DC
198
J2A3
1872
v. 1
c. 1
ROBA
GEI
Bool.
H.M.i
THE
DIARIES AND LETTERS
OF
SIR GEORGE JACKSON, K.C.H.
THE
DIAEIES AND LETTEKS
SIR GEORGE JACKSON, K.C.H.,
FROM THE PEACE OF AMIENS TO THE BATTLE
OF TALAVERA.
EDITED BY LADY JACKSON.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOLUME I.
LONDON:
EICHAKD BENTLEY AND SON,
Cubits ^trs in rbinarg to IJJ
1872.
[The Right oj Publication and oj Translation is reserved]
LONDON :
PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS,
STAMFOBD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.
06
ELECTRONIC VfcRSlOH
AVAOABLE
CONTENTS. VOL. I.
1801.
PAGE
Introductory Chapter.
Leaving England .... 7
Journey to Paris .... 10
Arrival in Paris 14
Description of Paris . . .15
Mr. Dorant ...... 16
The opera 17
The weekly parades in the
court-yard of the Tuileries . 17
Bonaparte 19
The climate ; its effect on the
native constitution ... 20
Manners and dress .... 22
High price of bread ... 23
Departure of the Plenipoten-
tiaries ib.
Sevres China 24
Talleyrand and Fouche" . . 25
A lady diplomatist .... 26
Espionage 27
Talleyrand's departure for
Lyons . 29
Christmas Day . . . . .30
Versailles 31
Bonaparte's desire for peace . 33
His journey to Lyons postponed 34
Barbe Marbois . . . ' . . ib.
1802.
General Moreau 35
News from home .... 36
Audience of the First Consul . 41
Dinner at the Tuileries 43
FACE
Departure for Lyons ... 46
Schemes to overthrow Bona-
parte's Government ... 47
Palais Eoyal 49
Monumental sculpture, and
pictures 50
Manufacture des Cristaux . . 52
Gobelin tapestry .... ib.
Reunion chez Madame Joubert 58
Fouche's dissatisfaction . . 55
Bonaparte's return to Paris . 57
The Italian Republic . . . ib.
Presentations 59
Lord Camelford 60
Arrests 61
The written bulletins . . . ib.
Fouche and the police ... 62
Prince of Orange .... 63
Madame Bonaparte . . . .64
Talleyrand and Fouche . . 65
The consular guard. ... 66
L'Abbe Sieves 67
The Berlin mission .... 68
Mr. Dorant in a scrape ... 69
Home news 71
English and French news-
papers 72
M. David's pictures .... 73
Slow progress at Amiens . .74
Delay attributed to England . 75
The ^restored pictures at the
Louvre. , 76
Inexplicable conduct of the
British Government . . 77
VI
CONTENTS.
French courier brings the
Treaty 78
The Treaty published . . . ib.
Madame Bonaparte receives the
carps diplomatique . . . ib.
The First Consul's reception . 79
Messenger from Lord Corn-
wallis 80
Te Deum and high mass . . ib.
Notre Dame 81
Displeasure of Bonaparte at
the apathy of the people . 82
English visitors ib.
Letters of recall 83
Concordatum ib.
Celebration of the Peace . . 84
Ke-establishment of divine
worship 85
Taking leave of First Consul . 86
Illuminations, &c 87
Adieu to Paris 88
Arrival in London .... 89
Waiting to be gazetted. . . 90
Appointed to Berlin ... 95
Preparing to leave England . 96
Harwich 97
Hamburg 98
Hanover 100
Arrival in Berlin .... 102
French plays 103
Berlin, its society, &c. . . . 104
Potzdam 105
Sans Souci 106
The marble palace .... 107
Audience of the king . . . 108
The queen ib.
The British mission. . . . 109
Madame de Lichtenau . . . 110
Count Haugwitz . . . .111
German politicians . . 112
Reconstruction of French navy ib.
A relic of the olden time . . 113
The English lounge. . . . ib.
Vaccination of the prince-royal ib.
King of Sweden ' 114
Our minister at St. Petersburg ib.
Christmas ... .115
1803.
PAQl
A conversation on New Year's
morn 116
Blowing in the New Year . . 119
The opera . . . . . .120
Letters from Paris .... 121
Expectation of war .... ib,
Extreme severity of the weather 122
A Polish lady's proficiency in
English 123
News from Pera 124
Baggage frozen up .... 125
Court-ball, and queen's ac-
couchement 126
Masquerade and/cfe . . . 127
Correspondence of Queen of
Sweden with Prince Henry
of Prussia 129
Bonaparte's intention to adopt
a new title 130
Arrival of General Duroc with
letter from Bonaparte . . 131
Departure of Duroc with the
king's reply 133
The invasion fever .... 134
Garnier and his balloon . . 135
Minister's new coach produces
a sensation ib.
Prince William of Gloucester
expected 136
The king's adjutant-general . ib.
Dissatisfaction with the Court
of St. Petersburg . . . .137
The king's dejection, and de-
pression of spirits . . . 138
Arrival of Prince William . . ib.
The reviews ib.
Prussia desires to prevent the
French occupation of Han-
over 139
Declaration of war against
France 140
The French enter Hanover . 141
Popular disturbances . . . 143
Seizure of letters .... ib.
French exactions at Celle and
other towns . . . 144
CONTENTS.
VII
PAGE
The fortress of Hameln. . . 145
Letters from Hanover; pro-
ceedings of the French . . 146
The king urged to oppose the
advance of the French . . 147
His Britannic Majesty's stud
ordered back to Hanover . 148
Blockade of the Elbe . . . ib.
The Hanoverian army . . . 149
French requisitions in Hanover 150
Bonaparte's journey to Brussels 151
M. Lombard's return . . . ib.
Present of millinery to the
queen 153
Home news ib.
Travellers in Switzerland . . 154
A dinner at the country house
of a Prussian minister . . 155
The Prince of Dessau's hunt . 157
Permission to General Mortier
to march through Hildesheim 158
A marriage 159
Bonaparte's proposal respect-
ing Hanover 160
The King of Prussia's proposal
of guarantee 161
Conspiracies to overthrow
Bonaparte and his Govern-
ment ib.
Mr. Wynn 164
Lord Aberdeen 165
Preparations to receive the in-
vaders ib.
Assembly at Duke of Bruns-
wick of Oels 166
1804.
About to be presented . . . 167
A royal marriage .... ib.
Presented in plain clothes . . 168
Entry of the princess Amelia ,
into Berlin 169
The marriage ceremonies . . ib.
The Fackel dance . . . .172
No answer to the king's pro-
posal of guarantee . . . 173
PAOB
A lace dress for the queen. . 173
The king is out of humour . 174
The King of Sweden said to be
courting Bonaparte . . . ib.
The invasion again .... 175
Home news 176
Another royal marriage on the
Arrest of General Moreau . .
Keport of the death of Bona-
parte .......
Emperor of Eussia intends to
march his army through
Prussia ......
Queen's birthday fete . . .
Colonel Pollen .....
Mr. Drummond and Madame
de Stael ......
Eeport of the death of His
Britannic Majesty . . .
Emperor of Eussia advised to
treat the king civilly . .
Public opinion in favour of
Moreau ......
State of terror in Paris . . .
Mr. Pitt and home politics. .
Salaries of British foreign
ministers ......
Arrest of the Due d'Enghien .
The French commander-in-
chief and the Prussian officer
The Due d'Enghien . . .
Mr. Drummond .....
Madame de Stael and her
daughter ......
Countess of Kingston ; her visit
to Hanover .....
Mr. Drake, and the intercepted
correspondence ....
Public opinion strong against
England ......
Execution of the Due d'Enghien
The King of Sweden attempts
interference on the duke's
behalf . . . . . . .
M. de Biilow. . . . . .
Mr. Drake
ib.
177
178
ib.
179
ib.
180
181
182
ib.
183
185
186
189
ib.
ib.
190
191
192
194
195
196
ib.
Vlll
CONTENTS.
The desertion of Eussian pea-
sants 197
The King of Sweden's indigna-
tion. The French Charge
d' Affaires . ib.
Bobbery of the Warsaw mail . 198
Office of First Consul here-
ditary in Bonaparte's family ib.
Dismissal of another British
minister ib.
The Warsaw mail and Louis
XYIIL's letters . . . .199
Impression created 'at St.
Petersburg and Vienna by
the fate of the Due d'Enghien 200
Mr. Drake's affair . . . .201
Court mourning at St. Peters-
burg for the Due d'Enghien ib.
Lord Aberdeen 202
Madame de Sta'el .... ib.
Letter to Mrs. Jackson . . . ib.
King of Sweden 205
Bonaparte intends to assume
the imperial dignity . . . ib.
Mr. Drake arrives in Berlin . ib.
Bonaparte proclaimed Emperor
of the French 206
French attempt to justify the
execution of the Due d'En-
ghien 207
Notification of the new title . ib.
Bonaparte said to be desirous
of peace 208
The King of Sweden . . . ib.
Representation of the Emperor
of Russia to the French
Government . . . . . . ib.
Anger of Bonaparte. . . . 209
Louis XVIII. protests against
the assumption of the im- .
perial title. . 210
Project for the re-establishment
of the Western Empire . . ib.
The Eussian note . . . .211
Mr. Drake returns to England ib.
Mr. Pitt 212
Letter from Washington . . ib.
Lombard leaves for Silesia.
Count Haugwitz returns to
Berlin 214
General Moreau has leave to
retire to America. . . . 215
Autographic correspondence
of the Emperor of Eussia
and King of Prussia . . . ib.
Count Haugwitz retires ; Baron
Hardenberg succeeds . . 216
Louis XVIII. leaves Warsaw . ib.
Supposed plot to poison the
French king 217
The King of Sweden at Toplitz 219
The Coulon plot a confessed
imposture 220
M. Oubril leaves Paris . . . 221
Goods for the Brunswick fair
seized by the French . . 222
The Emperor of Germany ; his
new title 223
The King of Sweden returns to
his dominions 224
He takes exception to the noti-
fication of the emperor's new
title . ib.
Bonaparte orders a conscription
of 500,000 men .... 225
M. Oubril detained at Mayence ib.
Alarm of the German princes . 226
Count Metternich .... ib.
M. d'Arbery's mission . . . 227
Bonaparte's intended opera-
tions 228
Prussian finances . 229
Prince Henry's betrothal . . ib.
Mr. Drake's flight, and other
caricatures ib.
German opinion of English
elections 230
Letter from Dover ; Mr. Pitt at
Walmer 231
Colonel Dalgette .... 233
M.d'Arbery ...'... 234
Bonaparte's proposal to the
king 235
The King of Sweden ... 236
CONTENTS.
IX
Baron Armfelt brings a letter
from the King of Sweden . . 238
Louis XVIII. requested to defer
his return to Warsaw . . 239
King of Sweden's letter to the
French Charge d' Affaires . ib.
Bonaparte's irritation on read-
ing it 240
The Imperial Court at Mayence ib .
General KnobelsdorflPs mission
of compliment .... ib.
Illness of the queen .... 241
Seizure of Sir George Kumbold ib.
King of Prussia demands his
release 243
General KnobelsdorfPs mission
suspended 244
Capture of Spanish frigates . 245
Attempt on the flotilla at Bou-
logne its effect .... 246
Anxiety of the king. . . . ib.
Circular despatch in the " Moni-
teur" 247
Outrage on the king's mes-
senger, Wagstaffe. . . . 248
Bonaparte's letter to the King
of Prussia 249
Acknowledgment of Bona-
parte's act of complaisance . 250
King of Sweden's inquiry, and
the reply 251
Kussia not satisfied with the
termination of the Kumbold
affair ib.
Sir George Kumbold's papers . 252
Lady Bumbold 253
The coronation 254
The meeting of the Pope and
Bonaparte 255
The coronation 256
An affray at Embden . . . ib.
Hostilities against Spain . . 257
Bonaparte's offer of subsidy,
&c., to the King of Prussia . ib.
The King of Sweden . . .258
The mediation of Prussia . . ib.
Statistical reports .... 259
1805.
PAGE
Lord Harrowby's illness . . 261
Family festivities .... ib.
Reported reconciliation of
Prussia and France . . . 262
Hanover ib.
The Austrian ambassador and
Bonaparte's asperity . . . 263
The King of Sweden . . . ib.
Union of German princes. Aus-
tria takes offence .... ib.
Treaty of Subsidy. Baron
Annfelt ....... 264
Illness of the queen-mother . 265
Henry Lowenstern .... ib.
The queen-mother; favourable
turn of the attack . . . 266
The king objects to Mace-
doine 267
Lord Harrowby's retirement . 268
M. de Bochefoucault at Vienna ib.
Renewed preparations for the
invasion 269
Mission of General Witzenge-
rode ib.
The Toulon squadron returns
to port 270
The queen's supposed inter-
ference in public affairs . . ib.
Home news 271
Death of the queen-mother . 272
Court of condolence. . . . ib.
Candidates for the Berlin Secre-
taryship 274
The Hamburg baronet . . . 275
MissRumbold . . . : . 276
Apropos of pretty women . . ib.
The King of Sweden determined
to defend Pomerania . . . 277
Bonaparte in Italy .... 278
Golden Fugles and Black Eagles ib.
Changes at Vienna .... 230
King of Prussia's letter to
Bonaparte, as King of Italy . ib.
Duke of Brunswick apologizes
for his acceptance of the
Golden Eagle 281
CONTENTS.
King of Sweden returns the
insignia of the Black Eagle .
Dr. Gall phrenology . . .
A duel & mort
The Garter and the Eagle .
An escape from Geneva . . ib.
Sir George Eumbold ; his parole 287
Kotzebiie 288
Another brush with Bonaparte 289
The Swedish Charge d' Affaires
returns the insignia . . . ib.
Bonaparte's reasons for assum-
ing the regal title. . . . 290
The expected arrival of M. de
Novossiltzow 291
Presented as Charge d' Affaires . ib.
Letters from England . . .292
Bernadotte excuses himself
from attending the reviews . 294
Genoa united to France . . ib.
The electoral Court of Dresden ib.
Distress in Bohemia . . . 295
King of Sweden invites foreign
ministers to the camp at
Scania ib.
Austria acknowledges Bona-
parte's new title .... 296
The Archbishop of Turin . . ib.
A gentle hint to Eussia . . ib.
Two French generals in Berlin 297
The king and the avant-courier 298
Sir George Eumbold . . . ib.
Unconciliatory tone of the
French towards Eussia . . 299
Humour that the king intends
taking a tour in Switzer-
land ib.
Arrival of M. de Novossiltzow. 300
The British minister returns to
Berlin ib.
M. de Novossiltzow. . . . 301
The incorporation of Genoa
with France excites alarm at
St. Petersburg and Vienna . ib.
The king returns to Berlin . ib.
Disturbances at Halle and other
towns . . 302
Count Schmettau, and the Swe-
dish order . . . . .302
The Swedish camp at Scania . 303
M. de Novossiltzow returns the
French passports .... ib.
The Eussian troops commence
their march ib.
The King of Prussia adheres to
his neutral system . . . 304
Mr. Taylor and M. Bignon . . ib.
Departure of M. de Novossilt-
zow ib.
M. Laforet declines to receive
the Eussian note .... 305
It is sent to Hamburg for pub-
lication ib.
The king's irritation at the
conduct of the French
Government ib.
The Prussian note on returning
the French passports . . 306
Mr. Bartle Frere's appointment
as Secretary of Legation. . ib.
Lord Mulgrave and the juniors
of the Foreign Office . . .307
Journey to Dresden. Loqua-
cious French courier . . . ib.
Drunken postilion .... 309
Arrival at Dresden, and pre-
sentation to the Elector . . 310
Supper at Mr. Wynn's . . . ib.
Bonaparte and the Eussian
negotiation 311
The Danish marriage . . . ib.
Mr. Taylor and M. Bignon . . ib.
Austrian passport refused
Bonaparte complains. . . 312
Prince William of Brunswick
and the subaltern officer. . 313
Military appointments . . . ib.
Failure of the crops. . . . 314
Sir E. Calder's successes . . ib.
Scurrility of the "Frankfort
Gazette" ib.
The Eussian army enters
Galicia 315
Bonaparte's requisitions . . ib.
CONTENTS.
XI
Journey to Hanau on Mr. Tay-
lor's affair 315
Mr. Taylor's correspondence . 316
The Elector's and Prince Wit-
genstein's commercial trans-
actions 317
Bernadotte's encampment
round Cassel 318
Eeturn to Berlin. War, the
general topic 319
General Duroc ib.
Bonaparte's demands on the
electorates of Bavaria, Wiir-
temberg, and Baden . . . ib.
Prussia cannot remain neutral ;
general opinion .... 320
Military preparations . . . 321
The Austrians cross the Bava-
rian frontier ib.
The Elector of Darmstadt . . 322
Orders to the garrisons of Ber-
lin and Potzdam .... ib.
Bernadotte's march through
Cassel 323
The king refuses the Kussian
army permission to cross the
frontier ib.
Count Haugwitz sets out for
Vienna 324
The French at Hanover . . ib.
General Marfelt fails to induce
the king to join the allies . 325
The Austrian reply to Bona-
parte 326
The Emperor of Eussia urges .
the king to join the allied
powers ib.
General Buxhovden arrives
privately at Potzdam . . 327
The king's indecision . . . ib.
General Duroc's commission . 328
March of the Kussian army
suspended ib.
Petty economies in the Foreign
Office 329
Treachery of the Elector of
Bavaria . 330
Bernadotte takes the command
of the Bavarian troops .
Movements of the Austrian army
Anxiety for the arrival of a
British force
Junction of the armies of Ber-
nadotte and Marmont
The Austrian intrenchments ;
complaints of the Elector .
The Emperor of Kussia writes
to the king
The French enter Anspach;
quarters demanded for 20,000
men
The king's anger when informed
of these proceedings . .
Movements of the Austrian
troops
The king permits the Eussian
army to cross the Prussian
territory
Conduct of the French made
known at the military parade
The Landgrave of Darmstadt
disbands his troops .
Bonaparte supposed to be mis-
informed respecting the rela-
tions subsisting between
Kussia and Prussia .
Proposed interview, of the two
emperors and the king, given
up
Excesses of the Bavarians in
Anspach
General Tauentzien informs
General Mack of the march
of the French columns .
Bonaparte writes to the king in
an insolent tone ....
The Prussian army to assemble
at four stations ....
General Bliicher
The British force ....
Austrians surrender at Wer-
tingen
Rapid progress of the French
armies .
330
331
ib.
ib.
332
ib.
333
334
335
ib.
ib.
336
ib.
337
ib.
338
ib.
339
ib.
340
Xll
CONTENTS.
The French on both sides of
the Danube 341
Apprehensions for the Eussian
corps under General Kutu-
sow ib.
Abatement of the king's resent-
ment . .- 342
Intercepted French correspond-
ence ib.
Prince Henry and the Danish
princess. King's displeasure 343
Accounts from the armies . . ib.
King of Prussia resolves to take
possession of Hanover, to
restore it to His Britannic
Majesty. Off to London with
the news 344
Land at Harwich .... 345
Arrival in London .... ib.
Conversation with Mr. Pitt . 346
Conversation with Lord Mul-
grave 347
Eeturn from Bath .... 351
The glorious news from Trafal-
gar . . 352
Capture, by the Austrians, of a
corps of French troops . . 353
Letter from Berlin. The Em-
peror of Eussia's visit to the
king . .354
Peter the First ..... ib.
Eeports from the armies . . 355
Arrival of the emperor in
Berlin 357
Enthusiastic greeting; enter-
tainments, visits, &c. . . 358
Conference at Potzdam. . . 359
Arrival of the Archduke An-
thony 361
The emperor.. A private au-
dience 362
Letter from Berlin . . . .363
Lord Harrowby. The Con-
ference 364
The Treaty of Potzdam . . 365
Les adieux of the emperor and
their majesties .... ib.
PAGE
General Duroc's departure . 365
From London to Berlin . . 366
The news of the victory ; the
general joy 368
Grief for the death of Nelson . ib.
Lord Harrowby's arrival . . 369
The Emperor of Eussia joins
the army at Olmiifcz . . . ib.
Four French line-of-battle ships
captured 370
Lord Harrowby ib.
Prussian proposals for a peace
with France ib.
Count Haugwitz's mission and
Bonaparte 371
Austria approves of the stipula-
tions of the Treaty of Potzdam ib.
Bonaparte's overtures to Gene-
ral Mack 372
Wavering conduct of the Elector
of Hesse ib.
The Austrian reverses . . . 373
The King of Sweden sends a
letter to the King of Prussia ib.
Conduct of the French com-
mandant at Hanover . . . 375
Count Haugwitz recalled to the
direction of foreign affairs . 376
Field-Marshal Mollendorff ; ge-
neral engagement expected . 377
Lord Harrowby's infirmities . ib.
Austerlitz 378
An armistice concluded . . 379
Lord Harrowby 380
Mr. Pitt 381
Lord Harrington . . . ' . 882
Balls and fetes. Grand Duke
Constantino ib.
Exclusion of tke corps diplo-
matique 383
Eeport of Alexander's death;
anxiety of the people of
Berlin ib.
Bonaparte and Prince Dolgo-
ruski 384
Lord Harrowby's sufferings . ib.
The story of his being waylaid 385
CONTENTS.
Xlll
PAGE
386
The English in Berlin . .
Lord Kinnaird ib.
An escape from Verdun . . ib.
The first uses of the victory of
Austerlitz . . . 387
Barclay's beer
1806.
The Peace of Presburg .
The Archduke Charles .
The Bavarian coronation .
Departure of Lord Harrowby
388
388
389
390
ib.
Count Haugwitz sets oiit for
Munich 392
Preparations for occupying
Hanover ib.
The Prussian army replaced on
the peace establishment . . 393
Conduct of Count Haugwitz . 394
Amicable conclusion of dis-
cussion with France . . . 395
Pressing requests for the depar-
ture of the British troops . ib.
Lord Harrington to continue
the negotiation at Berlin . 396
Present to the French minister
Sale of horses, and dismissal of
furlough men, postponed . 397
March of the Eussian troops
delayed ; want of money ib.
General Augereau advancing
towards Hesse .... ib.
Death of Mr. Pitt . . . .398
Letters from Bath . . . .399
Home news 401
Compliment to Baron Harden-
berg 402
A different reception given to
Count Haugwitz .... 403
Bonaparte sends to France for
fresh troops ib.
M. de Lucchesini arrives from
Paris 404
Bonaparte insists that Prussia
shall disarm ib.
Denmark, and the prince-royal 405
Bonaparte pursues his schemes
on Prussia 405
Anspach, or Hanover . . . 406
Count Schulenberg .... ib.
Position of the French armies . 407
Prussia must choose between
the hostility and alliance of
Kussia or France .... 408
Count Schulenberg returns to
Hanover; the king Tedes
Anspach ib-
Absolute possession to be taken
of the electorate .... 409
Baron Hardenberg refuses to
countersign the king's order 410
Kev. Mr. Cox; his compliment
to Countess Voss . . . .411
An insane person seeks to take
the king's life 412
The French take possession of
Anspach 414
Eussian and Prussian orders
conferred by the emperor and
the king ib.
The inhabitants of Anspach
petition the king .... 415
ib. \ The king much affected by
their expressions of loyalty
ib.
and attachment .
Mr. Taylor not allowed to re-
main in Berlin .... 416
The king's subserviency to
Bonaparte ib.
Eatification of the Treaty of
Paris 417
Officers of the garrison forbid-
den to discuss public affairs
Augereau takes possession of
Berg and Cleves ....
French refuse to leave Hanover
until the troops receive their
pay. . .
Transactions between Prussia
and France closed for the
present
Duke of Brunswick returns
from St. Petersburg . . .
ib.
418
ib.
419
ib
XIV
CONTENTS.
The Order of St. Catherine
conferred on the Duchess . 420
The Prussian proclamation . ib.
Baron Hardenberg receives
unlimited leave of absence . ib.
Hopes entertained that Great
Britain will be prevented
by her commercial interests
from declaring war . . . 421
General Murat arrives at Dus-
seldorf 422
Demonstration against Swedish
Pomerania ib.
Les Bouches de Cattaro . .423
The French take possession of
several Prussian fiefs . . ib.
Proclamation signed by Count
Haugwitz ib.
Journey to England. . . . 424
Immediate return to Berlin . 425
British minister to quit Berlin
without taking leave. . . 426
Unfavourable passage from
England ib.
Passports requested . . . 427
General disapprobation . . 428
Count Haugwitz urges the
British minister to defer his
departure ib.
The windows of the count's
house demolished . . . 429
The garrison to be in readiness
to march against the Swedes ib.
Affair with the Swedes at
Lauenberg 430
The recent conduct of the Court
of Prussia ib.
British minister leaves Berlin . 431
M. de Bronikowski despatched
to the King of Sweden . . 432
Count Haugwitz's house again
attacked by the mob. . .
Prussia hopes to pacify England
Count Keller declines to take
office with Count Haugwitz . 433
Lord Falkland .
News from home ....
M. de Bronikowski returns with
King of Sweden's letter . .
Orders to the garrison to be in
readiness to march .
Orders countermanded .
M. de Chapmann brings a
second letter from King of
Sweden
King of Prussia's reply.
Neither party disposed to give
way
Keport that Louis Bonaparte
refuses the crown of Holland
A Swedish squadron blockades
Dantzig, Memel, and Pillau .
King of Prussia corresponds
with Baron Hardenberg .
Another letter from King of
Sweden
Swedish gunboats on the Pene
No reply to King of Sweden's
letter
Princess of Bavaria returns to
her father
King of Sweden extends the
blockade of the Baltic to all
PAGE
433
434
435
436
ib.
Friendly dispositions of the
emperor towards King of
Sweden
The Declaration received.
Hopes of an accommodation
Home news
Application to Count Haugwitz
for permission for an English
packet to embark minister's
family at Hamburg .
Conversation with Count
Haugwitz
Arrival in London ....
Mr. Fox's illness. Departure
for Scotland
ib.
437
ib.
438
439
ib.
440
ib.
ib.
441
ib.
442
ib.
443
444
445
446
447
CONTENTS.
xv
APPENDIX.
No 1. Notification to the
Prussian Government that
Bonaparte is invested with
the imperial dignity . . . 448
No. 2. Baron Hardenberg ac-
knowledges the French
minister's note .... 449
No. 3. Bulletin, from " Moni-
teur" of 24th June, 1804,
relative to the decree of the
Cour de Cassation in the
case of General Moreau and
others 450
No. 4. Note from M. Talley-
rand to French minister
explaining Bonaparte's object
in accepting the crown of
Ttaly 453
No. 5. Explication verbale de
M. Laforet d'apres les De"-
pSches de Milan .... 456
No. 6. M. de Novossiltzow's
note on leaving Berlin . . 458
No. 7. M. de Hardenberg's note
to M. Laforet on returning
M. de Novossiltzow's pass-
ports 460
No. 8. Note of M. Alopeus to
M. de Hardenberg relating
to the refusal of the King of
Prussia to allow the Eussian
army to cross his territory,
&c 461
No. 9. M. de Hardenberg's reply
to the " Moniteur," respecting
his letter addressed to Lord
Harrowby, December 22nd,
1805 . 463
INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
SIR GEORGE JACKSON was the youngest son of
Dr. Thomas Jackson one of the canons of the Abbey
of Westminster, rector of Yarlington, chaplain to
Francis, fifth Duke of Leeds, and subsequently
canon residentiary of St. Paul's. He was born in
October, 1785,- and was destined for the church ; but
the death of his father, at a comparatively early age,
caused a change in the family arrangements. At the
close of 1801, he left Westminster to join the special
mission to Paris, as unpaid attache ; Mr. Francis
Jackson, his brother, and senior by many years,
being the minister appointed to reside in that capital
during the negotiation of the Treaty of peace at
Amiens.
In the same capacity, he accompanied Mr. Francis
Jackson's mission to Berlin, in October, 1802 pursu-
ing there his general studies under professors while
gaining experience in the line of life he had entered
upon.
VOL. i. * B
2 INTBODUCTOET CHAPTEB. [1801.
In 1805, he was presented at the Prussian court
as Charge d' Affaires, during his brother's temporary
absence ; and was afterwards sent on special service
to the electoral court of Hesse Cassel.
Early in May, 1806, Mr. Francis Jackson was
ordered to quit Berlin without taking leave ; the
definitive occupation of Hanover by Prussia having
just taken place, and war, in consequence, being deter-
mined upon on the part of Great Britain.
Later in the year, overtures were made to the
British Cabinet for a renewal of friendly relations
between the two powers, and at about the same time
that Lord Morpeth was appointed to negotiate with
Prussia, Mr. Greorge Jackson received orders from
Mr. Fox to leave England for the north of Germany.
He returned, in February, 1807, with the Treaty
with Prussia, signed by Lord Hutchinson, at Memel ;
and in the following April he was sent back by
Mr. Canning, with the ratification of the Treaty, and
instructions to Lord Hutchinson toap point him
Charge d' Affaires on his lordship's return to
England.
In July, he was gazetted secretary of Legation to
Mr. Frere's mission to the Court of Prussia. This
mission however was put an end to by the Treaty of
Tilsit.
Recalled to England, he took Copenhagen on his
way ; witnessed the bombardment of that city, and
brought home the account of the capitulation, and
the surrender of the Danish fleet to the British
forces.
1801.J INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 3
In 1808-9, he was one of the secretaries of Le-
gation to the mission to the Spanish Junta. He was
afterwards appointed to Washington Mr. Francis
Jackson being minister hut a suspension of diplo-
matic relations ensued between Great Britain and the
United States before he could join that mission.
In 1813, he accompanied Sir Charles Stewart
Lord Londonderry to Germany, as secretary of
Legation, and remained at the head-quarters of the
allied armies throughout the campaigns of 1813-14 ;
finally entering Paris with the allies.
On the return of the King of Prussia to Berlin,
Mr. George Jackson was accredited Charge d' Affaires
to that Court, with the appointments of minister, and
resided there until 1816, when he was gazetted
Secretary of Embassy at St. Petersburg.
Subsequently he was sent by Mr. Canning on
special and confidential service to Madrid.
From 1823 to 1827 he resided at Washington, as
commissioner, under the first article of the Treaty of
Ghent, for the settlement of the American claims.
In 1828, he was named Commissary Judge to the
several mixed commissions established at Sierra
Leone.
In 1832, the cross of civil commander of the
Guelphic order, with the further honour of knight-
hood, was conferred on him by His Majesty William
the Fourth.
From 1832 to 1859, he was Chief Commissioner
under the Convention for the abolition of the African
slave trade first, at Rio Janeiro, until 1841, whence
4 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. [1801.
he was -transferred to Surinam, and afterwards, from
1845, at St. Paul de Loan da.
Sir George Jackson retired on a pension in 1859,
having been fifty-seven years in the diplomatic and
foreign service of the crown. He died at Boulogne-
sur-Mer, May 2nd, 1861.
The following extracts from his diaries and family
letters date from the close of 1801, when he made at
Paris the first step in diplomacy, and extend over the
period of his residence at Berlin and other parts of
Germany, to which the Prussian Court was sub-
sequently driven by the events of the war to his
return from Spain, at the end of 1809, to join his
brother at Washington.
Those eight years were eventful ones in the history
of Europe ; to no nation more deplorably eventful
than to Prussia the aggressive policy of Napoleon,
and the submissive one of Frederick William the
Third, having well nigh brought about the total over-
throw of the Prussian monarchy.
The great interest taken by Mr. Gr. Jackson in
public affairs, from the very outset of his career,
and the especial advantage he possessed of a thorough
diplomatic training, under his brother a man of
considerable talent, and distinction in his profession
give to the observations and opinions contained in the
diaries and letters of this young attache, a certain
value, as outlines of the events of the above-named
period, which are traced, it is thought, with sufficient
firmness to convey a fairly correct notion of the
scenes depicted and the characters portrayed.
1801.] INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 5
The appointment of the elder Mr. Jackson as
minister to the French Republic was made known by
him to his mother in the following letter.
York Hotel, Albemarle Street,
23rd October, 1801.
MY DEAR M.,
The die is at length cast, and as favourably as
I could possibly have expected or wished, by which
you will understand that I do not go to America.
That post is said to be now offered to Mr. Wickham,
but it has been proposed to me, in the most gratifying
terms, to reside at Paris as plenipotentiary whilst
Lord Cornwallis is at Amiens, where the definitive
Treaty will be negotiated, and until Lord Whitworth,
who is to have the embassy, arrives.
I owe this entirely to Mr. Addington's determined
preference of me ; not that Lord Hawkesbury was
opposed to it, but he would not, probably, of himself
have thought of giving me the appointment. " It
is but a temporary mission," Mr. A. said, " and, in
point of diplomatic rank, not so much as your just
claims entitle you to, yet in offering it to you at this
critical moment I consider that we give you a very
strong proof of our confidence in you."
Lord Cornwallis takes with him, Lord Bruce,
Colonel Littlehales, and F. Moore. Mr. Merry will
be secretary to the embassy. Probably Mr. Hill,
Webb, and another friend, as well as George, will go
with me ; but all this is not yet decided, and indeed
the whole business is at present a secret, so pray do
not talk about it.
6 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. [1801.
Now, as to time, I am to follow Lord C., so as to
be in Paris a few days before be leaves it, as he
goes tbere first, on a particular invitation from
Bonaparte, and then returns to Amiens. He will
set off, I should say, about the 1st of November, and
I leave in time to reach Paris for the fete of the 9th,
about which I confess to 'feeling no sort of curiosity,
as I think it looks a little like showing us off.
As to the details of this business, such as allowances,
&c., &c., I feel pretty confident, from what is now
passing, that everything will be very pleasantly and
easily settled.
You need have no anxiety about Greorge, he is
not going to Paris on a mere party of pleasure. I
intend that he shall fag, and lose none, if I can help
it, of the advantages which I trust this appointment
will produce.
Adieu, my dear M.,
Your affectionate and dutiful son,
F. J. J.
THE
OF
SIE GEORGE JACKSON
1801.
Letters Oct. 31st. Three hours ago, my dear
mother, my brother received orders to hold himself
in readiness to leave England by the middle of next
week. He desires me to tell you so ; also that he
is, and will be, so fully employed, that, with the
exception of what he calls " a gleaner," which he
intends to write you before he starts, you must
henceforth meaning not only here but also in Paris
look chiefly to me for the history of our doings.
You may now take your revenge, he says, for
having so long been tongue-tied, and may talk of
our mission at all your Bath tea-tables to your
heart's content ; the reason no longer existing for
the great secrecy that was for a time necessary.
You will be glad to know that the Office has
behaved very liberally and handsomely to him, and
that he has heard there is a prospect of Parliament
8 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
providing, ere long, for the payment of the arrears
of salaries and pensions ; so that he hopes, on his
return, to touch the full amount of the seven quarters
now due to him.
Since the news got abroad that a special mission
is about to be sent to Paris, my brother has been
beset by all sorts of people for the most part utter
strangers urging him to take charge of letters and
parcels, enough to freight a ship. A great many
emigrants think it a good opportunity for sending
safely to friends. There are boxes and packages
without end at the Foreign Office, addressed to his
care ; but strict orders have been given that no
more are to be received, and, of course, we are not
going to carry over those already deposited there.
He has also commissions innumerable, from the ladies
of his acquaintance, for the purchase of French silk,
laces, and cambric ; in short, he says, were he to
comply with all these modest requests he must
appoint a deputy to perform the duties of his office.
Nevertheless, he will bear your wants in mind, and
assures you that you may rely on receiving a lace
cloak that shall be envied by all the ladies of Bath.
* My brother has twice been with Lord Cornwallis,
and likes him very much. I believe Major Dalton
will go with our party.
Nov. th. I think it will please you, dearest M.,
to hear that I have eaten what I call my first diplo-
matic dinner. I need hardly explain that it was neither
at Mr. Addington's nor at Lord Hawkesbury's. It was
at M. Otto's, the French Charge d'A flfaires. My brother
1801.J SIR QEOKGE JACKSON. 9
and Mr. W. only were invited ; but when M. Otto,
who called to speak with Francis on business, heard
that I too was going to Paris, he begged that my
brother would allow me also to dine with them.
He and his wife, an American lady, are both very
pleasant people, perhaps what you would call of the
old school, for they are excessively polite, and unlike
in manners what I should have expected to find
citizens of either of the modern republics. We
had, however, in a very lively lady just arrived
from Paris, a specimen of the new French school, both
in dress and deportment. Perhaps she would have
shocked you a little, but she amused us a good deal.
There was also of the party a great celebrite,
Mademoiselle d'Eon, the famous chevalier, who served
as a man, for nearly forty years, in the French
service. My brother told me he remembered paying
at Bath, in 1795, a half-crown to see her take part in
a public exhibition of fencing.
Our dinner was a very handsome one ; and of course
in the French style everything trJs recherche. The
French and English flags floated together over the
centre plateau, and we drank prosperity and stability
to their union in foaming bumpers of champagne.
8th. My brother's arrangements are nearly com-
plete, and the greater part of his packages sent off.
