Departing from the order of date, I will anticipate the future, and relate all I know respecting the real causes of the misunderstanding which arose between Bernadotte and Napoleon.  Bonaparte viewed the choice of the Swedes with great displeasure, because he was well aware that Bernadotte had too much integrity and honour to serve him in the north as a political puppet set in motion by means of springs which he might pull at Paris or at his headquarters.  His dissatisfaction upon this point occasioned an interesting correspondence, part of which, consisting of letters from Bernadotte to the Emperor, is in my possession.  The Emperor had allowed Bernadotte to retain in his service, for a year at least, the French officers who were his aides de camp—­but that permission was soon revoked, end the Prince Royal of Sweden wrote to Napoleon a letter of remonstrance.

Napoleon’s dissatisfaction with the Prince Royal now changed to decided resentment.  He repented having acceded to his departure from France, and he made no secret of his sentiments, for he said before his courtiers, “That he would like to send Bernadotte to Vincennes to finish his study of the Swedish language.”  Bernadotte was informed of this, but he could not believe that the Emperor had ever entertained such a design.  However, a conspiracy was formed in Sweden against Bernadotte, whom a party of foreign brigands were hired to kidnap in the neighbourhood of Raga; but the plot was discovered, and the conspirators were compelled to embark without their prey.  The Emperor having at the same time seized upon Swedish Pomerania, the Prince Royal wrote him a second letter in these terms: 

From the papers which have just arrived I learn that a division of the army, under the command of the Prince of Eckmuhl, invaded Swedish Pomerania on the night of the 26th of January; that the division continued to advance, entered the capital of the Duchy, and took possession of the island of Rugen.  The King expects that your Majesty will explain the reasons which have induced you to act in a manner so contrary to the faith of existing treaties.  My old connection with your Majesty warrants me in requesting you to declare your motives without delay, in order that I may give my advice to the King as to the conduct which Sweden ought hereafter to adopt.  This gratuitous outrage against Sweden is felt deeply by the nation, and still more, Sire, by me, to whom is entrusted the honour of defending it.  Though I have contributed to the triumphs of France, though I have always desired to see her respected and happy; yet I can never think of sacrificing the interests, honour, and independence of the country which has adopted me.  Your Majesty, who has so ready a perception of what is just, must admit the propriety of my resolution.  Though I am not jealous of the glory and power which surrounds you, I cannot submit to the dishonour of being regarded as a vassal.  Your Majesty governs the greatest