other papers which were concealed under his arm, but was prevented by the guard.  Furious at this disappointment, he violently resisted the five soldiers who had him in custody, and was not secured until he had been slightly wounded.  His first exclamation on entering prison was, “I am undone!” Loizeau was removed to Paris, and, though I am ignorant of the ultimate fate of this wretch, I am pretty certain that Fouche would take effectual means to prevent him from doing any further mischief.

CHAPTER VI.

1806.

Menaces of Prussia—­Offer for restoring Hanover to England—­Insolent ultimatum—­Commencement of hostilities between France and Prussia—­ Battle of Auerstadt—­Death of the Duke of Brunswick—­Bernadotte in Hamburg—­Davonet and Bernadotte—­The Swedes at Lubeck—­Major Amiel—­ Service rendered to the English Minister at Hamburg—­My appointment of Minister for the King of Naples—­New regulation of the German post-office—­The Confederation of the North—­Devices of the Hanse Towns—­Occupation of Hamburg in the name of the Emperor—­Decree of Berlin—­The military governors of Hamburg—­Brune, Michaud, and Bernadotte.

The moment now approached when war was about to be renewed in Germany, and in proportion as the hopes of peace diminished Prussia redoubled her threats, which were inspired by the recollection of the deeds of the great Frederick.  The idea of peace was hateful to Prussia.  Her measures, which till now had been sufficiently moderate, suddenly assumed a menacing aspect on learning that the Minister of the King of England had declared in Parliament that France had consented to the restitution of Hanover.  The French Ministry intimated to the Prussian Government that this was a preliminary step towards a general peace, and that a large indemnity would be granted in return.  But the King of Prussia, who was well informed, and convinced that the House of Hanover clung to this ancient domain, which gave to England a certain preponderance in Germany, considered himself trifled with, and determined on war.

Under these circumstances Lord Lauderdale was recalled from Paris by his Government.  War continued with England, and was about to commence with Prussia.  The Cabinet of Berlin sent an ultimatum which could scarcely be regarded in any other light than a defiance, and from the well-known character of Napoleon we may judge of his irritation at this ultimatum.

—­[The severity with which Bonaparte treated the press may be inferred from the case of Palm the publisher.  In 1808 Johann Phillip Palm, of Nuremberg, was shot by Napoleon’s order for issuing a pamphlet against the rule of the French in Germany.]—­

The Emperor, after his stay of eight months in Paris passed in abortive negotiations for peace, set out on the 25th of September for the Rhine.