He took leave of Mr. Addington on the 5th, and
again saw Lord Cornwallis, before he set out for
Paris last Monday. We follow on the llth, and I
cannot tell you, my dear M., how much I regret not
being able to run down to Bath, as you wish, to bid
10 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
you and my sisters good-bye. But remember, your
absentees will return with- the swallows, and that
there is but the narrow Channel between us, instead
of the wide Atlantic you lately dreaded to hear
would divide us. Twice a week, there is a post to
and from Paris, besides messengers from the Office.
I intend, however,"to follow my brother's suggestion
of keeping a diary, both for your benefit and my own.
Adieu, my dearest mother,
a. j.
Diaries Dover, Nov. 12th. We left London for
Dover yesterday at 8 A.M. At Dartford, we were
overtaken by a messenger sent in pursuit of us by
Madame Otto, from whom he brought a note, and
a small box that had been taken to our hotel almost
immediately after we had left it. The box was
recommended to my brother's especial care, its im-
portant contents being a cap for Madame Bonaparte.
After promising that the millinery should be well
looked after, we posted on with all speed and arrived
here to dinner at half-past five.
We sail to-day at noon ; the wind is fair, and we
hope to reach Calais before dark.
Calais, I3th. Our passage was a tedious one,
for there was so little wind that we did not get in
until 1 A.M. Notwithstanding the lateness of the
hour, several official people were waiting to receive
my brother on his debarkation. Carriages were in
attendance, and he was conducted to Dessein's, where
a handsome saloon and suite of rooms had been
1801.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 11
prepared for him and his party. A supper was also
ready to be served up an attention fully appreciated
by all of us and when the mutual complimentary
and congratulatory speeches were ended, the weary
voyagers were left to themselves, to enjoy the good
cheer, or to seek repose if they preferred it.
This morning is a busy one for my brother. He has
to receive many visitors, and to address a deputation
of the principal persons of the town, who are to wait
upon him presently, to compliment him on his
arrival, and to express their satisfaction at the
happy prospect they have before them of a lasting
peace.
A guard of infantry is stationed in the courtyard
of the hotel ; carriages and relays of horses are pro-
vided, and we leave at twelve o'clock for Boulogne.
Boulogne, Ikth. When about to leave Calais, my
brother became aware that an escort of cavalry,
commanded by an officer, was to accompany him,
and that the same mark of respect was to be paid
to him until he reached Paris. This surprised him,
the more so, as Lord Cornwallis had so recently pre-
ceded him. He was anxious to dispense with, without
seeming to reject, the intended honour ; he therefore
sent to the military commandant, and thanking him
for his great courtesy, begged leave to decline the
attendance of the escort. The commandant replied
that he acted on special orders from the French
Government, which he dared not depart from, to
show this and every other possible mark of respect
and attention to His Majesty's Envoy. This settled
12 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
the question; the escort galloped up, and off we
clattered at a dashing pace. But it did not last long,
for the roads soon became rough, and towards the
last stage were steep and heavy, so that Boulogne
was not reached until the evening.
An enthusiastic greeting awaited the British
Minister, and there was a general and brilliant
illumination of the upper and lower towns.
The avenue of the house at which he alighted was
lined on either side by the National Guard. And
this reception was not merely an official one ; a large
concourse of people of all classes had assembled to
welcome him, and did so, apparently, from a real
feeling of gladness.
This morning there are again many visits to
receive before we continue our journey. The most
interesting one has already taken place. Monsieur
le Ministre was presented with a bouquet of choice
flowers by Mesdames les Matelotes. Twelve of
them formed a sort of deputation ; two elderly fish-
wives and ten young ones ; the latter very pretty
specimens of their class. All were dressed in a
quaint and most picturesque costume ; beautiful
white lace caps with broad frills, red, or red and
white striped petticoats, worked muslin aprons and
neckerchiefs, violet coloured stockings, and charmingly
natty sabots, lined with white wool and ornamented,
in some instances, with carvings on the front.
Besides this, large oval-hooped gold earrings, crosses,
and chains. There was a numerous attendance of
men and women who were not in grand gala ; the
1801.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 13
former wore the ordinary dress of the day, with no
indications of their calling but their bronzed faces
and hands ; the latter had the wide frilled caps, and
large black cloaks with enormous silver clasps.
Their procession was a very pretty sight, and the
compliment they paid my brother pleased him more
than any other of the civilities he has received.
One of the elder women spoke a short address,
and her daughter sa fille unique, as she called the
very pretty girl who walked by her side and bore the
bouquet presented the floral offering. No doubt the
reply was most appropriate ; but I did not hear it, for
my attention was quite taken up by the lively bright-
eyed young matelotes. They seemed to be well satis-
fied with the proceedings, which concluded with the
hearty blessing of the ancient dames, and reiterated
wishes for a bon voyage and a speedy peace.
Paris, Vlth. My brother being anxious to hasten
on to his destination, as well as to escape from the
honours so liberally heaped upon him, arranged to
sleep but two nights, instead of three as at first
proposed between Boulogne and Paris. Yet, as far
as time allowed, the same attentions were paid him
throughout the journey as at Calais and Boulogne.
We arrived very late on the 14th at Abbeville,
and were off early the following morning, to the
great disappointment of the people ; stopped two
hours at Amiens for refreshment, congratulations,
visits, and speeches, and slept at a very pretty
chateau at Wavigny, where we were received with
much cordiality, and were very hospitably enter-
14 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
tained by a private family, who had offered their
house for the occasion the inn not affording the
requisite accommodation.
Yesterday evening, between five and "six, we
arrived in Paris, having travelled the last two posts
over a remarkably fine road, and through a mag-
nificent avenue of lofty elms, extending from the
cathedral town of St. Denis to the gates of the city.
Rooms had been secured at the Hotel Pajol, where
Lord Cornwallis and suite have also taken up their
quarters.
21s/. We remain at Pajol's, the hotel most in
vogue here, until the departure of Lord Cornwallis
and the rest of the plenipotentiaries for Amiens,
which will be in the course of next week, when we
remove to a fine apartment in the Hotel Caraman r
Rue St. Dominique, Faubourg St. Germain.
My brother, for the present, purposely keeps in
the background, for Lord 0. is a little sore at his
arrival in Paris being an independent envoy
before he and his party have left it.
He does not wish to ruffle the good old gentle-
man's feelings, nor will he allow him to know, lest it
should further annoy him, that M. Talleyrand has
taken advantage of his exceedingly small acquaintance
with the French, language to declare himself to have
been at a loss to understand the distinct nature of
my brother's functions, as attempted to be explained
to him by his lordship.
This, however, he says, is not important for the
moment, as he cannot have his audience of the First
1801.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 15
Consul until he receives his letters of credence, which
have been delayed on account of some hesitation
here on the part of M. Talleyrand it is supposed
in forwarding similar credentials to M. Otto.
Meanwhile, the French Government are endeavour-
ing to get the seat of congress changed from Amiens
to Paris though it is not likely their wishes will
be consented to and my brother, while holding
aloof from politics and diplomacy, is fully occupied
in paying first visits and assisting at great dinners.
He finds Paris greatly changed since he was here with
Major Mitchell on his way to the Hague in 1787.
Everything, he says, appears new to him, and the
few objects he does recollect are so much altered as
scarcely to be recognized.
Not even the squares and streets, still less the public
and private buildings, bear a resemblance to those
of former times, and only a few melancholy remnants
remain of what was, what is by no means making
up for the loss. But as I see Paris for the first time,
it seems to me a very fine city, however much it may
be shorn of its former splendour.
The public buildings are certainly far handsomer
than those of London ; the houses much higher, and
the white stone they are built of looks lighter and
more cheerful than bricks. There are good streets
and magnificent houses, or hotels as they are called,
in the quarter we are to live in. Yet the widest
streets can hardly be called very wide, and none are
very pleasant for walking, owing to the rough mode
of paving them. They have a gutter in the centre,
16 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
no footways, and are mostly covered with a thick
mud of inky blackness, through which you have to
pick your way with some difficulty, and even danger
to life and limb ; for the Jiacres and other vehicles
are driven in the most careless and reckless way ;
they come suddenly floundering out of the gutters
and sloughs close up to the houses, so that if you are
not nimble, or cannot make good your retreat to some
courtyard or open doorway, it will be a lucky chance
if you escape getting crushed, and are only half
smothered with mud.
Before we left England my brother said to me,
" For walking take only the thickest boots ; Paris mud
and dirt, I remember, was heavy and penetrating ;
and but one pair of leathers, for there was little or
no riding." I can answer for these hints to travellers,
founded on his recollections of 1787, answering
equally well for 1801.
We that is, Mr. Hill, my brother's secretary, and
myself are going to explore Paris with Mr. Dorant
as cicerone. He is the proprietor of the York Hotel
in Albemarle Street, and of another hotel in Jermyn
Street. Being more than half a Frenchman, the
manners and language of this country are very
familiar to him. He says he came to claim a sum
of 2000/., which, being in assignats, proves to be
worth about twelve francs, but, if I may venture to
guess, some secret political object was the reason of
his coming over with us.
22mZ. My brother dined yesterday at M. Talley-
rand's. All the ministers of the country were there,
1801.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 17
as well as Generals Moreau, Berthier, Massena, and
some others. He was placed at dinner next to the
First Consul's brother, Joseph Bonaparte, who is to
be plenipotentiary at the congress, and who showed
him much civility and attention, and conversed a good
deal with him. Francis thought him a pleasant gentle-
manlike man.
I went with some of our t party to the opera. A
good many English were there ; those whom we
knew, and who joined us, pronounced the singing
execrable, and the house inferior to ours. But I
thought the decorations and dresses very beautiful ;
the women very pretty, and the dancing the most
graceful I have seen. The celebrated Yestris was
the principal dancer ; he is said to be getting too
old for his work, and to feel fatigued very soon.
There was, however, no appearance of age ; he
bounded over the stage with the most perfect ease
and grace, but I remarked that he danced but little.
The corps de ballet was really excellent and effective.
The house was lighted by two circular rows of lamps
suspended from the centre of the ceiling. The
company in the boxes was more like what you would
expect to see in a two shilling gallery, especially
the male part of it. Madame Bonaparte and her
daughter, Mademoiselle Beauharnois, were there in a
sort of state box. The First Consul was also present
for a short time, but in a loge grillee, so that he could
not be seen by the audience.
23rd. Yesterday I saw the First Consul at a parade
in the courtyard of the Tuileries. It is his custom
VOL. i. c
18 DIARIES AND LETTEES OF [1801.
to hold one every tenth day, or revolutionary week,
and yesterday being Primodi, or number one of the
first decade of the third month, Frimaire, Mr. Hill
and I, for whom one of the ministers had sent tickets
without which no one, on these occasions, is admitted
either to the palace or court took the opportunity
of seeing this military spectacle. And a very grand
affair it was. The space, was, perhaps, rather small
for the number of troops present ; cavalry, infantry,
and artillery, besides numerous field officers, generals,
and commanders of different grades. Their uniforms
were splendid; for the most part ornamented with
elaborate embroideries in gold and silver. Even the
upper part of the boots of some of the officers had
tracings or inlayings of gold, others had gold spurs
most beautifully wrought.
The proceedings commenced by the French colours
being carried by the Consular Guard, to the audience-
chamber, where the First Consul was waiting their
arrival. As they were borne through the ante-room,
the guard on duty saluted them, the bands in the
courtyard at the same time playing the war-inspiring
Marseillaise hymn. Soon after, with a grand fracas,
the wide doors of the audience-chamber were thrown
open, and the standards were carried back with the
same ceremonies, but, now, preceding the grand
guerrier in person. He descended to the court, where
a white charger, with very rich trappings, was held
in readiness for him. As soon as he had mounted,
and his brilliant staff of generals had surrounded
and saluted him, the inspection commenced.
1801.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 19
I have heard some English officers say, that these
parades are not nearly so well conducted as some far
less pretentious ones in England. Of that, I know
nothing; but I do know, that the parade of this
Republican General was a right royal one, and, on a
small scale, an unrivalled display of the " pomp and
circumstance of war."
I was much struck by the personal appearance of
Bonaparte ; for the caricatures, and the descriptions
which the English newspapers delight to give of him,
prepare one to see a miserable pigmy ; hollow-eyed,
yellow-skinned, lantern-jawed, with a quantity of
lank hair, and a nose of enormous proportions.
But, though of low stature perhaps five feet five
or six his figure is well-proportioned, his features
are handsome, complexion rather sallow, hair
very dark, cut short, and without powder. He
has fine eyes, full of spirit and intelligence, a firm,
severe mouth, indicating a stern and inflexible
will in a word, you see in his countenance, the
master-mind ; in his bearing, the man born to
rule. After the parade, we passed through the
palace of the Tuileries into the gardens. At
present the three Consuls reside in the palace, but
on dit, that Bonaparte finds this arrangement tres
genant ; that he wants a house to himself, and that
numbers two and three will most likely soon be
ousted, to accommodate him. Then but this is only
whispered that large flaunting inscription on the
centre pavilion of the palace, " Republique Franqaise"
may vanish, as well as the republican clock that
c 2
20 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
stands above it, with the hour divided into ten,
instead of twelve parts.
The garden is one of the few places in Paris where
a little cleanly walking can be had. It is pleasant, but
formal, with long straight walks, and clipped trees.
In summer, it is said to be thronged by all classes of
people ; and even now there is no lack of lively groups
and gay promenaders, when the weather is bright.
It is very bright now, without the slightest fog
or haziness in the atmosphere. This, however, as I
have lately discovered, is not considered an advan-
tage by everybody. For, a few days ago, a rather
eccentric old fellow we had here, an Englishman,
called to see my brother, and met with an acquaint-
ance, who, in the course of conversation, asked him
how he liked Paris. " To tell you a good deal in a
few words," he answered, " I don't like the climate."
" No !" said his friend ; " why, we are in the
midst of November, and have clear bright sunshine,
while I hear from home that London is wrapped in
its usual gloom and fog."
" I am not one of those who find fault with that,"
answered the old gentleman. " It's the right thing
at this time of the year ; and if they had a little
more of it in this country, it would be a good thing
for them. You may depend upon it, that a reason-
able degree of weight in the atmosphere steadies the
brain, and that we Englishmen owe much of our
solid good sense, our respect for God and His Majesty,
and the laws of the land, to the the I'll call it the
sedateness of our climate.
1801.] 8IE GEOEGE JACKSON. 21
" Now, I've been ten days in this country, and I
should be sorry to stay in it ten more. For I notice
that the kind of thin, light, and, I'll even say, flippant
sort of air you get here, makes a man light-headed.
It's like taking too much of their champagne wine
flimsy stuff, without body, that excites to folly, and
makes you feel ready for any sort of mad spree."
" Why, H. !" said his friend, laughing, " is that
the effect of Paris air on your constitution ?"
" Not quite come to that yet," he said, " but I can't
say what might happen soon. I speak of the effect
it has on the native constitution. It brings on in
time a sort of moral delirium tremens they get
savage knock down their kings and nobles smash
their palaces tear down their churches anything
that comes in their way, till the fit wears itself out.
Then any man, that has been able to keep his head
clear and steady, may put his heel on them. He,
IVe an idea, who now has them well under his heel,
will keep them there for some time to come. But
there'll be another tussle by-and-by it's in the air,
I tell you, 'they can't help it, and in time the fit will
be on again, and the present man be kicked over
for another.
" I'm off to-morrow. There's no place can compare
with old England. A snug fireside, a fine sirloin,
and a bottle of old mellow port, I look on, as pleasant
things, as peculiarly her own, as the fogs that are a
necessary ingredient of her winter. I find none of
them here, and am too old, and too much of an
Englishman to put up with a flickering bit of wood,
22 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801 .
froth, and stewed frogs as substitutes. Good-bye, my
friend. I hope soon to shake hands with you again
in Bond Street."
" G-ood-bye, H.," said his friend, " I agree with
you entirely, barring the fogs. I take one thing
with another," he answered, " and I find they make
up a very good whole."
There are many English in Paris as much out of
their element as this blunt old John Bull, and who
wish themselves at home again as heartily as he did.
As regards the French ladies, my brother thinks,
that, even in what is called the very best Parisian
society, our countrywomen find in their own sex
much that offends English notions of propriety and
good taste. While the case is even worse with
the men, for there are some, who fill very high
offices, whose manners are not only repulsive to
women, but who are so excessively vulgar and ill-
bred that no gentleman would voluntarily associate
with them.
The very few English ladies we have here seem
half frightened at the free and lively manners of the
French women ; and as they are rarely strong
enough in the language to appreciate the piquancy
and playful wit of the Parisiennes in conversation,
they are too apt to set down to boldness and ef-
frontery what is merely the effect of great natural
vivacity. The dresses now in vogue are of the
scantiest pattern, and, it must be confessed, scarcely
consistent with modesty of demeanour; yet what
there is of them is worn with so much grace and
1801.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 23
elegance that one really soon learns to think them
becoming. The men, on the other hand, repel by
their utter disregard of the ordinary decencies of the
toilet. I saw the other evening, at a reception at
Madame Fouche's, more than one pair of spattered
boots, and a good deal of linen far from clean, the
wearers being not the least important personages
present. The roughnesses of the revolution are not
yet polished off.
But the First Consul begins, they say, to set his face
against this lingering taste for republican manners,
and those about him follow the example he sets them ;
so that, by degrees, should peace continue, republican
contempt for decency and good-breeding may give
place to an excess of ceremony and formality.
Cambaceres, the Second Consul, was at the Theatre
Franc,ais last evening with a very considerable
retinue, in fact, quite in state.
About the same time, several regiments of infantry
were marching into Paris to intimidate the populace,
who have been riotous, and threaten further disturb-
ances, in consequence of the high price of bread. In
ordinary times, it appears, and after a fair harvest,
the usual price is about a penny per pound. Lately
it has been three halfpence, and a further rise to
twopence halfpenny is expected. This causes much
misery, and the police have been unable to prevent
the discontent of the people from showing itself in
acts of violence. By way of throwing them a crumb
of comfort, the price of the English quartern loaf has
been quoted in the " Moniteur."
24 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
Dec. 5th. The plenipotentiaries are all off to
Amiens, and to-day we have got into our new
abode. It belongs to M. Caraman Marquis, before
the revolution and is a very fine mansion, with a
very good garden.
Qth. My brother's letters of credence arrived
yesterday, one day too late, unfortunately, for the
First Consul receives only on the 15th of the re-
publican month.
We went, therefore, to Sevres, to the china manu-
factory, where we saw some beautiful specimens, but
fewer than we had expected. This establishment,
like most others, for want of skilled workmen, is not
in the flourishing state it was some years back.
About fifty workmen are now employed, formerly
there were nearly three hundred. Most of their
choicest productions are sent to Paris. We called at
the depot on our return, and my brother bought a
centre plateau of biscuit-ware very handsome also a
dinner-service of Angouleme china, the whole cost
being little more than a hundred pounds.
IQth. As dinners are to be the extent of his
civilities to the many English now here a rather un-
interesting set at present, but who must nevertheless be
fed he has arranged to give, every week, two dinners
of fourteen covers, and one of twelve. The first has
passed off a merveille. Most of the guests seemed to
have left their native isle for the first time, and
nearly all expressed themselves disappointed, and
anxious to be at home again.
The chief drawback to enjoyment is, as was ac-
1801.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 25
knowledged, that the greater part of the English
visitors are constrained to he dumb, and might almost
as well be deaf. French must be, they say, hence-
forth more generally studied, and the French people
seem to expect it, for though they rarely speak any
language but their own, I have heard the rtmark,
" Ces Anglais sont excessivement betes ; ils ne
savent pas un mot de Franc, ais !"
After dinner we went to the opera. Madame
Bonaparte was there, and was grossly insulted on
leaving. Very obscene language was addressed to
her, and, strange to say, the police took no notice
of the offenders. Dorant who by some means con-
trives to know everything says the insult was a
mere stratagem of the police, to induce the belief that
the commotion among the poorer class, on the increas-
ing price of bread, is of a more serious nature than it
really is ; it being an object with Fouche just now to
keep the First Consul in Paris, in order to prevent
Talleyrand between whom and Fouche a continuous
struggle goes on for priority in Bonaparte's good
graces from accompanying him on his projected
journey to Lyons to meet the cis- Alpine deputies.
12th. Rumours are afloat of a conspiracy being
on foot to overthrow the existing government. In-
flammatory handbills have been extensively dis-
tributed, and great freedom of language is openly
used in speaking of the present state of affairs.
13th. To enable the First Consul to watch these
proceedings, the journey to Lyons has been postponed,
which is a source of great mortification to Talleyrand,
26 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
while all the vigilance of Foucbe is said to be em-
ployed to detect the supposed conspirators, and to
overthrow their plans. But it is believed that he
endeavours to magnify the real danger that may
exist, and to create the appearance of a good deal
that (fces not, that a higher degree of merit may be
claimed by him for suppressing it. It is however very
certain that society, generally, is rife with intrigue,
plots, and counterplots.
18^. Since it has become generally known that
the minister is my brother, some attempts have been
made to convey information to him through me, on
subjects of public interest, which he might be
supposed not unwilling to lend an ear to, or to let
him know by mysterious hints that there are sources
whence valuable intelligence may be drawn, if a
suitable price were paid for it.
But from the first, my brother has warned me
against being drawn on to speak of any public affairs
that might either have been mentioned in my pre-
sence, or of which I had, otherwise, any sort of
knowledge.
To hear, see, and say nothing, he says, is my role
not quite so easy an one, as it seems to be, when
exposed to the ruse attacks of one of the many
fascinating political intrigantes to be met with in
Parisian society.
Several very perplexing communications have
recently been made to me by a lady, whose notice
ought to be flattering she being a great belle, and
in high favour in influential quarters. She always
1801.] 'SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 27
begins her tirades with some compliment. The last
was, " II est rare, je sais bien, qu'un jeune homme de
votre age possede si remarquablement les qualite's de
discretion, et de reticence, dont par caractere vous
etes doue ; ainsi, je vais vous confier, sans crainte,
un secret qu'il sera peut-etre utile qu 'un de nos con-
noissances, soit informe." Then followed a pre-
tended revelation, with the question, " Croyez vous
que cette nouvelle import ante lui est dejd parvenu ?"
My brother laughs heartily at some of these
secrets, and says I must try to turn to good account
the lessons of this lady-diplomatist, and justify her
high opinion of my discretion and reticence.
23rd. I am, at least, in a good school for ac-
quiring them. Not a day passes but I am reminded
of the necessity for caution and circumspection in
every act and word ; for Fouche has established a
system of espionage equalling that, my brother says,
of Le Noir. There is not a family in Paris, con-
sidered worthy of his notice, that has not one or more
servants in his pay. It is almost impossible for any
foreigner, and quite so for a foreign minister, to pro-
cure a servant who is not a spy upon him. This
part of his plan is carried on with so little conceal-
ment as to seem likely to defeat its own object by put-
ting persons so much upon their guard. It is, however,
certain that Fouche is made acquainted with the most
private transactions of every individual, not except-
ing even the First Consul, who has had the mortifi-
cation to find himself on more than one occasion the
object of his minister's vigilance, and has thought it
28 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
advisable to smother his resentment under a feigned
approbation of his zeal for the public service.
I confess that I find it an uncomfortable thing,
that deprives one of a good deal of pleasure, to sus-
pect everybody of being a spy. It is constantly
drilled into me that I must beware of the professor
a pleasant man, full of information with whom I
read and study French for two hours daily ; also of
the fencing-master a jovial fellow, with a gay sort
of swagger such persons being frequently secret
agents of police. I am told to bear in mind that
there exists in some quarters a desire to know in
what light the events that are passing here are
represented to the English Grovernmerit, as well as
to find out my brother's private sources of infor-
mation ; and although it could hardly be expected
that this knowledge is possessed by me, or, if so,
would be imparted ; yet, so subtle are the French,
that one might, unawares, be drawn into a conversa-
tion that would afford a hint of which advantage
would be taken.
It is, however, rather amusing to know that while
M. Fouche is employing every possible means to
find out what others are doing and saying, and,
perhaps, even thinking, an unsuspected person, of a
kindred genius, has discovered that he is concerting
with an officer of high standing though of a
character so opposite, that it makes the affair seem
almost doubtful the best means for giving France
another form of government and a new ruler. But
as the aims of the General in question are as honour-
1801.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 29
able and unselfish as those of the minister of police
are the reverse, they are at present, it appears, divided
as to the measures to be employed for bringing about
their object.
24*A. Mr. Dorant, who returned to England some
days ago, and took with him my brother's despatches,
has written from Dover to say that the violence of
the late storm was so great, that the chaise in which
he travelled was overturned by the wind near
Boulogne. He had hoped to find a vessel to cross in
from that port, none being able to leave Calais.
Failing in that, he engaged an open boat which had
landed him safely at Dover, after a passage of four-
teen hours and a half. Bruised and battered by land,
somewhat kicked about and weather beaten at sea, he
was yet setting out for London as soon as the horses
could be harnessed ; resolved to do his courier's work
after a fashion that should put to shame the official
messengers, who were dawdling at Calais for a fair
wind and a smooth sea.
M. Talleyrand set out yesterday morning for
Lyons. The First Consul was to follow on the 29th,
but as he wished to arrive on the last day of the
year when all the members of the Consulta are to
assemble it left but forty-eight hours for the journey,
and it being impossible to accomplish it in that time,
his departure is now fixed for the 28th. Many
persons doubt that it will take place then. My
brother will have his audience on the 5th of January
the 15th of the month Nivose. Several presenta-
tions are appointed for that day, and it is supposed
30 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
that that circumstance will favour another postpone-
ment of the journey ; for Bonaparte is unwilling to
leave Paris at this moment, on account of the numerous
embarrassments which the intrigues of discontented
Generals and Jacobin plotters occasion him, and
which frustrate, for the present, his original object in
going to Lyons. This was to obtain from the
deputies the sovereignty of the cis-Alpine republic,
with the title of Imperator, to be followed up on his
return by a similar act in France ; by which the
Second and Third Consuls should be set aside, but pro-
vided for, by being appointed ministers of justice and
finance.
Tlth. We had an English party on Christmas day,
consisting, besides ourselves, of Sir Elisha and Lady
Impey, with their son and daughter, and a Miss Foster.
Sir E. is come to Paris to try to recover some
property in the French funds, in which he is
not very likely to succeed. Besides, her ladyship
is quite out of sorts, dissatisfied with everything,
and anxious for nothing but to be at home again.
She admires neither Madame Bonaparte nor her
daughter, and thinks the First Consul supercilious
and conceited. She pronounces the men, generally,
ill-mannered bears ; the women, disgustingly for-
ward. The Apollo, the Diana, and all the art
treasures which, as saith the catalogue, " Un heros
guide par la victoire fit conduire et fixer a jamais
sur les rives de la Seine," she refuses to admire, and
sighs for her English home and its comforts. Yet
we made an arrangement to go to Versailles yester-
1801. | SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 31
day, and as the day was very fine, and not too cold,
we set off at nine, in two carriages ; changed horses
at Sevres, and enjoyed the drive much, the country
looking pretty, notwithstanding the leaflessness of
the season.
The wide road by which we approached Versailles,
was dreary and desolate in the extreme. Traces
of former grandeur remain, yet the town is gloomy
and poverty-stricken. The palace itself is a stately
edifice, but bearing too evidently those marks of
destruction that ruthless revolutionary hands have
left on most things that were grand and beautiful.
The exterior of the building is much defaced. All
ornamental work, especially where a crown, a cipher,
or other royal emblem appeared, has been utterly
destroyed.
In the interior, the smashing, tearing down, and
demolishing has been carried on to a greater extent
still ; most likely it was easier work. The splendidly
painted ceilings of the large saloons, with their
elaborate and gilded cornices, have been fearfully
damaged, and in some parts are mouldy and rotting
with damp, the rain having made its way through
apertures in the roof; while there is scarcely a window
with a whole pane in it, or a shutter or a door left
standing.
Many magnificently carved frames remain on the
walls, without either mirrors or pictures. All of the
latter that were most valuable have been taken away,
the inferior ones left. We saw very little of the
once splendid furniture, and that little wofully
32 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
damaged. Most of the apartments were empty ; and
should the palace continue in its present neglected
state, its ruin must soon be complete.
With the exception of a few soldiers, a sergeant's
guard, who lounge about the entrance, it is inhabited
only by some half-dozen dirty fellows who call them-
selves guides and attendants.
The gardens are indescribably desolate and dirty,
and, from the formality of their style, look the more
forlorn in their humiliation, like a stately personage
in rags. The fountains are choked with mud, and
the bronze gods and goddesses seem to be looking on
the changed scene around them in comical helpless-
ness and despair.
The figure of the great and magnificent Louis him-
self, as Apollo, issuing from a cave \vith a suite of
belles dames, representing the Muses, I believe, has
been treated by the filthy canaille with the most dis-
gusting indignity. One of the tattered and torn
ciceroni, who had persisted in quartering himself
upon us, took much pains to explain to Sir Elisha
that this was done to show the Grand Monarque
should he ever take a fancy to revisit this scene of
his former courtly revels the contempt in which the
citizens of republican France held his extravagant
follies. He evidently thought this a dreadfully
severe cut at poor Louis Quatorze. Sir E. answered,
that the shade of the monarch might feel somewhat
consoled when he saw how far beneath contempt the
virtuous citizens placed themselves by their manner
of expressing contempt. " Vous etes monarchiste !
1801.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 33
royaliste !" said the man. " Moi, je suis citoyen et
bon republicain ; payez moi ma journee et je me
retirerai." He had engaged himself, and had followed
us about for the last half hour; but a franc was
tossed to him, which he condescended to pick up, and
walked off with an air of offended dignity.
We went on to the Grand Trianon; it was like
the rest of the show, in a miserable condition. The
Petit Trianon is fitted up as a restaurateur! Fetes
and balls take place there in the summer.
3(M. Talking with my brother about the ruinous
state of the palace of Versailles, he told me he had
heard it was the First Consul's intention that the
reparation of Versailles and other buildings should
be shortly commenced, as also some projected im-
provements in Paris, but that he imagined he was at
this moment intent only on securing the establish-
ment of his authority, on which everything else
depended. That in effecting this he had the opposing
interests of various factions to contend with, which
was the cause of the uncertainty and apparent incon-
sistency in the acts of the government. The First
Consul, he said, had made the replacing of the country
in a state of peace, after a successful war, an object of
the first importance to him. He believed he would
persevere in it. Still, allowing him all possible credit
for sincerity, his views, he considers, are subject to
contingencies, which do not depend altogether either
upon him or the powers with whom he is treating.
His Generals are dissatisfied with what is going
on at Amiens, and desire war that they may enrich
VOL. I. D
34 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1801.
themselves by plunder. General Massena has openly
boasted of the ease with which he could have effected
the invasion of England, and considers his career of
victory and glory cut short by the negotiations for
peace. If Bonaparte does not find himself strong
enough to overcome these plotters and intriguers, it
is my brother's opinion that he will, to preserve his
own position, gratify his Generals and once more
plunge the country in war. But, he says, such is the
restless nature of Frenchmen, especially since they
have become legislators, that under whatever form of
government they may live there will always be a
strong party amongst them who will oppose every-
thing, merely for the sake of opposing.
3lst. The journey to Lyons was again put off;
the 6th or 7th of January is now named for the First
Consul's departure. It is thought that he would be
glad to give it up altogether, and send the Second
Consul, Cambaceres, to Lyons in his stead ; but having
once decided on a thing, and made his decision
publicly known, it is in his character to persist in
it, even if no other reason for doing so existed.
A circumstance connected with these postpone-
ments has afforded some amusement both to his friends
and his enemies. The expenses of the journey were
calculated at four millions of livres, and that sum was
applied for : Barbe Marbois, the minister of public
treasure, refused the advance ; " No law existed," he
said, " authorizing him to make it." As the First
Consul can brook no opposition to his will, the refusal
of his minister to comply with it brought down on
1802.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 35
him a hurricane of invective and personal reproach,
but, notwithstanding, he has remained firm, it is said,
up to this time. Citoyen Barbe Marbois is reputed
to be of inflexible integrity, and, on principle, an
ardent republican. He devotes himself entirely to
the business of his department, and it is considered
that Bonaparte gave him the appointment in order to
insure a faithful application of the public money to
such services as he should direct. That he, who looks
for so much subserviency to his views, should receive
such a proof of his minister's independence of cha-
racter, and fidelity in his office, causes much malicious
mirth in society.
1802.
Jan. Ind. We had yesterday a dinner of different
nations to celebrate the new year. Though it is not
the republican jour de Van, yet many of the French
are fond of recurring to the pleasant memories con-
nected with it, and do not heartily accept the 23rd of
September as its substitute.' Amongst other notabi-
lities we had General Moreau, for whom my brother
has a particular esteem. He resides at a short distance
from Paris, at his country house, to which he retired
at the end of the Continental War, and whence he
makes only occasional visits to the capital. Between
him and the First Consul a coolness has subsisted ever
since the battle of Hohenlinden. The latter is sup-
posed to be actuated by professional jealousy, and by
an apprehension of the popularity which that event,
as well as his acknowledged military capacity and
D 2
36 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
general high character, ensured to Moreau. On his
return to Paris, after the battle, Bonaparte received
him in the most frigid manner, and not only ex-
pressed no satisfaction on the occasion, but observed
towards him, as he had towards the General's imme-
diate connections and friends, a studied silence on the
subject. As Moreau had never been very intimate
with Bonaparte, he had not to suffer the loss of his
friendship and favour ; and the opinion generally
entertained of him here has placed him as high in
.the public estimation as even a much more ambitious
man could wish to stand.
A circumstance which occurred about a fortnight
ago shows, I think, the general turn of his mind and
character.
M. d'Orsay who, before the revolution, was a noble-
man of high rank and considerable fortune, lost by
it most of his landed property, which was sold, as
belonging to the nation. One of his estates, adjoin-
ing that of Moreau was sold to the General, as
has been usual in such cases, at a price infinitely
below its real value. Moreau went to M. d'Orsay to
inform him of it, and to request him to join in the
conveyance, as well as to accept ' the amount of the
difference between the purchase money agreed for with
the government, and the known value of the estate.
These, and other transactions that have come to
my brother's knowledge, give him a very high
opinion of General Moreau's honour and principle
in the affairs of private life.
Letters Jan. 3rd. The arrival yesterday of your
1802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 37
letter of the 27th ult, my dear M., brought me to a
sudden halt in the account I was attempting to give
you of two or three of the most distinguished guests
at my brother's last dinner.
I cannot tell you how deeply it grieves me that
you have thought it needful to alloy your congratu-
lations and good wishes at this season with so many
painful reproaches, and I doubt whether I shall have
courage again to take up my pen in your service, as
it appears I have caused you more displeasure than
amusement.
You say, you perceive with regret, that the conceit
which I, like so many other youths, acquired at
Westminster, is rather growing greater than less, and
that you have no doubt the imposing " Westminster
strut " still does duty for the manly air we boys
thought to take for ourselves, before the years of
manhood conferred it.
You bid me, dear mother, bear in mind that I am
not yet a man ; that it requires the training of ex-
perience to form a correct judgment of public charac-
ters and political acts, and that it is presumption in
a mere youth to pronounce an opinion on either one
or the other, in the confident tone I have assumed.
You, are sure, you say, that a sharp rap on the
knuckles would await me were I attached to any
other mission than my brother's ; and that even"
he would not let me off very easily, were you to give
him a hint of the freedom of my observations on
both men and women, and of my absurd admiration
of the tyrannical disposition of Bonaparte, described
38 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
by me as that of " a master mind, and of a man born
to rule."
I have done, as I shall ever do, dearest mother, and
as you have desired me, I have laid the advice you
give me, for my guidance, to heart ; but do not think
me undutiful if I say that you have borne a little
hard upon me. I did my best to supply what my
brother has not time for ; and he allowed me to do
so, knowing the interest you take in all public
matters, especially those in which he is in any way
concerned. Now, like you, he thought the new year
a proper season for warning and advice, and we had a
long talk together on that day ; in the course of which,
it may surprise you to learn, he told me I must remem-
ber that I was no longer a boy, and reminded me that
he had commenced life also in his seventeenth year,
when he went to the Hague as Lord Malmesbury's
secretary, and not long afterwards was left there
as Charge d' Affaires until appointed secretary of
legation at Berlin. Why then does it seem so strange
to you, my dear mother, that another son of the same
age should take, at least, an equal interest in the
affairs of the world.
It is my brother's wish that I should observe, even
more than I do, what is passing on this great scene
of political and military intrigue, gaiety, and
dissipation. He allows that I possess, in some degree,
energy of mind, which of itself is not enough, he
says, to go creditably through the world with.
Habits of profitable observation, of thought, and
application, must be added ; and to become really
1802.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 39
habits of tlie mind, must be cultivated, and cultivated
early. He considers this a good school for acquiring
some knowledge of mankind I won't shock you by
saying of womankind also though " the ladies "
observe, these are your eldest son's words " do play
most adroitly a very great part in this interesting
French drama."
