The First Consul, in a communication to the Legislative Body on the state of France and on her foreign relations; had said, “England, single-handed, cannot cope with France.”  This sufficed to irritate the susceptibility of English pride, and the British Cabinet affected to regard it as a threat.  However, it was no such thing.  When Bonaparte threatened, his words were infinitely more energetic.  The passage above cited was merely au assurance to France; and if we only look at the past efforts and sacrifices made by England to stir up enemies to France on the Continent, we may be justified in supposing that her anger at Bonaparte’s declaration arose from a conviction of its truth.  Singly opposed to France, England could doubtless have done her much harm, especially by assailing the scattered remnants of her navy; but she could have done nothing against France on the Continent.  The two powers, unaided by allies, might have continued long at war without any considerable acts of hostility.

The first effect of the declaration of war by England was the invasion of Hanover by the French troops under General Mortier.  The telegraphic despatch by which this news was communicated to Paris was as laconic as correct, and contained, in a few words, the complete history of the expedition.  It ran as follows:  “The French are masters of the Electorate of Hanover, and the enemy’s army are made prisoners of war.”  A day or two after the shop windows of the print-sellers were filled with caricatures on the English, and particularly on the Duke of Cambridge.  I recollect seeing one in which the Duke was represented reviewing his troops mounted on a crab.  I mention these trifles because, as I was then living entirely at leisure, in the Rue Hauteville, I used frequently to take a stroll on the Boulevards, where I was sometimes much amused with these prints; and I could not help remarking, that in large cities such triffles have more influence on the public mind than is usually supposed.

The First Consul thought the taking of the prisoners in Hanover a good opportunity to exchange them for those taken from us by the English navy.  A proposition to this effect was accordingly made; but the English Cabinet was of opinion that, though the King of England was also Elector of Hanover, yet there was no identity between the two Governments, of both which George iii. was the head.  In consequence of this subtle distinction the proposition for the exchange of prisoners fell to the ground.  At this period nothing could exceed the animosity of the two Governments towards each other, and Bonaparte, on the declaration of war, marked his indignation by an act which no consideration can justify; I allude to the order for the arrest of all the English in France—­a truly barbarious measure; for; can anything be more cruel and unjust than to visit individuals with the vengeance due to the Government whose subjects they may happen to be?  But Bonaparte, when under the influence of anger, was never troubled by scruples.