stcoat
and breeches. The following day he appeared in shoes, with gold
buckles, and silk stockings--the dress he always wore afterwards,
while with me.

On leaving the Epervier, he was cheered by her ship's company as long
as the boat was within hearing; and Mr Mott informed me that most of
the officers and men had tears in their eyes.

General Bertrand came first up the ship's side, and said to me, "The
Emperor is in the boat." He then ascended, and, when he came on the
quarter-deck, pulled off his hat, and, addressing me in a firm tone of
voice, said, "I am come to throw myself on the protection of your
Prince and laws." When I showed him into the cabin, he looked round
and said, "Une belle chambre," "This is a handsome cabin." I answered,
"Such as it is, Sir, it is at your service while you remain on board
the ship I command." He then looked at a portrait that was hanging
up, and said, "Qui est cette jeune personne?" "Who is that young
lady?" "My wife," I replied. "Ah! elle est tres jeune et tres jolie,"
"Ah! she is both young and pretty."[4] He then asked what countrywoman
she was, begged to know if I had any children, and put a number of
questions respecting my country, and the service I had seen. He next
requested I would send for the officers, and introduce them to him:
which was done according to their rank. He asked several questions of
each, as to the place of his birth, the situation he held in the ship,
the length of time he had served, and the actions he had been in. He
then expressed a desire to go round the ship; but, as the men had not
done cleaning, I told him it was customary to clean the lower decks
immediately after their breakfast, that they were then so employed,
and, if he would defer visiting the ship until they had finished, he
would see her to more advantage.

[Footnote 4: I have been induced to insert Buonaparte's
observation on Mrs M.'s portrait, as well as one he made on
seeing her alongside of the Bellerophon in Plymouth Sound, as
they show, in a strong point of view, a peculiar trait in his
character; that of making a favourable impression on those
with whom he conversed, by seizing every opportunity of
saying what he considered would be pleasing and flattering to
their feelings.

[I have passed over the important and interesting passage
respecting Mrs M. I trust she will consent it should remain