most generous of my enemies.

NAPOLEON."

On reading the above, I told Monsieur Las Cases that I would receive
Buonaparte on board, and immediately forward General Gourgaud to
England by the Slaney, along with my despatches to the Admiralty; but
that he would not be allowed to land until permission was received
from London, or the sanction of the Admiral at the port he might
arrive at obtained. I assured him, however, that the copy of the
letter with which he was charged would be forwarded without loss of
time, and presented by the Ministers to his Royal Highness. Count Las
Cases then asked for paper, that he might communicate by letter to
Bertrand my acquiescence in the proposal he had brought, for my
receiving, and conveying to England, Buonaparte and his suite.

When General Gourgaud was about to write the letter, to prevent any
future misunderstanding, I said, "Monsieur Las Cases, you will
recollect that I am not authorised to stipulate as to the reception of
Buonaparte in England, but that he must consider himself entirely at
the disposal of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent." He answered, "I
am perfectly aware of that, and have already acquainted the Emperor
with what you said on the subject."

It might, perhaps, have been better if this declaration had been given
in an official written form; and could I have foreseen the discussions
which afterwards took place, and which will appear in the sequel, I
undoubtedly should have done so; but as I repeatedly made it in the
presence of witnesses, it did not occur to me as being necessary; and
how could a stronger proof be adduced, that no stipulations were
agreed to respecting the reception of Buonaparte in England, than the
fact of their not being reduced to writing? which certainly would have
been the case had any favourable terms been demanded on the part of
Monsieur Las Cases, and agreed to by me.

The French boat was soon after despatched with the letter to Bertrand,
in charge of a French naval officer, who had attended Las Cases on
board; and as soon as I had finished the following despatch to the
Secretary of the Admiralty, I sent Captain Sartorius, of the Slaney,
to England, accompanied by General Gourgaud.

Extract of a Letter from Captain Maitland, of His Majesty's ship
Bellerophon, addressed to the Secretary of the Admiralty, dated in
Basque Roads, 14th July, 1815.

"For the informati