The comments I venture to make on the actors are
generally submitted to him, often he approves of
them ; when he does not he explains matters more
fully to me, or mentions circumstances I of course
could not be aware of, but which I fancy you give
me the credit, or perhaps discredit, of fishing out for
myself.
From time to time I have sent some pages of my
journal, instead of letters. Because, although my
professional quill work has hitherto amounted almost
to nothing at all, yet my time is fully occupied, and
will be until Mr. Hill who, I am sorry to say,
leaves my brother, but for a regular appointment
is gone ; first by morning study, afterwards with
fencing, riding, dancing, perhaps flirting, or rather
being flirted with, so that I cannot always accomplish
a formal letter. And, besides, we are so surrounded
by spies, in servants, and others whom one scarcely
likes to suspect, that when a messenger has been
on the point of being despatched, my brother has
Baid, " Send off those papers of yours, they will be
safer in the family archives at Bath than in your
room."
You are now convinced, I hope, my dearest
40 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
mother, that my political news is more worthy
of your attention than you were willing to believe,
though it may not be confirmed by that which is
current in Bath circles. If I pluck up courage
enough to send you another batch of it you must not
be offended at my presumption.
My sister tells me, Bath never was so thin. I
sympathize with her, knowing how voluminous her
correspondence is, and that the thinness of Bath
means " a dearth of frank men," there being, she
says, only Lords Rosselyn and Harcourt to fly to.
However, there can be no dearth of scandal for your
tea-tables, as we know you have had an heiress
entrapped into marriage by the emigrant, Count
Lorge, and that her mother is actually dead from
the intensity of her grief. Mrs. Fitz, too amongst
you, flown to Bath after a quarrel with her prince ;
while that " pride of the nation," en attendant the
clearing of the atmosphere in that quarter, is basking
in the sunshine of Mrs. Billington's smiles.
I am afraid to undertake to supply my sister with
the information she asks for respecting French
fashions. " What materials are most in vogue ?" she
inquires: I really don't know. Mr. Dorant, when
he makes his trips to London is always charged with
many commissions for dresses, &c., from Mesdames
Bonaparte, Luxembourg, Fouche, and other ladies,
so that I should suppose English materials to be in
vogue. But whatever, they may be, a very small
quantity can be required; for the dresses are so
short, and so scanty, they are nothing to speak of; as
1802.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 41
a covering they cover very little, and conceal almost
nothing.
As you ask for domestic news, you may perhaps
care to hear that my brother, having made up his
accounts to the end of the year, finds that, limiting
himself to the very moderate style of living he has
adopted here, 4000. would barely bring him round
the year. He has but one carriage and one pair of
horses, no extra groom, and no saddle-horses, but
those that are hired. This calculation proves, that
the expense of living in Paris is increased by at
least one- third since the revolution.
Diaries Jan. Qth. At last my brother has had
his audience. Yesterday, being the fifteenth of the
month, an intimation from the Bureau des Affaires
Etrangeres, that it was the day for presentations, was
expected; but at 11 o'clock none having arrived, my
brother wrote to the prefet du palais, who is here
the master of the ceremonies, and received a verbal
answer that if he were at the palace by two o'clock
he would be introduced to the First Consul.
At the appointed hour he went to the Tuileries,
and waited for some time with others in the room
set apart for the reception of the corps diplomatique
called La Salle des Ambassadeurs. At length the
prefet and another officer of the household arrived,
and, preceded by four messengers of state, conducted
the ministers who were then assembled up the grand
staircase, and through" a suite of apartments to the
saloon or audience-chamber, in which Bonaparte
received them. He was standing between the Second
42 Dl ABIES AND LETTEES OF [1802.
and Third Consuls, surrounded by the ministers and
officers of state, the officers who were members of
the senate, and the principal officers of his household.
Grenadiers of the Consular Guard were stationed
at short intervals on the staircase and in the suite of
saloons leading to the audience chamber, and an
officer's guard saluted the members of the cwps
diplomatique with military honours.
My brother, as directed by the pre/et, advanced, on
entering the room, a little before the other ministers,
to present His Majesty's letter, which Bonaparte came
forward a few steps to receive, and handed to the
minister of finance, who officiated on the occasion for
M. Talleyrand. He then said, '* I am very glad to
see here an English minister ; it is most essential for
the peace and prosperity of Europe, that there should
be one/' My brother bowed, and said he had
been charged, on delivering his credential letter,
to assure the First Consul of His Majesty's sincere
desire to see the great work of peace, which had
been so happily commenced, brought to a speedy
conclusion. The First Consul made no reply, but
conversed for some time with my brother on in-
different subjects. He seemed to wish to make a
difference between his reception of the English and
the Etrurian minister, who was next presented to
him, and to whom he spoke but a few words.
An invitation to dine with the First Consul that
evening followed the presentation ; and my brother
was informed that, before the dinner hour, etiquette
required that he should leave his card with the
1802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 43
Second and Third Consuls, the secretary of state,
and the ministers of the country. It was therefore a
busy day for him ; as much as he could do, in fact,
to get through the necessary visits and dress in
time for the dinner, which was at six ; the French,
generally, having given up the custom of dining
earlier.
In the great gallery of the Tuileries a table was
prepared for two hundred and forty-eight persons.
Bonaparte seated himself at the centre, Le Brun, the
Third Consul, took the opposite seat, Cambaceres the
upper end. My brother was requested to place
himself next to the minister of marine, who was on
the Third Consul's right hand ; but he observed that
with the exception of the president of the senate,
who was on Bonaparte's right, and the president of
the corps legislatif, who was on his left, the company
seated themselves promiscuously along the table.
The dinner was a very short one, compared with
the time those repasts usually occupy in England,
but it was most recherche, the wines of the finest
description, and the decorations of the table of regal
richness and elegance.
When it was ended, the First Consul took an oppor-
tunity of speaking to all the foreign ministers, but
conversed with the English minister for a considerable
time. He spoke of the negotiation at Amiens, which
he said seemed to be in a satisfactory state of
forwardness. Upon which my brother repeated the
allusion he had made in the morning to His Majesty's
desire for the speedy conclusion of peace. Bonaparte
44 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
reflected for a moment, then answered quickly, " Eh,
bien ! si vous faites la paix aussi bien que vous avez
fait la guerre, elle sera bien faite." Presently he
added, " A good understanding between France and
England is necessary to ensure peace, prosperity, and
progress in civilization to the rest of the world."
He mentioned the king, only to say, that " he was
happy to find Mr. Addington enjoyed so much the
esteem and confidence oi His Majesty and the nation.
" It was a good omen," he said, " of future prosperity
to both nations."
He spoke several times, and in very high terms, of
the Prince of Wales ; from which my brother is
inclined to think that M. Otto has sent here a full
account of his reception by the prince, which is said
to have been particularly gracious, and that he has
repeated something that passed between them with
reference to the First Consul ; for, in speaking, of the
prince, he seemed as if flattered by some compliment
that had been paid to him by his royal highness.
He afterwards mentioned " Monsieur" Windham
who is indeed a mark shot at by every body here
asked many questions about him ; and said, " Why,
if he was so fond of war, did not he take the field
himself?"
My brother answered that " there were enthusiasts
in all countries ; that Mr. Windham was considered
a person of that description ; but he believed that
there was no man more ready to support the doc-
trines he professed, and no one who spoke, in this
instance, from more respectable motives."
1802. 1 SIE GEOEQE JACKSON. 45
The First Consul probably mentioned Mr. Wind-
ham, because it is known to the police through an
agent employed by Fouche, named Duthal, who
gains access by some means to our public offices
that he has lately transmitted money to royalists ; as
much as 2000/. has been sent over to one family, a
father and three sons. It is thought too large a sum
for an act of private charity. Mr. Dorant, througli
whom the knowledge of this comes to my brother,
suggested that Mr. Windham might have lent his
name, or that it had been made use of unknown to
him.
On returning home, my brother dictated to me the
above particulars of his audience and subsequent
conversation with the First Consul, both of which he
considers, in appearance at least, satisfactory.
I am to add to the account of it I propose to send
my mother, that he was not presented to Madame
Bonaparte ; she being at present somewhat indis-
posed, as well as much occupied with the prepara-
tions for the marriage of Mademoiselle Beauharnois
with the First Consul's brother, Louis Bonaparte.
The First Consul's manner was more like Lord
Malmesbury's, my brother says, than that of any
person he knows, consequently not the less accept-
able to him.
I have made diligent search for prints, in order
to gratify the curiosity of friends at home; but,
as yet, I have met with none that give a tolerably
correct notion of the appearance of either Monsieur
or Madame. Generally, they are less good of him
46 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF L 1802 -
than of her. I fancy though I must not tell
it in Bath-r that there is something in the counte-
nance of Bonaparte that must be very difficult to
transfer to either canvas or paper. You see, at the
first glance, that he is a man of iron will, of daunt-
less force of character, and you seem to understand
why his secret and inveterate foes, of which Parisian
society seems to be wholly composed, talk only of
" the removal of the tyrant," of his being " struck
down," &c., and you understand at least I do
that they might stab him in the back, but would
never venture to confront him face to face.
Qth. The inflexible Barbe Marbois has probably
been brought to see the advisableness of supplying
the funds for the Lyons expedition ; for this morn-
ing the First Consul, accompanied by Madame
Bonaparte, General Duroc, and a private secretary,
set out on his long-projected journey. On dit, or
rather as a frequent visitor here, who has remarkably
sharp ears, always commences his stories, on chuchote,
that Bonaparte and M. Talleyrand being now out of
the way, General Moreau and M. Fouche, who are
allies in a scheme to overthrow Bonaparte and give
France a new form of government, will turn their
absence to account, by endeavouring to come to a
definite understanding on that subject.
There is a powerful party, it appears, who are
convinced that the General is the only man to whom
the nation can safely look for a moderate govern-
ment, and who is capable of succeeding Bonaparte in
the administration of affairs.
1602.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 47
But my brother is of opinion that nothing will
result from the coalition of two persons so opposite
in character, views, and aims ; and he is at a loss to
understand how it has happened that an intimacy of
that kind should have sprung- up between them.
That Bonaparte shall be removed from his pre-
sent position- seems to be the only point on which
they are fully agreed. The General is a royalist ;
but he will have no share in effecting the removal of
Bonaparte unless monarchy be re-established in the
person of Louis XVIII. ; for he considers there
is a prospect of peace and prosperity for France
only in limited monarchy, and the restoration of the
rightful dynasty.
He declares that he wishes for himself no exclusive
power, no ostentatious position that might excite
envy and enmity in his fellow-citizens. His sole
object would be to protect the monarchy on its resto-
ration ; and, for that purpose, he would wish to have
revived for him the office of High Constable of France.
By a short, though perhaps violent effort, he
believes that success might be attained in this en-
terprise. Only a million and a half of livres, which
he can command, would be required for it ; but he
strenuously maintains that on the above-named terms
only will he have any personal share in the over-
throw of the present government.
Fouche, coarse-minded, vulgar, and brutal, has not
been able to bring himself to consent to this plan.
It contrasts too glaringly with his known principles ;
it clashes with his personal interests ; and it is
48 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802
indeed evident that, under such a change, he could
only be indebted to his coadjutor, or to the force of
circumstances, for a continuance in any office of
trust or honour.
llth. Yet there are supposed to be strong
reasons why Fouche should yield his own views and
judgment to those of the General. He holds his
present position entirely at Bonaparte's will ; he
could be removed from every source of power and
influence by a stroke of the First Consul's pen, and,
by a decree of banishment, not without precedent,
be settled for life at Cayenne.
Fouche has acted as the friend and faithful
supporter of Bonaparte as long as he could hope
that he had the preference over his rival Talleyrand ;
but this motive of action may have been reversed,
and, having failed in preventing the First Consul in
following Talleyrand to Lyons, he may consider the
die as cast. But on the other hand, the General's
project being so little in harmony with his own
views, he may choose to withdraw altogether from it.
It is known that Fouche induced Madame Bona-
parte, who is under some obligations to him, to
accompany her husband to Lyons, in order that
her presence might, in some measure, counteract
the influence of Talleyrand ; and it is thought that
Fouche, to attain his own objects, may even have
given the First Consul some hint of General
Moreau's proposed plan. For a short time ago the
First Consul sent for the General, and asked him
if there was anything he could do or could offer
1802.J SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 49
that would be acceptable to him. He answered, that
at present he was well satisfied ; he wished for
nothing more than he already had. Bonaparte
replied, " I think you are mistaken, Moreau ; and I
can, at all events, do as much for you as Fouche."
Thus, almost every day, the pros and cons of new
plots are discussed. En attendant the result of the
last one, we shall have some good skating, for the
weather has become excessively cold. Our hearths
are piled up, log upon log, much crackle and flame,
but no heat ; we shiver, and think enviously of the
coal fires now blazing away in old England.
14j?A. We just learn that the First Consul arrived
at Lyons on the evening of the llth, his journey
having occupied from fifty five to fifty six hours.
15M. Mr. Hill and I, accompanied by Mr. Dorant,
went last evening for a stroll in the Palais Royal.
I had not before seen it in the evening lighted up.
It was a very gay scene ; noisy and lively ; the
arcades were thronged, and I noticed there several
of our countrymen. To most of the English and
other foreigners, ^he Palais Royal is a spot of
peculiar attraction. The Parisians look on it as a
sort of earthly paradise, though it has the reputation
of being also the " emporium of profligacy," which
gives, perhaps, a more correct idea of the kind of
pleasures to be found there. The shops in the ar-
cades that surround the gardens, vie with each other
in their brilliant lighting up. The fine cafe's, the
restaurateurs the most famous in Paris and the
gambling saloons, in the rooms above, form by their
VOL. i. E
50 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
united display of light, a general and brilliant
illumination. The throng of loungers was immense,
for no part of Paris is so much resorted to for
amusement, promenading, dining, and supping.
There are subterraneous apartments, where un-
licensed gambling goes on, and fearful scenes of
dissipation take place.
The centre garden has well gravelled walks, and
is nicely arranged ; in the summer, a quantity of
orange trees are placed in it. A very good view
of the whole of the building may be had from the
garden.
But, both gardens and arcades are infested by a
crowd of profligate women, who, in Paris, are allowed
only in the Palais Royal to display their profligacy
openly ; and so disreputable does the company ap-
pear to be, generally, that no ladies could possibly
walk there in the evening. One tour of the arcades
and the gardens satisfied us. Summer weather, and
ices, would of course much add to their attractions.
This morning we looked in at the panorama of the
city of Paris, and another of the town and port
of Toulon, now being exhibited in the Jardin des
Capucines. They are very effectively painted. We
were, however, on our way to a far more interesting
exhibition the famous collection of pictures and
monumental sculpture, saved from destruction when
the wild rage of the revolution was at its height.
When churches were profaned and pillaged, and all
works of art that bore any reference to the memory
of those who at any time had filled positions of
802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 51
honour, power, or influence, were madly torn down,
mutilated, or demolished.
The collection is extensive ; and is chronologically
arranged, in the Maison des Petits Augustins, in
separate apartments lighted by windows of stained
glass, in the style of each period. Some of the
monuments date from the thirteenth century. Those
that are perfect, or of which the injuries can be re-
paired, will be replaced in the cathedrals and other
buildings whence they were taken, if peace should allow
of the many works that are projected being carried out.
The only monument I have a distinct recollection
of, is that of Diane de Poitiers. I thought it very
beautiful 'a kneeling figure, with a dog by her side.
It was brought from the castle of Anet but, on the
whole, I looked on these remnants from the tombs
with less interest than I had expected. Lord Aber-
deen, who was with us, said, he seemed to regret
more what had been destroyed by sacrilegious fury,
than to admire what had been rescued ; for he
thought that those monuments, in their places, were
contemplated with a feeling of veneration, that
invested them with a sort of ideal beautv, which was
V *
lost to them when removed.
20^. Now that " Der Fiirst " as the secretary of
a German legation ventures, in private, to name the
great man is away, and those who will bow the
knee to him, on his return, are plotting and laying
their heads together to upset him in his absence, we,
with r soine of our English visitors, are doing a little
sight-seeing.
E 2
52 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
As everybody is talking of the wonderful skill of
a Scotchman, with the Irish name of O'Reilly, as an
engraver on glass, we went to see some fine speci-
mens of his art, at the Manufacture des Cristaux.
His work is said to be of the highest degree of
perfection. It is, no doubt, very fine, and it fetches
a very high price. My brother bought, for eighteen
louis d'or, two small vases, with figures representing
the seasons, beautifully executed. Other persons of
our party also made purchases of these exquisite
works.
2lst. This morning I was despatched on a shop-
ping expedition, with her ladyship of Impey, who
had been good enough to take pity on our ignorance,
and to offer us the aid of her judgment, in the
purchase of lace, as well as to explain for my brother
a defect in the Duchess of York's satin shoes, which
H. R. H. had commissioned him to get made for her
in Paris. This accomplished, we proceeded to the
celebrated manufactory of Gobelins tapestry, estab-
lished in Paris, by two brothers,' named Gobelins,
of Rheims, so long ago as the reign of Francis I.
Up to the time of the revolution it was exclusively a
royal manufactory, and flourished accordingly. Now,
it is very far from flourishing, and the beautiful
hangings and rich carpets, with designs copied with
marvellous fidelity from the works of French and
foreign artists, find rarely a purchaser. Indeed, few
persons can afford the great outlay ; for the time,
skill, and labour required for their production ne-
cessarily make their cost enormous. Besides, I am
1802.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 53
told, they are no longer much sought after. But
there seems to be a good stock on hand, and many
beautiful works were unrolled for inspection. A few
looms were at work, but here, as elsewhere, the want
of skilled workmen was complained of. That want
alone .has brought many manufactures almost to a
stand-still, and when strangers visit the factories, the
languishing state in which most of them are found,
is generally apologized for, as it were, by the
information that the wars have carried off all their
best hands, but that, on the re-establishment of peace,
they look for a more settled and prosperous state of
things.
The Gobelins workmen, notwithstanding the
artistic nature of their employment, are paid at
the rate of only four to four and a half livres per
day. But, if manufactures have suffered, art has
been a gainer. The collections of art treasures, now
brought together in Paris, are said to be unequalled
in the world. The shopkeepers will profit by them,
at all events ; for, although the number of foreigners
they have already attracted is great, a far
greater number await the signing of the Treaty, to
gratify their desire of seeing them. I saw, yesterday,
the Pope's fine collection of medals, which has been
added to the Cabinet de Medailles ; also the Roman
coins found near Amiens.
25#A. We were at a re-union, chez Madame
Joubert, yesterday evening. She is a very charming
woman, spoken of by every one as une femme
infniment amiable, and it is scarcely an exaggera-
54 D1AEIES AND LETTERS OF [1802
tion. She looks on me, I believe, as an especial
protege'; having brought her from London some
private letters, confided to me by her friend, Madame
Otto, to deliver to her personally. Fouche was there
for a short time, looking rather surly, and more
repulsive than usual. He and the General have been
unable, as yet, to combine their plans, and, as the
First Consul is expected back shortly, they will most
likely be quietly dropped, or for the present laid
aside. As far as poor Louis XYIII. is concerned, it
is doubtful whether even the royalists who remain
here care much about him. " Were he to be now
forced on the nation, it would cause" this was said
by Fouche himself" a revolution more bloody than
any that has taken place. The great difficulty which
the present government has to contend with," he
remarked, " is its newness ; it is yet in its infancy, it
is the creation of the present age, and every man is
convinced that he has a right to destroy what was,
in a manner, his own work. But we will have no
more revolutions," he exclaimed, " therefore we must
strenuously oppose the return of Louis XVIII. ; who
could not remain three months in power, for the
country is no longer the same, and would not tolerate
the old principles of government by which he and
his advisers would wish to govern."
The person with whom Fouche', of his own accord,
had entered into conversation on this topic, answered
that " were such an unexpected event to happen as
that ho had alluded to, the persons named would
probably profit by past experience and regulate their
1802.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 55
measures according to the altered dispositions of the
country."
Fouche rejoined quickly, " the event is impossible !
The country is determined to preserve its tranquillity ;"
adding, with some excitement, " Si Bonaparte, merae,
avec toute sa gloire, voulait se faire couronner, ou
faire couronner un autre, il serait poignarde dans la
journee."
It has transpired that Fouche has recently spoken in
this sense to several foreign ministers ; and no one is
better able than he to speak to this point, as he has
now under his direction, in Paris, forty organized
Jacobin clubs, by whose means he could put in motion
an armed mob of eight thousand men.
Fouche" s late dissatisfaction with the First Consul,
was caused by a reproof he received from him, arising
out of an appeal to the Tribunate made by a merchant
of Brussels, who was a short time since arrested by
the police of that town, with some circumstances of
violence and injustice, on the alleged, but erroneous,
charge of exporting corn. The Tribunate, however,
sanctioned the proceedings of the police ; but Bona-
parte in his desire to throw public odium on the
Tribunate, in revenge for its late opposition to his
pro jet for a code civile, and to obtain, as his enemies
said, popularity for himself, was obliged to make a
partial sacrifice of his minister. He declared his
conduct in this case to be unconstitutional and not to
be justified insisting that "he will not s'jtfer the
police, in the execution of their duties, to trample
upon individual liberty."
56 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
Fouche was stung to the quick by this high-handed
act of the First Consul, and might have been willing
to aid in any practicable scheme for his overthrow.
But there can be but two changes monarchy, or a
Jacobin reign. Fouche would be at the head of the
latter, yet only in the last extremity would he bring
forward his party, for he knows them too well not to
be aware that he himself might in the end be their
victim.
But the city of Paris and the army would act, as
I am told they have ever acted, a distinct part from
the rest of the nation. That, as regards the first, so
long as Bonaparte can rely on the attachment of his
Guards, they will, under his direction, triumph over
every exertion of open force that can be employed
against him, while the Jacobins, though formidable
by their numbers and organization, yet know well the
difficulty of contending with regular troops, composed,
as Bonaparte's guard is, of soldiers of the most ap-
proved bravery, and attached to him also by many ties.
The Generals who have become dissatisfied with
Bonaparte on account of the "premature peace,"
have sought to alienate the affections of his Guards ;
and many well informed persons think the army is
not to be relied upon. That a few colonels may
bring over their regiments to act as they please, and
thus decide the action of the whole army, which
would abandon him, as it did Lafayette arid Demou-
rier, if hostile Generals should make it appear that
he is acting contrary to the will of the nation.
It is however pretty sure that Bonaparte is, at
1802.] S1E GEORGE JACKSON. 57
least, as popular with the army as any of the Generals
who have taken an active part against him. He
has besides superior abilities to improve his cause,
and the only man who could vie with him in this
respect, and who would be supported by that part of
the army that has been under his command, has
declared his determination to act only on a plan
which meets with no other than his own individual
support.
February 1st. The First Consul returned from
Lyons on Monday. He entered Paris under a salute
of ninety guns, and attended by a brilliant retinue
and military escort. The populace assembled in
great numbers and welcomed him with loud accla-
mations. It is rumoured that M. Talleyrand has not
been negligent during his absence of the means of
strengthening his influence at the Tuileries, and that
a marriage between Mademoiselle Archambeau, a
niece of M. Talleyrand, and Eugene Beauharnois,
Madame B's son, is in contemplation. The consent of
the First Consul has not yet been given, and if Fouche
resumes his influence probably it will be altogether
withheld.
The Italian Kepublic is the name given to the
new country. From the official narrative of the
proceedings at Lyons, it would seem that they were
conducted with much unanimity, but private letters say
they were not ; and the first impression made by the
late transactions of the government on those who
desire the tranquillity of France and Europe, is that
of apprehension. For it is considered that other
58 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
powers cannot behold with indifference so consider-
able an extension of the French empire, or regard it
as a favourable specimen of the First Consul's pacific
disposition. " The government of France alone was
fully sufficient," they say, " to occupy his time and
attention." On the other hand, joy and exultation
prevail amongst those men who look only to the
gratification of personal ambition and the supremacy
of the French nation ; and who think them not too
dearly purchased at the expense of private suffering
and public calamity.
The " Moniteur " of to-day has a statement, the
object of which is to prove that the acquisition of the
territory now forming the Italian Republic was in-
. dispensably necessary, in order to preserve to France
the same proportion of power and influence that she
formerly possessed.
4^/i. The accounts from Lyons state that the
General Assembly made many objections to the con-
stitution imposed on them, and many pertinent
remarks on the impropriety of choosing a stranger as
the head of it. This produced a considerable disturb-
ance amongst the members, when some officers of the
regiments in garrison at Lyons appeared in the hall,
and enforced silence on all parties. Bonaparte has
sent one of his aides-de-camp a son of the Third
Consul, Le Brun to Naples with a letter to the king,
to thank him for the assistance afforded to some
French troops who were forced by stress of weather
to seek refuge in one of the ports of Sicily.
The real aim of this mission, as well as that of
1802.] 8JR GEORGE JACKSON. 59
General Duroc, who took a letter to the Emperor of
Russia, is supposed to be to bring the First Consul into
personal correspondence with the sovereigns of Europe
by a sort of semi-official means.
Letters Feb. 6th. My brother, yesterday, pre-
sented several of our countrymen to the First Consul,
amongst others Lord Aberdeen, a very agreeable
young man, and a great, though a young, friend of
Mr. Pitt, who wrote to my brother strongly recom-
mending him, and begging he would show his
lordship every attention in his power during his stay
in Paris ; consequently, we have seen a good deal
of him. Also Mr. Caulfield, a young Irishman just
come of age and into a fortune of 30,000/. a year,
with 100,000^. besides, in his pocket to get rid of as
fast as he can. As soon as he arrived, he engaged
an apartment at an hotel, at ninety louis a month,
hired sixteen servants, and has given dinners of thirty
covers three times a week, of two louis per head,
with innumerable etceteras. Almost any Englishman,
Irishman, or Scotchman may drop in if he likes, and
be welcome. In the midst of the jovial bachelor's
life he is leading, he has received a letter from Lady
Crofton to one of whose daughters he is engaged
that informs him she will be in Paris in a few days
with the bride elect and her sisters. The moment, it
is thought, is rather ill-chosen ; however, the marriage
is to take place in Paris they say.
Lady Crofton' s letter was forwarded from London
by Mr. Dorant, who was supposed to be at Amiens.
But he has thought it advisable, he says, to cross the
60 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
Channel, and will return in the course of ten days,
without his wife even knowing the why and where-
fore of his journeys. In the execution of his amateur
business as a secret agent he will be obliged, he says,
to keep such extraordinary company when he ar-
rives, and to do such mysterious things, that he
foresees he shall barely escape a lodging in Le
Temple as the result of his zeal for the interests of
England.
Mr. Hill left us on the 2nd, and I have begun, as
far as I am able, to supply his place in the confidential
department. For, as the business at Amiens is
expected to be completed very shortly, no one will
be sent out to replace Mr. Hill. This throws, for the
time, a good deal of drudgery on my brother the
state of things here obliging him to vie with
M. Talleyrand in precaution.
We have had one " Milor " here, who kept a strict
incog. fortunately so, they say Lord Camel ford,
who, not being able to obtain a passport, came to
Boulogne as an American, and thence in the capacity
of a gentleman's servant. He stayed here some time,
but fearing that the police might get hold of him he
went off to Vienna. It is feared he should attempt
some personal mischief.
9th. The stories of mysterious disappearances,
masked midnight visitors, extensive robberies, and
other similar events reported in some of the English
papers, and which have caused my dear mother so
much alarm, are mere inventions. We thought you
would have known how little credit such reports are
1802.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 61
entitled to, and that you hear of us, and from us,
often enough to be assured that we are not
threatened with any such dangers as you have
imagined. It is true that a number of persons have
lately been arrested on the plea of a conspiracy
against the life of the First Consul, and that Madame
Champtenitz, whose husband was governor of the
palace on the 10th of August, 1792, was yesterday
sent for by the police and given into the charge
of an officer who had orders not to leave her until
she had passed the frontiers of Holland. With
this exception, the arrests have been confined to
some obscure individuals whose names are said to
have been found amongst the papers of the emi-
grants seized at Bareuth some time since. But
these measures are supposed to be taken with the
view of intimidating the royalists, who have lately
been very indiscreet in their conduct.
Last week, some of them were so inconsiderate as
to vehemently applaud a play that contained many
allusions to the revolution unfavourable to the
present order of things. The government instantly
ordered the withdrawal of the play.
IZth. We see that the English have also got a
story of the written bulletins, and of Bonaparte
having reprehended M. de Markoff. The fact is,
he treated him as he a short time back treated M. de
Lucchesini, and, as those opposed to him say, he is
inclined to treat everybody who does not profess a
wonderful admiration of all he does, and an implicit
faith in all he says. As regards the bulletins, it
62 DIABIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
appears there have always been written ones in
circulation, professing to give more accurate infor-
mation on public affairs than can be found in the
newspapers.
It might be supposed that the total subjection of the
French press would furnish a good chance of success
to such an undertaking ; but we are told that these
bulletins differ from those of former times only in
their conformity to the change of habits, manners,
and language ; and that they are still coarse in
expression, but less good in intelligence.
However, the author of the present bulletins has
been seized, and also his papers. On the list of his
subscribers the name of M. de Markoff appeared,
and at the last levee Bonaparte asked him whether
the information he supplied to his government was
derived from the written bulletins.
Everything that is said out of France unfavour-
able to the wishes or views of this government is
always attributed to one or other of the foreign
ministers, and I dare say they believe that the
observations the English papers indulge in originate
with my brother.
14^/i. When Fouche dined here a few days ago, a
reference was made to those reports which have
been current of assassinations, &c., with the remark
that "with a police so well organized, such a series
of depredations as was said to have taken place
would be almost impossible." I suppose Fouche
considered this was said by way of paying him a
compliment, for he answered with that brutal sort of
1802.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 63
indifference which characterizes him, " Oui, oui, cela
va fort Lien a present ; mais pour en venir la il m'a
fallu abattre au moins deux cents tetes !" One can
readily believe, after this confession, all the horrors
attributed to him at the most furious period of the
revolution. I know that it caused a shock to the
feelings of more than one person then present.
Diaries Feb. llth. The hereditary Prince of
Orange dined here last evening afterwards we went
to the The'atre FranQais. The prince came about a
week ago, for the purpose of ascertaining whether
the interests of his family are likely to be benefited,
or otherwise, by the peace.
General Duroc, governor of the Tuileries, waited
upon him immediately, in the name of the First
Consul. The prince has been promised a private
audience from day to day, but from day to day
M. Talleyrand has made some excuse for deferring
it. Meanwhile, the prince is amusing himself with
very little dignity, having consented to be intro-
duced by M. de Lucchesini, the Prussian minister, to
a lady of no very high repute, though very high in
the favour of M. Talleyrand. M. de L. being aware
that the prince was commissioned by the king of
Prussia to ask Bonaparte whether he wishes him to
be recalled or not as his wish in either case would
be complied with in order to induce Talleyrand to
advise a favourable answer, commenced paying the
most servile court to the above-named lady, to whom
he promised to introduce the prince. The princess,
his mother, is most anxious about him, and has
64 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
written to my brother, who was known to her at the
Hague and at Berlin, expressing her fears for her
son sur un pave si glissant, and apparently wishing
him to see that the prince does not make un faux pas.
A connection of his family, whom he would scarcely
like to meet the pretended Prince of Nassau
being one of les intimes of the lady in question, he
has been informed of the circumstance, and for the
rest, my brother says, the prince must look to his
steps himself.
The marriage that was, said to be, on the tapis is
no longer spoken of as at all likely to take place.
Bonaparte's success at Lyons has suggested, it is
supposed, other and more ambitious schemes, which
will be fatal to M. Talleyrand's hopes of strengthen-
ing his influence by uniting his niece to the First
Consul's stepson.
Madame Bonaparte, a few evenings since, intro-
duced my brother to her daughter, now become her
sister-in-law, and has been most amazingly civil to
him since he was presented to her. She seems to be
so thoroughly good-natured that she might readily
be credited with a wish to show attentions, inde-
pendent of the promptings of her lord and master.
But here, nothing is said or done, and least of all in
those high quarters, to which some hidden motive is
not assigned, and Madame Bonaparte's smiles and
words, as they are more or less sunny and gracious,
serve, some persons, as an index of the degree of
favour or disfavour, in which they and others are
held by the great man himself.
1802.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 65
Those of her acquaintan<ae, however, who know
her most intimately, assert that her nature is too
genial to be regulated after such a fashion proud
as she is of her hero and that, in fact, Bonaparte
does not impose such restraints upon her. Many
people think her handsome. According to my own
private opinion, she is not ; but she is elegant,
beautifully dressed, and captivates by her pleasant,
good-humoured manner. A Frenchman, who knew
her before her second marriage, spoke of her to
some Englishmen, who were much pleased with her
reception of them, as "une excellente femme, qui a
plus de ccoiir que d'esprit ; d'une tournure agreable,
si vous voulez, mais dont la charme infinie de sa
grace d'autrefois est efface' par 1'air de dignite qu'elle
affecte aujourd'hui."
Madame Louis has something of her mother's
manner; my brother says she has less bonhomie
in her disposition ; but it may be that youth and
better education restrain the free expression of it.
It is generally thought that very little, if any,
affection exists between her and her husband.
18th. M. Talleyrand is now occupied with his
own marriage, which awaits the arrival of the Pope's
dispensation. Meanwhile, he is amassing wealth by
making the Department of the Emigrants, which is
under his control, as foreign minister, a source of
considerable private emolument. He grants, very
liberally, permissions to return to France, to those
emigrants who can find means to pay him liberally ;
whilst Fouche and his police are active in searching
VOL. T. F
66 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
out reasons for arresting a great number of these
unfortunate persons when they arrive.
The enmity that exists between these two ministers
is occasioned no less by the opposition of their
personal characters than by the difference in their
public views.
Talleyrand is considered the head of the aristo-
cratic party, Fouche that of the Jacobinical. Talley-
rand has something of severity in his manners, and
from former habits is disposed to whatever partakes
of refinement, even in his vices. Fouche', on the
contrary, is as vulgar in deportment, as coarse-
minded, and ferocious in disposition. He is, more
or less, connected with every species of malefactor,
and gratifies his thirst of power and riches by the
favouring of one party to the prejudice of another.
20^/j. How long, some people ask, can a govern-
ment, circumstanced as this is, be expected to
last ? Others answer, that the great energy and
activity of Bonaparte's mind form an almost in-
vincible barrier to the attacks of those who would
overthrow him. He secludes himself, now, almost
entirely from the public, lives in the Tuileries as
in a fortified castle every possible avenue to it
being doubly guarded and in the midst of a chosen
body of veteran troops, already much attached to
him, and with whom he employs every means to
ingratiate himself still further.
From the frequent change in the commanders of the
Consular Guard, it would seem to be Bonaparte's
policy not to leave the same officers amongst them
1802.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 67
long enough to have the opportunity of gaining much
influence with the men; whilst the officers 'he does
appoint are, of course, those he considers most firmly
attached to his interests.
General Lannes, who commanded the Consular
Guard, and, like Massena, was much dissatisfied at
the prospect of a peace, was suspected of tampering
with the men for the purpose of ascertaining how
far they would offer opposition in any attempt at
revolt. He was dismissed from his command, put
under arrest, and afterwards ordered to reside in the
country at a fixed distance from Paris. But he has
since given up the names of his friends, made
known the circumstances of their plot, and accepted
the embassy to Portugal, which he at first rejected.
The Abbe Sieves was also at the head of a set that
had combined to oppose Bonaparte's government.
He was offered a national domain of considerable
value, which he accepted, and received also the
appointment of member of the Senat Conservatem,
thus, crushing himself; for as soon as it was said
that his object was pecuniary recompence he fell into
contempt, even amongst his warmest adherents, and
has been deprived of the power of employing with
effect that genius for intrigue for which he is so
eminent. Nevertheless, his house is still the resort
of all who are disaffected towards the government ;
he is easy of access, and gives liberal encouragement
to all who think themselves entitled to complain.
But, notwithstanding all the means that are em-
ployed to annihilate Bonaparte and his government,
F 2
68 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
those most competent to give an opinion affirm that
he can only be overpowed by a much larger, and far
more united, force than is, at present, likely to be
brought against him; or by a far more general
change of sentiment throughout the country than has
hitherto taken place.
Letters Feb. 25th. My brother had a very kind
hint the other day from Mr. Abbot, as soon as he
knew of his intended election and Mr. Wickham's
appointment to Ireland, by which the Berlin mission
becomes vacant. Although he has a powerful com-
petitor in Mr. Frere, there is a very good chance
of my brother gaining the day, as he has learned
from trustworthy authority. At all events, he-
thinks you may rely on his not crossing the Atlantic,
for should Mr. F. get Berlin, he will then most
probably return to Madrid, for which post Mr. Frere
was destined. He would prefer that, he says, to
America, though with only the rank of envoy ^ as it
must be put, at least, on an equal footing in point of
emolument, and, besides, would not be so much out
of the way. He expects to hear soon from Mr.
Addington that it is settled provisionally. Vienna
will shortly be vacant ; Mr. Paget who has been there
but six months, being, we hear, quite tired of his
residence in that capital.
