assigned to Las Cases.  The windows and beds had no curtains.  The furniture was mean and scanty.  Bertrand and his family resided at a distance of two miles, at a place called Rut’s Gate.  General Gourgaud slept under a tent, as well as Mr. O’Meara, and the officer commanding the guard.  The house was surrounded by a garden.  In front, and separated by a tolerably deep ravine, was encamped the 53d Regiment, different parties of which were stationed on the neighbouring heights.

The domestic establishment of the Emperor consisted of eleven persons.  To the Grand-Marshal was confided the general superintendence; to M. de Montholon the domestic details; Las Cases was to take care of the furniture and property, and General Gourgaud to have the management of the stables.  These arrangements, however, produced discontent among Napoleon’s attendants.  Las Cases admits that they were no longer the members of one family, each using his best efforts to promote the advantage of all.  They were far from practising that which necessity dictated.  He says also, “The Admiral has more than once, in the midst of our disputes with him, hastily exclaimed that the Emperor was decidedly the most good-natured, just, and reasonable of the whole set.”

On his first arrival he went to visit the barracks occupied by some Chinese living on the island, and a place called Longwood Farm.  He complained to Las Cases that they had been idle of late; but by degrees their hours and the employment of them became fixed and regular.  The Campaign of Italy being now finished, Napoleon corrected it, and dictated on other subjects.  This was their morning’s work.  They dined between eight and nine, Madame Montholon being seated on Napoleon’s right; Las Cases on his left, and Gourgaud, Montholon, and Las Cases’ son sitting opposite.  The smell of the paint not being yet gone off, they remained not more than ten minutes at table, and the dessert was prepared in the adjoining apartment, where coffee was served up and conversation commenced.  Scenes were read from Moliere, Racine, and Voltaire; and regret was always expressed at their not having a copy of Corneille.  They then played at ‘reversis’, which had been Bonaparte’s favourite game in his youth.  The recollection was agreeable to him, and he thought he could amuse himself at it for any length of time, but was soon undeceived.  His aim was always to make the ‘reversis’, that is, to win every trick.  Character is displayed in the smallest incidents.

Napoleon read a libel on himself, and contrasted the compliments which had passed between him and the Queen of Prussia with the brutal-behaviour ascribed to him in the English newspapers.  On the other hand, two common sailors had at different times, while he was at Longwood and at the Briars, in spite of orders and at all risks, made their way through the sentinels to gain a sight of Napoleon.  On seeing the interest they took in him he exclaimed, “This is fanaticism!  Yes, imagination rules the world!”