event, which circumstances had rendered inevitable, what should we have cared for the chance of seeing the Bourbons return?  You must have remarked that the Republicans, who were not Conventionists, were in general more averse than we to the proceedings of the 18th Brumaire, as, for example, Bernadotte and Moreau.  I know positively that Moreau was averse to the Consulate; and that it was only from irresolution that he accepted the custody of the Directory.  I know also that he excused himself to his prisoners for the duty which had devolved upon him.  They themselves told me this.”

Fouche entered further into many details respecting his conduct, and the motives which had urged him to do what he did in favour of the First Consul.  My memory does not enable me to report all he told me, but I distinctly recollect that the impression made on my mind by what fell from him was, that he had acted merely with a view to his own interests.  He did not conceal his satisfaction at having outwitted Regnier, and obliged Bonaparte to recall him, that he set in motion every spring calculated to unite the conspirators, or rather to convert the discontented into conspirators, is evident from the following remarks which fell from him:  “With the information I possessed, had I remained in office it is probable that I might have prevented the conspiracy, but Bonaparte would still have had to fear the rivalry of Moreau.  He would not have been Emperor; and we should still have had to dread the return of the Bourbons, of which, thank God, there is now no fear.”

During my stay at Pont-Carry I said but little to Fouche about my long audience with the Emperor.  However, I thought I might inform him that I was authorised to correspond directly with his Majesty.  I thought it useless to conceal this fact, since he would soon learn it through his agents.  I also said a few words about Bonaparte’s regret at not having children.  My object was to learn Fouche’s opinion on this subject, and it was not without a feeling of indignation that I heard him say, “It is to be hoped the Empress will soon die.  Her death will remove many difficulties.  Sooner or later he must take a wife who will bear him a child; for as long as he has no direct heir there is every chance that his death will be the signal for a Revolution.  His brothers are perfectly incapable of filling his place, and a new party would rise up in favour of the Bourbons; which must be prevented above all things.  At present they are not dangerous, though they still have active and devoted agents.  Altona is full of them, and you will be surrounded by them.  I beg of you to keep a watchful eye upon them, and render me a strict account of all their movements, and even of their most trivial actions.  As they have recourse to all sorts of disguises, you cannot be too vigilant; therefore it will be advisable, in the first place, to establish a good system of espionage; but have a care of the spies who serve both sides, for they swarm in Germany.”