered this man to be shot by his own comrades in the + front of the regiment. The six grenadiers selected to fire, seeming to + hesitate, he commanded the whole corps to lay down their arms, and after + being disbanded, to be sent to the different colonial depots. To humiliate + them still more, the mutinous grenadier was shot by the gendarmes. When + the review was over, “Vive l’Empereur!” resounded from all parts, and his + popularity among the troops has since rather increased than diminished. + Nobody can deny that Bonaparte possesses a great presence of mind, an + undaunted firmness, and a perfect knowledge of the character of the people + over whom he reigns. Could but justice and humanity be added to his other + qualities, but, unfortunately for my nation, I fear that the answer of + General Mortier to a remark of a friend of mine on this subject is not + problematical: “Had,” said this Imperial favourite, “Napoleon Bonaparte + been just and humane, he would neither have vanquished nor reigned.” + </p> + <p> + All these scenes occurred before Bonaparte, seated on a throne, received + the homage, as a Sovereign, of one hundred and fifty thousand warriors, + who now bowed as subjects, after having for years fought for liberty and + equality, and sworn hatred to all monarchical institutions; and who + hitherto had saluted and obeyed him only as the first among equals. What + an inconsistency! The splendour and show that accompanied him everywhere, + the pageantry and courtly pomp that surrounded him, and the decorations of + the stars and ribands of the Legion of Honour, which he distributed with + bombastic speeches among troops—to whom those political impositions + and social cajoleries were novelties—made such an impression upon + them, that had a bridge been then fixed between Calais and Dover, brave as + your countrymen are, I should have trembled for the liberty and + independence of your country. The heads and imagination of the soldiers, I + know from the best authority, were then so exalted that, though they might + have been cut to pieces, they could never have been defeated or routed. I + pity our children when I reflect that their tranquillity and happiness + will, perhaps, depend upon such a corrupt and unprincipled people of + soldiers,—easy tools in the hands of every impostor or mountebank. + </p> + <p> + The lively satisfaction which Bonaparte must have felt at the pinnacle of + grandeur where fortune had placed him was not, however, entirely unmixed + with uneasiness and vexation. Except at Berlin, in all the other great + Courts the Emperor of the French was still Monsieur Bonaparte; and your + country, of the subjugation of which he had spoken with such lightness and + such inconsideration, instead of dreading, despised his boasts and defied + his threats. Indeed, never before did the Cabinet of St. James more + opportunely expose the reality of his impotency, the impertinence of his + menaces, and the folly of his parade for the invasion of your country, + than by declaring all the ports containing his invincible armada in a + state of blockade. I have heard from an officer who witnessed his fury + when in May, 1799, he was compelled to retreat from before St. Jean + d’Acre, and who was by his side in the camp at Boulogne when a despatch + informed him of this circumstance, that it was nothing compared to the + violent rage into which he flew upon reading it. For an hour afterwards + not even his brother Joseph dared approach him; and his passion got so far + the better of his policy, that what might still have long been concealed + from the troops was known within the evening to the whole camp. He + dictated to his secretary orders for his Ministers at Vienna, Berlin, + Lisbon, and Madrid, and couriers were sent away with them; but half an + hour afterwards other couriers were despatched after them with other + orders, which were revoked in their turn, when at last Joseph had + succeeded in calming him a little. He passed, however, the whole following + night full dressed and agitated; lying down only for an instant, but + having always in his room Joseph and Duroc, and deliberating on a thousand + methods of destroying the insolent islanders; all equally violent, but all + equally impracticable. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, when, as usual, he went to see the manoeuvres of his + flotilla, and the embarkation and landing of his troops, he looked so pale + that he almost excited pity. Your cruisers, however, as if they had been + informed of the situation of our hero, approached unusually near, to + evince, as it were, their contempt and, derision. He ordered instantly all + the batteries to fire, and went himself to that which carried its shot + farthest; but that moment six of your vessels, after taking down their + sails, cast anchors, with the greatest sang-froid, just without the reach + of our shot. In an unavailing anger he broke upon the spot six officers of + artillery, and pushed one, Captain d’ Ablincourt, down the precipice under + the battery, where he narrowly escaped breaking his neck as well as his + legs; for which injury he was compensated by being made an officer of the + Legion of Honour. Bonaparte then convoked upon the spot a council of his + generals of artillery and of the engineers, and, within an hour’s time, + some guns and mortars of still heavier metal and greater calibre were + carried up to replace the others; but, fortunately for the generals, + before a trial could be made of them the tide changed, and your cruisers + sailed. + </p> + <p> + In returning to breakfast at General Soult’s, he observed the countenances + of his soldiers rather inclined to laughter than to wrath; and he heard + some jests, significant enough in the vocabulary of encampments, and which + informed him that contempt was not the sentiment with which your navy had + inspired his troops. The occurrences of these two days hastened his + departure from the coast for Aix-la-Chapelle, where the cringing of his + courtiers consoled him, in part, for the want of respect or gallantry in + your English tars. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER X. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—According to a general belief in our diplomatic circles, it + was the Austrian Ambassador in France, Count von Cobenzl, who principally + influenced the determination of Francis II. to assume the hereditary title + of Emperor of Austria, and to acknowledge Napoleon Emperor of the French. + </p> + <p> + Johann Philipp, Count von Cobenzl, enjoys, not only in his own country, + but through all Europe, a great reputation as a statesman, and has for a + number of years been employed by his Court in the most intricate and + delicate political transactions. In 1790 he was sent to Brabant to treat + with the Belgian insurgents; but the States of Brabant refusing to receive + him, he retired to Luxembourg, where he published a proclamation, in which + Leopold II. revoked all those edicts of his predecessor, Joseph II., which + had been the principal cause of the troubles; and reestablished everything + upon the same footing as during the reign of Maria Theresa. In 1791 he was + appointed Ambassador to the Court of St. Petersburg, where his conduct + obtained the approbation of his own Prince and of the Empress of Russia. + </p> + <p> + In 1793 the Committee of Public Safety nominated the intriguer, De + Semonville, Ambassador to the Ottoman Porte. His mission was to excite the + Turks against Austria and Russia, and it became of great consequence to + the two Imperial Courts to seize this incendiary of regicides. He was + therefore stopped, on the 25th of July, in the village of Novate, near the + lake of Chiavenne. A rumour was very prevalent at this time that some + papers were found in De Semonville’s portfolio implicating Count von + Cobenzl as a correspondent with the revolutionary French generals. The + continued confidence of his Sovereign contradicts, however, this + inculpation, which seems to have been merely the invention of rivalry or + jealousy. + </p> + <p> + In October, 1795, Count von Cobenzl signed, in the name of the Emperor, a + treaty with England and Russia; and in 1797 he was one of the Imperial + plenipotentiaries sent to Udine to negotiate with Bonaparte, with whom, on + the 17th of October, he signed the Treaty of Campo Formio. In the same + capacity he went afterwards to Rastadt, and when this congress broke up, + he returned again as an Ambassador to St. Petersburg. + </p> + <p> + After the Peace of Lunwille, when it required to have a man of experience + and talents to oppose to our so deeply able Minister, Talleyrand, the + Cabinet of Vienna removed him from Russia to France, where, with all other + representatives of Princes, he has experienced more of the frowns and + rebukes, than of the dignity and good grace, of our present Sovereign. + </p> + <p> + Count von Cobenzl’s foible is said to be a passion for women; and it is + reported that our worthy Minister, Talleyrand, has been kind enough to + assist him frequently in his amours. Some adventures of this sort, which + occurred at Rastadt, afforded much amusement at the Count’s expense. + Talleyrand, from envy, no doubt, does not allow him the same political + merit as his other political contemporaries, having frequently repeated + that “the official dinners of Count von Cobenzl were greatly preferable to + his official notes.” + </p> + <p> + So well pleased was Bonaparte with this Ambassador when at Aix-la-Chapelle + last year, that, as a singular favour, he permitted him, with the Marquis + de Gallo (the Neapolitan Minister and another plenipotentiary at Udine), + to visit the camps of his army of England on the coast. It is true that + this condescension was, perhaps, as much a boast, or a threat, as a + compliment. + </p> + <p> + The famous diplomatic note of Talleyrand, which, at Aix-la-Chapelle + proscribed en masse all your diplomatic agents, was only a slight revenge + of Bonaparte’s for your mandate of blockade. Rumour states that this + measure was not approved of by Talleyrand, as it would not exclude any of + your Ambassadors from those Courts not immediately under the whip of our + Napoleon. For fear, however, of some more extravagant determination, + Joseph Bonaparte dissuaded him from laying before his brother any + objections or representations. “But what absurdities do I not sign!” + exclaimed the pliant Minister. + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte, on his arrival at Aix-la-Chapelle, found there, according to + command, most of the members of the foreign diplomatic corps in France, + waiting to present their new credentials to him as Emperor. Charlemagne + had been saluted as such, in the same place, about one thousand years + before,—an inducement for the modern Charlemagne to set all these + Ambassadors travelling some hundred miles, without any other object but to + gratify his impertinent vanity. Every spot where Charlemagne had walked, + sat, slept, talked, eaten or prayed, was visited by him with great + ostentation; always dragging behind him the foreign representatives, and + by his side his wife. To a peasant who presented him a stone upon which + Charlemagne was said to have once kneeled, he gave nearly half its weight + in gold; on a priest who offered him a small crucifix, before which that + Prince was reported to have prayed, he bestowed an episcopal see; to a + manufacturer he ordered one thousand louis for a portrait of Charlemagne, + said to be drawn by his daughter, but which, in fact, was from the pencil + of the daughter of the manufacturer; a German savant was made a member of + the National Institute for an old diploma, supposed to have been signed by + Charlemagne, who many believed was not able to write; and a German Baron, + Krigge, was registered in the Legion of Honour for a ring presented by + this Emperor to one of his ancestors, though his nobility is well known + not to be of sixty years’ standing. But woe to him who dared to suggest + any doubt about what Napoleon believed, or seemed to believe! A German + professor, Richter, more a pedant than a courtier, and more sincere than + wise, addressed a short memorial to Bonaparte, in which he proved, from + his intimacy with antiquity, that most of the pretended relics of + Charlemagne were impositions on the credulous; that the portrait was a + drawing of this century, the diploma written in the last; the crucifix + manufactured within fifty, and the ring, perhaps, within ten years. The + night after Bonaparte had perused this memorial, a police commissary, + accompanied by four gendarmes, entered the professor’s bedroom, forced him + to dress, and ushered him into a covered cart, which carried him under + escort to the left bank of the Rhine; where he was left with orders, under + pain of death, never more to enter the territory of the French Empire. + This expeditious and summary justice silenced all other connoisseurs and + antiquarians; and relics of Charlemagne have since poured in in such + numbers from all parts of France, Italy, Germany, and even Denmark, that + we are here in hope to see one day established a Museum Charlemagne, by + the side of the museums Napoleon and Josephine. A ballad, written in + monkish Latin, said to be sung by the daughters and maids of Charlemagne + at his Court on great festivities, was addressed to Duroc, by a Danish + professor, Cranener, who in return was presented, on the part of + Bonaparte, with a diamond ring worth twelve thousand livres—L 500. + This ballad may, perhaps, be the foundation of future Bibliotheque or + Lyceum Charlemagne. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—On the arrival of her husband at Aix-la-Chapelle, Madame + Napoleon had lost her money by gambling, without recovering her health by + using the baths and drinking the waters; she was, therefore, as poor as + low-spirited, and as ill-tempered as dissatisfied. Napoleon himself was + neither much in humour to supply her present wants, provide for her + extravagances, or to forgive her ill-nature; he ascribed the inefficacy of + the waters to her excesses, and reproached her for her too great + condescension to many persons who presented themselves at her drawing-room + and in her circle, but who, from their rank in life, were only fit to be + seen as supplicants in her antechambers, and as associates with her valets + or chambermaids. + </p> + <p> + The fact was that Madame Napoleon knew as well as her husband that these + gentry were not in their place in the company of an Empress; but they were + her creditors, some of them even Jews; and as long as she continued debtor + to them she could not decently—or rather, she dared not prevent them + from being visitors to her. By confiding her situation to her old friend, + Talleyrand, she was, however, soon released from those troublesome + personages. When the Minister was informed of the occasion of the + attendance of these impertinent intruders, he humbly proposed to Bonaparte + not to pay their demands and their due, but to make them examples of + severe justice in transporting them to Cayenne, as the only sure means to + prevent, for the future, people of the same description from being + familiar or audacious. + </p> + <p> + When, thanks to Talleyrand’s interference, these family arrangements were + settled, Madame Napoleon recovered her health with her good-humour; and + her husband, who had begun to forget the English blockade, only to think + of the papal accolade (dubbing), was more tender than ever. I am assured + that, during the fortnight he continued with his wife at Aix-la-Chapelle, + he only shut her up or confined her twice, kicked her three times, and + abused her once a day. + </p> + <p> + It was during their residence in that capital that Comte de Segur at last + completed the composition of their household, and laid before them the + list of the ladies and gentlemen who had consented to put on their livery. + This De Segur is a kind of amphibious animal, neither a royalist nor a + republican, neither a democrat nor an aristocrat, but a disaffected + subject under a King, a dangerous citizen of a Commonwealth, ridiculing + both the friend of equality and the defender of prerogatives; no exact + definition can be given, from his past conduct and avowed professions, of + his real moral and political character. One thing only is certain;—he + was an ungrateful traitor to Louis XVI., and is a submissive slave under + Napoleon the First. + </p> + <p> + Though not of an ancient family, Comte de Segur was a nobleman by birth, + and ranked among the ancient French nobility because one of his ancestors + had been a Field-marshal. Being early introduced at Court, he acquired, + with the common corruption, also the pleasing manners of a courtier; and + by his assiduities about the Ministers, Comte de Maurepas and Comte de + Vergennes, he procured from the latter the place of an Ambassador to the + Court of St. Petersburg. With some reading and genius, but with more + boasting and presumption, he classed himself among French men of letters, + and was therefore as such received with distinction by Catharine II., on + whom, and on whose Government, he in return published a libel. He was a + valet under La Fayette, in 1789, as he has since been under every + succeeding King of faction. The partisans of the Revolution pointed him + out as a fit Ambassador from Louis XVI. to the late King of Prussia; and + he went in 1791 to Berlin, in that capacity; but Frederick William II. + refused him admittance to his person, and, after some ineffectual + intrigues with the Illuminati and philosophers at Berlin, he returned to + Paris as he left it; provided, however, with materials for another libel + on the Prussian Monarch, and on the House of Brandenburgh, which he + printed in 1796. Ruined by the Revolution which he had so much admired, he + was imprisoned under Robespierre, and was near starving under the + Directory, having nothing but his literary productions to subsist on. In + 1799, Bonaparte made him a legislator, and in 1803, a Counsellor of State,—a + place which he resigned last year for that of a grand master of the + ceremonies at the present Imperial Court. His ancient inveteracy against + your country has made him a favourite with Bonaparte. The indelicate and + scandalous attacks, in 1796 and 1797, against Lord Malmesbury, in the then + official journal, Le Redacteur, were the offspring of his malignity and + pen; and the philippics and abusive notes in our present official + Moniteur, against your Government and country, are frequently his + patriotic progeny, or rather, he often shares with Talleyrand and + Hauterive their paternity. + </p> + <p> + The Revolution has not made Comte de Segur more happy with regard to his + family, than in his circumstances, which, notwithstanding his brilliant + grand-mastership, are far from being affluent. His amiable wife died of + terror, and brokenhearted from the sufferings she had experienced, and the + atrocities she had witnessed; and when he had enticed his eldest son to + accept the place of a sub-prefect under Bonaparte, his youngest son, who + never approved our present regeneration, challenged his brother to fight, + and, after killing him in a duel, destroyed himself. Comte de Segur is + therefore, at present, neither a husband nor a father, but only a grand + master of ceremonies! What an indemnification! + </p> + <p> + Madame Napoleon and her husband are both certainly under much obligation + to this nobleman for his care to procure them comparatively decent persons + to decorate their levees and drawing-rooms, who, though they have no claim + either to morality or virtue, either to honour or chastity, are + undoubtedly a great acquisition at the Court of St. Cloud, because none of + them has either been accused of murder, or convicted of plunder; which is + the case with some of the Ministers, and most of the generals, Senators + and counsellors. It is true that they are a mixture of beggared nobles and + enriched valets, of married courtesans and divorced wives, but, for all + that, they can with justice demand the places of honour of all other + Imperial courtiers of both sexes. + </p> + <p> + When Bonaparte had read over the names of these Court recruits, engaged + and enlisted by De Segur, he said, “Well, this lumber must do until we can + exchange it for better furniture.” At that time, young Comte d’ Arberg (of + a German family, on the right bank of the Rhine), but whose mother is one + of Madame Bonaparte’s Maids of Honour, was travelling for him in Germany + and in Prussia, where, among other negotiations, he was charged to procure + some persons of both sexes, of the most ancient nobility, to augment + Napoleon’s suite, and to figure in his livery. More individuals presented + themselves for this honour than he wanted, but they were all without + education and without address: ignorant of the world as of books; not + speaking well their own language, much less understanding French or + Italian; vain of their birth, but not ashamed of their ignorance, and as + proud as poor. This project was therefore relinquished for the time; but a + number of the children of the principal ci-devant German nobles, who, by + the Treaty of Luneville and Ratisbon, had become subjects of Bonaparte, + were, by the advice of Talleyrand, offered places in French Prytanees, + where the Emperor promised to take care of their future advancement. + Madame Bonaparte, at the same time, selected twenty-five young girls of + the same families, whom she also offered to educate at her expense. Their + parents understood too well the meaning of these generous offers to dare + decline their acceptance. These children are the plants of the Imperial + nursery, intended to produce future pages, chamberlains, equerries, Maids + of Honour and ladies in waiting, who for ancestry may bid defiance to all + their equals of every Court in Christendom. This act of benevolence, as it + was called in some German papers, is also an indirect chastisement of the + refractory French nobility, who either demanded too high prices for their + degradation, or abruptly refused to disgrace the names of their + forefathers. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Bonaparte has been as profuse in his disposal of the + Imperial diadem of Germany, as in his promises of the papal tiara of Rome. + The Houses of Austria and Brandenburgh, the Electors of Bavaria and Baden, + have by turns been cajoled into a belief of his exclusive support towards + obtaining it at the first vacancy. Those, however, who have paid attention + to his machinations, and studied his actions; who remember his pedantic + affectation of being considered a modern, or rather a second Charlemagne; + and who have traced his steps through the labyrinth of folly and + wickedness, of meanness and greatness, of art, corruption, and policy, + which have seated him on the present throne, can entertain little doubt + but that he is seriously bent on seizing and adding the sceptre of Germany + to the crowns of France and Italy. + </p> + <p> + During his stay last autumn at Mentz, all those German Electors who had + spirit and dignity enough to refuse to attend on him there in person were + obliged to send Extraordinary Ambassadors to wait on him, and to + compliment him on their part. Though hardly one corner of the veil that + covered the intrigues going forward there is yet lifted up, enough is + already seen to warn Europe and alarm the world. The secret treaties he + concluded there with most of the petty Princes of Germany, against the + Chief of the German Empire which not only entirely detached them from + their country and its legitimate Sovereign, but made their individual + interests hostile and totally opposite to that of the German Commonwealth, + transforming them also from independent Princes into vassals of France, + both directly increased has already gigantic power, and indirectly + encouraged him to extend it beyond what his most sanguine expectation had + induced him to hope. I do not make this assertion from a mere supposition + in consequence of ulterior occurrences. At a supper with Madame Talleyrand + last March, I heard her husband, in a gay, unguarded, or perhaps + premeditated moment, say, when mentioning his proposed journey to Italy: + </p> + <p> + “I prepared myself to pass the Alps last October at Mentz. The first + ground-stone of the throne of Italy was, strange as it may seem, laid on + the banks of the Rhine: with such an extensive foundation, it must be + difficult to shake, and impossible to overturn it.” + </p> + <p> + We were, in the whole, twenty-five persons at table when he spoke thus, + many of whom, he well knew, were intimately acquainted both with the + Austrian and Prussian Ambassadors, who by the bye, both on the next day + sent couriers to their respective Courts. + </p> + <p> + The French Revolution is neither seen in Germany in that dangerous light + which might naturally be expected from the sufferings in which it has + involved both Princes and subjects, nor are its future effects dreaded + from its past enormities. The cause of this impolitic and anti-patriotic + apathy is to be looked for in the palaces of Sovereigns, and not in the + dwellings of their people. There exists hardly a single German Prince + whose Ministers, courtiers and counsellors are not numbered, and have long + been notorious among the anti-social conspirators, the Illuminati: most of + them are knaves of abilities, who have usurped the easy direction of + ignorance, or forced themselves as guides on weakness or folly, which bow + to their charlatanism as if it was sublimity, and hail their sophistry and + imposture as inspiration. + </p> + <p> + Among Princes thus encompassed, the Elector of Bavaria must be allowed the + first place. A younger brother of a younger branch, and a colonel in the + service of Louis XVI., he neither acquired by education, nor inherited + from nature, any talent to reign, nor possessed any one quality that + fitted him for a higher situation than the head of a regiment or a lady’s + drawing-room. He made himself justly suspected of a moral corruption, as + well as of a natural incapacity, when he announced his approbation of the + Revolution against his benefactor, the late King of France, who, besides a + regiment, had also given him a yearly pension of one hundred thousand + livres. Immediately after his unexpected accession to the Electorate of + Bavaria, he concluded a subsidiary treaty with your country, and his + troops were ordered to combat rebellion, under the standard of Austrian + loyalty. For some months it was believed that the Elector wished by his + conduct to obliterate the memory of the errors, vices, and principles of + the Duc de Deux-Ponts (his former title). But placing all his confidence + in a political adventurer and revolutionary fanatic, Montgelas, without + either consistency or firmness, without being either bent upon information + or anxious about popularity, he threw the whole burden of State on the + shoulders of this dangerous man, who soon showed the world that his + master, by his first treaties, intended only to pocket your money without + serving your cause or interest. + </p> + <p> + This Montgelas is, on account of his cunning and long standing among them, + worshipped by the gang of German Illuminati as an idol rather than revered + as an apostle. He is their Baal, before whom they hope to oblige all + nations upon earth to prostrate themselves as soon as infidelity has + entirely banished Christianity; for the Illuminati do not expect to reign + till the last Christian is buried under the rubbish of the last altar of + Christ. It is not the fault of Montgelas if such an event has not already + occurred in the Electorate of Bavaria. + </p> + <p> + Within six months after the Treaty of Lundville, Montgelas began in that + country his political and religious innovations. The nobility and the + clergy were equally attacked; the privileges of the former were invaded, + and the property of the latter confiscated; and had not his zeal carried + him too far, so as to alarm our new nobles, our new men of property, and + new Christians, it is very probable that atheism would have already, + without opposition, reared its head in the midst of Germany, and + proclaimed there the rights of man, and the code of liberty and equality. + </p> + <p> + The inhabitants of Bavaria are, as you know, all Roman Catholics, and the + most superstitious and ignorant Catholics of Germany. The step is but + short from superstition to infidelity; and ignorance has furnished in + France more sectaries of atheism than perversity. The Illuminati, brothers + and friends of Montgelas, have not been idle in that country. Their + writings have perverted those who had no opportunity to hear their + speeches, or to witness their example; and I am assured by Count von + Beust, who travelled in Bavaria last year, that their progress among the + lower classes is astonishing, considering the short period these + emissaries have laboured. To any one looking on the map of the Continent, + and acquainted with the spirit of our times, this impious focus of + illumination must be ominous. + </p> + <p> + Among the members of the foreign diplomatic corps, there exists not the + least doubt but that this Montgelas, as well as Bonaparte’s Minister at + Munich, Otto, was acquainted with the treacherous part Mehde de la Touche + played against your Minister, Drake; and that it was planned between him + and Talleyrand as the surest means to break off all political connections + between your country and Bavaria. Mr. Drake was personally liked by the + Elector, and was not inattentive either to the plans and views of + Montgelas or to the intrigues of Otto. They were, therefore, both doubly + interested to remove such a troublesome witness. + </p> + <p> + M. de Montgelas is now a grand officer of Bonaparte’s Legion of Honour, + and he is one of the few foreigners nominated the most worthy of such a + distinction. In France he would have been an acquisition either to the + factions of a Murat, of a Brissot, or of a Robespierre; and the Goddess of + Reason, as well as the God of the Theophilanthropists, might have been + sure of counting him among their adorers. At the clubs of the Jacobins or + Cordeliers, in the fraternal societies, or in a revolutionary tribunal; in + the Committee of Public Safety, or in the council chamber of the + Directory, he would equally have made himself notorious and been equally + in his place. A stoic sans-culotte under Du Clots, a stanch republican + under Robespierre, he would now have been the most pliant and brilliant + courtier of Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—No Queen of France ever saw so many foreign Princes and + Princesses in her drawing-rooms as the first Empress of the French did + last year at Mentz; and no Sovereign was ever before so well paid, or + accepted with less difficulty donations and presents for her gracious + protection. Madame Napoleon herself, on her return to this capital last + October, boasted that she was ten millions of livres—richer in + diamonds; two millions of livres richer in pearls, and three million of + livres richer in plate and china, than in the June before, when she + quitted it. She acknowledged that she left behind her some creditors and + some money at Aix-la-Chapelle; but at Mentz she did not want to borrow, + nor had she time to gamble. The gallant ultra Romans provided everything, + even to the utmost extent of her wishes; and she, on her part, could not + but honour those with her company as much as possible, particularly as + they required nothing else for their civilities. Such was the Empress’s + expression to her lady in waiting, the handsome Madame Seran, with whom no + confidence, no tale, no story, and no scandal expires; and who was in a + great hurry to inform, the same evening, the tea-party at Madame de + Beauvais’s of this good news, complaining at the same time of not having + had the least share in this rich harvest. + </p> + <p> + Nowhere, indeed, were bribery and corruption carried to a greater extent, + or practised with more effrontery, than at Mentz. Madame Napoleon had as + much her fixed price for every favourable word she spoke, as Talleyrand + had for every line he wrote. Even the attendants of the former, and the + clerks of the latter, demanded, or rather extorted, douceurs from the + exhausted and almost ruined German petitioners; who in the end were + rewarded for all their meanness and for all their expenses with promises + at best; as the new plan of supplementary indemnities was, on the very day + proposed for its final arrangement, postponed by the desire of the Emperor + of the French, until further orders. This provoking delay could no more be + foreseen by the Empress than by the Minister, who, in return for their + presents and money almost overpowered the German Princes with his + protestations of regret at their disappointments. Nor was Madame Bonaparte + less sorry or less civil. She sent her chamberlain, Daubusson la Feuillad, + with regular compliments of condolence to every Prince who had enjoyed her + protection. They returned to their homes, therefore, if not wealthier, at + least happier; flattered by assurances and condescensions, confiding in + hope as in certainties. Within three months, however, it is supposed that + they would willingly have disposed both of promises and expectations at a + loss of fifty per cent. + </p> + <p> + By the cupidity and selfishness of these and other German Princes, and + their want of patriotism, Talleyrand was become perfectly acquainted with + the value and production of every principality, bishopric, county, abbey, + barony, convent, and even village in the German Empire; and though most + national property in France was disposed of at one or two years’ purchase, + he required five years’ purchase-money for all the estates and lands on + the other side of the Rhine, of which, under the name of indemnities, he + stripped the lawful owners to gratify the ambition or avidity of + intruders. This high price has cooled the claims of the bidders, and the + plan of the supplementary indemnities is still suspended, and probably + will continue so until our Minister lowers his terms. A combination is + supposed to have been entered into by the chief demanders of indemnities, + by which they have bound themselves to resist all farther extortions. They + do not, however, know the man they have to deal with; he will, perhaps, + find out some to lay claim to their own private and hereditary property + whom he will produce and support, and who certainly will have the same + right to pillage them as they had to the spoils of others. + </p> + <p> + It was reported in our fashionable circles last autumn, and smiled at by + Talleyrand, that he promised the Comtesse de L——— an + abbey, and the Baroness de S——-z a convent, for certain + personal favours, and that he offered a bishopric to the Princesse of Hon——- + the same terms, but this lady answered that “she would think of his offers + after he had put her husband in possession of the bishopric.” It is not + necessary to observe that both the Countess and the Baroness are yet + waiting to enjoy his liberal donations, and to be indemnified for their + prostitution. + </p> + <p> + Napoleon Bonaparte was attacked by a fit of jealousy at Mentz. The young + nephew of the Elector Arch-Chancellor, Comte de L——ge, was + very assiduous about the Empress, who, herself, at first mistook the + motive. Her confidential secretary, Deschamps, however, afterwards + informed her that this nobleman wanted to purchase the place of a + coadjutor to his uncle, so as to be certain of succeeding him. He + obtained, therefore, several private audiences, no doubt to regulate the + price, when Napoleon put a stop to this secret negotiation by having the + Count carried by gendarmes, with great politeness, to the other side of + the Rhine. When convinced of his error, Bonaparte asked his wife what sum + had been promised for her protection, and immediately gave her an order on + his Minister of the Treasury (Marbois) for the amount. This was an act of + justice, and a reparation worthy of a good and tender husband; but when, + the very next day, he recalled this order, threw it into the fire before + her eyes, and confined her for six hours in her bedroom; because she was + not dressed in time to take a walk with him on the ramparts, one is apt to + believe that military despotism has erased from his bosom all connubial + affection, and that a momentary effusion of kindness and generosity can + but little alleviate the frequent pangs caused by repeated insults and + oppression. Fortunately, Madame Napoleon’s disposition is proof against + rudeness as well as against brutality. If what her friend and consoler, + Madame Delucay, reports of her is not exaggerated, her tranquillity is not + much disturbed nor her happiness affected by these explosions of + passionate authority, and she prefers admiring, in undisturbed solitude, + her diamond box to the most beautiful prospects in the most agreeable + company; and she inspects with more pleasure in confinement, her rich + wardrobe, her beautiful china, and her heavy plate, than she would find + satisfaction, surrounded with crowds, in comtemplating Nature, even in its + utmost perfection. “The paradise of Madame Napoleon,” says her friend, + “must be of metal, and lighted by the lustre of brilliants, else she would + decline it for a hell and accept Lucifer himself for a spouse, provided + gold flowed in his infernal domains, though she were even to be scorched + by its heat.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + LETTER XIV. + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—I believe that I have mentioned to you, when in England, + that I was an old acquaintance of Madame Napoleon, and a visitor at the + house of her first husband. When introduced to her after some years’ + absence, during which fortune had treated us very differently, she + received me with more civility than I was prepared to expect, and would, + perhaps, have spoken to me more than she did, had not a look of her + husband silenced her. Madame Louis Bonaparte was still more condescending, + and recalled to my memory what I had not forgotten how often she had been + seated, when a child, on my lap, and played on my knees with her doll. + Thus they behaved to me when I saw them for the first time in their + present elevation; I found them afterwards, in their drawing-rooms or at + their routs and parties, more shy and distant. This change did not much + surprise me, as I hardly knew any one that had the slightest pretension to + their acquaintance who had not troubled them for employment or borrowed + their money, at the same time that they complained of their neglect and + their breach of promises. I continued, however, as much as etiquette and + decency required, assiduous, but never familiar: if they addressed me, I + answered with respect, but not with servility; if not, I bowed in silence + when they passed. They might easily perceive that I did not intend to + become an intruder, nor to make the remembrance of what was past an + apology or a reason for applying for present favours. A lady, on intimate + terms with Madame Napoleon, and once our common friend, informed me, + shortly after the untimely end of the lamented Duc d’ Enghien, that she + had been asked whether she knew anything that could be done for me, or + whether I would not be flattered by obtaining a place in the Legislative + Body or in the Tribunate? I answered as I thought, that were I fit for a + public life nothing could be more agreeable or suit me better; but, having + hitherto declined all employments that might restrain that independence to + which I had accustomed myself from my youth, I was now too old to enter + upon a new career. I added that, though the Revolution had reduced my + circumstances, it had not entirely ruined me. I was still independent, + because my means were the boundaries of my wants. + </p> + <p> + A week after this conversation General Murat, the governor of this + capital, and Bonaparte’s favourite-brother-in-law, invited me to a + conversation in a note delivered to me by an aide-de-camp, who told me + that he was ordered to wait for my company, or, which was the same, he had + orders not to lose sight of me, as I was his prisoner. Having nothing with + which to reproach myself, and all my written remarks being deposited with + a friend, whom none of the Imperial functionaries could suspect, I entered + a hackney coach without any fear or apprehension; and we drove to the + governor’s hotel. + </p> + <p> + From the manner in which Murat addressed me, I was soon convinced that if + I had been accused of any error or indiscretion, the accusation could not + be very grave in his eyes. He entered with me into his closet and inquired + whether I had any enemies at the police office. I told him not to my + knowledge. + </p> + <p> + “Is the Police Minister and Senator, Fouche, your friend?” continued he. + </p> + <p> + “Fouche,” said I, “has bought an estate that formerly belonged to me; may + he enjoy it with the same peace of mind as I have lost it. I have never + spoken to him in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you not complained at Madame de la Force’s of the execution of the + ci-devant Duc d’Enghien, and agreed with the other members of her coterie + to put on mourning for him?” + </p> + <p> + “I have never been at the house of that lady since the death of the + Prince, nor more than once in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did you pass the evening last Saturday?”—“At the hotel, and + in the assembly of Princesse Louis Bonaparte.” + </p> + <p> + “Did she see you?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe that she did, because she returned my salute.” + </p> + <p> + “You have known Her Imperial Highness a long time?” + </p> + <p> + “From her infancy.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I congratulate you. You have in her a generous protectress. But for + her you would now have been on the way to Cayenne. Here you see the list + of persons condemned yesterday, upon the report of Fouche, to + transportation. Your name is at the head of them. You were not only + accused of being an agent of the Bourbons, but of having intrigued to + become a member of the Legislature, or the Tribunate, that you might have + so much the better opportunity to serve them. Fortunately for you, the + Emperor remembered that the Princesse Louis had demanded such a favour for + you, and he informed her of the character of her protege. This brought + forward your innocence, because it was discovered that, instead of asking + for, you had declined the offer she had made you through the Empress. + Write the Princess a letter of thanks. You have, indeed, had a narrow + escape, but it has been so far useful to you, that Government is now aware + of your having some secret enemy in power, who is not delicate about the + means of injuring you.” + </p> + <p> + In quitting General Murat, I could not help deploring the fate of a + despot, even while I abhorred his unnatural power. The curses, the + complaints, and reproaches for all the crimes, all the violence, all the + oppression perpetrated in his name, are entirely thrown upon him, while + his situation and occupation do not admit the seeing and hearing + everything and everybody himself. He is often forced, therefore, to judge + according to the report of an impostor; to sanction with his name the + hatred, malignity, or vengeance of culpable individuals; and to sacrifice + innocence to gratify the vile passions of his vilest slave. I have not so + bad an opinion of Bonaparte as to think him capable of wilfully condemning + any person to death or transportation, of whose innocence he was + convinced, provided that person stood not in the way of his interest and + ambition; but suspicion and tyranny are inseparable companions, and + injustice their common progeny. The unfortunate beings on the long list + General Murat showed me were, I dare say, most of them as innocent as + myself, and all certainly condemned unheard. But suppose, even, that they + had been indiscreet enough to put on mourning for a Prince of the blood of + their former Kings, did their imprudence deserve the same punishment as + the deed of the robber, the forger, or the housebreaker? and, indeed, it + was more severe than what our laws inflict on such criminals, who are only + condemned to transportation for some few years, after a public trial and + conviction; while the exile of these unconvicted, untried, and most + probably innocent persons is continued for life, on charges as unknown to + themselves as their destiny and residence remain to their families and + friends. Happy England! where no one is condemned unheard, and no one + dares attempt to make the laws subservient to his passions or caprice. + </p> + <p> + As to Fouche’s enmity, at which General Murat so plainly hinted, I had + long apprehended it from what others, in similar circumstances with + myself, had suffered. He has, since the Revolution, bought no less, than + sixteen national estates, seven of the former proprietors of which have + suddenly disappeared since his Ministry, probably in the manner he + intended to remove me. This man is one of the most immoral characters the + Revolution has dragged forward from obscurity. It is more difficult to + mention a crime that he has not perpetrated than to discover a good or + just action that he ever performed. He is so notorious a villain that even + the infamous National Convention expelled him from its bosom, and since + his Ministry no man has been found base enough, in my debased country, to + extenuate, much less to defend, his past enormities. In a nation so + greatly corrupted and immoral, this alone is more than negative evidence. + </p> + <p> + As a friar before the Revolution he has avowed, in his correspondence with + the National Convention, that he never believed in a God; and as one of + the first public functionaries of a Republic he has officially denied the + existence of virtue. He is, therefore, as unmoved by tears as by + reproaches, and as inaccessible to remorse as hardened against repentance. + With him interest and bribes are everything, and honour and honesty + nothing. The supplicant or the pleader who appears before him with no + other support than the justice of his cause is fortunate indeed if, after + being cast, he is not also confined or ruined, and perhaps both; while a + line from one of the Bonapartes, or a purse of gold, changes black to + white, guilt to innocence, removes the scaffold waiting for the assassin, + and extinguishes the faggots lighted for the parricide. His authority is + so extensive that on the least signal, with one blow, from the extremities + of France to her centre, it crushes the cot and the palace; and his + decisions, against which there is no appeal, are so destructive that they + never leave any traces behind them, and Bonaparte, Bonaparte alone, can + prevent or arrest their effect. + </p> + <p> + Though a traitor to his former benefactor, the ex-Director Barras, he + possesses now the unlimited confidence of Napoleon Bonaparte, and, as far + as is known, has not yet done anything to forfeit it,—if private + acts of cruelty cannot, in the agent of a tyrant, be called breach of + trust or infidelity. He shares with Talleyrand the fraternity of the + vigilant, immoral, and tormenting secret police; and with Real, and + Dubois, the prefect of police, the reproduction, or rather the invention, + of new tortures and improved racks; the oubliettes, which are wells or + pits dug under the Temple and most other prisons, are the works of his own + infernal genius. They are covered with trap-doors, and any person whom the + rack has mutilated, or not obliged to speak out; whose return to society + is thought dangerous, or whose discretion is suspected; who has been + imprisoned by mistake, or discovered to be innocent; who is disagreeable + to the Bonapartes, their favourites, or the mistresses of their + favourites; who has displeased Fouche, or offended some other placeman; + any who have refused to part with their property for the recovery of their + liberty, are all precipitated into these artificial abysses there to be + forgotten; or worse, to be starved to death, if they have not been + fortunate enough to break their necks and be killed by the fall. + </p> + <p> + The property Fouche has acquired by his robberies within these last twelve + years is at the lowest rate valued at fifty million livres—which + must increase yearly; as a man who disposes of the liberty of fifty + millions of people is also, in a great part, master of their wealth. + Except the chiefs of the Governments and their officers of State, there + exists not an inhabitant of France, Italy, Holland, or Switzerland who can + consider himself secure for an instant of not being seized, imprisoned, + plundered, tortured, or exterminated by the orders of Fouche and by the + hands of his agents. + </p> + <p> + You will no doubt exclaim, “How can Bonaparte employ, how dares he + confide, in such a man?” Fouche is as able as unprincipled, and, with the + most unfeeling and perverse heart, possesses great talents. There is no + infamy he will not stoop to, and no crime, however execrable, that he will + hesitate to commit, if his Sovereign orders it. He is, therefore, a most + useful instrument in the hand of a despot who, notwithstanding what is + said to the contrary in France, and believed abroad, would cease to rule + the day he became just, and the reign of laws and of humanity banished + terror and tyranny. + </p> + <p> + It is reported that some person, pious or revengeful, presented some time + ago to the devout mother of Napoleon a long memorial containing some + particulars of the crimes and vices of Fouche and Talleyrand, and required + of her, if she wished to prevent the curses of Heaven from falling on her + son, to inform him of them, that he might cease to employ men so unworthy + of him, and so repugnant to a Divinity. Napoleon, after reading through + the memorial, is stated to have answered his mother, who was always + pressing him to dismiss these Ministers: The memorial, Madame, contains + nothing of what I was not previously informed. Louis XVI. did not select + any but those whom he thought the most virtuous and moral of men for his + Ministers and counsellors; and where did their virtues and morality bring + him? If the writer of the memorial will mention two honest and + irreproachable characters, with equal talents and zeal to serve me, + neither Fouche nor Talleyrand shall again be admitted into my presence. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—You have with some reason in England complained of the + conduct of the members of the foreign diplomatic corps in France, when the + pretended correspondence between Mr. Drake and Mehee de la Touche was + published in our official gazette. Had you, however, like myself, been in + a situation to study the characters and appreciate the worth of most of + them, this conduct would have excited no surprise, and pity would have + taken the place both of accusation and reproach. Hardly one of them, + except Count Philipp von Cobenzl, the Austrian Ambassador (and even he is + considerably involved), possesses any property, or has anything else but + his salary to depend upon for subsistence. The least offence to Bonaparte + or Talleyrand would instantly deprive them of their places; and, unless + they were fortunate enough to obtain some other appointment, reduce them + to live in obscurity, and perhaps in want, upon a trifling pension in + their own country. + </p> + <p> + The day before Mr. Drake’s correspondence appeared in the Moniteur, in + March, 1804, Talleyrand gave a grand diplomatic dinner; in the midst of + which, as was previously agreed with Bonaparte, Duroc called him out on + the part of the First Consul. After an absence of near an hour, which + excited great curiosity and some alarm among the diplomatists, he + returned, very thoughtful and seemingly very low-spirited. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, gentlemen,” said he, “I have been impolite against my + inclination. The First Consul knew that you honoured me with your company + today, and would therefore not have interrupted me by his orders had not a + discovery of a most extraordinary nature against the law of nations just + been made; a discovery which calls for the immediate indignation against + the Cabinet of St. James, not only of France, but of every nation that + wishes for the preservation of civilized society. After dinner I shall do + myself the honour of communicating to you the particulars, well convinced + that you will all enter with warmth into the just resentment of the First + Consul.” + </p> + <p> + During the repast the bottle went freely round, and as soon as they had + drunk their coffee and liqueurs, Talleyrand rang a bell, and Hauterive + presented himself with a large bundle of papers. The pretended original + letters of Mr. Drake were handed about with the commentaries of the + Minister and his secretary. Their heads heated with wine, it was not + difficult to influence their minds, or to mislead their judgment, and they + exclaimed, as in a chorus, “C’est abominable! Cela fait fremir!” + </p> + <p> + Talleyrand took advantage of their situation, as well as of their + indiscretion. “I am glad, gentlemen,” said he, “and shall not fail to + inform the First Consul of your unanimous sentiments on this disagreeable + subject; but verbal expressions are not sufficient in an affair of such + great consequence. I have orders to demand your written declarations, + which, after what you have already expressed, you cannot hesitate about + sending to me to-night, that they may accompany the denunciation which the + First Consul despatches, within some few hours, to all the Courts on the + Continent. You would much please the First Consul were you to write as + near as possible according to the formula which my secretary has drawn up. + It states nothing either against convenance, or against the customs of + Sovereigns, or etiquettes of Courts, and I am certain is also perfectly + congenial with your individual feelings.” + </p> + <p> + A silence of some moments now followed (as all the diplomatists were + rather taken by surprise with regard to a written declaration), which the + Swedish Ambassador, Baron Ehrensward, interrupted by saying that, “though + he personally might have no objection to sign such a declaration, he must + demand some time to consider whether he had a right to, write in the name + of his Sovereign, without his orders, on a subject still unknown to him.” + </p> + <p> + This remark made the Austrian Ambassador, Count von Cobenzl, propose a + private consultation among the members of the foreign diplomatic corps at + one of their hotels, at which the Russian charge d’affaires, D’Oubril, who + was not at the dinner—party, was invited to assist. They met + accordingly, at the Hotel de Montmorency, Rue de Lille, occupied by Count + von Cobenzl; but they came to no other unanimous determination than that + of answering a written communication of Talleyrand by a written note, + according as every one judged most proper and prudent, and corresponding + with the supposed sentiments of his Sovereign. + </p> + <p> + As all this official correspondence has been published in England, you + may, upon reading the notes presented by Baron de Dreyer, and Mr. + Livingstone, + </p> + <p> + [In consequence of this conduct, Livingstone was recalled by his + Government, and lives now in obscurity and disgrace in America. To console + him, however, in his misfortune, Bonaparte, on his departure, presented + him with his portrait, enamelled on the lid of a snuff-box, set round with + diamonds, and valued at one thousand louis d’or.] + </p> + <p> + the neutral Ambassadors of Denmark and America, form some tolerably just + idea of Talleyrand’s formula. Their impolitic servility was blamed even by + the other members of the diplomatic corps. + </p> + <p> + Livingstone you know, and perhaps have not to learn that, though a stanch + republican in America, he was the most abject courtier in France; and + though a violent defender of liberty and equality on the other side of the + Atlantic, no man bowed lower to usurpation, or revered despotism more, in + Europe. Without talents, and almost without education, he thinks intrigues + negotiations, and conceives that policy and duplicity are synonymous. He + was called here “the courier of Talleyrand,” on account of his voyages to + England, and his journeys to Holland, where this Minister sent him to + intrigue, with less ceremony than one of his secret agents. He + acknowledged that no Government was more liberal, and no nation more free, + than the British; but he hated the one as much as he abused the other; and + he did not conceal sentiments that made him always so welcome to Bonaparte + and Talleyrand. Never over nice in the choice of his companions, Arthur + O’Connor, and other Irish traitors and vagabonds, used his house as their + own; so much so that, when he invited other Ambassadors to dine with him, + they, before they accepted the invitation, made a condition that no + outlaws or adventurers should be of the party. + </p> + <p> + In your youth, Baron de Dreyer was an Ambassador from the Court of + Copenhagen to that of St. James. He has since been in the same capacity to + the Courts of St. Petersburg and Madrid. Born a Norwegian, of a poor and + obscure family, he owes his advancement to his own talents; but these, + though they have procured him rank, have left him without a fortune. When + he came here, in June, 1797, from Spain, he brought a mistress with him, + and several children he had had by her during his residence in that + country. He also kept an English mistress some thirty years ago in London, + by whom he had a son, M. Guillaumeau, who is now his secretary. Thus + encumbered, and thus situated at the age of seventy, it is no surprise if + he strives to die at his post, and that fear to offend Bonaparte and + Talleyrand sometimes gets the better of his prudence. + </p> + <p> + In Denmark, as well as in all other Continental States, the pensions of + diplomatic invalids are more scanty than those of military ones, and + totally insufficient for a man who, during half a century nearly, has + accustomed himself to a certain style of life, and to expenses requisite + to represent his Prince with dignity. No wonder, therefore, that Baron de + Dreyer prefers Paris to Copenhagen, and that the cunning Talleyrand takes + advantage of this preference. + </p> + <p> + It was reported here among our foreign diplomatists, that the English + Minister in Denmark complained of the contents of Baron de Dreyer’s note + concerning Mr. Drake’s correspondence; and that the Danish Prime Minister, + Count von Bernstorff, wrote to him in consequence, by the order of the + Prince Royal, a severe reprimand. This act of political justice is, + however, denied by him, under pretence that the Cabinet of Copenhagen has + laid it down as an invariable rule, never to reprimand, but always to + displace those of its agents with whom it has reason to be discontented. + Should this be the case, no Sovereign in Europe is better served by his + representatives than his Danish Majesty, because no one seldomer changes + or removes them. + </p> + <p> + While I am speaking of diplomatists, I cannot forbear giving you a short + sketch of one whose weight in the scale of politics entitles him to + particular notice: I mean the Count von Haugwitz, insidiously complimented + by Talleyrand with the title of “The Prince of Neutrality, the Sully of + Prussia.” Christian Henry Curce, Count von Haugwitz, who, until lately, + has been the chief director of the political conscience of His Prussian + Majesty, as his Minister of the Foreign Department, was born in Silesia, + and is the son of a nobleman who was a General in the Austrian service + when Frederick the Great made the conquest of that country. At the death + of this King in 1786, Count von Haugwitz occupied an inferior place in the + foreign office, where Count von Herzburg observed his zeal and assiduity, + and recommended him to the notice of the late King Frederick William II. + By the interest of the celebrated Bishopswerder, he procured, in 1792, the + appointment of an Ambassador to the Court of Vienna, where he succeeded + Baron von Jacobi, the present Prussian Minister in your country. In the + autumn of the same year he went to Ratisbon, to cooperate with the + Austrian Ambassador, and to persuade the Princes of the German Empire to + join the coalition against France. In the month of March, 1794, he was + sent to the Hague, where he negotiated with Lord Malmesbury concerning the + affairs of France; shortly afterwards his nomination as a Minister of + State took place, and from that time his political sentiments seem to have + undergone a revolution, for which it is not easy to account; but, whatever + were the causes of his change of opinions, the Treaty of Basle, concluded + between France and Prussia in 1795, was certainly negotiated under his + auspices; and in August, 1796, he signed, with the French Minister at + Berlin, Citizen Caillard, the first and famous Treaty of Neutrality; and a + Prussian cordon was accordingly drawn, to cause the neutrality of the + North to be observed and protected. Had the Count von Haugwitz of 1795 + been the same as the Count von Haugwitz of 1792, it is probable we should + no longer have heard of either a French Republic or a French Empire; but a + legitimate Monarch of the kingdom of France would have ensured that + security to all other legitimate Sovereigns, the want of which they + themselves, or their children, will feel and mourn in vain, as long as + unlimited usurpations tyrannize over my wretched country. It is to be + hoped, however, that the good sense of the Count will point out to him, + before it is too late, the impolicy of his present connections; and that + he will use his interest with his Prince to persuade him to adopt a line + of conduct suited to the grandeur and dignity of the Prussian Monarchy, + and favourable to the independence of insulted Europe. + </p> + <p> + When his present Prussian Majesty succeeded to the throne, Count von + Haugwitz continued in office, with increased influence; but he some time + since resigned, in consequence, it is said, of a difference of opinion + with the other Prussian Ministers on the subject of a family alliance, + which Bonaparte had the modesty to propose, between the illustrious house + of Napoleon the First and the royal line of Brandenburgh. + </p> + <p> + On this occasion his King, to evince his satisfaction with his past + conduct, bestowed on him not only a large pension, but an estate in + Silesia, where he before possessed some property. Bonaparte also, to + express his regret at his retreat, proclaimed His Excellency a grand + officer of the Legion of Honour. + </p> + <p> + Talleyrand insolently calls the several cordons, or ribands, distributed + by Bonaparte among the Prussian Ministers and Generals, “his + leading-strings.” It is to be hoped that Frederick William III. is + sufficiently upon his guard to prevent these strings from strangling the + Prussian Monarchy and the Brandenburgh dynasty. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Upwards of two months after my visit to General Murat, I + was surprised at the appearance of M. Darjuson, the chamberlain of + Princesse Louis Bonaparte. He told me that he came on the part of Prince + Louis, who honoured me with an invitation to dine with him the day after. + Upon my inquiry whether he knew if the party would be very numerous, he + answered, between forty and fifty; and that it was a kind of farewell + dinner, because the Prince intended shortly to set out for Compiegne to + assume the command of the camp, formed in its vicinity, of the dragoons + and other light troops of the army of England. + </p> + <p> + The principal personages present at this dinner were Joseph Bonaparte and + his wife, General and Madame Murat, the Ministers Berthier, Talleyrand, + Fouche, Chaptal, and Portalis. The conversation was entirely military, and + chiefly related to the probable conquest or subjugation of Great Britain, + and the probable consequence to mankind in general of such a great event. + No difference of opinion was heard with regard to its immediate benefit to + France and gradual utility to all other nations; but Berthier seemed to + apprehend that, before France could have time to organize this valuable + conquest, she would be obliged to support another war, with a formidable + league, perhaps, of all other European nations. The issue, however, he + said, would be glorious to France, who, by her achievements, would force + all people to acknowledge her their mother country; and then, first, + Europe would constitute but one family. + </p> + <p> + Chaptal was as certain as everybody else of the destruction of the tyrants + of the seas; but he thought France would never be secure against the + treachery of modern Carthage until she followed the example of Rome + towards ancient Carthage; and therefore, after reducing London to ashes, + it would be proper to disperse round the universe all the inhabitants of + the British Islands, and to re-people them with nations less evil-disposed + and less corrupted. Portalis observed that it was more easy to conceive + than to execute such a vast plan. It would not be an undertaking of five, + of ten, nor of twenty years, to transplant these nations; that misfortunes + and proscription would not only inspire courage and obstinacy, but + desperation. + </p> + <p> + “No people,” continued he, “are more attached to their customs and + countries than islanders in general; and though British subjects are the + greatest travellers, and found everywhere, they all suppose their country + the best, and always wish to return to it and finish their days amidst + their native fogs and smoke. Neither the Saxons, nor the Danes, nor Norman + conquerors transplanted them, but, after reducing them, incorporated + themselves by marriages among the vanquished, and in some few generations + were but one people. It is asserted by all persons who have lately visited + Great Britain, that, though the civilization of the lower classes is much + behind that of the same description in France, the higher orders, the rich + and the fashionable, are, with regard to their, manners, more French than + English, and might easily be cajoled into obedience and subjection to the + sovereignty of a nation whose customs, by free choice, they have adopted + in preference to their own, and whose language forms a necessary part of + their education, and, indeed, of the education of almost every class in + the British Empire. The universality of the French language is the best + ally France has in assisting her to conquer a universal dominion. He + wished, therefore, that when we were in a situation to dictate in England, + instead of proscribing Englishmen we should proscribe the English + language, and advance and reward, in preference, all those parents whose + children were sent to be educated in France, and all those families who + voluntarily adopted in their houses and societies exclusively the French + language.” + </p> + <p> + Murat was afraid that if France did not transplant the most stubborn + Britons, and settle among them French colonies, when once their military + and commercial navy was annihilated, they would turn pirates, and, + perhaps, within half a century, lay all other nations as much under + contribution by their piracies as they now do by their industry; and that, + like the pirates on the coast of Barbary, the instant they had no + connections with other civilized nations, cut the throats of each other, + and agree in nothing but in plundering, and considering all other people + in the, world their natural enemies and purveyors. + </p> + <p> + To this opinion Talleyrand, by nodding assent, seemed to adhere; but he + added: “Earthquakes are generally dreaded as destructive; but such a + convulsion of nature as would swallow up the British Islands, with all + their inhabitants, would be the greatest blessing Providence ever + conferred on mankind.” + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte then addressed himself to me and to the Marquis de F——. + “Gentlemen,” said he, “you have been in England; what is your opinion of + the character of these islanders, and of the probability of their + subjugation?” + </p> + <p> + I answered that, during the fifteen months I resided in London I was too + much occupied to prevent myself from starving, to meditate about anything + else; that my stomach was my sole meditation as well as anxiety. That, + however, I believed that in England, as everywhere else, a mixture of good + and bad qualities was to be found; but which prevailed, it would be + presumption in me, from my position, to decide. But I did not doubt that + if we cordially hated the English they returned us the compliment with + interest, and, therefore, the contest with them would be a severe one. The + Marquis de F—— imprudently attempted to convince the company + that it was difficult, if not impossible, for our army to land in England, + much more to conquer it, until we were masters of the seas by a superior + navy. He would, perhaps, have been still more indiscreet, had not Madame + Louis interrupted him, and given another turn to the conversation by + inquiring about the fair sex in England, and if it was true that handsome + women were more numerous there than in France? Here again the Marquis, + instead of paying her a compliment, as she perhaps expected, roundly + assured her that for one beauty in France, hundreds might be counted in + England, where gentlemen were, therefore, not so easily satisfied; and + that a woman regarded by them only as an ordinary person would pass for a + first-rate beauty among French beaux, on account of the great scarcity of + them here. + </p> + <p> + “You must excuse the Marquis, ladies,” said I, in my turn; “he has not + been in love in England. There, perhaps, he found the belles less cruel + than in France, where, for the cruelty of one lady, or for her + insensibility of his merit, he revenges himself on the whole sex: + </p> + <p> + “I apply to M. de Talleyrand,” answered the Marquis; “he has been longer + in England than myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not a competent judge,” retorted the Minister; “Madame de Talleyrand + is here, and has not the honour of being a Frenchwoman; but I dare say the + Marquis will agree with me that in no society in the British Islands, + among a dozen of ladies, has he counted more beauties, or admired greater + accomplishments or more perfection.” + </p> + <p> + To this the Marquis bowed assent, saying that in all his general remarks + the party present, of course, was not included. All the ladies, who were + well acquainted with his absent and blundering conversation, very + good-humouredly laughed, and Madame Murat assured him that if he would + give her the address of the belle in France who had transformed a gallant + Frenchman into a chevalier of British beauty, she would attempt to make up + their difference. “She is no more, Madame,” said the Marquis; “she was, + unfortunately, guillotined two days before——” the father of + Madame Louis, he was going to say, when Talleyrand interrupted him with a + significant look, and said, “Before the fall of Robespierre, you mean.” + </p> + <p> + From these and other traits of the Marquis’s character, you may see that + he erred more from absence of mind than any premeditation to give offence. + He received, however, the next morning, a lettre de cachet from Fouche, + which exiled him to Blois, and forbade him to return to Paris without + further orders from the Minister of Police. I know, from high authority, + that to the interference of Princesse Louis alone is he indebted for not + being shut up in the Temple, and, perhaps, transported to our colonies, + for having depreciated the power and means of France to invade England. I + am perfectly convinced that none of those who spoke on the subject of the + invasion expressed anything but what they really thought; and that, of the + whole party, none, except Talleyrand, the Marquis, and myself, entertained + the least doubt of the success of the expedition; so firmly did they rely + on the former fortune of Bonaparte, his boastings, and his assurance. + </p> + <p> + After dinner I had an opportunity of conversing for ten minutes with + Madame Louis Bonaparte, whom I found extremely amiable, but I fear that + she is not happy. Her husband, though the most stupid, is, however, the + best tempered of the Bonapartes, and seemed very attentive and attached to + her. She was far advanced in her pregnancy, and looked, notwithstanding, + uncommonly well. I have heard that Louis is inclined to inebriation, and + when in that situation is very brutal to his wife, and very indelicate + with other women before her eyes. He intrigues with her own servants and + the number of his illegitimate children is said to be as many as his + years. She asked General Murat to present me and recommend me to Fouche, + which he did with great politeness; and the Minister assured me that he + should be glad to see me at his hotel, which I much doubt. The last words + Madame Louis said to me, in showing me a princely crown, richly set with + diamonds, and given her by her brother-in-law, Napoleon, were, “Alas! + grandeur is not always happiness, nor the most elevated the most fortunate + lot.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + My LORD:—The arrival of the Pope in this country was certainly a + grand epoch, not only in the history of the Revolution, but in the annals + of Europe. The debates in the Sacred College for and against this journey, + and for and against his coronation of Bonaparte, are said to have been + long as well as violent, and arranged according to the desires of Cardinal + Fesch only by the means of four millions of livres distributed apropos + among its pious members. Of this money the Cardinals Mattei, Pamphili, + Dugnani, Maury, Pignatelli, Roverella, Somaglia, Pacca, Brancadoro, Litta, + Gabrielli, Spina, Despuig, and Galefli, are said to have shared the + greatest part; and from the most violent anti-Bonapartists, they instantly + became the strenuous adherents of Napoleon the First, who, of course, + cannot be ignorant of their real worth. + </p> + <p> + The person entrusted by Bonaparte and Talleyrand to carry on at Rome the + intrigue which sent Pius VII. to cross the Alps was Cardinal Fesch, + brother of Madame Letitia Bonaparte by the side of her mother, who, in a + second marriage, chose a pedlar of the name of Nicolo Fesch, for her + husband. + </p> + <p> + Joseph, Cardinal Fesch, was born at Ajaccio, in Corsica, on the 8th of + March, 1763, and was in his infancy received as a singing boy (enfant de + choeur) in a convent of his native place. In 1782, whilst he was on a + visit to some of his relations in the Island of Sardinia, being on a + fishing party some distance from shore, he was, with his companions, + captured by an Algerine felucca, and carried a captive to Algiers. Here he + turned Mussulman, and, until 1790, was a zealous believer in, and + professor of, the Alcoran. In that year he found an opportunity to escape + from Algiers, and to return to Ajaccio, when he abjured his renegacy, + exchanged the Alcoran for the Bible, and, in 1791, was made a + constitutional curate, that is to say, a revolutionary Christian priest. + In 1793, when even those were proscribed, he renounced the sacristy of his + Church for the bar of a tavern, where, during 1794 and 1795, he gained a + small capital by the number and liberality of his English customers. After + the victories of his nephew Napoleon in Italy during the following year, + he was advised to reassume the clerical habit, and after Napoleon’s + proclamation of a First Consul, he was made Archbishop of Lyons. In 1802, + Pius VII. decorated him with the Roman purple, and he is now a pillar of + the Roman faith, in a fair way of seizing the Roman tiara. If letters from + Rome can be depended upon, Cardinal Fesch, in the name of the Emperor of + the French, informed His Holiness the Pope that he must either retire to a + convent or travel to France, either abdicate his own sovereignty, or + inaugurate Napoleon the First a Sovereign of France. Without the decision + of the Sacred College, effected in the manner already stated, the majority + of the faithful believe that this pontiff would have preferred obscurity + to disgrace. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="p146" id="p146"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p146.jpg (48K)" src="images/p146.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + While Joseph Fesch was a master of a tavern he married the daughter of a + tinker, by whom he had three children. This marriage, according to the + republican regulations, had only been celebrated by the municipality at + Ajaccio; Fesch, therefore, upon again entering the bosom of the Church, + left his municipal wife and children to shift for themselves, considering + himself still, according to the canonical laws, a bachelor. But Madame + Fesch, hearing, in 1801, of her ci-devant husband’s promotion to the + Archbishopric of Lyons, wrote to him for some succours, being with her + children reduced to great misery. Madame Letitia Bonaparte answered her + letter, enclosing a draft for six hundred livres—informing her that + the same sum would be paid her every six months, as long as she continued + with her children to reside at Corsica, but that it would cease the + instant she left that island. Either thinking herself not sufficiently + paid for her discretion, or enticed by some enemy of the Bonaparte family, + she arrived secretly at Lyons in October last year, where she remained + unknown until the arrival of the Pope. On the first day His Holiness gave + there his public benediction, she found means to pierce the crowd, and to + approach his person, when Cardinal Fesch was by his side. Profiting by a + moment’s silence, she called out loudly, throwing herself at his feet: + “Holy Father! I am the lawful wife of Cardinal Fesch, and these are our + children; he cannot, he dares not, deny this truth. Had he behaved + liberally to me, I should not have disturbed him in his present grandeur; + I supplicate you, Holy Father, not to restore me my husband, but to force + him to provide for his wife and children, according to his present + circumstances.”—“Matta—ella e matta, santissimo padre! She is + mad—she is mad, Holy Father,” said the Cardinal; and the good + pontiff ordered her to be taken care of, to prevent her from doing herself + or the children any mischief. She was, indeed, taken care of, because + nobody ever since heard what has become either of her or her children; and + as they have not returned to Corsica, probably some snug retreat has been + allotted them in France. + </p> + <p> + The purple was never disgraced by a greater libertine than Cardinal Fesch: + his amours are numerous, and have often involved him in disagreeable + scrapes. He had, in 1803, an unpleasant adventure at Lyons, which has + since made his stay in that city but short. Having thrown his handkerchief + at the wife of a manufacturer of the name of Girot, she accepted it, and + gave him an appointment at her house, at a time in the evening when her + husband usually went to the play. His Eminence arrived in disguise, and + was received with open arms. But he was hardly seated by her side before + the door of a closet was burst open, and his shoulders smarted from the + lashes inflicted by an offended husband. In vain did he mention his name + and rank; they rather increased than decreased the fury of Girot, who + pretended it was utterly impossible for a Cardinal and Archbishop to be + thus overtaken with the wife of one of his flock; at last Madame Girot + proposed a pecuniary accommodation, which, after some opposition, was + acceded to; and His Eminence signed a bond for one hundred thousand livres—upon + condition that nothing should transpire of this intrigue—a high + price enough for a sound drubbing. On the day when the bond was due, Girot + and his wife were both arrested by the police commissary, Dubois (a + brother of the prefect of police at Paris), accused of being connected + with the coiners, a capital crime at present in this country. In a search + made in their house, bad money to the amount of three thousand livres was + discovered; which they had received the day before from a man who called + himself a merchant from Paris, but who was a police spy sent to entrap + them. After giving up the bond of the Cardinal, the Emperor graciously + remitted the capital punishment, upon condition that they should be + transported for life to Cayenne. + </p> + <p> + This is the prelate on whom Bonaparte intends to confer the Roman tiara, + and to constitute a successor of St. Peter. It would not be the least + remarkable event in the beginning of the remarkable nineteenth century + were we to witness the papal throne occupied by a man who from a singing + boy became a renegade slave, from a Mussulman a constitutional curate, + from a tavern-keeper an archbishop, from the son of a pedlar the uncle of + an Emperor, and from the husband of the daughter of a tinker, a member of + the Sacred College. + </p> + <p> + His sister, Madame Letitia Bonaparte, presented him, in 1802, with an + elegant library, for which she had paid six hundred thousand livres—and + his nephew, Napoleon, allows him a yearly pension double that amount. + Besides his dignity as a prelate, His Eminence is Ambassador from France + at Rome, a Knight of the Spanish Order of the Golden Fleece, a grand + officer of the Legion of Honour, and a grand almoner of the Emperor of the + French. + </p> + <p> + The Archbishop of Paris is now in his ninety-sixth year, and at his death + Cardinal Fesch is to be transferred to the see of this capital, in + expectation of the triple crown and the keys of St. Peter. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Paris, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The amiable and accomplished Amelia Frederique, Princess + Dowager of the late Electoral Prince, Charles Louis of Baden, born a + Princess of Hesse-Darmstadt, has procured the Electoral House of Baden the + singular honour of giving consorts to three reigning and Sovereign + Princes,—to an Emperor of Russia, to a King of Sweden, and to the + Elector of Bavaria. Such a distinction, and such alliances, called the + attention of those at the head of our Revolution; who, after attempting in + vain to blow up hereditary thrones by the aid of sans-culotte + incendiaries, seated sans-culottes upon thrones, that they might degrade + what was not yet ripe for destruction. + </p> + <p> + Charles Frederick, the reigning Elector of Baden, is now near fourscore + years of age. At this period of life if any passions remain, avarice is + more common than ambition; because treasures may be hoarded without + bustle, while activity is absolutely necessary to push forward to the goal + of distinction. Having bestowed a new King on Tuscany, Bonaparte and + Talleyrand also resolved to confer new Electors on Germany. A more + advantageous fraternity could not be established between the innovators + here and their opposers in other countries, than by incorporating the + grandfather-in-law of so many Sovereigns with their own revolutionary + brotherhood; to humble him by a new rank, and to disgrace him by + indemnities obtained from their hands. An intrigue between our Minister, + Talleyrand, and the Baden Minister, Edelsheim, transformed the oldest + Margrave of Germany into its youngest Elector, and extended his dominions + by the spoils obtained at the expense of the rightful owners. The invasion + of the Baden territory in time of peace, and the seizure of the Duc + d’Enghien, though under the protection of the laws of nations and + hospitality, must have soon convinced Baron Edelsheim what return his + friend Talleyrand expected, and that Bonaparte thought he had a natural + right to insult by his attacks those he had dishonoured by his + connections. + </p> + <p> + The Minister, Baron Edelsheim, is half an illuminato, half a philosopher, + half a politician, and half a revolutionist. He was, long before he was + admitted into the council chamber of his Prince, half an atheist, half an + intriguer, and half a spy, in the pay of Frederick the Great of Prussia. + His entry upon the stage at Berlin, and particularly the first parts he + was destined to act, was curious and extraordinary; whether he acquitted + himself better in this capacity than he has since in his political one is + not known. He was afterwards sent to this capital to execute a commission, + of which he acquitted himself very ill; exposing himself rashly, without + profit or service to his employer. Frederick II., dreading the tediousness + of a proposed congress at Augsburg, wished to send a private emissary to + sound the King of France. For this purpose he chose Edelsheim as a person + least liable to suspicion. The project of Frederick was to idemnify the + King of Poland for his first losses by robbing the ecclesiastical Princes + of Germany. This, Louis XV. totally rejected; and Edelsheim returned with + his answer to the Prussian Monarch, then at Freyburg. From thence he + afterwards departed for London, made his communications, and was once + again sent back to Paris, on pretence that he had left some of his + travelling trunks there; and the Bailli de Foulay, the Ambassador of the + Knights of Malta, being persuaded that the Cabinet of Versailles was + effectually desirous of peace, was, as he had been before, the mediator. + The Bailli was deceived. The Duc de Choiseul, the then Prime Minister, + indecently enough threw Edelsheim into the Bastille, in order to search or + seize his papers, which, however, were secured elsewhere. Edelsheim was + released on the morrow, but obliged to depart the kingdom by the way of + Turin, as related by Frederick II. in his “History of the Seven Years’ + War.” On his return he was disgraced, and continued so until 1778; when he + again was used as emissary to various Courts of Germany. In 1786 the + Elector of Baden sent him to Berlin, on the ascension of Frederick William + II., as a complimentary envoy. This Monarch, when he saw him, could not + forbear laughing at the high wisdom of the Court that selected such a + personage for such an embassy, and of his own sagacity in accepting it. He + quitted the capital of Prussia as he came there, with an opinion of + himself that the royal smiles of contempt had neither altered nor + diminished. + </p> + <p> + You see, by this account, that Edelsheim has long been a partisan of the + pillage of Germany called indemnities; and long habituated to affronts, as + well as to plots. To all his other half qualities, half modesty can hardly + be added, when he calls himself, or suffers himself to be called, “the + Talleyrand of Carlsrhue.” He accompanied his Prince last year to Mentz; + where this old Sovereign was not treated by Bonaparte in the most decorous + or decent manner, being obliged to wait for hours in his antechamber, and + afterwards stand during the levees, or in the drawing-rooms of Napoleon or + of his wife, without the offer of a chair, or an invitation to sit down. + It was here where, by a secret treaty, Bonaparte became the Sovereign of + Baden, if sovereignty consists in the disposal of the financial and + military resources of a State; and they were agreed to be assigned over to + him whenever he should deem it proper or necessary to invade the German + Empire, in return for his protection against the Emperor of Germany, who + can have no more interest than intent to attack a country so distant from + his hereditary dominions, and whose Sovereign is, besides, the grandfather + of the consort of his nearest and best ally. + </p> + <p> + Talleyrand often amused himself at Mentz with playing on the vanity and + affected consequence of Edelsheim, who was delighted if at any time our + Minister took him aside, or whispered to him as in confidence. One + morning, at the assembly of the Elector Arch-Chancellor, where Edelsheim + was creeping and cringing about him as usual, he laid hold of his arm and + walked with him to the upper part of the room. In a quarter of an hour + they both joined the company, Edelsheim unusually puffed up with vanity. + </p> + <p> + “I will lay and bet, gentlemen,” said Talleyrand, “that you cannot, with + all your united wits, guess the grand subject of my conversation with the + good Baron Edelsheim.” Without waiting for an answer, he continued: “As + the Baron is a much older and more experienced traveller than myself, I + asked him which, of all the countries he had visited, could boast the + prettiest and kindest women. His reply was really very instructive, and it + would be a great pity if justice were not done to his merit by its + publicity.” + </p> + <p> + Here the Baron, red as a turkey-cock and trembling with anger, + interrupted. “His Excellency,” said he, “is to-night in a humour to joke; + what we spoke of had nothing to do with women.