sibly could was exhibited to Antommarchi on
his arrival at Longwood. He states that hefore he was permitted to enter
on his functions as surgeon he was required to take an oath that he would
not communicate with the English, and that he would more especially avoid
giving them the least information respecting the progress of Napoleon's
disorder. He was not allowed to see his illustrious patient until the
oath was taken. After exacting such an oath from his physician the
attendants of Bonaparte had little right to complain, as they did, that
the real state of his disorder was purposely concealed from the world by
the English Government. It is more than probable that the constant
attempts observed to throw mystery and secrecy around them must have
tended to create the suspicion of escape, and to increase the consequent
rigour of the regulations maintained by the Governor.

Soon after the arrival of the priests Napoleon determined, we may suppose
partly in jest, to elevate one of them to the dignity of bishop, and he
chose for a diocese the Jumna. "The last box brought from Europe had
been broken open," says Antommarchi; "it contained the vases and church
ornaments."--"Stop," said Napoleon, "this is the property of St. Peter;
have a care who touches it; send for the abbes--but talking of the abbes,
do you know that the Cardinal [Fesch] is a poor creature? He sends me
missionaries and propagandists, as if I were a penitent, and as if a
whole string of their Eminences had not always attended at my chapel.
I will do what he ought to have done; I possess the right of investiture,
and I shall use it." Abbe Buonavita was just entering the room, "I give
you the episcopal mitre."--"Sire!"--"I restore it to you; you shall wear
it in spite of the heretics; they will not again take it from you."--
"But, Sire!"--"I cannot add to it so rich a benefice as that of Valencia,
which Suchet had given you, but at any rate your see shall be secure from
the chances of battles. I appoint you Bishop of--let me see--of the
Jumna. The vast countries through which that river flows were on the
point of entering into alliance with me--all was in readiness, all were
going to march. We were about to give the finishing blow to England."
The speech concluded with an order to Count Montholon to procure the
necessary dress for the abbe in order to strike with awe all the
heretics. The upshot of the whole was, that the scarlet and violet
coloured clothes neces