There has been so much writing, that without
further assistance it could not be got through ;
Mr. Wild, a nephew of Sir Isaac Heard, has there-
fore joined my brother, and will remain until the end.
People are beginning to think that the end has been
1802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 69
waited for long enough, and it is said that the delay
is on the English side. But it has been announced
that Lord Whitworth is ready to set out, and awaits
only the signing of the Treaty.
Mr. Dorant has got himself into a scrape. He
writes that he had embarked in the Dover packet on
his return to Paris, having in his possession five
hundred and sixty-nine guineas, but no order for
their exportation. By some means it became known
at the inn he had slept at, and information of the
circumstance was given by the landlord to the
Custom-House officer. When Dorant went on board
he was seized and searched ; the money was taken
from him, and he was compelled to return on shore.
He had a passport from M. Otto, who had given
into his charge a parcel, which Dorant describes, in
his odd way, as " about three feet long and as thick
as a man's thigh, and containing several pieces of
flannel for M. Talleyrand." Also he had a lace dress
for Madame Bonaparte, for which he had paid sixty
guineas ; two others for Mesdames Fouche and
Luxembourg, as well as green tea and cotton
stockings for the latter lady, with two or three
patent lace cloaks, and other articles for less dis-
tinguished personages. These he was compelled to
leave on board, but they were all addressed to the
English minister, and were to be passed through the
Customs as his. He had the folly to declare that the
guineas, as well as the packages, were for the use of
the British minister. However, his story was not
credited. He excused himself to my brother by
70 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
saying that it was really a fact, as they enabled him
to take a journey in his service, and to be useful to
him.
On returning to London he applied to the Foreign
Office for the restoration of his money. But Mr.
Stone, the Dover agent, had already reported the
matter, with, as Dorant says, " the most unfounded
and exaggerated insinuations that ever entered into
the mind of man to make, and that brought on him,
from my Lord Hawkesbury, through Mr. Hammond,
reproaches that were most painful to bear. He asked
for his money, not that he valued it more than if it
had been a bottle of wine, for he was not fond of
money, and had already more than he should live to
spend ; but it was the way of losing it that hurt him
so deeply. My lord could not understand why he
should go to France in such a manner, nor what
secret there was between him and His Majesty's
minister, when he gave them information which,
they said, changed completely the face of the thing^
and Mr. H., who had declared that he had never
known an instance of money once seized being
restored, then promised him some compensation.
This he declined ; he would have the whole or none."
He is likely it appears to get none, for he has heard
nothing more on the subject, and has not made any
further application ; being well satisfied, he says, if
they will leave him alone. He declares that he had
information that would have enabled Lord Cornwallis
to have the Treaty signed on his own terms within
forty-eight hours.
1802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 71
For the present, I suppose, he has given up his
self-imposed duty of collecting secret intelligence,
for he knows not, he says, when he may be able to
revisit Paris. This is a disappointment and loss to
others, no less than to himself; he has such a talent
for worming out secrets, and does it so thoroughly
con amore. I believe he has found it also not an
unprofitable pastime, even should he eventually not
recover in some form the value of the guineas seized
at Dover.
March 2nd. What a dismal set of table-talkers
you have at Bath, my dear mother, with their stories
of the king's want of strength, and Mr. Addington's
want of strength ; themselves, I think, deficient in
that sort of strength they think the king wanting
in ; for my brother had yesterday a letter from
Mr. Harcourt, dated Windsor Lodge, in which he
says all the family is quite well. You have levees
and drawing-rooms as usual ; and as Mrs. Lawrell,
we hear, adds so much to the warmth of the latter,
their Majesties must be in good health to support the
fatigue of them.
It is not in the papers, but that is not very con-
clusive, that the Duke of York has recently lost
200,000^., and is selling his town house and horses.
At all events you have the Duchess amongst you,
though, as you suggest, only to be out of the way,
he having brought her down and returned to town
the next day. We have a Bath letter of later date
than yours, which says that the Duchess has been
bitten in the hand by one of her dogs ; that the
72 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
wound will not heal, and that her physician has
recommended her to try the Bath waters. Oh,
wonder-working waters! Her royal highness, we
are told, " has her hand pumped upon, and then takes
one glass of wateu:, after everybody has left the little
pump-room, as she would avoid as much as possible
being seen." I hope you will not fail to inform us
of the happy result, and my brother says you are
to lay him at her royal highness's feet, and inquire if
she wants any more shoes before he leaves Paris.
Diaries March kth. Bonaparte is furious at what
is said of him in our papers. Pelletier's journal has
been complained of. M. Talleyrand has mentioned
with much dissatisfaction the hostile feeling which, as
he asserts, the English ministerial newspapers display
towards France. " Ce n'est pas la la maniere d'agir,"
he said, " mais, malgre tout cela, nous ferons la paix."
He added, however, a sort of threat, if those un-
scrupulous attacks were not discontinued, to " lacher "
his papers against us, which would produce, he said,
a by no means pleasant sort of warfare.
Both the " Times " and the " Morning Chronicle "
have copied articles respecting my brother, from
Montlivier's '* Journal de Londres," a paper in the pay
of this government. All its articles on the public
and private affairs of France are supplied from the
Tuileries, and Fouche's office, and there is a person
here, connected with the " Morning Chronicle," whose
business is to explain what his colleague dares not
bring forward in his semi-official shape. Hence the
indecent paragraphs in the " Chronicle " respecting
1802.] SIB GEOBGE JACKSON. 73
persons high and low in this country. The story
of the king's intention to abdicate, has produced a
most unpleasant effect on the Continent, where there
are no means of knowing the falsehood of such like
reports.
Wth. We are to have Mrs. Darner and her friend,
Miss Berry, here in a few days. Two such con-
noisseurs in every way, would not, of course, lose the
first opportunity of visiting Paris to see the Apollo
Belvidere and other fine sights. Lord Pelharn would
not give them a passport till now, and he does not
say what made him change his determination. They
will see pictures and statues enough here to satisfy
them, I hope.
M. David, the painter of the fine picture of the
passage of Mont St. Bernard, has completed one of
the .Roman and Sabine warriors ; the Sabine women
interposing to prevent the fight. The artist has
published an apology for the nakedness of these bold
warriors. Mont St. Bernard, with Bonaparte and his
heroes, pleases me better than this scuffle of naked
savages and wild women so much for my taste.
What would Miss Berry say, I wonder?
Sir Ralph Woodford's son has just arrived here
from Egypt, where he has been with Major Byng,
who was reported dead after the battle of Hohen-
linden. Mr. Windham wrote to my brother about
the major, who is his nephew, and took the oppor-
tunity of giving him a strong dash of his politics.
To-morrow we all go to St. Germain, a few miles
from Paris, to see " Esthere," one of Racine's plays,
74 DIAEIES AND LETTEES OF [1802.
acted by the young ladiee of a famous boarding
school kept by a Madame Campan. She was
a bed-chamber woman of the poor Queen Marie
Antoinette, and has, by her cleverness and character,
been able to keep up her school during the whole of
the revolution upon the same footing.
\1th. The strange intelligence with which Dorant
was primed, when so inopportunely stopped on his
voyage to France, he has found a way of convey-
ing to my brother, and Lord Cornwallis has received
some hints, of which it is supposed he might make
some advantageous use. But hints, it is thought,
are not readily taken in that quarter. There has
been much delay for some days in the transmission of
the reports of the proceedings at Amiens. Perhaps
it would be almost high treason to say that the dis-
cussions are protracted unnecessarily by the English
Negotiator ; but the very merry letters that find
their way hither from the .seat of Congress give such
amusing details of the " pottering old woman's " lei-
surely mode of transacting business, that one cannot
refrain from hearty laughter sous cape, while the
object of it is, of course, cried up as a sort of British
Solomon. He is, indeed, looked upon as a fine old
boy, and as conscientiously desirous to do the work he
has been charged with, in the best manner. But, as if
aware that he is not qualified for it, he cannot move a
step without reference to England. This, my brother
says, is much to be regretted, as it affords the French
Government a pretext, they are only too glad to avail
themselves of, for their complaints against England.
1802.] S1E GEORGE JACKSON. 75
. Public attention is wholly absorbed by the
delay in the signing of the Definitive Treaty. It is
commented upon in every society, and, in some
instances, with expressions so disrespectful towards
the English Government that it has been found
necessary to take notice of them. Serious doubts
prevail as to the final issue of the Congress, and it is
suspected that the idea of a rupture of the negotiation
is now floating in the mind of Bonaparte.
In the Official " Moniteur " it is unequivocally
asserted that the signature is retarded solely by His
Majesty's Government. This statement ends with
an appeal to the British nation, by which the First
Consul, who is himself the author of it, seems to wish
by anticipation to throw off the odium which a
renewal of the war might bring upon him. It is
made to appear, also, that the principal powers of
Europe concur in his plans and operations.
Yet it is believed that, owing to the internal state
of the country, and the situation of the armament of
St. Domingo, the First Consul, himself, will not desire
to renew the war ; but that from the jumble of
interests that exists here, and which must be taken
into consideration, he experiences as much difficulty
from the approach of peace as he ever met with in
the conduct of the war.
Difficulties press upon him, and they are of a
nature which his temper and frame of mind are ill-
suited to overcome, and seem to put him off his
guard against the danger that menaces him.
War, then, may serve his object better than peace,
76 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
as it would enable him to employ many of his
bitterest enemies in distant situations, where their
thirst of military glory and military plunder would
be gratified, which for a time would stifle all feeling
of resentment against him.
ISth. A whole batch of presentations awaits the
signing of the Treaty. Mrs. Darner and Miss Berry,
who arrived the other day, will be of the number.
En attendant they are fully employed, and highly de-
lighted with the spoils of war with which this gay
city is enriched. The weather is become so mild and
fine that we can now go the round of sights again with
some pleasure. It is high spring in the garden of
this house, flowers are peeping forth, and the ground
is so well laid out that, if the Treaty should remain
much longer unsigned, and war not be the conse-
quence, I foresee that we shall have some pleasant
al fresco entertainments. The last two mild even-
ings our foreign visitors took their coffee in the
garden, and smoked there.
19/i. Some connoisseurs, who had been inspect-
ing the pictures, condemned much the retouching by
French artists, which some of the finest works of the
old Italian masters have undergone since their ar-
rival. They ought, they contended, to have been
exhibited in the condition in which they were re-
ceived. But it appears they were so much injured
in their transport, that some of the most valuable
paintings could not have been shown without the
restoration of the defaced portions. But the wreck
of the original works, connoisseurs say, would have
1802.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 77
given, all true lovers of art more pleasure than
the renovations and botchings, as they are termed,
of incompetent artists. However, the most skilful
painters have been employed on them, and time will
efface the traces of the modern brush.
20?A. M. Talleyrand had a long conversation
with my brother yesterday on the " inexplicable con-
duct of the English Government." All the principal
articles of the Treaty having been agreed to, eight or
ten days ago, he finds it difficult to understand the
delay in signing it. Nothing could exceed, he says,
the surprise of the First Consul when he learned that
Lord Cornwallis had received fresh instructions,
which directed him to reject what he had already
consented to sign.
Notwithstanding these remonstrances and their
profession of anxiety for the conclusion of peace, my
brother declares that he can observe in the conduct
of the French Government nothing that bears an
appearance of the cordiality and good faith so liberally
observed by England towards France, but, on the
contrary, deep duplicity and an eager desire to take
every possible unfair advantage to increase their own
power and influence, and to separate England from
the rest of the world.
yind. It was remarked in conversation yesterday,
how large a number of Generals of inferior note had
latterly been appointed to the Senat Conservatem, and
it was explained that it was a means adopted by the
First Consul for dissolving, without eclat, the mili-
tary confederacy formed against him, it being, while
78 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
doing so, a great object with him also to impress the
world with a belief that his government is carried on
without any opposition or extraordinary exertion of
authority.
26tfA. At last ! A French courier has brought the
Treaty. He made the journey with such unusual
speed that he has reached Paris from Amiens in nine
hours and a half!
Letters March 11th. By the time this reaches
England our business here, I imagine, will be settled,
and your guns be firing, and bells ringing. Yester-
day a French courier, who made a wonderfully quick
journey from Amiens, brought the Definitive Treaty,
signed on the 24th. As soon as M. Talleyrand
received it, he carried it to the First Consul, al-
though he was then engaged in the council of state.
Immediately he read it to the assembled members,
and informed them there were no secret articles.
At about five o'clock, the guns of Paris thundered
forth to the inhabitants the glad tidings of peace.
The news was communicated officially at the theatres.
Between eight and nine the Treaty was published in
a special edition of the " Moniteur," and the palace of
the Tuileries was illuminated.
In the course of the afternoon notice was sent to
the foreign ministers that the First Consul would
receive their congratulations this morning, after they
had paid their respects to Madame Bonaparte on this
auspicious occasion. This is quite an innovation. It
is the first time she has formally received the whole
of the corps diplomatique. However, she acquitted
1802.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 79
herself in her new role, as I am told, with her accus-
tomed ease of manner.
She was seated on a canape, most exquisitely
dressed, when the foreign ministers entered her
apartment a spacious and elegantly arranged
boudoir looking on the gardens ; throughout the
reception she remained seated, and addressed to each
of her visitors a few well-chosen words of felicitation
on the great and happy work just completed. It has
been remarked since, and by one who is not disposed
to flatter her, that her bearing was graceful and
becoming, and not wanting in proper dignity.
On taking leave of Madame Bonaparte, the
corps diplomatique were conducted to the audience-
chamber of the First Consul. He, as usual, received
them standing ; on either side the Second and Third
Consuls, and the accustomed surrounding of ministers,
officers of state, &c. But he had laid aside his
military dress, and wore that of a Councillor of State.
Apparently he was in his most gracious mood, and
expressed himself much gratified at the happy event
which was the cause of his meeting that day the
representatives of those foreign Courts who had
so cordially combined with him to bring about the
pacification of Europe ; adding, with especial reference
to England, "as far as the peace just concluded
depends on me it will be permanent ; for no motive,
but that of honour, shall induce me to break it."
Diaries March 2Sth. In the course of some con-
versation that followed, my brother observed, " How
much it surprised him that it had been found possible
80 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
to prepare the Treaty for signature so soon after the
articles had been agreed upon."
The First Consul and M. Talleyrand both acquiesced
in his observation, but the former said that " upon
such an occasion some extraordinary exertion was
to be expected."
29M. A messenger from Lord Cornwallis brought
yesterday the information that the Treaty was signed
only on the 27th, and soon after my brother was
told that what had been published on Friday was
the paper that had been agreed to in the protocol
of the conference between the respective plenipoten-
tiaries. In the course of the day he happened to
meet M. Talleyrand, and some allusion being made
to the premature publication of the Treaty, the latter
intimated that its object had been to prevent stock-
jobbing. But if this was in any way the cause of it,
it may be inferred, from some transactions that took
place on the Bourse a fortnight ago, that it was to
afford an opportunity to make good a considerable
deficiency in the money matters of some persons con-
nected with the government, in consequence of the
Treaty not having been signed, as was expected, ten
days sooner. But however this may be, it is certain
that as little time as possible was lost between the
arrival of the courier and the communication of the
Treaty.
31st. As a sort of prelude to the publication of
the Concordatum, orders were given on Saturday for
a Te Deum to be sung, and high mass to be celebrated
the next day, by Cardinal Caprera, at the Cathedral
1802.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 81
of Notre Dame. Notice was sent to the Cardinal to
be ready for the ceremony, which was to be conducted
with great pomp and magnificence. But early on
Sunday morning he was informed that it was not to
take place. This change of intention is supposed to
be owing to the difficulty of so soon displacing the
constitutional clergy, wh'o now have possession of
Notre Dame, and to the impossibility of fitly prepar-
ing the church, at so short a notice, for so solemn an
event as the restoration of divine worship in France.
For Notre Dame, like other sacred edifices, was
pillaged and defaced at the time of the revolution,
and has since fallen, from neglect, into a dirty,
ruinous condition.
The public reception of the cardinal as the Pope's
legate will take place with the publication of the
Concor datum.
Keport says that the offices of Second and Third
Consul will be abolished about the same time, and
that Bonaparte will take exclusively to himself the
nominal as well as the real direction of affairs.
The hereditary Prince of Orange speaks in terms of
much regret of a title different from that his family
has usually borne being now to be adopted by it. )
Letters April 2nd. We do not yet know when
we shall leave Paris, but until we leave we are
gentlemen at large, with little to do but to amuse
ourselves.
It is strange, that the anxious interest which the
people generally seemed to take in the Congress at
Amiens, during the early stage of its deliberations,
VOL. i. o
82 DIARIES AND LETTEES OF . [1802.
has subsided into utter indifference since the final
result was known. The First Consul is greatly
mortified at the apathy of the people, and did not
conceal his displeasure from the trade deputations,
when they presented themselves to congratulate him
on the re-establishment of peace.
He received them with 'great coldness, and gave
them clearly to understand that, as he had diligently
laboured to secure for the French nation an advan-
tageous peace, he looked for some more decided
manifestation of thankfulness, than he had hitherto
received, from those who were most to be benefited
by his patriotic efforts.
The poorer classes still clamour for the cheap bread
they are, unfortunately, not likely to get ; and the
commercial people who looked for a great revival
of trade, as soon as only the preliminaries were
ratified, are of course still disappointed. However,
all the hotels are overflowing with English ; for we
have an inundation from our shores since the signa-
ture of the Treaty, and the flood increases daily, and
will no doubt go on increasing. The Parisians take
every possible advantage of this, treating all our
countrymen as " les riches milors." Those who find
their way to this house complain loudly ; extortion,
they say, is the rule with the shopkeepers in their
dealings with their visitors, and on all sides they
fleece them most thoroughly.
6th. Perhaps this will be the last letter I shall
send you from Paris, for my brother has received
his letter of recall, and waits only for an audience to
1802.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 83
deliver it. He reckons on setting out in a fortnight.
Although established so short a time, there are a
great many things to do, and many people to take
leave of, before setting off. Nothing is said to him
from Downing Street of his future destination ; but
he still preserves the hope of not leaving Europe.
8th. M. Talleyrand informed my brother, on
his requesting permission to take leave of the First
Consul, that it would be informal, and inconsistent
with the rules of etiquette established here, to take
leave so abruptly. He reminded him that his orders
were to return immediately ; Mr. Merry, who had
conducted the business at Amiens, being fixed on
by His Majesty's Government as the proper person to
exchange the Treaties, and succeed him as minister
until the arrival of an ambassador. No day is how-
ever yet fixed for his audience.
General Berthier, the minister of war, is spoken of
as likely to have the London embassy. No doubt he
would be glad to accept it, as he is displeased with
some retrenchments lately made in his department
by the First Consul, and has, besides, liaisons which
he would be glad, on dit, to escape from ; not being
able to carry off those affairs with so high a hand as
his colleague, M. Talleyrand.
Diaries April \\th. The Concordatum between
this government and the Church of Eome, and the
different articles by which it provides for a Church
Establishment in France, received the sanction of
the corps legislatif on the 8th. On the following
day Cardinal Caprera was admitted to an audienco
G 2
84 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
of the First Consul as legate d later.e, from his Holiness
the pope.
It is reported that the ceremony was conducted in
a manner in every respect similar to that which was
customary under the former government.
12th. The First Consul has finally fixed on Easter
Sunday for the festivities in honour of the general
peace.
13th. All is bustle, activity, and animation ; and
if the peace itself is disregarded, the keenest anxiety
is yet shown, by all classes of this peuple mobile,
to celebrate it with the utmost eclat.
16th. As the 18th approaches, Paris becomes
fuller, and nothing seems to interest any one which
has not some reference to the forthcoming fetes.
Many visitors flock in daily from the provinces,
where Bonaparte is said to be very popular; and
where, generally, the inhabitants consider themselves
indebted to him for the tranquillity of the last two
years. They seem to have no particular motive for
dissatisfaction with the present order of things
which, if not perfect, they think is as good as any
they have yet known =but such as may arise from
an unextingtiished sentiment of attachment to their
legitimate sovereign, and to the religion of their
fathers. These feelings are said to be most prevalent
in the south of France ; they are not, however,
strong enough to induce any active exertion.
l$th. Easter morning was ushered in by some
passing showers, but the whole city was in motion
very early. Throngs of sight-seers some not a
1802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 85
little bespattered picked their way through the
muddy pools of the Paris streets, avoiding, as best
they could, the crazy Jiacres that dodged about in
greater numbers, and caused greater confusion than
ever.
The First Consul gave an early audience to the
corps diplomatique before going in procession to Notre
Dame.
The Concordatum was published to the sound of
trumpets and the thunder of artillery, and the joy of
the populace seemed unbounded ; for with many the
religious part of the ceremony was the principal
attraction. The Pope's legate was, therefore, the
object of profound veneration, and fairly divided the
honours of the day with the " nation's great bene-
factor," by whom this happy change, " peace on
earth, peace with the Church and with Heaven," has
been brought about.
Admission to Notre Dame was by tickets, for all
who were not present officially ; yet the cathedral
was in every part crowded to excess, so numerous
and urgent had the applicants been.
So short a time had been allowed for decorating
and embellishing the interior of the building, that we
were the more struck, on entering, with the change
from the dirt and desolation of the other day to the
pomp and splendour of yesterday.
The Te Deum was sung magnificently, and with
deep feeling ; many persons found it difficult to re-
strain their emotion, while not a few were over-
powered by it. For this first solemn celebration of
86 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
high mass necessarily awakened the saddest feelings,
and the most painful memories, in the greater part of
the congregation.
The carriages of the First Consul and his col-
leagues, and the green, gold-embroidered, liveries of
their attendants, were exceedingly rich. Some of the
principal officers, and the foreign ministers generally,
made a respectable part of the show in that way ;
but, although Spartan simplicity is no longer the
order of the day, a decent private vehicle is still a
rarity, and citizen coachmen are still unliveried.
At the audience of the morning, my brother took
leave of the First Consul. In reply to the assurance
that it was " His Majesty's desire to cement the union
and good understanding now happily re-established
between the French Republic and England," he
requested that the king might be informed that it
was " equally his sincere determination to employ
every means in his power to render the peace durable,
and productive of mutual satisfaction and advantage."
He then noticed the circumstance of my brother
having been the first minister appointed to this
country after the cessation of hostilities, and ex-
pressed in very obliging terms the recollection which
he said he should retain of his having been here, and
his wish that his future destination might be in every
respect satisfactory to him. Later, my brother made
his final bow to Madame ; and to-day he takes leave
of the Second and Third Consuls and M. Talleyrand.
We had a dinner in celebration of the great events
that were fSted yesterday, and afterwards we went
1802.J SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 87
>c
to look at the illuminations, in which the French are
said to excel.
That of the British mission represented a temple
the closed temple of Janus, I believe with many
columns, round which thousands of coloured lamps
were wreathed. It was a very effective display, and
was greatly admired.
The streets were thronged with a very orderly
mob of sight-seers, and, for the general convenience
and safety, no fiacres were allowed to be out that
evening.
The public buildings, the residences of the members
of the government, and those of the foreign ministers,
were all brilliantly lighted up. The Place Yendome,
Place de la Revolution, &c., glowed with colour from
the many-tinted lamps.
The Palais du Corps Legislatif once the Palais
Bourbon was compared to a palace of jewels, so
thickly was it covered with gleaming lamps, and
their colours so harmoniously intermixed. The
entire length of the Tuileries was marked by lines
of fire, and festooned with flowers and variegated
lamps, and draped with numerous flags; those of
all nations intermingling with the drapeau repub-
licain. A portion of the gardens was illuminated ; in
the vicinity was a display of fireworks, and another
on the river ; while a concert of military bands
enlivened the scene.
Outside the grounds, and near the palace, a tem-
porary fountain had been erected. Last evening
it streamed with bright Bourdeaux, and many
88 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
'- *
a bumper was quaffed there in honour of "La
paix et le pacificateur !" and in one instance we
heard : " Le heros ! qui veut se faire aimer en vin /
en vain."
Whatever the peace itself may prove to be, the
brilliant fete de nuit with which it has been celebrated
was an undoubted success; and I am glad we have
had the opportunity of witnessing that, as well as
the solemn ceremonies of the morning.
20/7*. All our arrangements are completed ; and
to-morrow morning, early, we shall be en route for
Old England. We have lived for five months in a
perfect maze of plots, Jacobin, military, and royalist ;
surrounded by spies, noting every act, and reporting
every word ; yet I, at least, leave the gay capital
with regret. And gay, indeed, it is, for notwith-
standing the undercurrent of stratagem and intrigue,
in general society a genial tone lies on the surface,
and a lively sans faqon mode of life prevails that is
irresistibly pleasing and attractive.
Mr. F. J. Jackson to Mrs. Jackson.
Koyal Hotel, Pall Mall,
24th April, 1802.
MY DEAR MOTHER,
I take up the first pen and piece of paper I find
to tell you that we arrived again in this great town
between ten and eleven this morning, after a good
and prosperous journey, having left Paris on Wed-
nesday morning last.
We landed yesterday at Dover between nine and
1802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 89
ten, but had to wait there so long to have the
carriage brought on shore that I could only reach
Dartford last night.
I have been fortunate in catching Mr. Addington
and Lord Hawkesbury before they leave town for
the week's end, and have met with such a reception
as convinces me my labours have not been in vain.
I am not quite sure whether before you last heard
from us, Merry had received an intimation that he
might go as minister to America ; which, as that
post was offered me, corroborates the information I
had received of my being destined to Berlin.
Lord Hawkesbury has appointed me to meet him
on Thursday, when I may obtain some light on the
subject if I do not receive any positive informa-
tion. I have, however, little or no doubt, as there
is in fact nothing else in the line worth my accept-
ance, and they do not probably mean to turn me
out of it.
I see all the town is prepared for an illumination,
which will probably take place on Monday. I did
not bring the Ratifications, as the papers announced,
because my time of couriership is past, and I cer-
tainly should have no inclination to recommence it
upon this occasion. I imagine they will arrive to-
night or to-morrow, and then you may illuminate or
not, as you please.
I see nothing here that equals my illumination
last Sunday, when we had been in procession to
Notre Dame to celebrate the re-establisment of
religious worship. They tell me Otto's is very fine,
90 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
and the ladeaux are driving about all day to see
only the preparations. I just lay my hand on the
drawing of mine, and send it you for your amuse-
ment. Imagine six thousand lamps on the columns
of my temple.
Adieu ! I have a thousand people to see, and
things to do.
Ever your dutiful son,
F. J. J.
P.S. Everybody says to me, " How fat you are
grown !" and, in fact, my clothes are getting too
small ; so, you see, that frogs and sour wine have
done more for me than roast beef and port. I leave
George to tell his own story.
Mr. Francis Jackson's appointment to Berlin did
not take place so soon after his return from Paris as
he had been led to expect. On the 1st of May he
writes to Mrs. Jackson, his mother : " The business
that is the actual appointment is still kept in
suspense, for reasons which I do not quite under-
stand, as Lord Hawkesbury himself said he should
send either Frere or me to Berlin. And as F. is all
but gazetted i.e. approved of by the king for
Madrid, the conclusion with regard to me ought to
follow of course."
" The pnly conjecture I can form, is that the
hesitation may proceed from the Court of Spain
having, without waiting for any opinion or appoint-
ment from us, named an ambassador the Duke of
1802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 91
Frias to London, and I imagine they will hardly
give Frere that character."
On the 30th of June no positive conclusion had
been come to ; but Mr. Addington, who was then
going to Devizes to be elected, appointed a meeting
for the 8th of July.
Under that date, Mr. Jackson says, " Mr. Adding-
ton told me he had agreed with Lord Hawkesbury
that all the king's ministers should go immediately
to their respective posts ; that, having got over the
elections, they should proceed to carry this resolution
into effect, and hoped that he should soon be able
to tell me the precise time when I may make my
arrangements for setting out. All this, you see, is
general, but so far satisfactory that it would be the
height of duplicity, as well as of injustice, to go on
talking to me of a thing as settled which they meant
afterwards to overturn.
" Everybody is talking of the balloons and the
elections, and the latter seem to go off more quietly
than the former.
" It is really certain that Sir John Warren is to be
metamorphosed from an admiral to an ambassador,
and will replace Lord St. Helens.
" Lord Whitworth will not go until Andreossi
comes probably about the beginning of October. I
suspect though I know no reason why it should be
so that the rest of us will stay in England till that
time, when the great and general arrangement will
take place. The extraordinary feature of it will be
Sir J. Warren's appointment to St. Petersburg."
92 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
July 23rd. I have heard nothing more of my
future destination, but imagine we shall all be called
upon to wake up togetlier.
I dined on Sunday with the Speaker, and we
talked the matter over. Abbot agreed with me that
everything was in as satisfactory a state as could be,
short of the appointment being officially announced.
Indeed, I consider that ministers are so pledged to
me, in various ways, that I am very easy on the
subject; not being at all anxious as to Berlin in
particular.
Abbot met with a curious opposition at Wood-
stock from an Irishman who wished to prevent his
being chosen Speaker in the new parliament, and
offered himself as a candidate, only that he might
petition against him. For this reason Abbot was
returned for another of the Duke of Marlborough's
boroughs, Heytesbury, which keeps out Charles
Moore who is to sit for that place till A. has
made his election.
The delay that occurs in my business is rather a
serious consideration, as far as George is concerned.
He must not be idling with you at Bath. He must
study; his Latin and Greek must not be neglected,
and, if needful, a private tutor must be engaged to
keep him to it. I am the more anxious about this,
because I have often repented that I did not
regularly follow up my classical studies, as I might
have done after leaving Erlang. While on the
subject, I may say that I think you and some of his
Bath friends are in error, to encourage him in the
1802.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 93
idea that he is equal to, and ought to have, the
appointment of secretary. It cannot be ; and, were
it even possible, I should, for his sake, object to it for
the present. He may be anxious and assiduous, but
has not had sufficient training in the general routine
of business ; and, besides, I wish him to pursue his
education further. He will, with me, have greater
opportunities for self-improvement, and for gaining a
certain kind of knowledge of mankind, which is
indispensable for success in our line, than would
probably be afforded him under another chief; but
Mr. George must abate his pretensions for awhile,
and be content, if he goes with me, to be first student
in my pdpiniere.
August 2 1 st. You see the newspapers have settled
my appointment, and have given me young Rolles-
ton who was to have gone with Wickham as
secretary. But Lord Hawkesbury told me last week
that, although" he was to the full as anxious as
myself that we should all be at our posts, and hoped
very shortly to assign to me mine, which he did
not doubt would be the one I wished, yet a
particular circumstance prevented him from pro-
nouncing at this moment. Although he did not
explain this particular circumstance, I know it to be
no other than the uncertainty that still exists as to
the Court of Spain. After all, an ambassador may
be sent there, and some arrangement made in con-
sequence, by which my destination will be altered.
This will be no cause of dissatisfaction to me, if I
get, as I am undoubtedly entitled to, a situation of
94 DIABIES AND LETTERS OF [1802
equal emolument ; for Berlin, in itself, has no charms
for me.
Tell George he must wait patiently. Were I to
reply in volumes to his volumes, I could say no
more than I did in my last. I beg you to inculcate
that again and again. It is creditable to desire to
earn an independence by his own talents and
assiduity, and he is, I hope, fitting himself to do so,
either under me or elsewhere ; but in all trades an
apprenticeship must be passed through.
September 8th. I was thinking of joining you at
Bath, when two circumstances decided against it
Frere's appointment to Madrid in last night's
" Gazette," and an invitation to dinner from the
Princess of Wales, which, as I fear she thinks I have
been already somewhat deficient in not calling upon
her, I did not like to refuse.
As soon as it is known that Andreossi is on the
move, Lord Whitworth will set out. Sir. J. Warren
will weigh anchor on Monday or Tuesday ; Arbuth-
not left town to-day, and the rest have received
orders to start.
10^. As the superscription of the letter sent to
Bath, under the idea that I had gone down there,
indicated its contents, I hope you may have been
induced to open it.
I saw both Lord Hawkesbury and Mr. Addington
at the levee ; but neither gave me grounds for
supposing my fate would be so soon decided. Lord
H. must have taken the king's pleasure after the
levee, and desired Rolleston to write immediately.
1802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 95
15th. The thing is done at last, and done hand-
somely 1,500Z. equipage-money, and 5,000/. per
annum, commencing from the 5th of July.
Lord Hawkesbury desires me to kiss hands at the
levee to be held this day week, and I must of course
go to the drawing-room to-morrow week. After
that, I shall spend a few days with you ; but for a
variety of very weighty reasons it is thought desirable
that I should be gone as soon as possible.
A plan will be brought forward in the ensuing
session of parliament to regulate the payment of the
civil list, so as in future to prevent arrears, and,
perhaps, to give us net the nominal amount of our
salaries. I know this is intended, but I doubt the
execution of the latter part of the plan.
I am, however, at present well pleased with my
prospects, and I think those of the public have mended
of late, though there is a great talk of war ; because
many people wish for war on principle, and many
others from motives of interest.
I am of opinion that just now we shall have no
war. If it be deferred for a year or two, we shall be
better able to renew the contest with vigour, and
with a chance of being better supported, than at
present, by the rest of Europe.
I have seen young Robert Stevens several times
of late, and for hours together. I like him well thus
far. His brother-in-law and his uncle wish me to
take him as my private secretary, and he is himself
anxious to go to Berlin with me. But my idea is
that he is qualified to act rather as a companion-
96 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [ 1802 -
tutor to George for a year or so. I shall observe,
before deciding how they would be likely to get on
together, and whether Stevens, though clever and
well-informed, is not of too retiring and reserved a
disposition to prevent G. from taking the lead, and
acting for himself.
Drake gets Munich ; he and family will cross to
Havre, and take Paris on their way to his residence.
It pccurs to me that I never answered your
question of " How I returned from Broadstairs ?" As
the wind was fair, and the Canterbury races made it
probable that I should be stopped for horses on the
road, I embarked on the Thursday in the Margate
Hoy, where I was much better accommodated than I
expected. A hundred and twenty passengers offered,
to be sure, a motley crew, and a good deal of amuse-
ment to observers. We had a very pleasant sail on
Thursday as far as the Hop, and reached Billingsgate
between six and seven on Saturday morning. As
for the rest of your queries, you must wait for the
answers until we meet.
Adieu, &c.,
F. J. J.
Letters October 26^. This, my dear M., is our
last day in London we shall certainly leave to-
morrow everything is ready ; all visits paid ; all
business done.
The new coach is very handsome, but your needle-
work hammercloth will be used but for second best ;
for gala, my brother has a bearskin. It was with
1802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 97
difficulty he could get skins enough for the purpose
they are so much the rage now, as well for hammer-
cloths as for muffs and tippets. The king sent him a
very gracious message by Lord Hawkesbury, with
permission to wear the Windsor uniform.
The Duchess of York has not yet sent us the letters
she said she would have for her relations and
old friends at Berlin ; but I understand she does
not now trouble herself much about them. 'Their
Majesties, however, and other members of the royal
family, have charged my brother with letters to
their relatives at Hanover and Brunswick, which will
oblige us to make a little detour from the direct line
of our journey.
We wish to reach Harwich as early as possible on
the 28th, to take the chance of being able to sail
immediately, and to proceed without a stop wind
and weather permitting to Hamburg.
As ships of war cannot go up the Elbe, the offer
of a frigate to Cuxhaven has been declined, and one
of the packets is now waiting our arrival at Harwich.
Harwich, 28^. We left town yesterday at twelve,
and got to Witham about half-past five. Dined and
slept at the Blue Posts inn ; were off this morning
between seven and eight ; breakfasted at Colchester,
and arrived here about one. Notice had been sent
to the agent of my brother's intention to embark
immediately, but the captain, for some reason, has a
fancy to put off the voyage till to-morrow, and has
thrown so many difficulties in the way of our going,
that he has at last got his own way, and we take the
VOL. I. H
98 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF
chance of the wind remaining as fair to-morrow as it
is to-day.
29//i, Noon. We are just going on board with
rather more wind than seems pleasant. Adieu my
dear M., &c.
Diaries Hamburg, Nov. 6th. We were three
hours beating out of the harbour against a stiff and
unfavourable breeze. On the evening of the 2nd, we
anchored in the roads before Cuxhaven. A boat
was sent off for a pilot, and a fresh supply of pro-
visions. At daybreak, on the 3rd, we weighed anchor,
and by ten* at night got up to Altona, but as the gates
of the town are closed at six, we were obliged to sleep
on board. The next morning we rose early, and
walked into Hamburg ; breakfasted at an inn, then
took a coach which the inn provides, as also a
laquais de place and went to call on Sir George
Rumbold, the British Charge d' Affaires. We dined
with him, and afterwards he took us to a supper to
which he had been invited, which appears to be the
fashionable entertainment here.
They handed us tea as we went in, then at once
set us down to whist and casino ; at eleven the supper
was announced. It consisted of every imaginable
variety of fish, meat, poultry, sweets, &c., with
wines of all sorts, and champagne in abundance.