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor with men, either,” retorted Talleyrand, going away. + </p> + <p> + This anecdote, Baron Dahlberg, the Minister of the Elector of Baden to our + Court, had the ingenuity to relate at Madame Chapui’s as an evidence of + Edelsheim’s intimacy with Talleyrand; only he left out the latter part, + and forgot to mention the bad grace with which this impertinence of + Talleyrand was received; but this defect of memory Count von Beust, the + envoy of the Elector Arch-Chancellor, kindly supplied. + </p> + <p> + Baron Edelsheim is a great amateur of knighthoods. On days of great + festivities his face is, as it were, illuminated with the lustre of his + stars; and the crosses on his coat conceal almost its original colour. + Every petty Prince of Germany has dubbed him a chevalier; but Emperors and + Kings have not been so unanimous in distinguishing his desert, or in + satisfying his desires. + </p> + <p> + At Mentz no Prince or Minister fawned more assiduously upon Bonaparte than + this hero of chivalry. It could not escape notice, but need not have + alarmed our great man, as was the case. The prefect of the palace was + ordered to give authentic information concerning Edelsheim’s moral and + political character. He applied to the police commissary, who, within + twenty hours, signed a declaration affirming that Edelsheim was the most + inoffensive and least dangerous of all imbecile creatures that ever + entered the Cabinet of a Prince; that he had never drawn a sword, worn a + dagger, or fired a pistol in his life; that the inquiries about his real + character were sneered at in every part of the Electorate, as nowhere they + allowed him common sense, much less a character; all blamed his + presumption, but none defended his capacity. + </p> + <p> + After the perusal of this report, Bonaparte asked Talleyrand: “What can + Edelsheim mean by his troublesome assiduities? Does he want any + indemnities, or does he wish me to make him a German Prince? Can he have + the impudence to hope that I shall appoint him a tribune, a legislator, or + a Senator in France, or that I shall give him a place in my Council of + State?” + </p> + <p> + “No such thing,” answered the Minister; “did not Your Majesty condescend + to notice at the last fete that this eclipsed moon was encompassed in a + firmanent of stars. You would, Sire, make him the happiest of mortals were + you to nominate him a member of your Legion of Honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he want nothing else?” said Napoleon, as if relieved at once of an + oppressive burden. “Write to my chancellor of the Legion of Honour, + Lacepede, to send him a patent, and do you inform him of this favour.” + </p> + <p> + It is reported at Carlsruhe, the capital of Baden, that Baron Edelsheim + has composed his own epitaph, in which he claims immortality, because + under his Ministry the Margravate of Baden was elevated into an + Electorate!!! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XIX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The sensation that the arrival of the Pope in this country + caused among the lower classes of people cannot be expressed, and if + expressed, would not be believed. I am sorry, however, to say that, + instead of improving their morals or increasing their faith, this journey + has shaken both morality and religion to their foundation. + </p> + <p> + According to our religious notions, as you must know, the Roman pontiff is + the vicar of Christ, and infallible; he can never err. The atheists of the + National Convention and the Theophilanthropists of the Directory not only + denied his demi-divinity, but transformed him into a satyr; and in + pretending to tear the veil of superstition, annihilated all belief in a + God. The ignorant part of our nation, which, as everywhere else, + constitutes the majority, witnessing the impunity and prosperity of crime, + and bestowing on the Almighty the passions of mortals, first doubted of + His omnipotence in not crushing guilt, and afterwards of His existence in + not exterminating the blasphemous from among the living. Feeling, however, + the want of consolation in their misfortunes here, and hope of a reward + hereafter for unmerited sufferings upon earth, they all hailed as a + blessing the restoration of Christianity; and by this political act + Bonaparte gained more adherents than by all his victories he had procured + admirers. + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte’s character, his good and his bad qualities, his talents and his + crimes, are too recent and too notorious to require description. Should he + continue successful, and be attended by fortune to his grave, future ages + may perhaps hail him a hero and a great man; but by his contemporaries it + will always be doubtful whether mankind has not suffered more from his + ambition and cruelties than benefited by his services. Had he satisfied + himself by continuing the Chief Magistrate of a Commonwealth; or, if he + judged that a monarchical Government alone was suitable to the spirit of + this country, had he recalled our legitimate King, he would have occupied + a principal, if not the first, place in the history of France,—a + place much more exalted than he can ever expect to fill as an Emperor of + the French. Let his prosperity be ever so uninterrupted, he cannot be + mentioned but as an usurper, an appellation never exciting esteem, + frequently inspiring contempt, and always odious. + </p> + <p> + The crime of usurpation is the greatest and most enormous a subject can + perpetrate; but what epithet can there be given to him who, to preserve an + authority unlawfully acquired, asssociates in his guilt a Supreme Pontiff, + whom the multitude is accustomed to reverence as the representative of + their God, but who, by this act of scandal and sacrilege, descends to a + level with the most culpable of men? I have heard, not only in this city + but in villages, where sincerity is more frequent than corruption, and + where hypocrites are as little known as infidels, these remarks made by + the people: + </p> + <p> + “Can the real vicar of Christ, by his inauguration, commit the double + injustice of depriving the legitimate owner of his rights, and of + bestowing as a sacred donation what belongs to another; and what he has no + power, no authority, to dispose of? Can Pius VII. confer on Napoleon the + First what belongs to Louis XVIII.? Would Jesus Christ, if upon earth, + have acted thus? Would his immediate successors, the Apostles, not have + preferred the suffering of martyrdom to the commission of any injury? If + the present Roman pontiff acts differently from what his Master and + predecessors would have done, can he be the vicar of our Saviour?” + </p> + <p> + These and many similar reflections the common people have made, and make + yet. The step from doubt to disbelief is but short, and those brought up + in the Roman Catholic religion, who hesitate about believing Pius VII. to + be the vicar of Christ, will soon remember the precepts of atheists and + freethinkers, and believe that Christ is not the Son of God, and that God + is only the invention of fear. + </p> + <p> + The fact is, that by the Pope’s performance of the coronation of an + Emperor of the French, a religious as well as a political revolution was + effected; and the usurper in power, whatever his creed may be, will + hereafter, without much difficulty, force it on his slaves. You may, + perhaps, object that Pius VII., in his official account to the Sacred + College of his journey to France, speaks with enthusiasm of the + Catholicism of the French people. But did not the Goddess of Reason, did + not Robespierre as a high priest of a Supreme Being, speak as highly of + their sectaries? Read the Moniteur of 1793 and 1794, and you will be + convinced of the truth of this assertion. They, like the Pope, spoke of + what they saw, and they, like him, did not see an individual who was not + instructed how to perform his part, so as to give satisfaction to him whom + he was to please, and to those who employed him. As you have attended to + the history of our Revolution, you have found it in great part a cruel + masquerade, where none but the unfortunate Louis XVI. appeared in his + native and natural character and without a mask. + </p> + <p> + The countenance of Pius VII. is placid and benign, and a kind of calmness + and tranquillity pervades his address and manners, which are, however, far + from being easy or elegant. The crowds that he must have been accustomed + to see since his present elevation have not lessened a timidity the + consequence of early seclusion. Nothing troubled him more than the + numerous deputations of our Senate, Legislative Body, Tribunate, National + Institute, Tribunals, etc., that teased him on every occasion. He never + was suspected of any vices, but all his virtues are negative; and his best + quality is, not to do good, but to prevent evil. His piety is sincere and + unaffected, and it is not difficult to perceive that he has been more + accustomed to address his God than to converse with men. He is nowhere so + well in his place as before the altar; when imploring the blessings of + Providence on his audience he speaks with confidence, as to a friend to + whom his purity is known, and who is accustomed to listen favourably to + his prayers. He is zealous but not fanatical, but equally superstitious as + devout. His closet was crowded with relics, rosaries, etc., but there he + passed generally eight hours of the twenty-four upon his knees in prayer + and meditation. He often inflicted on himself mortifications, observed + fast-days, and kept his vows with religious strictness. + </p> + <p> + None of the promises made him by Cardinal Fesch, in the name of Napoleon + the First, were performed, but all were put off until a general + pacification. He was promised indemnity for Avignon, Bologna, Ferrara, and + Ravenna; the ancient supremacy and pecuniary contributions of the Gallican + Church, and the restoration of certain religious orders, both in France + and Italy; but notwithstanding his own representations, and the activity + of his Cardinal, Caprara, nothing was decided, though nothing was refused. + </p> + <p> + By some means or other he was made perfectly acquainted with the crimes + and vices of most of our public functionaries. Talleyrand was surprised + when Cardinal Caprara explained to him the reason why the Pope refused to + admit some persons to his presence, and why he wished others even not to + be of the party when he accepted the invitations of Bonaparte and his wife + to their private societies. Many are, however, of opinion that Talleyrand, + from malignity or revenge, often heightened and confirmed His Holiness’s + aversion. This was at least once the case with regard to De Lalande. When + Duroc inquired the cause of the Pope’s displeasure against this + astronomer, and hinted that it would be very agreeable to the Emperor were + His Holiness to permit him the honour of prostrating himself, he was + answered that men of talents and learning would always be welcome to + approach his person; that he pitied the errors and prayed for the + conversion of this savant, but was neither displeased nor offended with + him. Talleyrand, when informed of the Pope’s answer, accused Cardinal + Caprara of having misinterpreted his master’s communications; and this + prelate, in his turn, censured our Minister’s bad memory. + </p> + <p> + You must have read that this De Lalande is regarded in France as the first + astronomer of Europe, and hailed as the high priest of atheists; he is + said to be the author of a shockingly blasphemous work called “The Bible + of a People who acknowledge no God.” He implored the ferocious Robespierre + to honour the heavens by bestowing, on a new planet pretended to be + discovered, his ci-devant Christian-name, Maximilian. In a letter of + congratulation to Bonaparte, on the occasion of his present elevation, he + also implored him to honour the God of the Christians by styling himself + Jesus Christ the First, Emperor of the French, instead of Napoleon the + First. But it was not his known impiety that made Talleyrand wish to + exclude him from insulting with his presence a Christian pontiff. In the + summer of 1799, when the Minister was in a momentary disgrace, De Lalande + was at the head of those who imputed to his treachery, corruptions, and + machinations all the evils France then suffered, both from external + enemies and internal factions. If Talleyrand has justly been reproached + for soon forgetting good offices and services done him, nobody ever denied + that he has the best recollection in the world of offences or attacks, and + that he is as revengeful as unforgiving. + </p> + <p> + The only one of our great men whom Pius VII. remained obstinate and + inflexible in not receiving, was the Senator and Minister of Police, + Fouche. As His Holiness was not so particular with regard to other persons + who, like Fouche, were both apostate priests and regicide subjects, the + following is reported to be the cause of his aversion and obduracy: + </p> + <p> + In November, 1793, the remains of a wretch of the name of Challiers—justly + called, for his atrocities, the Murat of Lyons—were ordered by + Fouche, then a representative of the people in that city, to be produced + and publicly worshipped; and, under his particular auspices, a grand fete + was performed to the memory of this republican martyr, who had been + executed as an assassin. As part of this impious ceremony, an ass, covered + with a Bishop’s vestments, having on his head a mitre, and the volumes of + Holy Writ tied to his tail, paraded the streets. The remains of Challiers + were then burnt, and the ashes distributed among his adorers; while the + books were also consumed, and the ashes scattered in the wind. Fouche + proposed, after giving the ass some water to drink in a sacred chalice, to + terminate the festivity of the day by murdering all the prisoners, + amounting to seven thousand five hundred; but a sudden storm prevented the + execution of this diabolical proposition, and dispersed the sacrilegious + congregation. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Though all the Bonapartes were great favourites with Pius + VII., Madame Letitia, their mother, had a visible preference. In her + apartments he seemed most pleased to meet the family parties, as they were + called, because to them, except the Bonapartes, none but a few select + favourites were invited,—a distinction as much wished for and envied + as any other Court honour. After the Pope had fixed the evening he would + appear among them, Duroc made out a list, under the dictates of Napoleon, + of the chosen few destined to partake of the blessing of His Holiness’s + presence; this list was merely pro form, or as a compliment, laid before + him; and after his tacit approbation, the individuals were informed, from + the first chamberlain’s office, that they would be honoured with + admittance at such an hour, to such a company, and in such an apartment. + The dress in which they were to appear was also prescribed. The parties + usually met at six o’clock in the evening. On the Pope’s entrance all + persons, of both sexes, kneeled to receive his blessing. Tea, ice, + liqueurs, and confectionery were then served. In the place of honour were + three elevated elbow-chairs, and His Holiness was seated between the + Emperor and Empress, and seldom spoke to any one to whom Napoleon did not + previously address the word. The exploits of Bonaparte, particularly his + campaigns in Egypt, were the chief subjects of conversation. Before eight + o’clock the Pope always retired, distributing his blessing to the kneeling + audience, as on his entry. When he was gone, card-tables were brought in, + and play was permitted. Duroc received his master’s orders how to + distribute the places at the different tables, what games were to be + played, and the amount of the sums to be staked. These were usually + trifling and small compared to what is daily risked in our fashionable + circles. + </p> + <p> + Often, after the Pope had returned to his own rooms, Madame Letitia + Bonaparte was admitted to assist at his private prayers. This lady, whose + intrigues and gallantry are proverbial in Corsica, has, now that she is + old (as is generally the case), turned devotee, and is surrounded by + hypocrites and impostors, who, under the mask of sanctity, deceive and + plunder her. Her antechambers are always full of priests; and her closet + and bedroom are crowded with relics, which she collected during her + journey to Italy last year. She might, if she chose, establish a Catholic + museum, and furnish it with a more curious collection, in its sort, than + any of our other museums contain. Of all the saints in our calendar, there + is not one of any notoriety who has not supplied her with a finger, a toe, + or some other part; or with a piece of a shirt, a handkerchief, a sandal, + or a winding-sheet. Even a bit of a pair of breeches, said to have + belonged to Saint Mathurin, whom many think was a sans-cullotte, obtains + her adoration on certain occasions. As none of her children have yet + arrived at the same height of faith as herself, she has, in her will, + bequeathed to the Pope all her relics, together with eight hundred and + seventy-nine Prayer-books, and four hundred and forty-six Bibles, either + in manuscript or of different editions. Her favourite breviary, used only + on great solemnities, was presented to her by Cardinal Maury at Rome, and + belonged, as it is said, formerly to Saint Francois, whose commentary, + written with his own hand, fills the margins; though many, who with me + adore him as a saint, doubt whether he could either read or write. + </p> + <p> + Not long ago she made, as she thought, an exceedingly valuable + acquisition. A priest arrived direct from the Holy City of Jerusalem, well + recommended by the inhabitants of the convents there, with whom he + pretended to have passed his youth. After prostrating himself before the + Pope, he waited on Madame Letitia Bonaparte. He told her that he had + brought with him from Syria the famous relic, the shoulder-bone of Saint + John the Baptist; but that, being in want of money for his voyage, he + borrowed upon it from a Grecian Bishop in Montenegro two hundred louis + d’or. This sum, and one hundred louis d’or besides, was immediately given + him; and within three months, for a large sum in addition to those + advanced, this precious relic was in Madame Letitia’s possession. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding this lady’s care not to engage in her service any person + of either sex who cannot produce, not a certificate of civism from the + municipality as was formerly the case, but a certificate of Christianity, + and a billet of confession signed by the curate of the parish, she had + often been robbed, and the robbers had made particularly free with those + relics which were set in gold or in diamonds. She accused her daughter, + the Princesse Borghese, who often rallies the devotion of her mamma, and + who is more an amateur of the living than of the dead, of having played + her these tricks. The Princess informed Napoleon of her mother’s losses, + as well as of her own innocence, and asked him to apply to the police to + find out the thief, who no doubt was one of the pious rogues who almost + devoured their mother. + </p> + <p> + On the next day Napoleon invited Madame Letitia to dinner, and Fouche had + orders to make a strict search, during her absence, among the persons + composing her household. Though he, on this occasion, did not find what he + was looking for, he made a discovery which very much mortified Madame + Letitia. + </p> + <p> + Her first chambermaid, Rosina Gaglini, possessed both her esteem and + confidence, and had been sent for purposely from Ajaccio, in Corsica, on + account of her general renown for great piety, and a report that she was + an exclusive favourite with the Virgin Mary, by whose interference she had + even performed, it was said, some miracles; such as restoring stolen + goods, runaway cattle, lost children, and procuring prizes in the lottery. + Rosina was as relic-mad as her mistress; and as she had no means to + procure them otherwise, she determined to partake of her lady’s by cutting + off a small part of each relic of Madame Letitia’s principal saints. These + precious ‘morceaux’ she placed in a box upon which she kneeled to say her + prayers during the day; and which, for a mortification, served her as a + pillow during the night. Upon each of the sacred bits she had affixed a + label with the name of the saint it belonged to, which occasioned the + disclosure. When Madame Letitia heard of this pious theft, she insisted on + having the culprit immediately and severely punished; and though the + Princesse Borghese, as the innocent cause of poor Rosina’s misfortune, + interfered, and Rosina herself promised never more to plunder saints, she + was without mercy turned away, and even denied money sufficient to carry + her back to Corsica. Had she made free with Madame Letitia’s plate or + wardrobe, there is no doubt but that she had been forgiven; but to presume + to share with her those sacred supports on her way to Paradise was a more + unpardonable act with a devotee than to steal from a lover the portrait of + an adored mistress. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the police were upon the alert to discover the person whom + they suspected of having stolen the relics for the diamonds, and not the + diamonds for the relics. Among our fashionable and new saints, surprising + as you may think it, Madame de Genlis holds a distinguished place; and + she, too, is an amateur and collector of relics in proportion to her + means; and with her were found those missed by Madame Letitia. Being asked + to give up the name of him from whom she had purchased them, she mentioned + Abbe Saladin, the pretended priest from Jerusalem. He, in his turn, was + questioned, and by his answers gave rise to suspicion that he himself was + the thief. The person of whom he pretended to have bought them was not to + be found, nor was any one of such a description remembered to have been + seen anywhere. On being carried to prison, he claimed the protection of + Madame Letitia, and produced a letter in which this lady had promised him + a bishopric either in France or in Italy. When she was informed of his + situation, she applied to her son Napoleon for his liberty, urging that a + priest who from Jerusalem had brought with him to Europe such an + extraordinary relic as the shoulder of Saint John, could not be culpable. + </p> + <p> + Abbe Saladin had been examined by Real, who concluded, from the accent and + perfection with which he spoke the French language, that he was some + French adventurer who had imposed on the credulity and superstition of + Madame Letitia; and, therefore, threatened him with the rack if he did not + confess the truth. He continued, however, in his story, and was going to + be released upon an order from the Emperor, when a gendarme recognized him + as a person who, eight years before, had, under the name of Lanoue, been + condemned for theft and forgery to the galleys, whence he had made his + escape. Finding himself discovered, he avowed everything. He said he had + served in Egypt, in the guides of Bonaparte, but deserted to the Turks and + turned Mussulman, but afterwards returned to the bosom of the Church at + Jerusalem. There he persuaded the friars that he had been a priest, and + obtained the certificates which introduced him to the Pope and to the + Emperor’s mother; from whom he had received twelve thousand livres for + part of the jaw bone of a whale, which he had sold her for the + shoulder-bone of a saint. As the police believe the certificates he has + produced to be also forged, he is detained in prison until an answer + arrives from our Consul in Syria. + </p> + <p> + Madame Letitia did not resign without tears the relic he had sold her; and + there is reason to believe that many other pieces of her collections, + worshipped by her as remains of saints, are equally genuine as this + shoulder-bone of Saint John. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—That the population of this capital has, since the + Revolution, decreased near two hundred thousand souls, is not to be + lamented. This focus of corruption and profligacy is still too populous, + though the inhabitants do not amount to six hundred thousand; for I am + well persuaded that more crimes and excesses of every description are + committed here in one year than are perpetrated in the same period of time + in all other European capitals put together. From not reading in our + newspapers, as we do in yours, of the robberies, murders, and frauds + discovered and punished, you may, perhaps, be inclined to suppose my + assertion erroneous or exaggerated; but it is the policy of our present + Government to labour as much as possible in the dark; that is to say, to + prevent, where it can be done, all publicity of anything directly or + indirectly tending to inculpate it of oppression, tyranny, or even + negligence; and to conceal the immorality of the people so nearly + connected with its own immoral power. It is true that many vices and + crimes here, as well as everywhere else, are unavoidable, and the natural + consequences of corruption, and might be promulgated, therefore, without + attaching any reproach to our rulers; but they are so accustomed to the + mystery adherent to tyranny, that even the most unimportant lawsuit, + uninteresting intrigue, elopement, or divorce, are never allowed to be + mentioned in our journals, without a previous permission from the prefect + of police, who very seldom grants it. + </p> + <p> + Most of the enormities now deplored in this country are the consequence of + moral and religious licentiousness, that have succeeded to political + anarchy, or rather were produced by it, and survive it. Add to this the + numerous examples of the impunity of guilt, prosperity of infamy, misery + of honesty, and sufferings of virtue, and you will not think it surprising + that, notwithstanding half a million of spies, our roads and streets are + covered with robbers and assassins, and our scaffolds with victims. + </p> + <p> + The undeniable TRUTH that this city alone is watched by one hundred + thousand spies (so that, when in company with six persons, one has reason + to dread the presence of one spy), proclaims at once the morality of the + governors and that of the governed: were the former just, and the latter + good, this mass of vileness would never be employed; or, if employed, + wickedness would expire for want of fuel, and the hydra of tyranny perish + by its own pestilential breath. + </p> + <p> + According to the official registers published by Manuel in 1792, the + number of spies all over France during the reign of Louis XVI. was + nineteen thousand three hundred (five thousand less than under Louis XV.); + and of this number six thousand were distributed in Paris, and in a circle + of four leagues around it, including Versailles. You will undoubtedly ask + me, even allowing for our extension of territory, what can be the cause of + this disproportionate increase of distrust and depravity? I will explain + it as far as my abilities admit, according to the opinions of others + compared with my own remarks. + </p> + <p> + When factions usurped the supremacy of the Kings, vigilance augmented with + insecurity; and almost everybody who was not an opposer, who refused being + an accomplice, or feared to be a victim, was obliged to serve as an + informer and vilify himself by becoming a spy. The rapidity with which + parties followed and destroyed each other made the criminals as numerous + as the sufferings of honour and loyalty innumerable; and I am sorry to say + few persons exist in my degraded country, whose firmness and constancy + were proof against repeated torments and trials, and who, to preserve + their lives, did not renounce their principles and probity. + </p> + <p> + Under the reign of Robespierre and of the Committee of Public Safety, + every member of Government, of the clubs, of the tribunals, and of the + communes, had his private spies; but no regular register was kept of their + exact number. Under the Directory a Police Minister was nominated, and a + police office established. According to the declaration of the Police + Minister, Cochon, in 1797, the spies, who were then regularly paid, + amounted to one hundred and fifty thousand; and of these, thirty thousand + did duty in this capital. How many there were in 1799, when Fouche, for + the first time, was appointed a chief of the department of police, is not + known, but suppose them doubled within two years; their increase since is + nevertheless immense, considering that France has enjoyed upwards of four + years’ uninterrupted Continental peace, and has not been exposed to any + internal convulsions during the same period. + </p> + <p> + You may, perhaps, object that France is not rich enough to keep up as + numerous an army of spies as of soldiers; because the expense of the + former must be triple the amount of the latter. Were all these spies, now + called police agents, or agents of the secret police, paid regular + salaries, your objection would stand, but most of them have no other + reward than the protection of the police; being employed in gambling—houses, + in coffee—houses, in taverns, at the theatres, in the public + gardens, in the hotels, in lottery offices, at pawnbrokers’, in brothels, + and in bathing-houses, where the proprietors or masters of these + establishments pay them. They receive nothing from the police, but when + they are enabled to make any great discoveries, those who have been robbed + or defrauded, and to whom they have been serviceable, are, indeed, obliged + to present them with some douceur, fixed by the police at the rate of the + value recovered; but such occurrences are merely accidental. To these are + to be added all individuals of either sex who by the law are obliged to + obtain from the police licenses to exercise their trade, as pedlars, + tinkers, masters of puppet-shows, wild beasts, etc. These, on receiving + their passes, inscribe themselves, and take the oaths as spies; and are + forced to send in their regular reports of what they hear or see. + Prostitutes, who, all over this country, are under the necessity of paying + for regular licenses, are obliged also to give information, from time to + time, to the nearest police commissary of what they observe or what they + know respecting their visitors, neighbours, etc. The number of unfortunate + women of this description who had taken out licenses during the year 12, + or from September, 1803, to September, 1804, is officially known to have + amounted to two hundred and twenty thousand, of whom forty thousand were + employed by the armies. + </p> + <p> + It is no secret that Napoleon Bonaparte has his secret spies upon his + wife, his brothers, his sisters, his Ministers, Senators, and other public + functionaries, and also upon his public spies. These are all under his own + immediate control and that of Duroc, who does the duty of his private + Police Minister, and in whom he confides more than even in the members of + his own family. In imitation of their master, each of the other + Bonapartes, and each of the Ministers, have their individual spies, and + are watched in their turn by the spies of their secretaries, clerks, etc. + This infamous custom of espionage goes ad infinitum, and appertains almost + to the establishment and to the suite of each man in place, who does not + think himself secure a moment if he remains in ignorance of the + transactions of his rivals, as well as of those of his equals and + superiors. + </p> + <p> + Fouche and Talleyrand are reported to have disagreed before Bonaparte on + some subject or other, which is frequently the case. The former, offended + at some doubts thrown out about his intelligence, said to the latter: + </p> + <p> + “I am so well served that I can tell you the name of every man or woman + you have conversed with, both yesterday and today; where you saw them, and + how long you remained with them or they with you.” + </p> + <p> + “If such commonplace espionage evinces any merit,” retorted Talleyrand, “I + am even here your superior; because I know not only what has already + passed with you and in your house, but what is to pass hereafter. I can + inform you of every dish you had for your dinners this week, who provided + these dinners, and who is expected to provide your meats to-morrow and the + day after. I can whisper you, in confidence, who slept with Madame Fouche + last night, and who has an appointment with her to-night.” + </p> + <p> + Here Bonaparte interrupted them, in his usual dignified language: “Hold + both your tongues; you are both great rogues, but I am at a loss to decide + which is the greatest.” + </p> + <p> + Without uttering a single syllable, Talleyrand made a profound reverence + to Fouche. Bonaparte smiled, and advised them to live upon good terms if + they were desirous of keeping their places. + </p> + <p> + A man of the name of Ducroux, who, under Robespierre, had from a barber + been made a general, and afterwards broken for his ignorance, was engaged + by Bonaparte as a private spy upon Fouche, who employed him in the same + capacity upon Bonaparte. His reports were always written, and delivered in + person into the hands both of the Emperor and of his Minister. One morning + he, by mistake, gave to Bonaparte the report of him instead of that + intended for him. Bonaparte began to read: “Yesterday, at nine o’clock, + the Emperor acted the complete part of a madman; he swore, stamped, + kicked, foamed, roared—“, here poor Ducroux threw himself at + Bonaparte’s feet, and called for mercy for the terrible blunder he had + committed. + </p> + <p> + “For whom,” asked Bonaparte, “did you intend this treasonable + correspondence? I suppose it is composed for some English or Russian + agent, for Pitt or for Marcoff. How long have you conspired with my + enemies, and where are your accomplices?” + </p> + <p> + “For God’s sake, hear me, Sire,” prayed Ducroux. “Your Majesty’s enemies + have always been mine. The report is for one of your best friends; but + were I to mention his name, he will ruin me.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak out, or you die!” vociferated Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + “Well,'Sire, it is for Fouche—for nobody else but Fouche.” + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte then rang the bell for Duroc, whom he ordered to see Ducroux + shut up in a dungeon, and afterwards to send for Fouche. The Minister + denied all knowledge of Ducroux, who, after undergoing several tortures, + expiated his blunder upon the rack. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The Pope, during his stay here, rose regularly every + morning at five o’clock, and went to bed every night before ten. The first + hours of the day he passed in prayers, breakfasted after the Mass was + over, transacted business till one, and dined at two. Between three and + four he took—his siesta, or nap; afterwards he attended the vespers, + and when they were over he passed an hour with the Bonapartes, or admitted + to his presence some members of the clergy. The day was concluded, as it + was begun, with some hours of devotion. + </p> + <p> + Had Pius VII. possessed the character of a Pius VI., he would never have + crossed the Alps; or had he been gifted with the spirit and talents of + Sextus V. or Leo X., he would never have entered France to crown + Bonaparte, without previously stipulating for himself that he should be + put in possession of the sovereignty of Italy. You can form no idea what + great stress was laid on this act of His Holiness by the Bonaparte family, + and what sacrifices were destined to be made had any serious and obstinate + resistance been apprehended. Threats were, indeed, employed personally + against the Pope, and bribes distributed to the refractory members of the + Sacred College; but it was no secret, either here or at Milan, that + Cardinal Fesch had carte blanche with regard to the restoration of all + provinces seized, since the war, from the Holy See, or full territorial + indemnities in their place, at the expense of Naples and Tuscany; and, + indeed, whatever the Roman pontiff has lost in Italy has been taken from + him by Bonaparte alone, and the apparent generosity which policy and + ambition required would, therefore, have merely been an act of justice. + Confiding foolishly in the honour and rectitude of Napoleon, without any + other security than the assertion of Fesch, Pius VII., within a + fortnight’s stay in France, found the great difference between the + promises held out to him when residing as a Sovereign at Rome, and their + accomplishment when he had so far forgotten himself and his sacred dignity + as to inhabit as a guest the castle of the Tuileries. + </p> + <p> + Pius VII. mentioned, the day after his arrival at Fontainebleau, that it + would be a gratification to his own subjects were he enabled to + communicate to them the restoration of the former ecclesiastical domains, + as a free gift of the Emperor of the French, at their first conference, as + they would then be as well convinced of Napoleon’s good faith as he was + himself. In answer, His Holiness was informed that the Emperor was + unprepared to discuss political subjects, being totally occupied with the + thoughts how to entertain worthily his high visitor, and to acknowledge + becomingly the great honour done and the great happiness conferred on him + by such a visit. As soon as the ceremony of the coronation was over, + everything, he hoped, would be arranged to the reciprocal satisfaction of + both parties. + </p> + <p> + About the middle of last December, Bonaparte was again asked to fix a day + when the points of negotiation between him and the Pope could be discussed + and settled. Cardinal Caprara, who made this demand, was referred to + Talleyrand, who denied having yet any instructions, though in daily + expectation of them. Thus the time went on until February, when Bonaparte + informed the Pope of his determination to assume the crown of Italy, and + of some new changes necessary, in consequence on the other side of the + Alps. + </p> + <p> + Either seduced by caresses, or blinded by his unaccountable partiality for + Bonaparte, Pius VII., if left to himself, would not only have renounced + all his former claims, but probably have made new sacrifices to this idol + of his infatuation. Fortunately, his counsellors were wiser and less + deluded, otherwise the remaining patrimony of Saint Peter might now have + constituted a part of Napoleon’s inheritance, in Italy. “Am I not, Holy + Father!” exclaimed the Emperor frequently, “your son, the work of your + hand? And if the pages of history assign me any glory, must it not be + shared with you—or rather, do you not share it with me? Anything + that impedes my successes, or makes the continuance of my power uncertain + or hazardous, reflects on you and is dangerous to you. With me you will + shine or be obscured, rise or fall. Could you, therefore, hesitate (were I + to demonstrate to you the necessity of such a measure) to remove the Papal + See to Avignon, where it formerly was and continued for centuries, and to + enlarge the limits of my kingdom of Italy with the Ecclesiastical States? + Can you believe my throne at Milan safe as long as it is not the sole + throne of Italy? Do you expect to govern at Rome when I cease to reign at + Milan? No, Holy Father! the pontiff who placed the crown on my head, + should it be shaken, will fall to rise no more.” If what Cardinal Caprara + said can be depended upon, Bonaparte frequently used to intimidate or + flatter the Pope in this manner. + </p> + <p> + The representations of Cardinal Caprara changed Napoleon’s first intention + of being again crowned by the Pope as a King of Italy. His crafty Eminence + observed that, according to the Emperor’s own declaration, it was not + intended that the crowns of France and Italy should continue united. But + were he to cede one supremacy confirmed by the sacred hands of a pontiff, + the partisans of the Bourbons, or the factions in France, would then take + advantage to diminish in the opinion of the people his right and the + sacredness of His Holiness, and perhaps make even the crown of the French + Empire unstable. He did not deny that Charlemagne was crowned by a pontiff + in Italy, but this ceremony was performed at Rome, where that Prince was + proclaimed an Emperor of the Holy Roman and German Empires, as well as a + King of Lombardy and Italy. Might not circumstances turn out so favourably + for Napoleon the First that he also might be inaugurated an Emperor of the + Germans as well as of the French? This last compliment, or prophecy, as + Bonaparte’s courtiers call it (what a prophet a Caprara!), had the desired + effect, as it flattered equally Napoleon’s ambition and vanity. For fear, + however, of Talleyrand and other anti-Catholic counsellors, who wanted him + to consider the Pope merely as his first almoner, and to treat him as all + other persons of his household, His Eminence sent His Holiness as soon as + possible packing for Rome. Though I am neither a cardinal nor a prophet, + should you and I live twenty years longer, and the other Continental + Sovereigns not alter their present incomprehensible conduct, I can, + without any risk, predict that we shall see Rome salute the second + Charlemagne an Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, if before that time death + does not put a period to his encroachments and gigantic plans. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—No Sovereigns have, since the Revolution, displayed more + grandeur of soul, and evinced more firmness of character, than the present + King and Queen of Naples. Encompassed by a revolutionary volcano more + dangerous than the physical one, though disturbed at home and defeated + abroad, they have neither been disgraced nor dishonoured. They have, + indeed, with all other Italian Princes, suffered territorial and pecuniary + losses; but these were not yielded through cowardice or treachery, but + enforced by an absolute necessity, the consequence of the desertion or + inefficacy of allies. + </p> + <p> + But Their Sicilian Majesties have been careful, as much as they were able, + to exclude from their councils both German Illuminati and Italian + philosophers. Their principal Minister, Chevalier Acton, has proved + himself worthy of the confidence with which his Sovereigns have honoured + him, and of the hatred with which he has been honoured by all + revolutionists—the natural and irreconcilable enemies of all + legitimate sovereignty. + </p> + <p> + Chevalier Acton is the son of an Irish physician, who first was + established at Besancon in France, and afterwards at Leghorn in Italy. He + is indebted for his present elevation to his own merit and to the + penetration of the Queen of Sardinia, who discovered in him, when young, + those qualities which have since distinguished him as a faithful + counsellor and an able Minister. As loyal as wise, he was, from 1789, an + enemy to the French Revolution. He easily foresaw that the specious + promise of regeneration held out by impostors or fools to delude the + ignorant, the credulous and the weak, would end in that universal + corruption and general overthrow which we since have witnessed, and the + effects of which our grandchildren will mourn. + </p> + <p> + When our Republic, in April, 1792, declared war against Austria, and when, + in the September following, the dominions of His Sardinian Majesty were + invaded by our troops, the neutrality of Naples continued, and was + acknowledged by our Government. On the 16th of December following, our + fleet from Toulon, however, cast anchor in the Bay of Naples, and a + grenadier of the name of Belleville was landed as an Ambassador of the + French Republic, and threatened a bombardment in case the demands he + presented in a note were not acceded to within twenty-four hours. Being + attacked in time of peace, and taken by surprise, the Court of Naples was + unable to make any resistance, and Chevalier Acton informed our grenadier + Ambassador that this note had been laid before his Sovereign, who had + ordered him to sign an agreement in consequence. + </p> + <p> + When in February, 1793, the King of Naples was obliged, for his own + safety, to join the league against France, Acton concluded a treaty with + your country, and informed the Sublime Porte of the machinations of our + Committee of Public Safety in sending De Semonville as an Ambassador to + Constantinople, which, perhaps, prevented the Divan from attacking + Austria, and occasioned the capture and imprisonment of our emissary. + </p> + <p> + Whenever our Government has, by the success of our arms, been enabled to + dictate to Naples, the removal of Acton has been insisted upon; but though + he has ceased to transact business ostensibly as a Minister, his influence + has always, and deservedly, continued unimpaired, and he still enjoys the + just confidence and esteem of his Prince. + </p> + <p> + But is His Sicilian Majesty equally well represented at the Cabinet of St. + Cloud as served in his own capital? I have told you before that Bonaparte + is extremely particular in his acceptance of foreign diplomatic agents, + and admits none near his person whom he does not believe to be well + inclined to him. + </p> + <p> + Marquis de Gallo, the Ambassador of the King of the Two Sicilies to the + Emperor of the French, is no novice in the diplomatic career. His + Sovereign has employed him for these fifteen years in the most delicate + negotiations, and nominated him in May, 1795, a Minister of the Foreign + Department, and a successor of Chevalier Acton, an honour which he + declined. In the summer and autumn, 1797, Marquis de Gallo assisted at the + conferences at Udine, and signed, with the Austrian plenipotentiaries, the + Peace of Campo Formio, on the 17th of October, 1797. + </p> + <p> + During 1798, 1799, and 1800 he resided as Neapolitan Ambassador at Vienna, + and was again entrusted by his Sovereign with several important + transactions with Austria and Russia. After a peace had been agreed to + between France and the Two Sicilies, in March, 1801, and the Court of + Naples had every reason to fear, and of course to please, the Court of St. + Cloud, he obtained his present appointment, and is one of the few foreign + Ambassadors here who has escaped both Bonaparte’s private admonitions in + the diplomatic circle and public lectures in Madame Bonaparte’s + drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + This escape is so much the more fortunate and singular as our Government + is far from being content with the mutinous spirit (as Bonaparte calls it) + of the Government of Naples, which, considering its precarious and + enfeebled state, with a French army in the heart of the kingdom, has + resisted our attempts and insults with a courage and dignity that demand + our admiration. + </p> + <p> + It is said that the Marquis de Gallo is not entirely free from some taints + of modern philosophy, and that he, therefore, does not consider the + consequences of our innovations so fatal as most loyal men judge them; nor + thinks a sans-culotte Emperor more dangerous to civilized society than a + sans-culotte sovereign people. + </p> + <p> + It is evident from the names and rank of its partisans that the Revolution + of Naples in 1799 was different in many respects from that of every other + country in Europe; for, although the political convulsions seem to have + originated among the middle classes of the community, the extremes of + society were everywhere else made to act against each other; the rabble + being the first to triumph, and the nobles to succumb. But here, on the + contrary, the lazzaroni, composed of the lowest portion of the population + of a luxurious capital, appear to have been the most strenuous, and, + indeed, almost the only supporters of royalty; while the great families, + instead of being indignant at novelties which levelled them, in point of + political rights, with the meanest subject, eagerly embraced the + opportunity of altering that form of Government which alone made them + great. It is, however, but justice to say that, though Marquis de Gallo + gained the good graces of Bonaparte and of France in 1797, he was never, + directly or indirectly, inculpated in the revolutionary transactions of + his countrymen in 1799, when he resided at Vienna; and indeed, after all, + it is not improbable that he disguises his real sentiments the better to, + serve his country, and by that means has imposed on Bonaparte and acquired + his favour. + </p> + <p> + The address and manners of a courtier are allowed Marquis de Gallo by all + who know him, though few admit that he possesses any talents as a + statesman. He is said to have read a great deal, to possess a good memory + and no bad judgment; but that, notwithstanding this, all his knowledge is + superficial. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXIV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—You have perhaps heard that Napoleon Bonaparte, with all + his brothers and sisters, was last Christmas married by the Pope according + to the Roman Catholic rite, being previously only united according to the + municipal laws of the French Republic, which consider marriage only as a + civil contract. During the last two months of His Holiness’s residence + here, hardly a day passed that he was not petitioned to perform the same + ceremony for our conscientious grand functionaries and courtiers, which + he, however, according to the Emperor’s desire, declined. But his + Cardinals were not under the same restrictions, and to an attentive + observer who has watched the progress of the Revolution and not lost sight + of its actors, nothing could appear more ridiculous, nothing could inspire + more contempt of our versatility and inconsistency, than to remark among + the foremost to demand the nuptial benediction, a Talleyrand, a Fouche, a + Real, an Augereau, a Chaptal, a Reubel, a Lasnes, a Bessieres, a Thuriot, + a Treilhard, a Merlin, with a hundred other equally notorious + revolutionists, who were, twelve or fifteen years ago, not only the first + to declaim against religious ceremonies as ridiculous, but against + religion itself as useless, whose motives produced, and whose votes + sanctioned, those decrees of the legislature which proscribed the worship, + together with its priests and sectaries. But then the fashion of barefaced + infidelity was as much the order of the day as that of external sanctity + is at present. I leave to casuists the decision whether to the morals of + the people, naked atheism, exposed with all its deformities, is more or + less hurtful than concealed atheism, covered with the garb of piety; but + for my part I think the noonday murderer less guilty and much less + detestable than the midnight assassin who stabs in the dark. + </p> + <p> + A hundred anecdotes are daily related of our new saints and fashionable + devotees. They would be laughable were they not scandalous, and + contemptible did they not add duplicity to our other vices. + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte and his wife go now every morning to hear Mass, and on every + Sunday or holiday they regularly attend at vespers, when, of course, all + those who wish to be distinguished for their piety or rewarded for their + flattery never neglect to be present. In the evening of last Christmas + Day, the Imperial chapel was, as usual, early crowded in expectation of + Their Majesties, when the chamberlain, Salmatoris, entered, and said to + the captain of the guard, loud enough to be heard by the audience, “The + Emperor and the Empress have just resolved not to come here to-night, His + Majesty being engaged by some unexpected business, and the Empress not + wishing to come without her consort.” In ten minutes the chapel was + emptied of every person but the guards, the priests, and three old women + who had nowhere else to pass an hour. At the arrival of our Sovereigns, + they were astonished at the unusual vacancy, and indignantly regarded each + other. After vespers were over, one of Bonaparte’s spies informed him of + the cause, when, instead of punishing the despicable and hypocritical + courtiers, or showing them any signs of his displeasure, he ordered + Salmatoris under arrest, who would have experienced a complete disgrace + had not his friend Duroc interfered and made his peace. + </p> + <p> + At another time, on a Sunday, Fouche entered the chapel in the midst of + the service, and whispered to Bonaparte, who immediately beckoned to his + lord-in-waiting and to Duroc. These both left the Imperial chapel, and + returning in a few minutes at the head of five grenadiers, entered the + grand gallery, generally frequented by the most scrupulous devotees, and + seized every book. The cause of this domiciliary visit was an anonymous + communication received by the Minister of Police, stating that libels + against the Imperial family, bound in the form of Prayer-books, had been + placed there. No such libels were, however, found; but of one hundred and + sixty pretended breviaries, twenty-eight were volumes of novels, sixteen + were poems, and eleven were indecent books. It is not necessary to add + that the proprietors of these edifying works never reclaimed them. The + opinions are divided here, whether this curious discovery originated in + the malice of Fouche, or whether Talleyrand took this method of duping his + rival, and at the same time of gratifying his own malignity. Certain it is + that Fouche was severely reprimanded for the transaction, and that + Bonaparte was highly offended at the disclosure. + </p> + <p> + The common people, and the middle classes, are neither so ostentatiously + devout, nor so basely perverse. They go to church as to the play, to gape + at others, or to be stared at themselves; to pass the time, and to admire + the show; and they do not conceal that such is the object of their + attendance. Their indifference about futurity equals their ignorance of + religious duties. Our revolutionary charlatans have as much brutalized + their understanding as corrupted their hearts. They heard the Grand Mass + said by the Pope with the same feelings as they formerly heard Robespierre + proclaim himself a high priest of a Supreme Being; and they looked at the + Imperial processions with the same insensibility as they once saw the + daily caravans of victims passing for execution. + </p> + <p> + Even in Bonaparte’s own guard, and among the officers of his household + troops, several examples of rigour were necessary before they would go to + any place of worship, or suffer in their corps any almoners; but now, + after being drilled into a belief of Christianity, they march to the Mass + as to a parade or to a review. With any other people, Bonaparte would not + so easily have changed in two years the customs of twelve, and forced + military men to kneel before priests, whom they but the other day were + encouraged to hunt and massacre like wild beasts. + </p> + <p> + On the day of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin, a company of gendarmes + d’Elite, headed by their officers, received publicly, and by orders, the + sacrament; when the Abbe Frelaud approached Lieutenant Ledoux, he fell + into convulsions, and was carried into the sacristy. After being a little + recovered, he looked round him, as if afraid that some one would injure + him, and said to the Grand Vicar Clauset, who inquired the cause of his + accident and terror: “Good God! that man who gave me, on the 2d of + September, 1792, in the convent of the Carenes, the five wounds from which + I still suffer, is now an officer, and was about to receive the sacrament + from my hands.” When this occurrence was reported to Bonaparte, Ledoux was + dismissed; but Abbe Frelaud was transported, and the Grand Vicar Clauset + sent to the Temple, for the scandal their indiscretion had caused. This + act was certainly as unjust towards him who was bayoneted at the altar, as + towards those who served the altar under the protection of the bayonets. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Although the seizure of Sir George Rumbold might in your + country, as well as everywhere else, inspire indignation, it could nowhere + justly excite surprise. We had crossed the Rhine seven months before to + seize the Duc d’Enghien; and when any prey invited, the passing of the + Elbe was only a natural consequence of the former outrage, of audacity on + our part, and of endurance or indifference on the part of other + Continental States. Talleyrand’s note at Aix-la-Chapelle had also informed + Europe that we had adopted a new and military diplomacy, and, in + confounding power with right, would respect no privileges at variance with + our ambition, interest or, suspicions, nor any independence it was thought + useful or convenient for us to invade. + </p> + <p> + It was reported here, at the time, that Bonaparte was much offended with + General Frere, who commanded this political expedition, for permitting Sir + George’s servant to accompany his master, as Fouche and Real had already + tortures prepared and racks waiting, and after forcing your agent to speak + out, would have announced his sudden death, either by his own hands or by + a coup-de-sang, before any Prussian note could require his release. The + known morality of our Government must have removed all doubts of the + veracity of this assertion; a man might, besides, from the fatigues of a + long journey, or from other causes, expire suddenly; but the exit of two, + in the same circumstances, would have been thought at least extraordinary, + even by our friends, and suspicious by our enemies. + </p> + <p> + The official declaration of Rheinhard (our Minister to the Circle of Lower + Saxony) to the Senate at Hamburg, in which he disavowed all knowledge on + the subject of the capture of Sir George Rumbold, occasioned his disgrace. + This man, a subject of the Elector of Wurtemberg by birth, is one of the + negative accomplices of the criminals of France who, since the Revolution, + have desolated Europe. He began in 1792 his diplomatic career, under + Chauvelin and Talleyrand, in London, and has since been the tool of every + faction in power. In 1796 he was appointed a Minister to the Hanse Towns, + and, without knowing why, he was hailed as the point of rally to all the + philosophers, philanthropists, Illuminati and other revolutionary + amateurs, with which the North of Germany, Poland, Denmark, and Sweden + then abounded. + </p> + <p> + A citizen of Hamburg—or rather, of the world—of the name of + Seveking, bestowed on him the hand of a sister; and though he is not + accused of avarice, some of the contributions extorted by our Government + from the neutral Hanse Towns are said to have been left behind in his + coffers instead of being forwarded to this capital. Either on this + account, or for some other reason, he was recalled from Hamburg in + January, 1797, and remained unemployed until the latter part of 1798, when + he was sent as Minister to Tuscany. + </p> + <p> + When, in the summer of 1799, Talleyrand was forced by the Jacobins to + resign his place as a Minister of the Foreign Department, he had the + adroitness to procure Rheinhard to be nominated his successor, so that, + though no longer nominally the Minister, he still continued to influence + the decisions of our Government as much as if still in office, because, + though not without parts, Rheinhard has neither energy of character nor + consistency of conduct. He is so much accustomed, and wants so much to be + governed, that in 1796, at Hamburg, even the then emigrants, Madame de + Genlis and General Valence, directed him, when he was not ruled or + dictated to by his wife or brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + In 1800 Bonaparte sent him as a representative to the Helvetian Republic, + and in 1802, again to Hamburg, where he was last winter superseded by + Bourrienne, and ordered to an inferior station at the: Electoral Court at + Dresden. Rheinhard will never become one of those daring diplomatic + banditti whom revolutionary Governments always employ in preference. He + has some moral principles, and, though not religious, is rather + scrupulous. He would certainly sooner resign than undertake to remove by + poison, or by the steel of a bravo, a rival of his own or a person + obnoxious to his employers. He would never, indeed, betray the secrets of + his Government if he understood they intended to rob a despatch or to atop + a messenger; but no allurements whatever would induce him to head the + parties perpetrating these acts of our modern diplomacy. + </p> + <p> + Our present Minister at Hamburg (Bourrienne) is far from being so nice. A + revolutionist from the beginning of the Revolution, he shared, with the + partisans of La Fayette, imprisonment under Robespierre, and escaped death + only by emigration. Recalled afterwards by his friend, the late Director + (Barras), he acted as a kind of secretary to him until 1796, when + Bonaparte demanded him, having known him at the military college. During + all Bonaparte’s campaigns in Italy, Egypt, and Syria, he was his sole and + confidential secretary—a situation which he lost in 1802, when + Talleyrand denounced his corruption and cupidity because he had rivalled + him in speculating in the funds and profiting by the information which his + place afforded him. He was then made a Counsellor of State, but in 1803 he + was involved in the fraudulent bankruptcy of one of our principal houses + to the amount of a million of livres—and, from his correspondence + with it, some reasons appeared for the suspicion that he frequently had + committed a breach of confidence against his master, who, after erasing + his name from among the Counsellors of State, had him conveyed a prisoner + to the Temple, where he remained six months. A small volume, called Le + Livre Rouge of the Consular Court, made its appearance about that time, + and contained some articles which gave Bonaparte reason to suppose that + Bourrienne was its author. On being questioned by the Grand Judge Regnier + and the Minister Fouce, before whom he was carried, he avowed that he had + written it, but denied that he had any intention of making it public. As + to its having found its way to the press during his confinement, that + could only be ascribed to the ill-will or treachery of those police agents + who inspected his papers and put their seals upon them. “Tell Bonaparte,” + said he, “that, had I been inclined to injure him in the public opinion, I + should not have stooped to such trifles as Le Livre Rouge, while I have + deposited with a friend his original orders, letters, and other curious + documents as materials for an edifying history of our military hospitals + during the campaigns of Italy and Syria all authentic testimonies of his + humanity for the wounded and dying French soldiers.” + </p> + <p> + After the answers of this interrogatory had been laid before Bonaparte, + his brother Joseph was sent to the Temple to negotiate with Bourrienne, + who was offered his liberty and a prefecture if he would give up all the + original papers that, as a private secretary, he had had opportunity to + collect. + </p> + <p> + “These papers,” answered Bourrienne, “are my only security against your + brother’s wrath and his assassins. Were I weak enough to deliver them up + to-day, to-morrow, probably, I should no longer be counted among the + living; but I have now taken my measures so effectually that, were I + murdered to-day, these originals would be printed to-morrow. If Napoleon + does not confide in my word of honour, he may trust to an assurance of + discretion, with which my own interest is nearly connected. If he suspects + me of having wronged him, he is convinced also of the eminent services I + have rendered him, sufficient surely to outweigh his present suspicion. + Let him again employ me in any post worthy of him and of me, and he shall + soon see how much I will endeavour to regain his confidence.” + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterwards Bourrienne was released, and a pension, equal to the + salary of a Counsellor of State; was granted him until some suitable place + became vacant. On Champagny’s being appointed a Minister of the Home + Department, the embassy at Vienna was demanded by Bourrienne, but refused, + as previously promised to La Rochefoucauld, our late Minister at Dresden. + When Rheinhard, in a kind of disgrace, was transferred to that relatively + insignificant post, Bourrienne was ordered, with extensive instructions, + to Hamburg. The Senate soon found the difference between a timid and + honest Minister, and an unprincipled and crafty intriguer. New loans were + immediately required from Hanover; but hardly were these acquitted, than + fresh extortions were insisted on. In some secret conferences Bourrienne + is, however, said to have hinted that some douceurs were expected for + alleviating the rigour of his instructions. This hint has, no doubt, been + taken, because he suddenly altered his conduct, and instead of hunting the + purses of the Germans, pursued the persons of his emigrated countrymen; + and, in a memorial, demanded the expulsion of all Frenchmen who were not + registered and protected by him, under pretence that every one of them who + declined the honour of being a subject of Bonaparte, must be a traitor + against the French Government and his country. + </p> + <p> + Bourrienne is now stated to have connected himself with several + stock-jobbers, both in Germany, Holland, and England; and already to have + pocketed considerable sums by such connections. It is, however, not to be + forgotten that several houses have been ruined in this capital by the + profits allowed him, who always refused to share their losses, but, + whatever were the consequences, enforced to its full amount the payment of + that value which he chose to set on his communications. + </p> + <p> + A place in France would, no doubt, have been preferable to Bourrienne, + particularly one near the person of Bonaparte. But if nothing else + prevented the accomplishment of his wishes, his long familiarity with all + the Bonapartes, whom he always treated as equals, and even now (with the + exception of Napoleon) does not think his superiors, will long remain an + insurmountable barrier. + </p> + <p> + I cannot comprehend how Bonaparte (who is certainly no bad judge of men) + could so long confide in Bourrienne, who, with the usual presumption of my + countrymen, is continually boasting, to a degree that borders on + indiscretion, and, by an artful questioner, may easily be lead to overstep + those bounds. Most of the particulars of his quarrel with Napoleon I heard + him relate himself, as a proof of his great consequence, in a company of + forty individuals, many of whom were unknown to him. On the first + discovery which Bonaparte made of Bourrienne’s infidelity, Talleyrand + complimented him upon not having suffered from it. “Do you not see,” + answered Bonaparte, “that it is also one of the extraordinary gifts of my + extraordinary good fortune? + </p> + <p> + “Even traitors are unable to betray me. Plots respect me as much as + bullets.” I need not tell you that Fortune is the sole divinity sincerely + worshipped by Napoleon. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXVI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Joseph Bonaparte leads a much more retired life, and sees + less company, than any of his brothers or sisters. Except the members of + his own family, he but seldom invites any guests, nor has Madame Joseph + those regular assemblies and circles which Madame Napoleon and Madame + Louis Bonaparte have. His hospitality is, however, greater at his + countryseat Morfontaine than at his hotel here. Those whom he likes, or + does not mistrust (who, by the bye, are very few), may visit him without + much formality in the country, and prolong their stay, according to their + own inclination or discretion; but they must come without their servants, + or send them away on their arrival. + </p> + <p> + As soon as an agreeable visitor presents himself, it is the etiquette of + the house to consider him as an inmate; but to allow him at the same time + a perfect liberty to dispose of his hours and his person as suits his + convenience or caprice. In this extensive and superb mansion a suite of + apartments is assigned him, with a valet-de—chambre, a lackey, a + coachman, a groom, and a jockey, all under his own exclusive command. He + has allotted him a chariot, a gig, and riding horses, if he prefers such + an exercise. A catalogue is given him of the library of the chateau; and + every morning he is informed what persons compose the company at + breakfast, dinner, and supper, and of the hours of these different + repasts. A bill of fare is at the same time presented to him, and he is + asked to point out those dishes to which he gives the preference, and to + declare whether he chooses to join the company or to be served in his own + rooms. + </p> + <p> + During the summer season, players from the different theatres of Paris are + paid to perform three times in the week; and each guest, according to the + period of his arrival, is asked, in his turn, to command either a comedy + or a tragedy, a farce or a ballet. Twice in the week concerts are executed + by the first performers of the opera-bouffe; and twice in the week + invitations to tea-parties are sent to some of the neighbours, or accepted + from them. + </p> + <p> + Besides four billiard-tables, there are other gambling-tables for Rouge et + Noir, Trente et Quarante, Faro, La Roulette, Birribi, and other games of + hazard. The bankers are young men from Corsica, to whom Joseph, who + advances the money, allows all the gain, while he alone suffers the loss. + Those who are inclined may play from morning till night, and from night + till morning, without interruption, as no one interferes. Should Joseph + hear that any person has been too severely treated by Fortune, or suspects + that he has not much cash remaining, some rouleaux of napoleons d’or are + placed on the table of his dressing-room, which he may use or leave + untouched, as he judges proper. + </p> + <p> + The hours of Joseph Bonaparte are neither so late as yours in England, nor + so early as they were formerly in France. Breakfast is ready served at ten + o’clock, dinner at four, and supper at nine. Before midnight he retires to + bed with his family, but visitors do as they like and follow their own + usual hours, and their servants are obliged to wait for them. + </p> + <p> + When any business calls Joseph away, either to preside in the Senate here, + or to travel in the provinces, he notifies the visitors, telling them at + the same time not to displace themselves on account of his absence, but + wait till his return, as they would not observe any difference in the + economy of his house, of which Madame Joseph always does the honours, or, + in her absence, some lady appointed by her. + </p> + <p> + Last year, when Joseph first assumed a military rank, he passed nearly + four months with the army of England on the coast or in Brabant. On his + return, all his visitors were gone, except a young poet of the name of + Montaigne, who does not want genius, but who is rather too fond of the + bottle. Joseph is considered the best gourmet or connoisseur in liquors + and wines of this capital, and Montaigne found his Champagne and burgundy + so excellent that he never once went to bed that he was not heartily + intoxicated. But the best of the story is that he employed his mornings in + composing a poem holding out to abhorrence the disgusting vice of + drunkenness, and presented it to Joseph, requesting permission to dedicate + it to him when published. To those who have read it, or only seen extracts + from it, the compilation appears far from being contemptible, but Joseph + still keeps the copy, though he has made the author a present of one + hundred napoleons d’or, and procured him a place of an amanuensis in the + chancellory of the Senate, having resolved never to accept any dedication, + but wishing also not to hurt the feelings of the author by a refusal. + </p> + <p> + In a chateau where so many visitors of licentious and depraved morals + meet, of both sexes, and where such an unlimited liberty reigns, intrigues + must occur, and have of course not seldom furnished materials for the + scandalous chronicle. Even Madame Joseph herself has either been gallant + or calumniated. Report says that to the nocturnal assiduities of Eugene de + Beauharnais and of Colonel la Fond-Blaniac she is exclusively indebted to + the honour of maternity, and that these two rivals even fought a duel + concerning the right of paternity. Eugene de Beauharnais never was a great + favourite with Joseph Bonaparte, whose reserved manners and prudence form + too great a contrast to his noisy and blundering way to accord with each + other. Before he set out for Italy, it was well known in our fashionable + circles that he had been interdicted the house of his uncle, and that no + reconciliation took place, notwithstanding the endeavours of Madame + Napoleon. To humble him still more, Joseph even nominated la Fond-Blaniac + an equerry to his wife, who, therefore, easily consoled herself for the + departure of her dear nephew. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="p214" id="p214"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p214.jpg (77K)" src="images/p214.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + The husband of Madame Miot (one of Madame Joseph’s ladies-in-waiting) was + not so patient, nor such a philosopher as Joseph Bonaparte. Some + charitable person having reported in the company of a ‘bonne amie’ of + Miot, that his wife did not pass her nights in solitude, but that she + sought consolation among the many gallants and disengaged visitors at + Morfontaine, he determined to surprise her. It was past eleven o’clock at + night when his arrival was announced to Joseph, who had just retired to + his closet. Madame Miot had been in bed ever since nine, ill of a + migraine, and her husband was too affectionate not to be the first to + inform her of his presence, without permitting anybody previously to + disturb her. With great reluctance, Madame Miot’s maid delivered the key + of her rooms, while she accompanied him with a light. In the antechamber + he found a hat and a greatcoat, and in the closet adjoining the bedroom, a + coat, a waistcoat, and a pair of breeches, with drawers, stockings, and + slippers. Though the maid kept coughing all the time, Madame Miot and her + gallant did not awake from their slumber, till the enraged husband began + to use the bludgeon of the lover, which had also been left in the closet. + A battle then ensued, in which the lover retaliated so vigorously, that + the husband called out “Murder! murder!” with all his might. The chateau + was instantly in an uproar, and the apartments crowded with half-dressed + and half-naked lovers. Joseph Bonaparte alone was able to separate the + combatants; and inquiring the cause of the riot, assured them that he + would suffer no scandal and no intrigues in his house, without seriously + resenting it. An explanation being made, Madame Miot was looked for but in + vain; and the maid declared that, being warned by a letter from Paris of + her husband’s jealousy and determination to surprise her, her mistress had + reposed herself in her room; while, to punish the ungenerous suspicions of + her husband, she had persuaded Captain d’ Horteuil to occupy her place in + her own bed. The maid had no sooner finished her deposition, than her + mistress made her appearance and upbraided her husband severely, in which + she was cordially joined by the spectators. She inquired if, on seeing the + dress of a gentleman, he had also discovered the attire of a female; and + she appealed to Captain d’ Horteuil whether he had not the two preceding + nights also slept in her bed. To this he, of course, assented; adding + that, had M. Miot attacked him the first night, he would not then perhaps + have been so roughly handled as now; for then he was prepared for a visit, + which this night was rather unexpected. This connubial farce ended by Miot + begging pardon of his wife and her gallant; the former of whom, after much + entreaty by Joseph, at last consented to share with him her bed. But being + disfigured with two black eyes and suffering from several bruises, and + also ashamed of his unfashionable behaviour, he continued invisible for + ten days afterwards, and returned to this city as he had left it, by + stealth. + </p> + <p> + This Niot was a spy under Robespierre, and is a Counsellor of State under + Bonaparte. Without bread, as well as without a home, he was, from the + beginning of the Revolution, one of the most ardent patriots, and the + first republican Minister in Tuscany. After the Sovereign of that country + had, in 1793, joined the League, Miot returned to France, and was, for his + want of address to negotiate as a Minister, shut up to perform the part of + a spy in the Luxembourg, then transformed into a prison for suspected + persons. Thanks to his patriotism, upwards of two hundred individuals of + both sexes were denounced, transferred to the Conciergerie prison, and + afterwards guillotined. After that, until 1799, he continued so despised + that no faction would accept him for an accomplice; but in the November of + that year, after Bonaparte had declared himself a First Consul, Miot was + appointed a tribune, an office from which he was advanced, in 1802, to be + a Counsellor of State. As Miot squanders away his salary with harlots and + in gambling-houses, and is pursued by creditors he neither will nor can + pay, it was merely from charity that his wife was received among the other + ladies of Madame Joseph Bonaparte’s household. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXVII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Notwithstanding the ties of consanguinity, honour, duty, + interest, and gratitude, which bound the Spanish Bourbons to the cause of + the Bourbons of France, no monarch has rendered more service to the cause + of rebellion, and done more harm to the cause of royalty, than the King of + Spain. + </p> + <p> + But here, again, you must understand me. When I speak of Princes whose + talents are known not to be brilliant, whose intellects are known to be + feeble, and whose good intentions are rendered null by a want of firmness + of character or consistency of conduct; while I deplore their weakness and + the consequent misfortunes of their contemporaries, I lay all the blame on + their wicked or ignorant counsellors; because, if no Ministers were fools + or traitors, no Sovereigns would tremble on their thrones, and no subjects + dare to shake their foundation. Had Providence blessed Charles IV. of + Spain with the judgment in selecting his Ministers, and the constancy of + persevering in his choice, possessed by your George III.; had the helm of + Spain been in the firm and able hands of a Grenville, a Windham, and a + Pitt, the Cabinet of Madrid would never have been oppressed by the yoke of + the Cabinet of St. Cloud, nor paid a heavy tribute for its bondage, + degrading as well as ruinous. + </p> + <p> + “This is the age of upstarts,” said Talleyrand to his cousin, Prince de + Chalais, who reproached him for an unbecoming servility to low and vile + personages; “and I prefer bowing to them to being trampled upon and + crushed by them.” Indeed, as far as I remember, nowhere in history are + hitherto recorded so many low persons who, from obscurity and meanness, + have suddenly and at once attained rank and notoriety. Where do we read of + such a numerous crew of upstart Emperors, Kings, grand pensionaries, + directors, Imperial Highnesses, Princes, Field-marshals, generals, + Senators, Ministers, governors, Cardinals, etc., as we now witness + figuring upon the theatre of Europe, and who chiefly decide on the destiny + of nations? Among these, several are certainly to be found whose superior + parts have made them worthy to pierce the crowd and to shake off their + native mud; but others again, and by far the greatest number of these + ‘novi homines’, owe their present elevation to shameless intrigues or + atrocious crimes. + </p> + <p> + The Prime Minister—or rather, the viceroy of Spain, the Prince of + Peace—belongs to the latter class. From a man in the ranks of the + guards he was promoted to a general-in-chief, and from a harp player in + antechambers to a president of the councils of a Prince; and that within + the short period of six years. Such a fortune is not common; but to be + absolutely without capacity as well as virtue, genius as well as good + breeding, and, nevertheless, to continue in an elevation so little + merited, and in a place formerly so subject to changes and so unstable, is + a fortune that no upstart ever before experienced in Spain. + </p> + <p> + An intrigue of his elder brother with the present Queen, then Princess of + Asturia, which was discovered by the King, introduced him first at Court + as a harp player, and, when his brother was exiled, he was entrusted with + the correspondence of the Princess with her gallant. After she had + ascended the throne, he thought it more profitable to be the lover than + the messenger, and contrived, therefore, to supplant his brother in the + royal favour. Promotions and riches were consequently heaped upon him, + and, what is surprising, the more undisguised the partiality of the Queen + was, the greater the attachment of the King displayed itself; and it has + ever since been an emulation between the royal couple who should the most + forget and vilify birth and supremacy by associating this man not only in + the courtly pleasures, but in the functions of Sovereignty. Had he been + gifted with sound understanding, or possessed any share of delicacy, + generosity, or discretion, he would, while he profited by their imprudent + condescension, have prevented them from exposing their weaknesses and + frailties to a discussion and ridicule among courtiers, and from becoming + objects of humiliation and scandal among the people. He would have warned + them of the danger which at all times attends the publicity of foibles and + vices of Princes, but particularly in the present times of trouble and + innovations. He would have told them: “Make me great and wealthy, but not + at the expense of your own grandeur or of the loyalty of your people. Do + not treat an humble subject as an equal, nor suffer Your Majesties, whom + Providence destined to govern a high-spirited nation, to be openly ruled + by one born to obey. I am too dutiful not to lay aside my private vanity + when the happiness of my King and the tranquillity of my fellow subjects + are at stake. I am already too high. In descending a little, I shall not + only rise in the eyes of my contemporaries, but in the opinion of + posterity. Every step I am advancing undermines your throne. In retreating + a little, if I do not strengthen, I can never injure it.” But I beg your + pardon for this digression, and for putting the language of dignified + reason into the mouth of a man as corrupt as he is imbecile. + </p> + <p> + Do not suppose, because the Prince of Peace is no friend of my nation, + that I am his enemy. No! Had he shown himself a true patriot, a friend of + his own country, and of his too liberal Prince, or even of monarchy in + general, or of anybody else but himself—although I might have + disapproved of his policy, if he has any—I would never have lashed + the individual for the acts of the Minister. But you must have observed, + with me, that never before his administration was the Cabinet of Madrid + worse conducted at home or more despised abroad; the Spanish Monarch more + humbled or Spanish subjects more wretched; the Spanish power more + dishonoured or the Spanish resources worse employed. Never, before the + treaty with France of 1796, concluded by this wiseacre (which made him a + Prince of Peace, and our Government the Sovereign of Spain), was the + Spanish monarchy reduced to such a lamentable dilemma as to be forced into + an expensive war without a cause, and into a disgraceful peace, not only + unprofitable, but absolutely disadvantageous. Never before were its + treasures distributed among its oppressors to support their tyranny, nor + its military and naval forces employed to fight the battles of rebellion. + The loyal subjects of Spain have only one hope left. The delicate state of + his present Majesty’s health does not promise a much longer continuance of + his reign, and the Prince of Asturia is too well informed to endure the + guidance of the most ignorant Minister that ever was admitted into the + Cabinet and confidence of a Sovereign. It is more than probable that under + a new reign the misfortunes of the Prince of Peace will inspire as much + compassion as his rapid advancement has excited astonishment and + indignation. + </p> + <p> + A Cabinet thus badly directed cannot be expected to have representatives + abroad either of abilities or patriotism. The Admiral and General Gravina, + who but lately left this capital as an Ambassador from the Court of Spain + to assume the command of a Spanish fleet, is more valiant than wise, and + more an enemy of your country than a friend of his own. He is a profound + admirer of Bonaparte’s virtues and successes, and was, during his + residence, one of the most ostentatiously awkward courtiers of Napoleon + the First. It is said that he has the modesty and loyalty to wish to + become a Spanish Bonaparte, and that he promises to restore by his genius + and exploits the lost lustre of the Spanish monarchy. When this was + reported to Talleyrand, he smiled with contempt; but when it was told to + Bonaparte, he stamped with rage at the impudence of the Spaniard in daring + to associate his name of acquired and established greatness with his own + impertinent schemes of absurdities and impossibilities. