In the month of December 1800, while Fouche was searching after the real authors of the attempt of the 3d Nivose, a small pamphlet, entitled “Parallel between Caesar, Cromwell, anal Bonaparte,” was sent to the First Consul.  He was absent when it came.  I read it, and perceived that it openly advocated hereditary monarchy.  I then knew nothing about the origin of this pamphlet, but I soon learned that it issued from the office of the Minister of the Interior [Lucien Bonaparte], and that it had been largely circulated.  After reading it I laid it on the table.  In a few minutes Bonaparte entered, and taking up the pamphlet pretended to look through it:  “Have you read this?” said he.—­“Yes, General.”—­ “Well! what is your opinion of it?”—­“I think it is calculated to produce an unfavourable effect on the public mind:  it is ill-timed, for it prematurely reveals your views.”  The First Consul took the pamphlet and threw it on the ground, as he did all the stupid publications of the day after having slightly glanced over them.  I was not singular in my opinion of the pamphlet, for next day the prefects in the immediate neighbourhood of Paris sent a copy of it to the First Consul, complaining of its mischievous effect; and I recollect that in one of their letters it was stated that such a work was calculated to direct against him the poniards of new assassins.  After reading this correspondence he said to me, “Bourrienne, sent for Fouche; he must come directly, and give an account of this matter.”  In half an hour Fouche was in the First Consul’s cabinet.  No sooner had he entered than the following dialogue took place, in which the impetuous warmth of the one party was strangely contrasted with the phlegmatic and rather sardonic composure of the other.

“What pamphlet is this?  What is said about it in Paris?”—­“General, there is but one opinion of its dangerous tendency.”—­“Well, then, why did you allow it to appear?”—­“General, I was obliged to show some consideration for the author!”—­“Consideration for the author!  What do you mean?  You should have sent him to the temple.”—­“But, General, your brother Lucien patronises this pamphlet.  It has been printed and published by his order.  In short, it comes from the office of the Minister of the Interior.”—­“No matter for that!  Your duty as Minister of Police was to have arrested Lucien, and sent him to the Temple.  The fool does nothing but contrive how he can commit me!”

With these words the First Consul left the cabinet, shutting the door violently behind him.  Being now alone with Fouche, I was eager to get an explanation of the suppressed smile which had more than once curled his lips during Bonaparte’s angry expostulation.  I easily perceived that there was something in reserve.  “Send the author to the Temple!” said Fouche; “that would be no easy matter!  Alarmed at the effect which this parallel between Caesar, Cromwell, and Bonaparte was likely to produce, I went to Lucien to point out to him his imprudence.  He made me no answer, but went and got a manuscript, which he showed me, and which contained corrections and annotations in the First Consul’s handwriting.”