at the time, but I was
sent for, and about seven o'clock in the evening I had my first interview
with the Major. He was the very, beau ideal of a bandit, and would have
been an admirable model for a painter. I was not at all surprised to
hear that on his arrival his wild appearance and huge mustachios had
excited some degree of terror among those who were in the salon. He
described his exploits on the march, and did not disguise his intention
of bringing his troops into Hamburg next day. He talked of the Bank and
of pillage. I tried for some time to divert him from this idea, but
without effect, and at length said to him, "Sir, you know that this is
not the way the Emperor wishes to be served. During the seven years that
I have been about him, I have invariably heard him express his
indignation against those who aggravate the misery which war naturally
brings in her train. It is the express wish of the Emperor that no
damage, no violence whatever, shall be committed on the city or territory
of Hamburg." These few words produced a stronger effect than any
entreaties I could have used, for the mere name of the Emperor made even
the boldest tremble, and Major Amiel next thought of selling his booty.
The Senate were so frightened at the prospect of having Amiel quartered
upon them that to get rid of him they determined to purchase his booty at
once, and even furnished him with guards for his prisoners. I did not
learn till some time afterwards that among the horses Major Amiel had
seized upon the road were those of the Countess Walmoden. Had I known
this fact at the time I should certainly have taken care to have had them
restored to her. Madame Walmoden was then a refugee at Hamburg, and
between her and my family a close intimacy existed. On the very day, I
believe, of the Major's departure the Senate wrote me a letter of thanks
for the protection I afforded the town.

Before the commencement of the Prussian campaign, while anxiety was
entertained respecting the designs of the Cabinet of Berlin, my task was
not an easy one. I exerted all my efforts to acquaint the French
Government with what was passing on the Spree. I announced the first
intelligence of an unexpected movement which had taken place among the
Prussian troops cantoned in the neighbourhood of Hamburg. They suddenly
evacuated Lauenburg, Platzburg, Haarburg, Stade, Twisenfelth, and
Cuxhaven. This extraordinary movement gave rise to a multitude of
surmises. I w