ning, 15th instant,
at 4 A.M. observed a man-of-war brig standing out and beating towards
us, we immediately dispatched all our boats. Lieut. Mott in the barge
brought Buonaparte on board at 7, the boats were busily employed in
bringing his retinue and baggage, and I never saw men exert themselves
so much as ours did that day, lest Admiral Hotham should take him, as
he was off the harbour in the Superb, and saw him coming on board
here, and did all in his power to get in, but did not come to anchor
before 11 in the forenoon. Buonaparte is a fine-looking man, inclined
to corpulency, is five feet six inches in height, his hair turning
grey, and a little bald on the crown of the head, no whiskers,
complexion French yellow, eyes grey, Roman nose, good mouth and chin,
neck short, big belly, arms stout, small white hands, and shews a good
leg. He wears a cocked hat somewhat like our old-fashioned three
cornered ones, with the tri-coloured cockade in it, plain green coat,
cape red, and cuffs the same, plain gold epaulets, and a large star on
the left breast, white waistcoat and breeches and white silk
stockings, thin shoes and buckles. Eats but two meals in the day,
breakfast and dinner, and these are sumptuous, fish, flesh, and fowl,
wines, fruit, various French dishes &c. &c. He breakfasts about eleven
and dines at six, is about half an hour at each, when he generally
comes on deck or goes into the after-cabin to study. We do not know
what's to be done with him yet, he remains on board until we hear from
the allies. In his suite are Marshal Bertrand, Duc de Rovigo [Savary]
once the French minister of police, Counts Lascazas and Montholon,
Generals Lallemande and Gourgou, several Lieut.-Colonels and Captains,
to enumerate them would be tedious. We have 33 on board, 17 were sent
on board the Myrmidon, Captn. Gambier. There are two Countesses on
board, but not to be compared even to our English ladies. Their
children are handsome.... We performed the comedy of the "Poor
Gentleman" before Buonaparte and suite. I acted the part of Corporal
Foss. It went off very well, our scenery was excellent. The female
dresses were badly suited for Midshipmen. I long to hear from you and
will expect to hear all the news.... I wish you were all here to see
Buonaparte, the curiosity of all ranks to see him is excessive. There
are Admiralty orders not to allow any person whatever on board, but
they crowd in boats round the ship, and he very condes