"Mansion House,Thursday, June 22, 1815."Notice having been given that the Public Offices will be illuminated Friday and Saturday evening next, in consequence of the late glorious Victory,"The Lord Mayor recommends to the inhabitants of this City to defer illuminating their houses till that time."
"Mansion House,Thursday, June 22, 1815.
"Notice having been given that the Public Offices will be illuminated Friday and Saturday evening next, in consequence of the late glorious Victory,
"The Lord Mayor recommends to the inhabitants of this City to defer illuminating their houses till that time."
And, accordingly, on the 23rd, all the Government, and City public offices lit up; but it does not seem to have been a very grand illumination, probably because the time for preparation was somewhat short.
After the battle of Waterloo,[3]Napoleon hastened to Paris; and, tired, and covered with dust as he was, he immediately met his Ministers, and told them the extent of his disasters. They laid the intelligence before the Houses of Legislature, and, on the morning of June 22nd, Napoleon received a deputation from the Chamber, who submitted to him, that "the state of war in whichFrance was involved, concerned much less the nation than himself, and that the Assembly had the means at command, if he would act so disinterested a part, as to restore to it freedom of action, according as circumstances might dictate."
This was a pretty broad hint to Napoleon to abdicate, and he took it as such, and sent the following reply:—
"Frenchmen! When I began the war to uphold National Independence, I relied on the union of all efforts, all wills, and on the co-operation of all national authorities. I was justified in anticipating success, and I braved all the declarations of the Powers against my person. Circumstances seem to be changed. I offer myself as a sacrifice to the hatred against France. May your enemies prove sincere, and may it appear that they wage war against me alone! My political life is terminated. I proclaim my son, under the title of Napoleon II.,[4]Emperor of the French. The present Ministers will form the Council of the Provisional Government. The interest which I take in my son induces me to invite the Chambers to organize a Regency without delay, by a special law. Unite for the general safety, and to secure national independence."Napoleon."At the Palace of the Élysée, June 22, 1815."
"Frenchmen! When I began the war to uphold National Independence, I relied on the union of all efforts, all wills, and on the co-operation of all national authorities. I was justified in anticipating success, and I braved all the declarations of the Powers against my person. Circumstances seem to be changed. I offer myself as a sacrifice to the hatred against France. May your enemies prove sincere, and may it appear that they wage war against me alone! My political life is terminated. I proclaim my son, under the title of Napoleon II.,[4]Emperor of the French. The present Ministers will form the Council of the Provisional Government. The interest which I take in my son induces me to invite the Chambers to organize a Regency without delay, by a special law. Unite for the general safety, and to secure national independence.
"Napoleon.
"At the Palace of the Élysée, June 22, 1815."
But the Ministry did not see it in the same light, the building was rapidly crumbling, and it wassauve qui peutwith the rats. Napoleon was politically dead, and evenThe Timesmust needs kick him.
"June 30. 1815.... The wretch, with the blood of so many thousands on his head, seemed to carry about with him all the coolness of that apathy which is part of his physical constitution; and, so degraded and demoralized are the Parisian populace, that they could see the butcher of their race without the least emotion. He is, however, spoken of in the journals, and in the debates, without any share of that respect which was but lately attached to his name. After his former abdication he was invariably termed the 'Emperor,' but now he is called nothing but 'Napoleon.'"
Abdication is a game that cannot be played more than twice, the result, then, being considered final, so Napoleon retired to Malmaison, virtually a prisoner, for he had not been there long ere General Becker came to him, and informed him that he was appointed by the Provisional Government to command the troops detailed for his protection. Napoleon knew the meaning of this message, but even being made a prisoner by his own soldiery did not quell his spirit.
The presence of Napoleon at Malmaison embarrassedthe Government, and Becker had orders to convey Napoleon, with all speed, to the Isle of Aix. Accordingly, they set out, and reached Rochefort on the 3rd of July, where he remained until the 8th, when he embarked on board theSaalefrigate, but without any hope of getting to sea, because of the blockade of the port by theBellerophonand other English men-of-war. He occasionally landed on the Isle of Aix; but all hopes of reaching America seems to have been abandoned, as Las Cases and Savary were sent on board theBellerophonto inquire of Captain Maitland whether he knew anything of the passports which Napoleon expected from the British Government, and whether any opposition would be offered to his sailing to the United States. Captain Maitland replied that he knew nothing of the intentions of his Government, but he, certainly, could not allow any ship of war to leave the port, and, in the course of conversation asked, "Why not seek an asylum in England?"
The hint, thus dropped, fructified; for, after another visit of Las Cases and General Lallemand on board theBellerophon, on July 14th, avowedly to repeat their various questions, the matter was openly discussed, and, on mentioning the result of their interview to the Emperor, he agreed to this course, and desired Las Cases to tell Captain Maitland to prepare to receive him, and his suite, the next day. At the same time, he entrusted General Gourgaud with an autograph letter to the PrinceRegent, directing him to take it to England, and deliver it into the Prince's hands.
From the date of this letter, which was the 13th, it would seem that Napoleon had, on the previous day, made up his mind what course to pursue. The following is the text of the letter:—
"Your Royal Highness,—Exposed to the factions which divide my Country, and to the enmity of the greatest Powers of Europe, I have terminated my political career; and I come, like Themistocles, to throw myself upon the hospitality of the British People. I place myself under the protection of their laws, which I claim from your Royal Highness, as the most powerful, the most constant, and the most generous of my enemies.Napoleon."Rochefort,July 13, 1815."
"Your Royal Highness,—Exposed to the factions which divide my Country, and to the enmity of the greatest Powers of Europe, I have terminated my political career; and I come, like Themistocles, to throw myself upon the hospitality of the British People. I place myself under the protection of their laws, which I claim from your Royal Highness, as the most powerful, the most constant, and the most generous of my enemies.
