his troops, no longer as emperor, but as a simple general.

This accounts for the reluctance with which he quitted Paris, and for his afterwards lingering at Malmaison, notwithstanding the hints of some of his counsellors that he was yet too near the capital, and the urgent entreaties of others to save himself, ere too late, by a prudent retreat.

The mingled attachment and fear of his old ministers had provided a swift-sailing vessel in which he might now have fled from Rochfort, without molestation, and sought refuge on the hospitable shores of America. It was fortunate for Europe that his indecision, and the longing lingering look which he still cast on the crown prevented him from escaping while the opportunity was afforded him. Under the protection of the American government he might have maintained a secure correspondence with the few who yet adhered to his cause, and would have been regarded as a constant object of terror and alarm; the coalesced sovereigns must still have maintained a military attitude; and availing himself of the first disturbances which occured in France or any other country, he would have appeared in some unlooked-for moment, and renewed the scenes of devastation and blood from which Europe could be delivered only by the absolute destruction of This political existence.

In the meantime crowds of fugitives from Waterloo poured into the city; and many troops were recalled from the south to the defence of the capital. As their numbers increased, their disposition became more and more evident. Their rage at the abdication of Napoleon knew no bounds. They openly announced their determination to force him, even against his will, to appear once more at their head. Many tumults occurred, and almost every night human blood flowed in the streets of Paris.

A connexion between these events and some of the inhabitants of Malmaison was clearly traced. Buonaparte himself was not suspected, but the rash zeal of some of his officers was accused and it might be pleaded as their apology, that though they did not act under the direct orders of their master, they well knew that he would not have been displeased had their efforts to reinstate him succeeded.

In consequence of these events, Buonaparte was waited on by some of the members of the government, who urged in strong, and no very respectful terms, the necessity of his departure for Rochfort. Muchaltercation ensued. Buonaparte accused them of violating their sacred promise to respect his person and interests. "Could this," he asked, "be reconciled with their present wish and endeavour to hurry him from the kingdom like a transported felon? Was this the gratitude which they vowed, to

banish him for ever from his family and friends, "and drive him to seek a precarious asylum in a foreign and distant land?"

In urging these arguments Buonaparte yielded to more than his accustomed violence. He forgot that they were no longer his slaves, and the commissioners were then justified in forgetting the respect which would otherwise have been due to his misfortunes. The conference broke up without any amicable result, and the commissioners departed, plainly declaring that if he obstinately persisted in refusing to adopt the measure which they recommended, they should, without delay, proceed to act as the safety of the country imperiously demanded.

Buonaparte mused on this, and soon afterwards despatched a courier to say that he acceded to their request, and would complete the sacrifice which he had begun. He then set out for Rochfort with a train of faithful officers and domestics, amounting to forty persons, who were resolved to ally themselves to his fate. Two frigates had now been prepared at Rochfort, with which he might be enabled to force his way through the British cruisers who were already stationed off every port to watch the motions of Buonaparte, and intercept the fugitive.

Previous to this the chambers had selected five commissioners at the head of whom were La Fayette, and Count Ponticoulant, with B. Constant

as their secretary, who were immediately despatched to the head quarters of the allies, to treat for peace. The interests of the nation were committed without reserve to their discretion. The inutility of resistance was evident, and universally acknowledged, and the instructions of the commissioners were comprised in one brief sentence; to obtain peace on as advantageous terms as possible, and without violating the integrity of France, or tarnishing its honour.

VOL. II.

226

CHAP. VI.

Affair at Wavre-Success of General Grouchy. His difficult Retreat.—Battle of Namur.—Operations of Blucher.-His Proclamation to the Army. -Excesses of the Prussians.-Operations of Lord Wellington.—Order of the Day.-Good Conduct of the British.-Connexion of Lewis with the Operations of the Allies.-Remarks on the Policy of it.—Sentiments of Blucher.-Capture of Cambray.-Advance of the King.-His Declaration. -Remarks on it.

GENERAL Grouchy had been detached on the morning of the 17th in pursuit of the Prussians, while Napoleon formed a junction with Ney, and attacked the Duke of Wellington. He obeyed his orders with alacrity and skill, and many skirmishes took place between the rear-guard of the Prussians and the advanced troops of the French. Marshal Blucher avoided a general engagement with his pursuers, and continued his retreat to Wavre, which he accomplished with inconsiderable loss. But towards evening a serious contest commenced in the neighbourhood of that town.