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1793, Gravina commanded a division of the Spanish fleet + in the Mediterranean, of which Admiral Langara was the commander-in-chief. + At the capitulation of Toulon, after the combined English and Spanish + forces had taken possession of it, when Rear-Admiral Goodall was declared + governor, Gravina was made the commandant of the troops. At the head of + these he often fought bravely in different sorties, and on the 1st of + October was wounded at the re-capture of Fort Pharon. He complains still + of having suffered insults or neglect from the English, and even of having + been exposed unnecessarily to the fire and sword of the enemy merely + because he was a patriot as well as an envied or suspected ally. His + inveteracy against your country takes its date, no doubt, from the siege + of Toulon, or perhaps, from its evacuation. + </p> + <p> + When, in May, 1794, our troops were advancing towards Collioure, he was + sent with a squadron to bring it succours, but he arrived too late, and + could not save that important place. He was not more successful at the + beginning of the campaign of 1795 at Rosa, where he had only time to carry + away the artillery before the enemy entered. In August, that year, during + the absence of Admiral Massaredo, he assumed ad interim the command of the + Spanish fleet in the Mediterranean; but in the December following he was + disgraced, arrested, and shut up as a State prisoner. + </p> + <p> + During the embassy of Lucien Bonaparte to the Court of Madrid, in the + autumn of 1800, Gravina was by his influence restored to favour; and after + the death of the late Spanish Ambassador to the Cabinet of St. Cloud, + Chevalier d’ Azara, by the special desire of Napoleon, was nominated both + his successor and a representative of the King of Etruria. Among the + members of our diplomatic corps, he was considered somewhat of a Spanish + gasconader and a bully. He more frequently boasted of his wounds and + battles than of his negotiations or conferences, though he pretended, + indeed, to shine as much in the Cabinet as in the field. + </p> + <p> + In his suite were two Spanish women, one about forty, and the other about + twenty years of age. Nobody knew what to make of them, as they were + treated neither as wives, mistresses, nor servants; and they avowed + themselves to be no relations. After a residence here of some weeks, he + was, by superior orders, waylaid one night at the opera, by a young and + beautiful dancing girl of the name of Barrois, who engaged him to take her + into keeping. He hesitated, indeed, for some time; at last, however, love + got the better of his scruples, and he furnished for her an elegant + apartment on the new Boulevard. On the day he carried her there, he was + accompanied by the chaplain of the Spanish Legation; and told her that, + previous to any further intimacy, she must be married to him, as his + religious principles did not permit him to cohabit with a woman who was + not his wife. At the same time he laid before her an agreement to sign, by + which she bound herself never to claim him as a husband before her turn—that + is to say, until sixteen other women, to whom he had been previously + married, were dead. She made no opposition, either to the marriage or to + the conditions annexed to it. This girl had a sweetheart of the name of + Valere, an actor at one of the little theatres on the Boulevards, to whom + she communicated her adventure. He advised her to be scrupulous in her + turn, and to ask a copy of the agreement. After some difficulty this was + obtained. In it no mention was made of her maintenance, nor in what manner + her children were to be regarded, should she have any. Valere had, + therefore, another agreement drawn up, in which all these points were + arranged, according to his own interested views. Gravina refused to + subscribe to what he plainly perceived were only extortions; and the girl, + in her turn, not only declined any further connection with him, but + threatened to publish the act of polygamy. Before they had done discussing + this subject, the door was suddenly opened and the two Spanish ladies + presented themselves. After severely upbraiding Gravina, who was struck + mute by surprise, they announced to the girl that whatever promise or + contract of marriage she had obtained from him was of no value, as, before + they came with him to France, he had bound himself, before a public notary + at Madrid, not to form any more connections, nor to marry any other woman, + without their written consent. One of these ladies declared that she had + been married to Gravina twenty-two years, and was his oldest wife but one; + the other said that she had been married to him six years. They insisted + upon his following them, which he did, after putting a purse of gold into + Barrois’s hand. + </p> + <p> + When Valere heard from his mistress this occurrence, he advised her to + make the most money she could of the Spaniard’s curious scruples. A letter + was, therefore, written to him, demanding one hundred thousand livres—as + the price of secrecy and withholding the particulars of this business from + the knowledge of the tribunals and the police; and an answer was required + within twenty-four hours. The same night Gravina offered one thousand + Louis, which were accepted, and the papers returned; but the next day + Valere went to his hotel, Rue de Provence, where he presented himself as a + brother of Barrois. He stated that he still possessed authenticated copies + of the papers returned, and that he must have either the full sum first + asked by his sister, or an annuity of twelve thousand livres settled upon + her. Instead of an answer, Gravina ordered him to be turned out of the + house. An attorney then waited on His Excellency, on the part of the + brother and the sister, and repeated their threats and their demands, + adding that he would write a memorial both to the Emperor of the French + and to the King of Spain, were justice refused to his principals any + longer. + </p> + <p> + Gravina was well aware that this affair, though more laughable than + criminal, would hurt both his character and credit if it were known in + France; he therefore consented to pay seventy-six thousand livres more, + upon a formal renunciation by the party of all future claims. Not having + money sufficient by him, he went to borrow it from a banker, whose clerk + was one of Talleyrand’s secret agents. Our Minister, therefore, ordered + every step of Gravina to be watched; but he soon discovered that, instead + of wanting this money for a political intrigue, it was necessary to + extricate him out of an amorous scrape. Hearing, however, in what a + scandalous manner the Ambassador had been duped and imposed upon, he + reported it to Bonaparte, who gave Fouche orders to have Valere, Barrois, + and the attorney immediately transported to Cayenne, and to restore + Gravina his money. The former part of this order the Minister of Police + executed the more willingly, as it was according to his plan that Barrois + had pitched upon Gravina for a lover. She had been intended by him as a + spy on His Excellency, but had deceived him by her reports—a crime + for which transportation was a usual punishment. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the care of our Government to conceal and bury this affair + in oblivion, it furnished matter both for conversation in our fashionable + circles, and subjects for our caricaturists. But these artists were soon + seized by the police, who found it more easy to chastise genius than to + silence tongues. The declaration of war by Spain against your country was + a lucky opportunity for Gravina to quit with honour a Court where he was + an object of ridicule, to assume the command of a fleet which might one + day make him an object of terror. When he took leave of Bonaparte, he was + told to return to France victorious, or never to return any more; and + Talleyrand warned him as a friend, “whenever he returned to his post in + France to leave his marriage mania behind him in Spain. Here,” said he, + “you may, without ridicule, intrigue with a hundred women, but you run a + great risk by marrying even one.” + </p> + <p> + I have been in company with Gravina, and after what I heard him say, so + far from judging him superstitious, I thought him really impious. But + infidelity and bigotry are frequently next-door neighbours. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXVIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—It cannot have escaped the observation of the most + superficial traveller of rank, that, at the Court of St. Cloud, want of + morals is not atoned for by good breeding or good manners. The hideousness + of vice, the pretensions of ambition, the vanity of rank, the pride of + favour, and the shame of venality do not wear here that delicate veil, + that gloss of virtue, which, in other Courts, lessens the deformity of + corruption and the scandal of depravity. Duplicity and hypocrisy are here + very common indeed, more so than dissimulation anywhere else; but + barefaced knaves and impostors must always make indifferent courtiers. + Here the Minister tells you, I must have such a sum for a place; and the + chamberlain tells you, Count down so much for my protection. The Princess + requires a necklace of such a value for interesting herself for your + advancement; and the lady-in-waiting demands a diamond of such worth on + the day of your promotion. This tariff of favours and of infamy descends + ‘ad infinitum’. The secretary for signing, and the clerk for writing your + commission; the cashier for delivering it, and the messenger for informing + you of it, have all their fixed prices. Have you a lawsuit, the judge + announces to you that so much has been offered by your opponent, and so + much is expected from you, if you desire to win your cause. When you are + the defendant against the Crown, the attorney or solicitor-general lets + you know that such a douceur is requisite to procure such an issue. Even + in criminal proceedings, not only honour, but life, may be saved by + pecuniary sacrifices. + </p> + <p> + A man of the name of Martin, by profession a stock-jobber, killed, in + 1803, his own wife; and for twelve thousand livres—he was acquitted, + and recovered his liberty. In November last year, in a quarrel with his + own brother, he stabbed him through the heart, and for another sum of + twelve thousand livres he was acquitted, and released before last + Christmas. This wretch is now in prison again, on suspicion of having + poisoned his own daughter, with whom he had an incestuous intercourse, and + he boasts publicly of soon being liberated. Another person, Louis de + Saurac, the younger son of Baron de Saurac, who together with his eldest + son had emigrated, forged a will in the name of his parent, whom he + pretended to be dead, which left him the sole heir of all the disposable + property, to the exclusion of two sisters. After the nation had shared its + part as heir of all emigrants, Louis took possession of the remainder. In + 1802, both his father and brother accepted the general amnesty, and + returned to France. To their great surprise, they heard that this Louis + had, by his ill-treatment, forced his sisters into servitude, refusing + them even the common necessaries of life. After upbraiding him for his + want of duty, the father desired, according to the law, the restitution of + the unsold part of his estates. On the day fixed for settling the accounts + and entering into his rights, Baron de Saurac was arrested as a + conspirator and imprisoned in the Temple. He had been denounced as having + served in the army of Conde, and as being a secret agent of Louis XVIII. + To disprove the first part of the charge, he produced certificates from + America, where he had passed the time of his emigration, and even upon the + rack he denied the latter. During his arrest, the eldest son discovered + that Louis had become the owner of their possessions, by means of the will + he had forged in the name of his father; and that it was he who had been + unnatural enough to denounce the author of his days. With the wreck of + their fortune in St. Domingo, he procured his father’s release; who, being + acquainted with the perversity of his younger son, addressed himself to + the department to be reinstated in his property. This was opposed by + Louis, who defended his title to the estate by the revolutionary maxim + which had passed into a law, enacting that all emigrants should be + considered as politically dead. Hitherto Baron de Saurac had, from + affection, declined to mention the forged will; but shocked by his son’s + obduracy, and being reduced to distress, his counsellor produced this + document, which not only went to deprive Louis of his property, but + exposed him to a criminal prosecution. + </p> + <p> + This unnatural son, who was not yet twenty-five, had imbibed all the + revolutionary morals of his contemporaries, and was well acquainted with + the moral characters of his revolutionary countrymen. He addressed + himself, therefore, to Merlin of Douai, Bonaparte’s Imperial + attorney-general and commander of his Legion of Honour; who, for a bribe + of fifty thousand livres—obtained for him, after he had been + defeated in every other court, a judgment in his favour, in the tribunal + of cassation, under the sophistical conclusion that all emigrants, being, + according to law, considered as politically dead, a will in the name of + any one of them was merely a pious fraud to preserve the property in the + family. + </p> + <p> + This Merlin is the son of a labourer of Anchin, and was a servant of the + Abbey of the same name. One of the monks, observing in him some + application, charitably sent him to be educated at Douai, after having + bestowed on him some previous education. Not satisfied with this generous + act, he engaged the other monks, as well as the chapter of Cambray, to + subscribe for his expenses of admission as an attorney by the Parliament + of Douai, in which situation the Revolution found him. By his + dissimulation and assumed modesty, he continued to dupe his benefactors; + who, by their influence, obtained for him the nomination as representative + of the people to our First National Assembly. They soon, however, had + reason to repent of their generosity. He joined the Orleans faction and + became one of the most persevering, violent, and cruel persecutors of the + privileged classes, particularly of the clergy, to whom he was indebted + for everything. In 1792 he was elected a member of the National + Convention, where he voted for the death of his King. It was he who + proposed a law (justly called, by Prudhomme, the production of the + deliberate homicide Merlin) against suspected persons; which was decreed + on the 17th of September, 1793, and caused the imprisonment or + proscription of two hundred thousand families. This decree procured him + the appellation of Merlin Suspects and of Merlin Potence. In 1795 he was + appointed a Minister of Police, and soon afterwards a Minister of Justice. + After the revolution in favour of the Jacobins of the 4th of September, + 1797, he was made a director, a place which he was obliged by the same + Jacobins to resign, in June, 1799. Bonaparte expressed, at first, the most + sovereign contempt for this Merlin, but on account of one of his sons, who + was his aide-de-camp, he was appointed by him, when First Consul, his + attorney-general. + </p> + <p> + As nothing paints better the true features of a Government than the + morality or vices of its functionaries, I will finish this man’s portrait + with the following characteristic touches. + </p> + <p> + Merlin de Douai has been successively the counsel of the late Duc d’ + Orleans, the friend of Danton, of Chabot, and of Hebert, the admirer of + Murat, and the servant of Robespierre. An accomplice of Rewbell, Barras, + and la Reveilliere, an author of the law of suspected persons, an advocate + of the Septembrizers, and an ardent apostle of the St. Guillotine. Cunning + as a fog and ferocious as a tiger, he has outlived all the factions with + which he has been connected. It has been his policy to keep in continual + fermentation rivalships, jealousies, inquietudes, revenge and all other + odious passions; establishing, by such means, his influence on the terror + of some, the ambition of others, and the credulity of them all. Had I, + when Merlin proposed his law concerning suspected persons, in the name of + liberty and equality, been free and his equal, I should have said to him, + “Monster, this, your atrocious law, is your sentence of death; it has + brought thousands of innocent persons to an untimely end; you shall die by + my hands as a victim, if the tribunals do not condemn you to the scaffold + as an executioner or as a criminal.” + </p> + <p> + Merlin has bought national property to the amount of fifteen million of + livress—and he is supposed to possess money nearly to the same + amount, in your or our funds. For a man born a beggar, and educated by + charity, this fortune, together with the liberal salaries he enjoys, might + seem sufficient without selling justice, protecting guilt, and oppressing + or persecuting innocence. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXIX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Paris, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The household troops of Napoleon the First are by thousands + more numerous than those even of Louis XIV. were. Grenadiers on foot and + on horseback, riflemen on foot and on horseback, heavy and light + artillery, dragoons and hussars, mamelukes and sailors, artificers and + pontoneers, gendarmes, gendarmes d’Alite, Velites and veterans, with + Italian grenadiers, riflemen, dragoons, etc., etc., compose all together a + not inconsiderable army. + </p> + <p> + Though it frequently happens that the pay of the other troops is in + arrears, those appertaining to Bonaparte’s household are as regularly paid + as his Senators, Counsellors of State, and other public functionaries. All + the men are picked, and all the officers as much as possible of birth, or + at least of education. In the midst of this voluptuous and seductive + capital, they are kept very strict, and the least negligence or infraction + of military discipline is more severely punished than if committed in + garrison or in an encampment. They are both better clothed, accoutred, and + paid, than the troops of the line, and have everywhere the precedency of + them. All the officers, and many of the soldiers, are members of + Bonaparte’s Legion of Honour, and carry arms of honour distributed to them + by Imperial favour, or for military exploits. None of them are quartered + upon the citizens; each corps has its own spacious barracks, hospitals, + drilling-ground, riding or fencing-houses, gardens, bathing-houses, + billiard-table, and even libraries. A chapel has lately been constructed + near each barrack, and almoners are already appointed. In the meantime, + they attend regularly at Mass, either in the Imperial Chapel or in the + parish churches. Bonaparte discourages much all marriages among the + military in general, but particularly among those of his household troops. + That they may not, however, be entirely deprived of the society of women, + he allows five to each company, with the same salaries as the men, under + the name of washerwomen. + </p> + <p> + With a vain and fickle people, fond of shows and innovations, nothing in a + military despotism has a greater political utility, gives greater + satisfaction, and leaves behind a more useful terror and awe, than + Bonaparte’s grand military reviews. In the beginning of his consulate, + they regularly occurred three times in the month; after his victory of + Marengo, they were reduced to once in a fortnight, and since he has been + proclaimed Emperor, to once only in the month. This ostentatious + exhibition of usurped power is always closed with a diplomatic review of + the representatives of lawful Princes, who introduce on those occasions + their fellow-subjects to another subject, who successfully has seized, and + continues to usurp, the authority of his own Sovereign. What an example + for ambition! what a lesson to treachery! + </p> + <p> + Besides the household troops, this capital and its vicinity have, for + these three years past, never contained less than from fifteen to twenty + thousand men of the regiments of the line, belonging to what is called the + first military division of the Army of the Interior. These troops are + selected from among the brigades that served under Bonaparte in Italy and + Egypt with the greatest eclat, and constitute a kind of depot for + recruiting his household troops with tried and trusty men. They are also + regularly paid, and generally better accoutred than their comrades + encamped on the coast, or quartered in Italy or Holland. + </p> + <p> + But a standing army, upon which all revolutionary rulers can depend, and + that always will continue their faithful support, unique in its sort and + composition, exists in the bosom as well as in the extremities of this + country. I mean, one hundred and twenty thousand invalids, mostly young + men under thirty, forced by conscription against their will into the + field, quartered and taken care of by our Government, and all possessed + with the absurd prejudice that, as they have been maimed in fighting the + battles of rebellion, the restoration of legitimate sovereignty would to + them be an epoch of destruction, or at least of misery and want; and this + prejudice is kept alive by emissaries employed on purpose to mislead them. + Of these, eight thousand are lodged and provided for in this city; ten + thousand at Versailles, and the remainder in Piedmont, Brabant, and in the + conquered departments on the left bank of the Abine; countries where the + inhabitants are discontented and disaffected, and require, therefore, to + be watched, and to have a better spirit infused. + </p> + <p> + Those whose wounds permit it are also employed to do garrison duty in + fortified places not exposed to an attack by enemies, and to assist in the + different arsenals and laboratories, foundries, and depots of military or + naval stores. Others are attached to the police offices, and some as + gendarmes, to arrest suspected or guilty individuals; or as garnissaires, + to enforce the payment of contributions from the unwilling or distressed. + When the period for the payment of taxes is expired, two of these + janissaires present themselves at the house of the persons in arrears, + with a billet signed by the director of the contributions and + countersigned by the police commissary. If the money is not immediately + paid, with half a crown to each of them besides, they remain quartered in + the house, where they are to be boarded and to receive half a crown a day + each until an order from those who sent them informs them that what was + due to the state has been acquitted. After their entrance into a house, + and during their stay, no furniture or effects whatever can be removed or + disposed of, nor can the master or mistress go out-of-doors without being + accompanied by one of them. + </p> + <p> + In the houses appropriated to our invalids, the inmates are very well + treated, and Government takes great care to make them satisfied with their + lot. The officers have large halls, billiards, and reading-room to meet + in; and the common men are admitted into apartments adjoining libraries, + from-which they can borrow what books they contain, and read them at + leisure. This is certainly a very good and even a humane institution, + though these libraries chiefly contain military histories or novels. + </p> + <p> + As to the morals of these young invalids, they may be well conceived when + you remember the morality of our Revolution; and that they, without any + religious notions or restraints, were not only permitted, but encouraged + to partake of the debauchery and licentiousness which were carried to such + an extreme in our armies and encampments. In an age when the passions are + strongest, and often blind reason and silence conscience, they have not + the means nor the permission to marry; in their vicinity it is, therefore, + more difficult to discover one honest woman or a dutiful wife, than + hundreds of harlots and of adulteresses. Notwithstanding that many of them + have been accused before the tribunals of seductions, rape, and violence + against the sex, not one has been punished for what the morality of our + Government consider merely as bagatelles. Even in cases where husbands, + brothers, and lovers have been killed by them while defending or avenging + the honour of their wives, sisters, and mistresses, our tribunals have + been ordered by our grand judge, according to the commands of the Emperor, + not to proceed. As most of them have no occupation, the vice of idleness + augments the mass of their corruption; for men of their principles, when + they have nothing to do, never do anything good. + </p> + <p> + I do not know if my countrywomen feel themselves honoured by or obliged to + Bonaparte, for leaving their virtue and honour unprotected, except by + their own prudence and strength; but of this I am certain, that all our + other troops, as well as the invalids, may live on free quarters with the + sex without fearing the consequences; provided they keep at a distance + from the females of our Imperial Family, and of those of our grand + officers of State and principal functionaries. The wives and the daughters + of the latter have, however, sometimes declined the advantage of these + exclusive privileges. + </p> + <p> + A horse grenadier of Bonaparte’s Imperial Guard, of the name of Rabais, + notorious for his amours and debauchery, was accused before the Imperial + Judge Thuriot, at one and the same time by several husbands and fathers, + of having seduced the affections of their wives and of their daughters. As + usual, Thuriot refused to listen to their complaints; at the same time + insultingly advising them to retake their wives and children, and for the + future to be more careful of them. Triumphing, as it were, in his + injustice, he inconsiderately mentioned the circumstance to his own wife, + observing that he never knew so many charges of the same sort exhibited + against one man. + </p> + <p> + Madame Thuriot, who had been a servant-maid to her husband before he made + her his wife, instead of being disgusted at the recital, secretly + determined to see this Rabais. An intrigue was then begun, and carried on + for four months, if not with discretion, at least without discovery; but + the lady’s own imprudence at last betrayed her, or I should say, rather, + her jealousy. But for this she might still have been admired among our + modest women, and Thuriot among fortunate husbands and happy fathers; for + the lady, for the first time since her marriage, proved, to the great joy + and pride of her husband, in the family way. Suspecting, however, the + fidelity of her paramour, she watched his motions so closely that she + discovered an intrigue between him and the chaste spouse of a rich banker; + but the consequence of this discovery was the detection of her own crime. + </p> + <p> + On the discovery of this disgrace, Thuriot obtained an audience of + Bonaparte, in which he exposed his misfortune, and demanded punishment on + his wife’s gallant. As, however, he also acknowledged that his own + indiscretion was an indirect cause of their connection, he received the + same advice which he had given to other unfortunate husbands: to retake, + and for the future guard better, his dear moiety. + </p> + <p> + Thuriot had, however, an early opportunity of wreaking his vengeance on + this gallant Rabais. It seems his prowess had reached the ears of Madame + Baciocchi, the eldest sister of Bonaparte. This lady has a children mania, + which is very troublesome to her husband, disagreeable to her relations, + and injurious to herself. She never beholds any lady, particularly any of + her family, in the way which women wish to be who love their lords, but + she is absolutely frantic. Now, Thuriot’s worthy friend Fouche had + discovered, by his spies, that Rabais paid frequent and secret visits to + the hotel Baciocchi, and that Madame Baciocchi was the object of these + visits. Thuriot, on this discovery, instantly denounced him to Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + Had Rabais ruined all the women of this capital, he would not only have + been forgiven, but applauded by Napoleon, and his counsellors and + courtiers; but to dare to approach, or only to cast his eyes on one of our + Imperial Highnesses, was a crime nothing could extenuate or avenge, but + the most exemplary punishment. He was therefore arrested, sent to the + Temple, and has never since been heard of; so that his female friends are + still in the cruel uncertainty whether he has died on the rack, been + buried alive in the oubliettes, or is wandering an exile in the wilds of + Cayenne. + </p> + <p> + In examining his trunk, among the curious effects discovered by the police + were eighteen portraits and one hundred billets-doux, with medallions, + rings, bracelets, tresses of hair, etc., as numerous. Two of the portraits + occasioned much scandal, and more gossiping. They were those of two of our + most devout and most respectable Court ladies, Maids of Honour to our + Empress, Madame Ney and Madame Lasnes; who never miss an opportunity of + going to church, who have received the private blessing of the Pope, and + who regularly confess to some Bishop or other once in a fortnight. Madame + Napoleon cleared them, however, of all suspicion, by declaring publicly in + her drawing-room that these portraits had come into the possession of + Rabais by the infidelity of their maids; who had confessed their faults, + and, therefore, had been charitably pardoned. Whether the opinions of + Generals Ney and Lasnes coincide with Madame Napoleon’s assertion is + uncertain; but Lasnes has been often heard to say that, from the instant + his wife began to confess, he was convinced she was inclined to dishonour + him; so that nothing surprised him. + </p> + <p> + One of the medallions in Rabais’s collection contained on one side the + portrait of Thuriot, and on the other that of his wife; both set with + diamonds, and presented to her by him on their last wedding day. For the + supposed theft of this medallion, two of Thuriot’s servants were in + prison, when the arrest of Rabais explained the manner in which it had + been lost. This so enraged him that he beat and kicked his wife so + heartily that for some time even her life was in danger, and Thuriot lost + all hopes of being a father. + </p> + <p> + Before the Revolution, Thuriot had been, for fraud and forgery, struck off + the roll as an advocate, and therefore joined it as a patriot. In 1791, he + was chosen a deputy to the National Assembly, and in 1792 to the National + Convention. He always showed himself one of the most ungenerous enemies of + the clergy, of monarchy, and of his King, for whose death he voted. On the + 25th of May, 1792, in declaiming against Christianity and priesthood, he + wished them both, for the welfare of mankind, at the bottom of the sea; + and on the 18th of December the same year, he declared in the Jacobin Club + that, if the National Convention evinced any signs of clemency towards + Louis XVI., he would go himself to the Temple and blow out the brains of + this unfortunate King. He defended in the tribune the massacres of the + prisoners, affirming that the tree of liberty could never flourish without + being inundated with the blood of aristocrats and other enemies of the + Revolution. He has been convicted by rival factions of the most shameful + robberies, and his infamy and depravity were so notorious that neither + Murat, Brissot, Robespierre, nor the Directory would or could employ him. + After the Revolution of the 9th of November, 1799, Bonaparte gave him the + office of judge of the criminal tribunal, and in 1804 made him a Commander + of his Legion of Honour. He is now one of our Emperor’s most faithful + subjects and most sincere Christians. Such is now his tender + conscientiousness, that he was among those who were the first to be + married again by some Cardinal to their present wives, to whom they had + formerly been united only by the municipality. This new marriage, however, + took place before Madame Thuriot had introduced herself to the + acquaintance of the Imperial Grenadier Rabais. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Regarding me as a connoisseur, though I have no pretensions + but that of being an amateur, Lucien Bonaparte, shortly before his + disgrace, invited me to pass some days with him in the country, and to + assist him in arranging his very valuable collection of pictures—next + our public ones, the most curious and most valuable in Europe, and, of + course, in the world. I found here, as at Joseph Bonaparte’s, the same + splendour, the same etiquette, and the same liberty, which latter was much + enhanced by the really engaging and unassuming manners and conversation of + the host. At Joseph’s, even in the midst of abundance and of liberty, in + seeing the person or meditating on the character of the host, you feel + both your inferiority of fortune and the humiliation of dependence, and + that you visit a master instead of a friend, who indirectly tells you, + “Eat, drink, and rejoice as long and as much as you like; but remember + that if you are happy, it is to my generosity you are indebted, and if + unhappy, that I do not care a pin about you.” With Lucien it is the very + reverse. His conduct seems to indicate that by your company you confer an + obligation on him, and he is studious to remove, on all occasions, that + distance which fortune has placed between him and his guests; and as he + cannot compliment them upon being wealthier than himself, he seizes with + delicacy every opportunity to chew that he acknowledges their superiority + in talents and in genius as more than an equivalent for the absence of + riches. + </p> + <p> + He is, nevertheless, himself a young man of uncommon parts, and, as far as + I could judge from my short intercourse with the reserved Joseph and with + the haughty Napoleon, he is abler and better informed than either, and + much more open and sincere. His manners are also more elegant, and his + language more polished, which is the more creditable to him when it is + remembered how much his education has been neglected, how vitiated the + Revolution made him, and that but lately his principal associates were, + like himself, from among the vilest and most vulgar of the rabble. It is + not necessary to be a keen observer to remark in Napoleon the upstart + soldier, and in Joseph the former low member of the law; but I defy the + most refined courtier to see in Lucien anything indicating a ci-devant + sans-culotte. He has, besides, other qualities (and those more estimable) + which will place him much above his elder brothers in the opinion of + posterity. He is extremely compassionate and liberal to the truly + distressed, serviceable to those whom he knows are not his friends, and + forgiving and obliging even to those who have proved and avowed themselves + his enemies. These are virtues commonly very scarce, and hitherto never + displayed by any other member of the Bonaparte family. + </p> + <p> + An acquaintance of yours, and—a friend of mine, Count de T——-, + at his return here from emigration, found, of his whole former fortune, + producing once eighty thousand livres—in the year, only four farms + unsold, and these were advertised for sale. A man who had once been his + servant, but was then a groom to Lucien, offered to present a memorial for + him to his master, to prevent the disposal of the only support which + remained to subsist himself, with a wife and four children. Lucien asked + Napoleon to prohibit the sale, and to restore the Count the farms, and + obtained his consent; but Fouche, whose cousin wanted them, having + purchased other national property in the neighbourhood, prevailed upon + Napoleon to forget his promise, and the farms were sold. As soon as Lucien + heard of it he sent for the Count, delivered into his hands an annuity of + six thousand livres—for the life of himself, his wife, and his + children, as an indemnity for the inefficacy of his endeavours to serve + him, as he expressed himself. Had the Count recovered the farms, they + would not have given him a clear profit of half the amount, all taxes + paid. + </p> + <p> + A young author of the name of Gauvan, irritated by the loss of parents and + fortune by the Revolution, attacked, during 1799, in the public prints, as + well as in pamphlets, every Revolutionist who had obtained notoriety or + popularity. He was particularly vehement against Lucien, and laid before + the public all his crimes and all his errors, and asserted, as facts, + atrocities which were either calumnies or merely rumours. When, after + Napoleon’s assumption of the Consulate, Lucien was appointed a Minister of + the Interior, he sent for Gauvan, and said to him, “Great misfortunes have + early made you wretched and unjust, and you have frequently revenged + yourself on those who could not prevent them, among whom I am one. You do + not want capacity, nor, I believe, probity. Here is a commission which + makes you a Director of Contributions in the Departments of the Rhine and + Moselle, an office with a salary of twelve thousand livres but producing + double that sum. If you meet with any difficulties, write to me; I am your + friend. Take those one hundred louis d’or for the expenses of your + journey. Adieu!” This anecdote I have read in Gauvan’s own handwriting, in + a letter to his sister. He died in 1802; but Mademoiselle Gauvan, who is + not yet fifteen, has a pension of three thousand livres a year—from + Lucien, who, has never seen her. + </p> + <p> + Lucien Bonaparte has another good quality: he is consistent in his + political principles. Either from conviction or delusion he is still a + Republican, and does not conceal that, had he suspected Napoleon of any + intent to reestablish monarchy, much less tyranny, he would have joined + those deputies who, on the 9th of November, 1799, in the sitting at St. + Cloud, demanded a decree of outlawry against him. If the present quarrel + between these two brothers were sifted to the bottom, perhaps it would be + found to originate more from Lucien’s Republicanism than from his + marriage. + </p> + <p> + I know, with all France and Europe, that Lucien’s youth has been very + culpable; that he has committed many indiscretions, much injustice, many + imprudences, many errors, and, I fear, even some crimes. I know that he + has been the most profligate among the profligate, the most debauched + among libertines, the most merciless among the plunderers, and the most + perverse among rebels. I know that he is accused of being a Septembrizer; + of having murdered one wife and poisoned another; of having been a spy, a + denouncer, a persecutor of innocent persons in the Reign of Terror. I know + that he is accused of having fought his brothers-in-law; of having + ill-used his mother, and of an incestuous commerce with his own sisters. + </p> + <p> + I have read and heard of these and other enormous accusations, and far be + it from me to defend, extenuate, or even deny them. But suppose all this + infamy to be real, to be proved, to be authenticated, which it never has + been, and, to its whole extent, I am persuaded, never can be—what + are the cruel and depraved acts of which Lucien has been accused to the + enormities and barbarities of which Napoleon is convicted? Is the + poisoning a wife more criminal than the poisoning a whole hospital of + wounded soldiers; or the assisting to kill some confined persons, + suspected of being enemies, more atrocious than the massacre in cold blood + of thousands of disarmed prisoners? Is incest with a sister more shocking + to humanity than the well-known unnatural pathic but I will not continue + the disgusting comparison. As long as Napoleon is unable to acquit himself + of such barbarities and monstrous crimes, he has no right to pronounce + Lucien unworthy to be called his brother; nor have Frenchmen, as long as + they obey the former as a Sovereign, or the Continent, as long as it + salutes him as such, any reason to despise the latter for crimes which + lose their enormity when compared to the horrid perpetrations of his + Imperial brother. + </p> + <p> + An elderly lady, a relation of Lucien’s wife, and a person in whose + veracity and morality I have the greatest confidence, and for whom he + always had evinced more regard than even for his own mother, has repeated + to me many of their conversations. She assures me that Lucien deplores + frequently the want of a good and religious education, and the tempting + examples of perversity he met with almost at his entrance upon the + revolutionary scene. He says that he determined to get rich ‘per fas aut + nefas’, because he observed that money was everything, and that most + persons plotted and laboured for power merely to be enabled to gather + treasure, though, after they had obtained both, much above their desert + and expectation, instead of being satiated or even satisfied, they bustled + and intrigued for more, until success made them unguarded and prosperity + indiscreet, and they became with their wealth the easy prey of rival + factions. Such was the case of Danton, of Fabre d’Eglantine, of Chabot, of + Chaumette, of Stebert, and other contemptible wretches, butchered by + Robespierre and his partisans—victims in their turn to men as unjust + and sanguinary as themselves. He had, therefore, laid out a different plan + of conduct for himself. He had fixed upon fifty millions of livres—as + the maximum he should wish for, and when that sum was in his possession, + he resolved to resign all pretensions to rank and employment, and to enjoy + ‘otium cum dignitate’. He had kept to his determination, and so regulated + his income that; with the expenses, pomp, and retinue of a Prince, he is + enabled to make more persons happy and comfortable than his extortions + have ruined or even embarrassed. He now lives like a philosopher, and + endeavours to forget the past, to delight in the present, and to be + indifferent about futurity. He chose, therefore, for a wife, a lady whom + he loved and esteemed, in preference to one whose birth would have been a + continual reproach to the meanness of his own origin. + </p> + <p> + You must, with me, admire the modesty of a citizen sans-culotte, who, + without a shilling in the world, fixes upon fifty millions as a reward for + his revolutionary achievements, and with which he would be satisfied to + sit down and begin his singular course of singular philosophy. But his + success is more extraordinary that his pretensions were extravagant. This + immense sum was amassed by him in the short period of four years, chiefly + by bribes from foreign Courts, and by selling his protections in France. + </p> + <p> + But most of the other Bonapartes have made as great and as rapid fortunes + as Lucien, and yet, instead of being generous, contented, or even + philosophers, they are still profiting by every occasion to increase their + ill-gotten treasures, and no distress was ever relieved, no talents + encouraged, or virtues recompensed by them. The mind of their garrets + lodges with them in their palaces, while Lucien seems to ascend as near as + possible to a level with his circumstances. I have myself found him + beneficent without ostentation. + </p> + <p> + Among his numerous pictures, I observed four that had formerly belonged to + my father’s, and afterwards to my own cabinet. I inquired how much he had + paid for them, without giving the least hint that they had been my + property, and were plundered from me by the nation. He had, indeed, paid + their full value. In a fortnight after I had quitted him, these, with six + other pictures, were deposited in my room, with a very polite note, + begging my acceptance of them, and assuring me that he had but the day + before heard from his picture dealer that they had belonged to me. He + added that he would never retake them, unless he received an assurance + from me that I parted with them without reluctance, and at the same time + affixed their price. I returned them, as I knew they were desired by him + for his collection, but he continued obstinate. I told him, therefore, + that, as I was acquainted with his inclination to perform a generous + action, I would, instead of payment for the pictures, indicate a person + deserving his assistance. I mentioned the old Duchesse de ———, + who is seventy-four years of age and blind; and, after possessing in her + youth an income of eight hundred thousand livres—is now, in her old + age, almost destitute. He did for this worthy lady more than I expected; + but happening, in his visits to relieve my friend, to cast his eye on the + daughter of the landlady where she lodged, he found means to prevail on + the simplicity of the poor girl, and seduced her. So much do I know + personally of Lucien Bonaparte, who certainly is a composition of good and + bad qualities, but which of them predominate I will not take upon me to + decide. This I can affirm—Lucien is not the worst member of the + Bonaparte family. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—As long as Austria ranks among independent nations, + Bonaparte will take care not to offend or alarm the ambition and interest + of Prussia by incorporating the Batavian Republic with the other provinces + of his Empire. Until that period, the Dutch must continue (as they have + been these last ten years) under the appellation of allies, oppressed like + subjects and plundered like foes. Their mock sovereignty will continue to + weigh heavier on them than real servitude does on their Belgic and Flemish + neighbours, because Frederick the Great pointed out to his successors the + Elbe and the Tegel as the natural borders of the Prussian monarchy, + whenever the right bank of the Rhine should form the natural frontiers of + the kingdom of France. + </p> + <p> + That during the present summer a project for a partition treaty of Holland + has by the Cabinet of St. Cloud been laid before the Cabinet of Berlin is + a fact, though disseminated only as a rumour by the secret agents of + Talleyrand. Their object was on this, as on all previous occasions when + any names, rights, or liberties of people were intended to be erased from + among the annals of independence, to sound the ground, and to prepare by + such rumours the mind of the public for another outrage and another + overthrow. But Prussia, as well as France, knows the value of a military + and commercial navy, and that to obtain it good harbours and navigable + rivers are necessary, and therefore, as well as from principles of + justice, perhaps, declined the acceptance of a plunder, which, though + tempting, was contrary to the policy of the House of Brandenburgh. + </p> + <p> + According to a copy circulated among the members of our diplomatic corps, + this partition treaty excluded Prussia from all the Batavian seaports + except Delfzig, and those of the river Ems, but gave her extensive + territories on the side of Guelderland, and a rich country in Friesland. + Had it been acceded to by the Court of Berlin, with the annexed condition + of a defensive and offensive alliance with the Court of St. Cloud, the + Prussian monarchy would, within half a century, have been swallowed up in + the same gulf with the Batavian Commonwealth and the Republic of Poland; + and by some future scheme of some future Bonaparte or Talleyrand, be + divided in its turn, and serve as a pledge of reconciliation or inducement + of connection between some future rulers of the French and Russian + Empires. + </p> + <p> + Talleyrand must, indeed, have a very mean opinion of the capacity of the + Prussian Ministers, or a high notion of his own influence over them, if he + was serious in this overture. For my part, I am rather inclined to think + that it was merely thrown out to discover whether Frederick William III. + had entered into any engagement contrary to the interest of Napoleon the + First; or to allure His Prussian Majesty into a negotiation which would + suspend, or at least interfere with, those supposed to be then on the + carpet with Austria, Russia, or perhaps even with England. + </p> + <p> + The late Batavian Government had, ever since the beginning of the present + war with England, incurred the displeasure of Bonaparte. When it + apprehended a rupture from the turn which the discussion respecting the + occupation of Malta assumed, the Dutch Ambassadors at St. Petersburg and + Berlin were ordered to demand the interference of these two Cabinets for + the preservation of the neutrality of Holland, which your country had + promised to acknowledge, if respected by France. No sooner was Bonaparte + informed of this step, than he marched troops into the heart of the + Batavian Republic, and occupied its principal forts, ports, and arsenals. + When, some time afterwards, Count Markof received instructions from his + Court, according to the desire of the Batavian Directory, and demanded, in + consequence, an audience from Bonaparte, a map was laid before him, + indicating the position of the French troops in Holland, and plans of the + intended encampment of our army of England on the coast of Flanders and + France; and he was asked whether he thought it probable that our + Government would assent to a neutrality so injurious to its offensive + operations against Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said the Russian Ambassador, “the independence of Holland has been + admitted by you in formal treaties.” + </p> + <p> + “So has the cession of Malta by England,” interrupted Bonaparte, with + impatience. + </p> + <p> + “True,” replied Markof, “but you are now at war with England for this + point; while Holland, against which you have no complaint, has not only + been invaded by your troops, but, contrary both to its inclination and + interest, involved in a war with you, by which it has much to lose and + nothing to gain.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no account to render to anybody for my transactions, and I desire + to hear nothing more on this subject,” said Bonaparte, retiring furious, + and leaving Markof to meditate on our Sovereign’s singular principles of + political justice and of ‘jus pentium’. + </p> + <p> + From that period Bonaparte resolved on another change of the executive + power of the Batavian Republic. But it was more easy to displace one set + of men for another than to find proper ones to occupy a situation in + which, if they do their duty as patriots, they must offend France; and if + they are our tools, instead of the independent governors of their country, + they must excite a discontent among their fellow citizens, disgracing + themselves as individuals, and exposing themselves as chief magistrates to + the fate of the De Witts, should ever fortune forsake our arms or desert + Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + No country has of late been less productive of great men than Holland. The + Van Tromps, the Russel, and the William III. all died without leaving any + posterity behind them; and the race of Batavian heroes seems to have + expired with them, as that of patriots with the De, Witts and Barneveldt. + Since the beginning of the last century we read, indeed, of some able + statesmen, as most, if not all, the former grand pensionaries have been; + but the name of no warrior of any great eminence is recorded. This + scarcity, of native genius and valour has not a little contributed to the + present humbled, disgraced, and oppressed state of wretched Batavia. + </p> + <p> + Admiral de Winter certainly neither wants courage nor genius, but his + private character has a great resemblance to that of General Moreau. + Nature has destined him to obey, and not to govern. He may direct as ably + and as valiantly the manoeuvres of a fleet as Moreau does those of an + army, but neither the one nor the other at the head of his nation would + render himself respected, his country flourishing, or his countrymen happy + and tranquil. + </p> + <p> + Destined from his youth for the navy, Admiral de Winter entered into the + naval service of his country before he was fourteen, and was a second + lieutenant when the Batavian patriots, in rebellion against the + Stadtholder, were, in 1787, reduced to submission by the Duke of + Brunswick, the commander of the Prussian army that invaded Holland. His + parents and family being of the anti-Orange party, he emigrated to France, + where he was made an officer in the legion of Batavian refugees. During + the campaign of 1793 and 1794, he so much distinguished himself under that + competent judge of merit, Pichegru, that this commander obtained for him + the commission of a general of brigade in the service of the French; + which, after the conquest of Holland in January, 1795, was exchanged for + the rank of a vice-admiral of the Batavian Republic. His exploits as + commander of the Dutch fleet, during the battle of the 11th of October, + 1797, with your fleet, under Lord Duncan, I have heard applauded even in + your presence, when in your country. Too honest to be seduced, and too + brave to be intimidated, he is said to have incurred Bonaparte’s hatred by + resisting both his offers and his threats, and declining to sell his own + liberty as well as to betray the liberty of his fellow subjects. When, in + 1800, Bonaparte proposed to him the presidency and consulate of the United + States, for life, on condition that he should sign a treaty, which made + him a vassal of France, he refused, with dignity and with firmness, and + preferred retirement to a supremacy so dishonestly acquired, and so + dishonourably occupied. + </p> + <p> + General Daendels, another Batavian revolutionist of some notoriety, from + an attorney became a lieutenant-colonel, and served as a spy under + Dumouriez in the winter of 1792 and in the spring of 1793. Under Pichegru + he was made a general, and exhibited those talents in the field which are + said to have before been displayed in the forum. In June, 1795, he was + made a lieutenant-general of the Batavian Republic, and he was the + commander-in-chief of the Dutch troops combating in 1799 your army under + the Duke of York. In this place he did not much distinguish himself, and + the issue of the contest was entirely owing to our troops and to our + generals. + </p> + <p> + After the Peace of Amiens, observing that Bonaparte intended to annihilate + instead of establishing universal liberty, Daendels gave in his + resignation and retired to obscurity, not wishing to be an instrument of + tyranny, after having so long fought for freedom. Had he possessed the + patriotism of a Brutus or a Cato, he would have bled or died for his cause + and country sooner than have deserted them both; or had the ambition and + love of glory of a Caesar held a place in his bosom, he would have + attempted to be the chief of his country, and by generosity and clemency + atone, if possible, for the loss of liberty. Upon the line of baseness,—the + deserter is placed next to the traitor. + </p> + <p> + Dumonceau, another Batavian general of some publicity, is not by birth a + citizen of the United States, but was born at Brussels in 1758, and was by + profession a stonemason when, in 1789, he joined, as a volunteer, the + Belgian insurgents. After their dispersion in 1790 he took refuge and + served in France, and was made an officer in the corps of Belgians, formed + after the declaration of war against Austria in 1792. Here he frequently + distinguished himself, and was, therefore, advanced to the rank of a + general; but the Dutch general officers being better paid than those of + the French Republic, he was, with the permission of our Directory, + received, in 1795, as a lieutenant-general of the Batavian Republic. He + has often evinced bravery, but seldom great capacity. His natural talents + are considered as but indifferent, and his education is worse. + </p> + <p> + These are the only three military characters who might, with any prospect + of success, have tried to play the part of a Napoleon Bonaparte in + Holland. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Not to give umbrage to the Cabinet of Berlin, Bonaparte + communicated to it the necessity he was under of altering the form of + Government in Holland, and, if report be true, even condescended to ask + advice concerning a chief magistrate for that country. The young Prince of + Orange, brother-in-law of His Prussian Majesty, naturally presented + himself; but, after some time, Talleyrand’s agents discovered that great + pecuniary sacrifices could not be expected from that quarter, and perhaps + less submission to France experienced than from the former governors. An + eye was then cast on the Elector of Bavaria, whose past patriotism, as + well as that of his Ministers, was a full guarantee for future obedience. + Had he consented to such an arrangement, Austria might have aggrandized + herself on the Inn, Prussia in Franconia, and France in Italy; and the + present bone of contest would have been chiefly removed. + </p> + <p> + This intrigue, for it was nothing else, was carried on by the Cabinet of + St. Cloud in March, 1804, about the time that Germany was invaded and the + Duc d’Enghien seized. This explains to you the reason why the Russian + note, delivered to the Diet of Ratisbon on the 8th of the following May, + was left without any support, except the ineffectual one from the King of + Sweden. How any Cabinet could be dupe enough to think Bonaparte serious, + or the Elector of Bavaria so weak as to enter into his schemes, is + difficult to be conceived, had not Europe witnessed still greater + credulity on one side, and still greater effrontery on the other. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Bonaparte grew every day more discontented with the + Batavian Directory, and more irritated against the members who composed + it. Against his regulations for excluding the commerce and productions of + your country, they resented with spirit instead of obeying them without + murmur as was required. He is said to have discovered, after his own + soldiers had forced the custom-house officers to obey his orders, that, + while in their proclamations the directors publicly prohibited the + introduction of British goods, some of them were secret insurers of this + forbidden merchandise, introduced by fraud and by smuggling; and that + while they officially wished for the success of the French arms and + destruction of England, they withdrew by stealth what property they had in + the French funds, to place it in the English. This refractory and, as + Bonaparte called it, mercantile spirit, so enraged him, that he had + already signed an order for arresting and transferring en masse his high + allies, the Batavian directors, to his Temple, when the representations of + Talleyrand moderated his fury, and caused the order to be recalled, which + Fouche was ready to execute. + </p> + <p> + Had Jerome Bonaparte not offended his brother by his transatlantic + marriage, he would long ago have been the Prince Stadtholder of Holland; + but his disobedience was so far useful to the Cabinet of St. Cloud as it + gave it an opportunity of intriguing with, or deluding, other Cabinets + that might have any pretensions to interfere in the regulation of the + Batavian Government. By the choice finally made, you may judge how + difficult it was to find a suitable subject to represent it, and that this + representation is intended only to be temporary. + </p> + <p> + Schimmelpenninck, the present grand pensionary of the Batavian Republic, + was destined by his education for the bar, but by his natural parts to + await in quiet obscurity the end of a dull existence. With some property, + little information, and a tolerably good share of common sense, he might + have lived and died respected, and even regretted, without any pretension, + or perhaps even ambition, to shine. The anti-Orange faction, to which his + parents and family appertained, pushed him forward, and elected him, in + 1795, a member of the First Batavian National Convention, where, according + to the spirit of the times, his speeches were rather those of a demagogue + than those of a Republican. Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity were the + constant themes of his political declamations, infidelity his religious + profession, and the examples of immorality, his social lessons; so rapid + and dangerous are the strides with which seduction frequently advances on + weak minds. + </p> + <p> + In 1800 he was appointed an Ambassador to Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles + Maurice Talleyrand. The latter used him as a stockbroker, and the former + for anything he thought proper; and he was the humble and submissive valet + of both. More ignorant than malicious, and a greater fool than a rogue, he + was more laughed at and despised than trusted or abused. + </p> + <p> + His patience being equal to his phlegm, nothing either moved or confounded + him; and he was, as Talleyrand remarked, “a model of an Ambassador, + according to which he and Bonaparte wished that all other independent + Princes and States would choose their representatives to the French + Government.” + </p> + <p> + When our Minister and his Sovereign were discussing the difficulty of + properly filling up the vacancy, of the Dutch Government, judged necessary + by both, the former mentioned Schimmelpenninck with a smile; and serious + as Bonaparte commonly is, he could not help laughing. “I should have been + less astonished,” said he, “had you proposed my Mameluke, Rostan.” + </p> + <p> + This rebuke did not deter Talleyrand (who had settled his terms with + Schimmelpenninck) from continuing to point out the advantage which France + would derive from this nomination. “Because no man could easier be + directed when in office, and no man easier turned out of office when + disagreeable or unnecessary. Both as a Batavian plenipotentiary at Amiens, + and as Batavian Ambassador in England, he had proved himself as obedient + and submissive to France as when in the same capacity at Paris.” + </p> + <p> + By returning often to the charge, with these and other remarks, Talleyrand + at last accustomed Bonaparte to the idea, which had once appeared so + humiliating, of writing to a man so much inferior in everything, “Great + and dear Friend!” and therefore said to the Minister: + </p> + <p> + “Well! let us then make him a grand pensionary and a locum tenens for five + years; or until Jerome, when he repents, returns to his duty, and is + pardoned.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he, then, not to be a grand pensionary for life?” asked Talleyrand; + “whether for one month or for life, he would be equally obedient to resign + when, commanded; but the latter would be more popular in Holland, where + they were tired of so many changes.” + </p> + <p> + “Let them complain, if they dare,” replied Bonaparte. “Schimmelpenninck is + their chief magistrate only for five years, if so long; but you may add + that they may reelect him.” + </p> + <p> + It was not before Talleyrand had compared the pecuniary proposal made to + his agents by foreign Princes with those of Schimmelpenninck to himself, + that the latter obtained the preference. The exact amount of the + purchase-money for the supreme magistracy in Holland is not well known to + any but the contracting parties. Some pretended that the whole was paid + down beforehand, being advanced by a society of merchants at Amsterdam, + the friends or relatives of the grand pensionary; others, that it is to be + paid by annual instalments of two millions of livres—for a certain + number of years. Certain it is, that this high office was sold and bought; + and that, had it been given for life, its value would have been + proportionately enhanced; which was the reason that Talleyrand endeavoured + to have it thus established. + </p> + <p> + Talleyrand well knew the precarious state of Schimmelpenninck’s grandeur; + that it not only depended upon the whim of Napoleon, but had long been + intended as an hereditary sovereignty for Jerome. Another Dutchman asked + him not to ruin his friend and his family for what he was well aware could + never be called a sinecure place, and was so precarious in its tenure. + “Foolish vanity,” answered the Minister, “can never pay enough for the + gratification of its desires. All the Schimmelpennincks in the world do + not possess property enough to recompense me for the sovereign honours + which I have procured for one of their name and family, were he deposed + within twenty-four hours. What treasures can indemnify me for connecting + such a name and such a personage with the great name of the First Emperor + of the French?” + </p> + <p> + I have only twice in my life been in Schimmelpenninck’s company, and I + thought him both timid and reserved; but from what little he said, I could + not possibly judge of his character and capacity. His portrait and its + accompaniments have been presented to me; such as delivered to you by one + of his countrymen, a Mr. M—— (formerly an Ambassador also), + who was both his schoolfellow and his comrade at the university. I shall + add the following traits, in his own words as near as possible: + </p> + <p> + “More vain than ambitious, Schimmelpenninck from his youth, and, + particularly, from his entrance into public life, tried every means to + make a noise, but found none to make a reputation. He caressed in + succession all the systems of the French Revolution, without adopting one + for himself. All the Kings of faction received in their turns his homage + and felicitations. It was impossible to mention to him a man of any + notoriety, of whom he did not become immediately a partisan. The virtues + or the vices, the merit or defects, of the individual were of no + consideration; according to his judgment it was sufficient to be famous. + Yet with all the extravagances of a head filled with paradoxes, and of a + heart spoiled by modern philosophy, added to a habit of licentiousness, he + had no idea of becoming an instrument for the destruction of liberty in + his own country, much less of becoming its tyrant, in submitting to be the + slave of France. It was but lately that he took the fancy, after so long + admiring all other great men of our age, to be at any rate one of their + number, and of being admired as a great man in his turn. On this account + many accuse him of hypocrisy, but no one deserves that appellation less, + his vanity and exaltation never permitting him to dissimulate; and no + presumption, therefore, was less disguised than his, to those who studied + the man. Without acquired ability, without natural genius, or political + capacity, destitute of discretion and address, as confident and obstinate + as ignorant, he is only elevated to fall and to rise no more.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Schimmelpenninck, I was informed, is as amiable and accomplished as + her husband is awkward and deficient; though well acquainted with his + infidelities and profligacy, she is too virtuous to listen to revenge, and + too generous not to forgive. She is, besides, said to be a lady of + uncommon abilities, and of greater information than she chooses to + display. She has never been the worshipper of Bonaparte, or the friend of + Talleyrand; she loved her country, and detested its tyrants. Had she been + created a grand pensionary, she would certainly have swayed with more + glory than her husband; and been hailed by contemporaries, as well as + posterity, if not a heroine, at least a patriot,—a title which in + our times, though often prostituted, so few have any claim to, and which, + therefore, is so much the more valuable. + </p> + <p> + When it was known at Paris that Schimmelpenninck had set out for his new + sovereignty, no less than sixteen girls of the Palais Royal demanded + passes for Holland. Being questioned by Fouche as to their business in + that country, they answered that they intended to visit their friend, the + grand pensionary, in his new dominions. Fouche communicated to Talleyrand + both their demands and their business, and asked his advice. He replied: + </p> + <p> + “Send two, and those of whose vigilance and intelligence you are sure. + Refuse, by all means, the other fourteen. Schimmelpenninck’s time is + precious, and were they at the Hague, he would neglect everything for + them. If they are fond of travelling, and are handsome and adroit, advise + them to set out for London or for St. Petersburg; and if they consent, + order them to my office, and they shall be supplied, if approved of, both + with instructions, and with their travelling expenses.” + </p> + <p> + Fouche answered his colleague that “they were in every respect the very + reverse of his description; they seemed to have passed their lives in the + lowest stage of infamy, and they could neither read nor write.” You have + therefore, no reason to fear that these belles will be sent to disseminate + corruption in your happy island. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The Italian subjects of Napoleon the First were far from + displaying the same zeal and the same gratitude for his paternal care and + kindness in taking upon himself the trouble of governing them, as we good + Parisians have done. Notwithstanding that a brigade of our police agents + and spies, drilled for years to applaud and to excite enthusiasm, + proceeded as his advanced guard to raise the public spirit, the reception + at Milan was cold and everything else but cordial and pleasing. The + absence of duty did not escape his observation and resentment. Convinced, + in his own mind, of the great blessing, prosperity, and liberty his + victories and sovereignty have conferred on the inhabitants of the other + side of the Alps, he ascribed their present passive or mutinous behaviour + to the effect of foreign emissaries from Courts envious of his glory and + jealous of his authority. + </p> + <p> + He suspected particularly England and Russia of having selected this + occasion of a solemnity that would complete his grandeur to humble his + just pride. He also had some idea within himself that even Austria might + indirectly have dared to influence the sentiments and conduct of her + ci-devant subjects of Lombardy; but his own high opinion of the awe which + his very name inspired at Vienna dispersed these thoughts, and his wrath + fell entirely on the audacity of Pitt and Markof. Strict orders were + therefore issued to the prefects and commissaries of police to watch + vigilantly all foreigners and strangers, who might have arrived, or who + should arrive, to witness the ceremony of the coronation, and to arrest + instantly any one who should give the least reason to suppose that he was + an enemy instead of an admirer of His Imperial and Royal Majesty. He also + commanded the prefects of his palace not to permit any persons to approach + his sacred person, of whose morality and politics they had not previously + obtained a good account. + </p> + <p> + These great measures of security were not entirely unnecessary. Individual + vengeance and individual patriotism sharpened their daggers, and, to use + Senator Roederer’s language, “were near transforming the most glorious day + of rejoicing into a day of universal mourning.” + </p> + <p> + All our writers on the Revolution agree that in France, within the first + twelve years after we had reconquered our lost liberty, more conspiracies + have been denounced than during the six centuries of the most brilliant + epoch of ancient and free Rome. These facts and avowals are speaking + evidences of the eternal tranquillity of our unfortunate country, of our + affection to our rulers, and of the unanimity with which all the changes + of Government have been, notwithstanding our printed votes, received and + approved. + </p> + <p> + The frequency of conspiracies not only shows the discontent of the + governed, but the insecurity and instability of the governors. This truth + has not escaped Napoleon, who has, therefore, ordered an expeditious and + secret justice to despatch instantly the conspirators, and to bury the + conspiracy in oblivion, except when any grand coup d’etat is to be struck; + or, to excite the passions of hatred, any proofs can be found, or must be + fabricated, involving an inimical or rival foreign Government in an odious + plot. Since the farce which Mehee de la Touche exhibited, you have, + therefore, not read in the Moniteur either of the danger our Emperor has + incurred several times since from the machinations of implacable or + fanatical foes, or of the alarm these have caused his partisans. They + have, indeed, been hinted at in some speeches of our public functionaries, + and in some paragraphs of our public prints, but their particulars will + remain concealed from historians, unless some one of those composing our + Court, our fashionable, or our political circles, has taken the trouble of + noting them down; but even to these they are but imperfectly or + incorrectly known. + </p> + <p> + Could the veracity of a Fouche, a Real, a Talleyrand, or a Duroc (the only + members of this new secret and invisible tribunal for expediting + conspirators) be depended upon, they would be the most authentic annalists + of these and other interesting secret occurrences. + </p> + <p> + What I intend relating to you on this subject are circumstances such as + they have been reported in our best informed societies by our most + inquisitive companions. Truth is certainly the foundation of these + anecdotes; but their parts may be extenuated, diminished, altered, or + exaggerated. Defective or incomplete as they are, I hope you will not + judge them unworthy of a page in a letter, considering the grand personage + they concern, and the mystery with which he and his Government encompass + themselves, or in which they wrap up everything not agreeable concerning + them. + </p> + <p> + A woman is said to have been at the head of the first plot against + Napoleon since his proclamation as an Emperor of the French. She called + herself Charlotte Encore; but her real name is not known. In 1803 she + lived and had furnished a house at Abbeville, where she passed for a young + widow of property, subsisting on her rents. About the same time several + other strangers settled there; but though she visited the principal + inhabitants, she never publicly had any connection with the newcomers. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1803, a girl at Amiens—some say a real enthusiast + of Bonaparte’s, but, according to others, engaged by Madame Bonaparte to + perform the part she did demanded, upon her knees, in a kind of paroxysm + of joy, the happiness of embracing him, in doing which she fainted, or + pretended to faint away, and a pension of three thousand livres—was + settled on her for her affection. + </p> + <p> + Madame Encore, at Abbeville, to judge of her discourse and conversation, + was also an ardent friend and well-wisher of the Emperor; and when, in + July, 1804, he passed through Abbeville, on his journey to the coast, she, + also, threw herself at his feet, and declared that she would die content + if allowed the honour of embracing him. To this he was going to assent, + when Duroc stepped between them, seized her by the arm, and dragged her to + an adjoining room, whither Bonaparte, near fainting from the sudden alarm + his friend’s interference had occasioned, followed him, trembling. In the + right sleeve of Madame Encore’s gown was found a stiletto, the point of + which was poisoned. She was the same day transported to this capital, + under the inspection of Duroc, and imprisoned in the Temple. In her + examination she denied having accomplices, and she expired on the rack + without telling even her name. The sub-prefect at Abbeville, the once + famous Andre Dumont, was ordered to disseminate a report that she was shut + up as insane in a madhouse. + </p> + <p> + In the strict search made by the police in the house occupied by her, no + papers or any, other indications were discovered that involved other + persons, or disclosed who she was, or what induced her to attempt such a + rash action. Before the secret tribunal she is reported to have said, + “that being convinced of Bonaparte’s being one of the greatest criminals + that ever breathed upon the earth, she took upon herself the office of a + volunteer executioner; having, with every other good or loyal person, a + right to punish him whom the law could not, or dared not, reach.” When, + however, some repairs were made in the house at Abbeville by a new tenant, + a bundle of papers was found, which proved that a M. Franquonville, and + about thirty, other individuals (many, of whom were the late newcomers + there), had for six months been watching an opportunity to seize Bonaparte + in his journeys between Abbeville and Montreuil, and to carry him to some + part of the coast, where a vessel was ready to sail for England with him. + Had he, however, made resistance, he would have been shot in France, and + his assassins have saved themselves in the vessel. + </p> + <p> + The numerous escort that always, since he was an Emperor, accompanied him, + and particularly his concealment of the days of his journeys, prevented + the execution of this plot; and Madame Encore, therefore, took upon her to + sacrifice herself for what she thought the welfare of her country. How + Duroc suspected or discovered her intent is not known; some say that an + anonymous letter informed him of it, while others assert that, in throwing + herself at Bonaparte’s feet, this prefect observed the steel through the + sleeve of her muslin gown. Most of her associates were secretly executed; + some, however, were carried to Boulogne and shot at the head of the army + of England as English spies. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXIV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—After the discovery of Charlotte Encore’s attempt, + Bonaparte, who hitherto had flattered himself that he possessed the good + wishes, if not the affection, of his female subjects, made a regulation + according to which no women who had not previously given in their names to + the prefects of his palaces, and obtained previous permission, can + approach his person or throw themselves at his feet, without incurring his + displeasure, and even arrest. Of this Imperial decree, ladies, both of the + capital and of the provinces, when he travels, are officially informed. + Notwithstanding this precaution, he was a second time last spring, at + Lyons, near falling the victim of the vengeance or malice of a woman. + </p> + <p> + In his journey to be crowned King of Italy, he occupied his uncle’s + episcopal palace at Lyons during the forty-eight hours he remained there. + Most of the persons of both sexes composing the household of Cardinal + Fesch were from his own country, Corsica; among these was one of the name + of Pauline Riotti, who inspected the economy of the kitchens. It is + Bonaparte’s custom to take a dish of chocolate in the forenoon, which she, + on the morning of his departure, against her custom, but under pretence of + knowing the taste of the family, desired to prepare. One of the cooks + observed that she mixed it with something from her pocket, but, without + saying a word to her that indicated suspicion, he warned Bonaparte, in a + note, delivered to a page, to be upon his guard. When the chamberlain + carried in the chocolate, Napoleon ordered the person who had prepared it + to be brought before him. This being told Pauline, she fainted away, after + having first drunk the remaining contents of the chocolate pot. Her + convulsions soon indicated that she was poisoned, and, notwithstanding the + endeavours of Bonaparte’s physician, Corvisart, she expired within an + hour; protesting that her crime was an act of revenge against Napoleon, + who had seduced her, when young, under a promise of marriage; but who, + since his elevation, had not only neglected her, but reduced her to + despair by refusing an honest support for herself and her child, + sufficient to preserve her from the degradation of servitude. Cardinal + Fesch received a severe reprimand for admitting among his domestics + individuals with whose former lives he was not better acquainted, and the + same day he dismissed every Corsican in his service. The cook was, with + the reward of a pension, made a member of the Legion of Honour, and it was + given out by Corvisart that Pauline died insane. + </p> + <p> + Within three weeks after this occurrence, Bonaparte was, at Milan, again + exposed to an imminent danger. According to his commands, the vigilance of + the police had been very strict, and even severe. All strangers who could + not give the most satisfactory account of themselves, had either been sent + out of the country, or were imprisoned. He never went out unless strongly + attended, and during his audiences the most trusty officers always + surrounded him; these precautions increased in proportion as the day of + his coronation approached. On the morning of that day, about nine o’clock, + when full dressed in his Imperial and royal robes, and all the grand + officers of State by his side, a paper was delivered to him by his + chamberlain, Talleyrand, a nephew of the Minister. The instant he had read + it, he flew into the arms of Berthier, exclaiming: “My friend, I am + betrayed; are you among the number of conspirators? Jourdan, Lasnes, + Mortier, Bessieres, St. Cyr, are you also forsaking your friend and + benefactor?” They all instantly encompassed him, begging that he would + calm himself; that they all were what they always had been, dutiful and + faithful subjects. “But read this paper from my prefect, Salmatoris; he + says that if I move a step I may cease to live, as the assassins are near + me, as well as before me.” + </p> + <p> + The commander of his guard then entered with fifty grenadiers, their + bayonets fixed, carrying with them a prisoner, who pointed out four + individuals not far from Bonaparte’s person, two of whom were Italian + officers of the Royal Italian Guard, and two were dressed in Swiss + uniforms. They were all immediately seized, and at their feet were found + three daggers. One of those in Swiss regimentals exclaimed, before he was + taken: “Tremble, tyrant of my country! Thousands of the descendants of + William Tell have, with me, sworn your destruction. You, escape this day, + but the just vengeance of outraged humanity follows you like your shade. + Depend upon it an untimely end is irremediably reserved you.” So saying, + he pierced his heart and fell a corpse into the arms of the grenadiers who + came to arrest him. + </p> + <p> + This incident suspended the procession to the cathedral for an hour, when + Berthier announced that the conspirators were punished. Bonaparte evinced + on this occasion the same absence of mind and of courage as on the 9th of + November, 1799, when Arena and other deputies drew their daggers against + him at St. Cloud. As this scene did not redound much to the honour of the + Emperor and King, all mention of the conspiracy was severely prohibited, + and the deputations ready to congratulate him on his escape were dispersed + to attend their other duties. + </p> + <p> + The conspirators are stated to have been four young men, who had lost + their parents and fortunes by the Revolutions effected by Bonaparte in + Italy and Switzerland, and who had sworn fidelity to each other, and to + avenge their individual wrongs with the injuries of their countries at the + same time. They were all prepared and resigned to die, expecting to be cut + to pieces the moment Bonaparte fell by their hands; but one of the + Italians, rather superstitious, had, before he went to the drawing-room, + confessed and received absolution from a priest, whom he knew to be an + enemy of Bonaparte; but the priest, in hope of reward, disclosed the + conspiracy to the master of ceremonies, Salmatoris. The three surviving + conspirators are said to have been literally torn to pieces by the engines + of torture, and the priest was shot for having given absolution to an + assassin, and for having concealed his knowledge of the plot an hour after + he was acquainted with it. Even Salmatoris had some difficulty to avoid + being disgraced for having written a terrifying note, which had exposed + the Emperor’s weakness, and shown that his life was dearer to him at the + head of Empires than when only at the head of armies. + </p> + <p> + My narrative of this event I have from an officer present, whose veracity + I can guarantee. He also informed me that, in consequence of it, all the + officers of the Swiss brigades in the French service that were quartered + or encamped in Italy were, to the number of near fifty, dismissed at once. + Of the Italian guards, every officer who was known to have suffered any + losses by the new order of things in his country, was ordered to resign, + if he would not enter into the regiments of the line. + </p> + <p> + Whatever the police agents did to prevent it, and in spite of some unjust + and cruel chastisement, Bonaparte continued, during his stay in Italy, an + object of ridicule in conversation, as well as in pamphlets and + caricatures. One of these represented him in the ragged garb of a + sans-culotte, pale and trembling on his knees, with bewildered looks and + his hair standing upright on his head like pointed horns, tearing the map + of the world to pieces, and, to save his life, offering each of his + generals a slice, who in return regarded him with looks of contempt mixed + with pity. + </p> + <p> + I have just heard of a new plot, or rather a league against Bonaparte’s + ambition. At its head the Generals Jourdan, Macdonald, Le Courbe, and + Dessolles are placed, though many less victorious generals and officers, + civil as well as military, are reported to be its members. Their object is + not to remove or displace Bonaparte as an Emperor of the French; on the + contrary, they offer their lives to strengthen his authority and to resist + his enemies; but they ask and advise him to renounce, for himself, for his + relations, and for France, all possessions on the Italian side of the + Alps, as the only means to establish a permanent peace, and to avoid a war + with other States, whose safety is endangered by our great encroachments. + A mutinous kind of address to this effect has been sent to the camp of + Boulogne and to all other encampments of our troops, that those generals + and other military persons there, who chose, might both see the object and + the intent of the associates. It is reported that Bonaparte ordered it to + be burnt by the hands of the common executioner at Boulogne; that sixteen + officers there who had subscribed their names in appropriation of the + address were broken, and dismissed with disgrace; that Jourdan is deprived + of his command in Italy, and ordered to render an account of his conduct + to the Emperor. Dessolles is also said to be dismissed, and with + Macdonald, Le Courbe, and eighty-four others of His Majesty’s subjects, + whose names appeared under the remonstrance (or petition, as some call + it), exiled to different departments of this country, where they are to + expect their Sovereign’s further determination, and, in the meantime, + remain under the inspection and responsibility of his constituted + authorities and commissaries of police. As it is as dangerous to inquire + as to converse on this and other subjects, which the mysterious policy of + our Government condemns to silence or oblivion, I have not yet been able + to gather any more or better information concerning this league, or + unconstitutional opposition to the executive power; but as I am intimate + with one of the actors, should he have an opportunity, he will certainly + write to me at full length, and be very explicit. