Books: Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte, V16

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MEMOIRS OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE, VOLUME 16.

by LOUIS ANTOINE FAUVELET DE BOURRIENNE

His Private Secretary

Edited by R. W. Phipps
Colonel, Late Royal Artillery

1891

CONTENTS:
CHAPTER XIII. to XIV. and APPENDIX 1815-1821

CHAPTER XIII

--[ This chapter; by the editor of the 1836 edition, is based upon
the 'Memorial', and O'Meara's and Antommarchi's works.]--

1815-1821.

Voyage to St. Helena--Personal traits of the Emperor--Arrival at
James Town--Napoleon's temporary residence at The Briars--Removal to
Longwood--The daily routine there-The Campaign of Italy--The arrival
of Sir Hudson Lowe--Unpleasant relations between the Emperor and the
new Governor--Visitors at St. Helena--Captain Basil Hall's interview
with Napoleon--Anecdotes of the Emperor--Departure of Las Cases and
O'Meara--Arrivals from Europe--Physical habits of the Emperor--Dr.
Antommarchi--The Emperor's toilet--Creation of a new bishopric--
The Emperor's energy with the spade--His increasing illness--
Last days of Napoleon--His Death--Lying in state--Military funeral--
Marchand's account of the Emperor's last moments--Napoleon's last
bequests--The Watch of Rivoli.

The closing scenes in the life of the great Emperor only now remain to be
briefly touched upon. In a previous chapter we have narrated the
surrender of Napoleon, his voyage to England, and his transference from
the Bellerophon to the Northumberland. The latter vessel was in great
confusion from the short notice at which she had sailed, and for the two
first days the crew was employed in restoring order. The space abaft the
mizenmast contained a dining-room about ten feet broad, and extending the
whole width of the ship, a saloon, and two cabins. The Emperor occupied
the cabin on the left; in which his camp-bedstead had been put up; that
on the right was appropriated to the Admiral. It was peremptorily
enjoined that the saloon should be in common. The form of the dining-
table resembled that of the dining-room. Napoleon sat with his back to
the saloon; on his left sat Madame Bertrand, and on his right the
Admiral, who, with Madame de Montholon, filled up one side of the table.
Next that lady, but at the end of the table, was Captain Ross, who
commanded the ship, and at the opposite end M. de Montholon; Madame
Bertrand, and the Admiral's secretary. The side of the table facing the
Emperor was occupied by the Grand-Marshal, the Colonel of the field
Regiment, Las Cases, and Gourgaud. The Admiral invited one or two of the
officers to dinner every day, and the band of the 53d, newly-formed,
played during dinner-time.

On the 10th of August the Northumberland cleared the Channel, and lost
sight of land. The course of the ship was shaped to cross the Bay of
Biscay and double Cape Finisterre. The wind was fair, though light, and
the heat excessive. Napoleon breakfasted in his own cabin at irregular
hours. He sent for one of his attendants every morning to know the
distance run, the state of the wind, and other particulars connected with
their progress. He read a great deal, dressed towards four o'clock, and
then came into the public saloon; here he played at chess with one of the
party; at five o'clock the Admiral announced that dinner was on the
table. It is well known that Napoleon was scarcely ever more than
fifteen minutes at dinner; here the two courses alone took up nearly an
hour and a half. This was a serious annoyance to him, though his
features and manner always evinced perfect equanimity. Neither the new
system of cookery nor the quality of the dishes ever met with his
censure. He was waited on by two valets, who stood behind his chair.
At first the Admiral was in the habit of offering several dishes to the
Emperor, but the acknowledgment of the latter was expressed so coldly
that the practice was given up. The Admiral thenceforth only pointed out
to the servants what was preferable. Napoleon was generally silent, as
if unacquainted with the language, though it was French. If he spoke, it
was to ask some technical or scientific question, or to address a few
words to those whom the Admiral occasionally asked to dinner.

