ssible means of
relieving Bonaparte from his share of guilt in the death of the Due
d'Enghien.

To the above facts, which came within my own knowledge, I may add the
following curious story, which was related to me by an individual who
himself heard it from the secretary of General Davoust.

Davoust was commanding a division in the camp of Boulogne, and his
secretary when proceeding thither to join him met in the diligence a man
who seemed to be absorbed in affliction. This man during the whole
journey never once broke silence but by some deep sighs, which he had not
power to repress. General Davoust's secretary observed him with
curiosity and interest, but did not venture to intrude upon his grief by
any conversation. The concourse of travellers from Paris to the camp
was, however, at that time very great, and the inn at which the diligence
stopped in the evening was so crowded that it was impossible to assign a
chamber to each traveller. Two, therefore, were put into one room, and
it so happened that the secretary was lodged with his mysterious
travelling companion.

When they were alone he addressed him in a torso of interest which
banished all appearance of intrusion. He inquired whether the cause of
his grief was of a nature to admit of any alleviation, and offered to
render him any assistance in his power. "Sir," replied the stranger,
"I am much obliged for the sympathy you express for me--I want nothing.
There is no possible consolation for me. My affliction can end only with
my life. You shall judge for yourself, for the interest you seem to take
in my misfortune fully justifies my confidence. I was quartermaster in
the select gendarmerie, and formed part of a detachment which was ordered
to Vincennes. I passed the night there under arms, and at daybreak was
ordered down to the moat with six men. An execution was to take place.
The prisoner was brought out, and I gave the word to fire. The man fell,
and after the execution I learned that we had shot the Due d'Enghien.
Judge of my horror! . . . I knew the prisoner only by the name of the
brigand of La Vendee! . . . I could no longer remain in the
service--I obtained my discharge, and am about to retire to my family.
Would that I had done so sooner!" The above has been related to me and
other persons by Davoust's secretary, whom I shall not name.

CHAPTER XXIII.

1804.

General Ordener's mission--Arrest of the Due d'Enghien--Horrible
night-scen