Napoleon.
"Rochefort,July 13, 1815."
On the 15th, then, Napoleon and suite went on board theBellerophon, where they were received by Captain Maitland and his officers; the Emperor saying, "I have come to throw myself on the protection of your Prince and Laws." He was treated on board theBellerophonwith every consideration by Captain Maitland. He was still looked upon as Emperor, and dined off his own gold plate, the dinner being ordered by his ownmaître d'hôtel; and, when he visited theSuperb, he was received with allthe honours accorded to royalty, with the exception of a salute being fired. On the 16th of July they set sail for England, and at daybreak on the 24th they were close to Dartmouth. Napoleon rose at six, and went on the poop, surveying the coast, which he much admired, exclaiming, "What a beautiful country! it very much resembles Porto Ferrajo at Elba."
About 8 a.m. they anchored at Torbay, and no sooner was it known that Napoleon was on board theBellerophon, than the bay was covered with vessels and boats full of people. A neighbouring gentleman sent the Emperor a present of fruit. What a different reception from the language ofThe Times! (July 25, 1815):
"Our paper of this day will satisfy the sceptics, for such there were beginning to be, as to the capture of that bloody miscreant, who has so long tortured Europe,Napoleon Buonaparte. Savages are always found to unite the greatest degree of cunning to the ferocious part of their nature. The cruelty of this person is written in characters of blood in almost every country in Europe, and in the contiguous angles of Africa and Asia which he visited; and nothing can more strongly evince the universal conviction of his low, perfidious craft, than the opinion, which was beginning to get abroad, that, even after his capture had been officially announced, both in France and England, he might yet have found means to escape.
"However, all doubts upon this point are at an end, by his arrival off the British Coast, and, if he be not now placed beyond the possibility of again outraging the peace of Europe, England will certainly never again deserve to have heroes such as those who have fought, and bled, at Waterloo, for this, his present overthrow. The lives of the brave men who fell on that memorable day will have been absolutely thrown away by a thoughtless country, the grand object obtained by their valour will have been frustrated, and we shall do little less than insult over their remains, almost before they have ceased to bleed. But Fortune, seconding their undaunted efforts, has put it in our power to do far otherwise.
"Captain Sartorius, of theSlaneyfrigate, arrived yesterday with despatches from Captain Maitland of theBellerophon, confirming all the antecedent accounts of Buonaparte's surrender, with various other details, and closing them by their natural catastrophe—his safe conveyance to England. He is, therefore, what we may call, here. Captain Sartorius delivered his despatches to Lord Melville, at Wimbledon, by whom their contents were communicated to Lord Liverpool, at his seat at Coombe Wood; summonses were immediately issued for a Cabinet Council to meet at 12 o'clock; what passed there was, of course, not suffered to transpire; our narrative must therefore revert to theSlaneyfrigate, and the accounts brought by her. She had been sent forward, byCaptain Maitland, to Plymouth, with the despatches announcing that Buonaparte was on board theBellerophon, with a numerous suite. But it was the intention of Captain Maitland himself, to proceed to Torbay, and not land his prisoners until he had received orders from Government.
"Buonaparte's suite, as it is called, consists of upwards of forty persons, among whom are Bertrand, Savary, Lallemand, Grogau,[5]and several women. He has been allowed to take on board carriages and horses, but admission was denied to about fifty cavalry, for whom he had the impudence to require accommodation. This wretch has really lived in the commission of every crime, so long, that he has lost all sight and knowledge of the difference that exists between good and evil, and hardly knows when he is doing wrong, except he be taught by proper chastisement. A creature—who ought to be greeted with a gallows as soon as he lands—to think of an attendance of fifty horsemen! He had, at first, wanted to make conditions with Captain Maitland, as to his treatment, but the British officer very properly declared that he must refer him, upon this subject, to his Government.
"When he had been some time on board, he asked the Captain what chance two large frigates, well manned, would have with a seventy-four. The answer, we understand,which he received to this inquiry, did not give him any cause to regret that he had not risked his fortune in a naval combat, with the relative forces in question. By the way, we should not have been surprised if he had come into an action with the two frigates, and then endeavoured to escape in his own, and leave the other to her fate. It has been the constant trick of this villain, whenever he has got his companions into a scrape, to leave them in it, and seek his own safety by flight. In Egypt, in the Moscow expedition, and at Waterloo, such was his conduct.
"He likewise had the assurance to address a letter to the Prince Regent, and M. Grogau, one of his party, was put on board theSlaneyas the bearer of it; but, when the vessel reached Plymouth, the officer on duty there, with a decision that does him credit, refused Grogau permission to land: the letter is said to have been conveyed by Captain Sartorius, and its purport was understood, on board, to be a request for passports for America. We should have supposed that he had received too many checks before, for his presumption in addressing letters to the British Government, ever to have hazarded the experiment again; but all reproofs are thrown away upon his callous heart;—not that we should object to his humbly addressing the British throne for mercy, if he has anything to urge in extenuation of his crimes; but the time has not yet come; a momentarygleam of resolution on the part of his own government, indicated by the imprisonment of Labédoyère, and others, led us to hope that his trial might have been safely entrusted to those to whom it primarily, and of natural right, belongs; but, though this hope may have proved transitory, he is not, therefore, above the criminal justice of other countries, where established law, and a regular execution of it, prevails.
"The first procedure, we trust, will be a special Commission, or the appointment of a Court Martial to try him for the murder of Captain Wright. It is nonsense to say, as some have, that Courts Martial are instituted only to try offences committed by soldiers of the country to which they belong: it was an American Court Martial that tried and shot Major André as a spy; and Buonaparte himself appointed commissions of all kinds, and in all countries, to try offences committed against himself."
