When I returned on board, I found the frigates had taken their positions as directed in the last order, and their boats were endeavouring as much as possible to keep the shore-boats at the specified distance from the ship. I stated to Buonaparte what Lord Keith had said; to which he answered, "I am extremely anxious to see the Admiral, and therefore beg he will not stand upon ceremony: I shall be satisfied to be treated as a private person, until the British Government has determined in what light I am to be considered." He then complained of the two frigates being placed as guard-ships over him," as if," said he, "I were not perfectly secure on board a British line-of-battle ship;" and added, " The guard-ships' boats have been firing musquetry all the evening, to keep the shore-boats at a distance: it disturbs and distresses me, and I shall be obliged to you to prevent it, if it lies in your power."

K

I immediately sent to the Captains of the frigates, to put a stop to the firing.

On the 27th of July, I received a letter from the Secretary of the Admiralty, of which I give an extract :

Extract of a Letter from the Secretary of the Admiralty, addressed to Captain Maitland of H. M. S. Bellerophon, dated 25th July, 1815.

"I have received and laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, your letter of yesterday's date, reporting your arrival in the Bellerophon in Torbay, accompanied by the Myrmidon, having on board Napoleon Buonaparte and suite, and transmitting a copy of a letter you had addressed to Admiral Lord Keith, reporting your proceedings, under the various circumstances which occurred prior to his embarkation, of which their Lordships have been pleased to direct me to signify their approval."

I waited on Lord Keith in the morning, and carried with me Buonaparte's original letter to the Prince Regent, which General Gourgaud had refused to deliver to Captain Sartorius: finding that one of his own officers would not be allowed to proceed with it, he now consented to its being forwarded through the Admiral. I reported to his Lordship all the occurrences of the previous day; and that, in consequence of the frequent repetition in the newspapers of its being the intention of his Majesty's Government to send Buonaparte to St. Helena, he, as well as the officers of his suite, had expressed much uneasiness. I also carried a message from him, stating his desire to see his Lordship, and that he would willingly wave all ceremony, and be considered as a private person. To which Lord Keith answered, "I shall now have no difficulty whatever, having received full instructions. as to the manner in which he is to be treated:

he is to be considered as a General Officer, and have the respect due to that rank paid him, and no more: you may therefore say I shall wait on him to-morrow forenoon."

then put
into my
tional orders.

He

hands the following addi

Extract of a Letter from Admiral Viscount Keith, G. C. B. addressed to Captain Maitland, of H. M. S. Bellerophon, dated Ville de Paris, Hamoaze, 27th July, 1815.

"I herewith transmit an extract of an order, containing certain directions relative to Buonaparte and his suite, and you are forthwith to carry the same into execution; sending on board the Liffey or Myrmidon, with directions similar to those that have been addressed to yourself, such of his suite as are to be withdrawn from the ship you command."

Extract of an Order from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to Admiral Viscount Keith, G. C. B. dated July 25th, 1815.

"That he should give immediate orders, that, upon the arrival of the Bellerophon, Napoleon Buonaparte should remain, until the Prince Regent's further pleasure shall be signified, on board of that, or such other ship of war as we shall appoint, and shall not be permitted on any account to come on shore; or to hold communication with the shore, or with other vessels, either personally, or by writing. Not more than four or five persons of his suite (exclusive of menial servants) are to remain on board the same ship with himself: the remainder of his suite are to be kept under similar restraint, on board of other vessels of war. Napoleon Buonaparte is to be considered and addressed as a General Officer."