ible, and even probable. Thus situated, the enemy
having two frigates and a brig, while the force under my command
consisted of the Bellerophon and Slaney (having detached the Myrmidon
to reinforce the Daphne off the Mamusson passage, where the force was
considerably superior to her, and whence one of the reports stated
Buonaparte meant to sail,) another flag of truce was sent out, for the
ostensible reason of enquiring whether I had received an answer to
the former, but I soon ascertained the real one to be a proposal from
Buonaparte to embark for England in this ship.

"Taking into consideration all the circumstances of the probability of
the escape being effected, if the trial was made either in the
frigates, or clandestinely in a small vessel, as, had this ship been
disabled in action, there was no other with me that could produce any
effect on a frigate, and, from the experience I have had in blockading
the ports of the bay, knowing the impossibility of preventing small
vessels from getting to sea, and looking upon it as of the greatest
importance to get possession of the person of Buonaparte; I was
induced, without hesitation, to accede to the proposal, as far as
taking him on board, and proceeding with him to England: but, at the
same time, stating in the most clear and positive terms, that I had no
authority to make any sort of stipulation as to the reception he was
to meet with.

"I am happy to say, that the measures I have adopted have met with the
approbation of Sir Henry Hotham, and will, I trust and hope, receive
that of your Lordship, as well as of his Majesty's Government."

On the 29th, a conversation took place between Madame Bertrand and
myself, about Buonaparte's voyage to Elba. She asked me if I was
acquainted with Captain Usher. On my answering in the negative, she
said, "The Emperor is very fond of him: he gave him his portrait set
with diamonds, and has another which he intends for you." I replied,
"I hope not, as I cannot accept of it. Captain Usher's situation and
mine were very different, and what might be proper in him would not be
so in me." She rejoined, "If you do not accept of it, you will offend
him very much." "If that is the case," I said, "I shall be obliged to
you to take steps to prevent its being offered, as I wish to save him
the mortification, and myself the pain, of a refusal; and I feel it
absolutely impossible, situated as I am, to take a present from him.
In receiving him o