In a letter from on board theBellerophon, Napoleon'spersonelis thus described:
"I observed his person particularly, and can describe him thus:—He is about 5 feet 7 inches in height, very strongly made, and well proportioned; very broad and deep chest; legs and thighs proportioned with great symmetry and strength, a small, round, and handsome foot. His countenance is sallow, and, as it were, deeply tinged by hot climates; but the most commanding air I ever saw. His eyes grey, andthe most piercing you can imagine. His glance, you fancy, searches into your inmost thoughts. His hair dark brown, and no appearance of grey. His features are handsome now, and when younger, he must have been a very handsome man. He is rather fat, and his belly protuberant, but he appears active, notwithstanding. His step, and demeanour altogether commanding. He looks about 45 or 46 years of age. In fact, he is very like the picture exhibited of him in the Adelphi, and also several of the prints.
BONAPARTE ON THE QUARTER-DECK OF H. M. S.NORTHUMBERLAND.(Drawn during his passage to St. Helena. Published, January 1, 1816, by Thomas Palser, Westminster Bridge Road.)
BONAPARTE ON THE QUARTER-DECK OF H. M. S.NORTHUMBERLAND.
(Drawn during his passage to St. Helena. Published, January 1, 1816, by Thomas Palser, Westminster Bridge Road.)
"He is extremely curious, and never passes anything remarkable in the ship, without immediately demanding its use, and inquiring minutely into the manner thereof. He also stops and asks the officers divers questions relative to the time they have been in the service, what actions, &c.; and he caused all of us to be introduced to him, the first day he came on board. He also asked several questions about the marines, particularly those who appeared to have been some time in the service, and about the warrant officers, midshipmen, seamen, &c. He was but a very short time on board when he asked that the boatswain might be sent for, in order that he might look at him, and was very inquisitive as to the nature of his duty. He dresses in green uniform, with red facings and edged with red, two plain gold epaulettes, the lapels of the coat cut round and turned back, white waistcoat and breeches, and military boots and spurs, the GrandCross of the Legion of Honour on his left breast. He professes his intention (if he is allowed to reside in England) to adopt the English customs and manners, and declares that he will never meddle with politics more. The Army, which left Paris, and united with others on the Loire, wanted him to rejoin them and resume his title, which he refused to do. He declares that not another 'goutte de sang' shall be shed on his account. Fortunate, indeed, it would have been if he had really been of this opinion some years back.
"His followers still treat him with the greatest respect, not one of them, not even the Duke ofRovigohimself, ever speaking to him, without being uncovered the whole time. He does not appear out until about half-past ten, though he rises about seven. He breakfasts in the French fashion at eleven, and dines at six. He spends most of the day alone in the after-cabin, and reads a great deal. He retires to bed about eight. He has not latterly been much upon the quarter-deck. His suite is composed of fifty people."
I give an illustration of "Bonaparte on the Quarter-deck of H.M.S.Northumberland, drawn during his passage to St. Helena," which fully bears out the above description.
On July 26th orders came for theBellerophonto go to Plymouth, which being reached, two frigates, theLiffey, andEurotas, were anchored, one on either side of her, andkept strict guard over her. No boat from the shore was allowed to come within a cable's length[6]of her, and ships' boats continually rowing round her, kept that space clear.
Visitors from London, and all parts of England, came to get a glimpse of him, and the sea was literally alive with boats of every description. The following is by an eye witness[7]:—
"There is nothing so dull as mere fact, you'll admit,While you read my detail, unenlivened by wit.My friends will believe, though they're told it in rhyme,That I thought to return in a far shorter time.When at once we're resolv'd, by half past on the move,And by two, but a trio, we reach Mutton Cove;When approaching the quay, such a rabble and rout,That we ask, 'My good friend, what is all this about?''They are rowing a race, and some boats are come in,While these people are waiting till t'others begin.'Well aware of our folly, with risible lip,The boatman we told to make haste totheship;On the colours of fish,[8]here by hampers-full landing,We gaze for amuzement, while still we're kept standing;At length to the Admiral's stairs we have got,See his party on board, and hear tunes from his yacht.The day is delightful, the gale just enoughFor the sea to look lively, without being rough.With those first at the ship, our sight costs the dearer,As we've longer to wait, and not in the end, nearer;For by land, and by water, so different the case is,'Twas long before we were jam'd into our places;But on further advice, we'll at present be dumb,For half the spectators, you know, are now come.In one boat, a bevy, all sarcenet and veil,In the next some good fellows are toping their ale.'Avast! here's the gun boat.' 'Aye, here it come smack.'And the ladies cry, 'Captain, they'll drive us all back.'Then some bully our men, with 'Skull out there, skull out.'And others check these with, 'Mind what you're about.'Here's a crazy old boat, laded dry with a shoe,There, a gay painted barge is forced on our view;In this, while Don Solus is jeered by the mob,'See that empty boat, turn it out.' 'Here's a fine job.'Cries one, of some dozens squeezed into the next,'I've left the pork pie, Oh dear, I'm so vex'd.'In the long boat, that shows a profusion of oar,From the Captain bursts forth a most terrible roarAt his men; but the anger about whom, or what,Though they may remember, we soon had forgot.Here, infants were crying, mothers scolding outright,While the next party laughs at some comical sight.Now, watches and spy-glasses make their appearance,And Impatience, that vixen, begins interference;To beguile her, through portholes we eagerly stare,For the nobles on deck are all taking the air.'Hey-dey, what a bustle!' then 'All safe, all safe.'The crowd is return'd to its chatter and laugh.'Pray, what was the matter?' 'From the boat, near the ship,A woman fell over, and so got a dip.'But a hum of applause, yes, his triumph is full,Yet this hum of applause has betrayed our John Bull,'What hum of applause? come, I prithee, be brief.'Why, John was delighted to see themship beef.With a smile 'tis observed by the Briton polite,How the glee of the crowd was improv'd, by the sight,For the rough, honest tar, had declared from his heart,That he thought this a sight that would beat Bonaparte.Some, again, with composure, predict peace and war,Others look at the great folks, and fancy a star;But we, much fatigued, six o'clock now approaching,And on our good nature we thought them encroaching,When boats are made bridges, nay, tempted to thinkThat through some of these freedoms, not strange we should sink.But here I must mention, when all was most merry,As here is each size, from the long-boat to wherry,When the crowd should disperse, I was fearful, I own,Lest your small boats, by barges, should then be run down.But a truce with our hopes, our predictions and fears,For now, yes, at last, our grand object appears;And now, every eye to the ship is directed,Though to see Bonaparte, I no longer expected;For between us what number of men! and aghastWe stood, as still thicker and thicker the mast. [?mass]But now see Napoleon, who seems in his figure,What we call mediocre, nor smaller, nor bigger;For, in spite of our fears, how it was, I can't tell,What our distance allowed of, we saw very well.But, in this we're full right, for now, hurry scurry,Boat rows against boat, with the madness of fury;The show was all over, but time was out staidBy some, and by others, attempts were still madeTo get round the ship, in hopes Bonaparte mightAt some place yet be seen, thus to perfect their sight."
