Bonaparte’s joy at the result of the 18th Fructidor.—­His letter to Augerean—­His correspondence with the Directory and proposed resignation—­Explanation of the Directory—­Bottot—­General Clarke—­ Letter from Madame Bacciocchi to Bonaparte—­Autograph letter of the Emperor Francis to Bonaparte—­Arrival of Count Cobentzel—­Autograph note of Bonaparte on the conditions of peace.

Bonaparte was delighted when he heard of the happy issue of the 18th Fructidor.  Its result was the dissolution of the Legislative Body and the fall of the Clichyan party, which for some months had disturbed his tranquillity.  The Clichyans had objected to Joseph Bonaparte’s right to sit as deputy for Liamone in the Council of Five Hundred.

—­[He was ambassador to Rome, and not a deputy at this time.  When he became a member of the council, after his return from Rome, he experienced no opposition (Bourrienne et ses Erreurs, tome i. p. 240).]—­

His brother’s victory removed the difficulty; but the General-in-Chief soon perceived that the ascendant party abused its power, and again compromised the safety of the Republic, by recommencing the Revolutionary Government.  The Directors were alarmed at his discontent and offended by his censure.  They conceived the singular idea of opposing to Bonaparte, Augereau, of whose blind zeal they had received many proofs.  The Directory appointed Augereau commander of the army of Germany.  Augereau, whose extreme vanity was notorious, believed himself in a situation to compete with Bonaparte.  What he built his arrogance on was, that, with a numerous troop, he had arrested some unarmed representatives, and torn the epaulettes from the shoulders of the commandant of the guard of the councils.  The Directory and he filled the headquarters at Passeriano with spies and intriguers.

Bonaparte, who was informed of everything that was going on, laughed at the Directory, and tendered his resignation, in order that he might be supplicated to continue in command.

The following post-Thermidorian letters will prove that the General’s judgment on this point was correct.

On the 2d Vendemiaire, year vi. (23d September 1797), he wrote to Augereau, after having announced the arrival of his ‘aide de camp’ as follows: 

The whole army applauds the wisdom and vigour which you have displayed upon this important occasion, and participates in the success of the country with the enthusiasm and energy which characterise our soldiers.  It is only to be hoped, however, that the Government will not be playing at see saw, and thus throw itself into the opposite party.  Wisdom and moderate views alone can establish the happiness of the country on a sure foundation.  As for myself, this is the most ardent wish of my heart.  I beg that you will sometimes let me know what you are doing in Paris.

On the 4th Vendemiaire Bonaparte wrote a letter to the Directory in the following terms: