"The Admiral has more than once, in the midst of
our disputes with him, hastily exclaimed that the Emperor was decidedly
the most good-natured, just, and reasonable of the whole set."

On his first arrival he went to visit the barracks occupied by some
Chinese living on the island, and a place called Longwood Farm. He
complained to Las Cases that they had been idle of late; but by degrees
their hours and the employment of them became fixed and regular. The
Campaign of Italy being now finished, Napoleon corrected it, and dictated
on other subjects. This was their morning's work. They dined between
eight and nine, Madame Montholon being seated on Napoleon's right; Las
Cases on his left, and Gourgaud, Montholon, and Las Cases' son sitting
opposite. The smell of the paint not being yet gone off, they remained
not more than ten minutes at table, and the dessert was prepared in the
adjoining apartment, where coffee was served up and conversation
commenced. Scenes were read from Moliere, Racine, and Voltaire; and
regret was always expressed at their not having a copy of Corneille.
They then played at 'reversis', which had been Bonaparte's favourite game
in his youth. The recollection was agreeable to him, and he thought he
could amuse himself at it for any length of time, but was soon
undeceived. His aim was always to make the 'reversis', that is, to win
every trick. Character is displayed in the smallest incidents.

Napoleon read a libel on himself, and contrasted the compliments
which had passed between him and the Queen of Prussia with the
brutal-behaviour ascribed to him in the English newspapers. On the
other hand, two common sailors had at different times, while he was at
Longwood and at the Briars, in spite of orders and at all risks, made
their way through the sentinels to gain a sight of Napoleon. On seeing
the interest they took in him he exclaimed, "This is fanaticism! Yes,
imagination rules the world!"

The instructions of the English Ministers with regard to the treatment of
Napoleon at St. Helena had been prepared with the view completely to
secure his person. An English officer was to be constantly at his table.
This order, however, was not carried into effect. An officer was also to
accompany Napoleon in all his rides; this order was dispensed with within
certain prescribed limits, because Napoleon had refused to ride at all on
such conditions. Almost everyday brought with it some new cause of
uneasiness and