had excited some degree of terror among those who were in the salon.  He described his exploits on the march, and did not disguise his intention of bringing his troops into Hamburg next day.  He talked of the Bank and of pillage.  I tried for some time to divert him from this idea, but without effect, and at length said to him, “Sir, you know that this is not the way the Emperor wishes to be served.  During the seven years that I have been about him, I have invariably heard him express his indignation against those who aggravate the misery which war naturally brings in her train.  It is the express wish of the Emperor that no damage, no violence whatever, shall be committed on the city or territory of Hamburg.”  These few words produced a stronger effect than any entreaties I could have used, for the mere name of the Emperor made even the boldest tremble, and Major Amiel next thought of selling his booty.  The Senate were so frightened at the prospect of having Amiel quartered upon them that to get rid of him they determined to purchase his booty at once, and even furnished him with guards for his prisoners.  I did not learn till some time afterwards that among the horses Major Amiel had seized upon the road were those of the Countess Walmoden.  Had I known this fact at the time I should certainly have taken care to have had them restored to her.  Madame Walmoden was then a refugee at Hamburg, and between her and my family a close intimacy existed.  On the very day, I believe, of the Major’s departure the Senate wrote me a letter of thanks for the protection I afforded the town.

Before the commencement of the Prussian campaign, while anxiety was entertained respecting the designs of the Cabinet of Berlin, my task was not an easy one.  I exerted all my efforts to acquaint the French Government with what was passing on the Spree.  I announced the first intelligence of an unexpected movement which had taken place among the Prussian troops cantoned in the neighbourhood of Hamburg.  They suddenly evacuated Lauenburg, Platzburg, Haarburg, Stade, Twisenfelth, and Cuxhaven.  This extraordinary movement gave rise to a multitude of surmises.  I was not wrong when I informed the French Government that, according to every probability, Prussia was about to declare hostilities against France, and to enter into an alliance with England.

I much regretted that my situation did not allow me more frequent opportunities of meeting Mr. Thornton, the English Minister to the circle of Lower Saxony.  However; I saw him sometimes, and had on two different occasions the opportunity of rendering him some service.  Mr. Thornton had requested me to execute a little private business for him, the success of which depended on the Emperor.  I made the necessary communication to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, adding in my letter that Mr. Thornton’s conduct towards the French who had come in any way in contact with him had ever been just and liberal, and that I should receive great pleasure in being able to announce to him the success of his application.  His request was granted.