I asked Bernadotte what he thought of the projects which were attributed to Moreau; whether it was true that he had in him a competitor, and whether Moreau had aspired to the dangerous honour of governing France:  “Those reports,” replied the Prince Royal of Sweden, “are devoid of foundation:  at least I can assure you that in the conversations I have had with the Emperor Alexander, that sovereign never said anything which could warrant such a supposition.  I know that the Emperor of Russia wished to avail himself of the military talents of Moreau in the great struggle that had commenced, and to enable the exiled general to return to his country, in the hope that, should the war prove fortunate, he would enjoy the honours and privileges due to his past services.”

Bernadotte expressed to me astonishment at the recall of the Bourbons, and assured me that he had not expected the French people would so readily have consented to the Restoration.  I confess I was surprised that hernadotte, with the intelligence I knew him to possess, should imagine that the will of subjects has any influence in changes of government!

During his stay in Paris Bernadotte evinced for me the same sentiments of friendship which he had shown me at Hamburg.  One day I received from him a letter, dated Paris, with which he transmitted to me one of the crosses of the Polar Star, which the King of Sweden had left at his disposal.  Bernadotte was not very well satisfied with his residence in Paris, in spite of the friendship which the Emperor Alexander constantly manifested towards him.  After a few days he set out for Sweden, having first taken leave of the Comte d’Artois.  I did not see him after his farewell visit to the Count, so that I know not what was the nature of the conversation which passed between the two Princes.

VOLUME IV. —­ 1814-1815

CHAPTER I.

1814.

Unalterable determination of the Allies with respect to Napoleon—­ Fontainebleau included in the limits to be occupied by the Allies—­ Alexander’s departure from Paris—­Napoleon informed of the necessity of his unconditional abdication—­Macdonald and Ney again sent to Paris—­Alleged attempt of Napoleon to poison himself—­Farewell interview between Macdonald and Napoleon—­The sabre of Murad Bey—­ Signature of the act of unconditional abdication—­Tranquillity of Paris during the change of Government—­Ukase of the Emperor of Russia relative to the Post-office—­Religious ceremony on the Place Louis XV.—­Arrival of the Comte d’Artois—­His entrance into Paris—­ Arrival of the Emperor of Austria—­Singular assemblage of sovereigns in France—­Visit of the Emperor of Austria to Maria Louisa—­Her interview with the Emperor Alexander—­Her departure for Vienna.

When Marmont left Paris on the receipt of the intelligence from Essonne, Marshals Macdonald and Ney and the Duke