"There is nothing so dull as mere fact, you'll admit,While you read my detail, unenlivened by wit.My friends will believe, though they're told it in rhyme,That I thought to return in a far shorter time.When at once we're resolv'd, by half past on the move,And by two, but a trio, we reach Mutton Cove;When approaching the quay, such a rabble and rout,That we ask, 'My good friend, what is all this about?''They are rowing a race, and some boats are come in,While these people are waiting till t'others begin.'Well aware of our folly, with risible lip,The boatman we told to make haste totheship;On the colours of fish,[8]here by hampers-full landing,We gaze for amuzement, while still we're kept standing;At length to the Admiral's stairs we have got,See his party on board, and hear tunes from his yacht.The day is delightful, the gale just enoughFor the sea to look lively, without being rough.With those first at the ship, our sight costs the dearer,As we've longer to wait, and not in the end, nearer;For by land, and by water, so different the case is,'Twas long before we were jam'd into our places;But on further advice, we'll at present be dumb,For half the spectators, you know, are now come.In one boat, a bevy, all sarcenet and veil,In the next some good fellows are toping their ale.'Avast! here's the gun boat.' 'Aye, here it come smack.'And the ladies cry, 'Captain, they'll drive us all back.'Then some bully our men, with 'Skull out there, skull out.'And others check these with, 'Mind what you're about.'Here's a crazy old boat, laded dry with a shoe,There, a gay painted barge is forced on our view;In this, while Don Solus is jeered by the mob,'See that empty boat, turn it out.' 'Here's a fine job.'Cries one, of some dozens squeezed into the next,'I've left the pork pie, Oh dear, I'm so vex'd.'In the long boat, that shows a profusion of oar,From the Captain bursts forth a most terrible roarAt his men; but the anger about whom, or what,Though they may remember, we soon had forgot.Here, infants were crying, mothers scolding outright,While the next party laughs at some comical sight.Now, watches and spy-glasses make their appearance,And Impatience, that vixen, begins interference;To beguile her, through portholes we eagerly stare,For the nobles on deck are all taking the air.'Hey-dey, what a bustle!' then 'All safe, all safe.'The crowd is return'd to its chatter and laugh.'Pray, what was the matter?' 'From the boat, near the ship,A woman fell over, and so got a dip.'But a hum of applause, yes, his triumph is full,Yet this hum of applause has betrayed our John Bull,'What hum of applause? come, I prithee, be brief.'Why, John was delighted to see themship beef.With a smile 'tis observed by the Briton polite,How the glee of the crowd was improv'd, by the sight,For the rough, honest tar, had declared from his heart,That he thought this a sight that would beat Bonaparte.Some, again, with composure, predict peace and war,Others look at the great folks, and fancy a star;But we, much fatigued, six o'clock now approaching,And on our good nature we thought them encroaching,When boats are made bridges, nay, tempted to thinkThat through some of these freedoms, not strange we should sink.But here I must mention, when all was most merry,As here is each size, from the long-boat to wherry,When the crowd should disperse, I was fearful, I own,Lest your small boats, by barges, should then be run down.But a truce with our hopes, our predictions and fears,For now, yes, at last, our grand object appears;And now, every eye to the ship is directed,Though to see Bonaparte, I no longer expected;For between us what number of men! and aghastWe stood, as still thicker and thicker the mast. [?mass]But now see Napoleon, who seems in his figure,What we call mediocre, nor smaller, nor bigger;For, in spite of our fears, how it was, I can't tell,What our distance allowed of, we saw very well.But, in this we're full right, for now, hurry scurry,Boat rows against boat, with the madness of fury;The show was all over, but time was out staidBy some, and by others, attempts were still madeTo get round the ship, in hopes Bonaparte mightAt some place yet be seen, thus to perfect their sight."
