at Paris, expressed himself thus:  “I will put an end to these conspiracies.  If any of the emigrants conspire they shall be shot.  I have been told that Cobentzel harbours some of them.  I do not believe this; but if it be true, Cobentzel shall be arrested and shot along with them.  I will let the Bourbons know I am not to be trifled with.”  The above statement of facts accounts for the suppositions respecting the probable influence of the Jacobins in this affair.  It has been said, not without some appearance of reason, that to get the Jacobins to help him to ascend the throne Bonaparte consented to sacrifice a victim of the blood royal, as the only pledge capable of ensuring them against the return of the proscribed family.  Be this as it may, there are no possible means of relieving Bonaparte from his share of guilt in the death of the Due d’Enghien.

To the above facts, which came within my own knowledge, I may add the following curious story, which was related to me by an individual who himself heard it from the secretary of General Davoust.

Davoust was commanding a division in the camp of Boulogne, and his secretary when proceeding thither to join him met in the diligence a man who seemed to be absorbed in affliction.  This man during the whole journey never once broke silence but by some deep sighs, which he had not power to repress.  General Davoust’s secretary observed him with curiosity and interest, but did not venture to intrude upon his grief by any conversation.  The concourse of travellers from Paris to the camp was, however, at that time very great, and the inn at which the diligence stopped in the evening was so crowded that it was impossible to assign a chamber to each traveller.  Two, therefore, were put into one room, and it so happened that the secretary was lodged with his mysterious travelling companion.

When they were alone he addressed him in a torso of interest which banished all appearance of intrusion.  He inquired whether the cause of his grief was of a nature to admit of any alleviation, and offered to render him any assistance in his power.  “Sir,” replied the stranger, “I am much obliged for the sympathy you express for me—­I want nothing.  There is no possible consolation for me.  My affliction can end only with my life.  You shall judge for yourself, for the interest you seem to take in my misfortune fully justifies my confidence.  I was quartermaster in the select gendarmerie, and formed part of a detachment which was ordered to Vincennes.  I passed the night there under arms, and at daybreak was ordered down to the moat with six men.  An execution was to take place.  The prisoner was brought out, and I gave the word to fire.  The man fell, and after the execution I learned that we had shot the Due d’Enghien.  Judge of my horror! . . .  I knew the prisoner only by the name of the brigand of La Vendee! . . .  I could no longer remain in the service—­I obtained my discharge, and am about to retire to my family.  Would that I had done so sooner!” The above has been related to me and other persons by Davoust’s secretary, whom I shall not name.