be expected of him.  Bonaparte was jealous of some generals, the rivalry of whose ambition he feared; but on this subject Desaix gave him no uneasiness; equally remarkable for his unassuming disposition, his talent, and information, he proved by his conduct that he loved glory for her own sake, and that every wish for the possession of political power was foreign to his mind.  Bonaparte’s friendship for him was enthusiastic.  At this interview at Stradella, Desaix was closeted with the First Consul for upwards of three hours.  On the day after his arrival an order of the day communicated to the army that Desaix was appointed to the command of Boudet’s division.

—­[Boudet was on terms of great intimacy with Bonaparte, who, no doubt, was much affected at his death.  However, the only remark he made on receiving the intelligence, was “Who the devil shall I get to supply Boudet’s place?”—­Bourrienne.

The command given to Desaix was a corps especially formed of the two divisions of Boudet and Monnier (Savary, tome i. p. 262).  Boudet was not killed at Marengo, still less before (see Erreurs, tome i. p. 14).]—­

I expressed to Bonaparte my surprise at his long interview with Desaix.  “Yes,” replied he, “he has been a long time with me; but you know what a favourite he is.  As soon as I return to Paris I will make him War Minister.  I would make him a prince if I could.  He is quite an antique character.”  Desaix died two days after he had completed his thirty-third year, and in less than a week after the above observations.

About this time M. Collot came to Italy and saw Bonaparte at Milan.  The latter received him coldly, though he had not yet gained the battle of Marengo.  M. Collot had been on the most intimate footing with Bonaparte, and had rendered him many valuable services.  These circumstances sufficiently accounted for Bonaparte’s coolness, for he would never acknowledge himself under obligations to any one, and he did not like those who were initiated into certain family secrets which he had resolved to conceal.

—­[The day after the interview I had a long conversation with M. Collot while Bonaparte was gone to review some corps stationed at Milan.  M. Collot perfectly understood the cause of the unkind treatment he had experienced, and of which he gave me the following explanation: 

Some days before the Consulate—­that is to say, two or three days after our return from Egypt,—­Bonaparte, during his jealous fit, spoke to M. Collot about his wife, her levities, and their publicity.  “Henceforth,” said Bonaparte, “I will have nothing to do with her.”—­“What, would you part from her?”—­“Does not her conduct justify me in so doing?”—­“I do not know; but is this the time to think of such a thing, when the eyes of all France are fixed upon you?  These domestic squabbles will degrade you in the eyes of the people, who expect you to