This doggerel helps us to realize the intense desire of the British public to get, at least, a glimpse at Boney, that great bugbear, who for so many years had been so great a terror to them, and whose existence, every one, from the highest to the lowest, had acutely felt in that tenderest place of our social economy—the breeches pocket. They all but carried out the threat, made twelve years previously,of putting him inPidcock's Menagerie, vide the following extracts from a contemporary pamphlet[9]:—
"The desire of all ranks to see him was excessive; the guard boats were unable to prevent them from closing the ship, and it was amusement on board to look at the boats contending for places. Napoleon generally walked the quarter-deck about eleven in the forenoon and half-past six in the afternoon. He ate but two meals in the day, both alike, meat of every description, different wines, coffee, fruit, &c. Immediately after each meal, he rose first, and the others followed; he then either went on the quarter-deck, or in the after-cabin to study. The comedy ofThe Poor Gentleman[10]was performed before him. He was much pleased at it; it went off very well. The scenery was good, but somewhat better dresses were wanted for thefemale midshipmen.[11]
"The immense number of persons who daily flock from all parts of the country to take a view of the person of Napoleon, is incalculable. He generally gratified the public curiosity by making his appearance every afternoon for two hours.
"Upwards of one thousand boats were from morning to night round theBellerophon. The seamen of theBellerophonadopted a curious mode to give an account tothe curious spectators in the boats of the movements of Napoleon. They wrote in chalk on a board, which they exhibited, a short account of his different occupations. 'At breakfast.'—'In the cabin with Captain Maitland.'—'Writing with his officers.'—'Going to dinner.'—'Coming upon deck,' &c."
Las Cases says: "It was known that he always appeared on deck towards five o'clock. A short time before this hour all the boats collected alongside of each other; there were thousands; and so closely were they connected that the water could no longer be seen between them. They looked more like a multitude assembled in a public square than anything else. When the Emperor came out, the noise and gestures of so many people presented a most striking spectacle; it was, at the same time, very easy to perceive that nothing hostile was meant, and that, if curiosity had brought them, they felt interested on going away. We could even see that the latter sentiment continued to increase; at first, people merely looked toward the ship, they ended by saluting: some remained uncovered, and, occasionally, went so far as to cheer. Even our symbols began to appear amongst them. Several individuals of both sexes came decorated with red carnations."
Napoleon knew that St. Helena had been fixed upon as the place of his future residence, and did not at all relish the idea; but it was not officially announced tohim until July 30th or 31st, when Lord Keith went on board theBellerophon, and presented him with the following despatch:—
"Communication made by Lord Keith in the name of the English Ministers."As it may, perhaps, be convenient for General Buonaparte to learn, without further delay, the intentions of the British Government with regard to him, your Lordship will communicate the following information."It would be inconsistent with our duty towards our country, and the Allies of his Majesty, if General Buonaparte possessed the means of again disturbing the repose of Europe. It is on this account that it becomes absolutely necessary he should be restrained in his personal liberty, so far as this is required by the foregoing important object."The island of St. Helena has been chosen as his future residence; its climate is healthy, and its local position will allow of his being treated with more indulgence than could be admitted in any other spot, owing to the indispensable precautions which it would be necessary to employ for the security of his person."General Buonaparte is allowed to select amongst those persons who accompanied him to England (with the exception of Generals Savary and Lallemand) three officers, who, together with his surgeon, will have permissionto accompany him to St. Helena; these individuals will not be allowed to quit the island without the sanction of the British Government."Rear-Admiral Sir George Cockburn, who is named Commander-in-Chief at the Cape of Good Hope and seas adjacent, will convey General Buonaparte and his suite to St. Helena; and he will receive detailed instructions relative to the execution of this service."Sir G. Cockburn will, most probably, be ready to sail in a few days; for which reason it is desirable that General Buonaparte should make choice of the persons who are to accompany him without delay."
"Communication made by Lord Keith in the name of the English Ministers.
"As it may, perhaps, be convenient for General Buonaparte to learn, without further delay, the intentions of the British Government with regard to him, your Lordship will communicate the following information.
"It would be inconsistent with our duty towards our country, and the Allies of his Majesty, if General Buonaparte possessed the means of again disturbing the repose of Europe. It is on this account that it becomes absolutely necessary he should be restrained in his personal liberty, so far as this is required by the foregoing important object.
"The island of St. Helena has been chosen as his future residence; its climate is healthy, and its local position will allow of his being treated with more indulgence than could be admitted in any other spot, owing to the indispensable precautions which it would be necessary to employ for the security of his person.
"General Buonaparte is allowed to select amongst those persons who accompanied him to England (with the exception of Generals Savary and Lallemand) three officers, who, together with his surgeon, will have permissionto accompany him to St. Helena; these individuals will not be allowed to quit the island without the sanction of the British Government.
"Rear-Admiral Sir George Cockburn, who is named Commander-in-Chief at the Cape of Good Hope and seas adjacent, will convey General Buonaparte and his suite to St. Helena; and he will receive detailed instructions relative to the execution of this service.
"Sir G. Cockburn will, most probably, be ready to sail in a few days; for which reason it is desirable that General Buonaparte should make choice of the persons who are to accompany him without delay."
"Of this interview Las Cases says: "I was not called before the Emperor. The bearers of his sentence spoke, and understood French; they were admitted alone. I have since heard that he objected, and protested, with no less energy than logic, against the violence exercised on his person. 'He was the guest of England,' said Napoleon, 'and not its prisoner; he came of his own accord to place himself under the protection of its laws; the most sacred rights of hospitality were violated in his person; he would never submit voluntarily to the outrage they were preparing for him: violence, alone, should oblige him to do so,' &c."
