—­[This intrigue, so called from Talleyrand one of its heads, living in the suburb of Auteuil, arose from the wish of many of the most influential men to be prepared in case of the death of Napoleon in any action in Italy:  It was simply a continuation of the same combinations which had been attempted or planned in 1799, till the arrival of Bonaparte from Egypt made the party choose him as the instrument for the overthrow of the Directors.  There was little secrecy about their plans; see Miot de Melito (tome i p. 276), where Joseph Bonaparte tells his friends all that was being proposed in case his brother fell.  Carnot seems to have been the most probable choice as leader and replacer of Bonaparte.  In the above letter “C——­,” stands for Carrot, “La F——­” for La Fayette, the “High Priest” is Sieyes, and the “friend of Auteuil” is Talleyrand; see Iung’s Lucien, tome i. p. 411.  The postscript seems to refer to a wretched scandal about Caroline, and Lucien; see Iung’s Lucien, tome i. pp. 411, 432-433.  The reader should remark the retention of this and other documents by Bourrienne, which forms one of the charges brought against him farther on.]—­

—­It has been found difficult to decide between C——­ and La F——.  The latter has proposed his daughter in marriage to me.  Intrigue has been carried to the last extreme.  I do not know yet whether the High Priest has decided for one party or the other.  I believe that he would cheat them both for an Orleans, and your friend of Auteuil was at the bottom of all.  The news of the battle of Marengo petrified them, and yet next day the High Priest certainly spent three hours with your friend of Auteuil.  As to us, had the victory of Marengo closed the First Consul’s career we should now have been Proscribed.

Your letters say nothing of what I expected to hear.  I hope at least to be informed of the answer from Vienna before any one.  I am sorry you have not paid me back for the battle of Marengo.

The festival of the 14th of July will be very gratifying.  We expect peace as a certainty, and the triumphant return of the First Consul.  The family is all well.  Your wife and all her family are at Mortfontaine.  Ney is at Paris.  Why do you return with the First Consul?  Peace! and Italy!  Think of our last interview.  I embrace you. 
                       (Signed) Lucien. 
On the margin is written—­

P.S.—­Read the letter addressed to the Consul, and give it to him after you have carefully closed it.

Forward the enclosed.  Madame Murat never lodged in my house.  Her