One by one this endless array of dishes was carried
from the table, carved, and handed round ; which
ceremony detained us at the hospitable board of the
wealthy merchant at whose house it took place, until
two A.M. This fatiguing business ended, we followed
1802.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 99
the example of others took leave of the master and
mistress in the eating-room, gave the servant a
gratuity, and retired. Nothing but French was
spoken. Yesterday we went to see the church of
St. Michael, which is higher than St. Paul's. It has
an immense flight of steps, of which we mounted ahout
two-thirds five or six hundred and were rewarded
with a most magnificent view of the Elbe, the adjacent
and distant country ; the villas on the banks of the
river, the fortifications and intrenchments ; indeed, a
perfect panorama of the town, the river, and suburbs.
Nearer the top, the tower is surrounded by a lead
terrace, where a guard is stationed, whose sole
business is to walk round it every quarter of an hour
through the day and night, in order to give instant
notice of any outbreak of fire. When this occurs
a peculiar kind of trumpet is blown, and a flag hung
out, pointing towards that quarter of the town where
fire is seen if it happens in the night, a lantern is
suspended at the end of the flag-staff. At the foot of
the tower another guard is stationed, to answer the
signals made above, and to take the necessary steps
for extinguishing the fire.
By all accounts Hamburg was a very interesting
and a very gay place. If so, what a change ! Two
bad theatres, French and German at which Mr.
Stevens and I looked in and a round of those ever-
lasting heavy suppers now constitute the gaieties.
We did a two o'clock dinner yesterday, and at night
another supper at the house of Count Cobourn, as
they call the English consul here. " La belle et
H 2
100 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
riche comtesse," his wife, from whom I believe he
derives his title, and who has, of course, endowed
him with her riches, is a remarkably pretty woman,
and entertained us in a manner worthy of her great
reputation here. These and many other civilities my
brother returns to night by a grand supper at our
hotel, and to-morrow we shall once more be en
route.
Hanover, Nov. IQth. What with the supper and the
leave-takings of our hospitable friends, we did not get
to roost till near three next morning. However, we
were ready for the boat between seven and eight,
and had rather a pleasant sail down a branch of the
Elbe to Harbourg, where the carriages had been
sent the night before, and were then waiting for us
to step into ; we four filled the old travelling carriage
my brother brought over for the journey, and the
servants, a coach bought in Hamburg. Off we
started, without further delay, at the rate of about
two, or two and a half miles per hour, and without
stopping except when the postilions chose it until
we reached a miserable place where we were to dine.
If we had not all been as hungry as hunters, we
might perhaps have quarrelled with our dinner ; as it
was, we ate what was set before us, asking no
questions, and returned quickly to the coaches ; for
we had to travel through the night, and had no time
to spare if we were to reach Celle, as was proposed,
for breakfast.
What we saw of the country was deplorably
wretched, ami the roads were more execrable than
1802 ] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 101
can be imagined. A courier had been sent on to
provide relays of horses, but the operation of changing
them was never got through under half an hour.
But Celle was reached by seven o'clock, and, by
much urging of the postilions, we managed to get to
Hanover that afternoon. My brother went to the
palace in the evening, for he intended to resume
the journey next day. The duke, however, invited
him to dinner, which happened also not to be at the
usual hour two o'clock but at six ; for his royal
highness was going out shooting that morning, and
asked him to join the party. It was a very large
one, and attended by a great many " beaters," as
they are called, whose business is to beat about the
woods while the sportsmen stand at the entrance of
the avenues, and pop at the birds as fast as they can
load. By this means an almost inconceivable number
is in one day killed by each person, who kills, in fact,
for the sake of killing. I confess that I cannot look
on this as sport, or as anything more than wanton
cruelty, which disgusts me whenever I think of it.
We shall get off this afternoon, and should have
been some way already on our journey, but that his
royal highness sent his aide-de-camp, Major Decken,
to take us to see an old palace just outside the town,
called Herren Hausen. There is really nothing re-
markable in it. They say it was kept up in good
style in G-eorge the First's time ; now, some people
of the Court reside in it, and the gardens which are
extensive, and are laid out in the formal manner of
those of Versailles are its only attraction.
102 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
Hanover is certainly a fine old town, and the
theatre is pretty ; but there is a certain sort of sleepy
air about everything and everybody in it.
We got into Berlin last evening the 15th, and
in very high spirits, from the mere fact that our
tedious journey was ended at last. We made a very
short stay at Brunswick for the duke was away
and I saw little of the town ; but it seemed as dozy
and easy going as Hanover. We have since jogged
and jolted on with no more serious casualties by the
way than a carriage-wheel coming off, and getting
two or three times stuck in the mud. But the nights
were bitterly cold, and the first snow of the season
fell last evening unusually early, they say and it
now lies thick on the ground.
BEKLIN.
Letters Nov. ISth. My brother had his first
conference with the Prussian minister yesterday,
and will enter on the duties of his mission without
loss of time ; but as the Court is at Potzdam, and the
king somewhat indisposed, he cannot immediately
have his audience. He has, therefore, more time for
what is almost as important looking after, and
securing a suitable house.
We dined yesterday with Mr. Casamajor, Secretary
of Legation and Charge d'Affaires. He is very
pleasant and gentlemanlike, and gave us quite a
sumptuous repast. Besides ourselves, there was no
one but Mr. Rose, a son of the famous Treasury
1802.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 103
man. Not approving of the present administration,
yet not wishing to go into opposition, he has come
abroad with his wife and family, and a whole train
of servants, amounting to a suite of eighteen persons,
and, having spent the summer in travelling about,
proposes to winter in Berlin. I am told that Mrs.
Rose answers fully to her name, being as beautiful
as the queen of flowers herself.
After dinner we went to the French play. The
theatre forms part of Mr. Casamajor's house, and
was the private theatre of Prince Henry. Since
his death, his company of actors have taken it on
a speculation for hitherto there have been none
but German theatres and propose to give twelve
representations; playing twice a week. This new
idea seems to have met with much favour in Berlin,
for the house was crowded. It is, however, extremely
small, but beautifully decorated. There are only
four boxes, and ladies of the first rank crowd into the
parterre, where those who have not engaged a chair
before the performance commences, are obliged to
stand the whole evening. I know nothing more of
Berlin at present, than that it seems empty and dull.
During the war, many English families made it
their residence, and the city, they say, was then
lively and busy, from the constant influx of travellers.
But our compatriots have all flocked off to Paris,
which gay capital is now the centre of attraction ;
while, until royalty leaves Potzdam, the Prussian
beau monde will not return to Berlin perhaps I
should rather say, la haute noblesse society being
104 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
divided and subdivided into quite distinct classes.
First, la haute ; then, la petite noblesse. La colonie
Franqaise stands third on the list, and consists of
a pleasant set of people, whose ancestors settled
in this city in the time of the great Frederick.
Each of those three classes is divided into different
sets, at the head of which is one of the foreign
ministers' wives, or one of the first ladies of the
place. The number of these sets is indefinite, and is
added to as disputes of etiquette, and similar reasons,
occur to separate their members.
22-rad. The weather has been so abominable, that
I have not been able to see much of the town of
Berlin. As to the buildings, it may be placed as the
first in Europe, according to the testimony of
travellers ; but in many other respects, it is un-
doubtedly very inferior. The small number of
inhabitants, in proportion to the size of it, renders its
long straight streets very dull and dreary. Like those
of Paris, they have no trottoirs, and are more offen-
sively dirty than even the black mud-begrimed streets
of that lively capital. The snow having disappeared,
and the clouds somewhat dispersed, Mr. Stevens and
I took a long walk in what they call here a park a
small place thickly covered with trees, and close on
the skirts of the town. The river Spree runs by one
side of it ; on the bank is a palace, that looks like
a large manufactory, and which belongs to Prince
Ferdinand.
To this park all the fashionables repair in the
evening to promenade, to drink coffee or beer, and
1802.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 105
smoke pipes ; just as the common people in England
go to Hammersmith tea-gardens. Many ladies may
be seen amongst the company ; frequently there are
balls, and on these occasions no smoking is allowed.
But, by-and-by, I shall be more au fait on these
matters ; just now they are, of course, going, or
gone out of season.
There are some rather pretty houses built round
the park, and most families, who can afford it, engage
one for the summer, and fancy they are living in the
country. They are small, a good deal in the style of
the houses in the King's Road, with all the dust of
a sandy drive immediately upon them. Yet they
are so much in vogue, that Lord Carysfort gave 100/.
for one of them, for three months.
When we returned, we found that my brother had
been informed that the king had named Tuesday for
his audience. We are to accompany him, and we
set out for Potzdam at seven this evening ; for His
Majesty has appointed to receive him at the early
hour of half-past nine.
24cth. It was eleven o'clock before our sixteen
miles were accomplished ; but as a courier had been
sent on before us, our beds were prepared, and we
turned in at once, having to turn out pretty early
next morning, that my brother might have time to
dress for the king, and we time to see a little of
the lions.
Before he was ready for his business, we were
setting out on ours, with a laquais de place, when
the rain came pelting down heavily, and, as Sans
106 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF \ 1802.
Souci is some little way out of Potzdam, we deter-
mined to hire a coach. The only one we could get
was a vile sort of tumbledown four-wheeled chaise, far
too bad for any old dowager, for the use of which
they made us pay two dollars an hour.
There is nothing remarkable in Sans Souci, as
regards the house itself it is a small villa, a
little snuggery, nothing more but one cannot
but be greatly interested in this favourite retreat
of the great Frederick. We were shown the
room in which he died, and the library where his
voluminous works were composed. His books on
the art of war, and on matters connected with
military life, were lying on the reading desk, just as
he had left them. Another time I shall examine the
library more minutely. We saw a large monument,
sacred to the canine species. A number of small
English dogs are buried along the sides of it, and
flat stones are laid over them, on which the names
of the deceased animals are inscribed. I think I
saw as many as ten or twelve of them. The great
man was fond of these creatures, and used to be
much diverted with the tricks and antics they were
taught to perform. Whether the four-footed culprit
that, by the upsetting of a lighted candle, was the
cause of the destruction of the whole of the MS. of
the original History of the Seven Years' War, lies
under one of these stones, I know not. His grave
ought certainly to have been a marked, if not a dis-
honoured one ; for the history he destroyed, written
during the campaigns, was doubtless more trustworthy
1802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 107
than the mendacious one, hurriedly composed in 1769 ;
when the hero of it, annoyed that, his most brilliant
successes should not be fully made known to posterity,
sent for the records from the public archives, copied
from them the dates and headings, and filled in the
details from memory, aided by imagination.
The gardens of Sans Souci are said to be fine, but
we let them stand over for more favourable weather.
The marble palace gives you more the idea of a
palace in a fairy play, or one of those described in
the Arabian nights, than what it was intended to pass
for a structure of elegant Grecian architecture.
You enter by a fine hall, with pillars of Silesian
marble, of a reddish hue, on pedestals of a different
colour. Antique statues are ranged along the sides ;
the rooms, none of which are very large, are
decorated with lustres ; glasses all of one piece ; tables
of variegated marbles, and chimey-pieces ornamented
with mosaic work. The ceilings contain all the gods
and goddesses that ever were heard of ; the walls are
hung with embroidered silk ; the grand-staircase is
of marble, and the wall appears to be ; but it is of
composition, which they have brought to such a
degree of perfection here, that it is hardly to be
distinguished from marble. There is an immense
deal of gilding ; the pillars before the doors on one
side of the house are gilded ; the broad cornices are
gilded; there are gilded figures of Apollo, Diana,
Cupid, and other deities, and indeed everything, upon
which gold-leaf could be stuck, has received it. The
general effect is gaudy, rather than grand, and
108 DIABIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
although you perceive that there has been lavish
expenditure, you are none the less impressed by the
prevalence of bad taste.
25^A, I was employed for some hours yesterday
in copying my brother's account of his audience.
The reception he met with from their Majesties has
been very gratifying to him. The interview was a
long one, and the king talked much of old times,
and inquired what he had been doing since he left
Berlin, saying amongst other obliging things, that
u His Majesty could not have made choice of a
minister who would be more agreeable to him than
one whom he looked upon as an old acquaintance."
He spoke much of our king, and inquired with
solicitude respecting the actual state of his health.
He ended the conversation by saying, " Je vous
repete que je suis bien aise de renouveller con-
noissance avec vous, et je serai charme que vous
ayez quelque plaisir a vous trouver de nouveau a
Berlin."
Immediately afterwards he was introduced to the
queen, who received him in the same apartment;
attended by her grand? .""tfirzocd, three dames
d'honneur, and a chamberlain. She was extremely
gracious, and desired that my brother would convey
to their Majesties the expression of her constant af-
fection, and solicitude for their welfare and happiness.
He says the queen is really a beauty, and would
be thought so even if she did not sit upon a throne.
You know she is our queen's niece. She is so fond
of dancing, that the Court comes to town that the
1802.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 109
Carnival may begin a week earlier than usual, and
Her Majesty go down a few country dances previous
to her confinement, which is to happen some time
towards the end of January.
27^. My brother will now get through his first
introductions at the other Courts the Queen-
Dowager, Prince Henry, and the other members of
the royal family, to all of whom a separate pre-
sentation is necessary and then we shall endeavour
to get speedily settled.
Stevens and I get on very well together. He is
pleasant and sensible, but my brother has to un-
stiffen his joints a little, which he thinks, after a
year or two more of college life, would have been
impracticable. However, he is well satisfied, and I
think him a good sort of fellow.
29^/i. At last the British Mission has a " local
habitation," and one large enough to cover the half
of your Lansdowne Crescent. It is the late residence
of Lord Carysfort, and the right wing of a palace,
the centre of which is occupied by Mr. Rose and his
numerous train, and the left wing by another foreign
mission.
Our portion contain* upwards of twenty large
rooms, some forty and fifty feet in length, besides a
magnificent ball-room, in which the ladies tell my
brother they expect him to give them many nice
balls, for, following the queen's example, dancing is
now all the rage.
There are marble pillars and statues in abundance,
and the rent of this part of the palace is 300 a-year,
110 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
furnished most elegantly, and with every requisite
but beds ; it being the custom here for the tenants of
furnished houses to supply themselves with those
necessary articles. In this instance, however, there
is a single exception to the general rule. It is a
magnificent state bed, with hangings of crimson
velvet, embroidered and fringed with gold. The
state room in which it is placed is richly decorated,
and the furniture corresponds with the bed. This is
not quite so modern, but certainly as handsome, as
the one I saw at Burleigh, and for which his
lordship gave 3000?.
You will be curious to know to whom this palace
belongs. It did belong to no less a personage than
the late king, who gave it, superbly furnished, to his
chere amie, Madame de Lichtenau. And it is still
called Lichtenau House, though Madame de L. has
been sentenced but privately, because the character
of the late king was implicated in the charges
brought against her to banishment to Colberg, on a
pension of 4000 thalers a-year. The greater part
of her property was confiscated, but this palace yet
belongs to her. It is said that the present king
wishes to buy it for hi& -iter, the Princess of
Orange Fulda, but that Madame declines to part
with it, except on terms so enormous that they have
been rejected.
The palace is situated Unter den Linden, the
fashionable promenade, and the pleasantest part of
Berlin. We hope to take possession within a fort-
night, but the non-arrival of the baggage begins to
1802.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. Ill
look serious ; the ship that brings it has at last, we
hear, got up to within a few miles of Hamburg, but
there sticks for want of water.
30^. My brother goes on renewing his old
acquaintances, many of whom are only now re-
turning from the country. Some pleasant houses
are open to us in the evening, and on the arrival of
the royal family we shall begin, I hope, to have a
little life and gaiety.
Diaries Dec. 1 Qtk. " 11 est dans Vinteret de chaque
Pouvoir de faire tons les efforts possible de remettre
^Europe dans son assiette" Such were the con-
cluding words of a discussion, or rather a conversa-
tion to which I was, last evening an attentive
listener. They were spoken by Count Haugwitz,
after having said, " Our ideas of the balance of
power are completely destroyed, and we cannot be
too earnest in our endeavours to replace it by some
equivalent system." The Russian minister, and two
or three of the ministers from the German courts,
were present ; but Count Haugwitz probably then
paraded the independent action, as he termed it, of
the Prussian Government in the present state of
European affairs, with the intention of impressing
my brother with a belief that this country is not so
totally dependent on the will of the First Consul as
the capricious and venal policy pursued by the
government would seem to indicate. If so, it was
labour in vain, for not only he, but all the world,
knows that Prussia acts only in subservience to
France. It is said, that the king feels most forcibly
112 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
the painful predicament into which the country is
brought. Yet he allows himself to be swayed and
guided by the opinions of persons in the French
interest, and it is with them that the principal acts
of the government originate.
I could not but notice the difference of manner
a sort of steadiness and composure that characterized
these German politicians, from that of the vivacious
intrigants whose disputations I had sometimes
listened to last winter, and which seemed to be ever
on the point of becoming altercations, until a sudden
relapse brought them down to a friendly understand-
ing. My brother says the national character is more
sterling and solid. I was going to write stolid thus,
by accident, I have expressed my own idea of it, if
not a correct one.
llth. Bonaparte, it is said, has appointed the
term of three years for the reconstruction of the
French navy, and great exertions are making at
Toulon to bring into activity the commerce which
France has obtained the privilege of carrying on in
the Black Sea ; the extensive woods, hitherto
untouched, of the provinces bordering on that sea,
affording excellent timber for naval purposes.
Canals are also being cut, which are to communicate
with one another, or with navigable rivers, through-
out the northern provinces of France. All this
is supposed to be done with a view to the invasion of
England, when, in the judgment of Bonaparte, a
favourable opportunity shall offer for the attempt.
12th. I have just seen a curious and interesting
1802.] SIB GEOBGE JACKSON. 113
relic of the olden times the scarf which, from the
time of Charlemagne, had been used at the coronation
of the emperors of Germany. It was discovered
at Paderborn by a Prussian commissary, while
searching the public offices of that town. It is
supposed to have been carried away at the time
of the French invasion, but how or by whom it was
left at Paderborn is not known. Count Haugwitz
has communicated this circumstance to M. de Stadion,
the Austrian minister, who expects to be invested
with a full power to receive back this article of the
imperial insignia, with all due form and solemnity.
Letters Dec. I3th. Although we have very few
English here at present, we have yet what is called
the fashionable English lounge, where you go on
certain evenings, at seven o'clock, to cards, tea, and
supper. It is all over by eleven, for they keep very
early hours in Berlin. This lounge is at the house of
Doctor Brown, the Court physician. I cannot say I
care much for the entertainment. Doctor Brown and
his wife are not very pleasant people, and are inclined
to give themselves insufferable airs. He has been
a lucky fellow this Dr. Brown : some twelve or
thirteen years ago he held a subordinate appointment
as one of the medical advisers of the royal family,
when he was called upon to perform the operation of
innoculating the prince royal with the cow-pox. He
succeeded perfectly, and the king was so well satisfied
with him, that when the prince the present king
recovered, His Majesty not only thanked Dr. Brown-
in the most gracious and condescending manner, but
VOL. i. i
114 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1802.
wrote him a very handsome letter and requested his
acceptance of 2000 louis of this country, about 1500.
sterling ; added a hundred a-year to his salary ;
appointed him sole physician to the king and his
court, and gave him the title of privy councillor,
with the promise of a house, as soon as it could be
built and got ready for him. His Majesty could
hardly have shown more gratitude and generosity
had Jenner himself performed the operation. I
believe he intended by it to show also his sense of
the value of Jenner's discovery, and to encourage
his subjects to avail themselves of it. Dr. Brown has,
of course, since become eminent, influential, and rich.
22nd. We have not had a messenger from
England since we came here, but have been busy all
the day despatching one that arrived from St.
Petersburg. That Court is much dissatisfied with
the King of Sweden, of whose occasional eccentricities
you have heard before. He has recently christened
his son by the title of the Duke of Finland. His
Swedish Majesty also intends, it is rumoured, to
destroy the remainder of the Swedish navy. His
minister at this Court has, in private conversation,
acknowledged that such an intention was entertained
by His Majesty, but he hoped he might yet be
persuaded to let his ships rot at their moorings
rather than burn them.
We see by the newspapers that the appointment of
the gallant admiral to St. Petersburg has been
noticed in the House, and his fitness for it called in
question. Mr. Dundas contrived to lug the distin-
1802.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 115
guished seaman into the debate on the Bill for the
appointment of commissioners to inquire into the
existing abuses of the navy department. Upon
which Mr. Addington rose and extolled his colleague,
Lord Hawkesbury, for having chosen men of the
first talent to fill such missions, and the one in
question among the rest. We know here, that Sir
John's pen has not been idle since he arrived at his
destination, and as his long yarns all travel to us
under flying seal, we have an opportunity of knowing
that the admiral is quite sure no wily Russian
diplomatist will ever get to the windward of him.
Tlth. We celebrated Christmas in our new abode,
and divine service was read for the first time. The
congregation, including ourselves, amounted to seven-
teen. Mr. Stevens read the whole service, except
those portions which, being only in deacon's orders,
he is not allowed to read. Sunday the service was
repeated to the same congregation, and we are to
have it every Sunday at eleven.
The grand doings we had in Paris last year were
to have been repeated in Berlin this Christmas, but
the non-arrival of the baggage made it impossible.
It is now transhipped, and has three weeks of inland
navigation, but we are in fear and trembling lest
it should be frozen up for the winter. Mr. Rose,
Mr. Stevens, and I, were on our skates yesterday,
just to try the ice. But we hear that it is not ban ton
to patiner in Berlin, though there are places most
convenient for it. It is an amusement, they say, fit
only for blackguards and street boys ; but as soon as
i 2
116 DIABIES AND LETTEES OF [1802.
the ice is a little firmer we mean to clear their thick
pates of that notion. The king, queen, and royal
family are now all in town. I doff my hat to the
king almost daily, for he is constantly walking about
Berlin, and is no more noticed than any other
person, except by the civility of a passing salute from
those who chance to recognize him. He wears always
the uniform of an officer of the gendarmes, and is
accompanied by one of his aides-de-camp ; but the
people, though the greater part of them know who he
is, show no anxiety to see him; he is allowed to pass
on like the rest of the world, which I think far more
polite than the sort of thing that takes place with us.
There has been a fair in Berlin for fifteen days,
but owing to the miserable weather and the absence
of foreign visitors it interfered very little with the
usual quietude and monotony of the place. It
ended on Christmas Day, when it is customary with
the G-ermans to have family parties, to which all who
are invited are expected to go laden with fairings,
as presents for the children of the family.
I was allowed to see a Christmas fairing, which
had not been bought at the fair, but had been
prepared for one of the princesses, who had devised
it, as a gift to the queen. You were shown a framed
drawing of a group of little children playing on a
grass-plot. This vanished, on a string being touched
at the back, and the figures of the little royalties
appeared ; very like them too and they are beau-
tiful children and dressed as they usually are. This
Christmas offering was dedicated a une tendre mere,
1803.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 117
and was greatly admired by the ladies, especially by
Mrs. Rose, who has a bunch of tiny rosebuds of
her own, and who might almost dispute the palm of
beauty with her Prussian Majesty herself.
By-the-by, this reminds me that Stevens attempts
to rally me on what he calls my " ardent worship at
the shrine of beauty," saying what is, I suppose, the
right thing for a sage of twenty-five to say to a youth
in his eighteenth year, that "the qualities of the
heart and mind are of higher import in woman than
beauty of person." I, of course, agree in this, but
tell him that I also think beauty of person no
despicable gift adieu, chere mere, &c.
1803.
Letters January th. I was to have made my
debut in the beau monde of Berlin at the commence-
ment of this year, by sending round my cards with
my brother's, and I had promised myself a great deal
of pleasure from the round of festivities which the
Berlinois engage in at this season.
However, my brother and I had a long conversa-
tion on New Year's morning, as we had last, year at
Paris, the result of which was that I took his advice,
and gave up the idea of going into general society
this year. I devote it, on the contrary, to study and
business, and commence to-morrow a course of private
lectures on history, statistics, &c., with Professor
Ancillon a distinguished man, in his line, here and
on the following day a course of French and general
118 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
literature, with another professor. This will occupy
me every day for two or three hours, which, with
quill driving for my brother, for never less than six
or seven hours daily, will be all I can manage. This
arrangement releases me from Stevens, which I am not
at all sorry for, though, on the other hand, as it will
give him more work as a secretary, I am not so well
satisfied with it. Stevens, I find, would not be
unwilling to throw off the clerical character, and
take to our line. And I know that since it has been
hinted that Mr. Casamajor, the secretary of legation
to this mission, who went to England on leave soon
after our arrival, is endeavouring to get an inde-
pendent appointment, therefore, may probably not
return, Mr. Stevens's friends have been exerting
themselves in London to obtain for him the promise of
the secretaryship, should it become vacant. Their
applications have not been very favourably responded
to, and I believe he will be obliged to do what I think
he ought to do, stick to the profession he has entered,
and which he is most fitted for. He is a very good
sort of fellow, a little odd sometimes ; but we are
very well together, though I could not help looking
upon him lately in the light of an impediment to me.
When we get our goods and chattels, which are
now frozen up in the river about twenty miles from
this, we shall have plenty of company at home ; but
you will see that I am not going to live quite the life
of a hermit when I tell you how I have begun the
year.
I was at a ball at M. de Lowenstern's, on the 31st.
1803.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 119
M. de L. and his eldest son, Otto, are connected with
the Russian mission. They are Livonians ; the
whole of the family reside in Berlin, and a very
charming one it is. Otto and I are sworn friends.
His sister is charming.
Our ball was a very gay one, for the 31st of
December is a day of great festivity in Berlin.
When the hands of the clock marked midnight, and
we were all engaged in a country dance, the music
suddenly ceased ; each musician snatched up a French
horn, and blew in the new year in such a sonorous
manner that one would have thought ^Eoluss bag
was, de nouveau, rent asunder.
The first blast brought the dancing to an end, pro
tempore only ; and there ensued such a chaos of
hugging, kissing, congratulating, shaking of hands,
as I never before witnessed. Of course I followed
the general example, and saluted all the pretty
girls present. When we had thus ushered in the
new year, dancing was resumed, and with supper
occupied us until three in the morning.
The next evening we went to another ball, at the
Swedish minister's; a very grand affair, very fully
attended, and kept up with more spirit than I gave
the Germans credit for, until as late as the preceding
one.
*lth. Last night I was at the opera, which is
conducted on a plan entirely different from that of
either England or France. There are but twelve
representations in the year ; eight are free, the
remaining four must be paid for. But the king
120 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
defrays the expense of both, the money received on
the pay nights heing reserved for charitable purposes.
The house is larger than Covent Garden, and very
handsome, as far as one can see it, for nearly all the
light is thrown on the stage. The king and queen
and all their family were there in the state box,
which is an immense room, in the shape of the shell
at Westminster. Indeed, all the boxes are large, and
going to the opera is like going to an evening party,
from the style in which the boxes, or rooms, are
fitted up, and the number of people that are visiting
in and out; everybody one knows is to be found
there for no one thinks of missing the opera. It
begins at five, and ends before ten.
The singing was not bad, but the ballet that
followed the opera was anything but entertaining,
being nothing more than groups of dancing imps,
devils, and bears ; a sort of bad pantomime. It is
fortunate that there should be so many entertain-
ments during the carnival, as the loss of my brother's
house as a place of resort owing to the predicament
the frost has placed us in is the less felt. It is
lucky, too, that Prince William of Gloucester, who
had accepted my brother's proposal to reside in his
house during his visit to Berlin, has changed his
plan. He has written from Stockholm to say he will
not be here until April.
Our latest news from England is, that Mr. Pitt
has discovered the mysterious secret of the " In-
visible girl."
Diaries Jan. IQth. Letters received here from
1803.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 121
Paris state that a violent scene of altercation between
Count Cobenzl and Talleyrand preceded the signing
of the convention between Austria and France. The
threats of the French minister, however, prevailed
over the difficulties which the Imperial ambassador's
instructions threw in the way of further concession to
France.
\lth. The French agents are very diligent in
circulating reports of the non-fulfilment by England
of the treaty of Amiens, and there is a very general
expectation here of an approaching rupture between
France and England ; this is further strengthened
by the report, set about by the same individuals, since
the last messenger came from St. Petersburg, that
France has agreed to the proposals of that Court,
relative to Malta, and that England is the sole cause
of any differences between the two countries.
25th. The intelligence, whether well or ill-
founded, of the French troops marching to Naples,
has been received without causing any surprise, it
being regarded as only a necessary preliminary to
Bonaparte's intended attack upon the Morea.
From England, they have sent us only a number
of copies of Mr. Addington's speech of the 10th of
December last, on the subject of finance, which is said
to have produced a most favourable effect on the
public funds, and to have given general satisfaction
throughout the country.
Letters Jan. 2Gth. The extraordinary severity of
the weather has caused a gap in our correspondence.
All the ports of Holland are frozen, and unless a
122 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
messenger is sent by way of Calais, it seems likely
that we shall still be some time without letters public
or private. Except in one or two remarkable in-
stances, such a winter has never been known here.
Fahrenheit's thermometer has stood at 34 below
zero, and for several days at 25. Two of our
servants have fallen ill from cold, and one lies dan-
gerously so, attended by Dr. Brown. It is seldom
colder in Russia, and there have been several
instances of travellers being frost-bitten.
Their Serene Highnesses Prince William of Bruns-
wick, and his bride the Princess of Baden are stay-
ing at the palace, and will be here ten days longer,
when they go to Prenzlow, where the prince's regi-
ment is in garrison. On their account there have
been some addition to the usual gaieties of this season.
27th. Last Sunday the glass, which on the pre-
vious day had marked 30 below freezing point, ran
up to within only 4, and there was a clear sky and a
bright sun. All the world at once went out walking,
riding, and driving Unter den Linden. I never saw a
more cheerful scene. To day it is as cold, or colder,
than ever. Yet with all this I have been but three
or four times on my skates ; for this intensely severe
frost has been accompanied by a still severer wind,
that has made it impossible to stir out of the house.
With the renewed vigour of the frost we have the
redoubled fury of the wind, so that I cannot avail
myself of the finest ice both for quality and quantity
I ever saw. We have skated from Berlin to
Charlottenberg, five miles, in ten minutes, which is
1803.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 123
not bad travelling, especially here, where with a
carriage and eight horses you could not get so far
under an hour.
No couriers or messengers arrive but those
despatched from St. Petersburg by the gallant
admiral. Nevertheless, we are scribbling all day,
and dancing all night. I must tell you what
occurred at a ball at the Russian minister's, to Miss
Jennings, Mrs. Rose's aunt. She was introduced
to a Polish lady of rank I need not tell you her
name who knew a few words of English, and was
anxious to try a conversation. They did not get
on very well, but Miss J., willing to say something
she thought the lady would understand, inquired
partly by words, partly by gesture, the name of
another lady who was present. Madame la princesse
answered, " Damn eyes, I not know !" Miss Jennings
said she opened her eyes pretty wide with astonish-
ment, and looked round, hoping no one was near
enough to hear it. La grande dame taking this for
doubt, repeated the words several times with still
greater emphasis. " I knew not which way to look,"
said Miss Jennings ; " some one must wickedly have
told her it was a familiar English way of asserting a
thing, and I could not attempt to explain her error to
her, poor lady."
Diaries Feb. 5th. We have a traveller arrived
from Pera, who has had good opportunities of
observing the conduct of the French ambassador at
that place, and who describes it as that of a man
desiring to fa ire effet. For that purpose he makes as
124 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803
many visits to the great personages of the country
both those in and those out of office as he can
possibly devise the slightest means of justifying.
During these visits he talks a great deal of himself
and of his campaigns ; of the wealth, power, and
resources of France. Of the interests of the Ottoman
empire, and those of the French republic running in
the same channel. Of the possibility of the Sultan
recovering the Crimea, provided he trusts to the
friendship of the First Consul, whose sincerity he
maintains, cannot reasonably be called in question,
and who would, he is sure, willingly assist the
Porte, with a corps of French troops to reduce AH
Pacha, of Janina, to that state of obedience which
the general welfare of the Turkish empire, and
more particularly the prosperity of the neighbouring-
provinces, seems to require.
The Turks are said to be well aware of the tendency
of these insinuations, and by no means inclined to
put the complaisance of their friend, the First Consul,
to the test.
10th. Their Majesties intend taking a journey to
visit the Westphalian acquisitions of this crown,
directly after the spring reviews. Thence they go to
Anspach, where the king will review the regiments
stationed in the Margraviate. It is said that the queen
will avail herself of this journey to obtain permission
for the Princess Solms to return to Berlin.
Several of the Chapters, situated in these newly
acquired Prussian provinces, have sent deputies to
Berlin to solicit His Majesty's favour for their
1803.] SIE QEOBGE JACKSON. 125
respective institutions. No determination has yet
been come to on the subject, but it is supposed that
one or two of the principal Chapters will be retained
as a resource for the younger branches of noble
families who do not adopt the military profession.
Letters Feb. 16th. We go on sighing in vain for
the end of the frost, which gave signs of breaking up,
but returned yesterday in full vigour. Our frozen-
up goods will, I fear, arrive in sad plight. En atten-
dant the advent of the state coach, my brother has
bought four fine coach horses splendid dapple greys,
with cropped ears. Our coachman and the English
part of the establishment that came with us, think
they have been rather outrageously bamboozled by
being brought to such a climate as this ; but they are
getting round a little now. We are not sorry that the
saddle horses were detained in England, for there
would have been no one to look after them, arid,
besides, we have not had three riding days since our
arrival.
You inquire after Mrs. L. she is at Dresden, with
"a French emigrant as her avowed cicisbeo. Society,
both English and German, from all accounts, is
rather oddly composed at that residence, and there
are frequent explosions of indignation, on the part of
the ladies, on questions of precedence and etiquette.
Elliot, the envoy, who is now going to Naples, you
may, perhaps, remember. He married his cook, my
brother says. She is a good sort of a woman I be-
lieve, and has presented her lord and master with
a fine family of nine children. The secretary of
126 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
legation, selon ce quon dit, also took his wife from
the servants' hall. She is, however, as I know, a
pretty and clever woman ; and probably both these
ladies owe their transplantation to the drawing-room
as much to personal merit as good looks; though
some of the members of the Dresden coterie are not
willing to see the matter in that light.
( 24:th. There was a court-ball last night, on the
occasion of the Princess Henry's birthday. The
queen was present, but left the ball-room soon after
nine. Just before eleven the grande maitresse,
Comtesse Yoss, re-entered the room, and announced
to His Majesty the queen's safe accouchement of a
daughter.
This happy event is considered by some who were
present, and many who were not, as having occurred
rather mal a propos a few days too soon, in fact as
the queen had promised to attend a grand fete and
masquerade on the 1st of March, given by nine gen-
tlemen, who have subscribed fifty louis each to
defray the expenses.
That Her Majesty cannot be present is a terrible'
disappointment to everybody, and the announcement
that the queen dowager will be her representative
at the fete is but a sorry consolation. The queen,
we are assured, regrets her enforced absence as much
as her devoted subjects and admirers regret it. This
is saying a great deal, for in society, amongst the
younger men especially, there prevails a feeling of
chivalrous devotion towards her ; and a sunny smile,
or glance of her bright laughing eyes, is a mark of
1803.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 127
favour eagerly sought for. Such loveliness as hers,
few women are endowed with ; and she is as amiable
and gracious as she is beautiful ; full of vivacity, and
enters with so much spirit, and such apparent en-
joyment, into every amusement. But I must stop
here, or you will think my head is turned, as many
heads have already been, by the beauty and grace of
Queen Louise of Prussia.
March 2nd. My brother says, the hours we
expend on our pleasures are to be deducted from
those we give to sleep, and not from those sacred to
business. Therefore, before Ancillon comes, I sit
down to tell you of the doings that have kept us up
half the night.
Our masquerade took place, and was as successful as
it could be, minus the presence of the queen. There
were between six and seven hundred tickets issued,
and, to prevent confusion, the masks were obliged to
declare themselves before they were admitted.
The company began to assemble at seven, and at
nine, the fete commenced with a sham fight on horse-
back, between eight young men, dressed very richly,
as ancient knights. The combat was accompanied
by spirited martial music.
When this was ended, trumpets, and drums, and
all kinds of wild music announced the approach of
the procession, called the first quadrille. It was
preceded by a good and evil genius ; four magicians
and four fairies followed, then water gods, sala-
manders, and dwarfs, with a variety of nondescripts
bringing up the rear.
128 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
As soon as they all were ranged before the cano-
pied chair of state that had been provided for the
queen then occupied by her locum tenens, the queen
mother the genii began a dialogue, in which the
evil one got the worst of the argument. The magi-
cians then stepped forward their office was somewhat
shorn of its importance by the recent event in the
royal family ; for it had been intended that they
should foretell the sex and the destinyof the expected
little royalty, confirm all gifts bestowed by benignant
fairies, and annul those of malignant ones. The
question of the sex of the unborn infant was,
naturally, a perplexing one, and was still undecided
when fortunately for the reputation of the sooth-
sayers, for they inclined to a prince it was settled
for them by the accouchement of the queen.
Several royal personages and others of the first
distinction took part in this famous quadrille, to the
number of about sixty.
