pere, en son exil et en sa misere, s'opposant au victorieux. La chance vint-elle à tourner? la voylà changée de vouloir avec la fortune, se rangeant couraigeusement à son mary; lequel elle suivit par tout, où sa ruine le porta. N'ayant ce me semble aultre choix, que de se jetter au party, où elle faisoit le plus de besoing, et où elle se monstroit plus pitoyable. Je me laisse plus naturellement aller après l'exemple de Flaminius, qui se prestoit à ceulx qui avoyent besoing de luy plus qu'à ceulx qui lui pouvoyent bien-faire; que je ne fay à celuy de Pyrrhus, propre à s'abaiser soubs les grands, et à s'enorgueillir sur les petits."

We have not advanced regularly or chronologically with the Anecdotic Memoirs, and therefore go back, without scruple, to the transactions at Bayonne between Napoleon and the royal family of Spain, which M. de Bausset witnessed, as he was there in official attendance on the person of the Emperor. Cevallos, Escoiquiz, Azanza, Nellerto, and the Abbé de Pradt, have communicated to the world abundant and extraordinary information on the same subject; and have united all their readers in the opinion, that the conduct of Napoleon throughout deserves severer censure than, perhaps, any other stroke in his political management. His practising with the Spanish Bourbons, and the prosecution of the war with Spain, are indelible stains upon his memory; though, passing in review what has since happened in that country, and considering its present condition and the character of its government, we may almost regret that his dynasty was not fixed on the throne. His brother Joseph, whom, in one of his letters to Josephine, he justly paints as "doué d'un caractère doux, égal, inaltérable," and as "tout plein de bonnes qualités," and who now, after having worn two crowns, lives contentedly and unaffectedly near Philadelphia, in an elegant and hospitable retirement, would have proved, for Spain, a sovereign incalculably superior to Ferdinand VII. We speak from our own observation, and the personal testimony of a number of his most intelligent and distinguished American acquaintance, when we say, that he is not merely all that Napoleon represented him to be, but possesses faculties, attainments, and dispositions, the application of which to the conduct of Spanish affairs might have been eminently beneficial. Joseph was conversant with society, or mankind in general; he had imbibed liberal principles; he loved the fine arts; he valued science and literature, having himself received a classical education and employed his leisure in literary studies: before his brother ascended the public stage, he had occupied the highest post in the civil administration of the department of Corsica. If he could have maintained himself, or been secured by Napoleon, as king, the liberal and gifted minds of the country, and very many there were,-would ultimately have rallied to him, and obtained scope for the exercise of their abilities and the diffusion of their sentiments; and the work of regeneration could have advanced, instead of being, as it now is, worse than arrested. Napoleon originally calculated that the

Spanish Bourbons would, on seeing the French armies penetrate into the heart of the peninsula, betake themselves to their American provinces, as did the family of Braganza. M. de Bausset insists that the Emperor did not invite them to Bayonne, but expressed, in his hearing, great surprise, when he was informed that Ferdinand had determined upon the visit. The Prefect adds, however, that he will not aver that the circumstance was not turned to account. Ferdinand arrived at Bayonne on the 20th April 1808, where he was in the outset treated with the ordinary ceremonial. M. de Bausset attended at his first dinner with Napoleon, and states that he "admired the address with which the Emperor avoided giving him the title of either Majesty or Highness." Another part of the imperial policy is thus related:

"It is useless to make a mystery of the plans which were adopted to acquire a knowledge of what was done, what was said, and what was written in the palace, occupied by the young princes. Similar measures, it is said, are customary in similar cases. That young and confiding Court, was far from suspecting them during the beginning of its stay at Bayonne. Daily and secret reports were made to Napoleon. The prince and his courtiers wrote without precaution, but their couriers were stopped at the frontiers by a double line of chosen gens-d'-armes and custom-house officers, who rummaged every passenger, even the wives of the common people, without mercy; upon whom they often found despatches, which were to be remitted to Spanish emissaries, who waited beyond Bidassoa ; the despatches were taken from the Spanish couriers sent from Bayonne, and they were permitted to enter Spain without farther inconvenience. It was sufficient, that it was impossible for them to have the power of giving the alarm. As for the couriers who came from Madrid, their despatches also were taken from them, and they were compelled to re-enter Spain."