That the Government was in earnest as to his departure was soon shown, for orders came on August 4thfor theBellerophonto weigh and join theNorthumberland, which was the ship in which Napoleon was to take his passage to St. Helena. He issued a formal protest:—
"I hereby solemnly protest in the face of heaven and mankind against the violence that is done me; and the violation of my most sacred rights, in forcibly disposing of my person and liberty. I voluntarily came on board theBellerophon—I am not the prisoner, I am the guest of England. I came at the instigation of the Captain himself, who said he had orders from the Government to receive, and convey me to England, together with my suite, if agreeable to me. I came forward, with confidence, to place myself under the protection of the laws of England. When once on board theBellerophon, I was entitled to the hospitality of the British people. If the Government, in giving the Captain of theBellerophonorders to receive me and my followers, only wished to lay a snare, it has forfeited its honour, and disgraced its flag."If this act be consummated, it will be in vain for the English henceforth to talk of their sincerity, their laws, and liberties. British faith will have been lost in the hospitality of theBellerophon."I appeal to History; it will say that an enemy who made war for twenty years against the English people, came spontaneously, in the hour of misfortune, to seek an asylum under their laws. What more striking proofcould he give of his esteem and confidence? But how did England reply to such an act of magnanimity? It pretended to hold out a hospitable hand to this enemy; and, on giving himself up with confidence, he was immolated!"Napoleon."Bellerophon, at Sea,Friday, Aug. 4, 1815."
"I hereby solemnly protest in the face of heaven and mankind against the violence that is done me; and the violation of my most sacred rights, in forcibly disposing of my person and liberty. I voluntarily came on board theBellerophon—I am not the prisoner, I am the guest of England. I came at the instigation of the Captain himself, who said he had orders from the Government to receive, and convey me to England, together with my suite, if agreeable to me. I came forward, with confidence, to place myself under the protection of the laws of England. When once on board theBellerophon, I was entitled to the hospitality of the British people. If the Government, in giving the Captain of theBellerophonorders to receive me and my followers, only wished to lay a snare, it has forfeited its honour, and disgraced its flag.
"If this act be consummated, it will be in vain for the English henceforth to talk of their sincerity, their laws, and liberties. British faith will have been lost in the hospitality of theBellerophon.
"I appeal to History; it will say that an enemy who made war for twenty years against the English people, came spontaneously, in the hour of misfortune, to seek an asylum under their laws. What more striking proofcould he give of his esteem and confidence? But how did England reply to such an act of magnanimity? It pretended to hold out a hospitable hand to this enemy; and, on giving himself up with confidence, he was immolated!
"Napoleon.
"Bellerophon, at Sea,Friday, Aug. 4, 1815."
This might have been good logic had it not been for the little episode of Elba, which showed that neither honour, nor treaties, could bind him, and the contiguity of England to France was far too near. His residence here would be a fruitful source of intrigue and danger to both countries. Every reason of sound policy was for his complete isolation; but, whether that sentence was carried out either humanely, or with even a show of deference to Napoleon's feelings, is another question, which needs no discussion here.
On the 6th they anchored off Start Point, and were soon joined by theNorthumberlandand two frigates, full of soldiers, who were to form the garrison of St. Helena. By order, the arms of Napoleon's suite were taken from them, but the ex-Emperor was allowed to retain his sword. All their money, diamonds, and saleable effects were put under seal, but Napoleon kept his plate, baggage, wines, and provisions. The search of his personal effects greatly exasperated him.
BOXIANA; OR, THE FANCY.(Published by Mr. Jones, 5, Newgate Street, October 1, 1815.)
BOXIANA; OR, THE FANCY.
(Published by Mr. Jones, 5, Newgate Street, October 1, 1815.)
Between one and two o'clock p.m. of the 7th of August the transfer from theBellerophonto theNorthumberlandwas made, and then, as there was nothing else to wait for, "Cæsar and his fortunes" sailed from St. Helena.
There were but a very few satirical prints anent him published after his departure, and, I think, not one after the news of his safe arrival at St. Helena. There was a sense of relief that now he was powerless for mischief, and a revulsion of feeling set in. It was then the heyday of Boxing, and it was felt repugnant to all feelings of English manliness, to "hit a man when he was down." The Prince of Wales was severely remarked on for his conduct to his illustrious Captive, and the following poetry was exceedingly popular.
This illustration, which is separate from, but goes well with the song, is called "Boxiana, or theFancy," and the poem is an "Epistle fromTom CribbtoBig Ben, containing some Foul Play in a Pugilistic Encounter," August, 1815:—
"What, Ben! my big hero, is this thy renown?Isthisthenew Go—kick a man when he's down?When the foe hasknockt under, to tread on him then?By the fist of my father, I blush for thee,Ben!Foul! Foul!all theLads of the Fancyexclaim—Charley Shockis electrified—Belcherspits flame—AndMolyneux—aye, even Blackey, cries Shame!Time was, whenJohn Bulllittle difference spied,'Twixt the foe at his feet, and the friend at his side;When he found (such his humour in fighting and eating),His foe, like his beefsteak, the better for beating!But this comes, MasterBen, of your curst foreign notions,Your trinkets, wigs, thingambobs, gold lace, and lotions;Your Noyeau's Curacoa's, and the Devil knows what—(One swig ofBlue Ruinis worth the whole lot.)Your great and smallcrosses(my eyes! what a brood!)A cross buttock frommewould do some of 'em good—Which have spoil'd you, till hardly a drop, my old porpus,Of pure Englishclaretis left in yourcorpus.And (asJimsays) the only one trick, good or bad,Of theFancy, you're up to, isfibbing, my lad!Hence it comes,Boxiana, disgrace to thy page!—Havingfloor'd, by good luck, the firstSwellof the Age,Having conquer'd theprime onethatmill'dus all round,You kick'd him, oldBen, as he gasp'd on the ground!—Aye—just at the time to show spunk, if you'd any,Kick'd him, and jaw'd, andlag'd[12]him to Botany!Oh, shade of the Cheesemonger![13]you who, alas!Doubled up, by the dozen, those Mounseers in brass,On that great day ofmilling,[14]when blood lay in lakes,When Kings held the bottle, and Europe the Stakes,Look down uponBen, see him,Dunghillall o'er,Moult the fall'n foe that can harm him no more;Out, cowardlySpooney! again and again.By the fist of my father, I blush for thee,Ben!To show thewhite feather[15]is many men's doom,But what ofonefeather!Benboasts a wholePlume!!"
