sh Government to prevent the
Emperor's voyage.

"In reply, I have to acquaint you, that I cannot say what the
intentions of my Government may be; but, the two countries being at
present in a state of war, it is impossible for me to permit any ship
of war to put to sea from the port of Rochefort.

"As to the proposal made by the Duc de Rovigo and Count Las Cases, of
allowing the Emperor to proceed in a merchant vessel; it is out of my
power,--without the sanction of my commanding officer, Sir Henry
Hotham, who is at present in Quiberon Bay, and to whom I have
forwarded your despatch,--to allow any vessel, under whatever flag
she may be, to pass with a personage of such consequence.

"I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your very humble servant,
FRED. L. MAITLAND,
Captain of H.M.S. Bellerophon."

"Le Grand Marechal Comte Bertrand."

The Duke of Rovigo and Count Las Cases remained on board between two
and three hours, during which time I had a great deal of conversation
with them, on the state of affairs in France; in which they did all
they could to impress me with the idea that Buonaparte was not reduced
to the necessity of quitting Europe; but that, in doing so, he was
actuated solely by motives of humanity; being unwilling, they said,
that any further effusion of blood should take place on his account.
They declared also, that his party was still very formidable in the
centre and south of France, and that, if he choose to protract the
war, he might still give a great deal of trouble; and that, although
his ultimate success might not be probable, there was still a
possibility of fortune turning in his favour, and therefore they
argued it was the interest of England to allow him to proceed to
America. To all this I could give little or no reply, being quite
ignorant of what had occurred in France, further than the decisive
victory obtained by the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo. During the
time the Frenchmen were with me, I received some French newspapers
from Sir Henry Hotham; but my time was so fully occupied in writing to
him, and in discussions with my visitors, that it was not in my power
to read them: I therefore drew them back to the subject that had
occasioned their visit, and said, "Supposing the British Government
should be induced to grant a passport for Buonaparte's going to
America, what pledge could he give that he would not return, and put
Engla