nd. My reception in England has been very different from what
I expected; but you throughout have behaved like a man of honour; and
I request you will accept my thanks, as well as convey them to the
officers, and ship's company of the Bellerophon.'

"Soon afterwards Montholon came to me from Buonaparte; but, to
understand what passed between him and me, I must revert to a
conversation that I had with Madame Bertrand on the passage from
Rochefort.

"It is not necessary to state how the conversation commenced, as it
does not apply to the present transaction; but she informed me, that
it was Buonaparte's intention to present me with a box containing his
picture set with diamonds. I answered, 'I hope not, for I cannot
receive it.' 'Then you will offend him very much,' she said. 'If that
is the case,' I replied, 'I request you will take measures to prevent
its being offered, as it is absolutely impossible I can accept of it;
and I wish to spare him the mortification, and myself the pain, of a
refusal.' There the matter dropt, and I heard no more of it, till
about half an hour before Buonaparte quitted the Bellerophon, when
Montholon came to me, and said he was desired by Buonaparte to express
the high sense he entertained of my conduct throughout the whole of
the transaction: that it had been his intention to present me with a
box containing his portrait, but that he understood I was determined
not to accept it. I said, 'Placed as I was, I felt it impossible to
receive a present from him, though I was highly flattered at the
testimony he had borne to the uprightness of my conduct throughout.'
Montholon then added, 'One of the greatest causes of chagrin he feels
in not being admitted to an interview with the Prince Regent, is, that
he had determined to ask as a favour, your being promoted to the rank
of Rear-Admiral.' To which I replied, 'That would have been quite
impossible, but I do not the less feel the kindness of the intention.'
I then said, 'I am hurt that Las Cases should say I held forth any
assurances as to the reception Buonaparte was to meet with in
England.' 'Oh!' said he, 'Las Cases is disappointed in his
expectations; and as he negotiated the affair, he attributes the
Emperor's situation to himself: but I can assure you, that he
(Buonaparte) feels convinced you have acted like a man of honour
throughout.'

"As your Lordship overheard part of a conversation which took place
between Las Cases and me on the qu