Bonaparte’s affectation in not inviting Moreau at the moment when the latter had returned a conqueror from the army of the Rhine, and at the same time the affectation of Moreau in going publicly the same day to dine at another restaurateur’s, afforded ground for the supposition that the coolness which existed between them would soon be converted into enmity.  The people of Paris naturally thought that the conqueror of Marengo might, without any degradation, have given the conqueror of Hohenlinden a seat at his table.

By the commencement of the year 1802 the Republic had ceased to be anything else than a fiction, or an historical recollection.  All that remained of it was a deceptive inscription on the gates of the Palace.  Even at the time of his installation at the Tuileries, Bonaparte had caused the two trees of liberty which were planted in the court to be cut down; thus removing the outward emblems before he destroyed the reality.  But the moment the Senatorial decisions of the 2d and 4th of August were published it was evident to the dullest perceptions that the power of the First Consul wanted nothing but a name.

After these ‘Consultes’ Bonaparte readily accustomed himself to regard the principal authorities of the State merely as necessary instruments for the exercise of his power.  Interested advisers then crowded round him.  It was seriously proposed that he should restore the ancient titles, as being more in harmony with the new power which the people had confided to him than the republican forms.  He was still of opinion, however, according to his phrase, that “the pear was not yet ripe,” and would not hear this project spoken of for a moment.  “All this,” he said to me one day, “will come in good time; but you must see, Bourrienne, that it is necessary I should, in the first place, assume a title, from which the others that I will give to everybody will naturally take their origin.  The greatest difficulty is surmounted.  There is no longer any person to deceive.  Everybody sees as clear as day that it is only one step which separates the throne from the Consulate for life.  However, we must be cautious.  There are some troublesome fellows in the Tribunate, but I will take care of them.”

Whilst these serious questions agitated men’s minds the greater part of the residents at Malmaison took a trip to Plombieres.  Josephine, Bonaparte’s mother, Madame Beauharnais-Lavallette, Hortense, and General Rapp, were of this party.  It pleased the fancy of the jocund company to address to me a bulletin of the pleasant and unpleasant occurrences of the journey.  I insert this letter merely as a proof of the intimacy which existed between the writers and myself.  It follows, precisely as I have preserved it, with the exception of the blots, for which it will be seen they apologised.

                Anaccount of the journey to Plombieres. 
                    To the Inhabitants of Malmaison.