The Emperor rose immediately after coffee had been handed round, and went
on deck, followed by the Grand-Marshal and Las Cases. This disconcerted
Admiral Cockburn, who expressed his surprise to his officers; but Madame
Bertrand, whose maternal language was English, replied with spirit, "Do
not forget, sir, that your guest is a man who has governed a large
portion of the world, and that kings once contended for the honour of
being admitted to his table."--" Very true," rejoined the Admiral; and
from that time he did his utmost to comply with Napoleon's habits. He
shortened the time of sitting at table, ordering coffee for Napoleon and
those who accompanied him even before the rest of the company had
finished their dinner. The Emperor remained walking on deck till dark.
On returning to the after-cabin he sat down to play vingt et un with some
of his suite, and generally retired in about half an hour. On the
morning of the 15th of August all his suite asked permission to be
admitted to his presence. He was not aware of the cause of this visit;
it was his birthday, which seemed to have altogether escaped his
recollection.

On the following day they doubled Cape Finisterre, and up to the 21st,
passing off the Straits of Gibraltar, continued their course along the
coast of Africa towards Madeira. Napoleon commonly remained in his cabin
the whole morning, and from the extreme heat he wore a very slight dress.
He could not sleep well, and frequently rose in the night. Reading was
his chief occupation. He often sent for Count Las Cases to translate
whatever related to St. Helena or the countries by which they were
sailing. Napoleon used to start a subject of conversation; or revive
that of some preceding day, and when he had taken eight or nine turns the
whole length of the deck he would seat himself on the second gun from the
gangway on the larboard side. The midshipmen soon observed this habitual
predilection, so that the cannon was thenceforth called the Emperor's
gun. It was here that Napoleon often conversed for hours together.

On the 22d of August they came within sight of Madeira, and at night
arrived off the port. They stopped for a day or two to take in
provisions. Napoleon was indisposed. A sudden gale arose and the air
was filled with small particles of sand and the suffocating exhalations
from the deserts of Africa. On the evening of the 24th they got under
weigh again, and progressed smoothly and rapidly. The Emperor added to
his amusements a game at piquet. He was but an, indifferent chess-
player, and there was no very good one on board. He asked, jestingly,
"How it was that he frequently beat those who beat better players than
himself?" Vingt et un was given up, as they played too high at it; and
Napoleon had a great aversion to gaming. One night a negro threw himself
overboard to avoid a flogging, which occasioned a great noise and bustle.
A young midshipman meeting Las Cases descending into the cabin, and
thinking he was going to inform Napoleon, caught hold of his coat and in
a tone of great concern exclaimed, "Ah sir, do not alarm the Emperor!
Tell him the noise is owing to an accident!" In general the midshipmen
behaved with marked respect and attention to Bonaparte, and often by
signs or words directed the sailors to avoid incommoding him: He
sometimes noticed this conduct, and remarked that youthful hearts were
always prone to generous instincts.

On the 1st of September they found themselves in the latitude of the Cape
de Verd Islands. Everything now promised a prosperous passage, but the
time hung heavily. Las Cases had undertaken to teach his son English,
and the Emperor also expressed a wish to learn. He, however, soon grew
tired and laid it aside, nor was it resumed until long afterwards. His
manners and habits were always the same; he invariably appeared
contented, patient, and good-humoured. The Admiral gradually laid aside
his reserve, and took an interest in his great captive. He pointed out
the danger incurred by coming on deck after dinner, owing to the damp of
the evening: the Emperor, would then sometimes take his arm and prolong
the conversation, talking sometimes on naval affairs, on the French
resources in the south, and on the improvements he had contemplated in
the ports and harbours of the Mediterranean, to all which the Admiral
listened with deep attention.

Meanwhile Napoleon observed that Las Cases was busily employed, and
obtained a sight of his journal, with which he was not displeased. He,
however, noticed that some of the military details and anecdotes gave but
a meagre idea of the subject of war: This first led to the proposal of
his writing his own Memoirs. At length the Emperor came to a
determination, and on Saturday, the 9th of September he called his
secretary into his cabin and dictated to him some particulars of the
siege of Toulon. On approaching the line they fell in with the trade-
winds, that blow here constantly from the east. On the 16th there was a
considerable fall of rain, to the great joy of the sailors, who were in
want of water. The rain began to fall heavily just as the Emperor had
got upon deck to take his afternoon walk. But this did not disappoint
him of his usual exercise; he merely called for his famous gray
greatcoat, which the crew regarded with much interest.