"What, Ben! my big hero, is this thy renown?Isthisthenew Go—kick a man when he's down?When the foe hasknockt under, to tread on him then?By the fist of my father, I blush for thee,Ben!Foul! Foul!all theLads of the Fancyexclaim—Charley Shockis electrified—Belcherspits flame—AndMolyneux—aye, even Blackey, cries Shame!Time was, whenJohn Bulllittle difference spied,'Twixt the foe at his feet, and the friend at his side;When he found (such his humour in fighting and eating),His foe, like his beefsteak, the better for beating!But this comes, MasterBen, of your curst foreign notions,Your trinkets, wigs, thingambobs, gold lace, and lotions;Your Noyeau's Curacoa's, and the Devil knows what—(One swig ofBlue Ruinis worth the whole lot.)Your great and smallcrosses(my eyes! what a brood!)A cross buttock frommewould do some of 'em good—Which have spoil'd you, till hardly a drop, my old porpus,Of pure Englishclaretis left in yourcorpus.And (asJimsays) the only one trick, good or bad,Of theFancy, you're up to, isfibbing, my lad!Hence it comes,Boxiana, disgrace to thy page!—Havingfloor'd, by good luck, the firstSwellof the Age,Having conquer'd theprime onethatmill'dus all round,You kick'd him, oldBen, as he gasp'd on the ground!—Aye—just at the time to show spunk, if you'd any,Kick'd him, and jaw'd, andlag'd[12]him to Botany!Oh, shade of the Cheesemonger![13]you who, alas!Doubled up, by the dozen, those Mounseers in brass,On that great day ofmilling,[14]when blood lay in lakes,When Kings held the bottle, and Europe the Stakes,Look down uponBen, see him,Dunghillall o'er,Moult the fall'n foe that can harm him no more;Out, cowardlySpooney! again and again.By the fist of my father, I blush for thee,Ben!To show thewhite feather[15]is many men's doom,But what ofonefeather!Benboasts a wholePlume!!"
"What, Ben! my big hero, is this thy renown?Isthisthenew Go—kick a man when he's down?When the foe hasknockt under, to tread on him then?By the fist of my father, I blush for thee,Ben!Foul! Foul!all theLads of the Fancyexclaim—Charley Shockis electrified—Belcherspits flame—AndMolyneux—aye, even Blackey, cries Shame!
Time was, whenJohn Bulllittle difference spied,'Twixt the foe at his feet, and the friend at his side;When he found (such his humour in fighting and eating),His foe, like his beefsteak, the better for beating!But this comes, MasterBen, of your curst foreign notions,Your trinkets, wigs, thingambobs, gold lace, and lotions;Your Noyeau's Curacoa's, and the Devil knows what—(One swig ofBlue Ruinis worth the whole lot.)Your great and smallcrosses(my eyes! what a brood!)A cross buttock frommewould do some of 'em good—Which have spoil'd you, till hardly a drop, my old porpus,Of pure Englishclaretis left in yourcorpus.And (asJimsays) the only one trick, good or bad,Of theFancy, you're up to, isfibbing, my lad!Hence it comes,Boxiana, disgrace to thy page!—Havingfloor'd, by good luck, the firstSwellof the Age,Having conquer'd theprime onethatmill'dus all round,You kick'd him, oldBen, as he gasp'd on the ground!—Aye—just at the time to show spunk, if you'd any,Kick'd him, and jaw'd, andlag'd[12]him to Botany!
Oh, shade of the Cheesemonger![13]you who, alas!Doubled up, by the dozen, those Mounseers in brass,On that great day ofmilling,[14]when blood lay in lakes,When Kings held the bottle, and Europe the Stakes,Look down uponBen, see him,Dunghillall o'er,Moult the fall'n foe that can harm him no more;Out, cowardlySpooney! again and again.By the fist of my father, I blush for thee,Ben!To show thewhite feather[15]is many men's doom,But what ofonefeather!Benboasts a wholePlume!!"
And so Napoleon fades away.
Effects of Napoleon's capture — The Navy in 1815 — Margate and Ramsgate — French Prisoners of war — Treaty of Peace with France — Napoleon's house — A soldier's letter — A zealous Lord Mayor — Hotels and clubs in 1815.
The effect of the capture and banishment of Napoleon was felt immediately, a great strain was taken off Europe, and it was known to all, that the peace, after so long a conflict, would be enduring. On the 17th of August we read, "The impressment of seamen is directed to be discontinued at all the seaports, as also the receiving of volunteers, except for the peace establishment. Orders have been issued at the different ports to pay off the Navy; and the seamen are to be sent to their respective homes, in small vessels, to be in readiness for that purpose."
The Navy was a rough school then, and the officers mainly came from a very different class to that from which they are now recruited. What a Midshipman'sberth was like then, we may learn from the following extract from a letter:
"The Midshipman, whoseFriends were not born before him, as the phrase goes, is easily distinguished amongst his more fortunate companions in arms; you generally see him attired like the prodigal son returning from his occupation of a swineherd, than a British officer. His perforated worsted hose, shoes which have a very great resemblance tosandals, threadbare pantaloons which were once blue, a tattered 'uniform!' coat, and a slouched hat, show that 'poverty, and not his will, consents.'