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, August, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—I believe I have before remarked that, under the Government + of Bonaparte, causes relatively the most insignificant have frequently + produced effects of the greatest consequence. A capricious or whimsical + character, swaying with unlimited power, is certainly the most dangerous + guardian of the prerogatives of sovereignty, as well as of the rights and + liberties of the people. That Bonaparte is as vain and fickle as a + coquette, as obstinate as a mule, and equally audacious and unrelenting, + every one who has witnessed his actions or meditated on his transactions + must be convinced. The least opposition irritates his pride, and he + determines and commands, in a moment of impatience or vivacity, what may + cause the misery of millions for ages, and, perhaps, his own repentance + for years. + </p> + <p> + When Bonaparte was officially informed by his Ambassador at Vienna, the + young La Rochefoucauld, that the Emperor of Germany had declined being one + of his grand officers of the Legion of Honour, he flew into a rage, and + used against this Prince the most gross, vulgar, and unbecoming language. + I have heard it said that he went so far as to say, “Well, Francis II. is + tired of reigning. I hope to have strength enough to carry a third crown. + He who dares refuse to be and continue my equal, shall soon, as a vassal, + think himself honoured with the regard which, as a master, I may + condescend, from compassion, to bestow on him.” Though forty-eight hours + had elapsed after this furious sally before he met with the Austrian + Ambassador, Count Von Cobenzl, his passion was still so furious, that, + observing his grossness and violence, all the members of the diplomatic + corps trembled, both for this their respected member, and for the honour + of our nation thus represented. + </p> + <p> + When the diplomatic audience was over, he said to Talleyrand, in a + commanding and harsh tone of voice, in the presence of all his + aides-de-camp and generals: + </p> + <p> + “Write this afternoon, by an extraordinary courier, to my Minister at + Genoa, Salicetti, to prepare the Doge and the people for the immediate + incorporation of the Ligurian Republic with my Empire. Should Austria dare + to murmur, I shall, within three months, also incorporate the ci-devant + Republic of Venice with my Kingdom of Italy!” + </p> + <p> + “But—but—Sire!” uttered the Minister, trembling. + </p> + <p> + “There exists no ‘but,’ and I will listen to no ‘but,’” interrupted His + Majesty. “Obey my orders without further discussions. Should Austria dare + to arm, I shall, before next Christmas, make Vienna the headquarters of a + fiftieth military division. In an hour I expect you with the despatches + ready for Salicetti.” + </p> + <p> + This Salicetti is a Corsican of a respectable family, born at Bastia, in + 1758, and it was he who, during the siege of Toulon in 1793, introduced + his countryman, Napoleon Bonaparte, his present Sovereign, to the + acquaintance of Barras, an occurrence which has since produced + consequences so terribly notorious. + </p> + <p> + Before the Revolution an advocate of the superior council of Corsica, he + was elected a member to the First National Assembly, where, on the 30th of + November, 1789, he pressed the decree which declared the Island of Corsica + an integral part of the French monarchy. In 1792, he was sent by his + fellow citizens as a deputy to the National Convention, where he joined + the terrorist faction, and voted for the death of his King. In May, 1793, + he was in Corsica, and violently opposed the partisans of General Paoli. + Obliged to make his escape in August from that island, to save himself, he + joined the army of General Carteaux, then marching against the Marseilles + insurgents, whence he was sent by the National Convention with Barras, + Gasparin, Robespierre the younger, and Ricrod, as a representative of the + people, to the army before Toulon, where, as well as at Marseilles, he + shared in all the atrocities committed by his colleagues and by Bonaparte; + for which, after the death of the Robespierres, he was arrested with him + as a terrorist. + </p> + <p> + He had not known Bonaparte much in Corsica, but, finding him and his + family in great distress, with all other Corsican refugees, and observing + his adroitness as a captain of artillery, he recommended him to Barras, + and upon their representation to the Committee of Public Safety, he was + promoted to a chef de brigade, or colonel. In 1796, when Barras gave + Bonaparte the command of the army of Italy, Salicetti was appointed a + Commissary of Government to the same army, and in that capacity behaved + with the greatest insolence towards all the Princes of Italy, and most so + towards the Duke of Modena, with whom he and Bonaparte signed a treaty of + neutrality, for which they received a large sum in ready money; but + shortly afterwards the duchy was again invaded, and an attempt made to + surprise and seize the Duke. In 1797 he was chosen a member of the Council + of Five Hundred, where he always continued a supporter of violent + measures. + </p> + <p> + When, in 1799, his former protege, Bonaparte, was proclaimed a First + Consul, Salicetti desired to be placed in the Conservative Senate; but his + familiarity displeased Napoleon, who made him first a commercial agent, + and afterwards a Minister to the Ligurian Republic, so as to keep him at a + distance. During his several missions, he has amassed a fortune, + calculated, at the lowest, of six millions of livres. + </p> + <p> + The order Salicetti received to prepare the incorporation of Genoa with + France, would not, without the presence of our troops, have been very easy + to execute, particularly as he, six months before, had prevailed on the + Doge and the Senate to resign all sovereignty to Lucien Bonaparte, under + the title of a Grand Duke of Genoa. + </p> + <p> + The cause of Napoleon’s change of opinion with regard to his brother + Lucien, was that the latter would not separate from a wife he loved, but + preferred domestic happiness to external splendour frequently accompanied + with internal misery. So that this act of incorporation of the Ligurian + Republic, in fact, originated, notwithstanding the great and deep + calculations of our profound politicians and political schemers, in + nothing else but in the keeping of a wife, and in the refusal of a riband. + </p> + <p> + That corruption, seduction, and menaces seconded the intrigues and + bayonets which convinced the Ligurian Government of the honour and + advantage of becoming subjects of Bonaparte, I have not the least doubt; + but that the Doge, Girolamo Durazzo, and the senators Morchio, Maglione, + Travega, Maghella, Roggieri, Taddei, Balby, and Langlade sold the + independence of their country for ten millions of livres—though it + has been positively asserted, I can hardly believe; and, indeed, money was + as little necessary as resistance would have been unavailing, all the + forts and strong positions being in the occupation of our troops. A + general officer present when the Doge of Genoa, at the head of the + Ligurian deputation, offered Bonaparte their homage at Milan, and + exchanged liberty for bondage, assured me that this ci-devant chief + magistrate spoke with a faltering voice and with tears in his eyes, and + that indignation was read on the countenance of every member of the + deputation thus forced to prostitute their rights as citizens, and to + vilify their sentiments as patriots. + </p> + <p> + When Salicetti, with his secretary, Milhaud, had arranged this honourable + affair, they set out from Genoa to announce to Bonaparte, at Milan, their + success. Not above a league from the former city their carriage was + stopped, their persons stripped, and their papers and effects seized by a + gang, called in the country the gang of PATRIOTIC ROBBERS, commanded by + Mulieno. This chief is a descendant of a good Genoese family, proscribed + by France, and the men under him are all above the common class of people. + They never commit any murders, nor do they rob any but Frenchmen, or + Italians known to be adherents of the French party. Their spoils they + distribute among those of their countrymen who, like themselves, have + suffered from the revolutions in Italy within these last nine years. They + usually send the amount destined to relieve these persons to the curates + of the several parishes, signifying in what manner it is to be employed. + Their conduct has procured them many friends among the low and the poor, + and, though frequently pursued by our gendarmes, they have hitherto always + escaped. The papers captured by them on this occasion from Salicetti are + said to be of a most curious nature, and throw great light on Bonaparte’s + future views of Italy. The original act of consent of the Ligurian + Government to the incorporation with France was also in this number. It is + reported that they were deposited with the Austrian Minister at Genoa, who + found means to forward them to his Court; and it is supposed that their + contents did not a little to hasten the present movements of the Emperor + of Germany. + </p> + <p> + Another gang, known under the appellation of the PATRIOTIC AVENGERS, also + desolates the Ligurian Republic. They never rob, but always murder those + whom they consider as enemies of their country. Many of our officers, and + even our sentries on duty, have been wounded or killed by them; and, after + dark, therefore, no Frenchman dares walk out unattended. Their chief is + supposed to be a ci-devant Abbe, Sagati, considered a political as well as + a religious fanatic. In consequence of the deeds of these patriotic + avengers, Bonaparte’s first act, as a Sovereign of Liguria, was the + establishment of special military commissions, and a law prohibiting, + under pain of death, every person from carrying arms who could not show a + written permission of our commissary of police. Robbers and assassins are, + unfortunately, common to all nations, and all people of all ages; but + those of the above description are only the production and progeny of + revolutionary and troublesome times. They pride themselves, instead of + violating the laws, on supplying their inefficacy and counteracting their + partiality. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXVI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Bonaparte is now the knight of more Royal Orders than any + other Sovereign in Europe, and were he to put them on all at once, their + ribands would form stuff enough for a light summer coat of as many + different colours as the rainbow. The Kings of Spain, of Naples, of + Prussia, of Portugal, and of Etruria have admitted him a knight-companion, + as well as the Electors of Bavaria, Hesse, and Baden, and the Pope of + Rome. In return he has appointed these Princes his grand officers of HIS + Legion of Honour, the highest rank of his newly instituted Imperial Order. + It is even said that some of these Sovereigns have been honoured by him + with the grand star and broad riband of the Order of His Iron Crown of the + Kingdom of Italy. + </p> + <p> + Before Napoleon’s departure for Milan last spring, Talleyrand intimated to + the members of the foreign diplomatic corps here, that their presence + would be agreeable to the Emperor of the French at his coronation at Milan + as a King of Italy. In the preceding summer a similar hint, or order, had + been given by him for a diplomatic trip to Aix-la-Chapelle, and all Their + Excellencies set a-packing instantly; but some legitimate Sovereigns, + having since discovered that it was indecent for their representatives to + be crowding the suite of an insolently and proudly travelling usurper, + under different pretences declined the honour of an invitation and journey + to Italy. It would, besides, have been pleasant enough to have witnessed + the Ambassadors of Austria and Prussia, whose Sovereigns had not + acknowledged Bonaparte’s right to his assumed title of King of Italy, + indirectly approving it by figuring at the solemnity which inaugurated him + as such. Of this inconsistency and impropriety Talleyrand was well aware; + but audacity on one side, and endurance and submission on the other, had + so often disregarded these considerations before, that he saw no + indelicacy or impertinence in the proposal. His master had, however, the + gratification to see at his levee, and in his wife’s drawing-room, the + Ambassadors of Spain, Naples, Portugal, and Bavaria, who laid at the + Imperial and royal feet the Order decorations of their own Princes, to the + nor little entertainment of His Imperial and Royal Majesty, and to the + great edification of his dutiful subjects on the other side of the Alps. + </p> + <p> + The expenses of Bonaparte’s journey to Milan, and his coronation there + (including also those of his attendants from France), amounted to no less + a sum than fifteen millions of livres—of which one hundred and fifty + thousand livres—was laid out in fireworks, double that sum in + decorations of the Royal Palace and the cathedral, and three millions of + livres—in presents to different generals, grand officers, + deputations, etc. The poor also shared his bounty; medals to the value of + fifty thousand livres—were thrown out among them on the day of the + ceremony, besides an equal sum given by Madame Napoleon to the hospitals + and orphan-houses. These last have a kind of hereditary or family claim on + the purse of our Sovereign; their parents were the victims of the + Emperor’s first step towards glory and grandeur. + </p> + <p> + Another three millions of livres was expended for the march of troops from + France to form pleasure camps in Italy, and four millions more was + requisite for the forming and support of these encampments during two + months, and the Emperor distributed among the officers and men composing + them two million livres’ worth of rings, watches, snuff-boxes, portraits + set with diamonds, stars, and other trinkets, as evidences of His + Majesty’s satisfaction with their behaviour, presence, and performances. + </p> + <p> + These troops were under the command of Bonaparte’s Field-marshal, Jourdan, + a general often mentioned in the military annals of our revolutionary war. + During the latter part of the American war, he served under General + Rochambeau as a common soldier, and obtained in 1783, after the peace, his + discharge. He then turned a pedlar, in which situation the Revolution + found him. He had also married, for her fortune, a lame daughter of a + tailor, who brought him a fortune of two thousand livres—from whom + he has since been divorced, leaving her to shift for herself as she can, + in a small milliner’s shop at Limoges, where her husband was born in 1763. + </p> + <p> + Jourdan was among the first members and pillars of the Jacobin Club + organized in his native town, which procured him rapid promotion in the + National Guards, of whom, in 1792, he was already a colonel. His known + love of liberty and equality induced the Committee of Public Safety, in + 1793, to appoint him to the chief command of the armies of Ardennes and of + the North, instead of Lamarche and Houchard. On the 17th of October the + same year, he gained the victory of Wattignies, which obliged the united + forces of Austria, Prussia, and Germany to raise the siege of Maubeuge. + The jealous Republican Government, in reward, deposed him and appointed + Pichegru his successor, which was the origin of that enmity and malignity + with which Jourdan pursued this unfortunate general, even to his grave. He + never forgave Pichegru the acceptance of a command which he could not + decline without risking his life; and when he should have avenged his + disgrace on the real causes of it, he chose to resent it on him who, like + himself, was merely an instrument, or a slave, in the hands and under the + whip of a tyrannical power. + </p> + <p> + After the imprisonment of General Hoche, in March, 1794, Jourdan succeeded + him as chief of the army of the Moselle. In June he joined, with thirty + thousand men, the right wing of the army of the North, forming a new one, + under the name of the army of the Sambre and Meuse. On the 16th of the + same month he gained a complete victory over the Prince of Coburg, who + tried to raise the siege of Charleroy. This battle, which was fought near + Trasegnies, is, nevertheless, commonly called the battle of Fleurus. After + Charleroy had surrendered on the 25th, Jourdan and his army were ordered + to act under the direction of General Pichegru, who had drawn the plan of + that brilliant campaign. Always envious of this general, Jourdan did + everything to retard his progress, and at last intrigued so well that the + army of the Sambre and the Meuse was separated from that of the North. + </p> + <p> + With the former of these armies Jourdan pursued the retreating + confederates, and, after driving them from different stands and positions, + he repulsed them to the banks of the Rhine, which river they were obliged + to pass. Here ended his successes this year, successes that were not + obtained without great loss on our side. + </p> + <p> + Jourdan began the campaigns of 1795 and 1796 with equal brilliancy, and + ended them with equal disgrace. After penetrating into Germany with troops + as numerous as well-disciplined, he was defeated at the end of them by + Archduke Charles, and retreated always with such precipitation, and in + such confusion, that it looked more like the flight of a disorderly rabble + than the retreat of regular troops; and had not Moreau, in 1796, kept the + enemy in awe, few of Jourdan’s officers or men would again have seen + France; for the inhabitants of Franconia rose on these marauders, and cut + them to pieces, wherever they could surprise or waylay them. + </p> + <p> + In 1797, as a member of the Council of Five Hundred, he headed the Jacobin + faction against the moderate party, of which Pichegru was a chief; and he + had the cowardly vengeance of base rivalry to pride himself upon having + procured the transportation of that patriotic general to Cayenne. In 1799, + he again assumed the command of the army of Alsace and of Switzerland; but + he crossed the Rhine and penetrated into Suabia only to be again routed by + the Archduke Charles, and to repass this river in disorder. Under the + necessity of resigning as a general-in-chief, he returned to the Council + of Five Hundred, more violent than ever, and provoked there the most + oppressive measures against his fellow citizens. Previous to the + revolution effected by Bonaparte in November of that year, he had entered + with Garreau and Santerre into a conspiracy, the object of which was to + restore the Reign of Terror, and to prevent which Bonaparte said he made + those changes which placed him at the head of Government. The words were + even printed in the papers of that period, which Bonaparte on the 10th of + November addressed to the then deputy of Mayenne, Prevost: “If the plot + entered into by Jourdan and others, and of which they have not blushed to + propose to me the execution, had not been defeated, they would have + surrounded the place of your sitting, and to crush all future opposition, + ordered a number of deputies to be massacred. That done, they were to + establish the sanguinary despotism of the Reign of Terror.” But whether + such was Jourdan’s project, or whether it was merely given out to be such + by the consular faction, to extenuate their own usurpation, he certainly + had connected himself with the most guilty and contemptible of the former + terrorists, and drew upon himself by such conduct the hatred and blame + even of those whose opinion had long been suspended on his account. + </p> + <p> + General Jourdan was among those terrorists whom the Consular Government + condemned to transportation; but after several interviews with Bonaparte + he was not only pardoned, but made a Counsellor of State of the military + section; and afterwards, in 1801, an administrator-general of Piedmont, + where he was replaced by General Menou in 1803, being himself entrusted + with the command in Italy. This place he has preserved until last month, + when he was ordered to resign it to Massena, with whom he had a quarrel, + and would have fought him in a duel, had not the Viceroy, Eugene de + Beauharnais, put him under arrest and ordered him back hither, where he is + daily expected. If Massena’s report to Bonaparte be true, the army of + Italy was very far from being as orderly and numerous as Jourdan’s + assertions would have induced us to believe. But this accusation of a + rival must be listened to with caution; because, should Massena meet with + repulse, he will no doubt make use of it as an apology; and should he be + victorious, hold it out as a claim for more honour and praise. + </p> + <p> + The same doubts which still continue of Jourdan’s political opinions + remain also with regard to his military capacity. But the unanimous + declaration of those who have served under his orders as a general must + silence both his blind admirers and unjust slanderers. They all allow him + some military ability; he combines and prepares in the Cabinet a plan of + defence and attack, with method and intelligence, but he does not possess + the quick coup d’oeil, and that promptitude which perceives, and rectifies + accordingly, an error on the field of battle. If, on the day of action, + some accident, or some manoeuvre, occurs, which has not been foreseen by + him, his dull and heavy genius does not enable him to alter instantly his + dispositions, or to remedy errors, misfortunes, or improvidences. This + kind of talent, and this kind of absence of talent, explain equally the + causes of his advantages, as well as the origin of his frequent disasters. + Nobody denies him courage, but, with most of our other republican + generals, he has never been careful of the lives of the troops under him. + I have heard an officer of superior talents and rank assert, in the + presence of Carnot, that the number of wounded and killed under Jourdan, + when victorious, frequently surpassed the number of enemies he had + defeated. I fear it is too true that we are as much, if not more, indebted + for our successes to the superior number as to the superior valour of our + troops. + </p> + <p> + Jourdan is, with regard to fortune, one of our poorest republican generals + who have headed armies. He has not, during all his campaigns, collected + more than a capital of eight millions of livres—a mere trifle + compared to the fifty millions of Massena, the sixty millions of Le Clerc, + the forty millions of Murat, and the thirty-six millions of Augereau; not + to mention the hundred millions of Bonaparte. It is also true that Jourdan + is a gambler and a debauchee, fond of cards, dice, and women; and that in + Italy, except two hours in twenty-four allotted to business, he passed the + remainder of his time either at the gaming-tables, or in the boudoirs of + his seraglio—I say seraglio, because he kept, in the extensive house + joining his palace as governor and commander, ten women-three French, + three Italians, two Germans, two Irish or English girls. He supported them + all in style; but they were his slaves, and he was their sultan, whose + official mutes (his aides-de-camp) both watched them, and, if necessary, + chastised them. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXVII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—I can truly defy the world to produce a corps of such a + heterogeneous composition as our Conservative Senate, when I except the + members composing Bonaparte’s Legion of Honour. Some of our Senators have + been tailors, apothecaries, merchants, chemists, quacks, physicians, + barbers, bankers, soldiers, drummers, dukes, shopkeepers, mountebanks, + Abbes, generals, savans, friars, Ambassadors, counsellors, or presidents + of Parliament, admirals, barristers, Bishops, sailors, attorneys, authors, + Barons, spies, painters, professors, Ministers, sans-culottes, atheists, + stonemasons, robbers, mathematicians, philosophers, regicides, and a long + et cetera. Any person reading through the official list of the members of + the Senate, and who is acquainted with their former situations in life, + may be convinced of this truth. Should he even be ignorant of them, let + him but inquire, with the list in his hand, in any of our fashionable or + political circles; he will meet with but few persons who are not able or + willing to remove his doubts, or to gratify his curiosity. There are not + many of them whom it is possible to elevate, but those are still more + numerous whom it is impossible to degrade. Their past lives, vices, + errors, or crimes, have settled their characters and reputation; and they + must live and die in ‘statu quo’, either as fools or as knaves, and + perhaps as both. + </p> + <p> + I do not mean to say that they are all criminals or all equally criminal, + if insurrection against lawful authority and obedience to usurped tyranny + are not to be considered as crimes; but there are few indeed who can lay + their hands on their bosoms and say, ‘vitam expendere vero’. Some of them, + as a Lagrange, Berthollet, Chaptal, Laplace, Francois de Neuf-Chateau, + Tronchet, Monge, Lacepede, and Bougainville, are certainly men of talents; + but others, as a Porcher, Resnier, Vimar, Auber, Perk, Sera, Vernier, + Vien, Villetard, Tascher, Rigal, Baciocchi, Beviere, Beauharnais, De + Luynea (a ci-devant duke, known under the name of Le Gros Cochon), nature + never destined but to figure among those half-idiots and half-imbeciles + who are, as it were, intermedial between the brute and human creation. + </p> + <p> + Sieges, Cabanis, Garron Coulon, Lecouteul, Canteleu, Lenoin Laroche, + Volney, Gregoire, Emmery, Joucourt, Boissy d’Anglas, Fouche, and Roederer + form another class,—some of them regicides, others assassins and + plunderers, but all intriguers whose machinations date from the beginning + of the Revolution. They are all men of parts, of more or less knowledge, + and of great presumption. As to their morality, it is on a level with + their religion and loyalty. They betrayed their King, and had denied their + God already in 1789. + </p> + <p> + After these come some others, who again have neither talents to boast of + nor crimes of which they have to be ashamed. They have but little + pretension to genius, none to consistency, and their honesty equals their + capacity. They joined our political revolution as they might have done a + religious procession. It was at that time a fashion; and they applauded + our revolutionary innovations as they would have done the introduction of + a new opera, of a new tragedy, of a new comedy, or of a new farce. To this + fraternity appertain a ci-devant Comte de Stult-Tracy, Dubois—Dubay, + Kellerman, Lambrechts, Lemercier, Pleville—Le Pelley, Clement de + Ris, Peregeaux, Berthelemy, Vaubois, Nrignon, D’Agier, Abrial, De Belloy, + Delannoy, Aboville, and St. Martin La Motte. + </p> + <p> + Such are the characteristics of men whose ‘senatus consultum’ bestows an + Emperor on France, a King on Italy, makes of principalities departments of + a Republic, and transforms Republics into provinces or principalities. To + show the absurdly fickle and ridiculously absurd appellations of our + shamefully perverted institutions, this Senate was called the Conservative + Senate; that is to say, it was to preserve the republican consular + constitution in its integrity, both against the; encroachments of the + executive and legislative power, both against the manoeuvres of the + factions, the plots of the royalists or monarchists, and the clamours of a + populace of levellers. But during the five years that these honest + wiseacres have been preserving, everything has perished—the + Republic, the Consuls, free discussions, free election, the political + liberty, and the liberty of the Press; all—all are found nowhere but + in old, useless, and rejected codes. They have, however, in a truly + patriotic manner taken care of their own dear selves. Their salaries are + more than doubled since 1799. + </p> + <p> + Besides mock Senators, mock praetors, mock quaestors, other ‘nomina + libertatis’ are revived, so as to make the loss of the reality so much the + more galling. We have also two curious commissions; one called “the + Senatorial Commission of Personal Liberty,” and the other “the Senatorial + Commission of the Liberty of the Press.” The imprisonment without cause, + and transportation without trial, of thousands of persons of both sexes + weekly, show the grand advantages which arise from the former of these + commissions; and the contents of our new books and daily prints evince the + utility and liberality of the latter. + </p> + <p> + But from the past conduct of these our Senators, members of these + commissions, one may easily conclude what is to be expected in future from + their justice and patriotism. Lenoin Laroche, at the head of the one, was + formerly an advocate of some practice, but attended more to politics than + to the business of his clients, and was, therefore, at the end of the + session of the first assembly (of which he was a member), forced, for + subsistence, to become the editor of an insignificant journal. Here he + preached licentiousness, under the name of Liberty, and the agrarian law + in recommending Equality. A prudent courtier of all systems in fashion, + and of all factions in power, he escaped proscription, though not + accusation of having shared in the national robberies. A short time in the + summer of 1797, after the dismissal of Cochon, he acted as a Minister of + Police; and in 1798 the Jacobins elected him a member of the Council of + Ancients, where he, with other deputies, sold himself to Bonaparte, and + was, in return, rewarded with a place in the Senate. Under monarchy he was + a republican, and under a Republic he extolled monarchical institutions. + He wished to be singular, and to be rich. Among so many shocking + originals, however, he was not distinguished; and among so many + philosophical marauders, he had no opportunity to pillage above two + millions of livres. This friend of liberty is now one of the most despotic + Senators, and this lover of equality never answers when spoken to, if not + addressed as “His Excellency,” or “Monseigneur.” + </p> + <p> + Boissy d’ Anglas, another member of this commission, was before the + Revolution a steward to Louis XVIII. when Monsieur; and, in 1789, was + chosen a deputy of the first assembly, where he joined the factions, and + in his speeches and writings defended all the enormities that dishonoured + the beginning as well as the end of the Revolution. A member afterwards of + the National Convention, he was sent in mission to Lyons, where, instead + of healing the wounds of the inhabitants, he inflicted new ones. When, on + the 15th of March, 1796, in the Council of Five Hundred, he pronounced the + oath of hatred to royalty, he added, that this oath was in his heart, + otherwise no power upon earth could have forced him to take it; and he is + now a sworn subject of Napoleon the First! He pronounced the panegyric of + Robespierre, and the apotheosis of Marat. “The soul,” said he, “was moved + and elevated in hearing Robespierre speak of the Supreme Being with + philosophical ideas, embellished by eloquence;” and he signed the removal + of the ashes of Marat to the temple consecrated to humanity! In September, + 1797, he was, as a royalist, condemned to transportation by the Directory; + but in 1799 Bonaparte recalled him, made him first a tribune and + afterwards a Senator. + </p> + <p> + Boissy d’ Anglas, though an apologist of robbers and assassins, has + neither murdered nor plundered; but, though he has not enriched himself, + he has assisted in ruining all his former protectors, benefactors, and + friends. + </p> + <p> + Sers, a third member of this commission, was, before the Revolution, a + bankrupt merchant at Bordeaux, but in 1791 was a municipal officer of the + same city, and sent as a deputy to the National Assembly, where he + attempted to rise from the clouds that encompassed his heavy genius by a + motion for pulling down all the statues of Kings all over France. He + seconded another motion of Bonaparte’s prefect, Jean Debrie, to decree a + corps of tyrannicides, destined to murder all Emperors, Kings, and + Princes. At the club of the Jacobins, at Bordeaux, he prided himself on + having caused the arrest and death of three hundred aristocrats; and + boasted that he never went out without a dagger to despatch, by a summary + justice, those who had escaped the laws. After meeting with well-merited + contempt, and living for some time in the greatest obscurity, by a + handsome present to Madame Bonaparte, in 1799, he obtained the favour of + Napoleon, who dragged him forward to be placed among other ornaments of + his Senate. Sers has just cunning enough to be taken for a man of sense + when with fools; when with men of sense, he reassumes the place allotted + him by Nature. Without education, as well as without parts, he for a long + time confounded brutal scurrility with oratory, and thought himself + eloquent when he was only insolent or impertinent. His ideas of liberty + are such that, when he was a municipal officer, he signed a mandate of + arrest against sixty-four individuals of both sexes, who were at a ball, + because they had refused to invite to it one of his nieces. + </p> + <p> + Abrial, Emmery, Vernier, and Lemercier are the other four members of that + commission; of these, two are old intriguers, two are nullities, and all + four are slaves. + </p> + <p> + Of the seven members of the senatorial commission for preserving the + liberty of the Press, Garat and Roederer are the principal. The former is + a pedant, while pretending to be a philosopher; and he signed the sentence + of his good King’s death, while declaring himself a royalist. A mere valet + to Robespierre, his fawning procured him opportunities to enrich himself + with the spoil of those whom his calumnies and plots caused to be + massacred or guillotined. When, as a Minister of Justice, he informed + Louis XVI. of his condemnation, he did it with such an affected and + atrocious indifference that he even shocked his accomplices, whose nature + had not much of tenderness. As a member of the first assembly, as a + Minister under the convention, and as a deputy of the Council of Five + Hundred, he always opposed the liberty of the Press. “The laws, you say” + (exclaimed he, in the Council), “punish libellers; so they do thieves and + housebreakers; but would you, therefore, leave your doors unbolted? Is not + the character, the honour, and the tranquillity of a citizen preferable to + his treasures? and, by the liberty of the Press, you leave them at the + mercy of every scribbler who can write or think. The wound inflicted may + heal, but the scar will always remain. Were you, therefore, determined to + decree the motion for this dangerous and impolitic liberty, I make this + amendment, that conviction of having written a libel carries with it + capital punishment, and that a label be fastened on the breast of the + libeller, when carried to execution, with this inscription: ‘A social + murderer,’ or ‘A murderer of characters!’” + </p> + <p> + Roederer has belonged to all religious or antireligious sects, and to all + political or anti-social factions, these last twenty years; but, after + approving, applauding, and serving them, he has deserted them, sold them, + or betrayed them. Before the Revolution, a Counseller of Parliament at + Metz, he was a spy of the Court on his colleagues; and, since the + Revolution, he served the Jacobins as a spy on the Court. Immoral and + unprincipled to the highest degree, his profligacy and duplicity are only + equalled by his perversity and cruelty. It was he who, on the 10th of + August, 1792, betrayed the King and the Royal Family into the hands of + their assassins, and who himself made a merit of this infamous act. After + he had been repulsed by all, even by the most sanguinary of our parties + and partisans, by a Brissot, a Marat, a Robespierre, a Tallien, and a + Barras, Bonaparte adopted him first as a Counsellor of State, and + afterwards as a Senator. His own and only daughter died in a miscarriage, + the consequence of an incestuous commerce with her unnatural parent; and + his only, son is disinherited by him for resenting his father’s baseness + in debauching a young girl whom the son had engaged to marry. + </p> + <p> + With the usual consistency of my revolutionary countrymen, he has, at one + period, asserted that the liberty of the Press was necessary for the + preservation both of men and things, for the protection of governors as + well as of the governed, and that it was the best support of a + constitutional Government. At another time he wrote that, as it was + impossible to fix the limits between the liberty and the licentiousness of + the Press, the latter destroyed the benefits of the former; that the + liberty of the Press was useful only against a Government which one wished + to overturn, but dangerous to a Government which one wished to preserve. + To show his indifference about his own character, as well as about the + opinion of the public, these opposite declarations were inserted in one of + our daily papers, and both were signed “Roederer.” + </p> + <p> + In 1789, he was indebted above one million two hundred thousand livres—and + he now possesses national property purchased for seven millions of livres—and + he avows himself to be worth three millions more in money placed in our + public funds. He often says, laughingly, that he is under great + obligations to Robespierre, whose guillotine acquitted in one day all his + debts. All his creditors, after being denounced for their aristocracy, + were murdered en masse by this instrument of death. + </p> + <p> + Of all the old beaux and superannuated libertines whose company I have had + the misfortune of not being able to avoid, Roederer is the most affected, + silly, and disgusting. His wrinkled face, and effeminate and childish air; + his assiduities about every woman of beauty or fashion; his confidence in + his own merit, and his presumption in his own power, wear such a curious + contrast with his trembling hands, running eyes, and enervated person, + that I have frequently been ready to laugh at him in his face, had not + indignation silenced all other feeling. A light-coloured wig covers a bald + head; his cheeks and eyelids are painted, and his teeth false; and I have + seen a woman faint away from the effect of his breath, notwithstanding + that he infects with his musk and perfumes a whole house only with his + presence. When on the ground floor you may smell him in the attic. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXVIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The reciprocal jealousy and even interest of Austria, + France, and Russia have hitherto prevented the tottering Turkish Empire + from being partitioned, like Poland, or seized, like Italy; to serve as + indemnities, like the German empire; or to be shared, as reward to the + allies, like the Empire of Mysore. + </p> + <p> + When we consider the anarchy that prevails, both in the Government and + among the subjects, as well in the capital as in the provinces of the + Ottoman Porte; when we reflect on the mutiny and cowardice of its armies + and navy, the ignorance and incapacity of its officers and military and + naval commanders, it is surprising, indeed, as I have heard Talleyrand + often declare, that more foreign political intrigues should be carried on + at Constantinople alone than in all other capitals of Europe taken + together. These intrigues, however, instead of doing honour to the, + sagacity and patriotism of the members of the Divan, expose only their + corruption and imbecility; and, instead of indicating a dread of the + strength of the Sublime Sultan, show a knowledge of his weakness, of which + the gold of the most wealthy, and the craft of the most subtle, by turns + are striving to profit. + </p> + <p> + Beyond a doubt the enmity of the Ottoman Porte can do more mischief than + its friendship can do service. Its neutrality is always useful, while its + alliance becomes frequently a burden, and its support of no advantage. It + is, therefore, more from a view of preventing evils than from expectation + of profit, that all other Powers plot, cabal, and bribe. The map of the + Turkish Empire explains what maybe though absurd or nugatory in this + assertion. + </p> + <p> + As soon as a war with Austria was resolved on by the Brissot faction in + 1792, emissaries were despatched to Constantinople to engage the Divan to + invade the provinces of Austria and Russia, thereby to create a diversion + in favour of this country. Our Ambassador in Turkey at that time, Comte de + Choiseul-Gouffier, though an admirer of the Revolution, was not a + republican, and, therefore, secretly counteracted what he officially + seemed to wish to effect. The Imperial Court succeeded, therefore, in + establishing a neutrality of the Ottoman Porte, but Comte de Choiseul was + proscribed by the Convention. As academician, he was, however, at St. + Petersburg, liberally recompensed by Catherine II. for the services the + Ambassador had performed at Constantinople. + </p> + <p> + In May, 1793, the Committee of Public Safety determined to expedite + another embassy to the Grand. Seignior, at the head of which was the + famous intriguer, De Semonville, whose revolutionary diplomacy had, within + three years, alarmed the Courts of Madrid, Naples, and Turin, as well as + the republican Government of Genoa. His career towards Turkey was stopped + in the Grisons Republic, on the 25th of July following, where he, with + sixteen other persons of his suite, was arrested, and sent a prisoner, + first to Milan, and afterwards to Mantua. He carried with him presents of + immense value, which were all seized by the Austrians. Among them were + four superb coaches, highly finished, varnished, and gilt; what is iron or + brass in common carriages was here gold or silver-gilt. Two large chests + were filled with stuff of gold brocade, India gold muslins, and shawls and + laces of very great value. Eighty thousand louis d’or in ready money; a + service of gold plate of twenty covers, which formerly belonged to the + Kings of France; two small boxes full of diamonds and brilliants, the + intrinsic worth of which was estimated at forty-eight millions of livres—and + a great number of jewels; among others, the crown diamond, called here the + Regents’, and in your country the Pitt Diamond, fell, with other riches, + into the hands of the captors. Notwithstanding this loss and this + disappointment, we contrived in vain to purchase the hostility of the + Turks against our enemies, though with the sacrifice of no less a sum + (according to the report of Saint Just, in June, 1794,) than seventy + millions of livres: These official statements prove the means which our so + often extolled economical and moral republican Governments have employed + in their negotiations. + </p> + <p> + After the invasion of Egypt, in time of peace, by Bonaparte, the Sultan + became at last convinced of the sincerity of our professions of + friendship, which he returned with a declaration of war. The preliminaries + of peace with your country, in October, 1801, were, however, soon followed + with a renewal of our former friendly intercourse with the Ottoman Porte. + The voyage of Sebastiani into Egypt and Syria, in the autumn of 1802, + showed that our tenderness for the inhabitants of these countries had not + diminished, and that we soon intended to bestow on them new hugs of + fraternity. Your pretensions to Malta impeded our prospects in the East, + and your obstinacy obliged us to postpone our so well planned schemes of + encroachments. It was then that Bonaparte first selected for his + representative to the Grand Seignior, General Brune, commonly called by + Moreau, Macdonald, and other competent judges of military merit, an + intriguer at the head of armies, and a warrior in time of peace when + seated in the Council chamber. + </p> + <p> + This Brune was, before the Revolution, a journeyman printer, and married + to a washerwoman, whose industry and labour alone prevented him from + starving, for he was as vicious as idle. The money he gained when he chose + to work was generally squandered away in brothels, among prostitutes. To + supply his excesses he had even recourse to dishonest means, and was shut + up in the prison of Bicetre for robbing his master of types and of paper. + </p> + <p> + In the beginning of the Revolution, his very crimes made him an acceptable + associate of Marat, who, with the money advanced by the Orleans faction, + bought him a printing-office, and he printed the so dreadfully well-known + journal, called ‘L’Amie du Peuple’. From the principles of this atrocious + paper, and from those of his sanguinary patron, he formed his own + political creed. He distinguished himself frequently at the clubs of the + Cordeliers, and of the Jacobins, by his extravagant motions, and by + provoking laws of proscription against a wealth he did not possess, and + against a rank he would have dishonoured, but did not see without envy. On + the 30th of June, 1791, he said, in the former of these clubs: + </p> + <p> + “We hear everywhere complaints of poverty; were not our eyes so often + disgusted with the sight of unnatural riches, our hearts would not so + often be shocked at the unnatural sufferings of humanity. The blessings of + our Revolution will never be felt by the world, until we in France are on + a level, with regard to rank as well as to fortune. I, for my part, know + too well the dignity of human nature ever to bow to a superior; but, + brothers and friends, it is not enough that we are all politically equal, + we must also be all equally rich or equally poor—we must either all + strive to become men of property, or reduce men of property to become + sans-culottes. Believe me, the aristocracy of property is more dangerous + than the aristocracy of prerogative or fanaticism, because it is more + common. Here is a list sent to ‘L’ Amie du People’, but of which prudence + yet prohibits the publication. It contains the names of all the men of + property of Paris, and of the Department of the Seine, the amount of their + fortunes, and a proposal how to reduce and divide it among our patriots. + Of its great utility in the moment when we have been striking our grand + blows, nobody dares doubt; I, therefore, move that a brotherly letter be + sent to every society of our brothers and friends in the provinces, + inviting each of them to compose one of similar contents and of similar + tendency, in their own districts, with what remarks they think proper to + affix, and to forward them to us, to be deposited, in the mother club, + after taking copies of them for the archives of their own society.” + </p> + <p> + His motion was decreed. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterwards, he again ascended the tribune. “You approved,” said + he, “of the measures I lately proposed against the aristocracy of + property; I will now tell you of another aristocracy which we must also + crush—I mean that of religion, and of the clergy. Their supports are + folly, cowardice, and ignorance. All priests are to be proscribed as + criminals, and despised as impostors or idiots; and all altars must be + reduced to dust as unnecessary. To prepare the public mind for such + events, we must enlighten it; which can only be done by disseminating + extracts from ‘L’ Amie du People’, and other philosophical publications. I + have here some ballads of my own composition, which have been sung in my + quarter; where all superstitious persons have already trembled, and all + fanatics are raving. If you think proper, I will, for a mere trifle, print + twenty thousand copies of them, to be distributed and disseminated gratis + all over France.” + </p> + <p> + After some discussion, the treasurer of the club was ordered to advance + Citizen Brune the sum required, and the secretary to transmit the ballads + to the fraternal societies in the provinces. + </p> + <p> + Brune put on his first regimentals as an aide-decamp to General Santerre + in December, 1792, after having given proofs of his military prowess the + preceding September, in the massacre of the prisoners in the Abbey. In + 1793 he was appointed a colonel in the revolutionary army, which, during + the Reign of Terror, laid waste the departments of the Gironde, where he + was often seen commanding his corps, with a human head fixed on his sword. + On the day when he entered Bordeaux with his troops, a new-born child + occupied the same place, to the great horror of the inhabitants. During + this brilliant expedition he laid the first foundation of his present + fortune, having pillaged in a most unmerciful manner, and arrested or shot + every suspected person who could not, or would not, exchange property for + life. On his return to Paris, his patriotism was recompensed with a + commission of a general of brigade. On the death of Robespierre, he was + arrested as a terrorist, but, after some months’ imprisonment, again + released. + </p> + <p> + In October, 1795, he assisted Napoleon Bonaparte in the massacre of the + Parisians, and obtained for it, from the director Barras, the rank of a + general of division. Though occupying, in time of war, such a high + military rank, he had hitherto never seen an enemy, or witnessed an + engagement. + </p> + <p> + After Bonaparte had planned the invasion and pillage of Switzerland, Brune + was charged to execute this unjust outrage against the law of nations. His + capacity to intrigue procured him this distinction, and he did honour to + the choice of his employers. You have no doubt read that, after lulling + the Government of Berne into security by repeated proposals of + accommodation, he attacked the Swiss and Bernese troops during a truce, + and obtained by treachery successes which his valour did not promise him. + The pillage, robberies, and devastations in Helvetia added several more + millions to his previously great riches. + </p> + <p> + It was after his campaign in Holland, during the autumn of 1799, that he + first began to claim some military glory. He owed, however, his successes + to the superior number of his troops, and to the talents of the generals + and officers serving under him. Being made a Counsellor of State by + Bonaparte, he was entrusted with the command of the army against the + Chouans. Here he again seduced by his promises, and duped by his + intrigues, acted infamously—but was successful. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="p236" id="p236"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p236.jpg (68K)" src="images/p236.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXIX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Three months before Brune set out on his embassy to + Constantinople, Talleyrand and Fouche were collecting together all the + desperadoes of our Revolution, and all the Italian, Corsican, Greek, and + Arabian renegadoes and vagabonds in our country, to form him a set of + attendants agreeable to the real object of his mission. + </p> + <p> + You know too much of our national character and of my own veracity to + think it improbable, when I assure you that most of our great men in place + are as vain as presumptuous, and that sometimes vanity and presumption get + the better of their discretion and prudence. What I am going to tell you I + did not hear myself, but it was reported to me by a female friend, as + estimable for her virtues as admired for her accomplishments. She is often + honoured with invitations to Talleyrand’s familiar parties, composed + chiefly of persons whose fortunes are as independent as their principles, + who, though not approving the Revolution, neither joined its opposers nor + opposed its adherents, preferring tranquillity and obscurity to agitation + and celebrity. Their number is not much above half a dozen, and the + Minister calls them the only honest people in France with whom he thinks + himself safe. + </p> + <p> + When it was reported here that two hundred persons of Brune’s suite had + embarked at Marseilles and eighty-four at Genoa, and when it was besides + known that nearly fifty individuals accompanied him in his outset, this + unusual occurrence caused much conversation and many speculations in all + our coteries and fashionable circles. About that time my friend dined with + Talleyrand, and, by chance, also mentioned this grand embassy, observing, + at the same time, that it was too much honour done to the Ottoman Porte, + and too much money thrown away upon splendour, to honour such an imbecile + and tottering Government. + </p> + <p> + “How people talk,” interrupted Talleyrand, “about what they do not + comprehend. Generous as Bonaparte is, he does not throw away his expenses; + perhaps within twelve months all these renegadoes or adventurers, whom you + all consider as valets of Brune, will be three-tailed Pachas or Beys, + leading friends of liberty, who shall have gloriously broken their fetters + as slaves of a Selim to become the subjects of a Napoleon. The Eastern + Empire has, indeed, long expired, but it may suddenly be revived.” + </p> + <p> + “Austria and Russia,” replied my friend, “would never suffer it, and + England would sooner ruin her navy and exhaust her Treasury than permit + such a revolution.” + </p> + <p> + “So they have tried to do,” retorted Talleyrand, “to bring about a counter + revolution in France. But though only a moment is requisite to erect the + standard of revolt, ages often are necessary to conquer and seize it. + Turkey has long been ripe for a revolution. It wanted only chiefs and + directors. In time of war, ten thousand Frenchmen landed in the + Dardanelles would be masters of Constantinople, and perhaps of the Empire. + In time of peace, four hundred bold and well-informed men may produce the + same effect. Besides, with some temporary cession of a couple of provinces + to each of the Imperial Courts, and with the temporary present of an + island to Great Britain, everything may be settled ‘pro tempore’, and a + Joseph Bonaparte be permitted to reign at Constantinople, as a Napoleon + does at Paris.” + </p> + <p> + That the Minister made use of this language I can take upon me to affirm; + but whether purposely or unintentionally, whether to give a high opinion + of his plans or to impose upon his company, I will not and cannot assert. + </p> + <p> + On the subject of this numerous suite of Brune, Markof is said to have + obtained several conferences with Talleyrand and several audiences of + Bonaparte, in which representations, as just as energetic, were made, + which, however, did not alter the intent of our Government or increase the + favour of the Russian Ambassador at the Court of St. Cloud. But it proved + that our schemes of subversion are suspected, and that our agents of + overthrow would be watched and their manoeuvres inspected. + </p> + <p> + Count Italinski, the Russian Ambassador to the Ottoman Porte, is one of + those noblemen who unite rank and fortune, talents and modesty, honour and + patriotism, wealth and liberality. His personal character and his + individual virtues made him, therefore, more esteemed and revered by the + members of the Divan, than the high station he occupied, and the powerful + Prince he represented, made him feared or respected. His warnings had + created prejudices against Brune which he found difficult to remove. To + revenge himself in his old way, our Ambassador inserted several paragraphs + in the Moniteur and in our other papers, in which Count Italinski was + libelled, and his transactions or views calumniated. + </p> + <p> + After his first audience with the Grand Seignior, Brune complained + bitterly, of not having learned the Turkish language, and of being under + the necessity, therefore, of using interpreters, to whom he ascribed the + renewed obstacles he encountered in every step he took, while his hotel + was continually surrounded with spies, and the persons of his suite + followed everywhere like criminals when they went out. Even the valuable + presents he carried with him, amounting in value to twenty-four millions + of livres—were but indifferently received, the acceptors, seeming to + suspect the object and the honesty of the donor. + </p> + <p> + In proportion as our politics became embroiled with those of Russia, the + post of Brune became of more importance; but the obstacles thrown in his + way augmented daily, and he was forced to avow that Russia and England had + greater influence and more credit than the French Republic and its chief. + When Bonaparte was proclaimed an Emperor of the French, Brune expected + that his acknowledgment as such at Constantinople would be a mere matter + of course and announced officially on the day he presented a copy of his + new credentials. Here again he was disappointed, and therefore demanded + his recall from a place where there was no probability, under the present + circumstances, of either exciting the subjects to revolt, of deluding the + Prince into submission, or seducing Ministers who, in pocketing his + bribes, forgot for what they were given. + </p> + <p> + It was then that Bonaparte sent Joubert with a letter in his own + handwriting, to be delivered into the hands of the Grand Seignior himself. + This Joubert is a foundling, and, was from his youth destined and educated + to be one of the secret agents of our secret diplomacy. You already, + perhaps, have heard that our Government selects yearly a number of young + foundlings or orphans, whom it causes to be brought up in foreign + countries at its expense, so as to learn the language as natives of the + nation, where, when grown up, they are chiefly to be employed. Joubert had + been educated under the inspection of our consuls at Smyrna, and, when he + assumes the dress of a Turk, from his accent and manners even the + Mussulmans mistake him for one of their own creed and of their country. He + was introduced to Bonaparte in 1797, and accompanied him to Egypt, where + his services were of the greatest utility to the army. He is now a kind of + undersecretary in the office of our secret diplomacy, and a member of the + Legion of Honour. Should ever Joseph Bonaparte be an Emperor or Sultan of + the East, Joubert will certainly be his Grand Vizier. There is another + Joubert (with whom you must not confound him), who was; also a kind of + Dragoman at Constantinople some years ago, and who is still somewhere on a + secret mission in the East Indies. + </p> + <p> + Joubert’s arrival at Constantinople excited both curiosity among the + people and suspicion among the Ministry. There is no example in the + Ottoman history of a chief of a Christian nation having written to the + Sultan by a private messenger, or of His Highness having condescended to + receive the letter from the bearer, or to converse with him. The Grand + Vizier demanded a copy of Bonaparte’s letter, before an audience could be + granted. This was refused by Joubert; and as Brune threatened to quit the + capital of Turkey if any longer delay were experienced, the letter was + delivered in a garden near Constantinople, where the Sultan met + Bonaparte’s agent, as if by chance, who, it seems, lost all courage and + presence of mind, and did not utter four words, to which no answer was + given. + </p> + <p> + This impertinent intrigue, and this novel diplomacy, therefore, totally + miscarried, to the great shame and greater disappointment of the schemers + and contrivers. I must, however, do Talleyrand the justice to say that he + never approved of it, and even foretold the issue to his intimate friends. + It was entirely the whim and invention of Bonaparte himself, upon a + suggestion of Brune, who was far from being so well acquainted with the + spirit and policy of the Divan as he had been with the genius and plots of + Jacobinism. Not rebuked, however, Joubert was ordered away a second time + with a second letter, and, after an absence of four months, returned again + as he went, less satisfied with the second than with his first journey. + </p> + <p> + In these trips to Turkey, he had always for travelling companions some of + our emissaries to Austria, Hungary, and in particular to Servia, where the + insurgents were assisted by our councils, and even guided by some of our + officers. The principal aide-de-camp of Czerni George, the Servian + chieftain, is one Saint Martin, formerly a captain in our artillery, + afterwards an officer of engineers in the Russian service, and finally a + volunteer in the army of Conde. He and three other officers of artillery + were, under fictitious names, sent by our Government, during the spring of + last year, to the camp of the insurgents. They pretended to be of the + Grecian religion, and formerly Russian officers, and were immediately + employed. Saint Martin has gained great influence over Czerni George, and + directs both his political councils and military operations. Besides the + individuals left behind by Joubert; it is said that upwards of one hundred + persons of Brune’s suite have been ordered for the same destination. You + see how great the activity of our Government is, and that nothing is + thought unworthy of its vigilance or its machinations. In the staff of + Paswan Oglou, six of my countrymen have been serving ever since 1796, + always in the pay of our Government. + </p> + <p> + It was much against the inclination and interest of our Emperor that his + Ambassador at Constantinople should leave the field of battle there to the + representatives of Russia, Austria, and England. But his dignity was at + stake. After many threats to deprive the Sultan of the honour of his + presence, and even after setting out once for some leagues on his return, + Brune, observing that these marches and countermarches excited more mirth + than terror, at last fixed a day, when, finally, either Bonaparte must be + acknowledged by the Divan as an Emperor of the French, or his departure + would take place. On that day he, indeed, began his retreat, but, under + different pretexts, be again stopped, sent couriers to his secretaries, + waited for their return, and sent new couriers again,—but all in + vain, the Divan continued refractory. + </p> + <p> + At his first audience after his return, the reception Bonaparte gave him + was not very cordial. He demanded active employment, in case of a + continental war, either in Italy or in Germany, but received neither. When + our army of England was already on its march towards the Rhine, and + Bonaparte returned here, Brune was ordered to take command on the coast, + and to organize there an army of observation, destined to succour Holland + in case of an invasion, or to invade England should a favourable occasion + present itself. The fact is, he was charged to intrigue rather than to + fight; and were Napoleon able to force upon Austria another Peace of + Luneville, Brune would probably be the plenipotentiary that would ask your + acceptance of another Peace of Amiens. It is here a general belief that + his present command signifies another pacific overture from Bonaparte + before your Parliament meets, or, at least, before the New Year. Remember + that our hero is more to be dreaded as a Philip than as an Alexander. + </p> + <p> + General Brune has bought landed property for nine millions of livres—and + has, in different funds, placed ready money to the same amount. His own + and his wife’s diamonds are valued by him at three millions; and when he + has any parties to dinner, he exhibits them with great complaisance as + presents forced upon him during his campaign in Switzerland and Holland, + for the protection he gave the inhabitants. He is now so vain of his + wealth and proud of his rank, that he not only disregards all former + acquaintances, but denies his own brothers and sisters,—telling them + frankly that the Fieldmarshal Brune can have no shoemaker for a brother, + nor a sister married to a chandler; that he knows of no parents, and of no + relatives, being the maker of his own fortune, and of what he is; that his + children will look no further back for ancestry than their father. One of + his first cousins, a postilion, who insisted, rather obstinately, on his + family alliance, was recommended by Brune to his friend Fouche, who sent + him on a voyage of discovery to Cayenne, from which he probably will not + return very soon. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XL. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + My LORD:—Madame de C———n is now one of our most + fashionable ladies. Once in the week she has a grand tea-party; once in a + fortnight a grand dinner; and once in the month a grand ball. Foreign + gentlemen are particularly well received at her house, which, of course, + is much frequented by them. As you intend to visit this country after a + peace, it may be of some service to you not to be unacquainted with the + portrait of a lady whose invitation to see the original you may depend + upon the day after your arrival. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="p338" id="p338"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p338.jpg (75K)" src="images/p338.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Madame de C——n is the widow of the great and useless + traveller, Comte de C——n, to whom his relatives pretend that + she was never married. Upon his death-bed he acknowledged her, however, + for his wife, and left her mistress of a fortune of three hundred thousand + livres a year. The first four years of her widowhood she passed in + lawsuits before the tribunals, where the plaintiffs could not prove that + she was unmarried, nor she herself that she was married. But Madame + Napoleon Bonaparte, for a small douceur, speaking in her favour, the + consciences of the juries, and the understanding of the judges, were all + convinced at once that she had been the lawful wife, and was the lawful + heiress, of Comte de C——n, who had no children, or nearer + relatives than third cousins. + </p> + <p> + Comte de C——n was travelling in the East Indies when the + Revolution broke out. His occupation there was a very innocent one; he + drew countenances, being one of the most enthusiastic sectaries of + Lavater, and modestly called himself the first physiognomist in the world. + Indeed, he had been at least the most laborious one; for he left behind + him a collection of six thousand two hundred portraits, drawn by himself + in the four quarters of the world, during a period of thirty years. + </p> + <p> + He never engaged a servant, nor dealt with a tradesman, whose physiognomy + had not been examined by him. In his travels he preferred the worst + accommodation in a house where he approved of the countenance of the host, + to the best where the traits or lines of the landlord’s face were + irregular, or did not coincide with his ideas of physiognomical propriety. + The cut of a face, its expression, the length of the nose, the width or + smallness of the mouth, the form of the eyelids or of the ears, the colour + or thickness of the hair, with the shape and tout ensemble of the head, + were always minutely considered and discussed before he entered into any + agreement, on any subject, with any individual whatever. Whatever + recommendations, or whatever attestations were produced, if they did not + correspond with his own physiognomical remarks and calculations, they were + disregarded; while a person whose physiognomy pleased him required no + other introduction to obtain his confidence. Whether he thought himself + wiser than his forefathers, he certainly did not grow richer than they + were. Charlatans who imposed upon his credulity and impostors who + flattered his mania, servants who robbed him and mistresses who deceived + him, proved that if his knowledge of physiognomy was great, it was by no + means infallible. At his death, of the fortune left him by his parents + only the half remained. + </p> + <p> + His friends often amused themselves at the expense of his foibles. When he + prepared for a journey to the East, one of them recommended him a servant, + upon whose fidelity he could depend. After examining with minute + scrupulosity the head of the person, he wrote: “My friend, I accept your + valuable present. From calculations, which never deceive me, Manville (the + servant’s name) possesses, with the fidelity of a dog, the intrepidity of + the lion. Chastity itself is painted on his front, modesty in his looks, + temperance on his cheek, and his mouth and nose bespeak honesty itself.” + Shortly after the Count had landed at Pondicherry, Mauville, who was a + girl, died, in a condition which showed that chastity had not been the + divinity to whom she had chiefly sacrificed. In her trunk were found + several trinkets belonging to her master, which she honestly had + appropriated to herself. His miscalculation on this subject the Count + could not but avow; he added, however, that it was the entire fault of his + friend, who had duped him with regard to the sex. + </p> + <p> + Madame de C——n was, on account of her physiognomy, purchased + by her late husband, then travelling in Turkey, from a merchant of + Circassian slaves, when she was under seven years of age, and sent for her + education to a relative of the Count, an Abbess of a convent in Languedoc. + On his return from Turkey, some years afterwards, he took her under his + own care, and she accompanied him all over Asia, and returned first to + France in 1796, where her husband’s name was upon the list of emigrants, + though he had not been in Europe for ten years before the Revolution. + </p> + <p> + However, by some pecuniary arrangements with Barras, he recovered his + property, which he did not long enjoy, for he died in 1798. The suitors of + Madame de C——n, mistress of a large fortune, with some + remnants of beauty and elegance of manners, have been numerous, and among + them several Senators and generals, and even the Minister Chaptal. But she + has politely declined all their offers, preferring her liberty and the + undisturbed right of following her own inclination to the inconvenient + ties of Hymen. A gentleman, whom she calls, and who passes for, her + brother, Chevalier de M de T——, a Knight of Malta, assists her + in doing the honours of her house, and is considered as her favourite + lover; though report and the scandalous chronicle say that she bestows her + favours on every person who wishes to bestow on her his name, and that, + therefore, her gallants are at least as numerous as her suitors. + </p> + <p> + Such is the true statement of the past, as well as the present, with + regard to Madame de C——n. She relates, however, a different + story. She says that she is the daughter of the Marquis de M de T——-, + of a Languedoc family; that she sailed, when a child, with her mother in a + felucca from Nice to Malta, there to visit her brother; was captured by an + Algerine pilot, separated from her mother, and carried to Constantinople + by a merchant of slaves; there she was purchased by Comte de C——n, + who restored her to her family, and whom, therefore, notwithstanding the + difference of their ages, she married from gratitude. This pretty, + romantic story is ordered in our Court circles to be officially believed; + and, of course, is believed by nobody, not even by the Emperor and Empress + themselves, who would not give her the place of a lady-in-waiting, though + her request was accompanied with a valuable diamond to the latter. The + present was kept, but the offer declined. + </p> + <p> + All the members of the Bonaparte family, female as well as male, honour + her house with their visits and with the acceptance of her invitations; + and it is, therefore, among our fashionables, the ‘haut ton’ to be of the + society and circle of Madame de C——n. + </p> + <p> + Last February, Madame de P——t (the wife of Comte de P——t, + a relative, by her husband’s side, of Madame de C——n, and who + by the Revolution lost all their property, and now live with her as + companions) was brought to bed of a son; the child was baptized by the + Cardinal de Belloy, and Madame Joseph and Prince Louis Bonaparte stood + sponsors. This occurrence was celebrated with great pomp, and a fete was + given to nearly one hundred and fifty per sons of both sexes,—as + usual, a mixture of ci-devant nobles and of ci-devant sans-culottes; of + rank and meanness; of upstart wealth and beggared dignity. + </p> + <p> + What that day struck me most was the audacity of the Senator Villetard in + teasing and insulting the old Cardinal de Belloy with his impertinent + conversation and affected piety. This Villetard was, before the + Revolution, a journeyman barber, and was released in 1789 by the mob from + the prison of the Chatelet, where he was confined for theft. In 1791 his + patriotism was so well known in the Department of Yonne, that he was + deputed by the Jacobins there to the Jacobins of the capital with an + address, encouraging and advising the deposition of Louis XVI.; and in + 1792 he was chosen a member of the National Convention, where the most + sanguinary and most violent of the factions were always certain to reckon + him in the number of their adherents. + </p> + <p> + In December, 1797, when an insurrection, prepared by Joseph Bonaparte at + Rome, deprived the late revered pontiff both of his sovereignty and + liberty, Villetard was sent by the Jacobin and atheistical party of the + Directory to Loretto, to seize and carry off the celebrated Madonna. In + the execution of this commission he displayed a conduct worthy the + littleness of his genius and the criminality of his mind. The wooden image + of the Holy Virgin, a black gown said to have appertained to her, together + with three broken china plates, which the Roman Catholic faithful have for + ages believed to have been used by her, were presented by him to the + Directory, with a cruelly scandalous show, accompanied by a horribly + blasphemous letter. He passed the next night, after he had perpetrated + this sacrilege, with two prostitutes, in the chapel of the Holy Virgin; + and, on the next morning, placed one of them, naked, on the pedestal where + the statue of the Virgin had formerly stood, and ordered all the devotees + at Loretto, and two leagues round, to prostrate themselves before her. + This shocking command occasioned the premature death of fifteen ladies, + two of whom, who were nuns, died on the spot on beholding the horrid + outrage; and many more were deprived of their reason. How barbarously + unfeeling must that wretch be who, in bereaving the religious, the pious, + and the conscientious of their consolation and hope, adds the tormenting + reproach of apostasy, by forcing virtue upon its knees to bow before what + it knows to be guilt and infamy. + </p> + <p> + A traitor to his associates as to his God, it was he who, in November, + 1799, presented at St. Cloud the decree which excluded all those who + opposed Bonaparte’s authority from the Council of Five Hundred, and + appointed the two committees which made him a First Consul. In reward for + this act of treachery, he was nominated to a place in the Conservative + Senate. He has now ranked himself among our modern saints, goes regularly + to Mass and confesses; has made a brother of his, who was a drummer, an + Abbe; and his assiduity about the Cardinal was probably with a view to + obtain advancement for this edifying priest. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal de Belloy is now ninety-six years of age, being born in 1709, + and has been a Bishop for fifty-three years, but, during the Revolution, + was proscribed, with all other prelates. He remained, however, in France, + where his age saved him from the guillotine, but not from being reduced to + the greatest want. A descendant of a noble family, and possessing an + unpolluted character, Bonaparte fixed upon him as one of the pillars for + the reestablishment of the Catholic worship, made him an Archbishop of + Paris, and procured him the rank of a Cardinal from Rome. But he is now in + his second childhood, entirely directed by his grand vicaries, Malaret, De + Mons, and Legeas, who are in the pay of, and absolutely devoted to, + Bonaparte. An innocent instrument in their hands, of those impious + compliments pronounced by him to the Emperor and the Empress, he did not, + perhaps, even understand the meaning. From such a man the vile and artful + Villetard might extort any promise. I observed, however, with pleasure, + that he was watched by the grand vicar, Malaret, who seldom loses sight of + His Eminence. + </p> + <p> + These two so opposite characters—I mean De Belloy and Villetard—are + already speaking evidences of the composition of the society at Madame de + C——n’s. But I will tell you something still more striking. + This lady is famous for her elegant services of plate, as much as for her + delicate taste in entertaining her parties. After the supper on this + night, eleven silver and four gold plates, besides numerous silver and + gold spoons, forks, etc., were missed. She informed Fouche of her loss, + who had her house surrounded by spies, with orders not to let any servant + pass without undergoing a strict search. The first gentleman who called + for his carriage was His Excellency the Counsellor of State and grand + officer of the Legion of Honour, Treilhard. His servants were stopped and + the cause explained. They willingly, and against the protest of their + master, suffered themselves to be searched. Nothing was found upon them; + but the police agents, observing the full-dress hat of their master rather + bulky under his arm, took the liberty to look into it, where they found + one of Madame de C——n’s gold plates and two of her spoons. His + Excellency immediately ordered his servants to be arrested, for having + concealed their theft there. Fouche, however, when called out, advised his + friend to forgive them for misplacing them, as the less said on the + subject the better. When Madame de C——n heard of this + discovery, she asked Fouche to recall his order or to alter it. “A + repetition of such misplacings in the hats or in the pockets of the + masters,” said she, “would injure the reputation of my house and company.” + She never recovered the remainder of her loss, and that she might not be + exposed in future to the same occurrences, she bought two services of + china the following day, to be used when she had mixed society. + </p> + <p> + Treilhard had, before the Revolution, the reputation of being an honest + man and an able advocate; but has since joined the criminals of all + factions, being an accomplice in their guilt and a sharer of their spoils. + In the convention, he voted for the death of Louis XVI. and pursued + without mercy the unfortunate Marie Antoinette to the scaffold. During his + missions in the departments, wherever he went the guillotine was erected + and blood flowed in streams. He was, nevertheless, accused by Robespierre + of moderatism. At Lille, in 1797, and at Rastadt, in 1798, he negotiated + as a plenipotentiary with the representatives of Princes, and in 1799 + corresponded as a director with Emperors and Kings, to whom he wrote as + his great and dear friends. He is now a Counsellor of State, in the + section of legislation, and enjoys a fortune of several millions of + livres, arising from estates in the country, and from leases in the + capital. As this accident at Madame de C——n’s soon became + public, his friends gave out that he had of late been exceedingly absent, + and, from absence of mind, puts everything he can lay hold of into his + pocket. He is not a favourite with Madame Bonaparte, and she asked her + husband to dismiss and disgrace him for an act so disgraceful to a grand + officer of the Legion of Honour, but was answered, “Were I to turn away + all the thieves and rogues that encompass me I should soon cease to reign. + I despise them, but I must employ them.” + </p> + <p> + It is whispered that the police have discovered another of Madame de C n’s + lost gold plates at a pawnbroker’s, where it had been pledged by the wife + of another Counsellor of State, Francois de Nantes. + </p> + <p> + This I give you merely as a report! though the fact is, that Madame + Francois is very fond of gambling, but very unfortunate; and she, with + other of our fashionable ladies, has more than once resorted to her charms + for the payment of her gambling debts. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF ST. CLOUD + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Being Secret Letters from a Gentleman at Paris to a Nobleman in London + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + BOOK 2. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER I. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Since my return here, I have never neglected to present + myself before our Sovereign, on his days of grand reviews and grand + diplomatic audiences. I never saw him more condescending, more agreeable, + or, at least, less offensive, than on the day of his last levee, before he + set out to be inaugurated a King of Italy; nor worse tempered, more + petulant, agitated, abrupt, and rude than at his first grand audience + after his arrival from Milan, when this ceremony had been performed. I am + not the only one who has made this remark; he did not disguise either his + good or ill-humour; and it was only requisite to have eyes and ears to see + and be disgusted at the difference of behaviour. + </p> + <p> + I have heard a female friend of Madame Bonaparte explain, in part, the + cause of this alteration. Just before he set out for Italy, the agreeable + news of the success of the first Rochefort squadron in the West Indies, + and the escape of our Toulon fleet from the vigilance of your Lord Nelson, + highly elevated his spirits, as it was the first naval enterprise of any + consequence since his reign. I am certain that one grand naval victory + would flatter his vanity and ambition more than all the glory of one of + his most brilliant Continental campaigns. He had also, at that time, great + expectations that another negotiation with Russia would keep the Continent + submissive under his dictature, until he should find an opportunity of + crushing your power. You may be sure that he had no small hopes of + striking a blow in your country, after the junction of our fleet with the + Spanish, not by any engagement between our Brest fleet and your Channel + fleet, but under a supposition that you would detach squadrons to the East + and West Indies in search of the combined fleet, which, by an unexpected + return, according to orders, would have then left us masters of the + Channel, and, if joined with the Batavian fleet, perhaps even of the North + Sea. By the incomprehensible activity of Lord Nelson, and by the defeat + (or as we call it here, the negative victory) of Villeneuve and Gravina, + all this first prospect had vanished. Our vengeance against a nation of + shopkeepers we were not only under the necessity of postponing, but, from + the unpolite threats and treaties of the Cabinet of St. Petersburg with + those of Vienna and St. James, we were on the eve of a Continental war, + and our gunboats, instead of being useful in carrying an army to the + destruction of the tyrants of the seas, were burdensome, as an army was + necessary to guard them, and to prevent these tyrants from capturing or + destroying them. Such changes, in so short a period of time as three + months, might irritate a temper less patient than that of Napoleon the + First. + </p> + <p> + At his grand audience here, even after the army, of England had moved + towards Germany, when the die was cast, and his mind should, therefore, + have been made up, he was almost insupportable. The low bows, and the + still humbler expressions of the Prussian Ambassador, the Marquis da + Lucchesini, were hardly noticed; and the Saxon Ambassador, Count von + Buneau, was addressed in a language that no well-bred master ever uses in + speaking to a menial servant. He did not cast a look, or utter a word, + that was not an insult to the audience and a disgrace to his rank. I never + before saw him vent his rage and disappointment so indiscriminately. We + were, indeed (if I may use the term), humbled and trampled upon en masse. + Some he put out of countenance by staring angrily at them; others he + shocked by his hoarse voice and harsh words; and all—all of us—were + afraid, in our turn, of experiencing something worse than our neighbours. + I observed more than one Minister, and more than one general, change + colour, and even perspire, at His Majesty’s approach. + </p> + <p> + I believe the members of the foreign diplomatic corps here will all agree + with me that, at a future congress, the restoration of the ancient and + becoming etiquette of the Kings of France would be as desirable a point to + demand from the Emperor of the French as the restoration of the balance of + power. + </p> + <p> + Before his army of England quitted its old quarters on the coast, the + officers and men often felt the effects of his ungovernable temper. When + several regiments of grenadiers, of the division of Oudinot, were defiling + before him on the 25th of last month, he frequently and severely, though + without cause, reprobated their manner of marching, and once rode up to + Captain Fournois, pushed him forwards with the point of a small cane, + calling out, “Sacre Dieu! Advance; you walk like a turkey.” In the first + moment of indignation, the captain, striking at the cane with his sword, + made a push, or a gesture, as if threatening the person of Bonaparte, who + called out to his aide-de-camp, Savary: + </p> + <p> + “Disarm the villain, and arrest him!” + </p> + <p> + “It is unnecessary,” the captain replied, “I have served a tyrant, and + merit my fate!” So saying, he passed his sword through his heart. + </p> + <p> + His whole company stopped instantly, as at a word of command, and a + general murmur was heard. + </p> + <p> + “Lay down your arms, and march out of the file instantly,” commanded + Bonaparte, “or you shall be cut down for your mutiny by my guides.” + </p> + <p> + They hesitated for a moment, but the guides advancing to surround them, + they obeyed, and were disarmed. On the following afternoon, by a special + military commission, each tenth man was condemned to be shot; but + Bonaparte pardoned them upon condition of serving for life in the + colonies; and the whole company was ordered to the colonial depots. The + widow and five children of Captain Fournois the next morning threw + themselves at the Emperor’s feet, presenting a petition, in which they + stated that the pay of the captain had been their only support. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied Bonaparte to the kneeling petitioners, “Fournois was both + a fool and a traitor; but, nevertheless, I will take care of you.” Indeed, + they have been so well taken care of that nobody knows what has become of + them. + </p> + <p> + I am almost certain that I am not telling you what you did not know + beforehand in informing you that the spirit of our troops is greatly + different from that of the Germans, and even from that of your own + country. Every, one of our soldiers would prefer being shot to being + beaten or caned. Flogging, with us, is out of the question. It may, + perhaps, be national vanity, but I am doubtful whether any other army is, + or can be, governed, with regard to discipline, in a less violent and more + delicate manner, and, nevertheless, be kept in subordination, and perform + the most brilliant exploits. Remember, I speak of our spirit of + subordination and discipline, and not of our character as citizens, as + patriots, or as subjects. I have often hinted it, but I believe I have not + explained myself so fully before; but my firm opinion and persuasion is + that, with regard to our loyalty, our duty, and our moral and political + principles, another equally inconsistent and despicable people does not + exist in the universe. + </p> + <p> + The condition of the slave is certainly in itself that of vileness; but is + that slave a vile being who, for a blow, pierces his bosom because he is + unable to avenge it? And what epithet can be given him who braves + voluntarily a death seemingly certain, not from the love of his country, + but from a principle of honour, almost incompatible with the dishonour of + bondage? + </p> + <p> + During the siege of Yorktown, in America, we had, during one night, + erected a battery, with intent to blow up a place which, according to the + report of our spies, was your magazine of ammunition, etc. We had not time + to finish it before daylight; but one loaded twenty-four pounder was + mounted, and our cannoneer, the moment he was about to fire it, was + killed. Six more of our men, in the same attempt, experienced the same + fate. My regiment constituted the advanced guard nearest to the spot, and + La Fayette brought me the order from the commander-in-chief to engage some + of my men upon that desperate undertaking. I spoke to them, and two + advanced, but were both instantly shot by your sharpshooters. I then + looked at my grenadiers, without uttering anything, when, to my sorrow, + one of my best and most orderly men advanced, saying, “My colonel, permit + me to try my fortune!” I assented, and he went coldly amidst hundreds of + bullets whistling around his ears, set fire to the cannon, which blew up a + depot of powder, as was expected, and in the confusion returned unhurt. La + Fayette then presented him with his purse. “No, monsieur,” replied he, + “money did not make me venture upon such a perilous undertaking.” I + understood my man, promoted him to a sergeant, and recommended him to + Rochambeau, who, in some months, procured him the commission of a + sub-lieutenant. He is now one of Bonaparte’s Field-marshals, and the only + one of that rank who has no crimes to reproach himself with. This man was + the soldier of a despot; but was not his action that of a man of honour, + which a stanch republican of ancient Rome would have been proud of? Who + can explain this contradiction? + </p> + <p> + This anecdote about Fournois I heard General Savary relate at Madame + Duchatel’s, as a proof of Bonaparte’s generosity and clemency, which, he + affirmed, excited the admiration of the whole camp at Boulogne. I do not + suppose this officer to be above thirty years of age, of which he has + passed the first twenty-five in orphan-houses or in watch-houses; but no + tyrant ever had a more cringing slave, or a more abject courtier. His + affectation to extol everything that Bonaparte does, right or wrong, is at + last become so habitual that it is naturalized, and you may mistake for + sincerity that which is nothing but imposture or flattery. This son of a + Swiss porter is now one of Bonaparte’s adjutants-general, a colonel of the + Gendarmes d’Elite, a general of brigade in the army, and a commander of + the Legion of Honour; all these places he owes, not to valour or merit, + but to abjectness, immorality, and servility. When an aide-de-camp with + Bonaparte in Egypt, he served him as a spy on his comrades and on the + officers of the staff, and was so much detested that, near Aboukir, + several shots were fired at him in his tent by his own countrymen. He is + supposed still to continue the same espionage; and as a colonel of the + Gendarmes d’Elite, he is charged with the secret execution of all + proscribed persons or State prisoners, who have been secretly condemned,—a + commission that a despot gives to a man he trusts, but dares not offer to + a man he esteems. He is so well known that the instant he enters a society + silence follows, and he has the whole conversation to himself. This he is + stupid enough to take for a compliment, or for a mark of respect, or an + acknowledgment of his superior parts and intelligence, when, in fact, it + is a direct reproach with which prudence arms itself against suspected or + known dishonesty. Besides his wife, he has to support six other women whom + he has seduced and ruined; and, notwithstanding the numerous opportunities + his master has procured him of pillaging and enriching himself, he is + still much in debt; but woe to his creditors were they indiscreet enough + to ask for their payments! The Secret Tribunal would soon seize them and + transport them, or deliver them over to the hands of their debtor, to be + shot as traitors or conspirators. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER II. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + My LORD:—I am told that it was the want of pecuniary resources that + made Bonaparte so ill-tempered on his last levee day. He would not have + come here at all, but preceded his army to Strasburg, had his Minister of + Finances, Gaudin, and his Minister of the Public Treasury, Marbois, been + able to procure forty-four millions of livres—to pay a part of the + arrears of the troops; and for the speedy conveyance of ammunition and + artillery towards the Rhine. