andant les Croisieres avant Rochefort."

TRANSLATION.

"SIR,

"The Emperor Napoleon having abdicated the throne of France, and
chosen the United States of America as a retreat, is, with his suite,
at present embarked on board the two frigates which are in this port,
for the purpose of proceeding to his destination. He expects a
passport from the British Government, which has been promised to him,
and which induces me to send the present flag of truce, to demand of
you, Sir, if you have any knowledge of the above-mentioned passport,
or if you think it is the intention of the British Government to throw
any impediment in the way of our voyage to the United States. I shall
feel much obliged by your giving me any information you may possess on
the subject.

"I have directed the bearers of this letter to present to you my
thanks, and to apologise for the trouble it may cause.

"I have the honour to be,
Your Excellency's most obedient, &c. &c.
Grand Marshal Count BERTRAND."

"To the Admiral commanding the Squadron before Rochefort."

The bearers of the letter had instructions to demand of me, whether I
would prevent Buonaparte from proceeding in a neutral vessel, provided
I could not permit the frigates to pass with him on board. Having
received, in my orders, the strictest injunctions to secrecy, and
feeling that the force on the coast, at my disposal, was insufficient
to guard the different ports and passages from which an escape might
be effected, particularly should the plan be adopted of putting to sea
in a small vessel; I wrote the following reply to the above
communication; hoping, by that means, to induce Napoleon to remain for
the Admiral's answer, which would give time for the arrival of
reinforcements.

"H.M.S. Bellerophon,
off Rochefort, July 10th, 1815.

"SIR,

"I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date,
addressed to the Admiral commanding the English cruisers before
Rochefort, acquainting me that the Emperor, having abdicated the
throne of France, and chosen the United States of America as an
asylum, is now embarked on board the frigates, to proceed for that
destination, and awaits a passport from the English Government; and
requesting to know if I have any knowledge of such passport; or if I
think it is the intention of the Engli