The fairies, were the Princess Louise, the Princess
of Orange, Mde. d'Engestrom, and Comtesse Blumen-
thal. The four magicians, were two of the foreign
ministers, Mr. Rose, and my brother.
The dialogues and incantations were composed by
M. de Bynon, the French Charge d' Affaires', and in
them, the baby princess was promised a very pro-
minent place in the court of Yenus, should she possess
but a tithe of her mother's beauty.
The whole concluded with what was termed in the
programme, a beautiful danse d I 'opera, by seven of
the prettiest young ladies of Berlin, lightly arrayed
1803.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 129
in skirts and scarfs of pink and blue gossamer, and
led by Mrs. Rose, herself the prettiest of them all.
After this the general company began dancing and
quizzing and flirting.
For myself I assumed the disguise of a pedlar, and
went about with a box full of beads, rings, and chains,
and some especially prepared pretty things, enclosed
in papers of very flattering verses, for certain ladies
who were there, and who did not discover who the
donor was ; though they hunted me up and down
and quizzed me unmercifully.
Diaries March 4M. It has transpired that some
time before the death of Prince Henry of Prussia an
intimate correspondence was carried on between him
and the Queen of Sweden, in which the characters of
the late and present King of Prussia were very
freely criticized and treated with considerable
severity. At the death of Prince Henry the king
ordered his papers, which by his will were to be
given to a French officer, to be taken possession of,
and it was given out that the prince had directed a
certain portion of them to be burnt. As the cor-
respondence in question formed no part of that
handed over to the French officer, the King and
Queen of Sweden have since been exceedingly
anxious to ascertain how it was disposed of, and at
last M. d'Engestrom has succeeded in obtaining, for
their Majesties' satisfaction, a written assurance from
Count Haugwitz that the whole has been burnt ;
though with a verbal hint that the subject of it was
not unknown to the person whom it most concerned.
VOL. I. K
130 DIAEIES AND LETTEES OF [1803.
This circumstance is not calculated to diminish the
coldness and reserve which this Court assumes in its
communications with that of Stockholm. The King
of Sweden has ordered his minister to discover in
what manner Bonaparte's notification of his inten-
tion to take the title of Consular Majesty would be
received at Berlin. It is, however, likely that no
attention will be paid to this insinuation of His
Swedish Majesty's wish to oppose the acknow-
ledgment of the title.
It is known that the intention existed to adopt
such a title, but it is thought that if Bonaparte
should assume a new one, it is far more likely to be
that of Emperor than Consular Majesty.
8th. Within these few days Bonaparte has
written to the king to announce the death of General
Le Clair. The letter was delivered to Count
Haugwitz by the French Charge d'Affaires. The
answer will be returned through M. de Lucchesini.
The King of Prussia, in writing to Bonaparte,
addresses him " Great and dear friend !"
He has expressed a wish to meet the king at
Wesel, when he visits his Westphalian dominions ;
but His Majesty is averse from it, and wishes if
possible to avoid the meeting. However, nothing
positive is yet decided upon.
10^. We hear that a great stir has been created
in England by the new armament, and agitation
has also become general on the Continent, but we
hope the affair may yet blow over without the
calamity of a fresh war.
1803.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 131
15th. We have the king's message by an estafette
just arrived. It seems to be a mere toss up between
peace and war. Meanwhile Boney gives us a super-
abundance of quill-driving. For the last two days
we have been at it from six in the morning till eight
at night, with little or no intermission.
Messengers from Sir J. Borlase Warren also come
thick upon us. Northern blasts we call them, since
a lady, speaking of the gallant admiral one evening
lately at Dr. Brown's, named him Sir John Boreas,
and was much disconcerted when everybody laughed,
and it was explained to her that, although some-
what of a blusterer, he was only entitled to the
name of the furious northern god with a slight
difference.
2lst. Yesterday morning the sudden and un-
expected appearance of General Duroc occasioned a
great sensation in Berlin. He was accompanied by a
young man named Segur, who is attached to Bona-
parte's staff. They left Paris on the 12th, and must
have used extraordinary diligence on their journey,
as they mention having been delayed on the road by
more than one accident. Some hours after, the
English mails were received, when the state of the
negotiation at Paris, and the measures adopted by
the British Government became known, and it was
at once generally believed that Duroc's mission ivas
connected with them.
22nd The General brought a letter from Bona-
parte to the king, of which a great mystery is made ;
Count Haugwitz declaring that he is ignorant of its
K 2
132 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
contents, and Duroc asserting that they are equally
unknown to him.
23rd. At the same time, an approaching rupture
between England and France is confidently alluded
to, and it is publicly said that this Court sees with
regret a prospect of the renewal of war, and is
greatly embarrassed by it. Some persons justly
attribute the impending evil to Bonaparte's offensive
irritability and destructive ambition ; while the
French party ascribe it to England's non-fulfilment
of her Treaty obligations.
25th. To-day all the world has passed from
apprehension that immediate war was inevitable,
and that Prussia would be obliged to join France
against England, to confidence in an amicable and
speedy arrangement of matters. For it has been
allowed to ooze out that "the king has it in his
power to render an essential service to humanity;"
and, as General Duroc's language is extremely
pacific, it is inferred that His Prussian Majesty is
urged to undertake the office of mediator between
the aggrieved ruler of France and the evasive govern-
ment of England. This is a proposal very congenial
to the king, who, not only without reluctance or
hesitation but willingly would lend himself to any
measure that should contribute to the promotion
of peace.
Bonaparte is reported to have written to the king,
" For fifteen years I have made war against England,
for fifteen more I am ready to continue the contest ;
but I wish for peace."
1803.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. t 133
Duroc left Berlin this morning with the
king's answer. He is said to be much satisfied with
the result of his mission, which is doubtless correct,
as the direction of foreign affairs is, in fact, wholly
in the hands of the cabinet secretary, M. Lombard,
who, himself a Frenchman, is entirely devoted to
French interests, and exercises great influence over
the king.
3lst, Duroc, while here, spoke constantly and in
very strong terms, respecting the negotiation going
on in Paris, and of the perfidy of the British
Government in violating the Treaty of Amiens ;
and it is now sought to disseminate opinions un-
favourable to England and her present measures, by
means of insidious and scurrilous articles in the
French, German, and Dutch papers that circulate
in Berlin.
Letters April 3rd. Of course, everybody is now
become a politician, and people in England have
probably looked a little in this direction lately,
where anxiety is as great, to know the result f
the busy scene transacting between London and
Paris. My brother says he is not at all surprised at
the account you give us of his colleague in that
capital. A Russian friend writes us thence, " The
fact is, his lordship has very little in him, and
makes up for the deficiency by a great display of
pomposity, for which he always had a penchant,
although it is not altogether reconcilable with his
having spent six or seven thousand a year at
St. Petersburg that came out of the pocket of one of
134 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
the rich women with whom our country abounds."
The lady referred to had reached this city on her
way to London to join him, when she learnt the
news of his marriage to the duchess. My brother
does not believe that there is any foundation for the
report that he behaves very ill to her Grace. He
seemed most attentive to her in England, though it
is true she would never let him go from her side,
and it was clear that the difference of a Paris life
would occasion her many an uneasy moment.
Qth. That the invasion fever should have set in
so early, and at Bath too, is diverting. One old
lady has really died of nervous terror, you say.
Now I should like to know what she especially
feared. We have heard of another who has had a
suit of men's clothes made for her daughter, and
seventy guineas sewn up in the waistband of her
pantaloons or breeches. Others are ready for a
start, they say, but whither they are bound is not
mentioned. It would seem that the Great Man
would have an easy conquest could he but once
make good his footing on the shores of the tight
little island, instead of finding, as he has been
assured, that not only every man, but every woman
and child would be ready to shoulder a musket to
oppose him.
Qth. A great sensation has been caused here by
the arrival of M. and Madame Gamier, and has
entirely diverted the minds of the Berliriers from the
prospect of war. Monsieur has promised them to
make an ascent, in the course of a few days, in his
1803.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 135
"Grand Aerial Ark," the name he gives to his
balloon. The people are all crazy about it. The
king has given Gamier fifty louis towards his
expenses, and tickets, at about six shillings each, are
being sold in great numbers. One of the savants of
this place purposed to accompany Gamier ; but, as
only two persons can ascend at a time, G. said his
wife should go up first, and he would, at a certain
time aud place named by him, change his cargo.
Whether he could do this is doubted by some; but
Gamier announced in the papers that, by means of his
wonderful ark, he could draw blood from the eyes,
nose, and head. This so terrified the poor savant
that he now positively declines to pay his proposed
visit to the clouds.
Gamier is likely to gain much more by his ark in
Germany than he did in England. As soon as his
entertainments come to an end, the queen, who is
quite well and blooming again, goes into the
country, as does the king, to prepare for the reviews
that take place next month.
llth. At last, all our baggage is arrived, and,
considering how many months it has been frozen up,
in very tolerable condition. The new coach, about
which we were very anxious, has escaped with a few
scratches only. My brother made his first appear-
ance in it yesterday, to go to the last Court of this
season. To give you an instance of the stupid
curiosity which . the people of this town are famed
for, there was such a crowd to look at the new equi-
page, that niy brother had some difficulty in making
136 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
his way to it. It is certainly very handsome ; and
the bearskin and dappled greys will, I fancy, throw
even Mrs. Rose's carriage which daily attracts a
gaping multitude into the shade.
ISth. Garnier's attempt at an ascent was a
failure ; the aerial ark would not rise to any height.
Gr. was in a great fuss ; said proper arrangements had
not been made for him ; and appeared to think his
failure the result of some secret cabal. He is gone
off to St. Petersburg, where he expects to be better
received ; though he made a great deal of money
here, and had he really been a grand seigneur, the
attentions paid him could hardly have been exceeded.
20^. Prince William has written to my brother,
to announce his arrival here the beginning of May.
He accepts the offer of quarters in our house, though
an apartment will be prepared for him in the king's
palace, should he choose to occupy it. But there are
certain heavy expenses attending that piece of
hospitality which he will be very glad, I believe, to
avoid.
Diaries April 26^A. The king has felt greatly the
loss of Major Holtzman, his adjutant-general, who
died about a fortnight ago. He was much es-
teemed by His Majesty, and was considered a man
of talent and high principle, but of little or no
personal ambition. The king's confidential advisers
have felt some difficulty in suggesting a suitable
successor for an office so immediately connected with
the person of the sovereign. But, to the annoyance
of Messrs. Beym and Lombard, while they were
1803.] SIB GEOEGE JAGKSON. 137
consulting on the matter, the king, unknown to
them, sent to Posen to G-eneral Zastrow, who had
formerly filled the appointment, but resigned it for
the command of a regiment, owing to his dislike of
the restraints put upon him by the secret influence
of the above-named secretaries. General Zastrow re-
commended to His Majesty M. de Kleist, a former
aide-de-camp of Field-Marshal Mollendorff ; and he
a thorough anti-Gallican, they say will be named to
the vacant office.
3(Wi. Two gentlemen, en courier, I hear, are
announced from the north, of course. I was just
sitting down to write, but all hands are called up to
re-despatch the said gentlemen before night.
This Court, it appears, is dissatisfied with the inac-
tion of that of St. Petersburg. It is thought that a
more decided interest in the affairs of the north of
Germany ought to be shown in that quarter, and
complaints are made of the want of energy in the
councils of Russia. These complaints come, strangely
enough, from a power that has no system of its own,
save that of doing nothing.
May 4th. The king has lately shown such
evident symptoms of dejection, that the least
observant of those about him have remarked his
great depression of spirits. He is said to have
expressed himself, if not indeed energetically, at least
most feelingly, respecting the unfortunate predica-
ment he is placed in, and in terms bespeaking a
resolution to resist the evil ; or, if that be not
possible, to bear himself manfully under the pressure
138 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
of it. But there is no doubt that he would most
thankfully welcome the hand that should assist him,
or the voice that should give him courage to extricate
himself from it. The king's chief happiness, say
those who know him well, consists in the absence of
all trouble. His disposition is slothful ; he is guided
by his fears, and distrusts his own powers. There-
fore, he desires to show no opposition to France, and
might, perhaps, be disposed to yield everything to
her, if not restrained by the urgent representations
of his ministers, of the danger to his commercial
interests which a misunderstanding with England
might expose him to.
Letters May IQth. My brother went yesterday
to Potzdam, to meet Prince William of Gloucester ;
his royal highness will come to Berlin to-morrow.
He will take up his quarters in our palace, and on
Friday we shall have a grand dinner. Then follow
the reviews, and we enter on our second carnival.
Balls and galas every night; a sudden return to
gaiety, to render the subsequent dulness of the
Berlin summer more dull by contrast, unless we
should be kept lively by war's alarms.
Many young Englishmen have come over to
attend the reviews, amongst others one who promises
to be a very pleasant addition to our society, Mr.
Cavendish, the eldest son of Lord George Cavendish.
He has just left Cambridge. His aunt, the Duchess
of Devonshire, wrote to my brother, recommending
her nephew to his good offices, and saying he was a
most amiable young man. I should say he answers
1803.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 139
completely to his introduction, and that we shall
probably be a good deal together during his stay.
14M. Most of the military and naval men we had
here are ordered home ; and Prince William who
had intended to remain until he went to Hanover on
the 4th of June has thought it right to make the
best of his way home also.
I cannot say that I think him any loss ; but, as he
really seemed cordial and sincere, and like an old
friend in his manner towards my brother, I am sorry
he could not stay out his visit.
19 th. I have attended two of the reviews. On
the first day it rained so hard that, as the enemy was
not at the gates of Berlin, I thought it as well to
keep my coat and myself dry. The next day proved
favourable. There were thirty-five thousand men,
infantry and cavalry, in the field. The whole
representation of an attack and defence was gone
through. The manoeuvres were executed with the
most perfect precision and exactness, and everything
was conducted with the greatest order. The king
was attended by a numerous and brilliant staff, and
looked remarkably well, if not quite so dauntless as
the great little man and his staff of dashing officers I
saw last year in the court of the Tuileries, and who
is probably destined to give us all a good deal of
trouble before he is finally put down. In the evening
we had a ball at Count Haugwitz's.
Diaries May 21st to 23rd. The Prussians are de-
sirous of preventing the French from entering
Hanover; for once there the French army would
140 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
command at Hamburg, and probably extend its
influence to Denmark, by means of the operations
it would command at Holstein. Military men and
others are, therefore, greatly opposed to allowing the
French to establish themselves in the centre of the
kingdom of Prussia ; but the king is setting out for
Magdeburg without having consented to adopt the
necessary vigorous line of conduct that has been
urged upon him, and to which he almost pledged
himself to Colonel Decken. The secret influence of
his cabinet secretaries, and the artful conduct of the
French, combined with his own natural timidity,
have weighed too heavily against it.
24#A. Reports have come in of Lord Whitworth
having left Paris. There is much excited discussion
respecting it, and great agitation prevails.
27#/i. The king went to Magdeburg to consult
the Duke of Brunswick, whose counsels have con-
firmed him in maintaining the submissive line
of conduct he is inclined to observe towards
France.
28^. We have just received our " Declaration."
It is a pity, my brother says, that those who penned
it had not learned to write better French. It reaches
us just as we have concluded our gaieties. We have
been dancing all night at Count Schulenberg's. Two
or three Englishmen are setting off to-day in alarm,
lest they should not be able to reach home if they
delay their journey for twenty four hours. Mr.
Cavendish elects to stay with us for the present.
June 2nd. The French have behaved with great
1803.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 141
rigour in Holland ; some reports say, with great
inhumanity. At all events, our communications
with the Hague are entirely cut off, and probably so
by Cuxhaveri. Our agent has been thrown into
prison ; a messenger also, and his despatches taken
from him. We are waiting anxiously for what is to
follow. Some enthusiasts still hope that the king,
from considerations of his own and his country's
interests, may even yet be roused to take some
vigorous and immediate steps to check the advance
of the French.
1th. By estafette we learn that the French army
entered Hanover on the 5th.
llth. The arrangements for the occupation of the
town seem to have been made very leisurely, and
domestic comfort thoughtfully attended to. The
report says, " On the evening of the 4th of June,
some French officers and commis de commissariat rode
into the town to choose quarters for the staff and
commissariat. Early on the 5th, General Mathieu,
the commissary-general, with several assistants,
arrived at the house of the provincial States, to confer
with the members and to make requisitions, which
were granted to the extent of three millions sterling.
He then examined the electoral chest, and locked it
up. Shortly after, the General-in-chief, Mortier,
accompanied by several Generals, and a numerous
staff, entered Hanover, and occupied the house of
H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge. General Berthier
took possession of the palace ; General Chinnez in
quality of commandant of the town the house of
142 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
F.M. Count Walmoden ; General Lalois, that of the
minister, Yon der Decken.
" All royal arms and ciphers were effaced. Two
cannon, two vedettes of hussars, and two of grenadiers
were stationed before the duke's palace.
" About noon the entry of the French troops com-
menced, and was conducted with the greatest order.
A profound silence reigned, as well on the part of the
troops as of the spectators.
" The G-enerals and staff-officers dined that day with
General Mortier, who, before they rose from table,
proposed the health of the First Consul. It was
drunk with enthusiastic acclamation.
" In the evening, General Mortier gave audience to
a deputation, and remitted half a million of the three
millions demanded by General Mathieu, taking bills
of exchange on Hamburg at forty days' sight for the
remaining two and a half. He arranged for the
serving of a certain number of covers daily, for the
tables of all the Generals, at the king's expense ; also
for the rations of the troops. He complained of the
insufficiency and style of the furniture of the palace,
and ordered that it should be newly furnished. Great
discontent was expressed at the sending away of the
royal equipages and the royal stud ; and it was
insisted that six carriages and sets of horses, with
thirty saddle horses, should be kept in readiness the
whole day, for the use of the Generals and staff-
officers. The magistracy has charged itself with this
duty, and has, in consequence, to purchase horses
from private individuals.
1803.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 143
" The king's stables have been turned into barracks,
and the apartments of the Master of the Horse
arranged to serve as a hospital. Great burdens are
laid upon the nobility, and upon all classes as much
as possible. General Mortier has also desired a
French theatre to be prepared immediately.
" M. M. Yon Ramdohr and Yon Heniiber have set
out for Paris, to make representations to the First
Consul.
" The disturbances occasioned by the populace, a few
days before the entry of the French, were carried to
a great height ; even the arsenal was pillaged, and
the orders of the magistrates were not regarded.
Commotions still prevail throughout the country, the
subjects refusing to pay the public taxes.
" The lower classes, who express loudly their discon-
tent against the government, console themselves with
the hope that the French army will detach the
Electorate of Hanover from England. The actual
state of the country is, indeed, in the highest degree
distressing ; long time has it sighed under the
burden of taxes scarcely supportable, added to which
are the enormous contributions, &c., &c. What will
the end of it be ?"
14^/4. The London mails, of the 24th and 27th
nit., were seized by the French commander in
Holland, and sent to Paris for Boney's amusement.
Many private letters, even to Englishmen, were
allowed to pass, and have reached their destination in
this city; but those addressed to my brother, M.
Simonville, at the Hague, directed to be burnt a
114 DIAEIES AND LETTEES OF [1803.
very friendly act in one who used to dine with us
continually in Paris. At that time I thought he and
my brother great cronies, yet we learn that mere
private spite was the cause of this auto-da-fe.
16M. The French have bled the inhabitants of
Celle pretty copiously. The country is to pay three
millions of louis, in bills of exchange on Paris ; two
hundred thousand in ready money, for re-clothing the
French troops, besides providing horses for the
cavalry, and without including the requisitions for
provisions. A correspondent writes, " Celle is ruined,
to a certainty, for the next half century."
The French have not yet entered Gottingen.
General Mortier, it seems, waits for more precise
orders from Bonaparte, to whom the university has
sent a deputation, entreating him to except entirely
the town of Gottingen from receiving troops.
Mortier has been waited on for the same object. He
is reported to have said in a jocular manner, " Cannot
you receive one hundred, two hundred, three "
" Count no further, General," interrupted Professor
Martins. " Well," replied Mortier, " the city of
Gottingen shall have only a small garrison, and you
may assure all the members of the university, that
they shall not be in any way molested."
The First Consul's answer is expected to be favour-
able ; the French students continue to pursue their
studies at Gottingen, and apartments are taken for
the son of the ex-minister, La Croix. The English
students have left. The public chests have been seques-
tered for the use of the Republic ; those of the univer-
1803.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 145
sity and other learned institutions are to be appro-
priated as before. In consequence, " the noble and
generous character of General Mortier " has been
highly extolled at Gottingen !
17th. At the surrender of the fortress of Hameln,
the French were astonished at the number and
beauty of the artillery, arid its furniture. Many
pieces were found there which the Hanoverians had
taken from the French during the Seven Years' War.
They are to be sent off at once to France.
19M. A corps of French has taken possession of
Cuxhaven, and the senate of Hamburg has been
requested to lay an embargo on the British shipping
in that port.
21st. The French find themselves so well provided
for at Hanover, that those officers who have wives
and families have sent for them. General Leopold
Berthier was to be married there last week ; the
expense of the extra festivities to be defrayed by the
country. The people complain greatly of their
increased and increasing burden, the expensive
tables of the Generals, the free subsistence of all other
officers, and the large allowances to the troops.
24^. Certain classes of the people are said to be
animated by a feeling of antipathy and detestation
of Prussia, so violent as to be scarcely credible. The
indignation excited by the burdensome exactions of
the French is slight compared with it, though the
arrangements now making throughout the Elec-
torate seem to indicate that they reckon on a
lengthened occupation of it. A letter just received
VOL. I. L
146 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
says, " The army of reserve, under the orders of
General Dessolles, is being reinforced by small
detachments. A contract, renewable in forty days,
has just been made for provisioning them. Several
engineers have arrived at General M or tier's army,
and are ordered to examine the places on the Elbe
that can be put into a state of defence, as well as to
take steps for extending the fortifications of Stade,
Minburg, and Hameln, and strengthening the existing
ones. Timber for the purpose has already been
allotted, and further sums of money will be demanded.
But this the country can by no possibility furnish ;
its coffers are empty, and credit cannot be had.
" If the project of Bonaparte be, in fact, what these
measures seem to point to, we shall soon see a French
colony firmly established in the heart of Germany,
whence by degrees it will extend itself like the spot
of oil that, in the end, covers the whole of the
material on which it was dropped."
This private communication concludes thus : ""Woe
to Prussia and her neighbours, if they allow the
Electorate of Hanover to become, in the hands of
France, an immense place d'armes ; for she will not
fail, thence, imperiously to dictate the law to them."
25th. It is reported here that Bonaparte has
offered Hamburg to Denmark, on condition that her
ports shall be closed, and that she will endeavour to
shut the Sound against the British navy. He takes
great offence at the armaments of Russia ; those of
Denmark are, however, likely to affect him much
more.
1803.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 147
Tltli. The king is not returned, and the delay is
supposed to be intentional, that he may put off
giving an answer to the pressing demands of Eussia,
as to whether he will continue to see with in-
difference the progress of the French in the north of
Germany. Count Haugwitz asserts that he urges
the king to adopt a more becoming line of conduct,
but that his efforts are paralyzed by the secret
counsels of those who serve French interests. It is
the practice of these persons to extenuate every
enormity committed by France, and to place in the
most unfavourable point of view every step which
England is obliged to take for the purpose of self-
defence, or in the ordinary precaution of her mari-
time policy. Then, the king has so habituated
himself to a retired, quiet mode of life that, as well
in that respect, as from disposition, the idea of a war
is utterly distasteful to him, and repugnant to his
feelings.
The French have formed a camp at Liineberg,
called un camp de plaisance.
Letters July Sth. Our correspondence is now very
irregular, many of our letters fall into the hands of
the French, but we are about to despatch this
messenger by the Copenhagen route.
The weather has become so excessively hot that
there is a great falling off in our society. But we
do not feel it, for these are not idle times with us ;
not only have we the pen pretty constantly in hand,
but we are also beginning to be overwhelmed with the
influx of affrighted travellers who are seeking Berlin
L 2
148 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
as a city of refuge, to await a safe opportunity of
returning to England.
Many of our countrymen were at Geneva when
the order was received to put all Englishmen tinder
arrest. A precipitate flight was the consequence ;
some of them have found their way to Berlin, they
scarcely know how, assuming any disguise they
could obtain, and travelling part of the way on foot.
The French lately discovered that His Majesty's
fine stud the removal of which so annoyed them
when they took possession of Hanover was at
Bbitzenberg. A peremptory order was immediately
issued to bring all the horses back ; and it has
been obeyed, without the slightest attempt to evade
or oppose it.
Diaries July 16th. The blockade of the Elbe
causes much anxiety here, as great losses must fall on
the Embden Herring Company, should their fishing
vessels not be allowed to enter the river at the
proper season for curing the fish and bringing them
to market. M. Lombard has been despatched on a
mission to Bonaparte, who is now at Brussels, the
object of which is to obtain the withdrawal of the
French troops from the banks of the Elbe.
19th to 2Znd. Notwithstanding Bonaparte's flat-
tering assurances that he " commits with confidence
the interests of France to the wise and impartial
judgment of the Emperor of Russia," His Imperial
Majesty has so strongly urged the king not to be
ensnared by the artifices of France, but to adopt
more energetic measures, that military preparations
1803.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 149
have actually been set on foot. They are carried on,
however, with all possible secrecy, it being desired
that this bold step should not come to the knowledge
of the French minister, though it seems extra-
ordinary he should be supposed to be ignorant of
a circumstance that is everywhere the subject of
conversation, and in some circles of much con-
gratulation.
No doubt the king sees, as well as others, the
danger surrounding him, and drawing nearer every
day ; but he sees it as one in a dream who is with-
held from making the necessary efforts to save
himself.
%4:th. The Hanoverian troops, who so lately re-
solved not to lay down their arms, not to repass the
Elbe, not to surrender themselves prisoners to be
marched to France, but to defend, to the last drop of
their blood, the honour of their monarch and their
own well-earned reputation, have a second time
capitulated, and are disbanded. I fear this failure in
their resolution will have a bad effect on the King of
Prussia, who, when he heard of their resolve, ex-
pressed great admiration of the noble spirit and
sentiments that dictated it. But some of the regi-
ments mutinied, when facing French troops and
shedding blood seemed likely to become realities.
It is mentioned, however, in extenuation of their
dastardly conduct, that those regiments repented, and
begged to be led against the enemy. There is also
this unfortunate fact in their favour their com-
mander, F.M. Count Walmoden, is worn out by age
150 DIABIES AND LETTEES OF [1803.
and infirmities, which may serve also to excuse his
own miserable want of energy, and his wish rather
to negotiate than to fight.
2Qth. The French are felling timber in Hanover
in large quantities, and are preparing, by Bona-
parte's orders, to build ships in the little port of
Yegesack.
31st. It is reported that Bonaparte means to
leave on foot some Hanoverian regiments, in the
manner the French formerly had the Swiss regiments,
the Eoyal Allemands, and the Royal Suedois, in order
the more easily to seduce the Hanoverians from their
allegiance to the king. The old uniform is to be
retained, the officers to hold the same rank as before ;
and that this plan may occasion no .jealousy, Prussia,
Holland, and Spain are to be allowed to recruit from
our late army.
Of the horses delivered over to the French by the
Hanoverian cavalry, two thousand are destined for
the army of the Rhine. Large numbers of troops
are assembling between Cologne and Cleves, and on
the Batavian frontiers.
A recent letter from Hanover says, "To the
already melancholy statement of our misfortunes
must be added that of the fresh demands made by
the French on this unfortunate Electorate. They
ask us for seven million two hundred thousand livres,
as a contribution for three months, ending with the
month of October. Of this sum two million livres
only can be found. Besides this, we have the war
taxes, made more oppressive by the troops being
1803.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 151
kept constantly in movement. Detachments are
marched backwards and forwards ; troops of cavalry-
are sent from place to place ; the incomplete
battalions are being increased by twenty-seven men
per company, and the burden of this miserable
country is made more insupportable day by day by
heavier and more oppressive exactions. The repre-
sentations that have been made on this subject have
hitherto produced nothing but the assurance that,
should a loan become necessary, France herself will
assist us in the negotiation of it." It is a slight
consolation to learn that the very strictest discipline
is observed amongst the troops, and' that a few days
ago three men who had been marauding during their
march were shot.
M. Talleyrand, a nephew of the minister, arrived
in Berlin, en courier, yesterday evening from St.
Petersburg. The passage of French couriers has
not been so frequent, it is said, since the time of the
Directory and Sieyes' mission.
Aug. 5th. The movements of Bonaparte afford an
unfailing subject for conversation and discussion.
The motive for his sudden journey from Brussels to'
Paris is very variously explained, though the true
one is probably known only to himself. .It is most
generally conjectured that great disturbances had been
fomented in Paris, by his enemies, during his absence.
llth. M. Lombard has returned from his in
every sense extraordinary mission. He is highly
gratified with his reception at Brussels, and the
flattering compliments paid him by the First Consul.
152 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
This Court also affects to derive great satisfaction
and security, from the general assurances M. Lombard
has been desired to convey to the king of Bonaparte's
friendly dispositions.
As to the special object of the mission the with-
drawal of the French troops from the banks of the
Elbe the precise answer that has been given has
not been allowed to become known ; but it is evident
that it is of a nature to ensure the continuance of
the king's favourite policy of inaction, and his ac-
quiescence in the views of France.
In society, M. Lombard everywhere talks of the
candour and frankness of Bonaparte's explanations ;
his great friendship for tfie King of Prussia; his
wish to establish a general peace and to spend the
remainder of his life in quietude; occupied only in
promoting the happiness and prosperity of the nation
whose interests have been committed to his charge.
England alone, it appears, opposes a barrier to the
realization of his views. But, M. Lombard allows
it to be inferred, though he does not in plain terms
say so, that the preparations for bringing this per-
fidious foe to her senses are well advanced, and
success in the attempt not despaired of.
M. Lombard has also Bonaparte's picture to dis-
play, very richly set in diamonds ; a present from
the great man as a special mark of his favour.
Besides this, he brought with him two large boxes of
millinery and dresses of great value ; a present from
Madame Bonaparte to the queen of beauty, and ac-
companied by a letter, signed Josephine.
1803.] SIB GEOBGE JACKSON. 153
Letters August 12th. I get confused with the
details of ladies' laces; but, as this part of M.
Lombard's mission will greatly interest my mother
and sisters, I have sought enlightenment on the
subject from Mademoiselle de D., a very competent
authority. There are three dresses, I learn, one of
the finest Brussels point ; another of white satin,
woven with a pattern in gold thread, and orna-
mented with Alen9on lace ; the third is of a pale
grey satin, magnificently embroidered with steel.
Her Majesty pronounces them " superbes ," whether
they willfaire effet in the way intended or expected
remains to be seen.
You write in very low spirits, but we do not find
that the same despondency is general in our country.
It would, indeed, be unfortunate if it were so at a
time like the present, when great spirit, exertion, and
unanimity are so urgently needed.
People in general, on the continent, look forward
with certain expectation to an invasion ; but nobody
thinks that it can or ought to succeed. My brother
and the English we have here, are convinced that we
have nothing to fear in the end. But to justify such
security we must act, they say, as if we had every-
thing to fear, and must take such precautions against
an attempt that may very likely be made, as alone
can render it abortive should it really take place.
16M. A messenger arrived this morning with the
mail of the 5th. We are delighted with the
additional proofs you daily give of your spirit, and
with the complete dressing Sir Francis Burdett has at
154 D1AEIES AND LETTEES OF [1803.
last received. It cannot fail, I should say, to give
pleasure to the heart of every true, honest John
Bull. If I could ever envy any man his feelings,
it would be Mr. Byng on that glorious occasion.
What do you say to my " pretensions," now you
know who is to be our new envoy at Dresden ? The
official people here are as much, or perhaps more,
surprised than we are, for they all knew Wynn
when he was at Berlin three years ago and about
my age with his uncle, Mr. T. Grenville.
Many of our unfortunate countrymen have lately
passed through Berlin, amongst others two gentle-
men, one the son of Sir G. Burrel, who had been
refused passports to leave Italy, but escaped by
making their servant their master, he passing for an
American, and they for his valet and courier. We
have also a letter from a lady, who, with her maid,
has really suffered much fatigue and privation before
reaching neutral ground. All the money she had
with her one hundred and fifty louis, which she had
concealed in her hat was taken from her when she
was searched at the barriere on leaving Geneva ; her
remonstrances being silenced by threats of imprison-
ment. She complains bitterly of the Misses Berry,
who were then on their travels. " When they
arrived at their hotel at Geneva, before leaving their
carriage, a private letter," she says, "was put into
their hands, informing them of the intended arrest
of the English. Without an instant's delay they
returned to Lausanne, forgetting in their selfish
terror, to give notice of what was about to happen to
1803.J SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 155
their countrymen and countrywomen many of
whom were well known to them- -who filled the
Hotel Secherin, which they passed as they drove out
of Geneva." But I suppose the Misses Berry were
not more selfishly alive to their own danger than
were the rest of the world ; sauve qui pent seems to
have been the order of the day.
The great press of business does not allow of our
going into, what is called here, the country, which,
for my own part, I am glad of; for our palace Unter
den Linden is a far more desirable abode, even
during the great heats, than a New Road or
Paddington villa in the midst of the Brandenburg
sands. We, however, went to a dinner the other
day, given by the Prussian minister, Count H., at
his country-house, to several of the corps diplo-
matique and the principal foreigners staying here. I
accompanied my brother and Mr. Cavendish. The
company assembled at one o'clock at a house, which
would be called in England a farm-house, being
surrounded by barns and out-houses, and having,
almost under its windows, an excellent farm-yard,
well stocked with poultry of different sorts, the usual
animals, &c. The originality of the whole entertain-
ment was very amusing. Count H. dressed in a
russet-brown coat, and black cloth boots might have
been taken, but for his ribands and stars, for a well-
to-do farmer.
As the dinner was not to be served until two, the
Count proposed a walk to his guests, and took us into
a fine piece of Luzern, the merits of which he
156 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
entered into, and described its various qualities. In
the next field we saw some very fine wheat, just
ready to cut ; for the harvest, though wonderfully
abundant this year throughout Germany, is yet, we
learnt, somewhat later than usual. The Count
seemed remarkably proud of this wheat, and cried
out every moment, " Voila ! Messieurs, voila !" and,
turning to my brother repeatedly, said, " Dites done,
Monsieur ; en avez vous de meilleur en Angleterre ?"
He then took us to the cattle-stalls, where he had
eighty of the finest oxen in the country. They are
of a very large sort, and are sent for, he told us,
when lean, from Poland to be fattened here ; just as
we do with Welsh heifers. It was rather diverting
to see all the red, blue, and yellow ribands and
stars going through the rows of oxen, and scratching
their polls ; then listening gravely to the agri-
cultural teaching of their host, as he led the way to
some new wonder, they following on tiptoe to avoid
the dirt. One of the company was so much
impressed by the information he had acquired on
farming affairs that, on leaving the oxen-sheds, he
called out, " Mais, les fumiers, Monsieur le comte !
Les fumiers doivent former un grand objet ici !" This
remark caused a general laugh, though it was less
pleasant than apt, as each one felt when he looked
down at his own and his neighbour's shoes.
After this, some machines for cutting hay and
straw together, in an easy and effective manner,
were shown and explained to us; also two rooms full
of silkworms, from which silk of great fineness has
1803.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 157
been produced, and has been manufactured for Her
Majesty's use.
When we had got thus far, dinner was announced ;
and when this heavy G-erman business was concluded,
you may readily suppose we were pretty well knocked
up for the day.
Sept. Wth. As there really was nobody in Berlin,
arid war and diplomacy alike were at a stand-still,
my brother, for the sake of a stag-hunt, resolved on
a ten days' trip to the little principality of Dessau in
Upper Saxony ; and Cavendish, who likes Berlin
so well that he will remain some time longer, went
with us. As severe weather sets in here earlier than
in England, hunting begins as soon as the harvest is
over. There are not more than three or four packs
of hounds in all Germany, for the spirit of the thing
is not much felt ; the country is not always adapted
for it, and there are few private fortunes that can
support the expense, although it is a mere trifle
compared with that of a kennel in England. The
Prince of Dessau, who acquired the taste for hunting
during the several journeys he made in England,
lives very much like a country gentleman of the old
stamp, of four or five thousand per annum, preferring
the enjoyments and freedom of private life to the
confinement and gene of a court. He is very
hospitable, and is particularly pleased when
strangers, especially Englishmen, go to see his
country and his hunt. The former is beautiful a
good soil, well cultivated, rich in oak woods and
meadows, and watered by the Elbe. In the prince's
158 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
house at Worlitz, and in the gardens surrounding it,
as much taste is displayed as at Stowe or at Blenheim.
We stayed three hunting days, arid were then
obliged to hasten back to Berlin ; for the king,
having at last bought Lichtenau House for his sister,
the Princess of Orange, we have been obliged to
seek another abode.
My brother has secured, for the term of his
residence here, the smaller, but more compact house
of the former imperial minister.
