that the decree might be applied to me, which condemned to imprisonment all who attempted to go there without the authority of the government.  It seemed to me, therefore, much preferable to go to Sweden, that honorable country, whose new chief already gave indications of the glorious conduct which he has since known how to sustain.  But by what road to get to Sweden?  The prefect had given me to understand in all ways, that wherever France commanded, I should be arrested, and how was I to reach the point where she did not command?  I must necessarily pass through Russia, as the whole of Germany was under the French dominion.  But to get to Russia, I must cross Bavaria and Austria.  I could trust my self in the Tyrol, although it was united to a state of the confederation, on account of the courage which its unfortunate inhabitants had shewn.  As to Austria, in spite of the fatal debasement into which she had sunk, I had sufficient confidence in her monarch to believe that he would not deliver me up; but I knew also that he could not defend me.  After having sacrificed the ancient honor of his house, what strength remained to him of any kind?  I spent my days, therefore, in studying the map of Europe to escape from it, as Napoleon studied it to make himself its master, and my campaign, as well as his, always had Russia for its field.  This power was the last asylum of the oppressed; it was therefore that which the conqueror of Europe wished to overthrow.

CHAPTER 3.

Journey in Switzerland with M. de Montmorency.

Determined to go by the way of Russia, I required a passport to enter it.  But a fresh difficulty occurred; I must write to Petersburgh to obtain this passport:  such was the formality which circumstances rendered necessary; and although I was certain of meeting with no refusal from the known generous character of the emperor Alexander, I had reason to be afraid that in the ministerial offices it might be mentioned that I had asked for a passport, and in that way get to the French ambassador’s ears, which would lead to my arrest, and prevent me from executing my project.  It was necessary, therefore, to go first to Vienna, to ask for my passport from thence, and there wait for it.  The six weeks which would be required to send my letter and receive an answer, would be passed under the protection of a ministry which had given the archduchess of Austria to Bonaparte;-could I trust myself to it?  It was clear, however, that by remaining as a hostage, under the hand of Napoleon, I not only renounced the exercise of my own talents, but I prevented my sons from following any public career; they could enter into no service, either for Bonaparte or against him; it was impossible to find an establishment for my daughter, as it was necessary either to separate myself from her, or to confine her to Coppet; and yet if I was arrested in my flight, there was an end of the fortune of my children, who would not have wished to separate themselves from my destiny.