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after his arrival here, Bonaparte sent for the directors of + the Bank of France, informing them that within twenty-four hours they must + advance him thirty-six millions of livres—upon the revenue of the + last quarter of 1808. The president of the bank, Senator Garrat, demanded + two hours to lay before the Emperor the situation of the bank, that His + Majesty might judge what sum it was possible to spare without ruining the + credit of an establishment hitherto so useful to the commerce of the + Empire. To this Bonaparte replied that he was not ignorant of the + resources, or of the credit of the bank, any more than of its public + utility; but that the affairs of State suffered from every hour’s delay, + and that, therefore, he insisted upon having the sum demanded even within + two hours, partly in paper and partly in cash; and were they to show any + more opposition, he would order the bank and all its effects to be seized + that moment. The directors bowed and returned to the bank; whither they + were followed by four waggons escorted by hussars, and belonging to the + financial department of the army of England. In these were placed eight + millions of livres in cash; and twenty-eight millions in bank-notes were + delivered to M. Lefevre, the Secretary-General of Marbois, who presented, + in exchange, Bonaparte’s bond and security for the amount, bearing an + interest of five per cent. yearly. + </p> + <p> + When this money transaction was known to the public, the alarm became + general, and long before the hour the bank usually opens the adjoining + streets were crowded with persons desiring to exchange their notes for + cash. During the night the directors had taken care to pay themselves for + the banknotes in their own possession with silver or gold, and, as they + expected a run, they ordered all persons to be paid in copper coin, as + long as any money of this metal remained. It required a long time to count + those halfpennies and centimes (five of which make a sou, or halfpenny), + but the people were not tired with waiting until towards three o’clock in + the afternoon, when the bank is shut up. They then became so clamorous + that a company of gendarmes was placed for protection at the entrance of + the bank; but, as the tumult increased, the street was surrounded by the + police guards, and above six hundred individuals, many of them women, were + carried, under an escort, to different police commissaries, and to the + prefecture of the police. There most of them, after being examined, were + reprimanded and released. The same night, the police spies reported in the + coffee-houses of the Palais Royal, and on the Boulevards, that this run on + the bank was encouraged, and paid for, by English emissaries, some of whom + were already taken, and would be executed on the next day. In the morning, + however, the streets adjoining the bank were still more crowded, and the + crowd still more tumultuous, because payment was refused for all notes but + those of five hundred livres. The activity of the police agents, supported + by the gendarmes and police soldiers, again restored order, after several + hundred persons had been again taken up for their mutinous conduct. Of + these many were, on the same evening, loaded with chains, and, placed in + carts under military escort, paraded about near the bank and the Palais + Royal; the police having, as a measure of safety, under suspicion that + they were influenced by British gold, condemned them to be transported to + Cayenne; and the carts set out on the same night for Rochefort, the place + of their embarkation. + </p> + <p> + On the following day, not an individual approached the bank, but all trade + and all payments were at a stand; nobody would sell but for ready money, + and nobody who had bank-notes would part with cash. Some Jews and + money-brokers in the Palais Royal offered cash for these bills, at a + discount of from ten to twenty per cent. But these usurers were, in their + turn, taken up and transported, as agents of Pitt. An interview was then + demanded by the directors and principal bankers with the Ministers of + Finance and of the Public Treasury. In this conference it was settled + that, as soon as the two millions of dollars on their way from Spain had + arrived at Paris, the bank should reassume its payments. These dollars + Government would lend the bank for three months, and take in return its + notes, but the bank was, nevertheless, to pay an interest of six per cent. + during that period. All the bankers agreed not to press unnecessarily for + any exchange of bills into cash, and to keep up the credit of the bank + even by the individual credit of their own houses. + </p> + <p> + You know, I suppose, that the Bank of France has never issued but two + sorts of notes; those of one thousand livres—and those of five + hundred livres. At the day of its stoppage, sixty millions of livres—of + the former, and fifteen millions of livres—of the latter, were in + circulation; and I have heard a banker assert that the bank had not then + six millions of livres—in money and bullion, to satisfy the claims + of its creditors, or to honour its bills. + </p> + <p> + The shock given to the credit of the bank by this last requisition of + Bonaparte will be felt for a long time, and will with difficulty ever be + repaired under his despotic government. Even now, when the bank pays in + cash, our merchants make a difference from five to ten per cent. between + purchasing for specie or paying in bank-notes; and this mistrust will not + be lessened hereafter. You may, perhaps, object that, as long as the bank + pays, it is absurd for any one possessing its bills to pay dearer than + with cash, which might so easily be obtained. This objection would stand + with regard to your, or any other free country, but here, where no + payments are made in gold, but always in silver or copper, it requires a + cart to carry away forty, thirty, or twenty thousand livres, in coin of + these metals, and would immediately excite suspicion that a bearer of + these bills was an emissary of our enemies, or an enemy of our Government. + With us, unfortunately, suspicion is the same as conviction, and + chastisement follows it as its shadow. + </p> + <p> + A manufacturer of the name of Debrais, established in the Rue St. Martin, + where he had for years carried on business in the woollen line, went to + the bank two days after it had begun to pay. He demanded, and obtained, + exchange for twenty-four thousand livres—in notes, necessary for him + to pay what was due by him to his workmen. The same afternoon six of our + custom-house officers, accompanied by police agents and gendarmes, paid + him a domiciliary visit under pretence of searching for English goods. + Several bales were seized as being of that description, and Debrais was + carried a prisoner to La Force. On being examined by Fouche, he offered to + prove, by the very men who had fabricated the suspected goods, that they + were not English. The Minister silenced him by saying that Government had + not only evidence of the contrary, but was convinced that he was employed + as an English agent to hurt the credit of the bank, and therefore, if he + did not give up his accomplices or employers, had condemned him to + transportation. In vain did his wife and daughters petition to Madame + Bonaparte; Debrais is now at Rochefort, if not already embarked for our + colonies. + </p> + <p> + When he was arrested, a seal, as usual, was put on his house, from which + his wife and family were turned out, until the police should have time to + take an inventory of his effects, and had decided on his fate. When Madame + Debrais, after much trouble and many pecuniary sacrifices, at last + obtained permission to have the seals removed, and reenter her house, she + found that all her plate and more than half her goods and furniture had + been stolen and carried away. Upon her complaint of this theft she was + thrown into prison for not being able to support her complaint with + proofs, and for attempting to vilify the characters of the agents of our + Government. She is still in prison, but her daughters are by her orders + disposing of the remainder of their parents’ property, and intend to join + their father as soon as their mother has recovered her liberty. + </p> + <p> + The same tyranny that supports the credit of our bank also keeps up the + price of our stocks. Any of our great stockholders who sell out to any + large amount, if they are unable to account for, or unwilling to declare + the manner in which they intend to employ, their money, are immediately + arrested, sometimes transported to the colonies, but more frequently + exiled into the country, to remain under the inspection of some police + agent, and are not allowed to return here without the previous permission + of our Government. Those of them who are upstarts, and have made their + fortune since the Revolution by plunder or as contractors, are still more + severely treated, and are often obliged to renounce part of their + ill-gotten wealth to save the remainder, or to preserve their liberty or + lives. A revisal of their former accounts, or an inspection of their past + transactions, is a certain and efficacious threat to keep them in silent + submission, as they all well understand the meaning of them. + </p> + <p> + Even foreigners, whom our numerous national bankruptcies have not yet + disheartened, are subject to these measures of rigour or vigour requisite + to preserve our public credit. In the autumn of last year a Dutchman of + the name of Van der Winkle sold out by his agent for three millions of + livres—in our stock on one day, for which he bought up bills upon + Hamburg and London. He lodged in the Hotel des Quatre Nations, Rue + Grenelle, where the landlord, who is a patriot, introduced some police + agents into his apartments during his absence. These broke open all his + trunks, drawers, and even his writing-desk, and when he entered, seized + his person, and carried him to the Temple. By his correspondence it was + discovered that all this money was to be brought over to England; a reason + more than sufficient to incur the suspicion of our Government. Van der + Winkle spoke very little French, and he continued, therefore, in + confinement three weeks before he was examined, as our secret police had + not at Paris any of its agents who spoke Dutch. Carried before Fouche, he + avowed that the money was destined for England, there to pay for some + plantations which he desired to purchase in Surinam and Barbice. His + interpreter advised him, by the orders of Fouche, to alter his mind, and, + as he was fond of colonial property, lay out his money in plantations at + Cayenne, which was in the vicinity of Surinam, and where Government would + recommend him advantageous purchases. It was hinted to him, also, that + this was a particular favour, and a proof of the generosity of our + Government, as his papers contained many matters that might easily be + construed to be of a treasonable nature. After consulting with + Schimmelpenninck, the Ambassador of his country, he wrote for his wife and + children, and was seen safe with them to Bordeaux by our police agents, + who had hired an American vessel to carry them all to Cayenne. This + certainly is a new method to populate our colonies with capitalists. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER III. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Hanover has been a mine of gold to our Government, to its + generals, to its commissaries, and to its favourites. According to the + boasts of Talleyrand, and the avowal of Berthier, we have drawn from it + within two years more wealth than has been paid in contributions to the + Electors of Hanover for this century past, and more than half a century of + peace can restore to that unfortunate country. It is reported here that + each person employed in a situation to make his fortune in the Continental + States of the King of England (a name given here to Hanover in courtesy to + Bonaparte) was laid under contribution, and expected to make certain + douceurs to Madame Bonaparte; and it is said that she has received from + Mortier three hundred thousand livres, and from Bernadotte two hundred and + fifty thousand livres, besides other large sums from our military + commissaries, treasurers, and other agents in the Electorate. + </p> + <p> + General Mortier is one of the few favourite officers of Bonaparte who have + distinguished themselves under his rivals, Pichegru and Moreau, without + ever serving under him. Edward Adolph Casimer Mortier is the son of a + shopkeeper, and was born at Cambray in 1768. He was a shopman with his + father until 1791, when he obtained a commission, first as a lieutenant of + carabiniers, and afterwards as captain of the first battalion of + volunteers of the Department of the North. His first sight of an enemy was + on the 30th of April, 1792, near Quievrain, where he had a horse killed + under him. He was present in the battles of Jemappes, of Nerwinde, and of + Pellenberg. At the battle of Houdscoote he distinguished himself so much + as to be promoted to an adjutant general. He was wounded at the battle of + Fleures, and again at the passage of the Rhine, in 1795, under General + Moreau. During 1796 and 1797 he continued to serve in Germany, but in 1798 + and 1799 he headed a division in Switzerland from which Bonaparte recalled + him in 1800, to command the troops in the capital and its environs. His + address to Bonaparte, announcing the votes of the troops under him + respecting the consulate for life and the elevation to the Imperial + throne, contain such mean and abject flattery that, for a true soldier, it + must have required more self-command and more courage to pronounce them + than to brave the fire of a hundred cannons; but these very addresses, + contemptible as their contents are, procured him the Field-marshal’s + staff. Mortier well knew his man, and that his cringing in antechambers + would be better rewarded than his services in the field. I was not present + when Mortier spoke so shamefully, but I have heard from persons who + witnessed this farce, that he had his eyes fixed on the ground the whole + time, as if to say, “I grant that I speak as a despicable being, and I + grant that I am so; but what shall I do, tormented as I am by ambition to + figure among the great, and to riot among the wealthy? Have compassion on + my weakness, or, if you have not, I will console myself with the idea that + my meanness is only of the duration of half an hour, while its + recompense-my rank-will be permanent.” + </p> + <p> + Mortier married, in 1799, the daughter of the landlord of the Belle + Sauvage inn at Coblentz, who was pregnant by him, or by some other guest + of her father. She is pretty, but not handsome, and she takes advantage of + her husband’s complaisance to console herself both for his absence and + infidelities. When she was delivered of her last child, Mortier positively + declared that he had not slept with her for twelve months, and the babe + has, indeed, less resemblance to him than to his valet de chambre. The + child was baptised with great splendour; the Emperor and the Empress were + the sponsors, and it was christened by Cardinal Fesch. Bonaparte presented + Madame Mortier on this occasion with a diamond necklace valued at one + hundred and fifty thousand livres. + </p> + <p> + During his different campaigns, and particularly during his glorious + campaign in Hanover, he has collected property to the amount of seven + millions of livres, laid out in estates and lands. He is considered by + other generals as a brave captain, but an indifferent chief; and among our + fashionables and our courtiers he is held up as a model of connubial + fidelity—satisfying himself with keeping three mistresses only. + </p> + <p> + There was no truth in the report that his recall from Hanover was in + consequence of any disgrace; on the contrary, it was a new proof of + Bonaparte’s confidence and attachment. He was recalled to take the command + of the artillery of Bonaparte’s, household troops the moment Pichegru, + George, and Moreau were arrested, and when the Imperial tide had been + resolved on. More resistance against this innovation was at that time + expected than experienced. + </p> + <p> + Bernadotte, who succeeded Mortier in the command of our army in Hanover, + is a man of a different stamp. His father was a chair-man, and he was born + at Paris in 1763. In 1779 he enlisted in the regiment called La Vieille + Harine, where the Revolution found him a sergeant. This regiment was then + quartered at Toulon, and the emissaries of anarchy and licentiousness + engaged him as one of their agents. His activity soon destroyed all + discipline, and the troops, instead of attending to their military duty, + followed him to the debates and discussions of the Jacobin clubs. Being + arrested and ordered to be tried for his mutinous, scandalous behaviour, + an insurrection liberated him, and forced his accusers to save their lives + by flight. In April, 1790, he headed the banditti who murdered the + Governor of the Fort St. Jean at Marseilles, and who afterwards occasioned + the Civil War in Comtat Venaigin, where he served under Jourdan, known by + the name of Coup-tell, or cut-throat, who made him a colonel and his + aide-de-camp. In 1794, he was employed, as a general of brigade, in the + army of the Sambre and Meuse; and during the campaigns of 1795 and 1796, + he served under another Jourdan, the general, without much distinction,—except + that he was accused by him of being the cause of all the disasters of the + last campaign, by the complete rout he suffered near Neumark on the 23d of + August, 1796. His division was ordered to Italy in 1797, where, against + the laws of nations, he arrested M. d’ Antraigues, who was attached to the + Russian legation. When the Russian Ambassador tried to dissuade him from + committing this injustice, and this violation of the rights of privileged + persons, he replied: “There is no question here of any other right or + justice than the right and justice of power, and I am here the strongest. + M. d’Antraigues is our enemy; were he victorious, he would cause us all to + be shot. I repeat, I am here the strongest, ‘et nous verrons’.” + </p> + <p> + After the Peace of Campo Formio, Bernadotte was sent as an Ambassador to + the Court of Vienna, accompanied by a numerous escort of Jacobin + propagators. Having procured the liberty of Austrian patriots, whose + lives, forfeit to the law, the lenity of the Cabinet of Vienna had spared, + he thought that he might attempt anything; and, therefore, on the + anniversary day of the fete for the levy en masse of the inhabitants of + the capital, he insulted the feelings of the loyal, and excited the + discontented to rebellion, by placing over the door and in the windows of + his house the tri-coloured flag. This outrage the Emperor was unable to + prevent his subjects from resenting. Bernadotte’s house was invaded, his + furniture broken to pieces, and he was forced to save himself at the house + of the Spanish Ambassador. As a satisfaction for this attack, provoked by + his own insolence, he demanded the immediate dismissal of the Austrian + Minister, Baron Thugut, and threatened, in case of refusal, to leave + Vienna, which he did on the next day. So disgraceful was his conduct + regarded, even by the Directory, that this event made but little + impression, and no alteration in the continuance of their intercourse with + the Austrian Government. + </p> + <p> + In 1799, he was for some weeks a Minister of the war department, from + which his incapacity caused him to be dismissed. When Bonaparte intended + to seize the reins of State, he consulted Bernadotte, who spoke as an + implacable Jacobin until a douceur of three hundred thousand livres—calmed + him a little, and convinced him that the Jacobins were not infallible or + their government the best of all possible governments. In 1801, he was + made the commander-in-chief in the Western Department, where he exercised + the greatest barbarities against the inhabitants, whom he accused of being + still chouans and royalists. + </p> + <p> + With Augereau and Massena, Bernadotte is a merciless plunderer. In the + summer, 1796, he summoned the magistrates of the free and neutral city of + Nuremberg to bring him, under pain of military execution, within + twenty-four hours, two millions of livres. With much difficulty this sum + was collected. The day after he had received it, he insisted upon another + sum to the same amount within another twenty-four hours, menacing in case + of disobedience to give the city up to a general pillage by his troops. + Fortunately, a column of Austrians advanced and delivered them from the + execution of his threats. The troops under him were, both in Italy and in + Germany, the terror of the inhabitants, and when defeated were, from their + pillage and murder, hunted like wild beasts. Bernadotte has by these means + within ten years become master of a fortune of ten millions of livres. + </p> + <p> + Many have considered Bernadotte a revolutionary fanatic, but they are in + the wrong. Money engaged him in the cause of the Revolution, where the + first crimes he had perpetrated fixed him. The many massacres under + Jourdan the cut-throat, committed by him in the Court at Venaigin, no + doubt display a most sanguinary character. A lady, however, in whose house + in La Vendee he was quartered six months, has assured me that, to judge + from his conversation, he is not naturally cruel, but that his imagination + is continually tormented with the fear of gibbets which he knows that his + crimes have merited, and that, therefore, when he stabs others, he thinks + it commanded by the necessity of preventing others from stabbing him. Were + he sure of impunity, he would, perhaps, show humanity as well as justice. + Bernadotte is not, only a grand officer of the Legion of Honour, but a + knight of the Royal Prussian Order of the Black Eagle. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Bonaparte has taken advantage of the remark of Voltaire, in + his “Life of Louis XIV.,” that this Prince owed much of his celebrity to + the well—distributed pensions among men of letters in France and in + foreign countries. According to a list shown me by Fontanes, the president + of the legislative corps and a director of literary pensions, even in your + country and in Ireland he has nine literary pensioners. Though the names + of your principal authors and men of letters are not unknown to me, I have + never read nor heard of any of those I saw in the list, except two or + three as editors of some newspapers, magazines, or trifling and scurrilous + party pamphlets. I made this observation to Fontanes, who replied that + these men, though obscure, had, during the last peace, been very useful, + and would be still more so after another pacification; and that Bonaparte + must be satisfied with these until he could gain over men of greater + talents. He granted also that men of true genius and literary eminence + were, in England, more careful of the dignity of their character than + those of Germany and Italy, and more difficult to be bought over. He added + that, as soon as the war ceased, he should cross the Channel on a literary + mission, from which he hoped to derive more success than from that which + was undertaken three years ago by Fievee. + </p> + <p> + To these men of letters, who are themselves, with their writings, devoted + to Bonaparte, he certainly is very liberal. Some he has made tribunes, + prefects, or legislators; others he has appointed his Ministers in foreign + countries, and on those to whom he has not yet been able to given places, + he bestows much greater pensions than any former Sovereign of this country + allowed to a Corneille, a Racine, a Boileau, a Voltaire, a De Crebillon, a + D’ Alembert, a Marmontel, and other heroes of our literature and honours + to our nation. This liberality is often carried too far, and thrown away + upon worthless subjects, whose very flattery displays absence of taste and + genius, as well as of modesty and shame. To a fellow of the name of Dagee, + who sang the coronation of Napoleon the First in two hundred of the most + disgusting and ill-digested lines that ever were written, containing + neither metre nor sense, was assigned a place in the administration of the + forest department, worth twelve thousand livres in the year—besides + a present, in ready money, of one hundred napoleons d’or. Another + poetaster, Barre, who has served and sung the chiefs of all former + factions, received, for an ode of forty lines on Bonaparte’s birthday, an + office at Milan, worth twenty thousand livres in the year—and one + hundred napoleons d’or for his travelling expenses. + </p> + <p> + The sums of money distributed yearly by Bonaparte’s agents for dedications + to him by French and foreign authors, are still greater than those fixed + for regular literary pensions. Instead of discouraging these foolish and + impertinent contributions, which genius, ingenuity, necessity, or + intrusion, lay on his vanity, he rather encourages them. His name is, + therefore, found in more dedications published within these last five + years than those of all other Sovereign Princes in Europe taken together + for the last century. In a man whose name, unfortunately for humanity, + must always live in history, it is a childish and unpardonable weakness to + pay so profusely for the short and uncertain immortality which some dull + or obscure scribbler or poetaster confers on him. + </p> + <p> + During the last Christmas holidays I dined at Madame Remisatu’s, in + company with Duroc. The question turned upon literary productions and the + comparative merit of the compositions of modern French and foreign + authors. “As to the merits or the quality,” said Duroc, “I will not take + upon me to judge, as I profess myself totally incompetent; but as to their + size and quantity I have tolerably good information, and it will not, + therefore, be very improper in me to deliver my opinion. I am convinced + that the German and Italian authors are more numerous than those of my own + country, for the following reasons: I suppose, from what I have witnessed + and experienced for some years past, that of every book or publication + printed in France, Italy, and Germany, each tenth is dedicated to the + Emperor. Now, since last Christmas ninety-six German and seventy-one + Italian authors have inscribed their works to His Majesty, and been + rewarded for it; while during the same period only sixty-six Frenchmen + have presented their offerings to their Sovereign.” For my part I think + Duroc’s conclusion tolerably just. + </p> + <p> + Among all the numerous hordes of authors who have been paid, recompensed, + or encouraged by Bonaparte, none have experienced his munificence more + than the Italian Spanicetti and the German Ritterstein. The former + presented him a genealogical table in which he proved that the Bonaparte + family, before their emigration from Tuscany to Corsica, four hundred + years ago, were allied to the most ancient Tuscany families, even to that + of the House of Medicis; and as this house has given two queens to the + Bourbons when Sovereigns of France, the Bonapartes are, therefore, + relatives of the Bourbons; and the sceptre of the French Empire is still + in the same family, though in a more worthy branch. Spanicetti received + one thousand louis—in gold, a pension of six thousand livres—for + life, and the place of a chef du bureau in the ministry of the home + department of the Kingdom of Italy, producing eighteen thousand livres + yearly. + </p> + <p> + Ritterstein, a Bavarian genealogist, proved the pedigree of the Bonapartes + as far back as the first crusades, and that the name of the friend of + Richard Coeur de Lion was not Blondel, but Bonaparte; that he exchanged + the latter for the former only to marry into the Plantagenet family, the + last branch of which has since been extinguished by its intermarriage and + incorporation with the House of Stuart, and that, therefore, Napoleon + Bonaparte is not only related to most Sovereign Princes of Europe, but has + more right to the throne of Great Britain than George the Third, being + descended from the male branch of the Stuarts; while this Prince is only + descended from the female branch of the same royal house. Ritterstein was + presented with a snuff-box with Bonaparte’s portrait set with diamonds, + valued at twelve thousand livres, and received twenty-four thousand livres + ready money, together with a pension of nine thousand livres—in the + year, until he could be better provided for. He was, besides, nominated a + Knight of the Legion of Honour. It cannot be denied but that Bonaparte + rewards like a real Emperor. + </p> + <p> + But artists as well as authors obtain from him the same encouragement, and + experience the same liberality. In our different museums we, therefore, + already, see and admire upwards of two hundred pictures, representing the + different actions, scenes, and achievements of Bonaparte’s public life. It + is true they are not all highly finished or well composed or delineated, + but they all strike the spectators more or less with surprise or + admiration; and it is with us, as, I suppose, with you, and everywhere + else, the multitude decide: for one competent judge or real connoisseur, + hundreds pass, who stare, gape, are charmed, and inspire thousands of + their acquaintance, friends, and neighbours with their own satisfaction. + Believe me, Napoleon the First well knows the age, his contemporaries, + and, I fear, even posterity. + </p> + <p> + That statuaries and sculptors consider him also as a generous patron, the + numerous productions of their chisels in France, Italy, and Germany, + having him for their object, seem to evince. Ten sculptors have already + represented his passage over the Mount St. Bernard, eighteen his passage + over Pont de Lodi, and twenty-two that over Pont d’ Arcole. At Rome, + Milan, Turin, Lyons, and Paris are statues of him representing his natural + size; and our ten thousand municipalities have each one of his busts; + without mentioning the thousands of busts all over Europe, not excepting + even your own country. When Bonaparte sees under the windows of the + Tuileries the statue of Caesar placed in the garden of that palace, he + cannot help saying to himself: “Marble lives longer than man.” Have you + any doubt that his ambition and vanity extend beyond the grave? + </p> + <p> + The only artist I ever heard of who was disappointed and unrewarded for + his labour in attempting to eternize the memory of Napoleon Bonaparte, was + a German of the name of Schumacher. It is, indeed, allowed that he was + more industrious, able, and well-meaning than ingenious or considerate. He + did not consider that it would be no compliment to give the immortal hero + a hint of being a mortal man. Schumacher had employed near three years in + planning and executing in marble the prettiest model of a sepulchral + monument I have ever seen, read or heard of. He had inscribed it: “The + Future Tomb of Bonaparte the Great.” Under the patronage of Count von + Beast, he arrived here; and I saw the model in the house of this Minister + of the German Elector Arch—Chancellor, where also many French + artists went to inspect it. Count von Beast asked De Segur, the grand + master of the ceremonies, to request the Emperor to grant Schumacher the + honour of showing him his performance. De Segur advised him to address + himself to Duroc, who referred him to Devon, who, after looking at it, + could not help paying a just tribute to the execution and to the talents + of the artist, though he disapproved of the subject, and declined + mentioning it to the Emperor. After three months’ attendance in this + capital, and all petitions and memorials to our great folks remaining + unanswered, Schumacher obtained an audience of Fouche, in which he asked + permission to exhibit his model of Bonaparte’s tomb to the public for + money, so as to be enabled to return to his country. + </p> + <p> + “Where is it now?” asked Fouche. + </p> + <p> + “At the Minister’s of the Elector Arch-Chancellor,” answered the artist. + </p> + <p> + “But where do you intend to show it for money?” continued Fouche. + </p> + <p> + “In the Palais Royal.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, bring it there,” replied Fouche. + </p> + <p> + The same evening that it was brought there, Schumacher was arrested by a + police commissary, his model packed up, and, with himself, put under the + care of two gendarmes, who carried them both to the other side of the + Rhine. Here the Elector of Baden gave him some money to return to his + home, near Aschaffenburg, where he has since exposed for money the model + of a grand tomb for a little man. I have just heard that one of your + countrymen has purchased it for one hundred and fifty louis d’or. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER V. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Those who only are informed of the pageantry of our Court, + of the expenses of our courtiers, of the profusion of our Emperor, and of + the immense wealth of his family and favourites, may easily be led to + believe that France is one of the happiest and moat prosperous countries + in Europe. But for those who walk in our streets, who visit our hospitals, + who count the number of beggars and of suicides, of orphans and of + criminals, of prisoners and of executioners, it is a painful necessity to + reverse the picture, and to avow that nowhere, comparatively, can there be + found so much collective misery. And it is not here, as in other States, + that these unfortunate, reduced, or guilty are persons of the lowest + classes of society; on the contrary, many, and, I fear, the far greater + part, appertain to the ci-devant privileged classes, descended from + ancestors noble, respectable, and wealthy, but who by the Revolution have + been degraded to misery or infamy, and perhaps to both. + </p> + <p> + When you stop but for a moment in our streets to look at something exposed + for sale in a shop-window, or for any other cause of curiosity or want, + persons of both sexes, decently dressed, approach you, and whisper to you: + “Monsieur, bestow your charity on the Marquis, or Marquise—on the + Baron or Baroness, such a one, ruined by the Revolution;” and you + sometimes hear names on which history has shed so brilliant a lustre that, + while you contemplate the deplorable reverses of human greatness, you are + not a little surprised to find that it is in your power to relieve with a + trifle the wants of the grandson of an illustrious warrior, before whom + nations trembled, or of the granddaughter of that eminent statesman who + often had in his hands the destiny of Empires. Some few solitary walks, + incognito, by Bonaparte, in the streets of his capital, would perhaps be + the best preservative against unbounded ambition and confident success + that philosophy could present to unfeeling tyranny. + </p> + <p> + Some author has written that “want is the parent of industry, and + wretchedness the mother of ingenuity.” I know that you have often approved + and rewarded the ingenious productions of my emigrated countrymen in + England; but here their labours and their endeavours are disregarded; and + if they cannot or will not produce anything to flatter the pride or + appetite of the powerful or rich upstarts, they have no other choice left + but beggary or crime, meanness or suicide. How many have I heard repent of + ever returning to a country where they have no expectation of justice in + their claims, no hope of relief in their necessities, where death by + hunger, or by their own hands, is the final prospect of all their + sufferings. + </p> + <p> + Many of our ballad-singers are disguised emigrants; and I know a ci-devant + Marquis who is, incognito, a groom to a contractor, the son of his uncle’s + porter. Our old pedlars complain that their trade is ruined by the Counts, + by the Barons and Chevaliers who have monopolized all their business. + Those who pretend to more dignity, but who have in fact less honesty, are + employed in our billiard and gambling-houses. I have seen two + music-grinders, one of whom was formerly a captain of infantry, and the + other a Counsellor of Parliament. Every, day you may bestow your penny or + halfpenny on two veiled girls playing on the guitar or harp—the one + the daughter of a ci-devant Duke, and the other of a ci-devant Marquis, a + general under Louis XVI. They, are usually placed, the one on the + Boulevards, and the other in the Elysian Fields; each with an old woman by + her side, holding a begging-box in her hand. I am told one of the women + has been the nurse of one of those ladies. What a recollection, if she + thinks of the past, in contemplating the present! + </p> + <p> + On the day of Bonaparte’s coronation, and a little before he set out with + his Pope and other splendid retinue, an old man was walking slowly on the + Quai de Voltaire, without saying a word, but a label was pinned to his hat + with this inscription: “I had sixty thousand livres rent—I am eighty + years of age, and I request alms.” Many individuals, even some of + Bonaparte’s soldiers, gave him their mite; but as soon as he was observed + he was seized by the police agents, and has not since been heard of. I am + told his name is De la Roche, a ci-devant Chevalier de St. Louis, whose + property was sold in 1793 as belonging to an emigrant, though at the time + he was shut up here as a prisoner, suspected of aristocracy. He has since + for some years been a water-carrier; but his strength failing, he + supported himself lately entirely by begging. The value of the dress of + one of Bonaparte’s running footmen might have been sufficient to relieve + him for the probably short remainder of his days. But it is more easy and + agreeable in this country to bury undeserved want in dungeons than to + renounce unnecessary and useless show to relieve it. In the evening the + remembrance of these sixty thousand livres of the poor Chevalier deprived + me of all pleasure in beholding the sixty thousand lamps decorating and + illuminating Bonaparte’s palace of the Tuileries. + </p> + <p> + Some of the emigrants, whose strength of body age has not impaired, or + whose vigour of mind misfortunes have not depressed, are now serving as + officers or soldiers under the Emperor of the French, after having for + years fought in vain for the cause of a King of France in the brave army + of Conde. Several are even doing duty in Bonaparte’s household troops, + where I know one who is a captain, and who, for distinguishing himself in + combating the republicans, received the Order of St. Louis, but is now + made a knight of Napoleon’s Republican Order, the Legion of Honour, for + bowing gracefully to Her Imperial Majesty the Empress. As he is a man of + real honour, this favour is not quite in its place; but I am convinced + that should one day an opportunity present itself, he will not miss it, + but prove that he has never been misplaced. Another emigrant who, after + being a page to the Duc d’Angouleme, made four campaigns as an officer of + the Uhlans in the service of the Emperor of Germany, and was rewarded with + the Military Order of Maria Theresa, is now a knight of the Legion of + Honour, and an officer of the Mamelukes of the Emperor of the French. Four + more emigrants have engaged themselves in the same corps as common + Mamelukes, after being for seven years volunteers in the legion of + Mirabeau, under the Prince de Conde. It were to be wished that the whole + of this favourite corps were composed of returned emigrants. I am sure + they would never betray the confidence of Napoleon, but they would also + never swear allegiance to another Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + While the humbled remnants of one sex of the ci-devant privileged classes + are thus or worse employed, many persons of the other sex have preferred + domestic servitude to courtly splendour, and are chambermaids or + governesses, when they might have been Maids of Honour or + ladies-in-waiting. Mademoiselle de R———, daughter of + Marquis de R———, was offered a place as a Maid of Honour + to Princesse Murat, which she declined, but accepted at the same time the + offer of being a companion of the rich Madame Moulin, whose husband is a + ci-devant valet of Comte de Brienne. Her father and brother suffered for + this choice and preference, which highly offended Bonaparte, who ordered + them both to be transported to Guadeloupe, under pretence that the latter + had said in a coffee-house that his sister would rather have been the + housemaid of the wife of a ci-devant valet, than the friend of the wife of + a ci-devant assassin and Septembrizer. It was only by a valuable present + to Madame Bonaparte from Madame Moulin, that Mademoiselle de B——- + was not included in the act of proscription against her father and + brother. + </p> + <p> + I am sorry to say that returned emigrants have also been arrested for + frauds and debts, and even tried and convicted of crimes. But they are + proportionally few, compared with those who, without support, and perhaps + without hope, and from want of resignation and submission to the will of + Providence, have, in despair, had recourse to the pistol or dagger, or in + the River Seine buried their remembrance both of what they have been and + of what they were. The suicides of the vicious capital are reckoned upon + an average to amount to one hundred in the month; and for these last three + years, one-tenth, at least, have been emigrants of both sexes! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Nobody here, except his courtiers, denies that Bonaparte is + vain, cruel, and ambitious; but as to his private, personal, or domestic + vices, opinions are various, and even opposite. Most persons, who have + long known him, assert that women are his aversion; and many anecdotes + have been told of his unnatural and horrid propensities. On the other + hand, his seeming attachment to his wife is contradictory to these + rumours, which certainly are exaggerated. It is true, indeed, that it was + to oblige Barras, and to obtain her fortune, that he accepted of her hand + ten years ago; though insinuating, she was far from being handsome, and + had long passed the period of inspiring love by her charms. Her husband’s + conduct towards her may, therefore, be construed, perhaps, into a proof of + indifference towards the whole sex as much as into an evidence of his + affection towards her. As he knew who she was when he received her from + the chaste arms of Barras, and is not unacquainted with her subsequent + intrigues particularly during his stay in Egypt—policy may influence + a behaviour which has some resemblance to esteem. He may choose to live + with her, but it is impossible he can love her. + </p> + <p> + A lady, very intimate with Princesse Louis Bonaparte, has assured me that, + had it not been for Napoleon’s singular inclination for his youthful + stepdaughter, he would have divorced his wife the first year of his + consulate, and that indirect proposals on that subject had already been + made her by Talleyrand. It was then reported that Bonaparte had his eyes + fixed upon a Russian Princess, and that from the friendship which the late + Emperor Paul professed for him, no obstacles to the match were expected to + be encountered at St. Petersburg. The untimely end of this Prince, and the + supplications of his wife and daughter, have since altered his intent, and + Madame Napoleon and her children are now, if I may use the expression, + incorporated and naturalized with the Bonaparte family. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="pb064" id="pb064"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="pb064.jpg (63K)" src="images/pb064.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + But what has lately occurred here will better serve to show that Bonaparte + is neither averse nor indifferent to the sex. You read last summer in the + public prints of the then Minister of the Interior (Chaptal) being made a + Senator; and that he was succeeded by our Ambassador at Vienna Champagny. + This promotion was the consequence of a disgrace, occasioned by his + jealousy of his mistress, a popular actress, Mademoiselle George, one of + the handsomest women of this capital. He was informed by his spies that + this lady frequently, in the dusk of the evening, or when she thought him + employed in his office, went to the house of a famous milliner in the Rue + St. Honor, where, through a door in an adjoining passage, a person, who + carefully avoided showing his face, always entered immediately before or + after her, and remained as long as she continued there. The house was then + by his orders beset with spies, who were to inform him the next time she + went to the milliner. To be near at hand, he had hired an apartment in the + neighbourhood, where the very next day her visit to the milliner’s was + announced to him. While his secretary, with four other persons, entered + the milliner’s house through the street door, Chaptal, with four of his + spies, forced the door of the passage open, which was no sooner done than + the disguised gallant was found, and threatened in the most rude manner by + the Minister and his companions. He would have been still worse used had + not the unexpected appearance of Duroc and a whisper to Chaptal put a stop + to the fury of this enraged lover. The incognito is said to have been + Bonaparte himself, who, the same evening, deprived Chaptal of his + ministerial portfolio, and would have sent him to Cayenne, instead of to + the Senate, had not Duroc dissuaded his Sovereign from giving an eclat to + an affair which it, would be best to bury in oblivion. + </p> + <p> + Chaptal has never from that day approached Mademoiselle George, and, + according to report, Napoleon has also renounced this conquest in favour + of Duroc, who is at least her nominal gallant. The quantity of jewels with + which she has recently been decorated, and displayed with so much + ostentation in the new tragedy, ‘The Templars’, indicate, however, a + Sovereign rather than a subject for a lover. And, indeed, she already + treats the directors of the theatre, her comrades, and even the public, + more as a real than a theatrical Princess. Without any cause whatever, but + from a mere caprice to see the camp on the coast, she set out, without + leave of absence, and without any previous notice, on the very day she was + to play; and this popular and interesting tragedy was put off for three + weeks, until she chose to return to her duty. + </p> + <p> + When complaint was made to the prefects of the palace, now the governors + of our theatres, Duroc said that the orders of the Emperor were that no + notice should be taken of this ‘etourderie’, which should not occur again. + </p> + <p> + Chaptal was, before the Revolution, a bankrupt chemist at Montpellier, + having ruined himself in search after the philosopher’s stone. To persons + in such circumstances, with great presumption, some talents, but no + principles, the Revolution could not, with all its anarchy, confusion, and + crime, but be a real blessing, as Chaptal called it in his first speech at + the Jacobin Club. Wishing to mimic, at Montpellier, the taking of the + Bastille at Paris, he, in May, 1790, seduced the lower classes and the + suburbs to an insurrection, and to an attack on the citadel, which the + governor, to avoid all effusion of blood, surrendered without resistance. + He was denounced by the municipality to the National Assembly, for these + and other plots and attempts, but Robespierre and other Jacobins defended + him, and he escaped even imprisonment. During 1793 and 1794, he + monopolized the contract for making and providing the armies with + gunpowder; a favour for which he paid Barrere, Carnot, and other members + of the Committee of Public Safety, six millions of livres—but by + which he pocketed thirty-six millions of livres—himself. He was, + under the Directory, menaced with a prosecution for his pillage, but + bought it off by a douceur to Rewbel, Barras, and Siyes. In 1799, he + advanced Bonaparte twelve millions of livres—to bribe adherents for + the new Revolution he meditated, and was, in recompense, instead of + interest, appointed first Counsellor of State; and when Lucien Bonaparte, + in September, 1800, was sent on an embassy to Spain, Chaptal succeeded him + in the Ministry of the Interior. You may see by this short account that + the chemist Chaptal has, in the Revolution, found the true philosophical + stone. He now lives in great style, and has, besides three wives alive + (from two of whom he has been divorced), five mistresses, with each a + separate establishment. This Chaptal is regarded here as the most moral + character that has figured in our Revolution, having yet neither committed + a single murder nor headed any of our massacres. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—I have read a copy of a letter from Madrid, circulated + among the members of our foreign diplomatic corps, which draws a most + deplorable picture of the Court and Kingdom of Spain. Forced into an + unprofitable and expensive war, famine ravaging some, and disease other + provinces, experiencing from allies the treatment of tyrannical foes, + disunion in his family and among his Ministers, His Spanish Majesty + totters on a throne exposed to the combined attacks of internal + disaffection and external plots, with no other support than the advice of + a favourite, who is either a fool or a traitor, and perhaps both. + </p> + <p> + As the Spanish monarchy has been more humbled and reduced during the + twelve years’ administration of the Prince of Peace than during the whole + period that it has been governed by Princes of the House of Bourbon, the + heir of the throne, the young Prince of Asturias, has, with all the + moderation consistent with duty, rank, and consanguinity, tried to remove + an upstart, universally despised for his immorality as, well as for his + incapacity; and who, should he continue some years longer to rule in the + name of Charles IV., will certainly involve his King and his country in + one common ruin. Ignorant and presumptuous, even beyond upstarts in + general, the Prince of Peace treats with insolence all persons raised + above him by birth or talents, who refuse to be his accomplices or valets. + Proud and certain of the protection of the Queen, and of the weakness of + the King, the Spanish nobility is not only humbled, provoked, and wronged + by him, but openly defied and insulted. + </p> + <p> + You know the nice principles of honour and loyalty that have always + formerly distinguished the ancient families of Spain. Believe me that, + notwithstanding what appearances indicate to the contrary, the Spanish + grandee who ordered his house to be pulled down because the rebel + constable had slept in it, has still many descendants, but loyal men + always decline to use that violence to which rebels always resort. Soon + after the marriage of the Prince of Asturias, in October, 1801, to his + cousin, the amiable Maria Theresa, Princess Royal of Naples, the ancient + Spanish families sent some deputies to Their Royal Highnesses, not for the + purpose of intriguing, but to lay before them the situation of the + kingdom, and to inform them of the real cause of all disasters. They were + received as faithful subjects and true patriots, and Their Royal + Highnesses promised every support in their power towards remedying the + evil complained of, and preventing, if possible, the growth of others. + </p> + <p> + The Princess of Asturias is a worthy granddaughter of Maria Theresa of + Austria, and seems to inherit her character as well as her virtues. She + agreed with her royal consort that, after having gained the affection of + the Queen by degrees, it would be advisable for her to insinuate some + hints of the danger that threatened their country and the discontent that + agitated the people. The Prince of Asturias was to act the same part with + his father as the Princess did with his mother. As there is no one about + the person of Their Spanish Majesties, from the highest lord to the lowest + servant, who is not placed there by the favourite, and act as his spies, + he was soon aware that he had no friend in the heir to the throne. His + conversation with Their Majesties confirmed him in this supposition, and + that some secret measures were going on to deprive him of the place he + occupied, if not of the royal favour. All visitors to the Prince and + Princess of Asturias were, therefore, watched by his emissaries; and all + the letters or memorials sent to them by the post were opened, read, and; + if contrary to his interest, destroyed, and their writers imprisoned in + Spain or banished to the colonies. These measures of injustice created + suspicion, disunion, and, perhaps, fear, among the members of the Asturian + cabal, as it was called; all farther pursuit, therefore, was deferred + until more propitious times, and the Prince of Peace remained undisturbed + and in perfect security until the rupture with your country last autumn. + </p> + <p> + It is to be lamented that, with all their valuable qualities and feelings + of patriotism, the Prince and Princess of Asturias do not possess a little + dissimulation and more knowledge of the world. The favourite tried by all + means to gain their good opinion, but his advances met with that repulse + they morally deserved, but which, from policy, should have been suspended + or softened, with the hope of future accommodation. + </p> + <p> + Beurnonville, the Ambassador of our Court to the Court of Madrid, was here + upon leave of absence when war was declared by Spain against your country, + and his first secretary, Herman, acted as charge d’affaires. This Herman + has been brought up in Talleyrand’s office, and is both abler and more + artful than Beurnonville; he possesses also the full confidence of our + Minister, who, in several secret and pecuniary transactions, has obtained + many proofs of this secretary’s fidelity as well as capacity. The views of + the Cabinet of St. Cloud were, therefore, not lost sight of, nor its + interest neglected at Madrid. + </p> + <p> + I suppose you have heard that the Prince of Peace, like all other ignorant + and illiberal people, believes no one can be a good or clever man who is + not also his countryman, and that all the ability and probity of the world + is confined within the limits of Spain. On this principle he equally + detests France and England, Germany and Russia, and is, therefore, not + much liked by our Government, except for his imbecility, which makes him + its tool and dupe. His disgrace would not be much regretted here, where we + have it in our power to place or displace Ministers in certain States, + whenever and as often as we like. On this occasion, however, we supported + him, and helped to dissolve the cabal formed against him; and that for the + following reasons: + </p> + <p> + By the assurances of Beurnonville, Bonaparte and Talleyrand had been led + to believe that the Prince and Princess of Asturias were well affected to + France, and to them personally; and conceiving themselves much more + certain of this than of the good disposition of the favourite, though they + did not take a direct part against him, at the same time they did not + disclose what they knew was determined on to remove him from the helm of + affairs. During Beurnonville’s absence, however, Herman had formed an + intrigue with a Neapolitan girl, in the suite of Asturias, who, influenced + by love or bribes, introduced him into the Cabinet where her mistress kept + her correspondence with her royal parents. With a pick-lock key he opened + all the drawers, and even the writing-desk, in which he is said to have + discovered written evidence that, though the Princess was not prejudiced + against France, she had but an indifferent opinion of the morality and + honesty of our present Government and of our present governors. One of + these original papers Herman appropriated to himself, and despatched to + this capital by an extraordinary courier, whose despatches, more than the + rupture with your country, forced Beurnonville away in a hurry from the + agreeable society of gamesters and prostitutes, chiefly frequented by him + in this capital. + </p> + <p> + It is not and cannot be known yet what was the exact plan of the Prince + and Princess of Asturias and their adherents; but a diplomatic gentleman, + who has just arrived from Madrid, and who can have no reason to impose + upon me, has informed me of the following particulars: + </p> + <p> + Their Royal Highnesses succeeded perfectly in their endeavours to gain the + well-merited tenderness and approbation of their Sovereigns in everything + else but when the favourite was mentioned with any slight, or when any + insinuations were thrown out concerning the mischief arising from his + tenacity of power, and incapacity of exercising it with advantage to the + State. The Queen was especially irritated when such was the subject of + conversation or of remark; and she finally prohibited it under pain of her + displeasure. A report even reached Their Royal Highnesses, that the Prince + of Peace had demanded their separation and separate confinement. Nothing + could, therefore, be effected to impede the progress of wickedness and + calamity, but by some temporary measure of severity. In this disagreeable + dilemma, it was resolved by the cabal to send the Queen to a convent, + until her favourite had been arrested and imprisoned; to declare the + Prince of Asturias Regent during the King’s illness (His Majesty then + still suffered from several paralytic strokes), and to place men of + talents and patriotism in the place of the creatures of the Prince of + Peace. As soon as this revolution was organized, the Queen would have been + restored to full liberty and to that respect due to her rank. + </p> + <p> + This plan had been communicated to our Ambassador, and approved of by our + Government; but when Herman in such an honest manner had inspected the + confidential correspondence of the Princess of Asturias, Beurnonville was + instructed by Talleyrand to, warn the favourite of the impending danger, + and to advise him to be beforehand with his enemies. Instead of telling + the truth, the Prince of Peace alarmed the King and Queen with the most + absurd fabrications; and assured Their Majesties that their son and their + daughter-in-law had determined not only to dethrone them, but to keep them + prisoners for life, after they had been forced to witness his execution. + </p> + <p> + Indolence and weakness are often more fearful than guilt. Everything he + said was at once believed; the Prince and Princess were ordered under + arrest in their own apartments, without permission to see or correspond + with anybody; and so certain was the Prince of Peace of a complete and + satisfactory revenge for the attempt against his tyranny, that a frigate + at Cadiz was ready waiting to carry the Princess of Asturias back to + Naples. All Spaniards who had the honour of their Sovereigns and of their + country at heart lamented these rash proceedings; but no one dared to take + any measures to counteract them. At last, however, the Duke of Montemar, + grand officer to the Prince of Asturias, demanded an audience of Their + Majesties, in the presence of the favourite. He began by begging his + Sovereign to recollect that for the place he occupied he was indebted to + the Prince of Peace; and he called upon him to declare whether he had ever + had reason to suspect him either of ingratitude or disloyalty. Being + answered in the negative, he said that, though his present situation and + office near the heir to the throne was the pride and desire of his life, + he would have thrown it up the instant that he had the least ground to + suppose that this Prince ceased to be a dutiful son and subject; but so + far from this being the case, he had observed him in his most unguarded + moments—in moments of conviviality had heard him speak of his royal + parents with as much submission and respect as if he had been in their + presence. “If,” continued he, “the Prince of Peace has said otherwise, he + has misled his King and his Queen, being, no doubt, deceived himself. To + overthrow a throne and to seize it cannot be done without accomplices, + without arms, without money. Who are the conspirators hailing the Prince + as their chief? I have heard no name but that of the lovely Princess, his + consort, the partaker of his sentiments as well as of his heart. And his + arms? They are in the hands of those guards his royal parent has given to + augment the necessary splendour of his rank. And as to his money? He has + none but what is received from royal and paternal munificence and bounty. + You, my Prince,” said he to the favourite (who seemed much offended at the + impression the speech made on Their Majesties), “will one day thank me, if + I am happy enough to dissuade dishonourable, impolitic, or unjust + sentiments. Of the approbation of posterity I am certain—” + </p> + <p> + “If,” interrupted the favourite, “the Prince of Asturias and his consort + will give up their bad counsellors, I hope Their Majesties will forget and + forgive everything with myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Whether Their Royal Highnesses,” replied the Duke of Montemar, “have done + anything that deserves forgiveness, or whether they have any counsellors, + I do not know, and am incompetent to judge; but I am much mistaken in the + character of Their Royal Highnesses if they wish to purchase favour at the + expense of confidence and honour. An order from His Majesty may + immediately clear up this doubt.” + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Peace was then ordered to write, in the name of the King, to + his children in the manner he proposed, and to command an answer by the + messenger. In half an hour the messenger returned with a letter addressed + to the favourite, containing only these lines: + </p> + <p> + “A King of Spain is well aware that a Prince and Princess of Asturias can + have no answer to give to such proposals or to such questions.” + </p> + <p> + After six days’ arrest, and after the Prince of Peace had in vain + endeavoured to discover something to inculpate Their Royal Highnesses, + they were invited to Court, and reconciled both to him and their royal + parents. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—I will add in this letter, to the communication of the + gentlemen mentioned in my last, what I remember myself of the letter which + was circulated among our diplomatists, concerning the intrigues at Madrid. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Peace, before he listened to the advice of Duke of Montemar, + had consulted Beurnonville, who dissuaded all violence, and as much as + possible all noise. This accounts for the favourite’s pretended moderation + on this occasion. But though he was externally reconciled, and, as was + reported at Madrid, had sworn his reconciliation even by taking the + sacrament, all the undertakings of the Prince and Princess of Asturias + were strictly observed and reported by the spies whom he had placed round + Their Royal Highnesses. Vain of his success and victory, he even lost that + respectful demeanour which a good, nay, a well-bred subject always shows + to the heir to the throne, and the Princes related to his Sovereign. He + sometimes behaved with a premeditated familiarity, and with an insolence + provoking or defying resentment. It was on the days of great festivities, + when the Court was most brilliant, and the courtiers most numerous, that + he took occasion to be most arrogant to those whom he traitorously and + audaciously dared to call his rivals. On the 9th of last December, at the + celebration of the Queen’s birthday, his conduct towards Their Royal + Highnesses excited such general indignation that the remembrance of the + occasion of the fete, and the presence of their Sovereigns, could not + repress a murmur, which made the favourite tremble. A signal from the + Prince of Asturias would then have been sufficient to have caused the + insolent upstart to be seized and thrown out of the window. I am told that + some of the Spanish grandees even laid their hands on their swords, fixing + their eyes on the heir to the throne, as if to say: “Command, and your + unworthy enemy shall exist no more.” + </p> + <p> + To prepare, perhaps, the royal and paternal mind for deeds which + contemporaries always condemn, and posterity will always reprobate, the + Prince of Peace procured a history to be written in his own way and + manner, of Don Carlos, the unfortunate son of the barbarous and unnatural + Philip II.; but the Queen’s confessor, though, like all her other + domestics, a tool of the favourite, threw it into the fire with reproof, + saying that Spain did not remember in Philip II. the grand and powerful + Monarch, but abhorred in him the royal assassin; adding that no laws, + human or divine, no institutions, no supremacy whatever, could authorize a + parent to stain his hands in the blood of his children. These anecdotes + are sufficient both to elucidate the inveteracy of the favourite, the + abject state of the heir to the throne, and the incomprehensible + infatuation of the King and Queen. + </p> + <p> + Our Ambassador, in the meantime, dissembled always with the Prince and + Princess of Asturias; and even made them understand that he disapproved of + those occurrences so disagreeable to them; but he neither offered to put + an end to them nor to be a mediator for a perfect reconciliation with + their Sovereigns. He was guided by no other motive but to keep the + favourite in subjection and alarm by preserving a correspondence with his + rivals. That this was the case and the motive cannot be doubted from the + financial intrigue he carried on in the beginning of last month. + </p> + <p> + Foreigners have but an imperfect or erroneous idea of the amount of the + immense sums Spain has paid to our Government in loans, in contributions, + in donations, and in subsidies. Since the reign of Bonaparte, or for these + last five years, upwards of half the revenue of the Spanish monarchy has + either been brought into our National Treasury or into the privy purse of + the Bonaparte family. Without the aid of Spanish money, neither would our + gunboats have been built, our fleets equipped, nor our armies paid. The + dreadful situation of the Spanish finances is, therefore, not surprising—it + is, indeed, still more surprising that a general bankruptcy has not + already involved the Spanish nation in a general ruin. + </p> + <p> + When, on his return from Italy, the recall of the Russian negotiator and + the preparations of Austria convinced Bonaparte of the probability of a + Continental war, our troops on the coast had not been paid for two months, + and his Imperial Ministers of Finances had no funds either to discharge + the arrears or to provide for future payments until the beginning of the + year 14, or the 22d instant. Beurnonville was, therefore, ordered to + demand peremptorily from the Cabinet of Madrid forty millions of livres—in + advance upon future subsidies. Half of that sum had, indeed, shortly + before arrived at Cadiz from America, but much more was due by the Spanish + Government to its own creditors, and promised them in payment of old + debts. The Prince of Peace, in consequence, declared that, however much he + wished to oblige the French Government, it was utterly impossible to + procure, much less to advance such sums. Beurnonville then became more + assiduous than ever about the Prince and Princess of Asturias; and he had + the impudence to assert that they had promised, if their friends were at + the head of affairs, to satisfy the wishes and expectation of the Emperor + of the French, by seizing the treasury at Cadiz, and paying the State + creditors in vales deinero; notes hitherto payable in cash, and never at a + discount. The stupid favourite swallowed the palpable bait; four millions + in dollars were sent under an escort to this country, while the Spanish + notes instantly fell to a discount at first of four and afterwards of six + per cent., and probably will fall lower still, as no treasures are + expected from America this autumn. It was with two millions of these + dollars that the credit of the Bank of France was restored, or at least + for some time enabled to resume its payments in specie. Thus wretched + Spain pays abroad for the forging of those disgraceful fetters which + oppress her at home; and supports a foreign tyranny, which finally must + produce domestic misery as well as slavery. + </p> + <p> + When the Prince and Princess of Asturias were informed of the scandalous + and false assertion of Beurnonville, they and their adherents not only + publicly, and in all societies, contradicted it, but affirmed that, rather + than obtain authority or influence on such ruinous terms, they would have + consented to remain discarded and neglected during their lives. They took + the more care to have their sentiments known on this subject, as our + Ambassador’s calumny had hurt their popularity. It was then first that, to + revenge the shame with which his duplicity had covered him, Beurnonville + permitted and persuaded the Prince of Peace to begin the chastisement of + Their Royal Highnesses in the persons of their favourites. Duke of + Montemar, the grand officer to the Prince of Asturias; Marquis of Villa + Franca, the grand equerry to the Princess of Asturias; Count of Miranda, + chamberlain to the King; and the Countess Dowager del Monte, with six + other Court ladies and four other noblemen, were, therefore, exiled from + Madrid into different provinces, and forbidden to reside in any place + within twenty leagues of the residence of the royal family. According to + the last letters and communications from Spain, the Prince and Princess of + Asturias had not appeared at Court since the insult offered them in the + disgrace of their friends, and were resolved not to appear in any place + where they might be likely to meet with the favourite. + </p> + <p> + Among our best informed politicians here, it is expected that a revolution + and a change of dynasty will be the issue of this our political embryo in + Spain. Napoleon has more than once indirectly hinted that the Bonaparte + dynasty will never be firm and fixed in France as long as any Bourbons + reign in Spain or Italy. Should he prove victorious in the present + Continental contest, another peace, and not the most advantageous, will + again be signed with your country—a peace which, I fear, will leave + him absolute master of all Continental States. His family arrangements are + publicly avowed to be as follow: His third brother, Louis, and his sons, + are to be the heirs of the French Empire. Joseph Bonaparte is, at the + death or resignation of Napoleon, to succeed to the Kingdom of Italy, + including Naples. Lucien, though at present in disgrace, is considered as + the person destined to supplant the Bourbons in Spain, where, during his + embassy in 1800, and in 1801, he formed certain connections which Napoleon + still keeps up and preserves. Holland will be the inheritance of Jerome + should Napoleon not live long enough to extend his power in Great Britain. + Such are the modest pretensions our Imperial courtiers bestow upon the + family of our Sovereign. + </p> + <p> + As to the Prince of Peace, he is only an imbecile instrument in the hands + of our intriguers and innovators, which they make use of as long as they + find it necessary, and which, when that ceases to be the case, they break + and throw away. This idiot is made to believe that both his political and + physical existence depends entirely upon our support, and he has infused + the same ridiculous notion into his accomplices and adherents. Guilt, + ignorance, and cowardice thus misled may, directed by art, interest, and + craft, perform wonders to entangle themselves in the destruction of their + country. + </p> + <p> + Beurnonville, our present Ambassador at Madrid, is the son of a porter, + and was a porter himself when, in 1770, he enlisted as a soldier in one of + our regiments serving in the East Indies. Having there collected some + pillage, he purchased the place of a major in the militia of the Island of + Bourbon, but was, for his immorality, broken by the governor. Returning to + France, he bitterly complained of this injustice, and, after much cringing + in the antechambers of Ministers, he obtained at last the Cross of St. + Louis as a kind of indemnity. About the same time he also bought with his + Indian wealth the place of an officer in the Swiss Guard of Monsieur, the + present Louis XVIII. Being refused admittance into any genteel societies, + he resorted with Barras and other disgraced nobles to gambling-houses, and + he even kept to himself when the Revolution took place. He had at the same + time, and for a certain interest, advanced Madame d’Estainville money to + establish her famous, or rather infamous, house in the Rue de Bonnes + Enfants, near the Palais Royal,—a house that soon became the + fashionable resort of our friends of Liberty and Equality. + </p> + <p> + In 1790, Beurnonville offered his services as aide-de-camp to our then + hero of great ambition and small capacity, La Fayette, who declined the + honour. The Jacobins were not so nice. In 1792, they appointed him a + general under Dumouriez, who baptized him his Ajax. This modern Ajax, + having obtained a separate command, attacked Treves in a most ignorant + manner, and was worsted with great loss. The official reports of our + revolutionary generals have long been admired for their modesty as well as + veracity; but Beurnonville has almost outdone them all, not excepting our + great Bonaparte. In a report to the National Convention concerning a + terrible engagement of three hours near Grewenmacker, Beurnonville + declares that, though the number of the enemy killed was immense, his + troops got out of the scrape with the loss of only the little finger of + one of his riflemen. On the 4th of February, 1793, a fortnight after the + execution of Louis XVI., he was nominated Minister of the War Department—a + place which he refused, under a pretence that he was better able to serve + his country with his sword than with his pen, having already been in one + hundred and twenty battles (where, he did not enumerate or state). On the + 14th of the following March, however, he accepted the ministerial + portfolio, which he did not keep long, being delivered up by his Hector, + Dumouriez, to the Austrians. He remained a prisoner at Olmutz until the + 22d of November, 1795, when he was included among the persons exchanged + for the daughter of Louis XVI., Her present Royal Highness, the Duchess of + Angouleme. + </p> + <p> + In the autumn of 1796 he had a temporary, command of the dispersed + remnants of Jourdan’s army, and in 1797 he was sent as a French commander + to Holland. In 1799, Bonaparte appointed him an Ambassador to the Court of + Berlin; and in 1803 removed him in the same character to the Court of + Madrid. In Prussia, his talents did not cause him to be dreaded, nor his + personal qualities make him esteemed. In France, he is laughed at as a + boaster, but not trusted as a warrior. In Spain, he is neither dreaded nor + esteemed, neither laughed at nor courted; he is there universally + despised. He studies to be thought a gentleman; but the native porter + breaks through the veil of a ridiculously affected and outre politeness. + Notwithstanding the complacent grimaces of his face, the self-sufficiency + of his looks, his systematically powdered and dressed hair, his showy + dress, his counted and short bows, and his presumptuous conversation, + teeming with ignorance, vulgarity, and obscenity, he cannot escape even + the most inattentive observer. + </p> + <p> + The Ambassador, Beurnonville, is now between fifty and sixty years of age; + is a grand officer of our Imperial Legion of Honour; has a brother who is + a turnkey, and two sisters, one married to a tailor, and another to a + merchant who cries dogs’ and cats’ meat in our streets. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Bonaparte did not at first intend to take his wife with him + when he set out for Strasburg; but her tears, the effect of her tenderness + and apprehension for his person, at last altered his resolution. Madame + Napoleon, to tell the truth, does not like much to be in the power of + Joseph, nor even in that of her son-in-law, Louis Bonaparte, should any + accident make her a widow. + </p> + <p> + During the Emperor’s absence, the former is the President of the Senate, + and the latter the Governor of this capital, and commander of the troops + in the interior; so that the one dictates the Senatus Consultum, in case + of a vacancy of the throne, and the other supports these civil + determinations with his military forces. Even with the army in Germany, + Napoleon’s brother-in-law, Murat, is as a pillar of the Bonaparte dynasty, + and to prevent the intrigues and plots of other generals from an Imperial + diadem; while, in Italy, his step-son, Eugene de Beauharnais, as a + viceroy, commands even the commander-in-chief, Massena. It must be granted + that the Emperor has so ably taken his precautions that it is almost + certain that, at first, his orders will be obeyed, even after his death; + and the will deposited by him in the Senate, without opposition, carried + into execution. These very precautions evince, however, how uncertain and + precarious he considers his existence to be, and that, notwithstanding + addresses and oaths, he apprehends that the Bonaparte dynasty will not + survive him. + </p> + <p> + Most of the generals now employed by him are either of his own creation, + or men on whom he has conferred rank and wealth, which they might consider + unsafe under any other Prince but a Bonaparte. The superior officers, not + included in the above description, are such insignificant characters that, + though he makes use of their experience and courage, he does not fear + their views or ambition. Among the inferior officers, and even among the + men, all those who have displayed, either at reviews or in battles, + capacity, activity, or valour, are all members of his Legion of Honour; + and are bound to him by the double tie of gratitude and self-interest. + They look to him alone for future advancements, and for the preservation + of the distinction they have obtained from him. His emissaries artfully + disseminate that a Bourbon would inevitably overthrow everything a + Bonaparte has erected; and that all military and civil officers rewarded + or favoured by Napoleon the First will not only be discarded, but + disgraced, and perhaps punished, by a Louis XVIII. Any person who would be + imprudent enough to attempt to prove the impossibility, as well as the + absurdity, of these impolitic and retrospective measures, would be + instantly taken up and shot as an emissary of the Bourbons. + </p> + <p> + I have often amused myself in conversing with our new generals and new + officers; there is such a curious mixture of ignorance and information, of + credulity and disbelief, of real boasting and affected modesty, in + everything they say or do in company; their manners are far from being + elegant, but also very distant from vulgarity; they do not resemble those + of what we formerly called ‘gens comme il faut’, and ‘la bonne societe’! + nor those of the bourgeoisie, or the lower classes. They form a new + species of fashionables, and a ‘haut ton militaire’, which strikes a + person accustomed to Courts at first with surprise, and perhaps with + indignation; though, after a time, those of our sex, at last, become + reconciled, if not pleased with it, because there is a kind of military + frankness interwoven with the military roughness. Our ladies, however (I + mean those who have seen other Courts, or remember our other coteries), + complain loudly of this alteration of address, and of this fashionable + innovation; and pretend that our military, under the notion of being + frank, are rude, and by the negligence of their manners and language, are + not only offensive, but inattentive and indelicate. This is so much the + more provoking to them, as our Imperial courtiers and Imperial placemen do + not think themselves fashionable without imitating our military gentry, + who take Napoleon for their exclusive model and chief in everything, even + in manners. + </p> + <p> + What I have said above applies only to those officers whose parents are + not of the lowest class, or who entered so early or so young into the army + that they may be said to have been educated there, and as they advanced, + have assumed the ‘ton’ of their comrades of the same rank. I was invited, + some time ago, to a wedding, by a jeweller whose sister had been my nurse, + and whose daughter was to be married to a captain of hussars quartered + here. The bridegroom had engaged several other officers to assist at the + ceremony, and to partake of the fete and ball that followed. A general of + the name of Liebeau was also of the party, and obtained the place of + honour by the side of the bride’s mother. At his entrance into the + apartment I formed an opinion of him which his subsequent conduct during + the ball confirmed. + </p> + <p> + During the dinner he seemed to forget that he had a knife and a fork, and + he did not eat of a dish (and he ate of them all, numerous as they were) + without bespattering or besmearing himself or his neighbours. He broke two + glasses and one plate, and, for equality’s sake, I suppose, when he threw + the wine on the lady to his right, the lady to his left was inundated with + sauces. In getting up from dinner to take coffee and liqueurs, according + to our custom, as he took the hand of the mistress of the house, he seized + at the same time a corner of the napkin, and was not aware of his blunder + till the destruction of bottles, glasses, and plate, and the screams of + the ladies, informed him of the havoc and terror his awkward gallantry had + occasioned. When the ball began, he was too vain of his rank and + precedency to suffer any one else to lead the bride down the first dance; + but she was not, I believe, much obliged to him for his politeness; it + cost her the tail of her wedding-gown and a broken nail, and she continued + lame during the remainder of the night. In making an apology to her for + his want of dexterity, and assuring her that he was not so awkward in + handling the enemies of his country in battle as in handling friends he + esteemed in a dance, he gave no quarter to an old maid aunt, whom, in the + violence of his gesticulation, he knocked down with his elbow and laid + sprawling on the ground. He was sober when these accidents literally + occurred. + </p> + <p> + Of this original I collected the following particulars: Before the + Revolution he was a soldier in the regiment of Flanders, from which he + deserted and became a corporal in another regiment; in 1793 he was a + drum-major in one of the battalions in garrison in Paris. You remember the + struggles of factions in the latter part of May and in the beginning of + June, the same year, when Brissot and his accomplices were contending with + Marat, Robespierre, and their adherents for the reins of power. On the 1st + of June the latter party could not get a drummer to beat the alarm, though + they offered money and advancement. At last Robespierre stepped forward to + Liebeau and said, “Citizen, beat the alarm march, and to-day you shall be + nominated a general.” Liebeau obeyed, Robespierre became victorious and + kept his promise, and thus my present associate gained his rank. He has + since been employed under Jourdan in Germany, and under Le Courbe in + Switzerland. When, under the former, he was ordered to retreat towards the + Rhine, he pointed out the march route to his division according to his + geographical knowledge, but mistook upon the map the River Main for a + turnpike road, and commanded the retreat accordingly. Ever since, our + troops have called that river ‘La chausee de Liebeau’. He was not more + fortunate in Helvetia. Being ordered to cross one of the mountains, he + marched his men into a glacier, where twelve perished before he was aware + of his mistake. + </p> + <p> + Being afterwards appointed a governor of Blois, he there became a petty, + insupportable tyrant, and laid all the inhabitants indiscriminately under + arbitrary contribution. Those who refused to pay were imprisoned as + aristocrats, and their property confiscated in the name and on the part of + the nation; that is to say, he appropriated to himself in the name of the + nation everything that struck his fancy; and if any complaints were made, + the owners were seized and sent to the Revolutionary Tribunal at Paris to + be condemned as the correspondents or adherents of the royalists of La + Vendee. After the death of Robespierre he was deprived of this profitable + place, in which, during the short space of eleven months, he amassed five + millions of livres. The Directory, then gave him a division, first under + Jourdan, and afterwards under Le Courbe. + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte, after witnessing his incapacity in Italy, in 1800, put him on + the full half-pay, and has lately made him a commander of the Legion of + Honour. + </p> + <p> + His dear spouse, Madame Liebeau, is his counterpart. When he married her, + she was crying mackerel and herrings in our streets; but she told me in + confidence, during the dinner, being seated by my side, that her father + was an officer of fortune, and a Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis. She + assured me that her husband had done greater services to his country than + Bonaparte; and that, had it not been for his patriotism in 1793, the + Austrians would have taken Paris. She was very angry with Madame Napoleon, + to whom she had been presented, but who had not shown her so much + attention and civility, as was due to her husband’s rank, having never + invited her to more than one supper and two tea-parties; and when invited + by her, had sent Duroc with an apology that she was unable to come, though + the same evening she went to the opera. + </p> + <p> + Another guest, in the regimentals of a colonel, seemed rather bashful when + I spoke to him. I could not comprehend the reason, and therefore inquired + of our host who he was. (You know that with us it is not the custom to + introduce persons by name, etc., as in your country, when meeting in mixed + companies.) He answered: + </p> + <p> + “Do you not remember your brother’s jockey, Prial?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, “but he was established by my brother as a hairdresser.” + </p> + <p> + “He is the very same person,” replied the jeweller. “He has fought very + bravely, and is now a colonel of dragoons, a great favourite with + Bonaparte, and will be a general at the first promotion.” + </p> + <p> + As the colonel did not seem to desire a renewal of acquaintance with me, I + did not intrude myself upon him. + </p> + <p> + During the supper the military gentlemen were encouraged by the + bridegroom, and the bottle went round very freely; and the more they + drank, the greater and more violent became their political discussions. + Liebeau vociferated in favour of republican and revolutionary measures, + and avowed his approbation of requisitions, confiscations, and the + guillotine; while Frial inclined to the regular and organized despotism of + one, to secret trial, and still more secret executions; defending + arbitrary imprisonments, exiles, and transportations. This displeased + Madame Liebeau, who exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Since the colonel is so fond of an Imperial Government, he can have no + objection to remain a faithful subject whenever my husband, Liebeau, + becomes, an Antoine the First, Emperor of the French.” + </p> + <p> + Frial smiled with contempt. + </p> + <p> + “You seem to think it improbable,” said Liebeau. “I, Antoine Liebeau, I + have more prospect of being an Emperor than Napoleon Bonaparte had ten + years ago, when he was only a colonel, and was arrested as a terrorist. + And am I not a Frenchman? And is he not a foreigner? Come, shake hands + with me; as soon as I am Emperor, depend upon it you shall be a general, + and a grand officer of the Legion of Honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my jewel,” interrupted Madame Liebeau, “how happy will France then + be. You are such a friend of peace. We will then have no wars, no + contributions; all the English milords may then come here and spend their + money, nobody cares about where or how. Will you not, then, my sweet love, + make all the gentlemen here your chamberlains, and permit me to accept all + the ladies of the company for my Maids of Honour or ladies-in-waiting?” + </p> + <p> + “Softly, softly,” cried Frial, who now began to be as intoxicated and as + ambitious as the general; “whenever Napoleon dies, I have more hope, more: + claim, and more right than you to the throne. I am in actual service; and + had not Bonaparte been the same, he might have still remained upon the + half-pay, obscure and despised. Were not most of the Field-marshals and + generals under him now, above him ten years ago? May I not, ten years + hence, if I am satisfied with you, General Liebeau, make you also a + Field-marshal, or my Minister of War; and you, Madame Liebeau, a lady of + my wife’s wardrobe, as soon as I am married? I, too, have my plans and my + views, and perhaps one day you will recollect this conversation, and not + be sorry for my acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “What! you a colonel, an Emperor, before me, who have so long been a + general?” howled Liebeau, who was no longer able to speak. “I would sooner + knock your brains out with this bottle than suffer such a precedence; and + my wife a lady of your wardrobe! she who has possessed from her birth the + soul of an Empress! No, sir! never will I take the oath to you, nor suffer + anybody else to take it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will punish you as a rebel,” retorted Frial; “and as sure as you + stand here you shall be shot.” + </p> + <p> + Liebeau then rose up to fetch his sword, but the company interfered, and + the dispute about the priority of claim to the throne of France between + the ci-devant drummer and ci-devant jockey was left undecided. From the + words and looks of several of the captains present, I think that they + seemed, in their own opinions, to have as much prospect and expectation to + reign over the French Empire as either General Liebeau or Colonel Frial. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I returned home I wrote down this curious conversation and this + debate about supremacy. To what a degradation is the highest rank in my + unfortunate country reduced when two such personages seriously contend + about it! I collected more subjects for meditation and melancholy in this + low company (where, by the bye, I witnessed more vulgarity and more + indecencies than I had before seen during my life) than from all former + scenes of humiliation and disgust since my return here. When I the next + day mentioned it to General de M———, whom you have known + as an emigrant officer in your service, but whom policy has since ranged + under the colours of Bonaparte, he assured me that these discussions about + the Imperial throne are very frequent among the superior officers, and + have caused many bloody scenes; and that hardly any of our generals of any + talent exist who have not the same ‘arriere pensee of some day or other. + Napoleon cannot, therefore, well be ignorant of the many other dynasties + here now rivalling that of the Bonapartes, and who wait only for his exit + to tear his Senatus Consultum, his will, and his family, as well as each + other, to pieces. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER X. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + My LORD:—I was lately invited to a tea-party by one of our rich + upstarts, who, from a scavenger, is, by the Revolution and by Bonaparte, + transformed into a Legislator, Commander of the Legion of Honour, and + possessor of wealth amounting to eighteen millions of livres. In this + house I saw for the first time the famous Madame Chevalier, the mistress, + and the indirect cause of the untimely end, of the unfortunate Paul the + First. She is very short, fat, and coarse. I do not know whether + prejudice, from what I have heard of her vile, greedy, and immoral + character, influenced my feelings, but she appeared to me a most artful, + vain, and disagreeable woman. She looked to be about thirty-six years of + age; and though she might when younger have been well made, it is + impossible that she could ever have been handsome. The features of her + face are far from being regular. Her mouth is large, her eyes hollow, and + her nose short. Her language is that of brothels, and her manners + correspond with her expressions. She is the daughter of a workman at a + silk manufactory at Lyons; she ceased to be a maid before she had attained + the age of a woman, and lived in a brothel in her native city, kept by a + Madame Thibault, where her husband first became acquainted with her. She + then had a tolerably good voice, was young and insinuating, and he + introduced her on the same stage where he was one of the inferior dancers. + Here in a short time she improved so much, that she was engaged as a + supernumerary; her salary in France as an actress was, however, never + above twelve hundred livres in the year—which was four hundred + livres more than her husband received. + </p> + <p> + He, with several other inferior and unprincipled actors and dancers, + quitted the stage in the beginning of the Revolution for the clubs; and + instead of diverting his audience, resolved to reform and regenerate his + nation. His name is found in the annals of the crimes perpetrated at + Lyons, by the side of that of a Fouche, a Collot d’Herbois, and other + wicked offsprings of rebellion. With all other terrorists, he was + imprisoned for some time after the death of Robespierre; as soon as + restored to liberty, he set out with his wife for Hamburg, where some + amateurs had constructed a French theatre. + </p> + <p> + It was in the autumn of 1795 when Madame Chevalier was first heard of in + the North of Europe, where her arrival occasioned a kind of theatrical war + between the French, American, and Hamburg Jacobins on one side, and the + English and emigrant loyalists on the other. Having no money to continue + her pretended journey to Sweden, she asked the manager of the French + theatre at Hamburg to allow her a benefit, and permission to play on that + night. She selected, of course, a part in which she could appear to the + most advantage, and was deservedly applauded. The very next evening the + Jacobin cabal called the manager upon the stage, and insisted that Madame + Chevalier should be given a regular engagement. He replied that no place + suitable to her talents was vacant, and that it would be ungenerous to + turn away for her sake another actress with whom the public had hitherto + declared their satisfaction. The Jacobins continued inflexible, and here, + as well as everywhere else, supported injustice by violence. As the + patriotism of the husband, more than the charms of the wife, was known to + have produced this indecent fracas, which for upwards of a week + interrupted the plays, all anti-Jacobins united to restore order. In this + they would, perhaps, have finally succeeded, had not the bayonets of the + Hamburg soldiers interfered, and forced this precious piece of + revolutionary furniture upon the manager and upon the stage. + </p> + <p> + After displaying her gratitude in her own way to each individual of the + Jacobin levy en masse in her favour, she was taken into keeping by a then + rich and married Hamburg merchant, who made her a present of a richly and + elegantly furnished house, and expended besides ten thousand louis d’or on + her, before he had a mortifying conviction that some other had partaken of + those favours for which he had so dearly paid. A countryman of yours then + showed himself with more noise than honour upon the scene, and made his + debut with a phaeton and four, which he presented to his theatrical + goddess, together with his own dear portrait, set round with large and + valuable diamonds. Madame Chevalier, however, soon afterwards hearing that + her English gallant had come over to Germany for economy, and that his + credit with his banker was nearly exhausted, had his portrait changed for + that of another and richer lover, preserving, however, the diamonds; and + she exposed this inconstancy even upon the stage, by suspending, as if in + triumph, the new portrait fastened on her bosom. The Englishman, wishing + to retrieve his phaeton and horses, which he protested only to have lent + his belle, found that she had put the whole equipage into a kind of + lottery, or raffle, to which all her numerous friends had subscribed, and + that an Altona Jew had won it. + </p> + <p> + The successor of your countryman was a Russian nobleman, succeeded in his + turn by a Polish Jew, who was ruined and discarded within three months. + She then became the property of the public, and, by her active industry, + during a stay of four years at Hamburg, she was enabled to remit to + France, before her departure for Russia, one million two hundred thousand + livres. Her popularity was, however, at that period, very much on the + decline, as she had stooped to the most indelicate means to collect money, + and to extort it from her friends and acquaintances. She had always lists + of subscriptions in her pocket; some with proposals to play in her + lotteries for trinkets unnecessary to her; others, to procure her, by the + assistance of subscribers, some trinkets which she wanted. + </p> + <p> + I suppose it to be no secret to you that the female agents of Talleyrand’s + secret diplomacy are frequently more useful than those of the other sex. I + am told that Madame Rochechouart was that friend of our Ministers who + engaged Madame Chevalier in her Russian expedition, and who instructed her + how to act her parts well at St. Petersburg. I need not repeat what is so + well known, that, after this artful emissary had ruined the domestic + happiness of the Russian Monarch, she degraded him in his political + transactions, and became the indirect cause of his untimely end, in + procuring, for a bribe of fifty thousand roubles in money and jewels, the + recall of one of the principal conspirators against the unfortunate Paul. + </p> + <p> + The wealth she plundered in the Russian capital, within the short period + of twenty months, amounted to much above one million of roubles. For money + she procured impunity for crime, and brought upon innocence the punishment + merited by guilt. The scaffolds of Russia were bleeding, and the roads to + Siberia crowded with the victims of the avarice of this female demon, who + often promised what she was unable to perform, and, to silence complaint, + added cruelty to fraud, and, after pocketing the bribe, resorted to the + executioner to remove those whom she had duped. The shocking anecdote of + the Sardinian secretary, whom she swindled out of nearly a hundred + thousand roubles, and on whom she afterwards persuaded her Imperial lover + to inflict capital punishment, is too recent and too public to be unknown + or forgotten. A Russian nobleman has assured me that the number of + unfortunate individuals whom her and her husband’s intrigues have caused + to suffer capitally during 1800 and 1801 was forty-six; and that nearly + three hundred persons besides, who could not or would not pay their + extortionate demands, were exiled to Siberia during the same period of + time. + </p> + <p> + You may, perhaps, think that a low woman who could produce such great and + terrible events, must be mistress of natural charms, as well as of + acquired accomplishments. As I have already stated, she can have no + pretensions to either, but she is extremely insinuating, sings tolerably + well, has a fresh and healthy look, and possesses an unusually good share + of cunning, presumption, and duplicity. Her husband, also, everywhere took + care to make her fashionable; and the vanity of the first of their dupes + increased the number of her admirers and engaged the vanity of others in + their turn to sacrifice themselves at her shrine. + </p> + <p> + The immorality of our age, also, often procured her popularity for what + deserved, and in better times would have encountered, the severest + reprobation. In 1797, an emigrant lodged at an inn at Hamburg where + another traveller was robbed of a large sum in ready money and jewels. The + unfortunate is always suspected; and in the visit made to his room by the + magistrates was found a key that opened the door of the apartment where + the theft had been committed. In vain did he represent that had he been + the thief he should not have kept an instrument which was, or might be, + construed into an argument of guilt; he was carried to prison, and, though + none of the property was discovered in his possession, would have been + condemned, had he not produced Madame Chevalier, who avowed that the key + opened the door of her bedroom, which the smith who had made it confirmed, + and swore that he had fabricated eight keys for the same actress and for + the same purpose. + </p> + <p> + At that time this woman lived in the same house with her husband, but + cohabited there with the husband of another woman. She had also places of + assignation with other gallants at private apartments, both in Hamburg and + at Altona. All these, her scandalous intrigues, were known even to the + common porters of these cities. The first time, after the affair of the + key had become public, she acted in a play where a key was mentioned, and + the audience immediately repeated, “The key! the key!” Far from being + ashamed, she appeared every night in pieces selected by her, where there + was mention of keys, and thus tired the jokes of the public. This + impudence might have been expected from her, but it was little to be + supposed that her barefaced vices should, as really was the case, augment + the crowd of suitors, and occasion even some duels, which latter she both + encouraged and rewarded. + </p> + <p> + Two brothers, of the name of De S——-, were both in love with + her, and the eldest, as the richest, became her choice. Offended at his + refusal of too large a sum of money, she wrote to the younger De S——-, + and offered to accede to his proposals if, like a gentleman, he would + avenge the affront she had experienced from his brother. He consulted a + friend, who, to expose her infamy, advised him to send some confidential + person to inform her that he had killed his elder brother, and expected + the recompense on the same night. He went and was received with open arms, + and had just retired with her, when the elder brother, accompanied by his + friend, entered the room. Madame Chevalier, instead of upbraiding, + laughed, and the next day the public laughed with her, and applauded her + more than ever. She knew very well what she was doing. The stories of the + key and the duel produced for her more than four thousand louis d’or by + the number of new gallants they enticed. It was a kind of emulation among + all young men in the North who should be foremost to dishonour and ruin + himself with this infamous woman. + </p> + <p> + Madame Chevalier and her husband now live here in grand style, and have + their grand parties, grand teas, grand assemblies, and grand balls. Their + hotel, I am assured, is even visited by the Bonapartes and by the members + of the foreign diplomatic corps. In the house where I saw her, I observed + that Louis Bonaparte and two foreign Ambassadors spoke to her as old + acquaintances. Though rich, to the amount of ten millions of livres—she, + or rather her husband, keeps a gambling-house, and her superannuated + charms are still to be bought for money, at the disposal of those amateurs + who are fond of antiques. Both her husband and herself are still members + of our secret diplomacy, though she complains loudly that, of the two + millions of livres—promised her in 1799 by Bonaparte and Talleyrand + if she could succeed in persuading Paul I. to withdraw from his alliance + with England and Austria, only six hundred thousand livres—has been + paid her. + </p> + <p> + I cannot finish this letter without telling you that before our military + forces had reached the Rhine, our political incendiaries had already taken + the field, and were in full march towards the Austrian, Russian, and + Prussian capitals. The advanced guard of this dangerous corps consists + entirely of females, all gifted with beauty and parts as much superior to + those of Madame Chevalier as their instructions are better digested. + Bonaparte and Talleyrand have more than once regretted that Madame + Chevalier was not ordered to enter into the conspiracy against Paul (whose + inconsistency and violence they foresaw would make his reign short), that + she might have influenced the conspirators to fix upon a successor more + pliable and less scrupulous, and who would have suffered the Cabinet of + St. Cloud to dictate to the Cabinet of St. Petersburg. + </p> + <p> + I dined in company several times this last spring with two ladies who, + rumour said, have been destined for your P——- of W—— + and D—- of Y—- ever since the Peace of Amiens. Talleyrand is + well informed what figures and what talents are requisite to make an + impression on these Princes, and has made his choice accordingly. These + ladies have lately disappeared, and when inquired after are stated to be + in the country, though I do not consider it improbable that they have + already arrived at headquarters. They are both rather fair and lusty, + above the middle size, and about twenty-five years of age. They speak, + besides French, the English and Italian languages. They are good drawers, + good musicians, good singers, and, if necessary, even good drinkers. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Had the citizens of the United States been as submissive to + the taxation of your Government as to the vexations of our ruler, America + would, perhaps, have been less free and Europe more tranquil. After the + treaty of Amiens had Produced a general pacification, our Government was + seriously determined to reconquer from America a part of those treasures + its citizens had gained during the Revolutionary War, by a neutrality + which our policy and interest required, and which the liberality of your + Government endured. Hence the acquisition we made of New Orleans from + Spain, and hence the intrigues of our emissaries in that colony, and the + peremptory requisitions of provision for St. Domingo by our Minister and + generals. Had we been victorious in St. Domingo, most of our troops there + were destined for the American Continent, to invade, according to + circumstances, either the Spanish colonies on the terra firma or the + States of the American Commonwealth. The unforeseen rupture with your + country postponed a plan that is far from being laid aside. + </p> + <p> + You may, perhaps, think that since we sold Louisiana we have no footing in + America that can threaten the peace or independence of the United States; + but may not the same dictates that procured us at Madrid the acquisition + of New Orleans, also make us masters of Spanish Florida? And do you + believe it improbable that the present disagreement between America and + Spain is kept up by our intrigues and by our future views? Would not a + word from us settle in an instant at Madrid the differences as well as the + frontiers of the contending parties in America? And does it not seem to be + the regular and systematic plan of our Government to provoke the + retaliation of the Americans, and to show our disregard of their privilege + of neutrality and rights of independence; and that we insult them only + because we despise them, and despise them only because we do not apprehend + their resentment. + </p> + <p> + I have heard the late American Minister here assert that the American + vessels captured by our cruisers and condemned by our tribunals, only + during the last war, amounted to about five hundred; and their cargoes + (all American property) to one hundred and fifty millions of livres—L6,000,000. + Some few days ago I saw a printed list, presented by the American consul + to our Minister of the Marine Department, claiming one hundred and twelve + American ships captured in the West Indies and on the coast of America + within these last two years, the cargoes of which have all been + confiscated, and most of the crews still continue prisoners at Martinico, + Gaudeloupe, or Cayenne. Besides these, sixty-six American ships, after + being plundered in part of their cargoes at sea by our privateers, had + been released; and their claims for property thus lost, or damage thus + done, amounting to one million three hundred thousand livres. + </p> + <p> + You must have read the proclamations of our governors in the West Indies, + and therefore remember that one dated at Guadeloupe, and another dated at + the City of San Domingo, both declare, without farther ceremony, all + American and other neutral ships and cargoes good and lawful prizes, when + coming from or destined to any port in the Island of St. Domingo, because + Bonaparte’s subjects there were in a state of rebellion. What would these + philosophers who, twelve years ago, wrote so many libels against your + Ministers for their pretended system of famine, have said, had they, + instead of prohibiting the carrying of ammunition and provisions to the + ports of France, thus extended their orders without discrimination or + distinction? How would the neutral Americans, and the neutral Danes, and + their then allies, philosophers, and Jacobins of all colours and classes, + have complained and declaimed against the tyrants of the seas; against the + enemies of humanity, liberty, and equality. Have not the negroes now, as + much as our Jacobins had in 1793, a right to call upon all those + tender-hearted schemers, dupes, or impostors, to interest humanity in + their favour? But, as far as I know, no friends of liberty have yet + written a line in favour of these oppressed and injured men, whose former + slavery was never doubtful, and who, therefore, had more reason to rise + against their tyrants, and to attempt to shake off their yoke, than our + French insurgents, who, free before, have never since they revolted + against lawful authority enjoyed an hour’s freedom. But the Emperor + Jacques the First has no propagators, no emissaries, no learned savans and + no secret agents to preach insurrection in other States, while defending + his own usurpation; besides, his treasury is not in the most brilliant and + flourishing situation, and the crew of our white revolutionists are less + attached to liberty than to cash. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="pb114" id="pb114"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="pb114.jpg (55K)" src="images/pb114.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Our Ambassador to the United States, General Turreaux, is far from being + contented with our friend, the President Jefferson, whose patriotic + notions have not yet soared to the level of our patriotic transactions. He + refused both to prevent the marriage of Jerome Bonaparte with a female + American citizen, and to detain her after her marriage when her husband + returned to Europe. To our continual representation against the liberties + which the American newspapers take with our Government, with our Emperor, + with our Imperial Family, and with our Imperial Ministers, the answer has + always been, “Prosecute the libeller, and as soon as he is convicted he + will be punished.” This tardy and negative justice is so opposite to our + expeditious and summary mode of proceeding, of punishing first and trying + afterwards, that it must be both humiliating and offensive. In return, + when the Americans have complained to Turreaux against the piracy of our + privateers, he has sent them here to seek redress, where they also will, + to their cost, discover that in civil cases our justice has not the same + rapid march as when it is a question of arresting or transporting + suspected persons, or of tormenting, shooting, or guillotining a pretended + spy, or supposed conspirator. + </p> + <p> + Had the peace of Europe continued, Bernadotte was the person selected by + Bonaparte and Talleyrand as our representative in America; because we then + intended to strike, and not to negotiate. But during the present embroiled + state of Europe, an intriguer was more necessary there than either a + warrior or a politician. A man who has passed through all the mire of our + own Revolution, who has been in the secrets, and an accomplice of all our + factions, is, undoubtedly, a useful instrument where factions are to be + created and directed, where wealth is designed for pillage, and a State + for overthrow. General Turreaux is, therefore, in his place, and at his + proper post, as our Ambassador in America. + </p> + <p> + The son of a valet of the late Duc de Bouillon, Turreaux called himself + before the Revolution Chevalier de Grambonville, and was, in fact, a + ‘chevalier d’industrie’ (a swindler), who supported himself by gambling + and cheating. An associate of Beurnonville, Barras, and other vile + characters, he with them joined the colours of rebellion, and served under + the former in 1792, in the army of the Moselle, first as a volunteer, and + afterwards as an aide-de-camp. In a speech at the Jacobin Club at Quesnoy, + on the 20th of November, 1792, he made a motion—“That, throughout + the whole republican army, all hats should be prohibited, and red caps + substituted in their place; and that, not only portable guillotines, but + portable Jacobin clubs, should accompany the soldiers of Liberty and + Equality.” + </p> + <p> + A cousin of his was a member of the National Convention, and one of those + called Mountaineers, or sturdy partisans of Marat and Robespierre. It was + to the influence of this cousin, that he was indebted, first for a + commission as an adjutant-general, and afterwards for his promotion to a + general of brigade. In 1793, he was ordered to march, under the command of + Santerre, to La Vendee, where he shared in the defeat of the republicans + at Vihiers. At the engagement near Roches d’Erigne he commanded, for the + first time, a separate column, and the capacity and abilities which he + displayed on that occasion were such as might have been expected from a + man who had passed the first thirty years of his life in brothels and + gambling-houses. So pleasant were his dispositions, that almost the whole + army narrowly escaped having been thrown and pushed into the River Loire. + The battle of Doux was the only one in which he had a share where the + republicans were not routed; but some few days afterwards, near Coron, all + the troops under him were cut to pieces, and he was himself wounded. + </p> + <p> + The confidence of his friends, the Jacobins, increased, however, in + proportion to his disasters, and he was, in 1794, after the superior + number of the republican soldiers had forced the remnants of the Royalists + to evacuate what was properly called La Vendee, appointed a + commander-in-chief. He had now an opportunity to display his infamy and + barbarity. Having established his headquarters at Mantes, where he was + safe, amidst the massacres of women and children ordered by his friend + Carriere, he commanded the republican army to enter La Vendee in twelve + columns, preceded by fire and sword; and within four weeks, one of the + most populous departments of France, to the extent and circumference of + sixty leagues, was laid waste-not a house, not a cottage, not a tree was + spared, all was reduced to ashes; and the unfortunate inhabitants, who had + not perished amid the ruin of their dwellings, were shot or stabbed; while + attempting to save themselves from the common conflagration. On the 22d of + January, 1794, he wrote to the Committee of Public Safety of the National + Convention: “Citizen Representatives!—A country of sixty leagues + extent, I have the happiness to inform you, is now a perfect desert; not a + dwelling, not a bush, but is reduced to ashes; and of one hundred and + eighty thousand worthless inhabitants, not a soul breathes any longer. Men + and women, old men and children, have all experienced the national + vengeance, and are no more. It was a pleasure to a true republican to see + upon the bayonets of each of our brave republicans the children of + traitors, or their, heads. According to the lowest calculation, I have + despatched, within three months, two hundred thousand individuals of both + sexes, and of all ages. Vive la Republique!!!” In the works of Prudhomme + and our republican writers, are inserted hundreds of letters, still more + cruelly extravagant, from this ci-devant friend of Liberty and Equality, + and at present faithful subject, and grand officer of the Legion of + Honour, of His Imperial Majesty Napoleon the First. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="pb118" id="pb118"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="pb118.jpg (126K)" src="images/pb118.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + After the death of Robespierre, Turreaux, then a governor at Belleisle, + was arrested as a terrorist, and shut up at Du Plessis until the general + amnesty released him in 1795. During his imprisonment he amused himself + with writing memoirs of the war of La Vendee, in which he tried to prove + that all his barbarities had been perpetrated for the sake of humanity, + and to save the lives of republicans. He had also the modesty to announce + that, as a military work, his production would be equally interesting as + those of a Folard and Guibert. These memoirs, however, proved nothing but + that he was equally ignorant and wicked, presumptuous and ferocious. + </p> + <p> + During the reign of the Directory he was rather discarded, or only + employed as a kind of recruiting officer to hunt young conscripts, but in + 1800 Bonaparte gave him a command in the army of reserve; and in 1802, + another in the army of the interior. He then became one of the most + assiduous and cringing courtiers at the Emperor’s levies; while in the + Empress’s drawing-room he assumed his former air and ton of a chevalier, + in hopes of imposing upon those who did not remember the nickname which + his soldiers gave him ten years before, of Chevalier of the Guillotine. + </p> + <p> + At a ball of the Bonaparte family to which he was invited, the Emperor + took the fancy to dance with his stepdaughter, Madame Louis. He, + therefore, unhooked his sword, which he handed to a young colonel, D’ + Avry, standing by his side. This colonel, who had been a page at the Court + of Louis XVI., knew that it would have been against etiquette, and even + unbecoming of him, to act as a valet to Napoleon while there were valets + in the room; he therefore retreated, looking round for a servant. “Oh!” + said the Emperor, “I see that I am mistaken; here, generals,” continued he + (addressing himself to half a dozen, with whose independent principles and + good breeding he was acquainted), “take this sword during my dance.” They + all pushed forward, but Turreaux and La Grange, another general and + intriguer, were foremost; the latter, however, received the preference. On + the next day, D’ Avry was ordered upon service to Cayenne. + </p> + <p> + Turreaux has acquired, by his patriotic deeds in La Vendee, a fortune of + seven millions of livres. He has the highest opinion of his own capacity, + while a moment’s conversation will inform a man of sense that he is only a + conceited fool. As to his political transactions, he has by his side, as a + secretary, a man of the name of Petry, who has received a diplomatic + education, and does not want either subtlety or parts; and on him, no + doubt, is thrown the drudgery of business. During a European war, + Turreaux’s post is of little relative consequence; but should Napoleon + live to dictate another general pacification, the United States will be + exposed, on their frontiers, or in their interior, to the same outrages + their commercial navy now experiences on the main. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—A general officer, who has just arrived from Italy, has + assured me that, so far from Bonaparte’s subjects on the other side of the + Alps being contented and attached to his person and Government, were a + victorious Austrian army to enter the plains of Lombardy a general + insurrection would be the consequence. During these last nine years the + inhabitants have not enjoyed a moment’s tranquillity or safety. Every + relation or favourite whom Napoleon wished to provide for, or to enrich, + he has saddled upon them as in free quarters; and since 1796, when they + first had the honour of our Emperor’s acquaintance, they have paid more in + taxes, in forced loans, requisitions, and extortions of every description, + than their ancestors or themselves had paid during the one hundred and + ninety-six preceding years. + </p> + <p> + Such is the public spirit, and such have been the sufferings of the people + in the ci-devant Lombardy; in Piedmont they are still worse off. Having + more national character and more fidelity towards their Sovereign than + their neighbours, they are also more cruelly treated. Their governor, + General De Menou, has caused most of the departments to be declared under + martial law, and without right to claim the protection of our happy + constitution. In every city or town are organized special tribunals, the + progeny of our revolutionary tribunals, against the sentences of which no + appeal can be made, though these sentences are always capital ones. Before + these, suspicion is evidence, and an imprudent word is subject to the same + punishment as a murderous deed. Murmur is regarded as mutiny, and he who + complains is shot as a conspirator. + </p> + <p> + There exist only two ways for the wretched Piedmontese to escape these + legal assassinations. They must either desert their country or sacrifice a + part of their property. In the former case, if retaken, they are condemned + as emigrants; and in the latter they incur the risk that those to whom + they have already given a part of their possessions will also require the + remainder, and having obtained it, to enjoy in security the spoil, will + send them to the tribunals and to death. De Menou has a fixed tariff for + his protection, regulated according to the riches of each person; and the + tax-gatherers collect these arbitrary contributions with the regular ones, + so little pains are taken to conceal or to disguise these robberies. + </p> + <p> + De Menou, by turns a nobleman and a sans-culotte, a Christian and a + Mussulman, is wicked and profligate, not from the impulse of the moment or + of any sudden gust of passion, but coldly and deliberately. He calculates + with sangfroid the profit and the risk of every infamous action he + proposes to commit, and determines accordingly. He owed some riches and + the rank of the major-general to the bounty of Louis XVI., but when he + considered the immense value of the revolutionary plunder, called national + property, and that those who confiscated could also promote, he did not + hesitate what party to take. A traitor is generally a coward; he has + everywhere experienced defeats; he was defeated by his Royalist countrymen + in 1793, by his Mahometan sectaries in 1800, and by your countrymen in + 1801. + </p> + <p> + Besides his Turkish wife, De Menou has in the same house with her one + Italian and two French girls, who live openly with him, but who are + obliged to keep themselves by selling their influence and protection, and, + perhaps, sometimes even their personal favours. He has also in his hotel + several gambling-tables, where those who are too bashful to address + themselves to himself or his mistresses may deposit their donations, and + if they are thought sufficient, the hint is taken and their business done. + He never pays any debts and never buys anything for ready money, and all + persons of his suite, or appertaining to his establishment, have the same + privilege. Troublesome creditors are recommended to the care of the + special tribunals, which also find means to reduce the obstinacy of those + refractory merchants or traders who refuse giving any credit. All the + money he extorts or obtains is brought to this capital and laid out by his + agents in purchasing estates, which, from his advanced age and weak + constitution, he has little prospect of long enjoying. He is a grand + officer of Bonaparte’s Legion of Honour, and has a long claim to that + distinction, because as early as on the 25th of June, 1790, he made a + motion in the National Assembly to suppress all former Royal Orders in + France, and to create in their place only a national one. Always an + incorrigible flatterer, when Napoleon proclaimed himself Ali the + Mussulman, De Menou professed himself Abdallah the believer in the + Alcoran. + </p> + <p> + The late vice-president of the Italian Republic, Melzi-Eril, is now in + complete disgrace with his Sovereign, Napoleon the First. If persons of + rank and property would read through the list of those, their equals by + birth and wealth, who, after being seduced by the sophistry of impostors, + dishonoured and exposed themselves by joining in the Revolution, they + might see that none of them have escaped insults, many have suffered + death, and all have been, or are, vile slaves, at the mercy of the whip of + some upstart beggar, and trampled upon by men started up from the mud, of + lowest birth and basest morals. If their revolutionary mania were not + incurable, this truth and this evidence would retain them within their + duty, so corresponding with their real interest, and prevent them from + being any longer borne along by a current of infamy and danger, and + preserve them from being lost upon quicksands or dashed against rocks. + </p> + <p> + The conduct and fate of the Italian nobleman and Spanish grandee, + Melzi-Eril, has induced me to make these reflections. Wealthy as well as + elevated, he might have passed his life in uninterrupted tranquillity, + enjoying its comforts without experiencing its vicissitudes, with the + esteem of his contemporaries and without reproach from posterity or from + his own conscience. Unfortunately for him, a journey into this country + made him acquainted both with our philosophers and with our philosophical + works; and he had neither natural capacity to distinguish errors from + reality, nor judgment enough to perceive that what appeared improving and + charming in theory, frequently became destructive and improper when + attempted to be put into practice. Returned to his own country, his + acquired half-learning made him wholly dissatisfied with his Government, + with his religion, and with himself. In our Revolution he thought that he + saw the first approach towards the perfection of the human species, and + that it would soon make mankind as good and as regenerated in society as + was promised in books. With our own regenerators he extenuated the crimes + which sullied their work from its first page, and declared them even + necessary to make the conclusion so much the more complete. When, + therefore, Bonaparte, in 1796, entered the capital of Lombardy, Melzi was + among the first of the Italian nobility who hailed him as a deliverer. The + numerous vexations and repeated pillage of our Government, generals, + commissaries, and soldiers, did not abate his zeal nor alter his opinion. + “The faults and sufferings of individuals,” he said, “are nothing to the + goodness of the cause, and do not impair the utility of the whole.” To + him, everything the Revolution produced was the best; the murder of + thousands and the ruin of millions were, with him, nothing compared with + the benefit the universe would one day derive from the principles and + instruction of our armed and unarmed philosophers. In recompense for so + much complacency, and such great patriotism, Bonaparte appointed him, in + 1797, a plenipotentiary from the Cisalpine Republic to the Congress at + Rastadt; and, in 1802, a vice-president of the Italian Republic. As Melzi + was a sincere and disinterested republican fanatic, he did not much + approve of the strides Bonaparte made towards a sovereignty that + annihilated the sovereignty of his sovereign people. In a conference, + however, with Talleyrand, at Lyons, in February, 1802, he was convinced + that this age was not yet ripe for all the improvements our philosophers + intended to confer on it; and that, to prevent it from retrogading to the + point where it was found by our Revolution, it was necessary that it + should be ruled by enlightened men, such as he and Bonaparte, to whom he + advised him by all means never to give the least hint about liberty and + equality. Our Minister ended his fraternal counsel with obliging Melzi to + sign a stipulation for a yearly sum, as a douceur for the place he + occupied. + </p> + <p> + The sweets of power shortly caused Melzi to forget both the tenets of his + philosophy and his schemes of regeneration. He trusted so much to the + promises of Bonaparte and Talleyrand, that he believed himself destined to + reign for life, and was, therefore, not a little surprised when he was + ordered by Napoleon the First to descend and salute Eugene de Beauharnais + as the deputy Sovereign of the Sovereign King of Italy. He was not + philosopher enough to conceal his chagrin, and bowed with such a bad grace + to the new Viceroy that it was visible he would have preferred seeing in + that situation an Austrian Archduke as a governor-general. To soften his + disappointment, Bonaparte offered to make him a Prince, and with that rank + indemnify him for breaking the promises given at Lyons, where it is known + that the influence of Melzi, more than the intrigues of Talleyrand, + determined the Italian Consulta in the choice of a president. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after Bonaparte’s return to France, Melzi left Milan, and + retired to an estate in Tuscany; from that place he wrote to Talleyrand a + letter full of reproach, and concluded by asking leave to pass the + remainder of his days in Spain among his relatives. An answer was + presented him by an officer of Bonaparte’s Gendarmes d’Elite, in which he + was forbidden to quit Italy, and ordered to return with the officer to + Milan, and there occupy his office of Arch-Chancellor to which he had been + nominated. Enraged at such treatment, he endeavoured to kill himself with + a dose of poison, but his attempt did not succeed. His health was, + however, so much injured by it that it is not supposed he can live long. + What, a lesson for reformers and innovators! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—A ridiculous affair lately occasioned a great deal of + bustle among the members of our foreign diplomatic corps. When Bonaparte + demanded for himself and for his wife the title of Imperial Majesty, and + for his brothers and sisters that of Imperial Highness, he also insisted + on the salutation of a Serene Highness being given to his Arch-Chancellor, + Cambaceres, and his Arch-Treasurer, Lebrun. The political consciences of + the independent representatives of independent Continental Princes + immediately took the alarm at the latter innovation, as the appellation of + Serene Highness has never hitherto been bestowed on persons who had not + princely rank. They complained to Talleyrand, they petitioned Bonaparte, + and they even despatched couriers to their respective Courts. The Minister + smiled, the Emperor cursed, and their own Cabinets deliberated. All routs, + all assemblies, all circles, and all balls were at a stop. Cambaceres + applied to his Sovereign to support his pretensions, as connected with his + own dignity; and the diplomatic corps held forward their dignity as + opposing the pretensions of Cambaceres. In this dilemma Bonaparte ordered + all the Ambassadors, Ministers, envoys, and agents ‘en masse’ to the + castle of the Tuileries. After hearing, with apparent patience, their + arguments in favour of established etiquette and customs, he remained + inflexible, upon the ground that he, as master, had a right to confer what + titles he chose within his own dominions on his own subjects; and that + those foreigners who refused to submit to his regulations might return to + their own country. This plain explanation neither effecting a conversion + nor making any, impression, he grew warm, and left the refractory + diplomatists with these remarkable words: “Were I to create my Mameluke + Rostan a King, both you and your masters should acknowledge him in that + rank.” + </p> + <p> + After this conference most of Their Excellencies were seized with terror + and fear, and would, perhaps, have subscribed to the commands of our + Emperor had not some of the wisest among them proposed, and obtained the + consent of the rest, to apply, once more to Talleyrand, and purchase by + some douceur his assistance in this great business. The heart of our + Minister is easily softened; and he assented, upon certain conditions, to + lay the whole before his Sovereign in such a manner that Cambaceres should + be made a Prince as well as a Serene Highness. + </p> + <p> + It is said that Bonaparte was not easily persuaded to this measure, and + did not consent to it before the Minister remarked that his condescension + in this insignificant opposition to his will would proclaim his moderation + and generosity, and empower him to insist on obedience when matters of the + greatest consequence should be in question or disputed. Thus our regicide, + Cambaceres, owes his princely title to the shallow intrigues of the agents + of legitimate Sovereigns. Their nicety in talking of innovations with + regard to him, after they had without difficulty hailed a sans-culotte an + Emperor, and other sans-culottes Imperial Highnesses, was as absurd as + improper. Report, however, states, what is very probable, that they were + merely the duped tools of Cambaceres’s ambition and vanity, and of + Talleyrand’s corruption and cupidity. + </p> + <p> + Cambaceres expected to have been elevated to a Prince on the same day that + he was made a Serene Highness; but Joseph Bonaparte represented to his + brother that too many other princedoms would diminish the respect and + value of the princedoms of the Bonaparte family. Cambaceres knew that + Talleyrand had some reason at that period to be discontented with Joseph, + and, therefore, asked his advice how to get made a Prince against the + wishes of this Grand Elector. After some consideration, the Minister + replied that he was acquainted with one way, which would, with his + support, certainly succeed; but it required a million of livres to set the + wheels in motion, and keep them going afterwards. The hint was taken, and + an agreement signed for one million, payable on the day when the princely + patent should be delivered to the Arch-Chancellor. + </p> + <p> + Among the mistresses provided by our Minister for the members of the + foreign diplomatic corps, Madame B——s is one of the ablest in + the way of intrigue. She was instructed to alarm her ‘bon ami’, the + Bavarian Minister, Cetto, who is always bustling and pushing himself + forward in the grand questions of etiquette. A fool rather than a rogue, + and an intriguer while he thinks himself a negotiator, he was happy to + have this occasion to prove his penetrating genius and astonishing + information. A convocation of the diplomatic corps was therefore called, + and the suggestions of Cetto were regarded as an inspiration, and + approved, with a resolution to persevere unanimously. At their first + audience with Talleyrand on this subject, he seemed to incline in their + favour; but, as soon as he observed how much they showed themselves + interested about this trifling punctilio, it occurred to him that they, as + well as Cambaceres, might in some way or other reward the service he + intended to perform. Madame B——s was again sent for; and she + once more advised her lover, who again advised his colleagues. Their + scanty purses were opened, and a subscription entered into for a very + valuable diamond, which, with the millions of the Arch-Chancellor, gave + satisfaction to all parties; and even Joseph Bonaparte was reconciled, + upon the consideration that Cambaceres has no children, and that, + therefore, the Prince will expire with the Grand Officer of State. + </p> + <p> + Cambaceres, though before the Revolution a nobleman of a Parliamentary + family, was so degraded and despised for his unnatural and beastly + propensities, that to see him in the ranks of rebellion was not + unexpected. Born in Languedoc, his countrymen were the first to suffer + from his revolutionary proceedings, and reproached him as one of the most + active instruments of persecution against the clergy of Toulouse, and as + one of the causes of all the blood that flowed in consequence. A coward as + well as a traitor, after the death of Louis XVI. he never dared ascend the + tribune of the National Convention, but always gave a silent vote to all + the atrocious laws proposed and carried by Marat, Robespierre, and their + accomplices. It was in 1795, when the Reign of Terror had ceased, that he + first displayed his zeal for anarchy, and his hatred to royalty; his + contemptible and disgusting vices were, however, so publicly reprobated, + that even the Directory dared not nominate him a Minister of Justice, a + place for which he intrigued in vain, from 1796 to 1799; when Bonaparte, + either not so scrupulous, or setting himself above the public opinion, + caused him to be called to the Consulate; which, in 1802, was ensured him + for life, but exchanged, in 1804, for the office of an Arch-Chancellor. + </p> + <p> + He is now worth thirty millions of livres—all honestly obtained by + his revolutionary industry. Besides a Prince, a Serene Highness, an + Arch-Chancellor, a grand officer of the Legion of Honour, he is also a + Knight of the Prussian Black Eagle! For his brother, who was for a long + time an emigrant clergyman, and whom he then renounced as a fanatic, he + has now procured the Archbishopric of Rouen and a Cardinal’s hat. His + Eminence is also a grand officer of the Legion of Honour in France, and a + Pope in petto at Rome. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—No Sovereign Prince has more incurred the hatred of + Bonaparte than the present King of Sweden; and I have heard from good + authority that our Government spares neither bribes nor intrigues to move + the tails of those factions which were dissolved, but not crushed, after + the murder of Gustavus III. The Swedes are generally brave and loyal, but + their history bears witness that they are easily misled; all their grand + achievements are their own, and the consequence of their national spirit + and national valour, while all their disasters have been effected by the + influence of foreign gold and of foreign machinations. Had they not been + the dupes of the plots and views of the Cabinets of Versailles and St. + Petersburg, their country might have been as powerful in the nineteenth + century as it was in the seventeenth. + </p> + <p> + That Gustavus IV. both knew the danger of Europe, and indicated the + remedy, His Majesty’s notes, as soon as he came of age, presented by the + able and loyal Minister Bildt to the Diet of Ratisbon, evince. Had they + been more attended to during 1798 and 1799, Bonaparte would not, perhaps, + have now been so great, but the Continent would have remained more free + and more independent. They were the first causes of our Emperor’s official + anger against the Cabinet of Stockholm. + </p> + <p> + When, however, His Swedish Majesty entered into the Northern league, his + Ambassador, Baron Ehrensward, was for some time treated with no insults + distinct or different from those to which all foreign diplomatic agents + have been accustomed during the present reign; but when he demanded + reparation for the piracies committed during the last war by our + privateers on the commerce of his nation, the tone was changed; and when + his Sovereign, in 1803, was on a visit to his father-in-law, the Elector + of Baden, and there preferred the agreeable company of the unfortunate Duc + d’Enghien to the society of our Minister, Baron Ehrensward never entered + Napoleon’s diplomatic circle or Madame Napoleon’s drawing-room without + hearing rebukes and experiencing disgusts. One day, when more than usually + attacked, he said, on leaving the apartment, to another Ambassador, and in + the hearing of Duroc, “that it required more real courage to encounter + with dignity and self-command unbecoming provocations, which the person + who gave them knew could not be resented, than to brave a death which the + mouths of cannon vomit or the points of bayonets inflict.” Duroc reported + to his master what he heard, and but for Talleyrand’s interference, the + Swedish Ambassador would, on the same night, have been lodged in the + Temple. Orders were already given to that purpose, but were revoked. + </p> + <p> + This Baron Ehrensward, who is also a general in the service of his + country, has almost from his youth passed his time at Courts; first in his + own country, and afterwards in Spain, where he resided twelve years as our + Ambassador. Frank as a soldier, but also polite as a courtier, he was not + a little surprised at the new etiquette of our new court, and at the + endurance of all the members of the diplomatic corps, of whom hardly one + had spirit enough to remember that he was the representative of one, at + least nominally, independent Prince or State. It must be added that he was + the only foreign diplomatist, with Count Markof, who was not the choice of + our Cabinet, and, therefore, was not in our secrets. + </p> + <p> + As soon as His Swedish Majesty heard of the unexpected and unlawful + seizure of the Duc d’Enghien, he wrote a letter with his own hand to + Bonaparte, which he sent by his adjutant-general, Tawast; but this officer + arrived too late, and only in time to hear of the execution of the Prince + he intended to save, and the indecent expressions of Napoleon when + acquainted with the object of his mission. Baron Ehrensward was then + recalled, and a Court mourning was proclaimed by Gustavus IV., as well as + by Alexander the First, for the lamented victim of the violated laws of + nations and humanity. This so, enraged our ruler that General Caulincourt + (the same who commanded the expedition which crossed the Rhine and + captured the Duc d’ Enghien) was engaged to head and lead fifty other + banditti, who were destined to pass in disguise into Baden, and to bring + the King of Sweden a prisoner to this capital. Fortunately, His Majesty + had some suspicion of the attempt, and removed to a greater distance from + our frontiers than Carlsruhe. So certain was our Government of the success + of this shameful enterprise, that our charge d’affaires in Sweden was + preparing to engage the discontented and disaffected there for the + convocation of a diet and the establishment of a regency. + </p> + <p> + According to the report in our diplomatic circle. Bonaparte and Talleyrand + intended nevermore to, release their royal captive when once in their + power; but, after forcing him to resign the throne to his son, keep him a + prisoner for the remainder of his days, which they would have taken care + should not have been long. The Duke of Sudermania was to have been + nominated a regent until the majority of the young King, not yet six years + of age. The Swedish diets were to recover that influence, or, rather, that + licentiousness, to which Gustavus III., by the revolution of the 19th of + August, 1772, put an end. All exiled regicides, or traitors, were to be + recalled, and a revolutionary focus organized in the North, equally + threatening Russia and Denmark. The dreadful consequences of such an event + are incalculable. Thanks to the prudence of His Swedish Majesty, all these + schemes evaporated in air. + </p> + <p> + Not being able to dethrone a Swedish Monarch, our Cabinet resolved to + partition the Swedish territory, to which effect I am assured that + proposals were last summer made to the Cabinets of St. Petersburg, Berlin, + and Copenhagen. Swedish Finland was stated to have been offered to Russia, + Swedish Pomerania to Prussia, and Scania and Blekinge to Denmark; but the + overture was rejected. + </p> + <p> + The King of Sweden possesses both talents and information superior to most + of his contemporaries, and he has surrounded himself with counsellors who, + with their experience, make wisdom more firm, more useful, and more + valuable. His chancellor, D’Ehrenheim, unites modesty with sagacity; he is + a most able statesman, an accomplished gentleman, and the most agreeable + of men. He knows the languages, as well as the constitutions, of every + country in Europe, with equal perfection as his native tongue and national + code. Had his Sovereign the same ascendency over the European politics as + Christina had during the negotiation of the Treaty of Munster, other + States would admire, and Sweden be proud of, another Axel Oxenstiern. + </p> + <p> + Count Fersen, who also has, and is worthy of, the confidence of his + Prince, is a nobleman, the honour and pride of his rank. A colonel before + the Revolution of the regiment Royal Suedois, in the service of my + country, his principles were so well appreciated that he was entrusted by + Louis XVI. and Marie Antoinette, when so many were so justly suspected, + and served royalty in distress, at the risk of his own existence. This was + so much the more generous in him as he was a foreigner, of one of the most + ancient families, and one of the richest noblemen in his own country. To + him Louis XVIII. is indebted for his life; and he brought consolation to + the deserted Marie Antoinette even in the dungeon of the Conciergerie, + when a discovery would have been a sentence of death. In 1797, he was + appointed by his King plenipotentiary to the Congress of Rastadt, and + arrived there just at the time when Bonaparte, after the destruction of + happiness in Italy, had resolved on the ruin of liberty in Switzerland, + and came there proud of past exploits and big with future schemes of + mischief. His reception from the conquerer of Italy was such as might have + been expected by distinguished loyalty from successful rebellion. He was + told that the Congress of Rastadt was not his place! and this was true; + for what can be common between honour and infamy, between virtue and vice? + On his return to Sweden, Count Fersen was rewarded with the dignity of a + Grand Officer of State. + </p> + <p> + Of another faithful and trusty counsellor of His Swedish Majesty, Baron + d’Armfeldt, a panegyric would be pronounced in saying that he was the + friend of Gustavus III. From a page to that chevalier of royalty he was + advanced to the rank of general; and during the war with Russia, in 1789 + and 1790, he fought and bled by the side of his Prince and benefactor. It + was to him that his King said, when wounded mortally, by the hand of a + regicide, at a masquerade in March, 1792, “Don’t be alarmed, my friend. + You know as well as myself that all wounds are not dangerous.” + Unfortunately, his were not of that description. + </p> + <p> + In the will of this great Monarch, Baron d’Armfeldt was nominated one of + the guardians of his present Sovereign, and a governor of the capital; but + the Duke Regent, who was a weak Prince, guided by philosophical + adventurers, by Illuminati and Freemasons, most of whom had imbibed the + French revolutionary maxims, sent him, in a kind of honourable exile, as + an Ambassador to Italy. Shortly afterwards, under pretence of having + discovered a conspiracy, in which the Baron was implicated, he was + outlawed. He then took refuge in Russia, where he was made a general, and + as such distinguished him self under Suwarow during the campaign of 1799. + He was then recalled to his country, and restored to all his former places + and dignities, and has never since ceased to merit and obtain the favour, + friendship, and approbation of his King. He is said to be one of the + Swedish general officers intended to serve in union with the Russian + troops expected in Pomerania. Wherever he is employed, I am convinced that + he will fight, vanquish, or perish like a hero. Last spring he was offered + the place of a lieutenant-general in the Austrian service, which, with + regard to salary and emoluments, is greatly superior to what he enjoys in + Sweden; he declined it, however, because, with a warrior of his stamp, + interest is the last consideration. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Believe me, Bonaparte dreads more the liberty of the Press + than all other engines, military or political, used by his rivals or foes + for his destruction. He is aware of the fatal consequences all former + factions suffered from the public exposure of their past crimes and future + views; of the reality of their guilt, and of the fallacy of their boasts + and promises. He does not doubt but that a faithful account of all the + actions and intrigues of his Government, its imposition, fraud, duplicity, + and tyranny, would make a sensible alteration in the public opinion; and + that even those who, from motives of patriotism, from being tired of our + revolutionary convulsions, or wishing for tranquillity, have been his + adherents, might alter their sentiments when they read of enormities which + must indicate insecurity, and prove to every one that he who waded through + rivers of blood to seize power will never hesitate about the means of + preserving it. + </p> + <p> + There is not a printing-office, from the banks of the Elbe to the Gulf of + Naples, which is not under the direct or indirect inspection of our police + agents; and not a bookseller in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, + Holland, or Switzerland, publishes a work which, if contrary to our policy + or our fears, is not either confiscated, or purchased on the day it, makes + its appearance. Besides our regular emissaries, we have persons travelling + from the beginning to the end of the year, to pick up information of what + literary productions are printing; of what authors are popular; of their + political opinions and private circumstances. This branch of our haute + police extends even to your country. + </p> + <p> + Before the Revolution, we had in this capital only two daily papers, but + from 1789 to 1799 never less than thirty, and frequently sixty journals + were daily printed. After Bonaparte had assumed the consular authority, + they were reduced to ten. But though these were under a very strict + inspection of our Minister of Police, they were regarded still as too + numerous, and have lately been diminished to eight, by the incorporation + of ‘Le Clef du Cabinet’ and ‘Le Bulletin de l’Europe’ with the ‘Gazette de + France’, a paper of which the infamously famous Barrere is the editor. + According to a proposal of Bonaparte, it was lately debated in the Council + of State whether it would not be politic to suppress all daily prints, + with the sole exception of the Moniteur. Fouche and Talleyrand spoke much + in favour of this measure of security. Real, however, is said to have + suggested another plan, which was adopted; and our Government, instead of + prohibiting the appearance of our daily papers, has resolved by degrees to + purchase them all, and to entrust them entirely to the direction of + Barrere, who now is consulted in everything concerning books or + newspapers. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="pb146" id="pb146"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="pb146.jpg (95K)" src="images/pb146.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + All circulation of foreign papers is prohibited, until they have + previously obtained the stamp of approbation from the grand literary + censor, Barrere. Any person offending against this law is most severely + punished. An American gentlemen, of the name of Campbell, was last spring + sent to the Temple for lending one of your old daily papers to a person + who lodged in the same hotel with him. After an imprisonment of ten weeks + he made some pecuniary sacrifices to obtain his liberty, but was carried + to Havre, under an escort of gendarmes, put on board a neutral vessel, and + forbidden, under pain of death, ever to set his foot on French ground + again. An American vessel was, about the same time, confiscated at + Bordeaux, and the captain and crew imprisoned, because some English books + were found on board, in which Bonaparte, Talleyrand, Fouche, and some of + our great men were rather ill-treated. The crew have since been liberated, + but the captain has been brought here, and is still in the Temple. The + vessel and the cargo have been sold as lawful captures, though the captain + has proved from the names written in the books that they belonged to a + passenger. A young German student in surgery, who came here to improve + himself, has been nine months in the same state prison, for having with + him a book, printed in Germany during Bonaparte’s expedition to Egypt, + wherein the chief and the undertaking are ridiculed. His mother, the widow + of a clergyman, hearing of the misfortune of her son, came here, and has + presented to the Emperor and Empress half a dozen petitions, without any + effect whatever, and has almost ruined herself and her other children by + the expenses of the journey. During a stay of four months she has not yet + been able to gain admittance into the Temple, to visit or see her son, who + perhaps expired in tortures, or died brokenhearted before she came here. + </p> + <p> + A dozen copies of a funeral sermon on the Duc d’Enghien had found their + way here, and were secretly circulated for some time; but at last the + police heard of it, and every person who was suspected of having read them + was arrested. The number of these unfortunate persons, according to some, + amounted to one hundred and thirty, while others say that they were only + eighty-four, of whom twelve died suddenly in the Temple, and the remainder + were transported to Cayenne; upwards of half of them were women, some of + the ci-devant highest rank among subjects. + </p> + <p> + A Prussian, of the name of Bulow, was shot as a spy in the camp of + Boulogne, because in his trunk was an English book, with the lives of + Bonaparte and of some of his generals. Every day such and other examples + of the severity of our Government are related; and foreigners who visit us + continue, nevertheless, to be off their guard. They would be less punished + had they with them forged bills than, printed books or newspapers, in + which our Imperial Family and public functionaries are not treated with + due respect. Bonaparte is convinced that in every book where he is not + spoken of with praise, the intent is to blame him; and such intents or + negative guilt never escape with impunity. + </p> + <p> + As, notwithstanding the endeavours of our Government, we are more fond of + foreign prints, and have more confidence in them than in our own, official + presses have lately been established at Antwerp, at Cologne, and at Mentz, + where the ‘Gazette de Leyden’, ‘Hamburg Correspondenten’, and ‘Journal de + Frankfort’ are reprinted; some articles left out, and others inserted in + their room. It was intended to reprint also the ‘Courier de Londres’, but + our types, and particularly, our paper, would detect the fraud. I have + read one of our own Journal de Frankfort, in which were extracts from this + French paper, printed in your country, which I strongly suspect are of our + own manufacture. I am told that several new books, written by foreigners, + in praise of our present brilliant Government, are now in the presses of + those our frontier towns, and will soon be laid before the public as + foreign productions. + </p> + <p> + A clerk of a banking-house had lately the imprudence to mention, during + his dinner at the restaurateur’s of ‘Cadran Vert’, on the Boulevards, some + doubt of the veracity of an official article in the ‘Moniteur’. As he left + the house he was arrested, carried before Fouche, accused of being an + English agent, and before supper-time he was on the road to Rochefort on + his way to Cayenne. As soon as the banker Tournon was informed of this + expeditious justice, as it is called here, he waited on Fouche, who + threatened even to transport him if he dared to interfere with the + transactions of the police. This banker was himself seized in the spring + of last year by a police agent and some gendarmes, and carried into exile + forty leagues from this capital, where he remained six. months, until a + pecuniary douceur procured him a recall. His crime was having inquired + after General Moreau when in the Temple, and of having left his card + there. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The Prince Borghese has lately been appointed a captain of + the Imperial Guard of his Imperial brother-in-law, Napoleon the First, and + is now in Germany, making his first campaign. A descendant of a wealthy + and ancient Roman family, but born with a weak understanding, he was + easily deluded into the ranks of the revolutionists of his own country, by + a Parisian Abbe, his instructor and governor, and gallant of the Princesse + Borghese, his mother. He was the first secretary of the first Jacobin club + established at Rome, in the spring of 1798; and in December of the same + year, when the Neapolitan troops invaded the Ecclesiastical States, he, + with his present brother-in-law, another hopeful Roman Prince, Santa + Cruce, headed the Roman sans-culottes in their retreat. To show his love + of equality, he had previously served as a common man in a company of + which the captain was a fellow that sold cats’ meat and tripe in the + streets of Rome, and the lieutenant a scullion of his mother’s kitchen. + Since Imperial aristocracy is now become the order of the day, he is as + insupportable for his pride and vanity as he, some years ago, was + contemptible for his meanness. He married, in 1803, Madame Leclerc, who, + between the death of a first and a wedding with a second husband—a + space of twelve months—had twice been in a fair way to become a + mother. Her portion was estimated at eighteen millions of livres—a + sum sufficient to palliate many ‘faux pas’ in the eyes of a husband more + sensible and more delicate than her present Serene Idiot, as she styles + the Prince Borghese. + </p> + <p> + The lady is the favourite sister of Napoleon, the ablest, but also the + most wicked of the female Bonapartes. She had, almost from her infancy, + passed through all the filth of prostitution, debauchery, and profligacy + before she attained her present elevation; rank, however, has not altered + her morals, but only procured her the means of indulging in new excesses. + Ever since the wedding night the Prince Borghese has been excluded from + her bed; for she declared frankly to him, as well as to her brother, that + she would never endure the approach of a man with a bad breath; though + many who, from the opportunities they have had of judging, certainly ought + to know, pretend that her own breath is not the sweetest in the world. + When her husband had marched towards the Rhine, she asked her brother, as + a favour, to procure the Prince Borghese, after a useless life, a glorious + death. This curious demand of a wife was, made in Madame Bonaparte’s + drawing-room, in the presence of fifty persons. “You are always + ‘etourdie’,” replied Napoleon, smiling. + </p> + <p> + If Bonaparte, however, overlooks the intrigues of his sisters, he is not + so easily pacified when any reports reach him inculpating the virtues of + his sisters-in-law. Some gallants of Madame Joseph Bonaparte have already + disappeared to return no more, or are wandering in the wilds of Cayenne; + but the Emperor is particularly attentive to everything concerning the + morality of Madame Louis, whose descendants are destined to continue the + Bonaparte dynasty. Two officers, after being cashiered, were, with two of + Madame Louis’s maids, shut up last month in the Temple, and have not since + been heard of, upon suspicion that the Princess preferred their society to + that of her husband. + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte, whose constitution has been much impaired by his + debaucheries, was, last July, advised by his physicians to use the baths + at St. Amand. After his wife had accompanied him as far as Lille, she went + to visit one of her friends, Madame Ney, the wife of General Ney, who + commanded the camp near Montreuil. This lady resided in a castle called + Leek, in the vicinity, where dinners, concerts, balls, and other + festivities celebrated the arrival of the Princess; and to these the + principal officers of the camp were invited. One morning, about an hour + after the company had retired to bed, the whole castle was disturbed and + alarmed by an uproar in the anteroom of Princesse Louis’s bedchamber. On + coming to the scene of riot, two officers were found there fighting, and + the Princesse Louis, more than half undressed, came out and called the + sentries on duty to separate the combatants, who were both wounded. This + affair occasioned great scandal; and General Ney, after having put the + officers under arrest, sent a courier to Napoleon at Boulogne, relating + the particulars and demanding His Majesty’s orders. It was related and + believed as a fact that the quarrel originated about two of the maids of + the Princess (whose virtue was never suspected), with whom the officers + were intriguing. The Emperor ordered the culprits to be broken and + delivered up to his Minister of Police, who knew how to proceed. The + Princesse Louis also received an invitation to join her sister-in-law, + Madame Murat, then in the camp at Boulogne, and to remain under her care + until her husband’s return from St. Amand. + </p> + <p> + General Murat was then at Paris, and his lady was merely on a visit to her + Imperial brother, who made her responsible for Madame Louis, whom he + severely reprimanded for the misconduct of her maids. The bedrooms of the + two sisters were on the same floor. One night, Princesse Louis thought she + heard the footsteps of a person on the staircase, not like those of a + female, and afterwards the door of Madame Murat’s room opened softly. This + occurrence deprived her of all desire to sleep; and curiosity, or perhaps + revenge, excited her to remove her doubts concerning the virtue of her + guardian. In about an hour afterwards, she stole into Madame Murat’s + bedroom, by the way of their sitting-room, the door in the passage being + bolted. Passing her hand over the pillow, she almost pricked herself with + the strong beard of a man, and, screaming out, awoke her sister, who + inquired what she could want at such an unusual hour. + </p> + <p> + “I believe,” replied the Princess, “my room is haunted. I have not shut my + eyes, and intended to ask for a place by your side, but I find it is + already engaged: + </p> + <p> + “My maid always sleeps with me when my husband is absent,” said Madame + Murat. + </p> + <p> + “It is very rude of your maid to go to bed with her mistress without first + shaving herself,” said the Princess, and left the room. + </p> + <p> + The next morning an explanation took place; the ladies understood each + other, and each, during the remaining part of her husband’s absence, had + for consolation a maid for a bedfellow. Madame Murat also convinced the + Emperor that his suspicions with regard to the Princesse Louis were + totally unfounded; and he with some precious presents, indemnified her for + his harsh treatment. + </p> + <p> + It is reported that the two maids of the Princesse Louis, when before + Fouche, first denied all acquaintance with the officers; but, being + threatened with tortures, they signed a ‘proces verbal’, acknowledging + their guilt. This valuable and authentic document the Minister sent by an + extra courier to the Emperor, who showed it to his stepdaughter. Her + generosity is proverbial here, and therefore nobody is surprised that she + has given a handsome sum of money to the parents of her maids, who had in + vain applied to see their children; Fouche having told them that affairs + of State still required their confinement. One of them, Mariothe, has been + in the service of the Princess ever since her marriage, and is known to + possess all her confidence; though during that period of four years she + has twice been in a state of pregnancy, through the condescending + attention of her princely master. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—When preparations were made for the departure of our army + of England for Germany, it excited both laughter and murmuring among the + troops. Those who had always regarded the conquest of England as + impracticable in present circumstances, laughed, and those who had in + their imagination shared the wealth of your country, showed themselves + vexed at their disappointment. To keep them in good spirits, the company + of the theatre of the Vaudevilles was ordered from hence to Boulogne, and + several plays, composed for the occasion, were performed, in which the + Germans were represented as defeated, and the English begging for peace on + their knees, which the Emperor of the French grants upon condition that + one hundred guineas ready money should be paid to each of his soldiers and + sailors. Every corps in its turn was admitted gratis to witness this + exhibition of the end of all their labours; and you can form no idea what + effect it produced, though you are not a stranger to our fickle and + inconsiderate character. Ballads, with the same predictions and the same + promises, were written and distributed among the soldiers, and sung by + women sent by Fouche to the coast. As all productions of this sort were, + as usual, liberally rewarded by the Emperor, they poured in from all parts + of his Empire. + </p> + <p> + Three poets and authors of the theatre of the Vaudevilles, Barrel, Radet, + and Desfontaines, each received two hundred napoleons d’or for their + common production of a ballad, called “Des Adieux d’un Grenadier au Camp + de Boulogne.” From this I have extracted the following sample, by which + you may judge of the remainder: + </p> + <p> + THE GRENADIER’S ADIEU + </p> + <p> + TO THE CAMP AT BOULOGNE + </p> + <p> + The drum is beating, we must march, We’re summon’d to another field, A + field that to our conq’ring swords Shall soon a laurel harvest yield. If + English folly light the torch Of war in Germany again The loss is theirs—the + gain is ours March! march! commence the bright campaign. + </p> + <p> + There, only by their glorious deeds Our chiefs and gallant bands are + known; There, often have they met their foes, And victory was all their + own: There, hostile ranks, at our approach, Prostrate beneath our feet + shall bow; There, smiling conquest waits to twine A laurel wreath round + every brow. + </p> + <p> + Adieu, my pretty turf-built hut * Adieu, my little garden, too! I made, I + deck’d you all myself, And I am loth to part with you: But since my arms I + must resume, And leave your comforts all behind, Upon the hostile frontier + soon My tent shall flutter in the wind. + </p> + <p> + My pretty fowls and doves, adieu! Adieu, my playful cat, to thee! Who + every morning round me came, And were my little family. But thee, my dog, + I shall not leave No, thou shalt ever follow me, Shalt share my toils, + shaft share my fame For thou art called VICTORY. + </p> + <p> + But no farewell I bid to you, Ye prams and boats, which, o’er the wave, + Were doom’d to waft to England’s shore Our hero chiefs, our soldiers + brave. To you, good gentlemen of Thames, Soon, soon our visit shall be + paid, Soon, soon your merriment be o’er ‘T is but a few short hours + delay’d. + </p> + <p> + * During the long continuance of the French encampment at Boulogne the + troops had formed, as it were, a romantic town of huts. Every hut had a + garden surrounding it, kept in neat order and stocked with vegetables and + flowers. They had, besides, fowls, pigeons, and rabbits; and these, with a + cat and a dog, generally formed the little household of every soldier. + </p> + <p> + As I am writing on the subject of poetical agents, I will also say some + words of our poetical flatterers, though the same persons frequently + occupy both the one office and the other. A man of the name of Richaud, + who has sung previously the glory of Marat and Robespierre, offered to + Bonaparte, on the evening preceding his departure for Strasburg, the + following lines; and was in return presented with a purse full of gold, + and an order to the Minister of the Interior, Champagny, to be employed in + his offices, until better provided for. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + STANZAS + </p> + <p> + ON THE RUMOUR OF A WAR WITH AUSTRIA + </p> + <p> + Kings who, so often vanquish’d, vainly dare <br /> Menace the victor that + has laid you low— <br /> Look now at France—and view your own + despair <br /> In the majestic splendour of your foe. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + What miserable pride, ye foolish kings, <br /> Still your deluded reason + thus misleads? <br /> Provoke the storm—the bolt with lightning wings + <br /> Shall fall—but fall on your devoted heads. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + And thou, Napoleon, if thy mighty sword <br /> Shall for thy people conquer + new renown; <br /> Go—Europe shall attest, thy heart preferr’d <br /> + The modest olive to the laurel crown. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + But thee, lov’d chief, to new achievements bold + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The aroused spirit of the soldier calls; <br /> Speak!—and Vienna + cowering shall behold <br /> Our banners waving o’er her prostrate walls. + </p> + <p> + I received, four days afterwards, at the circle of Madame Joseph + Bonaparte, with all other visitors, a copy of these stanzas. Most of the + foreign Ambassadors were of the party, and had also a share of this + patriotic donation. Count von Cobenzl had prudently absented himself; + otherwise, this delenda of the Austrian Carthage would have been + officially announced to him. + </p> + <p> + Another poetaster, of the name of Brouet, in a long, dull, disgusting + poem, after comparing Bonaparte with all great men of antiquity, and + proving that he surpasses them all, tells his countrymen that their + Emperor is the deputy Divinity upon earth—the mirror of wisdom, a + demi-god to whom future ages will erect statues, build temples, burn + incense, fall down and adore. A proportionate share of abuse is, of + course, bestowed on your nation. He says: + </p> + <p> + A Londres on vit briller d’un eclat ephemere Le front tout radieux d’un + ministre influent; Mais pour faire palir l’etoile d’Angleterre, Un SOLEIL + tout nouveau parut au firmament, Et ce soleil du peuple franc Admire de + l’Europe entiere Sur la terre est nomme BONAPARTE LE GRAND. + </p> + <p> + For this delicate compliment Brouet was made deputy postmaster-general in + Italy, and a Knight of the Legion of Honour. It must be granted that, if + Bonaparte is fond of flattery, he does not receive it gratis, but pays for + it like a real Emperor. + </p> + <p> + It has lately become the etiquette, not only in our Court circle and + official assemblies, but even in fashionable societies of persons who are, + or wish to become, Bonaparte’s public functionaries, to distribute and + have read and applauded these disinterested effusions of our poetical + geniuses. This fashion occasioned lately a curious blunder at a tea-party + in the hotel of Madame de Talleyrand. The same printer who had been + engaged by this lady had also been employed by Chenier, or some other + poet, to print a short satire against several of our literary ladies, in + which Madame de Genlis and Madame de Stael (who has just arrived here from + her exile) were, with others, very severely handled. By mistake, a bundle + of this production was given to the porter of Madame de Talleyrand, and a + copy was handed to each visitor, even to Madame de Genlis and Madame de + Stael, who took them without noticing their contents. Picard, after + reading an act of a new play, was asked by the lady of the house to read + this poetic worship of the Emperor of the French. After the first two + lines he stopped short, looking round him confused, suspecting a trick had + been played upon him. This induced the audience to read what had been + given them, and Madame de Talleyrand with the rest; who, instead of + permitting Picard to continue with another. scene of his play, as he had + adroitly begun, made the most awkward apology in the world, and by it + exposed the ladies still more who were the objects of the satire; which, + an hour afterwards, was exchanged for the verses intended for the homage + of the Emperor, and the cause of the error was cleared up. + </p> + <p> + I have read somewhere of a tyrant of antiquity who forced all his subjects + to furnish one room of their houses in the best possible manner, according + to their circumstances, and to have it consecrated for the reception of + his bust, before which, under pain of death, they were commanded to + prostrate themselves, morning, noon, and night. They were to enter this + room, bareheaded and barefooted, to remain there only on their knees, and + to leave it without turning their back towards the sacred representative + of their Prince. All laughing, sneezing, coughing, speaking, or even + whispering, were capitally prohibited; but crying was not only permitted, + but commanded, when His Majesty was offended, angry, or unwell. Should our + system of cringing continue progressively to increase as it has done these + last three years, we, too, shall very soon have rooms consecrated, and an + idol to adore. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Portugal has suffered more from the degraded state of + Spain, under the administration of the Prince of Peace, than we have yet + gained by it in France. Engaged by her, in 1793, in a war against its + inclination and interest, it was not only deserted afterwards, but + sacrificed. But for the dictates of the Court of Madrid, supported, + perhaps, by some secret influence of the Court of St. James, the Court of + Lisbon would have preserved its neutrality, and, though not a well-wisher + of the French Republic, never have been counted among her avowed enemies. + </p> + <p> + In the peace of 1795, and in the subsequent treaty of 1796, which + transformed the family compact of the French and Spanish Bourbons into a + national alliance between France and Spain, there was no question about + Portugal. In 1797, indeed, our Government condescended to receive a + Portuguese plenipotentiary, but merely for the purpose of plundering his + country of some millions of money, and to insult it by shutting up its + representative as a State prisoner in the Temple. Of this violation of the + laws of civilized nations, Spain never complained, nor had Portugal any + means to avenge it. After four years of negotiation, and an expenditure of + thirty millions, the imbecile Spanish premier supported demands made by + our Government, which, if assented to, would have left Her Most Faithful + Majesty without any territory in Europe, and without any place of refuge + in America. Circumstances not permitting your country to send any but + pecuniary succours, Portugal would have become an easy prey to the united + Spanish and French forces, had the marauders agreed about the partition of + the spoil. Their disunion, the consequence of their avidity, saved it from + ruin, but not from pillage. A province was ceded to Spain, the banks and + the navigation of a river to France, and fifty millions to the private + purse of the Bonaparte family. + </p> + <p> + It might have been supposed that such renunciations, and such offerings, + would have satiated ambition, as well as cupidity; but, though the Cabinet + of Lisbon was in peace with the Cabinet of St. Cloud, the pretensions and + encroachments of the latter left the former no rest. While pocketing + tributes it required commercial monopolies, and when its commerce was + favoured, it demanded seaports to ensure the security of its trade. Its + pretensions rose in proportion to the condescensions of the State it, + oppressed. With the money and the value of the diamonds which Portugal has + paid in loans, in contributions, in requisitions, in donations, in + tributes, and in presents, it might have supported, during ten years, an + army of one hundred thousand men; and could it then have been worse + situated than it has been since, and is still at this moment? + </p> + <p> + But the manner of extorting, and the individuals employed to extort, were + more humiliating to its dignity and independence than the extortions + themselves were injurious to its resources. The first revolutionary + Ambassador Bonaparte sent thither evinced both his ingratitude and his + contempt. + </p> + <p> + Few of our many upstart generals have more illiberal sentiments, and more + vulgar and insolent manners, than General Lasnes. The son of a publican + and a smuggler, he was a smuggler himself in his youth, and afterwards a + postilion, a dragoon, a deserter, a coiner, a Jacobin, and a terrorist; + and he has, with all the meanness and brutality of these different trades, + a kind of native impertinence and audacity which shocks and disgusts. He + seems to say, “I am a villain. I know that I am so, and I am proud of + being so. To obtain the rank I possess I have respected no human laws, and + I bid defiance to all Divine vengeance. I might be murdered or hanged, but + it is impossible to degrade me. On a gibbet or in the palace of a Prince, + seized by the executioner or dining with Sovereigns, I am, I will, and I + must, always remain the same. Infamy cannot debase me, nor is it in the + power of grandeur to exalt me.” General, Ambassador, Field-marshal, First + Consul, or Emperor, Lasnes will always be the same polluted, but daring + individual; a stranger to remorse and repentance, as well as to honour and + virtue. Where Bonaparte sends a banditto of such a stamp, he has resolved + on destruction. + </p> + <p> + A kind of temporary disgrace was said to have occasioned Lasnes’s first + mission to Portugal. When commander of the consular guard, in 1802, he had + appropriated to himself a sum of money from the regimental chest, and, as + a punishment, was exiled as an Ambassador, as he said himself. His + resentment against Bonaparte he took care to pour out on the Regent of + Portugal. Without inquiring or caring about the etiquette of the Court of + Lisbon, he brought the sans-culotte etiquette of the Court of the + Tuileries with him, and determined to fraternize with a foreign and + legitimate Sovereign, as he had done with his own sans-culotte friend and + First Consul; and, what is the more surprising, he carried his point. The + Prince Regent not only admitted him to the royal table, but stood sponsor + to his child by a wife who had been two years his mistress before he was + divorced from his first spouse, and with whom the Prince’s consort, a + Bourbon Princess and a daughter of a King, was also obliged to associate. + </p> + <p> + Avaricious as well as unprincipled, he pursued, as an Ambassador, his + former business of a smuggler, and, instead of being ashamed of a + discovery, proclaimed it publicly, deserted his post, was not reprimanded + in France, but was, without apology, received back again in Portugal. His + conduct afterwards could not be surprising. He only insisted that some + faithful and able Ministers should be removed, and others appointed in + their place, more complaisant and less honest. + </p> + <p> + New plans of Bonaparte, however, delivered Portugal from this plague; but + what did it obtain in return?