Diaries Sept. 14th. No news has arrived in my
brother's absence, except that contained in letters
from the East, which report that the Turkish
empire is falling rapidly to pieces ; that Eoumalia,
Roumania, and even Wallachia are overrun by
rebels ; the whole of Egypt, with the exception of
Alexandria, in the hands of the Beys ; and, by the
last accounts from Arabia, Mecca and Medina in the
possession of Abdul Wahibi and his. followers.
2Qth. Bonaparte has sent agents from Paris to
endeavour to sell all the royal domains in the
Electorate of Hanover. No purchasers have hitherto
come forward.
11th. Permission has been given to General
Mortier to march a brigade of infantry through
Hildesheim, on its way to Arnhem.
Letters Nov. 1th. During the recent lull in
politics and diplomacy at least, so far as anything
has occurred or reached us in Berlin we have been
most busily engaged with the new arrangements and
changes in our home. We have furnished and
1803.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON 159
^F
taken possession of our house, and my brother has
placed a mistress at the head of it. He was married
yesterday to Mile, de Dorville. After the ceremony,
he and his bride, contrary to the Prussian custom
which ordains that the newly- married couple
should, on the morning after the wedding, give a
breakfast, to which their friends and acquaintance
repair to offer their congratulations set out for
Freienwalde, the Tunbridge Wells of this neigh-
bourhood, but now even more deserted than that
place is at this season. The queen dowager has a
country-house there ; my sister-in-law will be pre-
sented to her in her new character of the wife of
the British minister, and I suppose they will not
find another soul at Freienwalde besides themselves.,.
16th. The happy pair returned, after a honey-
moon of five days, to commence a round of dinners,
suppers, and balls, to be given and received in
honour of the auspicious event. Their first grand
dinner took place yesterday. The Duke of Brunswick,
the Princess of Orange, the Duchess of Courland, the
foreign ministers now in town, with other grandees,
native and foreign, to the number of thirty-five, were
present. Mr. Cavendish, and Mr. Wynn, our young
Envoy to Dresden, were, besides ourselves, the only
Englishmen present. The marriage feasts and
festivities which on our side are to conclude with a
ball and supper to about two hundred persons will
be got over, it is hoped, by the time the king and
queen leave Potzdam, when the bride will go
through her presentations, and we shall return to
160 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
our usual sober routine. Our present doings would
furnish many edifying columns to the " Morning
Post," if it had but an efficient reporter in Berlin to
record them.
Diaries Nov. 18/A. This Court is much embar-
rassed, and the general sensation is great, respecting
the recent proposals submitted by Bonaparte to
Russia and Prussia on the subject of Hanover. He
wishes it to be arranged by the three powers, that
France, should retain undisturbed possession of the
Electorate, engaging himself not to increase the
number of troops there, and not to penetrate
further into Germany ; that Russia and Prussia
should, conjointly, set on foot an army of neutrality,
q,nd Vienna be engaged not to interfere with the
measures of France.
The emperor refused to accede to these pro-
positions, and insisted that the immediate evacuation
of Hanover was indispensable to the safety of the
north of Germany. " Prussia," he said, " must be left
entirely to herself if she persisted in seconding the
views of France." To add to the embarrassment of
the Prussian Court, the Duke of Mecklenberg
Schwerin has complained of the violation of his
territory by French troops. The king professes
great indignation at this conduct of Bonaparte, yet
shudders at the idea of entering into a contest
with him. Even Beym is loud in invective against
him, and Lombard thinks himself personally affected
by the deceit put upon him at Brussels, and his own
too great credulity on that occasion.
1803.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 161
The king has proposed to guarantee France from
any and every continental attack, if she consents to
leave the north of Germany in tranquillity, and will
withdraw her army from the Electorate of Hanover
a feeble and hopeless attempt to avert a threatened
danger, made without due thought, or apprehension
of the many serious considerations with which such
an act abounds.
Complaints of the increasingly oppressive exactions
of the French in Hanover reach us almost daily. It
would seem that they are so familiarized with acts of
plunder and extortion, that those in power consider the
contributions they demand need know scarcely any
other limits than those of their own wants, and the
resources of the countries they ransack in rotation.
Conspiracies to overthrow Bonaparte and bis
government are forming by both royalists and
republicans, and the union of these parties is said to
be not only possible but probable. " If it really be
so, the sentiments and principles of Louis XVIII.
must have undergone a very considerable change,"
say those who are tolerably well acquainted with
the character of that prince, and who believe that it
would be almost impossible to induce him to bend to
such concessions as appear to form the groundwork of
the plan the republican plotters would propose to him.
It is also thought, with respect to the dispositions
of the interior of France, that the government of
Bonaparte would be preferred to that of the pure
republicans, who, although they may be numerous,
would find their efforts to overthrow the existing
VOL. I. M
162 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
state of things not only not seconded to the extent
they expect, but on the contrary opposed.
Several letters have lately been received here,
through the ordinary post from Frankfort, from a man
who signs bimself, sometimes, " Saint Alexander," at
others, " Count Pagowski," and who says he belonged
to the Polish Legion, proposing to carry off Bona-
parte, dead or alive, from St. Omer. For this
purpose he has demanded 2000. In one letter he
announced that he had drawn a bill on my brother
for an advance of ISO/. No notice was taken of his
letters, and his draft, which was duly presented, was
protested. This person has since made his ap-
pearance in Berlin, and has informed M. de Bruges
himself connected with the plots of the royalist
Georges that if he heard of Bonaparte's arrival at
St. Omer he must conclude that the execution of his
plan was suspended, as it would be impossible to
strike the blow when Bonaparte was in the midst of
his army.
It was believed by this person that Bonaparte
would not leave Paris till the 15th of December;
and so great is the confidence he professes to place in
the dispositions of parties, and in the means organized,
as he says, with the assistance of a powerful government,
that the only difficulty he seems to foresee is that of
fixing upon a suitable state of things when Bona-
parte shall be no more. M. de Haugwitz says, however,
that Bonaparte is daily expected at Mayence, as he
intends to make a tour in the four new departments,
in his way to St. Omer.
1803.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 163
. Numerous copies of" A letter to Bonaparte,"
written by the Berne correspondent for the pro-
motion of one of the royalist plots now in agitation,
have been sent here from Munich for distribution.
It will also appear in all the considerable towns of
every country in Europe, except Spain and Portugal,
which are too difficult of access. It will be received
at Constantinople, and in every department of the
interior of France ; for which latter purpose measures
have been taken to elude the vigilance of the French
Government. This letter is expected to produce an
effect very favourable to the royalist schemes.
There are persons, however, who doubt this result,
who even regret that such futile measures should be
resorted to ; who consider the policy of the govern-
ment that countenances such schemes, and affords aid
to the schemers, as deficient in wisdom and dignity.
Hints are thrown out and by no means obscure
ones showing plainly that the quarter whence the
ample supplies are derived, for the carrying on of
this dirty work, is no secret. That the ever watchful
vigilance of the French police should have failed to
discover it is, therefore, not likely. It is probable,
even, that the persons who take an active part in
these plots are themselves agents of the French
Government. But, at all events, they are, as in
former instances of this kind others have been
found to be, mere needy unprincipled adven-
turers, seeking to enrich themselves, by means of the
credulity of those who lend an ear to their vain
projects, and who supply the large sums over the
M 2
164 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1803.
expenditure of which no control whatever can be
exercised which they represent to be needful for
their realization.
Whatever may be thought of the despotic rule
and restless ambition of Bonaparte, it is firmly be-
lieved they are not so intolerable to the French,
that his overthrow can be accomplished by the
intrigues of a few hot-headed royalists, and two or
three discontented military men. But, that while the
spirit to resist him by force of arms is wanting in that
quarter especially interested in opposing him, we
can look only to time, and that "vaulting ambition"
which will eventually overleap itself, for the final
downfall of the present ruler of France.
Letters December 1st. Wynn has just left us for
Dresden. He is a pleasant young fellow, only two
or three years older than myself, and apparently
not that. It has been remarked here that in the
present state of continental affairs, how extraordinary
it is that mere boys should be appointed to such re-
sponsible posts. Wynn, himself, seemed to be rather
embarrassed when introduced, as His Majesty's envoy,
to some shrewd old diplomats in Berlin. It is
rather hard, he owns, on Mr. Grey, the secretary of
legation, to have one so much his junior placed
over him, but, as the government has chosen to
appoint him, he says, he cannot be supposed to be
very sorry for it. His appointment is a proof that
it is no bad thing to have a violent " opposionist "
for a patron.
Wynn says that Casamajor will not return here,
1803.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 165
and that it was thought my brother would ask for
the vacant secretaryship for me. He advised me to
urge him to do so ; but I shall not.
We are expecting Lord Aberdeen, who was with
us in Paris, and some anxiety is felt at the delay in his
arrival. He was last heard of in the Morea, whence
he was to pass to Zante, to Venice, Vienna, &c.
6th. We hear that such preparations are making
in England to receive the invaders as will put to
shame some of the powers of Europe, for the extreme
pusillanimity of their behaviour, and that Mr. Pitt
does not intend to be much in town this winter, as
both he and Lord G-renville are greatly occupied
with their military commands. They are doing
incalculable good, and with a just confidence are
awaiting the threatened attack. That it will cer-
tainly be made seems to be the general expectation
in our country. A contrary opinion is held here.
Diaries December 17 'th. We learn that a mes-
senger who was on his way to England, in company
with another person, was driven by the postilion
to Batzberg instead of Schwerin, and to an hotel
occupied by several French officers. The travellers
were in great alarm- on discovering that they had
thus fallen into the clutches of the French, and
expected to be searched or otherwise molested. But,
instead of the treatment they looked for, they met
with the greatest politeness, and were pressed to
partake of dinner, which was about to -be served.
They did so, and afterwards were allowed, without
hindrance, to proceed on their journey. That they
166 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
thus escaped can only be accounted for from the
circumstance of the messenger, who was Mr. Stuart's
own servant, not travelling with courier horses.
22nd. The foreign ministers last evening paid their
respects to their Majesties, at an assembly given by
the Duke of Brunswick Oels. The king took occasion
to say to the British minister, that " should Bonaparte,
contrary to the general expectation, succeed in land-
ing any part of his army in England, it was his hope
and firm persuasion that he would be repulsed with
that energy which had ever characterized the British
nation." " But," added the king, " the ardour of
Bonaparte to attempt the invasion has lately, I think,
considerably abated." Her Majesty, also, was gra-
ciously complimentary. A few evenings ago, my
brother and his wife being at a ball, and feeling
a little tired, left just as supper was announced.
This remarkable fact, which was attributed to the
lady being in an interesting situation, was com-
municated, it appears, to the queen, and Her Majesty,
with many gracious smiles of approbation, openly
made it a special subject of congratulation to my
sister-in-law and brother at the Duke of Brunswick's
assembly ! This was thought a- great compliment.
1804.
Letters January 2nd. Besides actual business, I
am now in the midst of preparations for my pre-
sentation next week, and am in a perplexing state of
uncertainty as to the fate of a uniform which should
1804.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 167
ere this have arrived from London. It is the same
as that worn by my friend Cavendish, red, faced with
yellow, and silver epaulettes the uniform of his
father's regiment, which he has obtained leave for
me to wear. We are afraid that it is gone, together
with a Windsor uniform for my brother, to grace the
carnival at Paris. If so, it will be a sorry commence-
ment of my Court career, and I shall be obliged
en attendant better success next time to put up with
the work of a Berlin tailor. To-morrow, I begin my
round of visits to all the old ladies, and the invitations
to the Princess Henry's and the Ferdinand court will
probably follow next week. Not that this is a very
pleasant part of the business, for although it is not,
of course, the fashion to say so, the princess is as stiff
as a poker.
Our time will probably be much engaged through-
out the month with courtly business ; for the king's
brother, Prince William, is to be married on Thursday
the 12th, and on Tuesday his bride makes her public
entry into Berlin. Balls and suppers without end
will follow.
The etiquette of this Court requires that the queen,
and the bride, should dance a minuet with all the
princes, the ministers of the country, and the foreign
ministers. Rather fatiguing for the illustrious ladies,
and embarassing to some of the gentlemen who are
to be thus honoured, and who " now must dance that
never danced before." Many are taking lessons of a
dancing master.
6th. I was presented to their Majesties last night,
168 DIAE1ES AND LETTEES OF [1804.
at the Duke of Brunswick Oels, and in rather a
singular manner in plain clothes. The duke gives
a weekly ball, at which the Court generally assists ;
but it had been signified that the king and queen
would not be present last evening, and, consequently,
everybody went in undress. However, on entering
the ante-room, the first person we saw was the
grand marechal to announce their Majesties' change
of plan. We were, of course, about to take wing
immediately, when we were informed that the king,
very graciously, had said he would be happy to see
me, dressed as I was. Thus, for the first time since
the Prussian monarchy has existed, has the honour of
being presented in plain clothes been conferred.
The Frenchmen were a little estomaques at this,
and wished, I am convinced, that they had had some-
body in the same predicament to present.
8th. The foreign ministers who had been in-
formed that they would be invited to dance minuets
with the queen and princess, at the forthcoming
royal marriage, have received notice that this part of
the programme will be omitted. It has been ascer-
tained that no instance is on record of a queen of
Prussia having danced with ministers of the second
order. But it is supposed that this expedient has
been adopted with a view to preclude the possibility
of difficulties arising on the subject of precedence
amongst the foreign ministers, and to settle also a
doubtful point of etiquette.
\\th. The king and queen went to Potzdam on
Monday, to meet the Princess Amelia of Hesse
1804.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 169
Homberg; yesterday she made her public entry
into Berlin, in the midst of an immense concourse of
people, and escorted by the different guilds of armed
burghers. In the evening their Majesties, accom-
panied by the young princess, appeared most un-
expectedly at a ball given by the tradesmen of the
city. Their intention was, no doubt, to make some
acknowledgment to the burghers for the part they
had voluntarily taken in the morning's procession,
and the enthusiastic greeting they had given the
princess. But the circumstance has been much com-
mented upon in Berlin to-day, and has been pro-
nounced infra dig. by some persons, gracious con-
descension by others.
] 3th. Yesterday, the marriage of Prince William
and the Princess Amelia took place at the palace.
The royal diadem was placed on the head of the bride
by the queen mother, in the presence of the royal
family. They then went in procession to the state
rooms, fitted up by Frederick I., and where all royal
marriages are performed.
The prince, in the uniform of a Prussian general,
with the princess, dressed in white satin and silver
four maids of honour bearing her train walked first ;
the king, with the queen mother ; the queen, with
Prince Henry, and eight other royal couples followed.
Each was preceded by gentlemen of their respective
courts, and followed by their chief officers, with the
maids of honour attending the royal ladies.
The procession passed through the old court chapel
arid the gallery two hundred feet in length to the
170 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
White Hall, in which are the statues, in white marble,
of the old electors.
Here the Court chaplain, M. Sack, was waiting,
under a canopy of red velvet, to perform the marriage
ceremony. All the royal family, with the exception
of the queen mother for whom a velvet-covered
chair was provided stood in a half circle round the
bride and bridegroom ; the rest of the company
formed a second half circle outside the royal one.
At the moment when the rings were exchanged, a
signal was given, and the twenty-four cannon before
the palace "were fired in succession three times.
The Court then proceeded to the card-room, where
the newly-married couple sat down to whist with the
king and the queen mother. The Queen, Prince
Henry, the bride's mother the Landgravine of
Hesse and the Prince of Orange, formed another
table ; the rest of the company made up four others
When they had finished their rubber, they adjourned
to the state-room, and the royal party took supper ;
which was served on gold plate, and under a canopy
of red velvet. During the repast a band of music was
stationed in the silver orchestra. This orchestra is, in
fact, only plated ; the original one was of solid silver,
but at the commencement of the Seven Years' War,
the Great Frederick, finding his coffers rather empty,
melted it down for crowns, and supplied its place
with the present one.
The meats served to the royal table were cut up
by Generals Elsna and Beville standing and were
afterwards distributed, or handed round, by the
1804.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 171
marshal, and officers of the Court, les grandes
mattresses, and maids of honour. These menial offices
are performed by them only on such exceptional
occasions, and their duties end when the royal party
have drunk their first glass, 'which, according to
court etiquette, is always immediately after the first
course is served. Their distinguished attendants
then retire to take supper also, with the rest of the
company, at adjoining tables. There were five of
those extra tables, each presided over by a person of
high rank.
Supper ended, they returned to the White Hall,
and the ministers of state, each with a fourfold
burning torch of white wax in his hand, assembled
near the throne to await the arrival of the Court to
commence the Fackel dance, with which the
marriage ceremony concludes ; a custom observed
only at this Court, and supposed to have been
originally intended to represent the Court of Hymen
conducting the new-married pair to the nuptial
chamber.
As soon as the royal party entered, the trumpets
and kettle-drums of the king's Garde du Corps, and
the regiment of Gendarmes, struck up a sort of
polonaise. The grand marshal, with- his long black
wand, led off first. The ministers, with their
flaming torches, followed. Then came the prince
and his wife, and the four maids of honour bearing
the train. Slowly marching towards the royalties,
ranged in a circle round the throne, the princess left
the arm of her husband, and advancing towards the
172 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
king, curtseyed profoundly, thus inviting him to
make the first tour with her. This over, the same
ceremony was gone through with all the princes,
according to the order observed in the marriage
procession. The prince then commenced his tours,
first with the queen mother, then the queen, and all
the princesses in succession ; the ministers, with their
hymeneal torches, preceding each couple. To some
of the festive torch-hearers these numerous tours
seemed to be tours de force they were hardly equal to ;
and they must surely have succumbed if Providence
had not spared them the minuets with which they at
first were threatened. But at length the tours were
ended ; and the royal bride and bridegroom were
then escorted to their apartments to undress ; the
former by the queen mother and the other royal
ladies, the latter by the king and princes.
When the princess was supposed to be in bed, the
company assembled in the ante-room to receive from
her grande mattresse small pieces of embroidered
riband, representing her royal highness's garter.
Thus ended this royal wedding, which put me in
mind of an old drama, got up with new scenery,
dresses, processions, banquets, trumpets, kettle-
drums, &c., &c.
We take our share of the general fuss, and
celebrate the happy event by a ball on the 18th.
Diaries Jan. 15th. Notwithstanding the deep
plunge into gaiety and pleasure which all classes in
Berlin have lately taken, there has been, at times,
great anxiety evinced to know whether Bonaparte
1804.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 173
would accede to the king's proposal of guarantee, and
would evacuate Hanover.
\lth. Yesterday morning the arrival of a French
courier momentarily raised the hopes of two or
three of the statesmen of this country ; but it soon
became known that the only news he had brought
was that the First Consul had left Paris on a certain
day which proves to have been that he had named
for declaring his intentions to the king and that no
communication whatever on the subject had been
sent to this government. The courier, however, was
the bearer of a magnificent lace dress for the queen,
a new year's present from Madame Bonaparte.
A break in the frost has also brought us news
from home. There, too, they are waiting with
some anxiety to know Bonaparte's pleasure as to
the threatened invasion. Here, the opinion is that
the Dutch may be soon ordered to push out, but that
nothing further will be attempted until he has, at
least, made a previous trial of our strength. Mr.
Pitt, we learn, still continues highly displeased and
very hostile, yet not induced to enter into the
systematic opposition recommended by his adherents,
who have even wished him to unite with Mr. Fox,
but have as yet failed in their endeavour.
The tacit refusal of Bonaparte to accede to the
King of Prussia's proposal of guarantee, has since
been confirmed by the verbal declaration of his
minister, and is the subject of great embarrassment
and annoyance to this Government. The Prussians
would submit to their present disappointment, with
174 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
only a suppressed murmur, were it not that they
are compelled to communicate their situation to the
Court of St. Petersburg. Their situation is, in fact,
that of a man who would quietly put up with an
insult if it were not overheard. The king is, there-
fore ill-humoured and disgusted. " When," said a
Prussian officer, to-day, speaking bitterly of the
present state of things, " when will the irresistible
course of events prove strong enough to overcome
the vis inertia of our king !"
It is said that the king does not intend to hold
the reviews, as has been customary during the
summer in different districts of the country. General
Kochritz, in allusion to this report, said it was in
contemplation to form a camp of forty thousand men
near Spandau, in order to instruct in the business of
a campaign the many young officers now in the
army who had not seen service.
23rd. It is asserted here that the King of Sweden,
who is at Carlsruhe, is courting Bonaparte after
taking all the money he could get from England
with a view to have Norway ceded to him by
Denmark ; that power to be offered Bremen and
Verden as a compensation, with, perhaps, Swedish
Pomerania to Prussia. This being made known to
General Kochritz, his answer is thus reported, " the
king found himself already too deeply engaged in
plans of partition and indemnity that he could not
recede from, and otherwise, they were too repugnant
to his character to form them." It is thought that
His Swedish Majesty would be glad to find a favourable
1804.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 175
opportunity of joining in a war against Prussia. It
is, however, likely that all this is the mere invention
of the King of Sweden's enemies; for the feeling
towards him at this Court is by no means cordial.
He is said to have a mania for imitating the con-
duct of Gustavus Adolphus, without possessing his
abilities. However, it is certain that, although
somewhat eccentric at times, he displays an inde-
pendence of character that is wanting here, and that
the freedom of his remarks on the policy of this
Court, and the occasional remonstrances he has made
to the king are the chief causes of the little favour
he meets with from the Prussian Government.
Feb. 1st to I2th. The rumour that the king* does
not intend to hold the Berlin spring reviews this year,
that those also of Konigsberg and Warsaw will not
take place, and that the exercises of the troops will
be postponed till the formation of the camps, has
formed the subject of general conversation, and
latterly had supplanted that of the long-talked-of in-
vasion of England. But Bonaparte's recent arrange-
ments, and the powers conferred on Murat, as
Governor of Paris, seem to denote that he purposes
to absent himself for some time, and the invasion
is, therefore, again become an interesting theme.
The Elector of Hesse Cassel has also furnished us
with another, by adopting the extraordinary resolu-
tion of ordering all his subjects in the Prussian
service and there are about sixty officers of different
grades to return home on pain of confiscation of
their property.
176 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
ISth. We have the English mails in, through
Holland, to the 2nd. The papers speak of the
Prince of Wales's illness. A private letter explains
that his royal highness and the Duke of N. had for
three successive days been so completely drunk, that
the former at last fell like a pig, and lay for several
hours to all appearance dead ; -bleeding, they say,
relieved him. A subject of greater interest than the
drunken bouts of this royal debauche is, the plan we
see Mr. Addington has brought forward for the
settlement of the Civil List. It is to be hoped that
the servants of the crown will receive from it a
permanent benefit in the regular payment of their
respective salaries. It seems extraordinary, to say
no more, that England, the richest country in the
world, should be the only one that leaves the
numerous dependents of its government so long
without reaping the fruit of their labour.
21st. Another royal marriage is on the tapis,
between Prince Henry, the king's eldest brother,
and the eldest daughter of the hereditary Prince of
Denmark. The princess's picture has already been
received, and an interview between the illustrious
personages will take place in the summer, at the
baths of Neudorff.
25th. Yery startling intelligence has been re-
ceived from Paris that of the arrest of General
Moreau, and several other persons, in Paris and
different parts of France. The King of Prussia
gave the first intimation of the General's arrest at
a court-ball ; amongst other persons to M. Laforet,
1804.J SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 177
the French minister, who treated it as a groundless
rumour. But when the king said he had positive
intelligence of the fact, he replied that " General
Moreau, with very great military talents, had always
been deficient in the qualities that form a good
citizen." Speaking on. the subject to Count Du-
moustier the last minister of Louis XYI. to this
Court the king observed, that " he began to think
those emigrants were in the right who had not
returned to France."
The public show an eager curiosity on the subject,
and consider these arrests as a symptom of the in-
stability of Bonaparte's government. The immediate
conclusion drawn from them, by my brother, is, that
Bonaparte will be more desirous than before of
engaging in a continental war. The reports of
reinforcements being sent to the army in Hanover,
and of the intention of the French to occupy the
Hanse Towns, seem to strengthen this inference.
March 2nd. We are all on the tiptoe of expecta-
tion ; and the anxiety on the part of the public is not
a little increased by a report, just received from the
Hague, of the death of Bonaparte. No credit, how-
ever, is given to it in well-informed quarters. Some
indications among the people of a disposition to
rejoice openly at the event were speedily repressed
by a public contradiction of the report.
6th. The result of Moreau's trial is awaited with
inconceivable anxiety. The general persuasion is,
that he will be sacrificed to the personal enmity of
Bonaparte, and to the necessity of withdrawing the
VOL. I. N
178 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
attention of the French nation from the loss of St.
Domingo and the abandonment of the expedition
against England.
1th. The Emperor of Russia has announced to
this Court that he intends to march his army through
the Prussian territory, and expects it will meet with
no obstacle, as the king had not refused a passage
to the French on their way to Hanover.
Letters March Sth. Notwithstanding the sensa-
tion created here by what has occurred in Paris, all
this great town is now completely taken up with
preparations for a grand fete at the opera house, to
celebrate the queen's birthday on the 12th, and the
pretty girls of Berlin have been practising dances
and marches these three weeks past with the ballet
masters of the opera. The queen herself is to take
the part of Statyra, the daughter of Darius, in the
quadrille called " Alexander's return from his Indian
Victories." Statyra makes a conquest of the con-
queror at first sight, which no doubt our queen of
beauty would have done, had the hero had the happi-
ness of seeing her.
The Court has determined to exclude the corps
diplomatique from their quadrille, that there may be
no questions of precedence to settle. They are all
quite content to be excluded, and, in white dominos,
to be spectators only.
With reference to this fete I must tell you a story
of an Englishman we have here, who supplies the
place of all other foreigners. He is a Colonel Pollen,
who once, iny brother tells me, attempted to play
1804.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 179
a part in the House of Commons, and did dis-
tinguish himself as effectually there, as elsewhere, by
his most consummate effrontery. For some time he
has been travelling about the Continent, because it is
not very convenient to him to remain in England ; and
last year he married a Miss Gascoigne, at St. Peters-
burg, after a few days' acquaintance. He came to
Berlin about a month ago, and has contrived to push
himself so forward as to have the opportunity of
doing a thing unheard of in the annals of this or
any other Court. There had been a consultation
about the dresses to be worn at the fete of the 12th,
in the queen's quadrille. Pollen went off in search
of some prints, and returned with them while the king
and royal family were at dinner. Without any
ceremony, he walked into the dining-room, and fami-
liarly commenced his conversation with their Majesties,
who were so good as not to order him to be turned
out. In fact, they appeared to feel less on the occa-
sion than the persons of their Court, who cry out
vehemently at this great breach of decorum.
He is one of that sort of travellers who bring
discredit on our national character.
An Englishman of another stamp, Mr. Drummond,
our ambassador at the Porte, has been with us for the
last three weeks, and is likely to remain some time
longer. He waits partly on account of the unfavour-
able state of the weather, but still more on account
of the pleasure he finds in the society of Madame de
Stael, who favours us at times with invitations to her
readings of her own works. Those who can best
N 2
180 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
flatter her, and pay the most servile homage, not
only to the intellect she has, but to the beauty she
has not, are her most welcome guests.
Mr. Drummond is decorated with the Order of the
Crescent, instituted in honour of Lord Nelson, and
which, with the one exception of the present Russian
ambassador, has been conferred on Englishmen only.
" The great value and beauty of the insignia make up
for the newness of the order," he says. This and the
service of plate he got, as ambassador, will compensate
him, it is to be hoped, for what he calls the many
" disagreeablenesses " of his embassy ; which has lasted
but six months, and he does not intend to return.
10^. A report has reached us, said to be brought
to Holland by a fishing boat, of the king having died
on the 28th ult. We have five mails due, and are
therefore much in the dark, as regards English
news ; but, from a variety of circumstances, we are
inclined to hope and believe that the report of His
Majesty's death is a fabrication of our enemies, who
look, though I trust in vain, to that melancholy event
as the source of dissensions amongst our leaders which
may be turned by them to profitable account.
Diaries March Ikth. Notwithstanding the arma-
ments of Russia, it is fully understood here that she
will continue at peace unless Bonaparte should make
any further attacks on the north of Europe, or should
attempt to realize his ambitious views on the side of
Turkey. The emperor has been advised to treat the
King of Prussia civilly, lest he should throw himself
into the arms of France ; but to place no further con-
1804.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 181
fidence in him, and to arm, for the purpose of being
ready for any events that may arise. His Imperial
Majesty is said to be much displeased with M. Alopeus,
who has been represented to him, somewhat unjustly,
as a determined Berlinois. He is to be left, we are
told, at his post for the present only, because the
emperor has determined to have no longer any in-
timate relations with the king. At the same time
the poor king for it is impossible not to like and to
pity him ; " bon bourgeois, et bon pere de famille," as
nature has made him, though fate, for his own and
his country's misfortune, most perversely has placed
him in a position for which far sterner stuff than he
is made of is needed the poor king, I must repeat,
is sorely distressed at the isolated position in which
he now finds himself. He professes the same horror,
as before, of Bonaparte's acts, and shows the same
disposition to upbraid him as the cause of his em-
barrassments, yet he retains the same unvarying
inclination to listen to the temporizing counsels of
subordinate and irresponsible ministers as has hitherto
been, and seems likely to continue to be, the leading
feature of the King of Prussia's Government.
20*A. We have the " Moniteur " of the 10th. It
announces the arrest of Georges ; but in a manner
that leaves.it doubtful whether he was taken alive or
not. He killed, it appears, one police officer, and
wounded another.
The letters from Paris state that public opinion
was so strongly pronounced in favour of General
Moreau, that it was thought the First Consul would
182 DIABIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
not venture to proceed to extremities against him ;
more especially as no sufficient proof of his connection
with Georges, or with General Pichegru, was forth-
coming, to satisfy even the tribunal by which he
would be judged.
M. Baykoff attached to the Russian mission at
Paris, and passing through Berlin on his way to St.
Petersburg, describes the state of terror that prevailed
in that capital, when he came away, as resembling
that which oppressed the inhabitants of St. Peters-
burg under the reign of the Emperor Paul. The arrest
of Georges, it was hoped, would cause some relaxation
in the rigorous conduct of the police ; but imprison-
ments continued to be made up to the time of his de-
parture. The number of persons already apprehended
in Paris, on suspicion, amounts to nearly two thousand.
24tth. Returning home at near five this morning,
after having supped, and danced all night, at Baron
Hardenberg's, we encountered the messenger with
mails from England to the 9th. We have the
happiness of receiving favourable intelligence of the
king's health. The alarm has been very great re-
specting it. but we are assured that his faculties are,
at this time, perfectly restored, and that the country
has escaped the frightful danger to which a continu-
ance of his illness must necessarily have exposed it.
Home politics are as unsettled as ever. Mr. Fox
and Lord Grenville have coalesced, or co-operated
which is their word for the purpose of turning out
the present Administration.
Mr. Pitt, on the contrary, stands aloof from any
1804.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 183
systematic opposition. He intends, we are told, to
endeavour to do all the good in his power by giving
his advice, and by answering likewise, when occasion
may seem to require it; but further than this he is
not inclined to go. He is however, in his mind, most
decidedly hostile to Mr. Addington, and nothing, it is
believed, would tempt him to join his Administration.
The country, in the meanwhile, is looking towards
Mr. Pitt with an anxious eye, and it is asserted that
no measure, whatever, would make the king half so
popular, as that of recalling to his councils the only
man who is looked up to, in this hour of danger,
with perfect confidence. It is generally felt, that if
Mr. Pitt were prime minister, the internal defence of
the country would be still more secure ; that the war,
which we shall probably ere long be engaged in, would
be carried on with far greater vigour ; that those
continental powers who must, from the nature of
things, be well disposed towards us, would be inspired
with greater confidence ; in short, the idea strongly
prevails, that, had the country such a man as Mr.
Pitt to guide it, it would be better prepared for the
active operations of war, and better able to negotiate
with security when the fit hour arrives. However,
as it is said, the impulse must come from the sovereign,
The country is too well disposed to attempt to
produce any change in the government by clamorous
interposition, and to attempt to give any notions
respecting His Majesty's present or future intentions
would, as our informant says, be entering into too
wide a field of conjecture and surmise. We have
184 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
only, then, to thank the Almighty that our sovereign
is again fully able to judge for himself what course
is most advisable. He has not yet, it seems, attended
to any kind of business, but this, we are assured in
the strongest terms, is more from precaution than
incapacity.
Of the invasion, they know no more than we
do ; but it is naturally inferred, from the recent
events in Paris, that it is likely to be postponed.
Bonaparte's attention, it is presumed, must in great
part be directed towards the preservation of tran-
quillity in the interior of France. It is, however,
delightful to see the spirit that animates the whole
people of England, and which is so unanimously
directed to one and the same object. It gives us
confidence that the country will defend itself, whether
the government be vigilant and vigorous, or as supine
and inert as its enemies represent it to be.
26th. My brother, in answer to my question
whether he did not think it would have been good
policy in our Government to have made greater
attempts for bringing Russia over to our side, said
that "possibly it might have been ; but, on the other
hand, as it was certain that the propositions advanced
by the emperor in his late mediation were, to the
full, as advantageous to our enemy as they could
have been to us, there was no ground for imagining,
that, until the war had assumed a different aspect,
any such interference could be expected from Russia
as might be of beneficial consequence to our interests.
But, were the interests of Russia herself in any way
1804.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 185
endangered by the mad projects of Bonaparte ; were
Greece attacked, or were the invasion of England to
be unsuccessfully attempted, then, and then, perhaps,
only, might we be offered such assistance by Russia
as we should now seek in vain." Sir J. B. Warren,
we know, has been much disappointed that the
government have not turned their thoughts to St.
Petersburg with the earnestness he expected. For
the numerous couriers he has despatched, rarely has
one been sent back to him. However, we have one
piece of news to forward on to him which may,
perhaps, make him bear up under disappointments in
his political expectations the salary of his embassy
is increased to 10,000^. a-year, net, and regularly
paid. Some other missions have also an increase.
Berlin, it was expected, would have come in for a
share, as her pretensions were urged by Mr. Arbuth-
not, the present under-secretary, who is fully aware
how desirable it is that foreign ministers should be
enabled to live in honourable style ; but Lord Hawkes-
bury and Mr. Addington were both of opinion that
the Berlin mission was sufficiently paid, at the
present rate of 5000. a-year. With regard to the
charge of pusillanimity, which the emperor and his
ministers have brought against this Court, it is the
feeling in England, that the policy of the Court of
St. Petersburg has been marked by extreme short-
sightedness and inactivity, and has been in every
degree utterly unworthy of a mighty empire, which
ought to rescue the Continent from the bondage that
France has imposed on it. It is known here, that
186 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
after the unsuccessful attempt made last year by
Russia to stir up the king to vigorous measures
against France, the Chancellor Woronzow drew up
and laid before the emperor a long paper, in which
he detailed the whole interested policy of the
government of Prussia for the last half century, and
concluded by recommending a permanent alliance
with Austria.
27M. Deep grief and resentment have been
produced amongst all classes of people, by the
information, just received, of an arbitrary and violent
act, and a most flagrant violation of neutral territory,
on the part of the French Government. On the
14th, the First Consul's adjutant, Caulincourt, arrived
at Strasburg, with an order to arrest several persons
in that city and in Offenburg, amongst them five ladies
widows and sisters of emigrants. On the following
night, Caulincourt, with a considerable detachment
of troops, passed the Rhine, and halted at Kehl.
Another detachment, commanded by a General, crossed
at Coppel, and at five the next morning arrived
at Ettenheim, the residence of the Due d'Enghien.
His highness's house was then forcibly entered,
and he was dragged from his bed, and taken to a
mill, at some distance. There he was allowed to
dress, and thence was conducted to the citadel of
Strasburg. The duke's adjutant, the Abbe Weinborn,
and his valet-de-chambre were also seized and taken
thither. The Princess de Rohan Rochefort, who
resided in the duke's house, followed him to Strasburg,
but was not arrested. The duke is represented to
1804.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 187
have borne these indignities with great calmness
and when informed that he was charged with con-
spiring against the French Government, answered,
" Qu'un prince de la Maison de Bourbon ne tremperait
jamais dans une conspiration obscure ; mais qu'il
n'avait pas peur de se declarer, ouvertement, 1'ennemi
du gouvernement actuel de la France."
The " Strasburg Gazette," of the 17th, gives a
very singular reason for these arrests, viz., that in-
formation had been received that a large number oi
emigrants had assembled on the right bank of the
Rhine, with the intention of getting possession of
the citadel of Strasburg.
Ettenheim was formerly the residence of the
Bishops of Strasburg. In the late plan of indemnity
it was allotted to the Elector of Baden, who, in
addition to this attack on his territory, has been
made to suffer the mockery of the French agents ;
who, after they had seized and carried off the duke,
sent a requisition to the Elector to deliver him
up to them. Such an act never occurred in the
wildest days of French anarchy. People are over-
whelmed with astonishment at the audacitv of the
undertaking, and lost in conjecture as to the conse-
quences that may result from it; or perhaps one
should say, rather, that would have resulted, in times
when the great powers of Europe were united in a
common bond to resent outrages on the independence
of sovereigns.