On the 23d of September they passed the line. This was a day of great
merriment and disorder among the crew: it was the ceremony which the
English sailors call the "christening." No one is spared; and the
officers are generally more roughly handled than any one else. The
Admiral, who had previously amused himself by giving an alarming
description of this ceremony, now very courteously exempted his guests
from the inconvenience and ridicule attending it. Napoleon was
scrupulously respected through the whole of this Saturnalian festivity.
On being informed of the decorum which had been observed with regard to
him he ordered a hundred Napoleons to be presented to the grotesque-
Neptune and his crew; which the Admiral opposed, perhaps from motives of
prudence as well as politeness.

Owing to the haste with which they had left England the painting of the
ship had been only lately finished, and this circumstance confined
Napoleon, whose sense of smell was very acute, to his room for two days.
They were now, in the beginning of October, driven into the Gulf of
Guinea, where they met a French vessel bound for the Isle of Bourbon.
They spoke with the captain, who expressed his surprise and regret when
he learnt that Napoleon was on board. The wind was unfavourable, and the
ship made little progress. The sailors grumbled at the Admiral, who had
gone out of the usual course. At length they approached the termination
of their voyage. On the 14th of October the Admiral had informed them
that he expected to come within sight of St. Helena that day. They had
scarcely risen from table when their ears were saluted with the cry of
"land!" This was within a quarter of an hour of the time that had been
fixed on. The Emperor went on the forecastle to see the island; but it
was still hardly distinguishable. At daybreak next morning they had a
tolerably clear view of it

At length, about seventy days after his departure from England, and a
hundred and ten after quitting Paris, Napoleon reached St. Helena. In
the harbour were several vessels of the squadron which had separated from
them, and which they thought they had left behind. Napoleon, contrary to
custom, dressed early and went upon deck: he went forward to the gangway
to view the island. He beheld a kind of village surrounded by numerous
barren hills towering to the clouds. Every platform, every aperture, the
brow of every hill was planted with cannon. The Emperor viewed the
prospect through his glass. His countenance underwent no change. He
soon left the deck; and sending for Las Cases, proceeded to his day's
work. The Admiral, who had gone ashore very early, returned about six
much fatigued. He had been walking over various parts of the island, and
at length thought he had found a habitation that would suit his captives.
The place stood in need of repairs, which might occupy two months. His
orders were not to let the French quit the vessel till a house should be
prepared to receive them. He, however, undertook, on his own
responsibility, to set them on shore the next day.

On the 16th, after dinner, Napoleon, accompanied by the Admiral and the
Grand-Marshal, Bertrand, got into a boat to go ashore. As he passed, the
officers assembled on the quarter-deck, and the greater part of the crew
on the gangways. The Emperor, before he stepped into the boat, sent for
the captain of the vessel, and took leave of him, desiring him at the
same time to convey his thanks to the officers and crew. These words
appeared to produce the liveliest sensation in all by whom they were
understood, or to whom they were interpreted. The remainder of his suite
landed about eight. They found the Emperor in the apartments which had
been assigned to him:, a few minutes after he went upstairs to his
chamber. He was lodged in a sort of inn in James Town, which consists
only, of one short street, or row of houses built in a narrow valley
between two rocky hills.

The next day the Emperor, the Grand-Marshal, and the Admiral, riding out
to visit Longwood, which had been chosen for the Emperor's residence, on
their return saw a small villa, with a pavilion attached to it, about two
miles from the town, the residence of Mr. Balcombe; a merchant of the
island. This spot pleased Napoleon, and the Admiral was of opinion that
it would be better for him to remain here than to return to the town,
where the sentinels at his door, with the crowds collected round it, in a
manner confined him to his chamber. The pavilion was a sort of summer-
house on a pyramidal eminence, about thirty or forty paces from the
house, where the family were accustomed to resort in fine weather: this
was hired for the temporary abode of the Emperor, and he took possession
of it immediately. There was a carriage-road from the town, and the
valley was in this part less rugged in its aspect. Las Cases was soon
sent for. As be ascended the winding path leading to the pavilion he saw
Napoleon standing at the threshold of the door. His body was slightly
bent, and his hands behind his back: he wore his usual plain and simple
uniform and the well-known hat. The Emperor was alone. He took a fancy
to walk a little; but there was no level ground on any side of the
pavilion, which was surrounded by huge pieces of rock. Taking the arm of
his companion, however, he began to converse in a cheerful strain. When
Napoleon was about to retire to rest the servants found that one of the
windows was open close to the bed: they barricaded it as well as they
could, so as to exclude the air, to the effects of which the Emperor was
very susceptible. Las Cases ascended to an upper room. The valets de
chambres lay stretched in their cloaks across the threshold of the door.
Such was the first night Napoleon passed at the Briars.

