—­[Joseph Bonaparte (Erreurs, tome i. p. 273) says what he reported to his brother was Bourrienne’s conversation to him in the First Consul’s cabinet during Napoleon’s absence.  It is curious that at the only time when Napoleon became dissatisfied with Meneval (Bourrienne’s successor), and ordered him not to open the letters, he used the same expression when returning to the usual order of business, which in this case was to a few hours.  “My dear Meneval,” said he, “there are circumstances in which I am forced to put my confidence in quarantine.” (Meneval, tome i. p. 123).  For any one who has had to manage an office it is pleasant to find that even Napoleon was much dependent on a good secretary.  In an illness of his secretary he said, showing the encumbrance of his desk, “with Meneval I should soon clear off all that."(Meneval, tome i. p. 151.)]

CHAPTER IV.

1800-1801

Austria bribed by England—­M. de St. Julien in Paris—­Duroc’s mission—­Rupture of the armistice—­Surrender of three garrisons—­ M. Otto in London—­Battle of Hohenlinden—­Madame Moreau and Madame Hulot—­Bonaparte’s ill-treatment of the latter—­Congress of Luneville—­General Clarke—­M.  Maret—­Peace between France and Austria—­Joseph Bonaparte’s speculations in the funds—­ M. de Talleyrand’s advice—­Post-office regulation—­Cambaceres—­ Importance of good dinners in the affairs of Government—­Steamboats and intriguers—­Death of Paul I.—­New thoughts of the reestablishment of Poland—­Duroc at St. Petersburg—­Bribe rejected—­ Death of Abercromby.

Mm armistice concluded after the battle of Marengo, which had been first broken and then resumed, continued to be observed for some time between the armies of the Rhine and Italy and the Imperial armies.  But Austria, bribed by a subsidy of 2,000,000 sterling, would not treat for peace without the participation of England.  She did not despair of recommencing the war successfully.

M. de St. Julien had signed preliminaries at Paris; but the Court of Vienna disavowed them, and Duroc, whom Bonaparte sent to convey the preliminaries to Vienna for the Imperial ratification, was not permitted to pass the Austrian advance poets.  This unexpected proceeding, the result of the all-powerful influence of England, justly incensed the First Consul, who had given decided proofs of moderation and a wish for peace.  “I want peace,” said he to me, “to enable me to organise the interior; the people also want it.  You see the conditions I offer.  Austria, though beaten, obtains all she got at Campo-Formio.  What can she want more?  I could make further exactions; but, without fearing the reverses of 1799, I must think of the future.  Besides, I want tranquillity, to enable me to settle the affairs of the interior, and to send aid to Malta and Egypt.  But I will not be trifled with.  I will force an immediate decision!”