Captain Basil Hall, in August 1817, when in command of the Lyra, had an interview with the Emperor, of whom he says:  “Bonaparte struck me as differing considerably from the pictures and busts’ I had seen of him.  His face and figure looked much broader and more square—­larger, indeed, in every way than any representation I had met with.  His corpulency, at this time universally reported to be excessive, was by no means remarkable.  His flesh looked, on the contrary, firm and muscular.  There was not the least trace of colour in his cheeks; in fact his skin was more like marble than ordinary flesh.  Not the smallest trace of a wrinkle was discernible on his brow, nor an approach to a furrow on any part of his countenance.  His health and spirits, judging from appearances, were excellent, though at this period it was generally believed in England that he was fast sinking under a complication of diseases, and that his spirits were entirely gone.  His manner of speaking was rather slow than otherwise, and perfectly distinct; he waited with great patience and kindness for my answers to his questions, and a reference to Count Bertrand was necessary only once during the whole conversation.  The brilliant and sometimes dazzling expression of his eye could not be overlooked.  It was not, however, a permanent lustre, for it was only remarkable when he was excited by some point of particular interest.  It is impossible to imagine an expression of more entire mildness, I may almost call it of benignity and kindness, than that which played over his features during the whole interview.  If, therefore he were at this time out of health and in low spirits, his power of self-command must have been even more extraordinary than is generally supposed, for his whole deportment, his conversation, and the expression of his countenance indicated a frame in perfect health and a mind at ease.”

The manner assumed by Napoleon in the occasional interviews he had with such visitors was so very opposite to that which he constantly maintained towards the authorities in whose custody he was placed, that we can scarcely doubt he was acting a part in one of those situations.  It was suggested by Mr. Ellis that he either wished, by means of his continual complaints, to keep alive his interest in England, where he flattered himself there was a party favourable to him, or that his troubled mind found an occupation in the annoyance which he caused to the Governor.  Every attempt at conciliation on the part of Sir Hudson Lowe furnished fresh causes for irritation.  He sent fowling-pieces to Longwood, and the thanks returned were a reply from Napoleon that it was an insult to send fowling-pieces where there was no game.  An invitation to a ball was resented vehemently, and descanted upon by the French party as a great offence.  Sir Hudson Lowe at one time sent a variety of clothes and other articles received from England which he imagined might be useful at Longwood.  Great offence was taken at this; they were treated, they said, like paupers; the articles, ought to have been left at the Governor’s house, and a list sent respectfully to the household, stating that such things were at their command if they wanted them.