“It is not true,” says he, “that Barras proposed Bonaparte for the chief command of the army in Italy.  I myself did it.  But time was allowed to intervene, so as to ascertain whether Bonaparte would succeed before Barras congratulated himself, and then only to his confidants, that it was he who had made this proposition to the Directory.  Had Bonaparte not answered the expectations, then I should have been the one to blame:  then it would have been I who had chosen a young, inexperienced, intriguing man; and I who had betrayed the nation, for the other members did not interfere in war-matters; upon me all responsibility would have fallen.  But as Bonaparte is victorious, then it must be Barras who appointed him!  To Barras alone are the people indebted for this nomination!  He is Bonaparte’s protector, his defender against my attacks!  I am jealous of Bonaparte; I cross him in all his plans; I lower his character; I persecute him; I refuse him all assistance; I, in all probability, am to plunge him into ruin!”—­such were the calumnies which at that time filled the journals bribed by Barras. [Footnote:  “Response de L. N. M. Carnot, citoyen francais, l’un des fondateurs de la republique, et membre constitutionnel du Directoire executif an rapport fait sur la conjuration du 18 Fructidor an conseil des Cinq Cents.”]

To Carnot, the secretary of war of the republic, did Bonaparte go, to ask of him the command of the army in Italy.  But Carnot answered him, as he had already before Aubry, the minister of war, “You are too young.”

“Let us put appearances and age aside,” said Bonaparte, impatiently.  “Alexander, Scipio, Conde, and many others, though still younger than I, marched armies to brilliant conquests, and decided the fate of whole kingdoms.  I believe I have given a few proofs of what I can achieve, if I am set at the right place; and I burn with great longing to serve my country, to obtain victories over despots who hate France because they fear, calumniate, and envy her!”

“I know you are a good patriot,” said Carnot, slowly turning his head; “I know and appreciate your services, and you may rest assured that the obstacles which I place in your path are not directed against you personally.  But do you know the situation of our army?  It is devoured by the quartermaster; betrayed and sold, I fear, by its general, and demoralized, notwithstanding its successes!  That army needs every thing, even discipline, whilst the enemy’s army has all that we need.  We want nearly a miracle to be victorious.  Whoever is to lead to success our disordered, famished, disorganized army must, above all things, possess its full confidence.  Besides which, without further events, I cannot dismiss the commanding general, Scherer, but I must wait until some new disgrace furnishes me the right to do so.  You know all.  Judge for yourself.”

“I have already made all these objections within my own mind,” replied Bonaparte, quietly; “yet I do not despair that if you will give me your advice and assistance, I will overcome all these difficulties.  Listen to me, and I will let you know my plan for the arrangement of the war, and I am convinced you will give it your sanction.”