With the violation of the Swiss territory by the Allied armies, after the consent of the Cantons, is connected a fact of great importance in my life, and which, if I had chosen, might have made a great difference in my destiny.  On Tuesday, the 28th of December, I dined with my old friend, M. Pierlot, and on leaving home I was in the habit of saying where I might be found in case I should be wanted.  At nine o’clock at night an express arrived from the Minister of Police desiring me to come immediately to his office.  I confess, considering the circumstances of the times, and knowing the Emperor’s prejudices against me, such a request coming at such an hour made me feel some uneasiness, and I expected nothing less then a journey to Vincennes.  The Due de Rovigo, by becoming responsible for me, had as yet warded off the blow, and the supervision to which the Emperor had subjected me—­thanks to the good offices of Davoust—­consisted in going three times a week to show myself to Savory.

I accordingly, having first borrowed a night-cap, repaired to the hotel of the Minister of Police.  I was ushered into a well-lighted room, and when I entered I found Savary waiting for me.  He was in full costume, from which I concluded he had just come from the Emperor.  Advancing towards me with an air which showed he had no bad news to communicate, he thus addressed me: 

“Bourrienne, I have just come from the Emperor, who asked me where you were?  I told him you were in Paris, and that I saw you often.  ‘Well,’ continued the Emperor, ’bid him come to me, I want to employ him.  It is three years since he has had anything to do.  I wish to send him as Minister to Switzerland, but he must set off directly.  He must go to the Allies.  He understands German well.  The King of Prussia expressed by letter satisfaction at his conduct towards the Prussians whom the war forced to retire to Hamburg.  He knows Prince Witgenstein, who is the friend of the King of Prussia, and probably is at Lorrach.  He will see all the Germans who are there.  I confidently rely on him, and believe his journey will have a good result.  Caulaincourt will give him his instructions.”

Notwithstanding my extreme surprise at this communication I replied without hesitation that I could not accept the mission; that it was offered too late.  “It perhaps is hoped;” said I, “that the bridge of Bale will be destroyed, and that Switzerland will preserve her neutrality.  But I do not believe any such thing; nay, more, I know positively to the contrary.  I can only repeat the offer comes much too late.”—­“I am very sorry for this resolution,” observed Savory, “but Caulaincourt will perhaps persuade you.  The Emperor wishes you to go the Duo de Vicence to-morrow at one o’clock; he will acquaint you with all the particulars, and give you your instructions.”—­“He may acquaint me with whatever he chooses, but I will not go to Lohraah.”—­“You know the Emperor better than I do, he wishes you to go,