Early in the morning of the 29th of the month, the Emperor summoned de Bausset, who read the Spanish language, to translate for him a letter of Ferdinand, dated the day before, addressed to the Infant Don Antonio, and obtained by means of the treacherous system which the Prefect confesses. The strain of the writer was far from being that of tender homage or implicit confidence, towards his host. He concluded the epistle with this advice," Govern well, and be on your guard, lest these cursed French should act falsely with you." When the epithet cursed fell on Napoleon's ear, he asked the translator,-"Are you quite sure that this is exactly the word?" De Bausset showed him the original word malditos. He remarked, "that word is almost Italian, maleditto; it is truly as you translate." Another passage concerning the cold reception of the Empress by the people at Bayonne, excited particularly Napoleon's indignation, and contributed to mar the fortunes of Ferdinand. The obnoxious parts of the letter were suppressed in the version which appeared in the Moniteur. We shall not follow M. de Bausset through the various scenes at Bayonne, but simply extract a few pages of the chapter, consisting of what we may call familiar details :

"King Charles and the Queen of Spain arrived at Bayonne on April 30th. The cortêge which accompanied their Catholic Majesties did not include a great many

persons of rank, but there was a considerable number of baggage wagons laden with precious stores. The carriages of the king, made upon the same models as those of the age of Louis XIV. which were employed by Philip V. on his entrance into Spain, presented a singular contrast with the elegance and lightness of the French equipages. It was astonishing to observe how little progress had been made in the ornamental arts in a neighbouring nation. The same remark was applicable to all the usages, manners, and refinements of life. Would it be believed, for instance, that the etiquette of the court condemned four huge footmen in fine liveries, to remain standing and knocking one against the other behind the carriage of the king, from Madrid to Bayonne, exposed to the different temperatures, and to all the dust of the road! These good kings travelled as though they were merely going to make a visit at a short distance from their palace. The following morning, when the equipages of Napoleon attended on their Catholic Majesties, who had testified a desire to make the first visit to the Empress Josephine, the King, who was moreover suffering from an attack of gout, experienced the utmost difficulty in getting into our berlins, and using the modern double footsteps, upon which he hesitated to trust himself, from being accustomed to the steps and the largeness of his coaches.

"Napoleon descended to the door of the coach, and was obliged to wait some minutes in order to give King Charles time to disengage himself from his sword, which annoyed him almost as much as his gout, and to overcome the fear of his footsteps, upon which he hesitated to trust himself. The King was the first to laugh at his own embarrassment. The Empress Josephine was in readiness to receive these noble personages, which she did with that grace and amiableness which never deserted her. After the usual compliments, the toilet was spoken of. The Empress offered the Queen to send Duplan, her head dresser, to give her ladies a lesson in that important art, and the proposition was eagerly accepted. Their Majesties retired, and returned to dinner. They brought with them the Prince of Peace, who had not been invited. It was with difficulty I recognised the Queen in her new head-dress. The great talent of Duplan had miscarried; the Queen did not look handsomer, but merely changed."

