Bolbec, showing much attention and interest in examining
the products of the industries of the district, complimenting
the guards of honor who passed before him on their
fine appearance, thanking the clergy for the prayers
in his behalf which they addressed to Heaven, and leaving
for the poor, either in their own hands, or in the
hands of the mayor, souvenirs of his stay. On
the arrival of the First Consul at Havre, the city
was illuminated; and the First Consul and his numerous
cortege passed between two rows of illuminations and
columns of fire of all kinds. The vessels in
the port appeared like a forest on fire; being covered
with colored lamps to the very top of their masts.
The First Consul received, the day of his arrival
at Havre, only a part of the authorities of the city,
and soon after retired, saying that he was fatigued;
but at six o’clock in the morning of the next
day he was on horseback, and until two o’clock
he rode along the seacoast and low hills of Ingouville
for more than a league, and the banks of the Seine
as far as the cliffs of Hoc. He also made a tour
outside of the citadel. About three o’clock
the First Consul began to receive the authorities.
He conversed with them in great detail upon the work
that had, been done at this place in order that their
port, which he always called the port of Paris, might
reach the highest degree of prosperity, and did the
sub-prefect, the mayor, the two presidents of the tribunals,
the commandant of the place, and the chief of the tenth
demi-brigade of light infantry the honor of inviting
them to his table.
In the evening the First Consul went to the theater,
where they played a piece composed for the occasion,
about as admirable as such pieces usually are, but
on which the First Consul and Madame Bonaparte especially
complimented the authors. The illuminations were
more brilliant even than on the evening before; and
I remember especially that the largest number of transparencies
bore the inscription, 18th Brumaire, year VIII.
Sunday, at seven o’clock in the morning, after
having visited the Marine Arsenal and all the docks,
the weather being very fine, the First Consul embarked
in a little barge, and remained in the roadstead for
several hours, escorted by a large number of barges
filled with men and elegantly dressed women, and musicians
playing the favorite airs of the First Consul.
Then a few hours were again passed in the reception
of merchants, the First Consul assuring them that
he had taken the greatest pleasure in conferring with
them in regard to the commerce of Havre with the colonies.
In the evening, there was a fete prepared by the merchants,
at which the First Consul remained for half an hour;
and on Monday, at five o’clock in the morning,
he embarked on a lugger for Honfleur. At the
time of his departure the weather was a little threatening,
and the First Consul was advised not to embark.
Madame Bonaparte, whose ears this rumor reached, ran
after her husband, begging him not to set out; but