Napoleon had begun to prepare for his embarkation before daylight on the 15th.  It was time that he did so, for a messenger charged with orders to arrest him had already arrived at Rochefort from the new Government.  The execution of this order was delayed by General Becker for a few hours in order to allow Napoleon sufficient time to escape.  At daybreak, he quitted the ‘Epervier’, and was enthusiastically cheered by the ship’s company so long as the boat was within hearing.  Soon after six he was received on board the ‘Bellerophon’ with respectful silence, but without those honours generally paid to persons of high rank.  Bonaparte was dressed in the uniform of the ‘chasseurs a cheval’ of the Imperial Guard, and wore the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.

On entering the vessel he took off his hat, and addressing Captain Maitland, said, “I am come to throw myself on the protection of the laws of England.”  Napoleon’s manner was well calculated to make a favourable impression on those with whom he conversed.  He requested to be introduced to the officers of the ship, and put various questions to each.  He then went round the ship, although he was informed that the men were cleaning and scouring, and remarked upon anything which struck him as differing from what he had seen on French vessels.  The clean appearance of the men surprised him.  “He then observed,” says Captain Maitland, to whose interesting narrative we refer, “’I can see no sufficient reason why your ships should beat the French ones with so much ease.  The finest men-of-war in your service are French; a French ship is heavier in every respect than one of yours; she carries more guns, and those guns are of a larger calibre, and she has a great many more men.’” His inquiries, which were minute, proved that he had directed much attention to the French navy.

On the first morning Napoleon took breakfast in the English fashion, but observing that his distinguished prisoner did not eat much, Captain Maitland gave direction that for the future a hot breakfast should be served up after the French manner.  ‘The Superb’, the Admiral’s ship, which had been seen in the morning, was now approaching.  Immediately on her anchoring Captain Maitland went on board to give an account of all that had happened, and received the Admiral’s approbation of what he had done.  In the afternoon Admiral Sir Henry Hotham was introduced to Napoleon, and invited by him to dinner.  This was arranged, in order to make it more agreeable to him, by Bonaparte’s maitre d’hotel.  On dinner being announced Napoleon led the way, and seated himself in the centre at one side of the table, desiring Sir Henry Hotham to take the seat on his right, and Madame Bertrand that on his left hand.  On this day Captain Maitland took his seat at the end of the table, but on the following day, by Napoleon’s request, he placed himself on his right hand, whilst General Bertrand took the top.  Two of the ship’s officers dined with the Emperor daily, by express