"The Emperor being informed that dinner was served, presented his hand to the Queen of Spain. I went immediately before, and I remarked that Napoleon walked more rapidly than usual, apparently without intending to do so; he perceived it himself, and said to the Queen; "Your Majesty perhaps finds that I go on too quickly? Sire,' replied the Queen, laughing, it is your general custom. Was that a compliment? was it an indirect reproach? I am ignorant, for I could not turn back and read the eyes of the Queen and the expression of her counte nance, which might have enlightened me on this reply of double meaning. Na poleon walked slower, and said, also laughing; that his gallantry for the ladies always made it a point of duty with him to consult their tastes.' The presence of the Prince of Peace had embarrassed me. I had told the usher in attendance that the prince was not upon the list, and desired him to inform him so with politeness, when he presented himself to enter the dining ball. This was done accordingly. On taking his seat, King Charles noticed the absence of his favourite, and Manuel, Sire, and Godoi? The Emperor turned towards me smiling, and gave me orders to admit Manuel. During dinner some discussion took place on the difference of the etiquette and habit of the two courts. King Charles spoke much of his passion for the chase, to which he partly attributed his gout and rheumatism. Every day,' said he, 'whatever may be the weather, winter and summer, after breakfast and having heard mass, I hunt for an hour, and I recommence immediately after dinner, and pursue it till the close of the day. In the evening Manuel informs me whether affairs go well or ill, and I retire to rest to recom mence the morrow in a similar way, that is, if some important ceremony does not compel me to desist.' Since his accession to the throne, this good king had reigned in no other manner."

"King Charles was of a lofty stature, and a noble and firm deportment; the perfect harmony of his features, indicated good nature and the habitual calm of his mind; and his appearance created an impression that his habits had been always pure. His only passions were friendship for Godoi, and an unlimited com

pliance with the wishes of the Queen. I really believe that his friendship for his favourite overwhelmed every other feeling.

"The Queen Maria Louisa, his wife, was born at Parma, on the 9th of Decem ber, 1751. She was petite, and, at the time when I had the honour of seeing her, it was difficult to judge whether she had been pretty. Her eyes were bright and expressive; her features, altogether, more serious than pleasant, spoke decision of character, and talent; and her marked physiognomy indicated an habitual occupation of mind, which seemed to render her indifferent to the duties of her rank, when they were in opposition to her predominant idea.”

The 15th chapter of the Memoirs comprises a narrative which M. de Bausset was "directed to compose," of the famous interview at Erfurt, between the Emperor Alexander of Russia, and Napoleon. It is another curious illustration of the sincerity of royal professions and the validity of royal engagements. The public journals of the time furnished most of the particulars which the official rédacteur now publishes. But it is admonitory and curious to recur to some of them, adverting simultaneously to the tremendous war waged between the two potentates within a few years subsequent. We therefore select a few anecdotes from this chapter, which is well terminated by the remark, that the two sovereigns who concerted the partition of Europe between them at Erfurt, have both perished,-one on the rock of St. Helena, the other on the dreary beach of the Sea of Azof:

"As soon as the Emperor Alexander perceived Napoleon, he descended from his carriage; the Emperor also alighted, and the two sovereigns cordially embraced each other. Their Majesties then mounted on horseback, as did the Grand-duke Constantine, and rode at a gallop past the troops, who presented arms. The drums beat the salute; and numberless volleys of artillery mingled with the sounds of bells, and the acclamations of an immense multitude, which so remarkable an event had collected from all parts. The Emperor Alexander wore the grand decoration of the Legion of Honour, and the Emperor that of St. Andrew of Russia; this reciprocal difference was maintained throughout the meeting."

"In the first scene of Edipus, (which was played for the sovereigns,) Philoc tetes says to Dimas, his friend and confidant

L'amitié d'un grand homme est un bienfait des dieux.

"A great man's friendship is a gift of the gods !"

At that verse, become for ever celebrated, we saw the Emperor Alexander turn towards Napoleon, and present to him his hand, with all the grace possible, and an expression which seemed to say-'I count upon yours.' All the spectators made the same flattering application; on which we saw Napoleon bow, with an air of refusing to take to himself so flattering a compliment. I was eager to know what actually had been said; at the evening audience, I approached Prince Talleyrand, and asked him if he had remarked what had passed during the first scene of Edipus. 'I observed it so much,' said the Prince, 'that I am come to ask the Emperor to have the goodness to inform me, how, and in what terms, the application of that verse had been made to him by the Emperor Alexander.' M. de Talleyrand remained with the Emperor, and I waited until he retired; when he had the goodness not to leave me in any doubt upon the interpretation which I had given to that expression of the sentiments of the Emperor Alexander."

