General approbation of the 18th Brumaire—­Distress of the treasury—­ M. Collot’s generosity—­Bonaparte’s ingratitude—­Gohier set at Liberty—­Constitution of the year VIII.—­The Senate, Tribunate, and Council of State—­Notes required on the character of candidates—­ Bonaparte’s love of integrity and talent—­Influence of habit over him—­His hatred of the Tribunate—­Provisional concessions—­The first Consular Ministry—­Mediocrity of La Place—­Proscription lists—­ Cambaceres report—­M.  Moreau de Worms—­Character of Sieyes—­ Bonaparte at the Luxembourg—­Distribution of the day and visits—­ Lebrun’s opposition—­Bonaparte’s singing—­His boyish tricks—­ Assumption of the titles “Madame” and “Monseigneur”—­The men of the Revolution and the partisans of the Bourbons—­Bonaparte’s fears—­ Confidential notes on candidates for office and the assemblies.

It cannot be denied that France hailed, almost with unanimous voice, Bonaparte’s accession to the Consulship as a blessing of Providence.  I do not speak now of the ulterior consequences of that event; I speak only of the fact itself, and its first results, such as the repeal of the law of hostages, and the compulsory loan of a hundred millions.  Doubtless the legality of the acts of the 18th Brumaire may be disputed; but who will venture to say that the immediate result of that day ought not to be regarded as a great blessing to France?  Whoever denies this can have no idea of the wretched state of every branch of the administration at that deplorable epoch.  A few persons blamed the 18th Brumaire; but no one regretted the Directory, with the exception, perhaps, of the five Directors themselves.  But we will say no more of the Directorial Government.  What an administration!  In what a state were the finances of France!  Would it be believed? on the second day of the Consulate, when Bonaparte wished to send a courier to General Championet, commander-in-chief of the army of Italy, the treasury had not 1200 francs disposable to give to the courier!

It may be supposed that in the first moments of a new Government money would be wanted.  M. Collot, who had served under Bonaparte in Italy, and whose conduct and administration deserved nothing but praise, was one of the first who came to the Consul’s assistance.  In this instance M. Collot was as zealous as disinterested.  He gave the Consul 500,000 francs in gold, for which service he was badly rewarded.  Bonaparte afterwards behaved to M. Collot as though he was anxious to punish him for being rich.  This sum, which at the time made so fine an appearance in the Consular treasury, was not repaid for a long time after, and then without interest.  This was not, indeed, the only instance in which M. Collot had cause to complain of Bonaparte, who was never inclined to acknowledge his important services, nor even to render justice to his conduct.

On the morning of the 20th Brumaire Bonaparte sent his brother Louis to inform the Director Gohier that he was free.  This haste in relieving Gohier was not without a reason, for Bonaparte was anxious to install himself in the Luxembourg, and we went there that same evening.