—­[Joachim Murat (1771-1616), the son of an innkeeper, aide de camp to Napoleon in Italy, etc.; Marshal, 1804; Prince in 1806; Grand Admiral; Grand Duc de Berg et de Clesves, 1808; King of Naples, 1808.  Shot by Bourbons 13th October 1815.  Married Caroline Bonaparte (third sister of Napoleon) 20th January 1600.]—­

It may reasonably be supposed that Madame Bonaparte, in endeavouring to win the friendship of Murat by aiding his promotion, had in view to gain one partisan more to oppose to the family and brothers of Bonaparte; and of this kind of support she had much need.  Their jealous hatred was displayed on every occasion; and the amiable Josephine, whose only fault was being too much of the woman, was continually tormented by sad presentiments.  Carried away by the easiness of her character, she did not perceive that the coquetry which enlisted for her so many defenders also supplied her implacable enemies with weapons to use against her.

In this state of things Josephine, who was well convinced that she had attached Murat to herself by the bonds of friendship and gratitude, and ardently desired to see him united to Bonaparte by a family connection, favoured with all her influence his marriage with Caroline.  She was not ignorant that a close intimacy had already sprung up at Milan between Caroline and Murat, and she was the first to propose a marriage.  Murat hesitated, and went to consult M. Collot, who was a good adviser in all things, and whose intimacy with Bonaparte had initiated him into all the secrets of the family.  M. Collot advised Murat to lose no time, but to go to the First Consul and formally demand the hand of his sister.  Murat followed his advice.  Did he do well?  It was to this step that he owed the throne of Naples.  If he had abstained he would not have been shot at Pizzo.  ‘Sed ipsi Dei fata rumpere non possunt!’

However that might be, Bonaparte received, more in the manner of a sovereign than of a brother in arms, the proposal of Murat.  He heard him with unmoved gravity, said that he would consider the matter, but gave no positive answer.

This affair was, as may be supposed, the subject of conversation in the evening in the; salon of the Luxembourg.  Madame Bonaparte employed all her powers of persuasion to obtain the First Consul’s consent, and her efforts were seconded by Hortense, Eugene, and myself, “Murat,” said he, among other things, “Murat is an innkeeper’s son.  In the elevated rank where glory and fortune have placed me, I never can mix his blood with mine!  Besides, there is no hurry:  I shall see by and by.”  We forcibly described to him the reciprocal affection of the two young people, and did not fail to bring to his observation Murat’s devoted attachment to his person, his splendid courage and noble conduct in Egypt.  “Yes,” said he, with warmth, “I agree with you; Murat was superb at Aboukir.”  We did not allow so favourable a moment to pass by.