Brother:—­The King of Spain, Charles iv., has just abdicated.  The Spanish people loudly appeal to me.  Certain of obtaining no solid peace with England unless I cause a great movement on the Continent, I have determined to place a French King on the throne of Spain.  The climate of Holland does not agree with you; besides, Holland cannot rise from her rains.  In the whirlwind of events, whether we have peace or not, there is no possibility of her maintaining herself.  In this state of things I have thought of the throne of Spain for you.  Give me your opinions categorically on this measure.  If I were to name you King of Spain would you accept the offer?  May I count on you?  Answer me these two questions.  Say, “I have received your letter of such a day, I answer Yes,” and then I shall count on your doing what I wish; or say “No” if you decline my proposal.  Let no one enter into your confidence, and mention to no one the object of this letter.  The thing must be done before we confess having thought about it.

(signed) Napoleon.

Before finally seizing Holland Napoleon formed the project of separating Brabant and Zealand from it in exchange for other provinces, the possession of which was doubtful, but Louis successfully resisted this first act of usurpation.  Bonaparte was, too intent on the great business in Spain to risk any commotion in the north, where the declaration of Russia against Sweden already sufficiently occupied him.  He therefore did not insist upon, and even affected indifference to, the proposed augmentation of the territory of the Empire.  This at least may be collected from another letter, dated St. Cloud, 17th August, written upon hearing from M. Alexandre de la Rochefoucauld, his Ambassador in Holland, and from his brother himself, the opposition of Louis to his project.

The letter was as follows:—­

Brother—­I have received your letter relating to that of the Sieur de la Rochefoucauld.  He was only authorised to make the proposals indirectly.  Since the exchange does not please you, let us think no more about it.  It was useless to make a parade of principles, though I never said that you ought not to consult the nation.  The well-informed part of the Dutch people had already acknowledged their indifference to the loss of Brabant, which is connected with France rather than with Holland, and interspersed with expensive fortresses; it might have been advantageously exchanged for the northern provinces.  But, once for all, since you do not like this arrangement, let no more be said about it.  It was useless even to mention it to me, for the Sieur de la Rochefoucauld was instructed merely to hint the matter.

Though ill-humour here evidently peeps out beneath affected condescension, yet the tone of this letter is singularly moderate,—­I may even say kind, in comparison with other letters which Napoleon addressed to Louis.  This letter, it is true,