This etext was produced by David Widger
[NOTE: There is a short list of bookmarks, at the end of several of thefiles for those who may wish to sample the author's ideas before makingan entire meal of them. D.W.]
By LOUIS ANTOINE FAUVELET DE BOURRIENNE
His Private Secretary
Edited by R. W. Phipps
Colonel, Late Royal Artillery
1891
CONTENTS:
CHAPTER XIII. 1815-1821
(Chapter XIV. and the Appendix have not been included)
—[ 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 bebriefly touched upon. In a previous chapter we have narrated thesurrender of Napoleon, his voyage to England, and his transference fromthe Bellerophon to the Northumberland. The latter vessel was in greatconfusion from the short notice at which she had sailed, and for the twofirst days the crew was employed in restoring order. The space abaft themizenmast contained a dining-room about ten feet broad, and extending thewhole width of the ship, a saloon, and two cabins. The Emperor occupiedthe cabin on the left; in which his camp-bedstead had been put up; thaton the right was appropriated to the Admiral. It was peremptorilyenjoined that the saloon should be in common. The form of the dining-table resembled that of the dining-room. Napoleon sat with his back tothe saloon; on his left sat Madame Bertrand, and on his right theAdmiral, 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, whocommanded the ship, and at the opposite end M. de Montholon; MadameBertrand, and the Admiral's secretary. The side of the table facing theEmperor was occupied by the Grand-Marshal, the Colonel of the fieldRegiment, Las Cases, and Gourgaud. The Admiral invited one or two of theofficers 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 lostsight of land. The course of the ship was shaped to cross the Bay ofBiscay and double Cape Finisterre. The wind was fair, though light, andthe heat excessive. Napoleon breakfasted in his own cabin at irregularhours. He sent for one of his attendants every morning to know thedistance run, the state of the wind, and other particulars connected withtheir progress. He read a great deal, dressed towards four o'clock, andthen came into the public salo