—­[Sir Walter Scott, without any authority, states that, at the moment of his departure, Bonaparte seemed disposed to abandon the command of an expedition so doubtful and hazardous, and that for this purpose he endeavoured to take advantage of what had occurred at Vienna.  This must be ranked in the class of inventions, together with Barras mysterious visit to communicate the change of destination, and also the ostracism and honourable exile which the Directory wished to impose on Bonaparte.—­Bourrienne.]—­

It is untrue that he ever entertained the idea of abandoning the expedition in consequence of Bernadotte’s affair.  The following letter to Brueys, dated the 28th of April 1798, proves the contrary: 

Some disturbances which have arisen at Vienna render my presence in Paris necessary for a few days.  This will not change any of the arrangements for the expedition.  I have sent orders by this courier for the troops at Marseilles to embark and proceed to Toulon.  On the evening of the 30th I will send you a courier with orders for you to embark and proceed with the squadron and convoy to Genoa, where I will join you.

   The delay which this fresh event has occasioned will, I imagine,
   have enabled you to complete every preparation.

We left Paris on the 3d of May 1798.  Ten days before Bonaparte’s departure for Egypt a prisoner (Sir Sidney Smith) escaped from the Temple who was destined to contribute materially to his reverses.  An escape so unimportant in itself afterwards caused the failure of the most gigantic projects and daring conceptions.  This escape was pregnant with future events; a false order of the Minister of Police prevented the revolution of the East!

We were at Toulon on the 8th.  Bonaparte knew by the movements of the English that not a moment was to be lost; but adverse winds detained us ten days, which he occupied in attending to the most minute details connected with the fleet.

Bonaparte, whose attention was constantly occupied with his army, made a speech to the soldiers, which I wrote to his dictation, and which appeared in the public papers at the time.  This address was followed by cries of “The Immortal Republic for ever!” and the singing of national hymns.

Those who knew Madame Bonaparte are aware that few women were more amiable and fascinating.  Bonaparte was passionately fond of her, and to enjoy the pleasure of her society as long as possible he brought her with him to Toulon.  Nothing could be more affecting than their parting.  On leaving Toulon Josephine went to the waters of Plombieres.  I recollect that during her stay at Plombieres she incurred great danger from a serious accident.  Whilst she was one day sitting at the balcony of the hotel, with her suite, the balcony suddenly gave way, and all the persons in it fell into the street.  Madame Bonaparte was much hurt, but no serious consequences ensued.