eady his friends, and to gain others to his rising
name. Josephine acquired great influence over many members of the
Directory, and this influence she was continually exerting for the
relief of those who were in distress. Many of the proscribed emigrants
were indebted to her for liberty and the restoration of their forfeited
estates. The following letter from Josephine to an emigrant, whose
fortune, and perhaps life, she had saved, exhibits her intellectual
elevation as well as the amiability of her heart.

"SIR,--Your petition, which reached Malmaison on the 12th,
was presented the same evening, and by myself, to Citizen
Barras. I have the pleasure to announce to you that the
decision is favorable, and that now, erased from the fatal
list, you are restored to all the rights of a French
citizen. But in transmitting a communication not less
agreeable to me than to yourself, permit me to enhance its
value by repeating to you the exact words with which it was
accompanied by the Director. 'I have usually little to deny
you, madame,' said he, presenting me with a sealed inclosure
containing the act of restoration, 'and certainly, when
humanity is concerned, I can have far less objection. But
pity for misfortune does not exclude justice, and justice is
inseparable from the love of truth. As unfortunate, M. de
Sansal merits commiseration. As an emigrant, he has right to
none. I will say more; had I been disposed to be severe,
there existed a cause for stern reprisals on the part of a
government to whose kindness he replies by insults. Although
I despise those of such a man, I appreciate them. They prove
an ungrateful heart and a narrow mind. Let him be careful
about expressing his hatred. All my colleagues are not
equally indulgent.'

"Blame only yourself, sir, for the small share of amenity in
these counsels. They are harsh, perhaps, but useful; and you
will do well to render them effective. Regard, also, the
faithfulness with which I transcribe them as a proof of the
deep interest I take in your welfare, and of my anxiety that
the interference of your friends may be justified by your
future conduct."

For some time a very constant correspondence was kept up between
Napoleon and Josephine, but after the destruction of the French fleet by
Lord Nelson in the Bay of Aboukir, and wh