"A Midshipman's berth (in a dark cockpit under water) has long been proverbial for the convenience, and elegance of its comforts; a large deal table, abundantly ornamented with hieroglyphicks, a form, and some broken chairs, two beautiful brass candlesticks, well charged with grease, lights which seem to render darkness more visible, about ten plates and dishes, seven knives and forks, five pewter spoons, with cups and saucers in proportion, two old decanters without necks, and a very large stock of empty bottles, usually form the earthly stock of its utensils. To describe the valet, or attendant, would, indeed, be a difficult task; perhaps the reader can call to mind Le Sage's description of Domingo, whose vigilance prevented Gil Blas' escape from the Cavern? If so, I need not trouble you with anything further on the subject, except that the one is, generally, the counterpart of the other."
In the following, under date of October 3rd, we see the germ of our present steam navy: "We understand that a distinguished British Officer, who had an opportunity of viewing the steam frigate at New York, pronounced it to be the most formidable battery of defence ever invented (they are to be stationed at all their different seaports): and the Officer alluded to, has, we hear, strongly recommended their adoption, particularly for the Bay of Gibraltar."
Steam had already been introduced into our Mercantile marine, and we find (September), "AMargatehoy of large dimensions, propelled by steam, goes constantly to and fro from London to Margate. From its novelty, and the certainty of its arrival within a given time (about twelve hours), it is much thronged with passengers."
It was the fashionable month for those popular watering-places, Margate and Ramsgate, and how our grandparents took their holidays is thus described: "How very different is a watering-place from the rest of the world! In a commercial town every face you meet, carries the word 'business,' every one seems so absorbed in his own cares, as not even to be conscious of the existence of his fellow men. Life seems to have an object, you involuntarily quicken your pace, cast your eyes straight forward, and enumerate to yourself the several matters you have to transact. There is nothing of all this at a Watering-Place, there you find theinhabitants divided into two classes,gapers, andsmilers. By the gapers must be understood, those who are here to spend their money, and be amused; and, by the smilers, those who are here to gain their money, and be maintained.
"Now the employment of the gapers is to lie in bed all the fore part of the day, 'the dewy hour of prime,' to wear a great coat, brown hat, brown shoes, bathe, and ride half a mile on a donkey, with a boy behind to whip it, read the newspapers during the middle of the day, and in the evening to dine, to go to a promenade in a ballroom, where during nine-tenths of the time every one sits still; or, to the theatre, where the pure air, and pure light of heaven are shut out, to make room for otto of roses and Argand lamps. Thus the amusements of the citizen are scarcely varied by his journey, or, rather, his voyage, for the packets bring the mass of visitors to Margate. The first effort the worthy Cit makes to get rid of the foul air of London, is to stow himself and family on board the hoy; here he finds eighty or a hundred amateurs of fresh air. Then if the wind be fair, and not too strong, they proceed tolerably well, but should the wind be foul, which Heaven in its great mercy forefend, such a scene opens, such qualms, and faintings,
'Such revisitings,As make day hideous, and us poor fools of natureMost horribly to shake our dispositions.'"
'Such revisitings,As make day hideous, and us poor fools of natureMost horribly to shake our dispositions.'"
Although there was virtually peace throughout Europe, the Definitive Treaty of Peace, between the Allied Powers and France, was not signed until the 20th of November, at Paris: consequently the prisoners of war were not released. We can well understand the irritation of the poor fellows, who knew that it was only red tape that was preventing their return to their country and homes, and are, therefore, not surprised to hear (September 13th), that "the prisoners in confinement on board the prison ships at Cowes, meditated escape on the night of the 1st instant, but their plans were fortunately detected, through the perseverance and exertions of Lieutenant Whaley, 18th Regiment of Foot, Commanding Officer on board the ships. To show the length they intended to go, if necessary, to effect their purpose, they had actually sworn themselves to secrecy, by drinking their own blood mixed with cold water."
They were rather expensive acquaintances, for I find that the cost of them, during the greater part of the war, for provisions, clothing, and superintendence, was calculated in detail, to amount to £1000 per diem—and this was exclusive of building materials used for their prisons.
The text of the Treaty arrived here on the 27th of November. London was illuminated, Peace was proclaimed, as was also a Day of Thanksgiving.
Napoleon's House and furniture were manufacturedhere, and were ready for shipment by the end of October. I have but space to describe the house; suffice it to say, that the furniture was fitted for the use of an opulent gentleman, rather than for the quondam ruler of Europe. "The framework for the house is nearly completed at Woolwich. The front is in the Grecian style. It is about 120 feet in length, containing fourteen windows, and a fine open corridor. The depth of the building is about 100 feet, with a back corridor, almost making the whole structure square.—It is two stories high, and will have an elegant cottage appearance. The ground-floor of the right division of the house, contains Bonaparte's apartments. In the centre of this wing is his drawing-room, which, as well as the other apartments for his accommodation, is about 30 feet in length, by a breadth of 20. This proportion runs through the whole. Next, is his dining-room, with an adjoining library, behind which, is a capacious billiard-room. His bedroom, dressing-room, and bath, are of course connected. The left division of the edifice contains apartments for the officers of his suite. The rear comprises the servants' and store rooms. The kitchen is detached from the regular building, and yet perfectly convenient to the dining-room, without communicating any offensive fumes to the principal range of rooms. This is of no small value in a sultry climate. The Hall is plain, and merely furnished with seats. The Corridors will furnish a cool and shaded promenade."
China, stationery, and two fowling-pieces, one with percussion locks, and every necessary appertaining to them were sent out, as well as artisans to fit up the house; and the whole of this consignment, weighed nearly five hundred tons.
The following letter, which seems genuine, tells a tale of what our soldiers went through in the early part of this century:—