"7th October.

"The Emperors returned to Erfurt in their carriage at five o'clock in the afternoon. Their Majesties'¡dinner table formed half an oval, the Emperors occupying the centre, and the other sovereigns sitting on their right and left according to their rank; but no one sat on the side opposite; I stood there in front of the lustrious guests, and could hear every thing they said.

VOL. III.-No. 5.

31

"Upon this occasion the conversation turned upon the Golden Bull, which, until the establishment of the Confederation of the Rhine, had served for the constitution and the regulation of the election of the Emperors, the number and rank of the electors, &c. The Prince Primate entered into some particulars respecting the Golden Bull, which, he said, was issued in 1409. Napoleon observed that the date which he assigned to its promulgation was not correct, and that it was proclaimed in 1336, in the reign of the Emperor Charles IV. It is true, Sire,' replied the Prince Primate; 'I was mistaken; but how comes it that your Majesty is so well acquainted with such subjects?"

"When I was only sub-lieutenant of artillery,' said Napoleon,-which commencement excited an expression of strong interest on the part of his august guests-When I had the honour of being merely a sub-lieutenant of artillery,' continued he smiling, I remained three years in garrison at Valance. I had little liking for the world, and lived retired. A fortunate circumstance brought me in contact with a well informed and extremely complaisant bookseller. I read and re-read his library through in the course of the three years, and I have forgotten nothing, even of those subjects which had no bearing upon my station. Nature moreover has gifted me with a memory of figures. It very often happens, that while with my ministers, I recapitulate to them, in detail, the whole figures of their oldest accounts." "

"8th October.

"Their Majesties went on horseback at four o'clock, to view the citadel and fortifications of Erfurt.

"As they were passing through the dining room, the Emperor Alexander wishing to take off his sword, perceived that he had forgotten it and left it at his palace. Napoleon disengaged his, and presenting it to Alexander with all the grace possible, entreated him to accept it. The Emperor of Russia received it earnestly, and as I preceded them, I heard him say these words: 'I accept it as a mark of your friendship: your Majesty is well assured that I shall never draw it against you!!!""

The Prefect accompanied Napoleon in the invasion of Spain in 1808, tormented by the gout, which even "opium-liniment" could not appease, but seated in his own comfortable landau. The sack of Burgos shocked him a little :-that city was delivered up to pillage and every species of horrible outrage, for several hours, in consequence of the discharge of some muskets from the windows upon Marshal Bessière. Such a paragraph as the following, exhibits a truly graphic and appropriate picture :

"I never saw a more strange and fantastical sight than the bivouac-fire of the grenadiers of the imperial guard presented in the grand square of the Archbishopric, where the Emperor lodged. A bright and brilliant flame, fed with guitars, mandolins, &c., had boiling on one side immense kettles, which had been taken from the convents, and in which were heaps of game, poultry, and butcher's meat; and on the other, enormous legs of mutton were roasting, suspended from batons by cords. The soldiers seated upon large gilt chairs, covered with crimson damask, gaily smoked their pipes, and occupied themselves with turning the legs of mutton, and carefully skimming the kettles, while they conversed on the events of the war."

As the army advanced, the business waxed more unpleasant for our gouty Count. He mentions that, at Boscequillas, he and Count Philip de Ségur, being obliged, on a cold and damp night, to lie in a granary, on cut straw, and not being able to keep themselves warm by any expedient, repaired to the bivouac next to the tent of Napoleon, in order to enjoy the benefit of a fire. The Emperor himself, from whose eyelids sleep was banished by the