An English officer was lodged with them in the house as their guard, and
two non-commissioned officers were stationed near the house to watch
their movements. Napoleon the next day proceeded with his dictation,
which occupied him for several hours, and then took a walk in the garden,
where he was met by the two Misses Balcombe, lively girls about fourteen
years of age, who presented him with flowers, and overwhelmed him with
whimsical questions. Napoleon was amused by their familiarity, to which
he had been little accustomed. "We have been to a masked ball," said he,
when the young ladies had taken their leave.

The next day a chicken was brought for breakfast, which the Emperor
undertook to carve himself, and was surprised at his succeeding so well,
it being a long time since he had done so much. The coffee he considered
so bad that on tasting it he thought himself poisoned, and sent it away.

The mornings were passed in business; in the evening Napoleon sometimes
strolled to the neighbouring villa, where the young ladies made him play
at whist. The Campaign of Italy was nearly finished, and Las Cases
proposed that the other followers of Napoleon who were lodged in the town
should come up every morning to assist in transcribing The Campaign of
Egypt, the History of the Consulate, etc. This suggestion pleased the
ex-Emperor, so that from that time one or two of his suite came regularly
every day to write to his dictation, and stayed to dinner. A tent, sent
by the Colonel of the 53d Regiment, was spread out so as to form a
prolongation of the pavillion. Their cook took up his abode at the
Briars. The table linen was taken from the trunks, the plate was set
forth, and the first dinner after these new arrangements was a sort of
fete.

One day at dinner Napoleon, casting his eye on one of the dishes of his
own campaign-service, on which the-arms of the King had been engraved,
"How they have spoiled that!" he exclaimed; and he could not refrain from
observing that the King was in great haste to take possession of the
Imperial plate, which certainly did not belong to him. Amongst the
baggage was also a cabinet in which were a number of medallions, given
him by the Pope and other potentates, some letters of Louis XVIII. which
he had left behind him on his writing-table in the suddenness of his
flight from the Tuileries on the 20th of March, and a number of other
letters found in the portfolio of Dia Blacas intended to calumniate
Napoleon.

The Emperor never dressed until about four o'clock he then walked in the
garden, which was particularly agreeable to him on account of its
solitude--the English soldiers having been removed at Mr. Balcombe's
request. A little arbour was covered with canvas; and a chair and table
placed in it, and here Napoleon dictated a great part of his Memoirs.
In the evening, when he did not go out, he generally contrived to prolong
the conversation till eleven or twelve o'clock.

Thus time passed with little variety or interruption. The weather in the
winter became delightful. One day, his usual task being done; Napoleon
strolled out towards the town, until he came within sight of the road and
shipping. On his return he met Mrs. Balcombe and a Mrs. Stuart, who was
on her way back from Bombay to England. The Emperor conversed with her on
the manners and customs of India, and on the inconveniences of a long
voyage at sea, particularly to ladies. He alluded to Scotland, Mrs.
Stuart's native country, expatiated on the genius of Ossian, and
congratulated his fair interlocutor on the preservation of her clear
northern complexion. While the parties were thus engaged some heavily
burdened slaves passed near to them. Mrs. Balcombe motioned them to make
a detour; but Napoleon interposed, exclaiming, "Respect the burden,
madam!" As he said this the Scotch lady, who had been very eagerly
scanning the features of Napoleon, whispered to her friend, "Heavens!
what a character, and what an expression of countenance! How different
to the idea I had formed of him!"

Napoleon shortly after repeated the same walk, and went into the house of
Major Hudson. This visit occasioned considerable alarm to the
constituted authorities.

The Governor gave a ball, to which the French were invited; and Las Cases
about the same time rode over to Longwood to see what advance had been
made in the preparations for their reception. His report on his return
was not very favourable. They had now been six weeks at the Briars,
during which Napoleon had been nearly as much confined as if on board the
vessel. His health began to be impaired by it. Las Cases gave it as his
opinion that the Emperor did not possess that constitution of iron which
was usually ascribed to him; and that it was the strength of his mind,
not of his body, that carried him through the labours of the field and of
the cabinet. In speaking on this subject Napoleon himself observed that.
nature had endowed him with two peculiarities: one was the power of
sleeping at any hour or in any place; the other, his being incapable of
committing any excess either in eating or drinking: "If," said he, "I go
the least beyond my mark my stomach instantly revolts." He was subject
to nausea from very slight causes, and to colds from any change of air.