—another grenadier Ambassador, less + brutal but more cunning, as abandoned but more dissimulating. + </p> + <p> + Gendral Junot is the son of a corn-chandler near the corn-market of this + capital, and was a shopman to his father in 1789. Having committed some + pilfering, he was turned out of the parental dwelling, and therefore + lodged himself as an inmate of the Jacobin Club. In 1792, he entered, as a + soldier, in a regiment of the army marching against the county of Nice; + and, in 1793, he served before Toulon, where he became acquainted with + Bonaparte, whom he, in January, 1794, assisted in despatching the + unfortunate Toulonese; and with whom, also, in the autumn of the same + year, he, therefore, was arrested as a terrorist. + </p> + <p> + In 1796, when commander-in-chief, Bonaparte made Junot his aide-de-camp; + and in that capacity he accompanied him, in 1798, to Egypt. There, as well + as in Italy, he fought bravely, but had no particular opportunity of + distinguishing himself. He was not one of those select few whom Napoleon + brought with him to Europe in 1799, but returned first to France in 1801, + when he was nominated a general of division and commander of this capital, + a place he resigned last year to General Murat. + </p> + <p> + His despotic and cruel behaviour while commander of Paris made him not + much regretted. Fouche lost in him, indeed, an able support, but none of + us here ever experienced from him justice, much less protection. As with + all other of our modern public functionaries, without money nothing was + obtained from him. It required as much for not doing any harm as if, in + renouncing his usual vexatious oppressions, he had conferred benefits. He + was much suspected of being, with Fouche, the patron of a gang of street + robbers and housebreakers, who, in the winter of 1803, infested this + capital, and who, when finally discovered, were screened from justice and + suffered to escape punishment. + </p> + <p> + I will tell you what I personally have seen of him. Happening one evening + to enter the rooms at Frascati, where the gambling-tables are kept, I + observed him, undressed, out of regimentals, in company with at young man, + who afterwards avowed himself an aide-de-camp of this general, and who was + playing with rouleaux of louis d’or, supposed to contain fifty each, at + Rouge et Noir. As long as he lost, which he did several times, he took up + the rouleau on the table, and gave another from his pocket. At last he + won, when he asked the bankers to look at their loss, and count the money + in his rouleau before they paid him. On opening it, they found it + contained one hundred bank-notes of one thousand livres each—folded + in a manner to resemble the form and size of louis d’or. The bankers + refused to pay, and applied to the company whether they were not in the + right to do so, after so many rouleaux had been changed by the person who + now required such an unusual sum in such an unusual manner. Before any + answer could be given, Junot interfered, asking the bankers whether they + knew who he was. Upon their answering in the negative, he said: “I am + General Junot, the commander of Paris, and this officer who has won the + money is my aide-de-camp; and I insist upon your paying him this instant, + if you do not wish to have your bank confiscated and your persons + arrested.” They refused to part with money which they protested was not + their own, and most of the individuals present joined them in their + resistance. “You are altogether a set of scoundrels and sharpers,” + interrupted Junot; “your business shall soon be done.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he seized all the money on the table, and a kind of + boxing-match ensued between him and the bankers, in which he, being a tall + and strong man, got the better of them. The tumult, however, brought in + the guard, whom he ordered, as their chief, to carry to prison sixteen + persons he pointed out. Fortunately, I was not of the number—I say + fortunately, for I have heard that most of them remained in prison six + months before this delicate affair was cleared up and settled. In the + meantime, Junot not only pocketed all the money he pretended was due to + his aide-de-camp, but the whole sum contained in the bank, which was + double that amount. It was believed by every one present that this was an + affair arranged between him and his aide-de-camp beforehand to pillage the + bank. What a commander, what a general, and what an Ambassador! + </p> + <p> + Fitte, the secretary of our Embassy to Portugal, was formerly an Abbe, and + must be well remembered in your country, where he passed some years as an + emigrant, but was, in fact, a spy of Talleyrand. I am told that, by his + intrigues, he even succeeded in swindling your Ministers out of a sum of + money by some plausible schemes he proposed to them. He is, as well as all + other apostate priests, a very dangerous man, and an immoral and + unprincipled wretch. During the time of Robespierre he is said to have + caused the murder of his elder brother and younger sister; the former he + denounced to appropriate to himself his wealth, and the latter he accused + of fanaticism, because she refused to cohabit with him. He daily boasts of + the great protection and great friendship of Talleyrand. ‘Qualis rex, + talis grex’. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XIX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, September, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—In some of the ancient Republics, all citizens who, in time + of danger and trouble, remained neutral, were punished as traitors or + treated as enemies. When, by our Revolution, civilized society and the + European Commonwealth were menaced with a total overthrow, had each member + of it been considered in the same light, and subjected to the same laws, + some individual States might, perhaps, have been less wealthy, but the + whole community would have been more happy and more tranquil, which would + have been much better. It was a great error in the powerful league of 1793 + to admit any neutrality at all; every Government that did not combat + rebellion should have been considered and treated as its ally. The man who + continues neutral, though only a passenger, when hands are wanted to + preserve the vessel from sinking, deserves to be thrown overboard, to be + swallowed up by the waves and to perish the first. Had all other nations + been united and unanimous, during 1793 and 1794, against the monster, + Jacobinism, we should not have heard of either Jacobin directors, Jacobin + consuls, or a Jacobin Emperor. But then, from a petty regard to a + temporary profit, they entered into a truce with a revolutionary volcano, + which, sooner or later, will consume them all; for I am afraid it is now + too late for all human power, with all human means, to preserve any State, + any Government, or any people, from suffering by the threatening + conflagration. Switzerland, Venice, Geneva, Genoa, and Tuscany have + already gathered the poisoned fruits of their neutrality. Let but + Bonaparte establish himself undisturbed in Hanover some years longer, and + you will see the neutral Hanse Towns, neutral Prussia, and neutral Denmark + visited with all the evils of invasion, pillage, and destruction, and the + independence of the nations in the North will be buried in the rubbish of + the liberties of the people of the South of Europe. + </p> + <p> + These ideas have frequently occurred to me, on hearing our agents + pronounce, and their dupes repeat: “Oh! the wise Government of Denmark! + Oh, what a wise statesman the Danish Minister, Count von Bernstorff!” I do + not deny that the late Count von Bernstorff was a great politician; but I + assert, also, that his was a greatness more calculated for regular times + than for periods of unusual political convulsion. Like your Pitt, the + Russian Woronzow, and the Austrian Colloredo, he was too honest to judge + soundly and to act rightly, according to the present situation of affairs. + He adhered too much to the old routine, and did not perceive the immense + difference between the Government of a revolutionary ruler and the + Government of a Louis XIII. or a Louis XIV. I am certain, had he still + been alive, he would have repented of his errors, and tried to have + repaired them. + </p> + <p> + His son, the present Danish Minister, follows his father’s plans, and + adheres, in 1805, to a system laid down by him in 1795; while the + alterations that have occurred within these ten years have more affected + the real and relative power and weakness of States than all the + revolutions which have been produced by the insurrections, wars, and + pacifications of the two preceding centuries. He has even gone farther, in + some parts of his administration, than his father ever intended. Without + remembering the political TRUTH, that a weak State which courts the + alliance of a powerful neighbour always becomes a vassal, while desiring + to become an ally, he has attempted to exchange the connections of Denmark + and Russia for new ones with Prussia; and forgotten the obligations of the + Cabinet of Copenhagen to the Cabinet of St. Petersburg, and the interested + policy of the House of Brandenburgh. That, on the contrary, Russia has + always been a generous ally of Denmark, the flourishing state of the + Danish dominions since the beginning of the last century evinces. Its + distance and geographical position prevent all encroachments from being + feared or attempted; while at the same time it affords protection equally + against the rivalry of Sweden and ambition of Prussia. + </p> + <p> + The Prince Royal of Denmark is patriotic as well as enlightened, and would + rule with more true policy and lustre were he to follow seldomer the + advice of his counsellors, and oftener the dictates of his own mind. Count + von Schimmelmann, Count von Reventlow, and Count von Bernstorff, are all + good and moral characters; but I fear that their united capacity taken + together will not fill up the vacancy left in the Danish Cabinet by the + death of its late Prime Minister. I have been personally acquainted with + them all three, but I draw my conclusions from the acts of their + administration, not from my own knowledge. Had the late Count von + Bernstorff held the ministerial helm in 1803, a paragraph in the Moniteur + would never have disbanded a Danish army in Holstein; nor would, in 1805, + intriguers have been endured who preached neutrality, after witnessing + repeated violation of the law of nations, not on the remote banks of the + Rhine, but on the Danish frontiers, on the Danish territory, on the banks + of the Elbe. + </p> + <p> + It certainly was no compliment to His Danish Majesty when our Government + sent Grouvelle as a representative to Copenhagen, a man who owed his + education and information to the Conde branch of the Bourbons, and who + afterwards audaciously and sacrilegiously read the sentence of death on + the chief of that family, on his good and legitimate King, Louis XVI. It + can neither be called dignity nor prudence in the Cabinet of Denmark to + suffer this regicide to serve as a point of rally to sedition and + innovation; to be the official propagator of revolutionary doctrines, and + an official protector of all proselytes and sectaries of this anti-social + faith. + </p> + <p> + Before the Revolution a secretary to the Prince of Conde, Grouvelle was + trusted and rewarded by His Serene Highness, and in return betrayed his + confidence, and repaid benefactions and generosity with calumny and + persecution, when his patron was obliged to seek safety in emigration + against the assassins of successful rebellion. When the national seals + were put on the estates of the Prince, he appropriated to himself not only + the whole of His Highness’s library, but a part of his plate. Even the + wardrobe and the cellar were laid under contributions by this domestic + marauder. + </p> + <p> + With natural genius and acquired experience, Grouvelle unites impudence + and immorality; and those on whom he fixes for his prey are, therefore, + easily duped, and irremediably undone. He has furnished disciples to all + factions, and to all sects, assassins to the revolutionary tribunals, as + well as victims for the revolutionary guillotine; sans-culottes to + Robespierre, Septembrizers to Marat, republicans to the Directory, spies + to Talleyrand, and slaves to Bonaparte, who, in 1800, nominated him a + tribune, but in 1804 disgraced him, because he wished that the Duc d’ + Enghien had rather been secretly poisoned in Baden than publicly condemned + and privately executed in France. + </p> + <p> + Our present Minister at the Court of Copenhagen, D’ Aguesseau, has no + virtues to boast of, but also no crimes to blush for. With inferior + capacity, he is only considered by Talleyrand as an inferior intriguer, + employed in a country ruled by an inferior policy, neither feared nor + esteemed by our Government. His secretary, Desaugiers the elder, is our + real and confidential firebrand in the North, commissioned to keep burning + those materials of combustion which Grouvelle and others of our + incendiaries have lighted and illuminated in Holstein, Denmark, Sweden, + and Norway. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The insatiable avarice of all the members of the Bonaparte + family has already and frequently been mentioned; some of our + philosophers, however, pretend that ambition and vanity exclude from the + mind of Napoleon Bonaparte the passion of covetousness; that he pillages + only to get money to pay his military plunderers, and hoards treasures + only to purchase slaves, or to recompense the associates and instruments + of his authority. + </p> + <p> + Whether their assertions be just or not, I will not take upon myself to + decide; but to judge from the great number of Imperial and royal palaces, + from the great augmentation of the Imperial and royal domains; from the + immense and valuable quantity of diamonds, jewels, pictures, statues, + libraries, museums, etc., disinterestedness and self-denial are certainly + not among Napoleon’s virtues. + </p> + <p> + In France, he not only disposes of all the former palaces and extensive + demesnes of our King, but has greatly increased them, by national. + property and by lands and estates bought by the Imperial Treasury, or + confiscated by Imperial decrees. In Italy, he has, by an official act, + declared to be the property of his crown, first, the royal palace at + Milan, and a royal villa, which he now calls Villa Bonaparte; second, the + palace of Monza and its dependencies; third, the palace of Mantua, the + palace of The, and the ci-devant ducal palace of Modena; fourth, a palace + situated in the vicinity of Brescia, and another palace in the vicinity of + Bologna; fifth, the ci-devant ducal palaces of Parma and Placenza; sixth, + the beautiful forest of Tesin. Ten millions were, besides, ordered to be + drawn out of the Royal Treasury at Milan to purchase lands for the + formation of a park, pleasure-grounds, etc. + </p> + <p> + To these are added all the royal palaces and domains of the former Kings + of Sardinia, of the Dukes of Brabant, of the Counts of Flanders, of the + German Electors, Princes, Dukes, Counts, Barons, etc., who, before the + last war, were Sovereigns on the right bank of the Rhine. I have seen a + list, according to which the number of palaces and chateaux appertaining + to Napoleon as Emperor and King, are stated to be seventy-nine; so that he + may change his habitations six times in the month, without occupying + during the same year the same palace, and, nevertheless, always sleep at + home. + </p> + <p> + In this number are not included the private chateaux and estates of the + Empress, or those of the Princes and Princesses Bonaparte. Madame Napoleon + has purchased, since her husband’s consulate, in her own name, or in the + name of her children, nine estates with their chateaux, four national + forests, and six hotels at Paris. Joseph Bonaparte possesses four estates + and chateaux in France, three hotels at Paris and at Brussels, three + chateaux and estates in Italy, and one hotel at Milan, and another at + Turin. Lucien Bonaparte has now remaining only one hotel at Paris, another + at Bonne, and a third at Chambery. He has one estate in Burgundy, two in + Languedoc, and one in the vicinity of this capital. At Bologna, Ferrara, + Florence, and Rome, he has his own hotels, and in the Papal States he has + obtained, in exchange for property in France, three chateaux with their + dependencies. Louis Bonaparte has three hotels at Paris, one at Cologne, + one at Strasburg, and one at Lyons. He has two estates in Flanders, three + in Burgundy, one in Franche-Comte, and another in Alsace. He has also a + chateau four leagues from this city. At Genoa he has a beautiful hotel, + and upon the Genoese territory a large estate. He has bought three + plantations at Martinico, and two at Guadeloupe. To Jerome Bonaparte has + hitherto been presented only an estate in Brabant, and a hotel in this + capital. Some of the former domains of the House of Orange, in the + Batavian Republic, have been purchased by the agents of our Government, + and are said to be intended for him. + </p> + <p> + But, while Napoleon Bonaparte has thus heaped wealth on his wife and his + brothers, his mother and sisters have not been neglected or left + unprovided for. Madame Bonaparte, his mother, has one hotel at Paris, one + at Turin, one at Milan, and one at Rome. Her estates in France are four, + and in Italy two. Madame Bacciochi, Princess of Piombino and Lucca, + possesses two hotels in this capital, and one palace at Piombino and + another at Lucca. Of her estates in France, she has only retained two, but + she has three in the Kingdom of Italy, and four in her husband’s and her + own dominions. The Princess Santa Cruce possesses one hotel at Rome and + four chateaux in the papal territory. At Milan she has, as well as at + Turin and at Paris, hotels given her by her Imperial brother, together + with two estates in France, one in Piedmont, and two in Lombardy. The + Princesse Murat is mistress of two hotels here, one at Brussels, one at + Tours, and one at Bordeaux, together with three estates on this, and five + on the other side of the Alps. The Princesse Borghese has purchased three + plantations at Guadeloupe, and two at Martinico, with a part of the + treasures left her by her first husband, Leclerc. With her present husband + she received two palaces at Rome, and three estates on the Roman + territory; and her Imperial brother has presented her with one hotel at + Paris, one at Cologne, one at Turin, and one at Genoa, together with three + estates in France and five in Italy. For his mother, and for each of his + sisters, Napoleon has also purchased estates, or lands to form estates, in + their native island of Corsica. + </p> + <p> + The other near or distant relatives of the Emperor and King have also + experienced his bounty. Cardinal Fesch has his hotels at Paris, Milan, + Lyons, Turin, and Rome; with estates both in France and Italy. Seventeen, + either first, second, or third cousins, by his father’s or mother’s side, + have all obtained estates either in the French Empire, or in the Kingdom + of Italy, as well as all brothers, sisters, or cousins of his own wife, + and the wives of his brothers, or of the husbands of his sisters. Their + exact number cannot well be known, but a gentleman who has long been + collecting materials for some future history of the House of Bonaparte, + and of the French Empire, has already shown me sixty-six names of + individuals of that description, and of both sexes, who all, thanks to the + Imperial liberality, have suddenly and unexpectedly become people of + property. + </p> + <p> + When you consider that all these immense riches have been seized and + distributed within the short period of five years, it is not hazardous to + say that, in the annals of Europe, another such revolution in property, as + well as in power, is not to be found. + </p> + <p> + The wealth of the families of all other Sovereigns taken together does not + amount to half the value of what the Bonapartes have acquired and possess. + </p> + <p> + Your country, more than any other upon earth, has to be alarmed at this + revolution of property. Richer than any other nation, you have more to + apprehend; besides, it threatens you more, both as our frequent enemies + and as our national rivals; as a barrier against our plans of universal + dominion, and as our superiors in pecuniary resources. May we never live + to see the day when the mandates of Bonaparte or Talleyrand are honoured + at London, as at Amsterdam, Madrid, Milan, and Rome. The misery of ages to + come will then be certain, and posterity will regard as comparative + happiness, the sufferings of their forefathers. It is not probable that + those who have so successfully pillaged all surrounding States will rest + contented until you are involved in the same ruin. Union among yourselves + only can preserve you from perishing in the universal wreck; by this you + will at least gain time, and may hope to profit by probable changes and + unexpected accidents. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The Counsellor of State and intendant of the Imperial civil + list, Daru, paid for the place of a commissary-general of our army in + Germany the immense sum of six millions of livres—which was divided + between Madame Bonaparte (the mother), Madame Napoleon Bonaparte, + Princesse Louis Bonaparte, Princesse Murat and the Princesse Borghese. By + this you may conclude in what manner we intend to treat the wretched + inhabitants of the other side of the Rhine. This Daru is too good a + calculator and too fond of money to throw away his expenses; he is master + of a great fortune, made entirely by his arithmetical talents, which have + enabled him for years to break all the principal gambling-banks on the + Continent, where he has travelled for no other purpose. On his return + here, he became the terror of all our gamesters, who offered him an + annuity of one hundred thousand livres—not to play; but as this sum + would have been deducted from what is weekly paid to Fouche, this Minister + sent him an order not to approach a gambling-table, under pain of being + transported to Cayenne. He obeyed, but the bankers soon experienced that + he had deputies, and for fear that even from the other side of the + Atlantic he might forward his calculations hither, Fouche recommended him, + for a small douceur, to the office of an intendant of Bonaparte’s civil + list, upon condition of never, directly or indirectly, injuring our + gambling-banks. He has kept his promise with regard to France, but made, + last spring, a gambling tour in Italy and Germany, which, he avows, + produced him nine millions of livres. He always points, but never keeps a + bank. He begins to be so well known in many parts of the Continent, that + the instant he arrives all banks are shut up, and remain so until his + departure. This was the case at Florence last April. He travels always in + style, accompanied by two mistresses and four servants. He is a chevalier + of the Legion of Honour. + </p> + <p> + He will, however, have some difficulty to make a great profit by his + calculations in Germany, as many of the generals are better acquainted + than he with the country, where their extortions and dilapidations have + been felt and lamented for these ten years past. Augereau, Bernadotte, + Ney, Van Damme, and other of our military banditti, have long been the + terror of the Germans and the reproach of France. + </p> + <p> + In a former letter I have introduced to you our Field-marshal, Bernadotte, + of whom Augereau may justly be called an elder revolutionary brother—like + him, a Parisian by birth, and, like him, serving as a common soldier + before the Revolution. But he has this merit above Bernadotte, that he + began his political career as a police spy, and finished his first + military engagement by desertion into foreign countries, in most of which, + after again enlisting and again deserting, he was also again taken and + again flogged. Italy has, indeed, since he has been made a general, been + more the scene of his devastations than Germany. Lombardy and Venice will + not soon forget the thousands he butchered, and the millions he plundered; + that with hands reeking with blood, and stained with human gore, he seized + the trinkets which devotion had given to sanctity, to ornament the fingers + of an assassin, or decorate the bosom of a harlot. The outrages he + committed during 1796 and 1797, in Italy, are too numerous to find place + in any letter, even were they not disgusting to relate, and too enormous + and too improbable to be believed. He frequently transformed the temples + of the divinity into brothels for prostitution; and virgins who had + consecrated themselves to remain unpolluted servants of a God, he + bayoneted into dens of impurity, infamy, and profligacy; and in these + abominations he prided himself. In August, 1797, on his way to Paris to + take command of the sbirri, who, on the 4th of the following September, + hunted away or imprisoned the representatives of the people of the + legislative body, he paid a prostitute, with whom he had passed the night + at Pavia, with a draft for fifty louis d’or on the municipality of that + town, who dared not dishonour it; but they kept the draft, and in 1799 + handed it over to Gendral Melas, who sent it to Vienna, where I saw the + very original. + </p> + <p> + The general and grand officer of Bonaparte’s Legion of Honour, Van Damme, + is another of our military heroes of the same stamp. A barber, and son of + a Flemish barber, he enlisted as a soldier, robbed, and was condemned to + be hanged. The humanity of the judge preserved him from the gallows; but + he was burnt on the shoulders, flogged by the public executioner, and + doomed to serve as a galley-slave for life. The Revolution broke his + fetters, made him a Jacobin, a patriot, and a general; but the first use + he made of his good fortune was to cause the judge, his benefactor, to be + guillotined, and to appropriate to himself the estate of the family. He + was cashiered by Pichegru, and dishonoured by Moreau, for his ferocity and + plunder in Holland and Germany; but Bonaparte restored him to rank and + confidence; and by a douceur of twelve hundred thousand livres—properly + applied and divided between some of the members of the Bonaparte family, + he procured the place of a governor at Lille, and a commander-in-chief of + the ci-devant Flanders. In landed property, in jewels, in amount in the + funds, and in ready money (he always keeps, from prudence, six hundred + thousand livres—in gold), his riches amount to eight millions of + livres. For a ci-devant sans-culotte barber and galley-slave, you must + grant this is a very modest sum. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—You must often have been surprised at the immense wealth + which, from the best and often authentic information, I have informed you + our generals and public functionaries have extorted and possess; but the + catalogue of private rapine committed, without authority, by our soldiers, + officers, commissaries, and generals, is likewise immense, and surpassing + often the exactions of a legal kind that is to say, those authorized by + our Government itself, or by its civil and military representatives. It + comprehends the innumerable requisitions demanded and enforced, whether as + loans, or in provisions or merchandise, or in money as an equivalent for + both; the levies of men, of horses, oxen, and carriages; corvees of all + kinds; the emptying of magazines for the service of our armies; in short, + whatever was required for the maintenance, a portion of the pay, and + divers wants of those armies, from the time they had posted themselves in + Brabant, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, and on either bank of the Rhine. Add + to this the pillage of public or private warehouses, granaries, and + magazines, whether belonging to individuals, to the State, to societies, + to towns, to hospitals, and even to orphan-houses. + </p> + <p> + But these and other sorts of requisitions, under the appellation of + subsistence necessary for the armies, and for what was wanted for + accoutring, quartering, or removing them, included also an infinite + consumption for the pleasures, luxuries, whims, and debaucheries of our + civil or military commanders. Most of those articles were delivered in + kind, and what were not used were set up to auction, converted into ready + money, and divided among the plunderers. + </p> + <p> + In 1797, General Ney had the command in the vicinity of the free and + Imperial city of Wetzlar. He there put in requisition all private stores + of cloths; and after disposing of them by a public sale, retook them upon + another requisition from the purchasers, and sold them a second time. + Leather and linen underwent the same operation. Volumes might be filled + with similar examples, all of public notoriety. + </p> + <p> + This Gendral Ney, who is now one of the principal commanders under + Bonaparte in Germany, was a bankrupt tobacconist at Strasburg in 1790, and + is the son of an old-clothes man of Sarre Louis, where he was born in + 1765. Having entered as a common soldier in the regiment of Alsace, to + escape the pursuit of his creditors, he was there picked up by some + Jacobin emissaries, whom he assisted to seduce the men into an + insurrection, which obliged most of the officers to emigrate. From that + period he began to distinguish himself as an orator of the Jacobin clubs, + and was, therefore, by his associates, promoted by one step to an + adjutant-general. Brave and enterprising, ambitious for advancement, and + greedy after riches, he seized every opportunity to distinguish and enrich + himself; and, as fortune supported his endeavours, he was in a short time + made a general of division, and acquired a property of several millions. + This is his first campaign under Bonaparte, having previously served only + under Pichegru, Moreau, and Le Courbe. + </p> + <p> + He, with General Richepanse, was one of the first generals supposed to be + attached to their former chief, General Moreau, whom Bonaparte seduced + into his interest. In the autumn of 1802, when the Helvetic Republic + attempted to recover its lost independence, Ney was appointed + commander-in-chief of the French army in Switzerland, and Ambassador from + the First Consul to the Helvetic Government. He there conducted himself so + much to the satisfaction of Bonaparte, that, on the rupture with your + country, he was made commander of the camp near Montreuil; and last year + his wife was received as a Maid of Honour to the Empress of the French. + </p> + <p> + This Maid of Honour is the daughter of a washer-woman, and was kept by a + man-milliner at Strasburg, at the time that she eloped with Ney. With him + she had made four campaigns as a mistress before the municipality of + Coblentz made her his wife. Her conduct since has corresponded with that + of her husband. When he publicly lived with mistresses, she did not live + privately with her gallants, but the instant the Emperor of the French + told him to save appearances, if he desired a place for his wife at the + Imperial Court, he showed himself the most attentive and faithful of + husbands, and she the most tender and dutiful of wives. Her manners are + not polished, but they are pleasing; and though not handsome in her + person, she is lively; and her conversation is entertaining, and her + society agreeable. The Princesse Louis Bonaparte is particularly fond of + her, more so than Napoleon, perhaps, desires. She has a fault common with + most of our Court ladies: she cannot resist, when opportunity presents + itself, the temptation of gambling, and she is far from being fortunate. + Report says that more than once she has been reduced to acquit her + gambling debts by personal favours. + </p> + <p> + Another of our generals, and the richest of them all who are now serving + under Bonaparte, is his brother-in-law, Prince Murat. According to some, + he had been a Septembrizer, terrorist, Jacobin, robber, and assassin, long + before he obtained his first commission as an officer, which was given him + by the recommendation of Marat, whom he in return afterwards wished to + immortalize, by the exchange of one letter in his own name, and by calling + himself Marat instead of Murat. Others, however, declare that his father + was an honest cobbler, very superstitious, residing at Bastide, near + Cahors, and destined his son to be a Capuchin friar, and that he was in + his novitiate when the Revolution tempted him to exchange the frock of the + monk for the regimentals of a soldier. In what manner, or by what + achievements, he gained promotion is not certain, but in 1796 he was a + chief of brigade, and an aide-de-camp of Bonaparte, with whom he went to + Egypt, and returned thence with him, and who, in 1801, married him to his + sister, Maria Annunciade, in 1803 made him a governor of Paris, and in + 1804 a Prince. + </p> + <p> + The wealth which Murat has collected, during his military service, and by + his matrimonial campaign, is rated at upwards of fifty millions of livres. + The landed property he possesses in France alone has cost him forty—two + millions—and it is whispered that the estates bought in the name of + his wife, both in France and Italy, are not worth much less. A + brother-in-law of his, who was a smith, he has made a legislator; and an + uncle, who was a tailor, he has placed in the Senate. A cousin of his, who + was a chimneysweeper, is now a tribune; and his niece, who was an + apprentice to a mantua-maker, is now married to one of the Emperor’s + chamberlains. He has been very generous to all his relations, and would + not have been ashamed, even, to present his parents at the Imperial Court, + had not the mother, on the first information of his princely rank, lost + her life, and the father his senses, from surprise and joy. The millions + are not few that he has procured his relatives an opportunity to gain. His + brother-in-law, the legislator, is worth three millions of livres. + </p> + <p> + It has been asserted before, and I repeat it again: + </p> + <p> + “It is avarice, and not the mania of innovation, or the jargon of liberty, + that has led, and ever will lead, the Revolution—its promoters, its + accomplices, and its instruments. Wherever they penetrate, plunder + follows; rapine was their first object, of which ferocity has been but the + means. The French Revolution was fostered by robbery and murder; two + nurses that will adhere to her to the last hour of her existence.” + </p> + <p> + General Murat is the trusty executioner of all the Emperor’s secret deeds + of vengeance, or public acts of revolutionary justice. It was under his + private responsibility that Pichegru, Moreau, and Georges were guarded; + and he saw Pichegru strangled, Georges guillotined, and Moreau on his way + to his place of exile. After the seizure and trial of the Duc d’ Enghien, + some doubts existed with Napoleon whether even the soldiers of his Italian + guard would fire at this Prince. “If they hesitate,” said Murat, who + commanded the expedition in the wood of Vincennes, “my pistols are loaded, + and I will blow out his brains.” + </p> + <p> + His wife is the greatest coquette of the Bonaparte family. Murat was, at + first, after his marriage, rather jealous of his brother-in-law, Lucien, + whom he even fought; but Napoleon having assured him, upon his word of + honour, that his suspicions were unfounded, he is now the model of + complaisant and indulgent husbands; but his mistresses are nearly as + numerous as Madame Murat’s favourites. He has a young aide-de-camp of the + name of Flahault, a son of Talleyrand, while Bishop of Autun, by the then + Countess de Flahault, whom Madame Murat would not have been sorry to have + had for a consoler at Paris, while her princely spouse was desolating + Germany. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Since Bonaparte’s departure for Germany, the vigilance of + the police has much increased: our patrols are doubled during the night, + and our spies more numerous and more insolent during the day. Many + suspected persons have also been exiled to some distance from this + capital, while others, for a measure of safety, have been shut up in the + Temple, or in the Castle of Vincennes. These ‘lettres de cachet’, or + mandates of arrest, are expedited during the Emperor’s absence exclusively + by his brother Louis, after a report, or upon a request, of the Minister + of Police, Fouche. + </p> + <p> + I have mentioned to you before that Louis Bonaparte is both a drunkard and + a libertine. When a young and unprincipled man of such propensities enjoys + an unrestrained authority, it cannot be surprising to hear that he has + abused it. He had not been his brother’s military viceroy for twenty-four + hours before one set of our Parisians were amused, while others were + shocked and scandalized, at a tragical intrigue enterprised by His + Imperial Highness. + </p> + <p> + Happening to see at the opera a very handsome young woman in the boxes, he + despatched one of his aides-de-camp to reconnoitre the ground, and to find + out who she was. All gentlemen attached to his person or household are + also his pimps, and are no novices in forming or executing plans of + seduction. Caulincourt (the officer he employed in this affair) returned + soon, but had succeeded only in one part of the business. He had not been + able to speak to the lady, but was informed that she had only been married + a fortnight to a manufacturer of Lyons, who was seated by her side, + jealous of his wife as a lover of his mistress. He gave at the same time + as his opinion that it would be necessary to employ the police commissary + to arrest the husband when he left the play, under some pretext or other, + while some of the friends of Prince Louis took advantage of the confusion + to seize the wife, and carry her to his hotel. An order was directly + signed by Louis, according to which the police commissary, Chazot, was to + arrest the manufacturer Leboure, of Lyons, and put him into a post-chaise, + under the care of two gendarmes, who were to see him safe to Lyons, where + he was to sign a promise of not returning to Paris without the permission + of Government, being suspected of stockjobbing (agiotage). Everything + succeeded according to the proposal of Caulincourt, and Louis found Madame + Leboure crying in his saloon. It is said that she promised to surrender + her virtue upon condition of only once more seeing her husband, to be + certain that he was not murdered, but that Louis refused, and obtained by + brutal force, and the assistance of his infamous associates, that conquest + over her honour which had not been yielded to his entreaties or threats. + His enjoyment, however, was but of short continuance; he had no sooner + fallen asleep than his poor injured victim left the bed, and, flying into + his anteroom, stabbed herself with his sword. On the next morning she was + found a corpse, weltering in her blood. In the hope of burying this infamy + in secrecy, her corpse was, on the next evening, when it was dark, put + into a sack, and thrown into the river, where, being afterwards + discovered, the police agents gave out that she had fallen the victim of + assassins. But when Madame Leboure was thus seized at the opera, besides + her husband, her parents and a brother were in her company, and the latter + did not lose sight of the carriage in which his sister was placed till it + had entered the hotel of Louis Bonaparte, where, on the next day, he, with + his father, in vain claimed her. As soon as the husband was informed of + the untimely end of his wife, he wrote a letter to her murderer, and shot + himself immediately afterwards through the head, but his own head was not + the place where he should have sent the bullet; to destroy with it the + cause of his wretchedness would only have been an act of retaliation, in a + country where power forces the law to lie dormant, and where justice is + invoked in vain when the criminal is powerful. + </p> + <p> + I have said that this intrigue, as it is styled by courtesy in our + fashionable circles, amused one part of the Parisians; and I believe the + word ‘amuse’ is not improperly employed in this instance. At a dozen + parties where I have been since, this unfortunate adventure has always + been an object of conversation, of witticisms, but not of blame, except at + Madame Fouche’s, where Madame Leboure was very much blamed indeed for + having been so overnice, and foolishly scrupulous. + </p> + <p> + Another intrigue of His Imperial Highness, which did not, indeed, end + tragically, was related last night, at the tea-party of Madame Recamier. A + man of the name of Deroux had lately been condemned by our criminal + tribunal, for forging bills of exchange, to stand in the pillory six + hours, and, after being marked with a hot iron on his shoulders, to work + in the galleys for twenty years. His daughter, a young girl under fifteen, + who lived with her grandmother (having lost her mother), went, accompanied + by the old lady, and presented a petition to Louis, in favour of her + father. Her youth and modesty, more than her beauty, inspired the + unprincipled libertine with a desire of ruining innocence, under the + colour of clemency to guilt. He ordered her to call on his chamberlain, + Darinsson, in an hour, and she should obtain an answer. There, either + seduced by paternal affection, intimidated by threats, or imposed upon by + delusive and engaging promises, she exchanged her virtue for an order of + release for her parent; and so satisfied was Louis with his bargain that + he added her to the number of his regular mistresses. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Deroux had recovered his liberty, he visited his daughter in + her new situation, where he saw an order of Louis, on the Imperial + Treasury, for twelve thousand livres—destined to pay the upholsterer + who had furnished her apartment. This gave him, no doubt, the idea of + making the Prince pay a higher value for his child, and he forged another + order for sixty thousand livres—so closely resembling it that it was + without suspicion acquitted by the Imperial Treasurer. Possessing this + money, he fabricated a pass, in the name of Louis, as a courier carrying + despatches to the Emperor in Germany, with which he set out, and arrived + safe on the other side of the Rhine. His forgeries were only discovered + after he had written a letter from Frankfort to Louis, acquitting his + daughter of all knowledge of what he had done. In the first moment of + anger, her Imperial lover ordered her to be arrested, but he has since + forgiven her, and taken her back to his favour. This trick of Deroux has + pleased Fouche, who long opposed his release, from a knowledge of his + dangerous talent and vicious character. He had once before released + himself with a forged order from the Minister of Police, whose handwriting + he had only seen for a minute upon his own mandate of imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXIV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Though loudly complained of by the Cabinet of St. Cloud, + the Cabinet of St. Petersburg has conducted itself in these critical times + with prudence without weakness, and with firmness without obstinacy. In + its connections with our Government it has never lost sight of its own + dignity, and, therefore, never endured without resentment those + impertinent innovations in the etiquette of our Court, and in the manner + and language of our Emperor to the representatives of legitimate + Sovereigns. Had similar becoming sentiments directed the councils of all + other Princes and the behaviour of their Ambassadors here, spirited + remonstrances might have moderated the pretensions or passions of upstart + vanity, while a forbearance and silence, equally impolitic and shameful, + have augmented insolence by flattering the pride of an insupportable and + outrageous ambition. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor of Russia would not have been so well represented here, had he + not been so wisely served and advised in his council chamber at St. + Petersburg. Ignorance and folly commonly select fools for their agents, + while genius and capacity employ men of their own mould, and of their own + cast. It is a remarkable truth that, notwithstanding the frequent + revolutions in Russia, since the death of Peter the First the ministerial + helm has always been in able hands; the progressive and uninterrupted + increase of the real and relative power of the Russian Empire evinces the + reality of this assertion. + </p> + <p> + The Russian Chancellor, Count Alexander Woronzoff, may be justly called + the chief of political veterans, whether his talents or long services are + considered. Catherine II., though a voluptuous Princess, was a great + Sovereign, and a competent judge of merit; and it was her unbiased choice + that seated Count Woronzoff, while yet young, in her councils. Though the + intrigues of favourites have sometimes removed him, he always retired with + the esteem of his Sovereign, and was recalled without caballing or + cringing to return. He is admired by all who have the honour of + approaching him, as much for his obliging condescension as for his great + information. No petty views, no petty caprices, no petty vengeances find + room in his generous bosom. He is known to have conferred benefactions, + not only on his enemies, but on those who, at the very time, were + meditating his destruction. His opinion is that a patriotic Minister + should regard no others as his enemies but those conspiring against their + country, and acknowledge no friends or favourites incapable of well + serving the State. Prince de Z———— waited on him + one day, and, after hesitating some time, began to compliment him on his + liberal sentiments, and concluded by asking the place of a governor for + his cousin, with whom he had reason to suppose the Count much offended. “I + am happy,” said His Excellency, “to oblige you, and to do my duty at the + same time. Here is a libel he wrote against me, and presented to the + Empress, who graciously has communicated it to me, in answer to my + recommendation of him yesterday to the place you ask for him to-day. Read + what I have written on the libel, and you will be convinced that it will + not be my fault if he is not to-day a governor.” In two hours afterwards + the nomination was announced to Prince de Z————, + who was himself at the head of a cabal against the Minister. In any + country such an act would have been laudable, but where despotism rules + with unopposed sway, it is both honourable and praiseworthy. + </p> + <p> + Prince Adam Czartorinsky, the assistant of Count Woronzoff, and Minister + of the foreign department, unites, with the vigour of youth, the + experience of age. He has travelled in most countries of Europe, not + solely to figure at Courts, to dance at balls, to look at pictures, or to + collect curiosities, but to study the character of the people, the laws by + which they are governed, and their moral or social influence with regard + to their comforts or misery. He therefore brought back with him a stock of + knowledge not to be acquired from books, but only found in the world by + frequenting different and opposite societies with observation, + penetration, and genius. With manners as polished as his mind is well + informed, he not only, possesses the favour, but the friendship of his + Prince, and, what is still more rare, is worthy of both. All Sovereigns + have favourites, few ever had any friends; because it is more easy to + flatter vanity, than to display a liberal disinterestedness; to bow meanly + than to instruct or to guide with delicacy and dignity; to abuse the + confidence of the Prince than to use it to his honour, and to the + advantage of his Government. + </p> + <p> + That such a Monarch as an Alexander, and such Ministers as Count Woronzoff + and Prince Czartorinsky, should appoint a Count Markof to a high and + important post, was not unexpected by any one not ignorant of his merit. + </p> + <p> + Count Markof was, early in the reign of Catherine II., employed in the + office of the foreign department at St. Petersburg, and was, whilst young, + entrusted with several important negotiations at the Courts of Berlin and + Vienna., when Prussia had proposed the first partition of Poland. He + afterward went on his travels, from which he was recalled to fill the + place of an Ambassador to the late King of Sweden, Gustavus III. He was + succeeded, in 1784, at Stockholm, by Count Muschin Puschin, after being + appointed a Secretary of State in his own country, a post he occupied with + distinction, until the death of Catherine II., when Paul the First + revenged upon him, as well as on most others of the faithful servants of + this Princess, his discontent with his mother. He was then exiled to his + estates, where he retired with the esteem of all those who had known him. + In 1801, immediately after his accession to the throne, Alexander invited + Count Markof to his Court and Council, and the trusty but difficult task + of representing a legitimate Sovereign at the Court of our upstart usurper + was conferred on him. I imagine that I see the great surprise of this + nobleman, when, for the first time, he entered the audience-chamber of our + little great man, and saw him fretting, staring, swearing, abusing to + right and to left, for one smile conferring twenty frowns, and for one + civil word making use of fifty hard expressions, marching in the + diplomatic audience as at the head of his troops, and commanding foreign + Ambassadors as his French soldiers. I have heard that the report of Count + Markof to his Court, describing this new and rare show, is a chef-d’oeuvre + of wit, equally amusing and instructive. He is said to have requested of + his Cabinet new and particular orders how to act—whether as the + representative of an independent Sovereign, or, as most of the other + members of the foreign diplomatic corps in France, like a valet of the + First Consul; and that, in the latter case, he implored as a favour, an + immediate recall; preferring, had he no other choice left, sooner to work + in the mines at Siberia than to wear, in France the disgraceful fetters of + a Bonaparte. His subsequent dignified conduct proves the answer of his + Court. + </p> + <p> + Talleyrand’s craft and dissimulation could not delude the sagacity of + Count Markof, who was, therefore, soon less liked by the Minister than by + the First Consul. All kind of low, vulgar, and revolutionary chicanery was + made use of to vex or to provoke the Russian Ambassador. Sometimes he was + reproached with having emigrants in his service; another time protection + was refused to one of his secretaries, under pretence that he was a + Sardinian subject. Russian travellers were insulted, and detained on the + most frivolous pretences. Two Russian noblemen were even arrested on our + side of the Rhine, because Talleyrand had forgotten to sign his name to + their passes, which were otherwise in order. The fact was that our + Minister suspected them of carrying some papers which he wanted to see, + and, therefore, wrote his name with an ink of such a composition that, + after a certain number of days, everything written with it disappeared. + Their effects and papers were strictly searched by an agent preceding them + from this capital, but nothing was found, our Minister being misinformed + by his spies. + </p> + <p> + When Count Markof left Sweden, he carried with him an actress of the + French theatre at Stockholm, Madame Hus, an Alsatian by birth, but who had + quitted her country twelve years before the Revolution, and could, + therefore, never be included among emigrants. She had continued as a + mistress with this nobleman, is the mother of several children by him, and + an agreeable companion to him, who has never been married. As I have often + said, Talleyrand is much obliged to any foreign diplomatic agent who + allows him to be the indirect provider or procurer of his mistresses. + After in vain tempting Count Markof with new objects, he introduced to the + acquaintance of Madame Hus some of his female emissaries. Their + manoeuvres, their insinuations, and even their presents were all thrown + away. The lady remained the faithful friend, and therefore refused with + indignation to degrade herself into a spy on her lover. Our Minister then + first discovered that, not only was Madame Hus an emigrant, but had been a + great benefactress and constant companion of emigrants at St. Petersburg, + and, of course, deserved to be watched, if not punished. Count Markof is + reported to have said to Talleyrand on this grave subject, in the presence + of two other foreign Ambassadors: + </p> + <p> + “Apropos! what shall I do to prevent my poor Madame Hus from being shot as + an emigrant, and my poor children from becoming prematurely orphans?” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said our diplomatic oracle, “she should have petitioned the + First Consul for a permission to return, to France before she entered it; + but out of regard for you, if she is prudent, she will not, I daresay, be + troubled by our Government.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be sorry if she was not,” replied the Count, with a significant + look; and here this grand affair ended, to the great entertainment of + those foreign agents who dared to smile or to laugh. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The Legion of Honour, though only proclaimed upon + Bonaparte’s assumption of the Imperial rank, dates from the first year of + his consulate. To prepare the public mind for a progressive elevation of + himself, and for consequential distinctions among all classes of his + subjects, he distributed among the military, arms of honour, to which were + attached precedence and privileges granted by him, and, therefore, liable + to cease with his power or life. The number of these arms increased in + proportion to the approach of the period fixed for the change of his title + and the erection of his throne. When he judged them numerous enough to + support his changes, he made all these wearers of arms of honour knights. + Never before were so many chevaliers created en masse; they amounted to no + less than twenty-two thousand four hundred, distributed in the different + corps of different armies, but principally in the army of England. To + these were afterwards joined five thousand nine hundred civil + functionaries, men of letters, artists, etc. To remove, however, all ideas + of equality, even among the members of the Legion of Honour, they were + divided into four classes—grand officers, commanders, officers, and + simple legionaries. + </p> + <p> + Every one who has observed Bonaparte’s incessant endeavours to intrude + himself among the Sovereigns of Europe, was convinced that he would + cajole, or force, as many of them as he could into his revolutionary + knighthood; but I heard men, who are not ignorant of the selfishness and + corruption of our times, deny the possibility of any independent Prince + suffering his name to be registered among criminals of every description, + from the thief who picked the pockets of his fellow citizens in the + street, down to the regicide who sat in judgment and condemned his King; + from the plunderers who have laid waste provinces, republics, and + kingdoms, down to the assassins who shot, drowned, or guillotined their + countrymen en masse. For my part, I never had but one opinion, and, + unfortunately, it has turned out a just one. I always was convinced that + those Princes who received other presents from Bonaparte could have no + plausible excuse to decline his ribands, crosses, and stars. But who could + have presumed to think that, in return for these blood-stained baubles, + they would have sacrificed those honourable and dignified ornaments which, + for ages past, have been the exclusive distinction of what birth had + exalted, virtue made eminent, talents conspicuous, honour illustrious, or + valour meritorious? Who would have dared to say that the Prussian Eagle + and the Spanish Golden Fleece should thus be prostituted, thus polluted? I + do not mean by this remark to throw any blame on the conferring those and + other orders on Napoleon Bonaparte, or even on his brothers; I know it is + usual, between legitimate Sovereigns in alliance, sometimes to exchange + their knighthoods; but to debase royal orders so much as to present them + to a Cambaceres, a Talleyrand, a Fouche, a Bernadotte, a Fesch, and other + vile and criminal wretches, I do not deny to have excited my astonishment + as well as my indignation. What honest—I do not say what noble—subjects + of Prussia, or of Spain, will hereafter think themselves rewarded for + their loyalty, industry, patriotism, or zeal, when they remember that + their Sovereigns have nothing to give but what the rebel has obtained, the + robber worn, the murderer vilified, and the regicide debased? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="pb214" id="pb214"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="pb214.jpg (55K)" src="images/pb214.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The number of grand officers of the Legion of Honour does not yet amount + to more than eighty, according to a list circulated at Milan last spring, + of which I have seen a copy. Of these grand officers, three had been + shoemakers, two tailors, four bakers, four barbers, six friars, eight + abbes, six officers, three pedlers, three chandlers, seven drummers, + sixteen soldiers, and eight regicides; four were lawful Kings, and the six + others, Electors or Princes of the most ancient houses in Europe. I have + looked over our, own official list, and, as far as I know, the calculation + is exact, both with regard to the number and to the quality. + </p> + <p> + This new institution of knighthood produced a singular effect on my vain + and giddy, countrymen, who, for twelve years before, had scarcely seen a + star or a riband, except those of foreign Ambassadors, who were frequently + insulted when wearing them. It became now the fashion to be a knight, and + those who really were not so, put pinks, or rather blooms, or flowers of a + darker red, in their buttonholes, so as to resemble, and to be taken at a + distance for, the red ribands of the members of the Legion of Honour. + </p> + <p> + A man of the name of Villeaume, an engraver by profession, took advantage + of this knightly fashion and mania, and sold for four louis d’or, not only + the stars, but pretended letters of knighthood, said to be procured by his + connection with persons of the household of the Emperor. In a month’s + time, according to a register kept by him, he had made twelve hundred and + fifty knights. When his fraud was discovered, he was already out of the + way, safe with his money; and, notwithstanding the researches of the + police, has not since been taken. + </p> + <p> + A person calling himself Baron von Rinken, a subject and an agent of one + of the many Princes of Hohenlohe, according to his own assertion, arrived + here with real letters and patents of knighthood, which he offered for + sale for three hundred livres. The stars of this Order were as large as + the star of the grand officers of the Legion of Honour, and nearly + resembled it; but the ribands were of a different colour. He had already + disposed of a dozen of these stars, when he was taken up by the police and + shut up in the Temple, where he still remains. Four other agents of + inferior petty German Princes have also been arrested for offering the + Orders of their Sovereigns for sale. + </p> + <p> + A Captain Rouvais, who received six wounds in his campaign under Pichegru + in 1794, wore the star of the Legion of Honour without being nominated a + knight. He has been tried by a military commission, deprived of his + pension, and condemned to four years’ imprisonment in irons. He proved + that he had presented fourteen petitions to Bonaparte for obtaining this + mark of distinction, but in vain; while hundreds of others, who had hardly + seen an enemy, or, at the most, made but one campaign, or been once + wounded, had succeeded in their demands. As soon as sentence had been + pronounced against him, he took a small pistol from his pocket, and shot + himself through the head, saying, “Some one else will soon do the same for + Bonaparte.” + </p> + <p> + A cobbler, of the name of Matthieu, either in a fit of madness or from + hatred to the new order of things, decorated himself with the large riband + of the Legion of Honour, and had an old star fastened on his coat. Thus + accoutred, he went into the Palais Royal, in the middle of the day, got + upon a chair, and began to speak to his audience of the absurdity of true + republicans not being on a level, even under an Emperor, and putting on, + like him, all his ridiculous ornaments. “We are here,” said he, “either + all grand officers, or there exist no grand officers at all; we have all + fought and paid for liberty, and for the Revolution, as much as Bonaparte, + and have, therefore, the same right and claim with him.” Here a police + agent and some gendarmes interrupted his eloquence by taking him into + custody. When Fouche asked him what he meant by such rebellious behaviour, + he replied that it was only a trial to see whether destiny had intended + him to become an Emperor or to remain a cobbler. On the next day he was + shot as a conspirator. I saw the unfortunate man in the Palais Royal; his + eyes looked wild, and his words were often incoherent. He was certainly a + subject more deserving a place in a madhouse than in a tomb. + </p> + <p> + Cambaceres has been severely reprimanded by the Emperor for showing too + much partiality for the Royal Prussian Black Eagle, by wearing it in + preference to the Imperial Legion of Honour. He was given to understand + that, except for four days in the year, the Imperial etiquette did not + permit any subjects to display their knighthood of the Prussian Order. In + Madame Bonaparte’s last drawing-room, before His Imperial Majesty set out + for the Rhine, he was ornamented with the Spanish, Neapolitan, Prussian, + and Portuguese orders, together with those of the French Legion of Honour + and of the Italian Iron Crown. I have seen the Emperor Paul, who was also + an amateur of ribands and stars, but never with so many at once. I have + just heard that the Grand Master of Malta has presented Napoleon with the + Grand Cross of the Maltese Order. This is certainly a negative compliment + to him, who, in July, 1798, officially declared to his then sectaries, the + Turks and Mussulmans, “that the Grand Master, Commanders, Knights, and + Order of Malta existed no more.” + </p> + <p> + I have heard it related for a certainty among our fashionable ladies, that + the Empress of the French also intends to institute a new order of female + knighthood, not of honour, but of confidence; of which all our Court + ladies, all the wives of our generals, public functionaries, etc., are to + be members. The Imperial Princesses of the Bonaparte family are to be + hereditary grand officers, together with as many foreign Empresses, + Queens, Princesses, Countesses, and Baronesses as can be bayoneted into + this revolutionary sisterhood. Had the Continent remained tranquil, it + would already have been officially announced by a Senatus Consultum. I + should suppose that Madame Bonaparte, with her splendid Court and + brilliant retinue of German Princes and Electors at Strasburg, need only + say the word to find hundreds of princely recruits for her knighthood in + petto. Her mantle, as a Grand Mistress of the Order of CONFIDENCE, has + been already embroidered at Lyons, and those who have seen it assert that + it is truly superb. The diamonds of the star on the mantle are valued at + six hundred thousand livres. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXVI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Since Bonaparte’s departure for Germany, fifteen + individuals have been brought here, chained, from La Vendee and the—Western + Departments, and are imprisoned in the Temple. Their crime is not exactly + known, but private letters from those countries relate that they were + recruiting for another insurrection, and that some of them were entrusted + as Ambassadors from their discontented countrymen to Louis XVIII. to ask + for his return to France, and for the assistance of Russia, Sweden, and + England to support his claims. + </p> + <p> + These are, however, reports to which I do not affix much credit. Had the + prisoners in the Temple been guilty, or only accused of such crimes, they + would long ago have been tortured, tried, and executed, or executed + without a trial. I suppose them mere hostages arrested by our Government, + as security for the tranquillity of the Chouan Departments during our + armies’ occupation elsewhere. We have, nevertheless, two movable columns + of six thousand men each in the country, or in its vicinity, and it would + be not only impolitic, but a cruelty, to engage or allure the unfortunate + people of these wretched countries into any plots, which, situated as + affairs now are, would be productive of great and certain evil to them, + without even the probability of any benefit to the cause of royalty and of + the Bourbons. I do not mean to say that there are not those who rebel + against Bonaparte’s tyranny, or that the Bourbons have no friends; on the + contrary, the latter are not few, and the former very numerous. But a kind + of apathy, the effect of unavailing resistance to usurpation and + oppression, has seized on most minds, and annihilated what little remained + of our never very great public spirit. We are tired of everything, even of + our existence, and care no more whether we are governed by a Maximilian + Robespierre or by a Napoleon Bonaparte, by a Barras or by Louis XVIII. + Except, perhaps, among the military, or among some ambitious schemers, + remnants of former factions, I do not believe a Moreau, a Macdonald, a + Lucien Bonaparte, or any person exiled by the Emperor, and formerly + popular, could collect fifty trusty conspirators in all France; at least, + as long as our armies are victorious, and organized in their present + formidable manner. Should anything happen to our present chief, an impulse + may be given to the minds now sunk down, and raise our characters from + their present torpid state. But until such an event, we shall remain as we + are, indolent but submissive, sacrificing our children and treasures for a + cause we detest, and for a man we abhor. I am sorry to say it, but it + certainly does, no honour to my nation when one million desperados of + civil and military banditti are suffered to govern, tyrannize, and + pillage, at their ease and undisturbed, thirty millions of people, to whom + their past crimes are known, and who have every reason to apprehend their + future wickedness. + </p> + <p> + This astonishing resignation (if I can call it so, and if it does not + deserve a worse name), is so much the more incomprehensible, as the + poverty of the higher and middle classes is as great as the misery of the + people, and, except those employed under Bonaparte, and some few upstart + contractors or army commissaries, the greatest privations must be + submitted to in order to pay the enormous taxes and make a decent + appearance. I know families of five, six, and seven persons, who formerly + were wealthy, and now have for a scanty subsistence an income of twelve or + eighteen hundred livres—per year, with which they are obliged to + live as they can, being deprived of all the resource that elsewhere labour + offers to the industrious, and all the succours compassion bestows on the + necessitous. You know that here all trade and all commerce are at a stand + or destroyed, and the hearts of our modern rich are as unfeeling as their + manners are vulgar and brutal. + </p> + <p> + A family of ci-devant nobles of my acquaintance, once possessing a revenue + of one hundred and fifty thousand livres—subsist now on fifteen + hundred livres—per year; and this sum must support six individuals—the + father and mother, with four children! It does so, indeed, by an + arrangement of only one poor meal in the day; a dinner four times, and a + supper three times, in the week. They endure their distress with tolerable + cheerfulness, though in the same street, where they occupy the garrets of + a house, resides, in an elegant hotel, a man who was once their groom, but + who is now a tribune, and has within these last twelve years, as a + conventional deputy, amassed, in his mission to Brabant and Flanders, + twelve millions of livres. He has kindly let my friend understand that his + youngest daughter might be received as a chambermaid to his wife, being + informed that she has a good education. All the four daughters are good + musicians, good drawers, and very able with their needles. By their + talents they supported their parents and themselves during their + emigration in Germany; but here these are of but little use or advantage. + Those upstarts who want instruction or works of this sort apply to the + first, most renowned, and fashionable masters or mistresses; while others, + and those the greatest number, cannot afford even to pay the inferior ones + and the most cheap. This family is one of the many that regret having + returned from their emigration. But, you may ask, why do they not go back + again to Germany? First, it would expose them to suspicion, and, perhaps, + to ruin, were they to demand passes; and if this danger or difficulty were + removed, they have no money for such a long journey. + </p> + <p> + But this sort of penury and wretchedness is also common with the families + of the former wealthy merchants and tradesmen. Paper money, a maximum, and + requisitions, have reduced those that did not share in the crimes and + pillage of the Revolution, as much as the proscribed nobility. And, + contradictory as it may seem, the number of persons employed in commercial + speculations has more than tripled since we experienced a general + stagnation of trade, the consequence of war, of want of capital, + protection, encouragement, and confidence; but one of the magazines of + 1789 contained more goods and merchandize than twenty modern magazines put + together. The expenses of these new merchants are, however, much greater + than sixteen years ago, the profit less, and the credit still less than + the profit. Hence numerous bankruptcies, frauds, swindling, forgeries, and + other evils of immorality, extravagance, and misery. The fair and honest + dealers suffer most from the intrusion of these infamous speculators, who + expecting, like other vile men wallowing in wealth under their eyes, to + make rapid fortunes, and to escape detection as well as punishment—commit + crimes to soothe disappointment. Nothing is done but for ready money, and + even bankers’ bills, or bills accepted by bankers, are not taken in + payment before the signatures are avowed by the parties concerned. You can + easily conceive what confusion, what expenses, and what; loss of time + these precautions must occasion; but the numerous forgeries and + fabrications have made them absolutely necessary. + </p> + <p> + The farmers and landholders are better off, but they also complain of the + heavy taxes, and low price paid for what they bring to the market, which + frequently, for want of ready money, remains long unsold. They take + nothing but cash in payment; for, notwithstanding the endeavours of our + Government, the notes of the Bank of France have never been in circulation + among them. They have also been subject to losses by the fluctuation of + paper money, by extortions, requisitions, and by the maximum. In this + class of my countrymen remains still some little national spirit and some + independence of character; but these are far from being favourable to + Bonaparte, or to the Imperial Government, which the yearly increase of + taxes, and, above all, the conscription, have rendered extremely odious. + You may judge of the great difference in the taxation of lands and landed + property now and under our Kings, when I inform you that a friend of mine, + who, in 1792, possessed, in one of the Western Departments, twenty-one + farms, paid less in contribution for them all than he does now for the + three farms he has recovered from the wreck of his fortune. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXVII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—In a military empire, ruled by a military despot, it is a + necessary policy that the education of youth should also be military. In + all our public schools or prytanees, a boy, from the moment of entering, + is registered in a company, and regularly drilled, exercised, and + reviewed, punished for neglect or fault according to martial law, and + advanced if displaying genius or application. All our private schools that + wish for the protection of Government are forced to submit to the same + military rules, and, therefore, most of our conscripts, so far from being + recruits, are fit for any service as soon as put into requisition. The + fatal effects to the independence of Europe to be dreaded from this sole + innovation, I apprehend, have been too little considered by other nations. + A great Power, that can, without obstacle, and with but little expense, in + four weeks increase its disposable military force from one hundred and + twenty to one hundred and eighty thousand young men, accustomed to + military duty from their youth, must finally become the master of all + other or rival Powers, and dispose at leisure of empires, kingdoms, + principalities, and republics. NOTHING CAN SAVE THEM BUT THE ADOPTION OF + SIMILAR MEASURES FOR THEIR PRESERVATION AS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED FOR THEIR + SUBJUGATION. + </p> + <p> + When l’Etat Militaire for the year 13 (a work containing the official + statement of our military forces) was presented to Bonaparte by Berthier, + the latter said: “Sire, I lay before Your Majesty the book of the destiny + of the world, which your hands direct as the sovereign guide of the armies + of your empire.” This compliment is a truth, and therefore no flattery. It + might as justly have been addressed to a Moreau, a Macdonald, a Le Courbe, + or to any other general, as to Bonaparte, because a superior number of + well disciplined troops, let them be well or even indifferently commanded, + will defeat those inferior in number. Three to one would even overpower an + army of giants. Add to it the unity of plans, of dispositions, and of + execution, which Bonaparte enjoys exclusively over such a great number of + troops, while ten, or perhaps fifty, will direct or contradict every + movement of his opponents. I tremble when I meditate on Berthier’s + assertion; may I never live to see it realized, and to see all hitherto + independent nations prostrated, acknowledge that Bonaparte and destiny are + the same, and the same distributor of good and evil. + </p> + <p> + One of the bad consequences of this our military education of youth is a + total absence of all religious and moral lessons. Arnaud had, last August, + the courage to complain of this infamous neglect, in the National + Institute. “The youth,” said he, “receive no other instruction but lessons + to march, to fire, to bow, to dance, to sit, to lie, and to impose with a + good grace. I do not ask for Spartans or Romans, but we want Athenians, + and our schools are only forming Sybarites.” Within twenty-four hours + afterwards, Arnaud was visited by a police agent, accompanied by two + gendarmes, with an order signed by Fouche, which condemned him to reside + at Orleans, and not to return to Paris without the permission of the + Government,—a punishment regarded here as very moderate for such an + indiscreet zeal. + </p> + <p> + A schoolmaster at Auteuil, near this capital, of the name of Gouron, had a + private seminary, organized upon the footing of our former colleges. In + some few months he was offered more pupils than he could well attend to, + and his house shortly became very fashionable, even for our upstarts, who + sent their children there in preference. He was ordered before Fouche last + Christmas, and commanded to change the hours hitherto employed in teaching + religion and morals, to a military exercise and instruction, as both more + necessary and more salubrious for French youth. Having replied that such + an alteration was contrary to his plan and agreement with the parents of + his scholars, the Minister stopped him short by telling him that he must + obey what had been prescribed by Government, or stand the consequences of + his refractory spirit. Having consulted with his friends and patrons, he + divided the hours, and gave half of the time usually allotted to religion + or morality to the study of military exercise. His pupils, however, + remained obstinate, broke the drum, and tore and burnt the colours he had + bought. As this was not his fault, he did not expect any further + disturbance, particularly after having reported to the police both his + obedience and the unforeseen result. But last March his house was suddenly + surrounded in the night by gendarmes, and some police agents entered it. + All the boys were ordered to dress and to pack up their effects, and to + follow the gendarmes to several other schools, where the Government had + placed them, and of which their parents would be informed. Gouron, his + wife, four ushers, and six servants, were all arrested and carried to the + police office, where Fouche, after reproaching them for their fanatical + behaviour, as he termed it, told them, as they were so fond of teaching + religious and moral duties, a suitable situation had been provided for + them in Cayenne, where the negroes stood sadly in need of their early + arrival, for which reason they would all set out on that very morning for + Rochefort. When Gouron asked what was to become of his property, + furniture, etc., he was told that his house was intended by Government for + a preparatory school, and would, with its contents, be purchased, and the + amount paid him in lands in Cayenne. It is not necessary to say that this + example of Imperial justice had the desired effect on all other refractory + private schoolmasters. + </p> + <p> + The parents of Gouron’s pupils were, with a severe reprimand, informed + where their sons had been placed, and where they would be educated in a + manner agreeable to the Emperor, who recommended them not to remove them, + without a previous notice to the police. A hatter, of the name of Maille, + however, ordered his son home, because he had been sent to a dearer school + than the former. In his turn he was carried before the police, and, after + a short examination of a quarter of an hour, was permitted, with his wife + and two children, to join their friend Gouron at Rochefort, and to settle + with him at Cayenne, where lands would also be given him for his property, + in France. These particulars were related to me by a neighbour whose son + had, for two years previous to this, been under Gouron’s care, but who was + now among those placed out by our Government. The boy’s present master, he + said, was a man of a notoriously bad and immoral character; but he was + intimidated, and weak enough to remain contented, preferring, no doubt, + his personal safety to the future happiness of his child. In your country, + you little comprehend what a valuable instrument terror has been in the + hands of our rulers since the Revolution, and how often fear has been + mistaken abroad for affection and content. + </p> + <p> + All these minutiae and petty vexations, but great oppressions, of petty + tyrants, you may easily guess, take up a great deal of time, and that, + therefore, a Minister of Police, though the most powerful, is also the + most occupied of his colleagues. So he certainly is, but, last year, a new + organization of this Ministry was regulated by Bonaparte; and Fouche was + allowed, as assistants, four Counsellors of State, and an augmentation of + sixty-four police commissaries. The French Empire was then divided into + four arrondissements, with regard to the general police, not including + Paris and its vicinity, inspected by a prefect of police under the + Minister. Of the first of these arrondissements, the Counsellor of State, + Real, is a kind of Deputy Minister; the Counsellor of State, Miot, is the + same of the second; the Counsellor of State, Pelet de la Lozere, of the + third; and the Counsellor of State, Dauchy, of the fourth. The secret + police agents, formerly called spies, were also considerably increased. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXVIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Before Bonaparte set out for the Rhine, the Pope’s Nuncio + was for the first time publicly rebuked by him in Madame Bonaparte’s + drawing-room, and ordered loudly to write to Rome and tell His Holiness to + think himself fortunate in continuing to govern the Ecclesiastical States, + without interfering with the ecclesiastical arrangements that might be + thought necessary or proper by the Government in France. + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte’s policy is to promote among the first dignitaries of the + Gallican Church the brothers or relatives of his civil or military + supporters; Cambacere’s brother is, therefore, an Archbishop and Cardinal, + and one of Lebrun’s, and two of Berthier’s cousins are Bishops. As, + however, the relatives of these Senators, Ministers, or generals, have, + like themselves, figured in many of the scandalous and blasphemous scenes + of the Revolution, the Pope has sometimes hesitated about sanctioning + their promotions. This was the case last summer, when General Dessolles’s + brother was transferred from the Bishopric of Digne to that of Chambry, + and Bonaparte nominated for his successor the brother of General Miollis, + who was a curate of Brignoles, in the diocese of Aix. This curate had not + only been one of the first to throw up his letters of priesthood at the + Jacobin Club at Aix, but had also sacrilegiously denied the divinity of + the Christian religion, and proposed, in imitation of Parisian atheists, + the worship of a Goddess of Reason in a common prostitute with whom he + lived. The notoriety of these abominations made even his parishioners at + Brignoles unwilling to go to church, and to regard him as their pastor, + though several of them had been imprisoned, fined, and even transported as + fanatics, or as refractory. + </p> + <p> + During the negotiation with Cardinal Fesch last year, the Pope had been + promised, among other things, that, for the future, his conscience should + not be wounded by having presented to him for the prelacy any persons but + those of the purest morals of the French Empire; and that all his + objections should be attended to, in case of promotions; his scruples + removed, or his refusal submitted to. When Cardinal Fesch demanded His + Holiness’s Bull for the curate Miollis, the Cardinal Secretary of State, + Gonsalvi, showed no less than twenty acts of apostasy and blasphemy, which + made him unworthy of such a dignity. To this was replied that, having + obtained an indulgence in toto for what was past, he was a proper subject; + above all, as he had the protection of the Emperor of the French. The + Pope’s Nuncio here then addressed himself to our Minister of the + Ecclesiastical Department, Portalis, who advised him not to speak to + Bonaparte of a matter upon which his mind had been made up; he, + nevertheless, demanded an audience, and it was in consequence of this + request that he, in his turn, became acquainted with the new Imperial + etiquette and new Imperial jargon towards the representatives of + Sovereigns. On the same evening the Nuncio expedited a courier to Rome, + and I have heard to-day that the nomination of Miollis is confirmed by the + Pope. + </p> + <p> + From this relatively trifling occurrence, His Holiness might judge of the + intention of our Government to adhere to its other engagements; but at + Rome, as well as in most other Continental capitals, the Sovereign is the + dupe of the perversity of his Counsellors and Ministers, who are the + tools, and not seldom the pensioners, of the Cabinet of St. Cloud. + </p> + <p> + But in the kingdom of Italy the parishes and dioceses are, if possible, + still worse served than in this country. Some of the Bishops there, after + having done duty in the National Guards, worn the Jacobin cap, and fought + against their lawful Prince, now live in open adultery; and, from their + intrigues, are the terror of all the married part of their flock. The + Bishop of Pavia keeps the wife of a merchant, by whom he has two children; + and, that the public may not be mistaken as to their real father, the + merchant received a sum of money to establish himself at Brescia, and has + not seen his wife for these two years past. General Gourion, who was last + spring in Italy, has assured me that he read the advertisement of a curate + after his concubine, who had eloped with another curate; and that the + Police Minister at Milan openly licensed women to be the housekeepers of + priests. + </p> + <p> + A grand vicar, Sarini, at Bologna, was, in 1796, a friar, but relinquished + then the convent for the tent, and exchanged the breviary for the musket. + He married a nun of one cloister, from whom he procured a divorce in a + month, to unite himself with an Abbess of another, deserted by him in her + turn for the wife of an innkeeper, who robbed and eloped from her husband. + Last spring he returned to the bosom of the Church, and, by making our + Empress a present of a valuable diamond cross, of which he had pillaged + the statue of a Madonna, he obtained the dignity of a grand vicar, to the + great edification, no doubt, of all those who had seen him before the + altar or in the camp, at the brothel, or in the hospital. + </p> + <p> + Another grand vicar of the same Bishop, in the same city, of the name of + Rami, has two of his illegitimate children as singing-boys in the same + cathedral where he officiates as a priest. Their mother is dead, but her + daughter, by another priest, is now their father’s mistress. This + incestuous commerce is so little concealed that the girl does the honours + of the grand vicar’s house, and, with naivete enough, tells the guests and + visitors of her happiness in having succeeded her mother. I have this + anecdote from an officer who heard her make use of that expression. + </p> + <p> + In France, our priests, I fear, are equally as debauched and unprincipled; + but, in yielding to their vicious propensities, they take care to save the + appearance of virtue, and, though their guilt is the same, the scandal is + less. Bonaparte pretends to be severe against all those ecclesiastics who + are accused of any irregularities after having made their peace with the + Church. A curate of Picardy, suspected of gallantry, and another of + Normandy, accused of inebriety, were last month, without further trial or + ceremony than the report of the Minister Portalis, delivered over to + Fouche, who transported them to Cayenne, after they had been stripped of + their gowns. At the same time, Cardinal Cambaceres and Cardinal Fesch, + equally notorious for their excesses, were taken no notice of, except that + they were laughed at in our Court circles. + </p> + <p> + I am, almost every day, more and more convinced that our Government is + totally indifferent about what becomes of our religious establishment when + the present race of priests is extinguished; which, in the course of + nature, must happen in less than thirty years. Our military system and our + military education discourage all young men from entering into orders; + while, at the same time, the army is both more honourable and more + profitable than the Church. Already we want curates, though several have + been imported from Germany and Spain, and, in some departments, four, and + even six parishes have only one curate to serve them all. The Bishops + exhort, and the parents advise their children to study theology; but then + the law of conscription obliges the student of theology, as well as the + student of philosophy, to march together; and, when once in the ranks, and + accustomed to the licentiousness of a military life, they are either + unwilling, unfit, or unworthy to return to anything else. The Pope, with + all his entreaties, and with all his prayers, was unable to procure an + exception from the conscription of young men preparing themselves for + priesthood. Bonaparte always answered: “Holy Father, were I to consent to + your demand, I should soon have an army of priests, instead of an army of + soldiers.” Our Emperor is not unacquainted with the real character and + spirit of his Volunteers. When the Pope represented the danger of religion + expiring in France, for want of priests to officiate at the altars, he was + answered that Bonaparte, at the beginning of his consulate, found neither + altars nor priests in France; that if his reign survived the latter, the + former would always be standing, and survive his reign. He trusted that + the chief of the Church would prevent them from being deserted. He assured + him that when once he had restored the liberties of the seas, and an + uninterrupted tranquillity on the Continent, he should attend more, and + perhaps entirely, to the affairs of the Church. He consented, however, + that the Pope might institute, in the Ecclesiastical States, a seminary + for two hundred young Frenchmen, whom he would exempt from military + conscription. This is the stock from which our Church establishment is to + be supplied! