Note 3 — INTRODUCTION.
Reading edition
On my return to Europe, chance threw the following documents in my way, relative to the above circumstance. I transcribe them here, because I believe they are unknown to the public. They have been copied from the originals, and require no commentary.
Copy of a letter from the Commission of Government to Marshal Prince d’Eckmuhl, Minister at War.
Paris, June 27th, 1815.
Sir,—Such is the state of affairs that it is indispensable for Napoleon to decide on departing, and proceeding to the Isle of Aix. If he does not determine to do so on your notifying to him the annexed resolutions, you are to cause him to be watched at Malmaison, to prevent his escape. For this purpose, you will place a requisite portion of gendarmerie and troops of the line at the disposal of General Becker, so as to guard all the avenues leading to Malmaison in every direction. You will give orders to the chief inspector of gendarmerie to this effect. These measures must be kept as secret as possible.
This letter is intended for yourself; but General Becker, who will be charged with delivering the resolutions to Napoleon, will receive particular instructions from your Excellency, and inform Napoleon that they have been drawn up with a view to the interest of the state, and for the safety of his person; that their prompt execution is indispensable; and, finally, that his future interests make them absolutely necessary.
(Signed) The Duke of Otranto.
Copy of the resolutions entered into by the Commission of Government, extracted from the Minutes of the department of the Secretary of State.
Paris, June 26th, 1815.
The Commission of Government resolves as follows:
Art. I. The Minister of Marine shall give orders for two frigates to be prepared at Rochefort, to convey Napoleon Bonaparte to the United States. Art. II. Should he require it, a sufficient escort shall attend him to the place of embarkation under the orders of Lieutenant-general Becker, who will be instructed to provide for his safety.
Art. III. The Director-general of Posts will, on his part, give the necessary orders relative to the relays.
Art. IV. The Minister of Marine will issue the requisite orders for insuring the immediate return of the frigates, after the disembarkation.
Art. V. The frigates are not to quit Rochefort before the arrival of the safe-conducts.
Art. VI. The Ministers of Marine, War, and Finances, are each charged with the execution of that part of the present resolutions which concerns them respectively.
(Signed) The Duke of Otranto.
By order of the Commission of Government, the Assistant Secretary of State.
(Signed) Count Berlier.
Copy of the Duke of Otranto’s letter to the Minister at War.
Paris, June 27th, 1815, at noon.
Sir,—I transmit to you a copy of the letter I have just written to the Minister of Marine, relative to Napoleon. A perusal of it will convince you of the necessity of giving orders to General Becker not to separate himself from the person of Napoleon, whilst the latter remains in the roads of Aix.
(Signed) The Duke of Otranto.
Copy of the letter to the Minister of Marine alluded to in the foregoing.
Paris, June 27th, 1815, noon.
Sir,—The Commission reminds you of the instructions it transmitted to you an hour ago. The resolutions must be executed as prescribed by the Commission yesterday; and according to which, Napoleon Bonaparte will remain in the roads of Aix until the arrival of his passports.
The welfare of the State, which cannot be indifferent to him, requires that he should remain there until his fate and that of his family has been definitively regulated. Every means will be employed to render the result of the negotiation satisfactory to him. The honour of France is interested in it; but, in the mean time, all possible precautions must be taken for the personal security of Napoleon, and that he does not quit the place which is temporarily assigned him.
The President of the Commission of Government.
(Signed) The Duke of Otranto.
Letter from the Minister at War to General Becker.
Paris, June 27th, 1815.
Sir,—I have the honour of transmitting to you the annexed resolutions which the Commission of Government charges you to notify to the Emperor Napoleon; observing to his Majesty that circumstances are so imperious as to make it indispensable he should decide on setting out for the Isle of Aix. These resolutions, observes the Commission, have been made as much for the safety of his person, as for the interest of the state, which must ever be dear to him.
If his Majesty does not make up his mind, on these resolutions being notified to him, it is the intention of the Commission of Government that the necessary steps shall be taken to prevent the escape of his Majesty and every attempt against his person.
I have to repeat, General, that these resolutions have been adopted for the interest of the state, and for the personal safety of the Emperor; also, that the Commission of Government considers their prompt execution as indispensable for the future welfare of his Majesty and his family.
I have the honour to be, &c.
N. B. The above letter remained without any signature; at the moment of sending it off, the Prince of Eckmuhl observed to his secretary, “I will never sign this letter—sign it yourself, that will be sufficient.” The secretary found himself equally incapable of putting his name to such a communication. Was it sent or not?—This is a point which I cannot decide.