eturn
was not very favourable. They had now been six weeks at the Briars,
during which Napoleon had been nearly as much confined as if on board the
vessel. His health began to be impaired by it. Las Cases gave it as his
opinion that the Emperor did not possess that constitution of iron which
was usually ascribed to him; and that it was the strength of his mind,
not of his body, that carried him through the labours of the field and of
the cabinet. In speaking on this subject Napoleon himself observed that.
nature had endowed him with two peculiarities: one was the power of
sleeping at any hour or in any place; the other, his being incapable of
committing any excess either in eating or drinking: "If," said he, "I go
the least beyond my mark my stomach instantly revolts." He was subject
to nausea from very slight causes, and to colds from any change of air.

The prisoners removed to Longwood on the 10th of December 1815. Napoleon
invited Mr. Balcombe to breakfast with him that morning, and conversed
with him in a very cheerful manner. About two Admiral Cockburn was
announced; he entered with an air of embarrassment. In consequence of
the restraints imposed upon him at the Briars, and the manner in which
those of his suite residing in the town had been treated, Bonaparte had
discontinued receiving the visits of the Admiral; yet on the present
occasion he behaved towards him as though nothing had happened. At
length they left the Briars and set out for Longwood. Napoleon rode the
horse, a small, sprightly, and tolerably handsome animal, which had been
brought for him from the Cape. He wore his uniform of the Chasseurs of
the Guard, and his graceful manner and handsome countenance were
particularly remarked. The Admiral was very attentive to him. At the
entrance of Longwood they found a guard under arms who rendered the
prescribed honours to their illustrious captive. His horse, unaccustomed
to parades, and frightened by the roll of the dram, refused to pass the
gate till spurred on by Napoleon, while a significant look passed among
the escort. The Admiral took great pains to point out the minutest
details at Longwood. He had himself superintended all the arrangements,
among which was a bath-room. Bonaparte was satisfied with everything,
and the Admiral seemed highly pleased. He had anticipated petulance and
disdain, but Napoleon manifested perfect good-humour.

The entrance to the house was through a room which had been just