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXIX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The short journey of Count von Haugwitz to Vienna, and the + long stay of our Imperial Grand Marshal, Duroc, at Berlin, had already + caused here many speculations, not quite corresponding with the views and, + perhaps, interests of our Court, when our violation of the Prussian + territory made our courtiers exclaim: “This act proves that the Emperor of + the French is in a situation to bid defiance to all the world, and, + therefore, no longer courts the neutrality of a Prince whose power is + merely artificial; who has indemnities to restore, but no delicacy, no + regard to claims.” Such was the language of those very men who, a month + before, declared “that His Prussian Majesty held the balance of peace or + war in his hands; that he was in a position in which no Prussian Monarch + ever was before; that while his neutrality preserved the tranquillity of + the North of Germany, the South of Europe would soon be indebted to his + powerful mediation for the return of peace.” + </p> + <p> + The real cause of this alteration in our courtiers’ political jargon has + not yet been known; but I think it may easily be discovered without any + official publication. Bonaparte had the adroitness to cajole the Cabinet + of Berlin into his interest, in the first month of his consulate, + notwithstanding his own critical situation, as well as the critical + situation of France; and he has ever since taken care both to attach it to + his triumphal car and to inculpate it indirectly in his outrages and + violations. Convinced, as he thought, of the selfishness which guided all + its resolutions, all his attacks and invasions against the law of nations, + or independence of States, were either preceded or followed with some + offers of aggrandizement, of indemnity, of subsidy, or of alliance. His + political intriguers were generally more successful in Prussia than his + military heroes in crossing the Rhine or the Elbe, in laying the Hanse + Towns under contribution, or in occupying Hanover; or, rather, all these + acts of violence and injustice were merely the effects of his ascendency + in Prussia. When it is, besides, remembered what provinces Prussia + accepted from his bounty, what exchange of presents, of ribands, of + private letters passed between Napoleon the First and Frederick William + III., between the Empress of the French and the Queen of Prussia, it is + not surprising if the Cabinet of St. Cloud thought itself sure of the + submission of the Cabinet of Berlin, and did not esteem it enough to fear + it, or to think that it would have spirit enough to resent, or even honour + to feel, the numerous Provocations offered. + </p> + <p> + Whatever Bonaparte and Talleyrand write or assert to the contrary, their + gifts are only the wages of their contempt, and they despise more that + State they thus reward than those nations at whose expense they are + liberal, and with whose spoil they delude selfishness or meanness into + their snares. The more legitimate Sovereigns descend from their true + dignity, and a liberal policy, the nearer they approach the baseness of + usurpation and the Machiavellism of rebellion. Like other upstarts, they + never suffer an equal. If you do not keep yourself above them, they will + crush you beneath them. If they have no reason to fear you, they will + create some quarrel to destroy you. + </p> + <p> + It is said here that Duroc’s journey to Berlin was merely to demand a + passage for the French troops through the Prussian territory in Franconia, + and to prevent the Russian troops from passing through the Prussian + territory in Poland. This request is such as might have been expected from + our Emperor and his Minister. Whether, however, the tone in which this + curious negotiation with a neutral power was begun, or that, at last, the + generosity of the Russian Monarch awakened a sense of duty in the Cabinet + of Berlin, the arrival of our pacific envoy was immediately followed with + warlike preparations. Fortunate, indeed, was it for Prussia to have + resorted to her military strength instead of trusting any longer to our + friendly assurances. The disasters that have since befallen the Austrian + armies in Suabia, partly occasioned by our forced marches through neutral + Prussia, would otherwise soon have been felt in Westphalia, in + Brandenburgh, and in Pomerania. But should His Prussian Majesty not order + his troops to act in conjunction with Russia, Austria, England, and + Sweden, and that very soon, all efforts against Bonaparte will be vain, as + those troops which have dispersed the Austrians and repulsed the Russians + will be more than equal to master the Prussians, and one campaign may be + sufficient to convince the Prussian Ministers of their folly and errors + for years, and to punish them for their ignorance or selfishness. + </p> + <p> + Some preparations made in silence by the Marquis of Lucchesini, his + affected absence from some of our late Court circles, and the number of + spies who now are watching his hotel and his steps, seem to indicate that + Prussia is tired of its impolitic neutrality, and inclined to join the + confederacy against France. At the last assembly at our Prince + Cambaceres’s, a rumour circulated that preliminary articles for an + offensive alliance with your country had already been signed by the + Prussian Minister, Baron Von Hardenberg, on one side, and by your Minister + to the Court of Berlin on the other; according to which you were to take + sixty thousand Prussians and twelve thousand Hessians into your pay, for + five years certain. A courier from Duroc was said to have brought this + news, which at first made some impression, but it wore away by degrees; + and our Government, to judge from the expressions of persons in its + confidence, seems more to court than to fear a rupture with Prussia. + Indeed, besides all other reasons to carry on a war in the North of + Europe, Bonaparte’s numerous and young generals are impatient to enrich + themselves, as Italy, Switzerland, Holland, and the South of Germany are + almost exhausted. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The provocations of our Government must have been + extraordinary indeed, when they were able to awaken the Cabinet of Berlin + from its long and incomprehensible infatuation of trusting to the friendly + intentions of honest Talleyrand, and to the disinterested policy of our + generous Bonaparte. To judge its intents from its acts, the favour of the + Cabinet of St. Cloud was not only its wish but its want. You must remember + that, last year, besides his ordinary Ambassador, Da Lucchesini, His + Prussian Majesty was so ill advised as to despatch General Knobelsdorff as + his extra representative, to assist at Napoleon’s coronation, a + degradation of lawful sovereignty to which even the Court of Naples, + though surrounded with our troops, refused to subscribe; and, so late as + last June, the same Knobelsdorff did, in the name of his Prince, the + honours at the reviews near Magdeburg, to all the generals of our army in + Hanover who chose to attend there. On this occasion the King lodged in a + farmhouse, the Queen in the house of the curate of Koestelith, while our + sans-culotte officers, Bernadotte & Co., were quartered and treated in + style at the castle of Putzbull, fitted up for their accommodation. This + was certainly very hospitable, and very civil, but it was neither prudent + nor politic. Upstarts, experiencing such a reception from Princes, are + convinced that they are dreaded, because they know that they have not + merit to be esteemed. + </p> + <p> + Do not confound this Knobelsdorff with the late Field-marshal of that + name, who, in 1796, answered to a request which our then Ambassador at + Berlin (Abbe Sieges) had made to be introduced to him, NON ET SANS PHRASE, + the very words this regicide used when he sat in judgment on his King, and + voted LA MORT ET SANS PHRASE. This Knobelsdorff is a very different + character. He pretends to be equally conspicuous in the Cabinet as in the + field, in the boudoir as in the study. A demi-philosopher, a demi-savant, + a demi-gallant and a demi-politician, constitute, all taken together, + nothing except an insignificant courtier. I do not know whether he was + among those Prussian officers who, in 1798, CRIED when it was inserted in + the public prints that the Grand Bonaparte had been killed in an + insurrection at Cairo, but of this I am certain, that were Knobelsdorff to + survive Napoleon the First, none of His Imperial Majesty’s own dutiful + subjects would mourn him more sincerely than this subject of the King of + Prussia. He is said to possess a great share of the confidence of his + King, who has already employed him in several diplomatic missions. The + principal and most requisite qualities in a negotiator are political + information, inviolable fidelity, penetrating but unbiased judgment, a + dignified firmness, and condescending manners. I have not been often + enough in the society of General Knobelsdorff to assert whether nature and + education have destined him to illumine or to cloud the Prussian monarchy. + </p> + <p> + I have already mentioned in a former letter that it was Count von Haugwitz + who, in 1792, as Prussian Ambassador at Vienna, arranged the treaty which + then united the Austrian and Prussian Eagles against the Jacobin Cap of + Liberty. It is now said in our diplomatic circle that his second mission + to the same capital has for an object the renewal of these ties, which the + Treaty of Basle dissolved; and that our Government, to impede his success, + or to occasion his recall, before he could have time to conclude, had + proposed to Prussia an annual subsidy of thirty millions of liveres—which + it intended to exact from Portugal for its neutrality. The present + respectable appearance of Prussia, shows, however, that whether the + mission of Haugwitz had the desired issue or not, His Prussian Majesty + confides in his army in preference to our parchments. + </p> + <p> + Some of our politicians pretend that the present Minister of the foreign + department in Prussia, Baron von Hardenberg, is not such a friend of the + system of neutrality as his predecessor. All the transactions of his + administration seem, nevertheless, to proclaim that, if he wished his + country to take an active part in the present conflict, it would not have + been against France, had she not begun the attack with the invasion of + Anspach and Bayreuth. Let it be recollected that, since his Ministry, + Prussia has acknowledged Bonaparte an Emperor of the French, has exchanged + orders with him, and has sent an extraordinary Ambassador to be present at + his coronation,—not common compliments, even between Princes + connected by the nearest ties of friendship and consanguinity. Under his + administration, the Rhine has been passed to seize the Duc d’Enghien, and + the Elbe to capture Sir George Rumbold; the Hanse Towns have been + pillaged, and even Emden blockaded; and the representations against, all + these outrages have neither been followed by public reparation nor a + becoming resentment; and was it not also Baron von Hardenberg, who, on the + 5th of April, 1795, concluded at Basle that treaty to which we owe all our + conquests and Germany and Italy all their disasters? It is not probable + that the parent of pacification will destroy its own progeny, if + self-preservation does not require it. + </p> + <p> + Baron von Hardenberg is both a learned nobleman and an enlightened + statesman, and does equal honour both to his own rank and to the choice of + his Prince. The late Frederick William II. nominated him a Minister of + State and a Counsellor of his Cabinet. On the 26th of January, 1792, as a + directorial Minister, he took possession, in the name of the King of + Prussia, of the Margravates of Anspach and Bayreuth, and the inhabitants + swore before him, as their governor, their oaths of allegiance to their + new Sovereign.—He continued to reside as a kind of viceroy, in these + States, until March, 1795, when he replaced Baron von Goltz as negotiator + with our republican plenipotentiary in Switzerland; but after settling all + differences between Prussia and France, he returned to his former post at + Anspach, where no complaints have been heard against his Government. + </p> + <p> + The ambition of Baron von Hardenberg has always been to obtain the place + he now occupies, and the study of his life has been to gain such + information as would enable him to fill it with distinction. I have heard + it said that in most countries he had for years kept and paid private + agents, who regularly corresponded with him and sent him reports of what + they heard or saw of political intrigue or machinations. One of these his + agents I happened to meet with, in 1796, at Basle, and were I to conclude + from what I observed in him, the Minister has not been very judicious in + his selection of private correspondents. Figure to yourself a bald-headed + personage, about forty years of age, near seven feet high, deaf as a post, + stammering and making convulsive efforts to express a sentence of five + words, which, after all, his gibberish made unintelligible. His dress was + as eccentric as his person was singular, and his manners corresponded with + both. He called himself Baron von Bulow, and I saw him afterwards, in the + autumn of 1797, at Paris, with the same accoutrements and the same jargon, + assuming an air of diplomatic mystery, even while displaying before me, in + a coffee-house, his letters and instructions from his principal. As might + be expected, he had the adroitness to get himself shut up in the Temple, + where, I have been told, the generosity of your Sir Sidney Smith prevented + him from starving. + </p> + <p> + No member of the foreign diplomatic corps here possesses either more + knowledge, or a longer experience, than the Prussian Ambassador, Marquis + of Lucchesini. He went with several other philosophers of Italy to admire + the late hero of modern philosophy at Berlin, Frederick the Great, who + received him well, caressed him often, but never trusted or employed him. + I suppose it was not at the mention of the Marquis’s name for the place of + a governor of some province that this Monarch said, “My subjects of that + province have always been dutiful; a philosopher shall never rule in my + name but over people with whom I am discontented, or whom I intend to + chastise.” This Prince was not unacquainted with the morality of his + sectaries. + </p> + <p> + During the latter part of the life of this King, the Marquis of Lucchesini + was frequently of his literary and convivial parties; but he was neither + his friend nor his favourite, but his listener. It was first under + Frederick William II. that he began his diplomatic career, with an + appointment as Minister from Prussia to the late King of Poland. His first + act in this post was a treaty signed on the 29th of March, 1790, with the + King and Republic of Poland, which changed an elective monarchy into an + hereditary one; but, notwithstanding the Cabinet of Berlin had guaranteed + this alteration, and the constitution decreed in consequence, in 1791, + three years afterwards Russian and Prussian bayonets annihilated both, and + selfishness banished faith. + </p> + <p> + In July, 1790, he assisted as a Prussian plenipotentiary at the + conferences at Reichenback, together with the English and Dutch + Ambassadors, having for object a pacification between Austria and Turkey. + In December of the same year he went with the same Ministers to the + Congress at Sistova, where, in May, 1791, he signed the Treaty of Peace + between the Grand Seignior and the Emperor of Germany. In June, 1792, he + was a second time sent as a Minister to Warsaw, where he remained until + January, 1793, when he was promoted to the post of Ambassador at the Court + of Vienna. He continued, however, to reside with His Prussian Majesty + during the greatest part of the campaign on the Rhine, and signed, on the + 24th of June, 1793, in the camp before Mentz, an offensive and defensive + alliance with your Court; an alliance which Prussian policy respected not + above eighteen months. In October, 1796, he requested his recall, but this + his Sovereign refused, with the most gracious expressions; and he could + not obtain it until March, 1797. Some disapprobation of the new political + plan introduced by Count von Haugwitz in the Cabinet at Berlin is supposed + to have occasioned his determination to retire from public employment. As + he, however, continued to reside in the capital of Prussia, and, as many + believed, secretly intrigued to appear again upon the scene, the + nomination, in 1800, to his present important post was as much the + consequence of his own desire as of the favour of his King. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis of Lucchesini lives here in great style at the beautiful Hotel + de l’Infantado, where his lady’s routs, assemblies, and circles are the + resort of our most fashionable gentry. Madame da Lucchesini is more + agreeable than handsome, more fit to shine at Berlin than at Paris; for + though her manners are elegant, they want that ease, that finish which a + German or Italian education cannot teach, nor a German or Italian society + confer. To judge from the number of her admirers, she seems to know that + she is married to a philosopher. Her husband was born at Lucca, in Italy, + and is, therefore, at present a subject of Bonaparte’s brother-in-law, + Prince Bacciochi, to whom, when His Serene Highness was a marker at a + billiard-table, I have had the honour of giving many a shilling, as well + as many a box on the ear. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The unexampled cruelty of our Government to your + countryman, Captain Wright, I have heard reprobated, even by some of our + generals and public functionaries, as unjust as well as disgraceful. At a + future General Congress, should ever Bonaparte suffer one to be convoked, + except under his auspices and dictature, the distinction and treatment of + prisoners of war require to be again regulated, that the valiant warrior + may not for the future be confounded with, and treated as, a treacherous + spy; nor innocent travellers, provided with regular passes, visiting a + country either for business or for pleasure, be imprisoned, like men taken + while combating with arms in their hands. + </p> + <p> + You remember, no doubt, from history, that many of our ships—that, + during the reigns of George I. and II., carried to Ireland and Scotland, + and landed there, the adherents and partisans of the House of Stuart were + captured on their return or on their passage; and that your Government + never seized the commanders of these vessels, to confine them as State + criminals, much less to torture or murder them in the Tower. If I am not + mistaken, the whole squadron which, in 1745, carried the Pretender and his + suite to Scotland, was taken by your cruisers; and the officers and men + experienced no worse or different treatment than their fellow prisoners of + war; though the distance is immense between the crime of plotting against + the lawful Government of the Princes of the House of Brunswick, and the + attempt to disturb the usurpation of an upstart of the House of Bonaparte. + But, even during the last war, how many of our ships of the line, + frigates, and cutters, did you not take, which had landed rebels in + Ireland, emissaries in Scotland, and malefactors in Wales; and yet your + generosity prevented you from retaliating, even at the time when your Sir + Sidney Smith, and this same unfortunate Captain Wright, were confined in + our State prison of the Temple! It is with Governments as with + individuals, they ought to be just before they are generous. Had you in + 1797, or in 1798, not endured our outrages so patiently, you would not now + have to lament, nor we to blush for, the untimely end of Captain Wright. + </p> + <p> + From the last time that this officer had appeared before the criminal + tribunal which condemned Georges and Moreau, his fate was determined on by + our Government. His firmness offended, and his patriotism displeased; and + as he seemed to possess the confidence of his own Government, it was + judged that he was in its secrets; it was, therefore, resolved that, if he + refused to become a traitor, he should perish a victim. Desmarets, + Fouche’s private secretary, who is also the secretary of the secret and + haute police, therefore ordered him to another private interrogatory. Here + he was offered a considerable sum of money, and the rank of an admiral in + our service, if he would divulge what he knew of the plans of his + Government, of its connections with the discontented in this country, and + of its means of keeping up a correspondence with them. He replied, as + might have been expected, with indignation, to such offers and to such + proposals, but as they were frequently repeated with new allurements, he + concluded with remaining silent and giving no answers at all. He was then + told that the torture would soon restore him his voice, and some select + gendarmes seized him and laid him on the rack; there he uttered no + complaint, not even a sigh, though instruments the most diabolical were + employed, and pains the most acute must have been endured. When threatened + that he should expire in torments, he said: + </p> + <p> + “I do not fear to die, because my country will avenge my murder, while my + God receives my soul.” During the two hours of the first day that he was + stretched on the rack, his left arm and right leg were broken, and his + nails torn from the toes of both feet; he then passed into the hands of a + surgeon, and was under his care for five weeks, but, before he was + perfectly cured, he was carried to another private interrogatory, at + which, besides Desmarets, Fouche and Real were present. + </p> + <p> + The Minister of Police now informed him that, from the mutilated state of + his body, and from the sufferings he had gone through, he must be + convinced that it was not the intention of the French Government ever to + restore him to his native country, where he might relate occurrences which + the policy of France required to be buried in oblivion; he, therefore, had + no choice between serving the Emperor of the French, or perishing within + the walls of the prison where he was confined. He replied that he was + resigned to his destiny, and would die as he had lived, faithful to his + King and to his country. + </p> + <p> + The man in full possession of his mental qualities and corporeal strength + is, in most cases, very different from that unfortunate being whose mind + is, enervated by sufferings and whose body is weakened by wants. For five + months Captain Wright had seen only gaolers, spies, tyrants, executioners, + fetters, racks, and other tortures; and for five weeks his food had been + bread and his drink water. The man who, thus situated and thus perplexed, + preserves his native dignity and innate sentiments, is more worthy of + monuments, statues, or altars than either the legislator, the victor, or + the saint. + </p> + <p> + This interrogatory was the last undergone by Captain Wright. He was then + again stretched on the rack, and what is called by our regenerators the + INFERNAL torments, were inflicted on him. After being pinched with red-hot + irons all over his body, brandy, mixed with gunpowder, was infused in the + numerous wounds and set fire to several times until nearly burned to the + bones. In the convulsions, the consequence of these terrible sufferings, + he is said to have bitten off a part of his tongue, though, as before, no + groans were heard. As life still remained, he was again put under the care + of his former surgeon; but, as he was exceedingly exhausted, a spy, in the + dress of a Protestant clergyman, presented himself as if to read prayers + with him. Of this offer he accepted; but when this man began to ask some + insidious questions, he cast on him a look of contempt and never spoke to + him more. At last, seeing no means to obtain any information from him, a + mameluke last week strangled him in his bed. Thus expired a hero whose + fate has excited more compassion, and whose character has received more + admiration here, than any of our great men who have fallen fighting for + our Emperor. Captain Wright has diffused new rays of renown and glory on + the British name, from his tomb as well as from his dungeon. + </p> + <p> + You have certainly a right to call me to an account for all the + particulars I have related of this scandalous and abominable transaction, + and, though I cannot absolutely guarantee the truth of the narration, I am + perfectly satisfied of it myself, and I hope to explain myself to your + satisfaction. Your unfortunate countryman was attended by and under the + care of a surgeon of the name of Vaugeard, who gained his confidence, and + was worthy of it, though employed in that infamous gaol. Either from + disgust of life, or from attachment to Captain Wright, he survived him + only twelve hours, during which he wrote the shocking details I have given + you, and sent them to three of the members of the foreign diplomatic + corps, with a prayer to have them forwarded to Sir Sidney Smith or to Mr. + Windham, that those his friends might be informed that, to his last + moment, Captain Wright was worthy of their protection and kindness. From + one of those Ministers I have obtained the original in Vaugeard’s own + handwriting. + </p> + <p> + I know that Bonaparte and Talleyrand promised the release of Captain + Wright to the Spanish Ambassador; but, at that time, he had already + suffered once on the rack, and this liberality on their part was merely a + trick to impose upon the credulity of the Spaniard or to get rid of his + importunities. Had it been otherwise, Captain Wright, like Sir George + Rumbold, would himself have been the first to announce in your country the + recovery of his liberty. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + My LORD:—Should Bonaparte again return here victorious, and a + pacificator, great changes in our internal Government and constitution are + expected, and will certainly occur. Since the legislative corps has + completed the Napoleon code of civil and criminal justice, it is + considered by the Emperor not only as useless, but troublesome and + superfluous. For the same reasons the tribunate will also be laid aside, + and His Majesty will rule the French Empire, with the assistance of his + Senate, and with the advice of his Council of State, exclusively. You know + that the Senators, as well as the Councillors of State, are nominated by + the Emperor; that he changes the latter according to his whim, and that, + though the former, according to the present constitution, are to hold + their offices for life, the alterations which remove entirely the + legislature and the tribunate may also make Senators movable. But as all + members of the Senate are favourites or relatives, he will probably not + think it necessary to resort to such a measure of policy. + </p> + <p> + In a former letter I have already mentioned the heterogeneous composition + of the Senate. The tribunate and legislative corps are worthy to figure by + its side; their members are also ci-devant mechanics of all descriptions, + debased attorneys or apostate priests, national spoilers or rebellious + regicides, degraded nobles or dishonoured officers. The nearly unanimous + vote of these corps for a consulate for life, and for an hereditary + Emperor, cannot, therefore, either be expressive of the national will, or + constitute the legality of Bonaparte’s sovereignty. + </p> + <p> + In the legislature no vote opposed, and no voice declaimed against, + Bonaparte’s Imperial dignity; but in the tribunate, Carnot—the + infamously notorious Carnot—‘pro forma’, and with the permission of + the Emperor ‘in petto’, spoke against the return of a monarchical form of + Government. This farce of deception and roguery did not impose even on our + good Parisians, otherwise, and so frequently, the dupes of all our + political and revolutionary mountebanks. Had Carnot expressed a sentiment + or used a word not previously approved by Bonaparte, instead of reposing + himself in the tribunate, he would have been wandering in Cayenne. + </p> + <p> + Son of an obscure attorney at Nolay, in Burgundy, he was brought up, like + Bonaparte, in one of those military schools established by the munificence + of the French Monarchs; and had obtained, from the late King, the + commission of a captain of engineers when the Revolution broke out. He was + particularly indebted to the Prince of Conde for his support during the + earlier part of his life, and yet he joined the enemies of his house, and + voted for the death of Louis XVI. A member, with Robespierre and Barrere, + of the Committee of Public Safety, he partook of their power, as well as + of their crimes, though he has been audacious enough to deny that he had + anything to do with other transactions than those of the armies. Were no + other proofs to the contrary collected, a letter of his own hand to the + ferocious Lebon, at Arras, is a written evidence which he is unable to + refute. It is dated November 16th, 1793. “You must take,” says he, “in + your energy, all measures of terror commanded or required by present + circumstances. Continue your revolutionary attitude; never mind the + amnesty pronounced with the acceptance of the absurd constitution of 1791; + it is a crime which cannot extenuate other crimes. Anti-republicans can + only expiate their folly under the age of the guillotine. The public + Treasury will always pay the journeys and expenses of informers, because + they have deserved well of their country. Let all suspected traitors + expire by the sword or by fire; continue to march upon that revolutionary + line so well delineated by you. The committee applauds all your + undertakings, all your measures of vigour; they are not only all + permitted, but commanded by your mission.” Most of the decrees concerning + the establishment of revolutionary tribunals, and particularly that for + the organization of the atrocious military commission at Orange, were + signed by him. + </p> + <p> + Carnot, as an officer of engineers, certainly is not without talents; but + his presumption in declaring himself the sole author of those plans of + campaign which, during the years 1794, 1795, and 1796, were so + triumphantly executed by Pichegru, Moreau, and Bonaparte, is impertinent, + as well as unfounded. At the risk of his own life, Pichegru entirely + altered the plan sent him by the Committee of Public Safety; and it was + Moreau’s masterly retreat, which no plan of campaign could prescribe, that + made this general so famous. The surprising successes of Bonaparte in + Italy were both unexpected and unforeseen by the Directory; and, according + to Berthier’s assertion, obliged the, commander-in-chief, during the first + four months, to change five times his plans of proceedings and + undertakings. + </p> + <p> + During his temporary sovereignty as a director, Carnot honestly has made a + fortune of twelve millions of livres; which has enabled him not only to + live in style with his wife, but also to keep in style two sisters, of the + name of Aublin, as his mistresses. He was the friend of the father of + these girls, and promised him, when condemned to the guillotine in 1793, + to be their second father; but he debauched and ruined them both before + either was fourteen years of age; and young Aublin, who, in 1796, + reproached him with the infamy of his conduct, was delivered up by him to + a military commission, which condemned him to be shot as an emigrant. He + has two children by each of these unfortunate girls. + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte employs Carnot, but despises and mistrusts him; being well aware + that, should another National Convention be convoked, and the Emperor of + the French be arraigned, as the King of France was, he would, with as + great pleasure, vote for the execution of Napoleon the First as he did for + that of Louis XVI. He has waded too far in blood and crime to retrograde. + </p> + <p> + To this sample of a modern tribune I will add a specimen of a modern + legislator. Baptiste Cavaignae was, before the Revolution, an excise + officer, turned out of his place for infidelity; but the department of Lot + electing him, in 1792, a representative of the people to the National + Convention, he there voted for the death of Louis XVI. and remained a + faithful associate of Marat and Robespierre. After the evacuation of + Verdun by the Prussians, in October, 1792, he made a report to the + Convention, according to which eighty-four citizens of that town were + arrested and executed. Among these were twenty-two young girls, under + twenty years of age, whose crime was the having presented nosegays to the + late King of Prussia on his entry after the surrender of Verdun. He was + afterwards a national commissary with the armies on the coast near Brest, + on the Rhine, and in Western Pyrenees, and everywhere he signalized + himself by unheard of ferocities and sanguinary deeds. The following + anecdote, printed and published by our revolutionary annalist, Prudhomme, + will give you some idea of the morality of this our regenerator and + Imperial Solon: “Cavaignac and another deputy, Pinet,” writes Prudhomme, + “had ordered a box to be kept for them at the play-house at Bayonne on the + evening they expected to arrive in that town. Entering very late, they + found two soldiers, who had seen the box empty, placed in its front. These + they ordered immediately to be arrested, and condemned them, for having + outraged the national representation, to be guillotined on the next day, + when they both were accordingly executed!” Labarrere, a provost of the + Marechaussee at Dax, was in prison as a suspected person. His daughter, a + very handsome girl of seventeen, lived with an aunt at Severe. The two + pro-consuls passing through that place, she threw herself at their feet, + imploring mercy for her parent. This they not only promised, but offered + her a place in their carriage to Dax, that she might see him restored to + liberty. On the road the monsters insisted on a ransom for the blood of + her father. Waiting, afflicted and ashamed, at a friend’s house at Dag, + the accomplishment of a promise so dearly purchased, she heard the beating + of the alarm drum, and looked, from curiosity, through the window, when + she saw her unfortunate parent ascending the scaffold! After having + remained lifeless for half an hour, she recovered her senses an instant, + when she exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the barbarians! they violated me while flattering me with the hope of + saving my father!” and then expired. In October, 1795, Cavaignac assisted + Barras and Bonaparte in the destruction of some thousands of men, women, + and children in the streets of this capital, and was, therefore, in 1796, + made by the Directory an inspector-general of the customs; and, in 1803, + nominated by Bonaparte a legislator. His colleague, Citizen Pinet, is now + one of our Emperor’s Counsellors of State, and both are commanders of His + Majesty’s Legion of Honour; rich, respected, and frequented by our most + fashionable ladies and gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—I suppose your Government too vigilant and too patriotic + not to be informed of the great and uninterrupted activity which reigns in + our arsenals, dockyards, and seaports. I have seen a plan, according to + which Bonaparte is enabled, and intends, to build twenty ships of the line + and ten frigates, besides cutters, in the year, for ten years to come. I + read the calculation of the expenses, the names of the forests where the + timber is to be cut, of the foreign countries where a part of the + necessary materials are already engaged, and of our own departments which + are to furnish the remainder. The whole has been drawn up in a precise and + clear manner by Bonaparte’s Maritime Prefect at Antwerp, M. Malouet, well + known in your country, where he long remained as an emigrant, and, I + believe, was even employed by your Ministers. + </p> + <p> + You may, perhaps, smile at this vast naval scheme of Bonaparte; but if you + consider that he is the master of all the forests, mines, and productions + of France, Italy, and of a great part of Germany, with all the navigable + rivers and seaports of these countries and Holland, and remember also the + character of the man, you will, perhaps, think it less impracticable. The + greatest obstacle he has to encounter, and to remove, is want of + experienced naval officers, though even in this he has advanced greatly + since the present war, during which he has added to his naval forces + twenty—nine ships of the line, thirty—four frigates, + twenty-one cutters, three thousand prams, gunboats, pinnaces, etc., with + four thousand naval officers and thirty-seven thousand sailors, according + to the same account, signed by Malouet. It is true that most of our new + naval heroes have never ventured far from our coast, and all their naval + laurels have been gathered under our land batteries; but the impulse is + given to the national spirit, and our conscripts in the maritime + departments prefer, to a man, the navy to the army, which was not formerly + the case. + </p> + <p> + It cannot have escaped your observation that the incorporation of Genoa + procured us, in the South of our Empire, a naval station and arsenal, as a + counterpoise to Antwerp, our new naval station in the North, where twelve + ships of the line have been built, or are building, since 1803, and where + timber and other materials are collected for eight more. At Genoa, two + ships of the line and four frigates have lately been launched, and four + ships and two frigates are on the stocks; and the Genoese Republic has + added sixteen thousand seafaring men to our navy. Should Bonaparte + terminate successfully the present war, Naples and Venice will increase + the number of our seaports and resources on the borders of the + Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. All his courtiers say that he will + conquer Italy in Germany, and determine at Vienna—the fate of + London. + </p> + <p> + Of all our admirals, however, we have not one to compare with your Nelson, + your Hood, your St. Vincent, and your Cornwallis. By the appointment of + Murat as grand admiral, Bonaparte seems to indicate that he is inclined to + imitate the example of Louis. XVI., in the beginning of his reign, and + entrust the chief command of his fleets and squadrons to military men of + approved capacity and courage, officers of his land troops. Last June, + when he expected a probable junction of the fleet under Villeneuve with + the squadron under Admiral Winter, and the union of both with Ganteaume at + Brest, Murat was to have had the chief command of the united French, + Spanish, and Batavian fleets, and to support the landing of our troops in + your country; but the arrival of Lord Nelson in the West Indies, and the + victory of Admiral Calder, deranged all our plans and postponed all our + designs, which the Continental war has interrupted; to be commenced, God + knows when. + </p> + <p> + The best amongst our bad admirals is certainly Truguet; but he was + disgraced last year, and exiled twenty leagues from the coast, for having + declared too publicly “that our flotillas would never be serviceable + before our fleets were superior to yours, when they would become useless.” + An intriguer by long habit and by character, having neither property nor + principles, he joined the Revolution, and was the second in command under + Latouche, in the first republican fleet that left our harbours. He + directed the expedition against Sardinia, in January, 1793, during which + he acquired neither honour nor glory, being repulsed with great loss by + the inhabitants. After being imprisoned under Robespierre, the Directory + made him a Minister of the marine, an Ambassador to Spain, and a + Vice-Admiral of France. In this capacity he commanded at Brest, during the + first eighteen months of the present war. He has an irreconcilable foe in + Talleyrand, with whom he quarrelled, when on his embassy in Spain, about + some extortions at Madrid, which he declined to share with his principal + at Paris. Such was our Minister’s inveteracy against him in 1798, that a + directorial decree placed him on the list of emigrants, because he + remained in Spain after having been recalled to France. In 1799, during + Talleyrand’s disgrace, Truguet returned here, and, after in vain + challenging his enemy to fight, caned him in the Luxembourg gardens, a + chastisement which our premier bore with true Christian patience. Truguet + is not even a member of the Legion of Honour. + </p> + <p> + Villeneuve is supposed not much inferior in talents, experience, and + modesty to Truguet. He was, before the Revolution, a lieutenant of the + royal navy; but his principles did not prevent him from deserting to the + colours of the enemies of royalty, who promoted him first to a captain and + afterwards to an admiral. + </p> + <p> + His first command as such was over a division of the Toulon fleet, which, + in the winter of 1797, entered Brest. In the battle at Aboukir he was the + second in command; and, after the death of Admiral Brueys, he rallied the + ships which had escaped, and sailed for Malta, where, two years + afterwards, he signed, with General Vaubois, the capitulation of that + island. When hostilities again broke out, he commanded in the West Indies, + and, leaving his station, escaped your cruisers, and was appointed first + to the chief command of the Rochefort, and afterwards the Toulon fleet, on + the death of Admiral Latouche. Notwithstanding the gasconade of his report + of his negative victory over Admiral Calder, Villeneuve is not a Gascon by + birth, but only, by sentiment. + </p> + <p> + Ganteaume does not possess either the intriguing character of Truguet or + the valorous one of Villeneuve. + </p> + <p> + Before the Revolution he was a mate of a merchantman, but when most of the + officers of the former royal navy had emigrated or perished, he was, in + 1793, made a captain of the republican navy, and in 1796 an admiral. + During the battle of Aboukir he was the chief of the staff, under Admiral + Brueys, and saved himself by swimming, when l’Orient took fire and blew + up. Bonaparte wrote to him on this occasion: “The picture you have sent me + of the disaster of l’Orient, and of your own dreadful situation, is + horrible; but be assured that, having such a miraculous escape, DESTINY + intends you to avenge one day our navy and our friends.” This note was + written in August, 1798, shortly after Bonaparte had professed himself a + Mussulman. + </p> + <p> + When, in the summer of 1799, our general-in-chief had determined to leave + his army of Egypt to its destiny, Ganteaume equipped and commanded the + squadron of frigates which brought him to Europe, and was, after his + consulate, appointed a Counsellor of State and commander at Brest. In 1800 + he escaped with a division of the Brest fleet to Toulon, and, in the + summer of 1801, when he was ordered to carry succours to Egypt, your ship + Skitsure fell in with him, and was captured. As he did not, however, + succeed in landing in Egypt the troops on board his ships, a temporary + disgrace was incurred, and he was deprived of the command, but made a + maritime prefect. Last year favour was restored him, with the command of + our naval forces at Brest. All officers who have served under Ganteaume + agree that, let his fleet be ever so superior, he will never fight if he + can avoid it, and that, in orderly times, his capacity would, at the + utmost, make him regarded as a good master of a merchantman, and nothing + else. + </p> + <p> + Of the present commander of our, flotilla at Boulogne, Lacrosse, I will + also say some few words. A lieutenant before the Revolution, he became, in + 1789, one of the most ardent and violent Jacobins, and in 1792 was + employed by the friend of the Blacks, and our Minister, Monge, as an + emissary in the West Indies, to preach there to the negroes the rights of + man and insurrection against the whites, their masters. In 1800, Bonaparte + advanced him to a captain-general at Guadeloupe, an island which his + plots, eight years before, had involved in all the horrors of anarchy, and + where, when he now attempted to restore order, his former instruments rose + against him and forced him to escape to one of your islands—I + believe Dominico. Of this island, in return for his hospitable reception, + he took plans, according to which our General Lagrange endeavoured to + conquer it last spring. Lacrosse is a perfect revolutionary fanatic, + unprincipled, cruel, unfeeling, and intolerant. His presumption is great, + but his talents are trifling. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXIV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The defeat of the Austrians has excited great satisfaction + among our courtiers and public functionaries; but the mass of the + inhabitants here are too miserable to feel for anything else but their own + sufferings. They know very well that every victory rivets their fetters, + that no disasters can make them more heavy, and no triumph lighter. + Totally indifferent about external occurrences, as well as about internal + oppressions, they strive to forget both the past and the present, and to + be indifferent as to the future; they would be glad could they cease to + feel that they exist. The police officers were now, with their gendarmes, + bayoneting them into illuminations for Bonaparte’s successes, as they + dragooned them last year into rejoicings for his coronation. I never + observed before so much apathy; and in more than one place I heard the + people say, “Oh! how much better we should be with fewer victories and + more tranquillity, with less splendour and more security, with an honest + peace instead of a brilliant war.” But in a country groaning under a + military government, the opinions of the people are counted for nothing. + </p> + <p> + At Madame Joseph Bonaparte’s circle, however, the countenances were not so + gloomy. There a real or affected joy seemed to enliven the usual dullness + of these parties; some actors were repeating patriotic verses in honour of + the victor; while others were singing airs or vaudevilles, to inspire our + warriors with as much hatred towards your nation as gratitude towards our + Emperor. It is certainly neither philosophical nor philanthropical not to + exclude the vilest of all passions, HATRED, on such a happy occasion. + Martin, in the dress of a conscript, sang six long couplets against the + tyrants of the seas; of which I was only able to retain the following one: + </p> + <p> + Je deteste le peuple anglais, Je deteste son ministere; J’aime l’Empereur + des Francais, J’aime la paix, je hais la guerre; Mais puisqu’il faut la + soutenir Contre une Nation Sauvage, Mon plus doux, mon plus grand desir + Est de montrer tout mon courage. + </p> + <p> + But what arrested my attention, more than anything else which occurred in + this circle on that evening, was a printed paper mysteriously handed + about, and of which, thanks to the civility of a Counsellor of State, I at + last got a sight. It was a list of those persons, of different countries, + whom the Emperor of the French has fixed upon, to replace all the ancient + dynasties of Europe within twenty years to come. From the names of these + individuals, some of whom are known to me, I could perceive that Bonaparte + had more difficulty to select proper Emperors, Kings, and Electors, than + he would have had, some years ago, to choose directors or consuls. Our + inconsistency is, however, evident even here; I did not read a name that + is not found in the annals of Jacobinism and republicanism. We have, at + the same time, taken care not to forget ourselves in this new distribution + of supremacy. France is to furnish the stock of the new dynasties for + Austria, England, Spain, Denmark, and Sweden. What would you think, were + you to awake one morning the subject of King Arthur O’Connor the First? + You would, I dare say, be even more surprised than I am in being the + subject of Napoleon Bonaparte the First. You know, I suppose, that + O’Connor is a general of division, and a commander of the Legion of + Honour,—the bosom friend of Talleyrand, and courting, at this + moment, a young lady, a relation of our Empress, whose portion may one day + be an Empire. But I am told that, notwithstanding Talleyrand’s + recommendations, and the approbation of Her Majesty, the lady prefers a + colonel, her own countryman, to the Irish general. Should, however, our + Emperor announce his determination, she would be obliged to marry as he + commands, were he even to give her his groom, or his horse, for a spouse. + </p> + <p> + You can form no idea how wretched and despised all the Irish rebels are + here. O’Connor alone is an exception; and this he owes to Talleyrand, to + General Valence, and to Madame de Genlis; but even he is looked on with a + sneer, and, if he ever was respected in England, must endure with + poignancy the contempt to which he is frequently exposed in France. When I + was in your country I often heard it said that the Irish were generally + considered as a debased and perfidious people, extremely addicted to + profligacy and drunkenness, and, when once drunk, more cruelly ferocious + than even our Jacobins. I thought it then, and I still believe it, a + national prejudice, because I am convinced that the vices or virtues of + all civilized nations are relatively the same; but those Irish rebels we + have seen here, and who must be, like our Jacobins, the very dregs of + their country, have conducted themselves so as to inspire not only + mistrust but abhorrence. It is also an undeniable truth that they were + greatly disappointed by our former and present Government. They expected + to enjoy liberty and equality, and a pension for their treachery; but our + police commissaries caught them at their landing, our gendarmes escorted + them as criminals to their place of destination, and there they received + just enough to prevent them from starving. If they complained they were + put in irons, and if they attempted to escape they were sent to the + galleys as malefactors or shot as spies. Despair, therefore, no doubt + induced many to perpetrate acts of which they were accused, and to rob, + swindle, and murder, because they were punished as thieves and assassins. + But, some of them, who have been treated in the most friendly, hospitable, + and generous manner in this capital, have proved themselves ungrateful, as + well as infamous. A lady of my acquaintance, of a once large fortune, had + nothing left but some furniture, and her subsistence depended upon what + she got by letting furnished lodgings. Mischance brought three young + Irishmen to her house, who pretended to be in daily expectation of + remittances from their country, and of a pension from Bonaparte. During + six months she not only lodged and supported them, but embarrassed herself + to procure them linen and a decent apparel. At last she was informed that + each of, them had been allowed sixty livres—in the month, and that + arrears had been paid them for nine months. Their debt to her was above + three thousand livres—but the day after she asked for payment they + decamped, and one of them persuaded her daughter, a girl of fourteen, to + elope with him, and to assist him in robbing her mother of all her plate.—He + has, indeed, been since arrested and sentenced to the galleys for eight + years; but this punishment neither restored the daughter her virtue nor + the mother her property. The other two denied their debts, and, as she had + no other evidence but her own scraps of accounts, they could not be forced + to pay; their obdurate effrontery and infamy, however, excited such an + indignation in the judges, that they delivered them over as swindlers to + the Tribunal Correctional; and the Minister of Police ordered them to be + transported as rogues and vagabonds to the colonies. The daughter died + shortly after, in consequence of a miscarriage, and the mother did not + survive her more than a month, and ended her days in the Hotel Dieu, one + of our common hospitals. Thus, these depraved young men ruined and + murdered their benefactress and her child; and displayed, before they were + thirty, such a consummate villainy as few wretches grown hoary in vice + have perpetrated. This act of scandalous notoriety injured the Irish + reputation very much in this country; for here, as in many other places, + inconsiderate people are apt to judge a whole nation according to the + behaviour of some few of its outcasts. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—The plan of the campaign of the Austrians is + incomprehensible to all our military men—not on account of its + profundity, but on account of its absurdity or incoherency. In the present + circumstances, half-measures must always be destructive, and it is better + to strike strongly and firmly than justly. To invade Bavaria without + disarming the Bavarian army, and to enter Suabia and yet acknowledge the + neutrality of Switzerland, are such political and military errors as + require long successes to repair, but which such an enemy as Bonaparte + always takes care not to leave unpunished. + </p> + <p> + The long inactivity of the army under the Archduke Charles has as much + surprised us as the defeat of the army under General von Mack; but from + what I know of the former, I am persuaded that he would long since have + pushed forward had not his movements been unfortunately combined with + those of the latter. The House of Lorraine never produced a more valiant + warrior, nor Austria a more liberal or better instructed statesman, than + this Prince. Heir to the talents of his ancestors, he has commanded, with + glory, against France during the revolutionary war; and, although he + sometimes experienced defeats, he has rendered invaluable services to the + chief of his House by his courage, by his activity, by his constancy, and + by that salutary firmness which, in calling the generals and superior + officers to their duty, has often reanimated the confidence and the ardour + of the soldier. + </p> + <p> + The Archduke Charles began, in 1793, his military career under the Prince + of Coburg, the commander-in-chief of the Austrian armies in Brabant, where + he commanded the advanced guard, and distinguished himself by a valour + sometimes bordering on temerity, but which, by degrees, acquired him that + esteem and popularity, among the troops often very advantageous to him + afterwards. He was, in 1794, appointed governor and captain-general of the + Low Countries, and a Field-marshal lieutenant of the army of the German + Empire. In April, 1796, he took the command-in-chief of the armies of + Austria and of the Empire, and, in the following June, engaged in several + combats with General Moreau, in which he was repulsed, but in a manner + that did equal honour to the victor and to the vanquished. + </p> + <p> + The Austrian army on the Lower Rhine, under General Wartensleben, having, + about this time, been nearly dispersed by General Jourdan, the Archduke + left some divisions of his forces under General Latour, to impede the + progress of Moreau, and went with the remainder into Franconia, where he + defeated Jourdan near Amberg and Wurzburg, routed his army entirely, and + forced him to repass the Rhine in the greatest confusion, and with immense + loss. The retreat of Moreau was the consequence of the victories of this + Prince. After the capture of Kehl, in January, 1797, he assumed the + command of the army of Italy, where he in vain employed all his efforts to + put a stop to the victorious progress of Bonaparte, with whom, at last, he + signed the preliminaries of peace at Leoben. In the spring of 1799, he + again defeated Jourdan in Suabia, as he had done two years before in + Franconia; but in Switzerland he met with an abler adversary in General + Massena; still, I am inclined to think that he displayed there more real + talents than anywhere else; and that this part of his campaign of 1799 was + the most interesting, in a military point of view. + </p> + <p> + The most implacable enemies of the politics of the House of Austria render + justice to the plans, to the frankness, to the morality of Archduke + Charles; and, what is remarkable, of all the chiefs who have commanded + against revolutionary France, he alone has seized the true manner of + combating enthusiasts or slaves; at least, his proclamations are the only + ones composed with adroitness, and are what they ought to be, because in + them an appeal is made to the public opinion at a time when opinion almost + constitutes half the strength of armies. + </p> + <p> + The present opposer of this Prince in Italy is one of our best, as well as + most fortunate, generals. A Sardinian subject, and a deserter from the + Sardinian troops, he assisted, in 1792, our commander, General Anselm, in + the conquest of the county of Nice, rather as a spy than as a soldier. His + knowledge of the Maritime Alps obtained, in 1793, a place on our staff, + where, from the services he rendered, the rank of a general of brigade was + soon conferred on him. In 1796 he was promoted to serve as a general of + division under Bonaparte in Italy, where he distinguished himself so much + that when, in 1798, General Berthier was ordered to accompany the army of + the East to Egypt, he succeeded him as commander-in-chief of our troops in + the temporary Roman Republic. But his merciless pillage, and, perhaps, the + idea of his being a foreigner, brought on a mutiny, and the Directory was + obliged to recall him. It was his campaign in Switzerland of 1799, and his + defence of Genoa in 1800, that principally ranked him high as a military + chief. After the battle of Marengo he received the command of the army of + Italy; but his extortions produced a revolt among the inhabitants, and he + lived for some time in retreat and disgrace, after a violent quarrel with + Bonaparte, during which many severe truths were said and heard on both + sides. + </p> + <p> + After the Peace of Luneville, he seemed inclined to join Moreau, and other + discontented generals; but observing, no doubt, their want of views and + union, he retired to an estate he has bought near Paris, where Bonaparte + visited him, after the rupture with your country, and made him, we may + conclude, such offers as tempted him to leave his retreat. Last year he + was nominated one of our Emperor’s Field-marshals, and as such he relieved + Jourdan of the command in the kingdom of Italy. He has purchased with a + part of his spoil, for fifteen millions of livres—property in France + and Italy; and is considered worth double that sum in jewels, money, and + other valuables. + </p> + <p> + Massena is called, in France, the spoiled child of fortune; and as + Bonaparte, like our former Cardinal Mazarin, has more confidence in + fortune than in merit, he is, perhaps, more indebted to the former than to + the latter for his present situation; his familiarity has made him + disliked at our Imperial Court, where he never addresses Napoleon and + Madame Bonaparte as an Emperor or an Empress without smiling. + </p> + <p> + General St. Cyr, our second in command of the army of Italy, is also an + officer of great talents and distinctions. He was, in 1791, only a cornet, + but in 1795, he headed, as a general, a division of the army of the Rhine. + In his report to the Directory, during the famous retreat of 1796, Moreau + speaks highly of this general, and admits that his. achievements, in part, + saved the republican army. During 1799 he served in Italy, and in 1800 he + commanded the centre of the army of the Rhine, and assisted in gaining the + victory of Hohenlinden. After the Peace of Lundville, he was appointed a + Counsellor of State of the military section, a place he still occupies, + notwithstanding his present employment. Though under forty years of age, + he is rather infirm, from the fatigues he has undergone and the wounds he + has received. Although he has never combated as a general-in-chief, there + is no doubt but that he would fill such a place with honour to himself and + advantage to his country. + </p> + <p> + Of the general officers who command under Archduke Charles, Comte de + Bellegarde is already known by his exploits during the last war. He had + distinguished himself already in 1793, particularly when Valenciennes and + Maubeuge were besieged by the united Austrian and English forces; and, in + 1794, he commanded the column at the head of which the Emperor marched, + when Landrecy was invested. In 1796, he was one of the members of the + Council of the Archduke Charles, when this Prince commanded for the first + time as a general-in-chief, on which occasion he was promoted to a + Field-marshal lieutenant. + </p> + <p> + He displayed again great talents during the campaign of 1799, when he + headed a small corps, placed between General Suwarow in Italy, and + Archduke Charles in Switzerland; and in this delicate post he contributed + equally to the success of both. After the Peace of Luneville he was + appointed a commander-in-chief for the Emperor in the ci-devant Venetian + States, where the troops composing the army under the Archduke Charles + were, last summer, received and inspected by him, before the arrival of + the Prince. He is considered by military men as greatly superior to most + of the generals now employed by the Emperor of Germany. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXVI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—“I would give my brother, the Emperor of Germany, one + further piece of advice. Let him hasten to make peace. This is the crisis + when, he must recollect, all States must have an end. The idea of the + approaching extinction of the, dynasty of Lorraine must impress him with + horror.” When Bonaparte ordered this paragraph to be inserted in the + Moniteur, he discovered an ‘arriere pensee’, long suspected by + politicians, but never before avowed by himself, or by his Ministers. + “That he has determined on the universal change of dynasties, because a + usurper can never reign with safety or honour as long as any legitimate + Prince may disturb his power, or reproach him for his rank.” Elevated with + prosperity, or infatuated with vanity and pride, he spoke a language which + his placemen, courtiers, and even his brother Joseph at first thought + premature, if not indiscreet. If all lawful Sovereigns do not read in + these words their proscription, and the fate which the most powerful + usurper that ever desolated mankind has destined for them, it may be + ascribed to that blindness with which Providence, in its wrath, sometimes + strikes those doomed to be grand examples of the vicissitudes of human + life. + </p> + <p> + “Had Talleyrand,” said Louis Bonaparte, in his wife’s drawing-room, “been + by my brother’s side, he would not have unnecessarily alarmed or awakened + those whom it should have been his policy to keep in a soft slumber, until + his blows had laid them down to rise no more; but his soldier-like + frankness frequently injures his political views.” This I myself heard + Louis say to Abbe Sieyes, though several foreign Ambassadors were in the + saloon, near enough not to miss a word. If it was really meant as a + reflection on Napoleon, it was imprudent; if designed as a defiance to + other Princes, it was unbecoming and impertinent. I am inclined to believe + it, considering the individual to whom it was addressed, a premeditated + declaration that our Emperor expected a universal war, was prepared for + it, and was certain of its fortunate issue. + </p> + <p> + When this Sieyes is often consulted, and publicly flattered, our + politicians say, “Woe to the happiness of Sovereigns and to the + tranquillity of subjects; the fiend of mankind is busy, and at work,” and, + in fact, ever since 1789, the infamous ex-Abbe has figured, either as a + plotter or as an actor, in all our dreadful and sanguinary revolutionary + epochas. The accomplice of La Fayette in 1789, of Brissot in 1791, of + Marat in 1792, of Robespierre in 1793, of Tallien in 1794, of Barras in + 1795, of Rewbel in 1797, and of Bonaparte in 1799, he has hitherto + planned, served, betrayed, or deserted all factions. He is one of the few + of our grand criminals, who, after enticing and sacrificing his + associates, has been fortunate enough to survive them. Bonaparte has + heaped upon him presents, places, and pensions; national property, + senatories, knighthoods, and palaces; but he is, nevertheless, not + supposed one of our Emperor’s most dutiful subjects, because many of the + late changes have differed from his metaphysical schemes of innovation, of + regeneration, and of overthrow. He has too high an opinion of his own + deserts not to consider it beneath his philosophical dignity to be a + contented subject of a fellow-subject, elevated into supremacy by his + labours and dangers. His modesty has, for these sixteen years past, + ascribed to his talents all the glory and prosperity of France, and all + her misery and misfortunes to the disregard of his counsels, and to the + neglect of his advice. Bonaparte knows it; and that he is one of those + crafty, sly, and dark conspirators, more dangerous than the bold assassin, + who, by sophistry, art, and perseverance insinuate into the minds of the + unwary and daring the ideas of their plots, in such an insidious manner + that they take them and foster them as the production of their own genius; + he is, therefore, watched by our Imperial spies, and never consulted but + when any great blow is intended to be struck, or some enormous atrocities + perpetrated. A month before the seizure of the Duc d’Enghien, and the + murder of Pichegru, he was every day shut up for some hours with Napoleon + Bonaparte at St. Cloud, or in the Tuileries; where he has hardly been seen + since, except after our Emperor’s return from his coronation as a King of + Italy. + </p> + <p> + Sieyes never was a republican, and it was cowardice alone that made him + vote for the death of his King and benefactor; although he is very fond of + his own metaphysical notions, he always has preferred the preservation of + his life to the profession or adherence to his systems. He will not think + the Revolution complete, or the constitution of his country a good one, + until some Napoleon, or some Louis, writes himself an Emperor or King of + France, by the grace of Sieyes. He would expose the lives of thousands to + obtain such a compliment to his hateful vanity and excessive pride; but he + would not take a step that endangered his personal safety, though it might + eventually lead him to the possession of a crown. + </p> + <p> + From the bounty of his King, Sieyes had, before the Revolution, an income + of fifteen thousand livres—per annum; his places, pensions, and + landed estates produce now yearly five hundred thousand livres—not + including the interest of his money in the French and foreign funds. + </p> + <p> + Two years ago he was exiled, for some time, to an estate of his in + Touraine, and Bonaparte even deliberated about transporting him to + Cayenne, when Talleyrand observed “that such a condemnation would endanger + that colony of France, as he would certainly organize there a focus of + revolutions, which might also involve Surinam and the Brazils, the + colonies of our allies, in one common ruin. In the present circumstances,” + added the Minister, “if Sieyes is to be transported, I wish we could land + him in England, Scotland, or Ireland, or even in Russia.” + </p> + <p> + I have just heard from a general officer the following anecdote, which he + read to me from a letter of another general, dated Ulm, the 25th instant, + and, if true, it explains in part Bonaparte’s apparent indiscretion in the + threat thrown out against all ancient dynasties. + </p> + <p> + Among his confidential generals (and hitherto the most irreproachable of + all our military commanders), Marmont is particularly distinguished. + Before Napoleon left this capital to head his armies in Germany, he is + stated to have sent despatches to all those traitors dispersed in + different countries whom he has selected to commence the new dynasties, + under the protection of the Bonaparte Dynasty. They were, no doubt, + advised of this being the crisis when they had to begin their machinations + against thrones. A courier from Talleyrand at Strasburg to Bonaparte at + Ulm was ordered to pass by the corps under the command of Marmont, to + whom, in case the Emperor had advanced too far into Germany, he was to + deliver his papers. This courier was surprised and interrupted by some + Austrian light troops; and, as it was only some few hours after being + informed of this capture that Bonaparte expressed himself frankly, as + related above, it was supposed by his army that the Austrian Government + had already in its power despatches which made our schemes of improvement + at Paris no longer any secrets at Vienna. The writer of this letter added + that General Marmont was highly distressed on account of this accident, + which might retard the prospect of restoring to Europe its long lost peace + and tranquillity. + </p> + <p> + This officer made his first campaign under Pichegru in 1794, and was, in + 1796, appointed by Bonaparte one of his aides-de-camp. His education had + been entirely military, and in the practice the war afforded him he soon + evinced how well he remembered the lessons of theory. In the year 1796, at + the battle of Saint-Georges, before Mantua, he charged at the head of the + eighth battalion of grenadiers, and contributed much to its fortunate + issue. In October of the same year, Bonaparte, as a mark of his + satisfaction, sent him to present to the Directory the numerous colours + which the army of Italy had conquered; from whom he received in return a + pair of pistols, with a fraternal hug from Carnot. On his return to Italy + he was, for the first time, employed by his chief in a political capacity. + A republic, and nothing but a republic, being then the order of the day, + some Italian patriots were convoked at Reggio to arrange a plan for a + Cisalpine Republic, and for the incorporation with it of Modena, Bologna, + and other neutral States; Marmont was nominated a French republican + plenipotentiary, and assisted as such in the organization of a + Commonwealth, which since has been by turns a province of Austria or a + tributary State of France. + </p> + <p> + Marmont, though combating for a bad cause, is an honest man; his hands are + neither soiled with plunder, nor stained with blood. Bonaparte, among his + other good qualities, wishes to see every one about him rich; and those + who have been too delicate to accumulate wealth by pillage, he generally + provides for, by putting into requisition some great heiress. After the + Peace of Campo Formio, Bonaparte arrived at Paris, where he demanded in + marriage for his aide-de-camp Marmont, Mademoiselle Perregeaux, the sole + child of the first banker in France, a well-educated and accomplished + young lady, who would be much more agreeable did not her continual smiles + and laughing indicate a degree of self-satisfaction and complacency which + may be felt, but ought never to be published. + </p> + <p> + The banker, Perregeaux, is one of those fortunate beings who, by drudgery + and assiduity, has succeeded in some few years to make an ample fortune. A + Swiss by birth, like Necker, he also, like him, after gratifying the + passion of avidity, showed an ambition to shine in other places than in + the counting-house and upon the exchange. Under La Fayette, in 1790, he + was the chief of a battalion of the Parisian National Guards; under + Robespierre, a commissioner for purchasing provisions; and under Bonaparte + he is become a Senator and a commander of the Legion of Honour. I am told + that he has made all his money by his connection with your country; but I + know that the favourite of Napoleon can never be the friend of Great + Britain. He is a widower; but Mademoiselle Mars, of the Emperor’s theatre, + consoles him for the loss of his wife. + </p> + <p> + General Marmont accompanied Bonaparte to Egypt, and distinguished himself + at the capture of Malta, and when, in the following year, the siege of St. + Jean d’Acre was undertaken, he was ordered to extend the fortifications of + Alexandria; and if, in 1801, they retarded your progress, it was owing to + his abilities, being an officer of engineers as well as of the artillery. + He returned with Bonaparte to Europe, and was, after his usurpation, made + a Counsellor of State. At the battle of Marengo he commanded the + artillery, and signed afterwards, with the Austrian general, Count + Hohenzollern, the Armistice of Treviso, which preceded shortly the Peace + of Luneville. Nothing has abated Bonaparte’s attachment to this officer, + whom he appointed a commander-in-chief in Holland, when a change of + Government was intended there, and whom he will entrust everywhere else, + where sovereignty is to be abolished, or thrones and dynasties subverted. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER XXXVII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + PARIS, October, 1805. + </p> + <p> + MY LORD:—Many wise people are of the opinion that the revolution of + another great Empire is necessary to combat or oppose the great impulse + occasioned by the Revolution of France, before Europe can recover its + long-lost order and repose. Had the subjects of Austria been as + disaffected as they are loyal, the world might have witnessed such a + terrible event, and been enabled to judge whether the hypothesis was the + production of an ingenious schemer or of a profound statesman. Our armies + under Bonaparte have never before penetrated into the heart of a country + where subversion was not prepared, and where subversion did not follow. + </p> + <p> + How relatively insignificant, in the eyes of Providence, must be the + independence of States and the liberties of nations, when such a + relatively insignificant personage as General von Mack can shake them? + Have, then, the Austrian heroes—a Prince Eugene, a Laudon, a Lasci, + a Beaulieu, a Haddick, a Bender, a Clairfayt, and numerous other valiant + and great warriors—left no posterity behind them; or has the + presumption of General von Mack imposed upon the judgment of the + Counsellors of his Prince? This latter must have been the case; how + otherwise could the welfare of their Sovereign have been entrusted to a + military quack, whose want of energy and bad disposition had, in 1799, + delivered up the capital of another Sovereign to his enemies. How many + reputations are gained by an impudent assurance, and lost when the man of + talents is called upon to act and the fool presents himself. + </p> + <p> + Baron von Mack served as an aide-de-camp under Field-marshal Laudon, + during the last war between Austria and Turkey, and displayed some + intrepidity, particularly before Lissa. The Austrian army was encamped + eight leagues from that place, and the commander-in-chief hesitated to + attack it, believing it to be defended by thirty thousand men. To decide + him upon making this attack, Baron von Mack left him at nine o’clock at + night, crossed the Danube, accompanied only by a single Uhlan, and + penetrated into the suburb of Lissa, where he made prisoner a Turkish + officer, whom, on the next morning at seven o’clock, he presented to his + general, and from whom it was learnt that the garrison contained only six + thousand, men. This personal temerity, and the applause of Field-marshal + Laudon, procured him then a kind of reputation, which he has not since + been able to support. Some theoretical knowledge of the art of war, and a + great facility of conversing on military topics, made even the Emperor + Joseph conceive a high opinion of this officer; but it has long been + proved, and experience confirms it every day, that the difference is + immense between the speculator and the operator, and that the generals of + Cabinets are often indifferent captains when in the camp or in the field. + </p> + <p> + Preceded by a certain celebrity, Baron von Mack served, in 1793, under the + Prince of Coburg, as an adjutant-general, and was called to assist at the + Congress at Antwerp, where the operations of the campaign were regulated. + Everywhere he displayed activity and bravery; was wounded twice in the + month of May; but he left the army without having performed anything that + evinced the talents which fame had bestowed on him. In February, 1794, the + Emperor sent him to London to arrange, in concert with your Government, + the plans of the campaign then on the eve of being opened; and when he + returned to the Low Countries he was advanced to a quartermaster-general + of the army of Flanders, and terminated also this unfortunate campaign + without having done anything to justify the reputation he had before + acquired or usurped. His Sovereign continued, nevertheless, to employ him + in different armies; and in January, 1797, he was appointed a + Field-marshal lieutenant and a quartermaster-general of the army of the + Rhine. In February he conducted fifteen thousand of the troops of this + army to reinforce the army of Italy; but when Bonaparte in April + penetrated into Styria and Carinthia, he was ordered to Vienna as a second + in command of the levy ‘en masse’. + </p> + <p> + Real military characters had already formed their opinion of this officer, + and saw a presumptuous charlatan where others had admired an able warrior. + His own conduct soon convinced them that they neither had been rash nor + mistaken. The King of Naples demanding, in 1798, from his son-in-law, the + Emperor of Germany, a general to organize and head his troops, Baron von + Mack was presented to him. After war had been declared against France he + obtained some success in partial engagements, but was defeated in a + general battle by an enemy inferior in number. In the Kingdom of Naples, + as well as in the Empire of Germany, the fury of negotiation seized him + when he should have fought, and when he should have remembered that no + compacts can ever be entered into with political and military earthquakes, + more than with physical ones. This imprudence, particularly as he was a + foreigner, excited suspicion among his troops, whom, instead of leading to + battle, he deserted, under the pretence that his life was in danger, and + surrendered himself and his staff to our commander, Championnet. + </p> + <p> + A general who is too fond of his life ought never to enter a camp, much + less to command armies; and a military chief who does not consider the + happiness and honour of the State as his first passion and his first duty, + and prefers existence to glory, deserves to be shot as a traitor, or + drummed out of the army as a dastardly coward. Without mentioning the + numerous military faults committed by General von Mack during this + campaign, it is impossible to deny that, with respect to his own troops, + he conducted himself in the most pusillanimous manner. It has often been + repeated that martial valour does not always combine with it that courage + and that necessary presence of mind which knows how to direct or repress + multitudes, how to command obedience and obtain popularity; but when a man + is entrusted with the safety of an Empire, and assumes such a brilliant + situation, he must be weak-minded and despicable indeed, if he does not + show himself worthy of it by endeavouring to succeed, or perish in the + attempt. The French emigrant, General Dumas, evinced what might have been + done, even with the dispirited Neapolitan troops, whom he neither + deserted, nor with whom he offered to capitulate. + </p> + <p> + Baron von Mack is in a very infirm state of health, and is often under the + necessity of being carried on a litter; and his bodily complaints have + certainly not increased the vigour of his mind. His love of life seems to + augment in proportion as its real value diminishes. As to the report here + of his having betrayed his trust in exchanging honour for gold, I believe + it totally unfounded. Our intriguers may have deluded his understanding, + but our traitors would never have been able to seduce or shake his + fidelity. His head is weak, but his heart is honest. Unfortunately, it is + too true that, in turbulent times, irresolution and weakness in a + commander or a Minister operate the same, and are as dangerous as, + treason. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="pauline" id="pauline"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="pauline.jpg (45K)" src="images/pauline.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS: + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +A stranger to remorse and repentance, as well as to honour +Accused of fanaticism, because she refused to cohabit with him +All his creditors, denounced and executed +All priests are to be proscribed as criminals +As everywhere else, supported injustice by violence +As confident and obstinate as ignorant +Bestowing on the Almighty the passions of mortals +Bonaparte and his wife go now every morning to hear Mass +Bonaparte dreads more the liberty of the Press than all other +Bourrienne +Bow to their charlatanism as if it was sublimity +Cannot be expressed, and if expressed, would not be believed +Chevalier of the Guillotine: Toureaux +Complacency which may be felt, but ought never to be published +Country where power forces the law to lie dormant +Distinguished for their piety or rewarded for their flattery +Easy to give places to men to whom Nature has refused parts +Encounter with dignity and self-command unbecoming provocations +Error to admit any neutrality at all +Expeditious justice, as it is called here +Extravagances of a head filled with paradoxes +Feeling, however, the want of consolation in their misfortunes +Forced military men to kneel before priests +French Revolution was fostered by robbery and murder +Future effects dreaded from its past enormities +General who is too fond of his life ought never to enter a camp +Generals of Cabinets are often indifferent captains in the field +God is only the invention of fear +Gold, changes black to white, guilt to innocence +Hail their sophistry and imposture as inspiration +He was too honest to judge soundly and to act rightly +Her present Serene Idiot, as she styles the Prince Borghese +Hero of great ambition and small capacity: La Fayette +How many reputations are gained by an impudent assurance +How much people talk about what they do not comprehend +If Bonaparte is fond of flattery—pays for it like a real Emperor +Indifference about futurity +Indifference of the French people to all religion +Invention of new tortures and improved racks +Irresolution and weakness in a commander operate the same +Its pretensions rose in proportion to the condescensions +Jealous of his wife as a lover of his mistress +Justice is invoked in vain when the criminal is powerful +Labour as much as possible in the dark +Love of life increase in proportion as its real value diminishes +Marble lives longer than man +May change his habitations six times in the month—yet be home +Men and women, old men and children are no more +Military diplomacy +Misfortunes and proscription would not only inspire courage +More vain than ambitious +My maid always sleeps with me when my husband is absent +My means were the boundaries of my wants +Napoleon invasion of States of the American Commonwealth +Nature has destined him to obey, and not to govern +Not suspected of any vices, but all his virtues are negative +Not only portable guillotines, but portable Jacobin clubs +Nothing was decided, though nothing was refused +Now that she is old (as is generally the case), turned devotee +One of the negative accomplices of the criminal +Opinion almost constitutes half the strength of armies +Prelate on whom Bonaparte intends to confer the Roman tiara +Prepared to become your victim, but not your accomplice +Presumptuous charlatan +Pretensions or passions of upstart vanity +Pride of an insupportable and outrageous ambition +Procure him after a useless life, a glorious death +Promises of impostors or fools to delude the ignorant +Prudence without weakness, and with firmness without obstinacy +Saints supplied her with a finger, a toe, or some other parts +Salaries as the men, under the name of washerwomen +Satisfying himself with keeping three mistresses only +Should our system of cringing continue progressively +Sold cats’ meat and tripe in the streets of Rome +Step is but short from superstition to infidelity +Sufferings of individuals, he said, are nothing +Suspicion and tyranny are inseparable companions +Suspicion is evidence +They will create some quarrel to destroy you +They ought to be just before they are generous +“This is the age of upstarts,” said Talleyrand +Thought at least extraordinary, even by our friends +Thought himself eloquent when only insolent or impertinent +Two hundred and twenty thousand prostitute licenses +Under the notion of being frank, are rude +United States will be exposed to Napoleon’s outrages +Usurped the easy direction of ignorance +Vices or virtues of all civilized nations are relatively the same +Want is the parent of industry +We are tired of everything, even of our existence +Were my generals as great fools as some of my Ministers +Which crime in power has interest to render impenetrable +Who complains is shot as a conspirator +With us, unfortunately, suspicion is the same as conviction +Would cease to rule the day he became just +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs of the Court of St. Cloud, +Complete, by Lewis Goldsmith + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COURT OF ST. CLOUD *** + +***** This file should be named 3899-h.htm or 3899-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/9/3899/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. 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