“Exposed to the factions which distract my country and to the enmity of the greatest Powers of Europe, I have closed my political career, and I come, like Themistocles, to throw myself upon the hospitality of the British people.  I put myself under the protection of their laws, which I claim from your Royal Highness, as the most powerful, the most constant, and the most generous of my enemies."[534]

On the 14th Gourgaud and Las Cases took this letter to the “Bellerophon,” whereupon Maitland assured them that he would convey Napoleon to England, Gourgaud preceding them on the “Slaney”; but that the ex-Emperor would be entirely at the disposal of our Government.  This last was made perfectly clear to Las Cases, who understood English, though at first he feigned not to do so; but, unfortunately, Maitland did not exact from him a written acknowledgment of this understanding.  Gourgaud was transferred to the “Slaney,” which soon set sail for Torbay, while Las Cases reported to Napoleon on L’Ile d’Aix what had happened.  Thereupon Bertrand wrote to Maitland that Napoleon would come on board on the morrow: 

" ...  If the Admiral, in consequence of the demand that you have addressed to him, sends you the permits for the United States, His Majesty will go there with pleasure; but in default of them, he will go voluntarily to England as a private individual to enjoy the protection of the laws of your country.”

Now, either Las Cases misinterpreted Maitland’s words and acts, or Napoleon hoped to impose on the captain by the statements just quoted.  Maitland had not sent to Hotham for permits; he held out no hopes of Napoleon’s going to America; he only promised to take him to England to be at the disposal of the Prince Regent.  Napoleon, taking no notice of the last stipulation, now promised to go to England, not as Emperor, but as a private individual.  He took this step soon after dawn on the 15th, when any lingering hopes of his escape were ended by the sight of Admiral Hotham’s ship, “Superb,” in the offing.  On leaving the French brig, “Epervier,” he was greeted with the last cheers of Vive l’Empereur, cheers that died away almost in a wail as his boat drew near to the “Bellerophon.”  There he was greeted respectfully, but without a salute.  He wore the green uniform, with gold and scarlet facings, of a colonel of the Chasseurs a Cheval of the Guard, with white waistcoat and military boots; and Maitland thought him “a remarkably strong, well-built man.”  Keeping up a cheerful demeanour, he asked a number of questions about the ship, and requested to be shown round even thus early, while the men were washing the decks.  He inquired whether the “Bellerophon” would have worsted the two French frigates and acquiesced in Maitland’s affirmative reply.  He expressed admiration of all that he saw, including the portrait of Maitland’s wife hanging in the cabin; and the captain felt the full force of that seductive gift of pleasing, which was not the least important of the great man’s powers.