The prisoners removed to Longwood on the 10th of December 1815. Napoleon
invited Mr. Balcombe to breakfast with him that morning, and conversed
with him in a very cheerful manner. About two Admiral Cockburn was
announced; he entered with an air of embarrassment. In consequence of
the restraints imposed upon him at the Briars, and the manner in which
those of his suite residing in the town had been treated, Bonaparte had
discontinued receiving the visits of the Admiral; yet on the present
occasion he behaved towards him as though nothing had happened. At
length they left the Briars and set out for Longwood. Napoleon rode the
horse, a small, sprightly, and tolerably handsome animal, which had been
brought for him from the Cape. He wore his uniform of the Chasseurs of
the Guard, and his graceful manner and handsome countenance were
particularly remarked. The Admiral was very attentive to him. At the
entrance of Longwood they found a guard under arms who rendered the
prescribed honours to their illustrious captive. His horse, unaccustomed
to parades, and frightened by the roll of the dram, refused to pass the
gate till spurred on by Napoleon, while a significant look passed among
the escort. The Admiral took great pains to point out the minutest
details at Longwood. He had himself superintended all the arrangements,
among which was a bath-room. Bonaparte was satisfied with everything,
and the Admiral seemed highly pleased. He had anticipated petulance and
disdain, but Napoleon manifested perfect good-humour.

The entrance to the house was through a room which had been just built to
answer the double purpose of an ante-chamber and a dining-room. This
apartment led to the drawing-room; beyond this was a third room running
in a cross direction and very dark. This was intended to be the
depository of the Emperor's maps and books, but it was afterwards
converted into the dining-room. The Emperor's chamber opened into this
apartment on the right hand side, and was divided into two equal parts,
forming a cabinet and sleeping-room; a little external gallery served for
a bathing-room: Opposite the Emperor's chamber, at the other extremity of
the building, were the apartments of Madame Montholon, her husband, and
her son, afterward used as the Emperors library. Detached from this part
of the house was a little square room on the ground floor, contiguous to
the kitchen, which was assigned to Las Cases. The windows and beds had no
curtains. The furniture was mean and scanty. Bertrand and his family
resided at a distance of two miles, at a place called Rut's Gate.
General Gourgaud slept under a tent, as well as Mr. O'Meara, and the
officer commanding the guard. The house was surrounded by a garden. In
front, and separated by a tolerably deep ravine, was encamped the 53d
Regiment, different parties of which were stationed on the neighbouring
heights.

The domestic establishment of the Emperor consisted of eleven persons.
To the Grand-Marshal was confided the general superintendence; to M. de
Montholon the domestic details; Las Cases was to take care of the
furniture and property, and General Gourgaud to have the management of
the stables. These arrangements, however, produced discontent among
Napoleon's attendants. Las Cases admits that they were no longer the
members of one family, each using his best efforts to promote the
advantage of all. They were far from practising that which necessity
dictated. He says also, "The Admiral has more than once, in the midst of
our disputes with him, hastily exclaimed that the Emperor was decidedly
the most good-natured, just, and reasonable of the whole set."

On his first arrival he went to visit the barracks occupied by some
Chinese living on the island, and a place called Longwood Farm. He
complained to Las Cases that they had been idle of late; but by degrees
their hours and the employment of them became fixed and regular. The
Campaign of Italy being now finished, Napoleon corrected it, and dictated
on other subjects. This was their morning's work. They dined between
eight and nine, Madame Montholon being seated on Napoleon's right; Las
Cases on his left, and Gourgaud, Montholon, and Las Cases' son sitting
opposite. The smell of the paint not being yet gone off, they remained
not more than ten minutes at table, and the dessert was prepared in the
adjoining apartment, where coffee was served up and conversation
commenced. Scenes were read from Moliere, Racine, and Voltaire; and
regret was always expressed at their not having a copy of Corneille.
They then played at 'reversis', which had been Bonaparte's favourite game
in his youth. The recollection was agreeable to him, and he thought he
could amuse himself at it for any length of time, but was soon
undeceived. His aim was always to make the 'reversis', that is, to win
every trick. Character is displayed in the smallest incidents.

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