30*A. By letters from Frankfort, we learn that
the commandant at Mayence had sent to that city a
188 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
detachment of gendarmes, who made domiciliary visits
in all the inns, and in many private houses, in
search of persons connected with the late counter-
revolutionary movements in France.
Some persons are sanguine enough to see in this
violent conduct of the French Government, the
certainty of a continental war ; but few who are
well acquainted with the actual state of affairs here,
believe that there exists sufficient spirit, or enough
of self-respect, dignity, and independence of character,
where alone they could be effectual, to resent with
becoming vigour the repeated outrages to which
Germany is exposed.
3Ist. The Elector of Baden has ordered all emi-
grants to leave his territory within three days.
The French agents are circulating a story of the
discovery of a correspondence between Louis XVIII.
and the Due d'Enghien, amongst the papers of the
latter, for counter-revolutionary purposes. It is,
however, perfectly well known that the political
interests of the family were not at all entrusted to
the duke, and that it was entirely from private
personal motives that he continued to reside so near
the French frontier, and in opposition to the advice
of the Due de Conde.
Moreau's confidential friend, General Lahorie, was
at Frankfort about a fortnight ago, and, it is supposed,
it was with a view to secure his person, that the
domiciliary incursions were made.
Paris letters say arrests continue to be frequent,
and that the prisons are so full, that numbers
1804.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 189
of prisoners are conveyed almost every night to some
place of confinement in the country. "
April 1st. A Prussian officer, passing lately
through Hanover, called, according to the military
etiquette, upon the French commander-in-chief.
Before being admitted to the General, he was told
that he must take off his sword ! On remonstrating
against a proceeding so unmilitary, and so contrary
to his sense of propriety, he learnt that the
regulation was general throughout the service, and
that no French commander-in-chief would now
receive, even a French officer, with a sword by his
side. A traveller, who arrived here yesterday, met
the Due d'Enghien on the road between Strasburg
and Paris. He was escorted by a detachment of
gendarmes, and there was a guard of several persons
in the carriage.
The King of Prussia, his ministers and confidential
advisers, are, of course, vehement in their reprobation
of this infamous act, and the recent violation of
German territory.
Letters April Ind. We have little time now for
anything but official business, and the quill is seldom
out of my fingers. Mr. Stevens left us ten days
ago, en courier with important despatches from
St. Petersburg and Berlin. It was rather unexpected,
and he will not return. He is a good-hearted fellow,
I believe, but one of the oddest I ever met with.
However, he has made an excellent courier, as far as
we have heard of him, and gained great credit for it
here. Mr. Drummond left us yesterday ; he is a loss
190 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
to us, being a most pleasant man, full of information,
and possessing *a fund of anecdote. He has been
upon the go for some weeks; but the charms of
Madame de Stael with whom he was deeply
smitten detained him till now. The roads furnished
him with an excellent excuse for lengthening his stay ;
however, hero like, he tore himself from the chains,
which were binding him closer every day, lest by
longer delay he should find them too firmly riveted
to be broken. Le voild done parti. Cavendish, to
our great regret, follows to-morrow.
Ask Mr. Stevens about Madame de Stael ; she is
a very curious personage, I assure you. Naturally
good-humoured, I should think, but overwhelmingly
self-sufficient, and having the highest contempt for
everything she meets with in Berlin. Her daughter,
a child of nine or ten years, has imbibed her mother's
ideas in this respect, as the following little anecdotes
tend to prove.
At a children's ball, at Prince Ferdinand's, she
met with another little girl whom she seemed to
think very pleasant, and said she liked very much ;
finding, however, in the course of conversation that her
new acquaintance was German, mademoiselle pushed
the child away, and in an angry tone said, " Allez
vous-en ! Yous Mes Allemande, allez vous-en ! Les
Allemands sont tous des sots!" This, though consi-
dered assez fort, is nothing to the other, which almost
amounts to infantine lese-majeste. Being at another
juvenile re-union at the palace, and taking offence at
something the prince royal said, or did to her, she
1804.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 191
very coolly gave him a swingeing box on the ear ;
upon which he rushed to his mother, hid his face in
her dress, and cried ; the young lady herself, when
remonstrated with, remaining calm and unmoved.
It is said that Madame de Stael has been desired to
keep her at home until she has learned better manners ;
and Madame herself will soon find, if she is not more
careful, that les bons Berlinois, whose civilities she
returns with contempt, are beginning to think they
have borne rudeness enough, even from tant cC esprit
et de reputation. As to the child, it is clear to every
one that she must be, at least tacitly, encouraged in
her impertinence by her mother.
At this moment we have a curious set, of our
own countrywomen, at the Court of Berlin. Two
new arrivals are Lady Musgrave, and the Dowager
Countess of Kingston, the latter, by all accounts, half
crazy. She has been especially recommended to my
brother by the Electress of Wiirtemberg. She was
travelling with two daughters, but has married them
both at Stutgard to Germans, one of whom bears the
singular name of Vingt-cinq gros. The countess
does so many odd things that I am anxious to make
her acquaintance ; I shall be gratified to-day as she
dines with us on her return from Hanover. She set
off for that place, almost as soon as she reached Berlin,
with only an old servant to accompany her. Being
warned that she ran great danger of being taken
prisoner, she laughed at the idea, and said, the French,
she was sure, would not take her, she merely wanted
to see the town of Hanover, and should tell them so.
192 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
Nothing would stop her, so away she went, and has
returned, as she predicted, safe and sound.
She told my sister that she announced herself to
the commander-in-chief, who received her most
politely, directed that she should be shown all she
wished to see in Hanover, and, when her curiosity
was gratified, sent an escort with her two miles out of
the town. Accordingly, she is delighted with the
French and the attentions she received from them.
Cavendish, who dines with us for the last time to-day,
expects, as I do, to be much entertained with her
ladyship's account of the French occupation. Many
persons are surprised at her return, for it was thought,
in these days of plots and arrests, that any one running
into the lion's mouth could expect nothing less than
to be detained there.
Diaries April 3rd. It being reported, and be-
lieved, that the Emperor of Germany has ordered
his ambassador at Paris to congratulate the First
Consul on the discovery of the late conspiracy, a
person yesterday took occasion to ask M. de Haugwitz
whether similar instructions had been sent to M. de
Lucchesini. He answered most positively in the
negative ; but added that there was no necessity for
giving such instructions to M. de L., as he was always
ready to compliment Bonaparte.
The Chevalier de Bray called on my brother
yesterday, to say, that information had been received
from Paris of the French Government having inter-
cepted a correspondence between Mr. Drake and some
agents employed by him in France. That the corre-
1804.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 193
spondence, together with the report of the grand
judge to the First Consul concerning it, was printed,
and had been communicated by M. Talleyrand, to all
the foreign ministers at Paris. It had been sent by
a courier to Munich, and there was reason to believe
that Bonaparte would require the Elector to demand
the recall of Mr. Drake. " It would be very de-
sirable," said M. de Bray, as if offering a suggestion
of his own, " for the British Government to find some
pretext for recalling him, and thus spare the Elector
the disagreeable necessity of applying to them for
that purpose ; which his friendly relations with, and
personal regard for, Mr. Drake would render doubly
painful to him."
This was not a pleasant communication to receive,
and still less was it a pleasant one to reply to. M.
de Bray was told that, after the numerous occasions
in which the French Government had exercised
its utmost malignity in forging and propagating
calumnies against the British Government, the
present proceeding could only be considered as a
fresh instance of its desire to conceal its own unjusti-
fiable acts under the flimsy pretext of supposed
grievances against Great Britain. That it was for
the Elector to consider how best to defend his own
dignity and independence, menaced in common with
that of other sovereigns, by the unheard of outrages
practised by the First Consul, and by his contempt of
all rights save that of force, which, unhappily, he
had it in his power to employ for the misery of
Europe. That, if his electoral highness complained
VOL. i. o
194 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
that Mr. Drake had failed in his ministerial func-
tions, doubtless, suitable attention would be paid to
his complaint. But it was to be apprehended that
no disposition would be found in His Majesty's
Government to listen to any frivolous story, origi-
nating in the personal feeling of a man whose enmity
must be considered an honour by every subject of the
British empire, or to be accessory to any act of
unbecoming submission to an unjust decision.
kth. M. Laforet and the French party are on the
qui vive to know what steps will be taken as regards
Mr. Drake. Public opinion here is very strong
against England ; for the judge's report and the
transcripts of Drake's letters, ten in number, have
been generally read, and fully discussed. It is a
miserable business, to say the least of it, and for my
part I pity poor Drake. The judge's report contains
remarks only upon the most striking passages of the
correspondence. The letters appear to have been
delivered to the French police by the person to whom
they were addressed. To one of them a note is
appended, which says, that the agent employed by
Mr. Drake will shortly publish the particulars of his
conversation -with that gentleman, and with one of
the British ministers in London, to prove, amongst
other things, that the General, to whom frequent
allusion is made, is only an imaginary person.
Perhaps he will tell us what became of the thousands
he received from his dupes, for the purpose of carry-
ing out the projects from which such great results
were expected. It is likely that this affair will not
1804.] SIM GEORGE JACKSON. 195
excite the attention and disapprobation it would
have done, had the Ettenheim outrage ended less
tragically. A letter from M. Oubril states that the
unfortunate prince was shot five hours after his
arrival at the Chateau de Yincennes. His highness,
after being carried to Strasburg, was left twenty-four
hours in the citadel. He was then taken to Vincennes,
where already a military commission was assembled
to begin his trial. The prince, it seems, had no
suspicion of their intention to proceed immediately to
extremities against him ; but when the sentence of
death was announced to him, he heard it with much
composure, requesting only that a confessor might
have access to him. This was denied him, and he
was at once led out to execution. He refused to have
his eyes bandaged, saying " he had never been afraid
to look death in the face." He requested the officer
of the guard to deliver his watch and a ring to the
Princess de Eohan Eochefort ; then, with an air of
dignity, and in a firm and resolute tone, he said.
" Soldats Fran9ais ! Faites votre devoir, et ne me
manquez pas."
This is indeed an execrable act, and seems to justify
the employment of any means to deprive Bonaparte
of the power he so cruelly misuses. Many have said
so, since this fatal news reached us. Sensations of
grief and indignation are universal, and strongly
expressed by all classes of people in this city. By
no one is the melancholy event more feelingly
deplored than by the king.
Qth. When the King of Sweden heard of the
o 2
196 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
arrest of the Due d'Enghien, he instantly despatched
a courier to his minister at Paris with orders to
intercede with the French Government on his high-
ness's behalf, and to request the ministers of other
foreign powers to join with him for that purpose.
But it is believed that the prince was already executed
when His Majesty's orders reached Paris.
About two months ago a M. de Billow, an officer
formerly in the Russian service, who resided on a
small estate near Berlin, went from home with a
Russian passport, and shortly after it was reported
that he had been arrested by the French, and shot as
a spy. They accused him of collecting intelligence
for the purpose of carrying it to England. It has,
however, lately transpired that the unfortunate indi-
vidual arrested by the French, and executed within
twenty-four hours, was not M. Billow, that gentleman
having himself communicated the fact to his family.
7th. The Elector has informed Mr. Drake that he
must no longer appear at his Court, and has submitted
to the British Government the expediency of re-
calling him. Bonaparte insisted upon this step being
taken, leaving the Elector, however, the alternative of
seeing Munich occupied by a French force. The
king has given the Red Eagle to the Bavarian
minister, M. de Bray. He has just left Berlin for
Munich on some private business of his own, he
gives out, and will return in as short a time as
possible ; but the real object of his journey, there is
reason to believe, is, at the king's suggestion, to advise
his electoral highness, with reference to the represen-
1804.J SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 197
tations he proposes to make to England, to put a
little water in his wine.
9th. The emperor has refused the King of Prussia
the privilege he desired to obtain of purchasing in
Eussia ahout three hundred horses, yearly, for the
use of the light cavalry. In consequence, the king
has declined to ratify an arrangement that has long
been on foot for the exchange of deserters between
Russia and Prussia ; the advantage of which is almost
entirely on the side of Russia, both as regards civil
and military runaways. The Russian peasants who
are in bondage, have, of late years, it seems, deserted
in large numbers to the Prussian provinces, where
the lot of the peasant is less hard than in Russia.
12^. The letters from Carlsruhe inform us that
the King of Sweden, on learning the fate of the Due
d'Enghien, expressed himself in such strong terms
of indignation to the French Charge d' Affaires, that
that gentleman declared to the Elector of Baden's
minister that he should not again appear at court in
the presence of His Swedish Majesty. As soon as
this was reported at Paris, Talleyrand sent for Baron
Ehrenschward, and told him, that, in order not to
break off all intercourse between the two countries,
the First Consul " voulait bien regarder la conduite
du roi son maitre a Carlsruhe, ainsi que la demon-
stration qu'il avait fait faire a Paris, comme non
avenue." Since that M. Ehrenschward has informed
M. Talleyrand that he was about to avail himself
of a leave of absence, to quit Paris for some time.
i. The mail from Warsaw to Berlin has been
198 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
several times robbed of late ; it is supposed by agents
of the French, and that their object is to possess them-
selves of the letters of Louis XVIII. It is expected
that Bonaparte will apply to the king for the expul-
sion of His most Christian Majesty, and that an old
regulation, that no Frenchman who is not under the
protection of some foreign minister shall be admitted
into the Prussian dominions, will be revived.
2Ist. A great sensation has been made through-
out Germany by a pamphlet lately published, entitled
" Napoleon Bonaparte and the French Nation under
his Consulate." It has given much offence to the
great man, and its prohibition is demanded. It is
already suppressed in several of the small states, but
can still be obtained of Berlin booksellers.
23rd. It is announced that the office of First
Consul is about to be made hereditary in the family
of Bonaparte, who desires that this new dignity
should be recognized by the King of Prussia. His
Majesty is said to have replied that he will not be the
first or the last to acknowledge any new title the
First Consul may assume.
The long talked of coronation of Bonaparte at
Aix-la-Chapelle, as Emperor of the Gauls, is to take
place, on dit, very shortly.
25^. The dismissal of another British minister is
demanded, Mr. Spencer Smith, Charge d'Affaires at
Stutgard. And the German newspapers, with re-
ference to Drake's affair, are allowed to publish with
impunity the most outrageous and indecent attacks on
the British Government, and even on His Britannic
1804.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 199
Majesty himself. The papers under Prussian control
are certainly more cautious than others in the lan-
guage they employ ; but the " Hamburg Gazette,"
under .pretence of giving the official articles from
the French papers, is become the vehicle by which
the First Consul and his agents promulgate the most
atrocious calumnies, against every person, and every-
thing dear and sacred to British feelings. An
unfavourable impression is thus made on the public
mind, to the great prejudice of the British cause.
28th. It is decided that the king will not hold his
annual spring reviews ; and as Bonaparte has ex-
pressed some apprehensions respecting the assembling
of the Westphalian garrisons, it is not unlikely that
even that review may be countermanded. The
Elector of Hesse had issued orders for assembling his
troops as usual, but no sooner heard that this had
given umbrage to the French minister than he sent
off expresses to the distant regiments to desire they
would remain in their quarters, as only that part
of his army which forms the garrison of Cassel would
be reviewed.
30th. The Warsaw mail from this city has again
been robbed, by eight men, wearing masks. All
letters addressed to Louis XV III. and his suite were
taken, but the money and bills of exchange were left
untouched. The king has sent an autograph letter
to His most Christian Majesty, to assure him of the
continuance of his protection, and that he need not
apprehend the effects of any attempt to disturb him in
his present retreat. He has also advised the French
200 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
king to hold no intercourse with any persons who
were implicated in the late conspiracy at Paris.
May 1st. Again, there is a report in circulation
that the Electorate of Hanover is to be divided
between the Elector of Hesse and the Dukes of
Brunswick and Mecklenburg Schwerin ; the largest
share to the Duke of Brunswick, and the reversion of
the electoral dignity to Prince William, the King of
Prussia's second son*
4th. The fate of the unfortunate Due d'Enghien
has caused the profoundest sorrow at St. Petersburg.
All accounts concur in representing the feelings of
both the Court and the people as those of horror and
indignation towards the perpetrator of the vile act.
But so great is the abject fear entertained at Vienna
of Bonaparte, that the Austrian minister, Count
Cobenzl, went so far as to say that a strong proof of
His Imperial Majesty's friendly sentiments towards
the First Consul, and of the interest he took in all
that personally concerned him, might be found in the
silence he had observed respecting the late events in
the Electorate of Baden ; events which had ended in
a catastrophe, occasioned, no doubt, by imperious
necessity, and indispensable considerations of personal
safety on the part of the First Consul ; and that as
to the violation of German territory, His Imperial
Majesty attributed it to the indiscreet zeal of a few
gendarmes, acting without orders.
Letters May 6th. We are not surprised to hear
that Drake's business has caused some sensation in
* The present Emperor-King.
1804.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 201
England, and increased the unpopularity of the
present Administration, and that both Drake and the
ministers are roundly abused for their "ignorance
and weakness." Drake's friends, however, need have
no fear, we imagine, for his safety. He and his
family are at present at, or near, Dresden. No in-
structions have reached him from the Government
since the discovery was made which is difficult to
account for and he has not wished to return without
orders, lest his presence should embarrass ministers in
the defence they will make. He leaves them at
liberty to choose their own ground, and to make the
most of it. His present plan, I believe, is to leave his
family at Carlsbad, and to come to Berlin incog.,
before returning to England. My brother advises
him not to assume any disguise.
The Court of St. Petersburg goes into mourning
for a fortnight for the Due d'Enghien. I hoped that
our Court would have done likewise, but am told
that the duke was too far removed from the crown,
even had the monarchy still existed. Prince
Naritzkin was to give a ball to the Court a few days
after the news of the duke's fate reached St. Peters-
burg ; but the emperor, on receiving the sad intelli-
gence, immediately sent his excuses, and, when the
reason was known, the ball was put off. The Court
mourning was of course notified to the corps diplo-
matique; but as General Hedonville, the French
minister, could not appear in mourning, he found the
doors of the principal houses at which he had been
accustomed to visit shut against him.
202 DIAE1ES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
9^. The long-lost Lord Aberdeen, for whose
safety we were all very anxious, arrived here about
a week since ; a tantalizing visit, for he left us again
yesterday, being naturally desirous of getting back to
England. He has traversed the whole of the Morea,
and is now as well stored with what he calls " the
active knowledge of Homer," as he already was with
the passive one. He regrets having missed Mr.
Drummond and Madame de Stael. The latter was
called away unexpectedly by the sudden illness of
her father, who has since died at Coppet. She is not
expected to return, as she has allowed it to be gene-
rally known that her accueil flattering as most
persons would have thought it had not been so
cordial as she had expected.
Extract of a letter from Mr. Francis Jackson
to Mrs. Jackson.
May 8th, 1804.
My thoughts of late have been very much engaged
homewards, and I am looking forward anxiously to
the events that may follow the debate of the 23rd.
Persons recently come from England, and who ought
to know the state of things, assure us that it does not
seem posssible that Addington can stand his ground
much longer, and that there certainly will be a
change. No conjecture can yet be made as to the
persons who may form a future Administration, but
as the universal cry is for Pitt, it is fairly probable that
he will be the leader, and before this may reach you.
If the united taknts of the first statesmen of the
1804.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 203
country are necessary to enable us to resist success-
fully the designs of our enemy, and to bring confusion
upon him, I am persuaded that Mr. Addington will
be the first to wish for such an union.
Stevens's letter was written under the unfortunate
impression of the sad news that met him on his arrival
in England. You say that he has learned, at least,
enough of diplomacy to have become very reserved,
and cautious of giving a direct answer. I know not
why he should be so, as you could only wish to learn
from him our way of life, and other principal par-
ticulars with which he is of course fully acquainted,
though I never could succeed, as I wished at first, in
making a companion of him. From the nature of
his college life his ideas are confined, and he is slow
in receiving new ones. He has so much almost
childish simplicity that I was forced to employ him
as a mere machine, and could not produce him in the
world as I would otherwise have done. I believe he
did once catch at a suggestion I chanced to throw
out, without attaching any serious meaning to it, and
for awhile turned his thoughts from the church to
diplomacy ; but he has not the sort of quickness and
brightness that form very desirable qualifications in
our business. I had brought him, however, to be a
most excellent copying secretary, and he could not,
of course, live as he did here for a year and a half
without improving very much in manners, &c. This,
added to a very admirable disposition, and a most
respectable character, made up for his natural indo-
lence and want of energy.
204 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
As for George, he derived very little, if any,
benefit from him, for Stevens was so totally incapable
of commanding respect, that George soon felt his
own superiority in quickness of comprehension, and
had so frequently occasion to laugh at the rustic and
primitive notions of the collegian, that I was obliged,
even at the first, to be continually at their heels to
make them read or do anything together, and after-
wards to keep a good watch to prevent them from
quarrelling. Never having been able to assume
the control that I wished, and constantly represented
to him as necessary, Stevens was at length hurt at
the airs which George, as he gained ground, would
every now and then give himself, and especially
upon finding how well he was received in society,
and the greater attention with which, as my brother,
naturally he was everywhere treated. I must say
that George works hard ; he is fond of business, and,
since the great press which recent events have
brought on us, his journeymanship has been a severe
one. He answers perfectly well all the practical pur-
poses of a secretary, and wants only a little more
experience and knowledge of the world to qualify
him for any appointment we may be able to procure
for him. I know not yet who will succeed Casamajor,
as secretary of legation. But I do not encourage
G. in looking to that, for Lord Hawkesbury, I under-
stand, is averse from those appointments ; the young
men who obtain them being too soon anxious to
become ministers.
F. J. J.
1804.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 205
Diaries May 1 3 th. M. Messias, the French Charge
d' Affaires at Baden, has represented to the Elector's
chief minister, M. d'Edelheim, that the First Consul
cannot see with indifference the residence of the King
of Sweden so near the French frontier, after his late
extraordinary conduct, and the undisguised senti-
ments of hostility he had expressed towards France.
He has strongly urged M. d'Edelheim to recommend
the Elector to prevail on the King to return to his
own dominions.
14//J. From the reports in the French papers, it
seems that the great Liliputian will shortly assume the
imperial dignity. Carnot, and another member of
the tribunate, Lamprecht, said that if a sovereign was
deemed necessary for France, it would be better to
choose one from the royal house that had so long
governed it.
16fA. Drake came here yesterday morning, and
is lodged in our house. He looks older by several
years than when we last saw him. His wife and
family are gone down the Elbe from Dresden. He
has not determined which route he will take; but
his stay will be short here, as my brother has received
an intimation from the Government that he will not
be allowed to remain in Berlin. Of course he has
remonstrated, and endeavoured tofaire bonne mine a
mauvaisjeu. But public opinion runs strongly against
England in this matter.
20^. Drake leaves us in a great fright about his
journey home. His wife has more courage than he
has, for he fears to take the same route, which has
206 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
some conveniences in point of distance, &c. ; however
he will continue, we trust, to keep out of the claws
of the French. It is droll enough that, in his journey
from Munich, he should have been closely followed
by a Sir Francis and Lady Drake, who were every-
where taken for the envoy and his wife.
24M. We were very anxious to see how the new
ministry would be formed, and my brother has now
received the usual notification from the Foreign office.
His new chief, Lord Harrowby, is known to him only
by sight. Copies have also come in to-day of the
Senatus Consultem, addressed to the French senate,
respecting the establishment of the imperial dignity
in the family of Bonaparte. It is expected that it
will receive the sanction of the senate without any
material alteration.
Bonaparte, in default of male issue, is to have the
faculty of choosing his successer from the families
of Joseph and Louis.* In the oath taken upon acces-
sion for it is doubted whether there will be a corona-
tion he is to promise, amongst other things, to gua-
rantee to the purchasers of national and church pro-
perty the full and perpetual enjoyment of it. There are
to be six or eight great officers of state. Talleyrand is
to be Chancellor of State, with a salary of 40,000 livres.
Some persons are sanguine enough to hope that,
under the new order of things, Bonaparte himself
may be more disposed to enjoy, and to allow others to
enjoy, that peace and tranquillity which have been
hitherto incompatible with his system of government.
* See Appendix, No. 1.
1804.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 207
. We have the announcement of Bonaparte
having been proclaimed Emperor of the French.
It is remarkable that at the time of the murder of
the Due d'Enghien, the French ministers at foreign
courts were instructed to enter into a spontaneous
justification of that atrocious act. M. Laforet com-
menced a conversation for this purpose with M. de
Haugwitz, but the latter begged him to drop the
subject, saying that the king was so deeply afflicted
by the intelligence, that he would not wish to make
any communication to him respecting it. It is pre-
tended, that the internal tranquillity of France called
for decisive measures, one of which was, the arrest
and execution of the duke. And Bonaparte is repre-
sented as astonished at, and complaining of the
unfriendly language of Russia and other foreign
Courts.
2,$th. M. Laforet's notification of Bonaparte's new
title is treated with ridicule, even by those who will
not hesitate to acknowledge it. M. de Hardenberg,
alluding to it yesterday in conversation, spoke in
terms of contemptuous indignation of this latest act of
Bonaparte's folk, ambition. The news will doubtless
be received in England with disgust and contempt.
June 1st The king is absent, but it is understood
that there will be no difficulty in continuing commu-
nications with France under the new form of
government. It is expected by Bonaparte that
embassies will be sent from the foreign Courts to
congratulate him.
The only condition this government will require is,
208 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
that Bonaparte will not claim any precedence or
pre-eminence in consequence of his assumption of the
Imperial dignity.
3rd. The new style and title is announced to the
smaller states in a manner more or less dictatorial,
according to their influence, or degree of depen-
dency.
It is confidently asserted that Bonaparte really
desires peace, at least for the present, and that he has
made propositions to that effect to the British cabinet.
The Emperor of Germany, it is reported, has already
sent new credentials to his ambassador at Paris.
This Court is about to follow his example.
Letters from Stockholm state that great surprise
is excited by an order received from the King of
of Sweden, to arm, and to assemble at Stralsund part
of his flotilla. The Swedes have shown great discon-
tent at the prolonged absence of their king from his
dominions.
6th. The Emperor of Eussia lately desired his
minister at Paris, M. Oubril, to represent to M.
Talleyrand " that the recent infraction of the neutral
rights of the Electorate of Baden, which had resulted
in an act that had filled Europe with horror and
consternation, was, in His Imperial Majesty's estima-
tion, a proceeding irreconcilable with any principle
of justice or generally received laws of nations ; and
that should any such act of gratuitous violation of
neutral territory be permitted, there would no longer
exist any security for the safety and independence of
other sovereign states. He, therefore, considered it to
1804.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 209
be his duty, in bis quality of guarantee and mediator,
to express to tbe States of tbe empire bis views
respecting tbat proceeding, and to order the Russian
resident at Ratisbon to forward an official note to
that effect to the Diet of the empire ; as well as to
represent to it, and to its chief, the necessity of
protesting against the further violation of German
territory by the French Government. His Imperial
Majesty also thought it incumbent on him to make
known directly to the French Government, through
his minister, his sentiments o'n this subject ; being per-
suaded that the First Consul would readily listen to tbe
just demands of the Germanic body, and would feel the
necessity for immediately employing the most effica-
cious means for tranquillizing the alarm be had caused
to these governments, and for putting an end to that
state of things in Europe which at present threatened
the safety and independence, which belonged to them
by incontestable right."
1th. Bonaparte's anger was great when this was
made known to him, and under the influence of it
he sent off immediately, to General Hedonville, in-
structions of a very violent and decisive nature.
But after some hours of reflection, the cooler counsels
of Talleyrand prevailed on him to recall them. A
second messenger was despatched, with orders to
take a shorter route, and to use all speed and every
possible means to overtake the first. The two
couriers entered Berlin almost at the same time, and
the first despatches were sent back to Paris.
\1th. The Doge of Venice has proposed to unite
VOL. i. p
210 DIABIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
that country to France. Bonaparte, we hear, was
expected there about this time to complete the
arrangement.
16th. His assumption of the imperial title is pro-
tested against by Louis XVIII., who has sent a letter
to that effect to this and to the other Courts of Europe.
No notice will be taken of his communication, here,
although the king, it is said, does not disapprove
of it.
24:th. General Hedonville arrived here to-day, in
sixteen days from St. Petersburg. He will resume
his journey to-morrow, being anxious to reach Paris
for Bonaparte's coronation, which is announced for
the 14th of July.
Amongst the various projects we hear of for the
re-establishment of the Western empire, the most
recent one is, that Bonaparte intends to restore to
Germany the provinces lately ceded to France on
the left bank of the Rhine, and to hold them as a
distinct sovereignty, to which the electoral dignity is
to be annexed. He will then cause himself to be
elected King of the Romans, and, in time, succeed to
the Imperial crown of Germany.
This would seem to be a mere vain dream of
Bonaparte's insatiable ambition, never likely to be
realized. But we have only to recollect, in how
short time he has contrived to transform his in-
divisible republic into an empire, to regard it only
as a feasible scheme.
Russia desires to withhold, at least for a time, the
recognition of Bonaparte's new title, and urges the
1804.] SIB GEOBGE JACKSON. 211
King of Prussia to support the Russian note to the
Diet of Ratisbon, on the affair of Ettenheim. But
Bonaparte has been already complimented from
hence,* and the "Berlin Gazette" announces that
M. Laforet has had an audience of the king to deliver
his new credentials from " the Emperor Napoleon."
The vote of Prussia at the Diet will, however, be in
favour of the Russian Note ; though Count Groertz,
the representative of this Court, is so fettered by
considerations of circumspection towards the French
Government, that its utterance will, no doubt, be
delayed until Bonaparte has devised some means of
evading the demand made upon him.
Letters June 29 th. We are glad to hear that
Drake has safely reached the tight little island,
where, for the rest of his days, ho will be allowed to
plant cabbages. Perhaps the change of ministry
may not be favourable to his expectations in the
way of pension, but it will be felt, probably, that he
has gone through a great deal of worry and an-
noyance that he did not bring upon himself. I
hope he told you his adventures. He did not make
a handsome woman, and might have passed, had
there been occasion for it, through the whole of the
French army without any molestation, even without
male escort. But don't breathe a word of this to
him ; for what disguise he actually adopted, on his
journey to the coast, we ourselves scarcely know.
I hope the country is satisfied now Mr. Pitt is at
the helm. The letters from England say that he is
* Sec Appendix No. 2.
p 2
212 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
considered to be as strong for every purpose of
government as his best friends can desire. He
never feared the run which was made against him,
though his friends feared it for him, but now that
the attempt has been unsuccessfully made, the uni-
versal feeling is that he has nothing further to
apprehend. So far, that is pleasant intelligence.
In our department, if things go on as they have
begun, there is likely to be greater activity than
there has been for years. Boney has given us
ample employment, and the despatch of messengers
from this and from St. Petersburg has been con-
stant, though they have arrived from England only
at long intervals. Now, we expect to be busier than
ever, and we suppose the vacant secretaryship will
soon be filled up. One messenger has lately been
stopped on his way to Vienna, with Paget's riband,
by the inundations. On dit, that the box containing
it was lost, and that the bearer of it was himself in
some danger.
July 2nd. We have heard from Washington, from
Mr. Merry, who was appointed to that mission after
my brother was relieved from the idea that it was
destined for him. Mr. M. is in every respect
thoroughly disgusted with his situation. His ac-
count of the capital, of the manners of the people,
their system of equality, &c., is enough to sicken the
most enthusiastic admirer of the republic. When,
after a long wretched voyage, they arrived in
Washington, they found no house provided for them,
and none to be had. After a month's misery and
1804.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 213
extravagance at an hotel, he succeeded in procuring
two houses, with bare walls, and without water or
bells, which at an enormous expense were thrown
into one, and made habitable. Over a space of wild
country, about six miles square, are dispersed about
seven hundred houses ; the communication between
most of them being in the winter season totally
impracticable, and at all times dangerous. Only in
one direction is there even a road made. As to pave-
ment, they will perhaps, he says, begin to think of that
in the next century. There is the greatest difficulty
in procuring the merest necessaries, the only market
being a few carts with provisions, which come, very
irregularly, from the country. The Spanish Charge
d' Affaires, who gave a dinner to Mr. Merry and his
wife on their arrival, told him afterwards, that to
collect the materials for it his servants had travelled,
on their different errands, fifty-two miles. In
short, he considers his mission wretched and ruinous.
The president, to whom he went in full dress to
deliver his credentials as had been the etiquette
in the former president's time received him in
a manner as ridiculous as it was insulting; and,
altogether, what they have to undergo, in their
intercourse with the inhabitants, seems almost in-
credible. In addition to the brutality of their
manners, they make a point, he says, on every
occasion, of displaying the most inimical sentiments
towards Great Britain. This account makes us,
more than ever, thankful that my brother was not
honoured by being appointed to that mission, which
214 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
Lord Hawkesbury told him, at the time there was a
question of it, ministers looked upon as one of the
most important.
4ith. By-the-by, I must not omit to tell you that
I have been vaccinated. I hope you are become a
convert to that operation, which saves so many lives,
and will, in time, make the small-pox as fabulous as
the leprosy, or any other disorder no longer known.
It seems to be more in favour here than in England.
Certainly it is the most signal blessing which has for
many years been bestowed upon humanity, and may
perhaps be put in the scale against many of the evils
we suffer.
Diaries July Qth. M. Lombard is obliged to leave
Berlin, from extreme ill health, for the baths of
Silesia; indeed, almost as a last resource, for he is
hardly expected to recover. The king is at a country
house near Potzdam, and Baron Hardenberg is gone
to meet M. de Hangwitz, who is on his return.
It is rumoured, that he fears the influence M. de
Hardenberg is reported to have gained with the
king. He has, indeed, been spoken of as likely to
succeed M. de Haugwitz ; but it is a report deserv-
ing perhaps little credit, for although the king has
lost, it is well known, all confidence in the latter,
yet his cabinet secretaries, with whom His Majesty
is well satisfied, could hardly find a minister better
calculated to suit their views. He dislikes business,
and the general want of energy in his character leaves
them full liberty to follow their own system in most
branches of the administration.
1804.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 215
10th. Bonaparte, not venturing to put Moreau to
death, has granted him the permission he sought to
retire to the United States. The " Moniteurs " con-
taining the bulletin issued on the occasion, have just
arrived.*
14M. The Emperor of Russia has expressed much
surprise at the hot haste with which this Court has
acknowledged the new empire.
It is rather surprising under present circumstances,
that the autographic correspondence which has been
kept up between the emperor and the king ever since
their interview at Memel, and which has at times
excited a high degree of curiosity, should still con-
tinue, as it seems in no degree to work any change
in the sentiments of either correspondent. It was
once expected, as the correspondence originated in
personal friendship, that it would lead to important
results, or a modification, at least, in the apathetic
system to which this Court is still wedded.
. To what these communications especially relate, is
not known, but it is hinted that they consist of a
series of mere speculative political essays, to which no
sort of application is intended to be given. Whether
this be the case or not, the emperor must, ere this,
have discovered that the soundest arguments have as
little power to impart spirit and firmness to the feeble
mind of the king, as they would have to stop Bona-
parte in the impetuous career of his ambition.
17th. Count Haugwitz has been too hasty, it
appears, in returning to Berlin. His health will not
* Sec Appendix No. 3.
216 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
admit of his continuing to reside here, and His
Majesty has, most reluctantly, he says, permitted him
again to retire to his country house.
M. Beyrn has preferred M. de Hardenberg, to Schu-
lenberg, as the Count's successor. He will, as a
foreigner Hanoverian meet with many obstacles,
but will doubtless do his best to overcome them, and
to introduce, as far as the system of this Court will
admit of it, a degree of consistency and dignity into
its proceedings. But he will be obliged to follow,
to a great extent, in the footsteps of his predecessor,
and by every possible means to avert whatever might
expose this country to the chance of a quarrel with
France. To do the good, or to prevent the evil,
which his own convictions would lead hirn to attempt,
is thought to require a stronger mind and more
determined resolution than M. de Hardenberg is
supposed to possess.
29^. Louis XVIII. has left Warsaw for G-rodno,
in order to hold a meeting with the princes of
his family. The Prince of Conde and Duke of
Orleans are coming from England to attend it. The
French king wrote to the King of Prussia to inform
him of his intention. The latter gave a friendly
reply, and said he might make sure of a hearty
welcome whenever he should think proper to return
to the Prussian dominions.
Whatever may be done at this meeting, the effect
of it on Bonaparte, when he hears of it for both he
and Talleyrand are now absent from Paris, delaying,
it is supposed purposely, the communication of the
1804.] SIB GEOBGE JACKSON. 217
negotiation with which M. Oubril is charged hy the
emperor will be to dispose him to anticipate any
possible aggression of Eussia ; to extort the supplies
which the Hanse Towns are to corrtribute, and to
render the communication of England with the
Continent more precarious than it is at present.
30#A. Prince Henry is gone to Pyrmont, to have
an interview with his future father-in-law, Prince
Frederick of Denmark.
3 1st. Shortly before Louis XVIII. left Warsaw,
a person named Coulon, who had served in a royalist
corps during the last war, and who now keeps a
billiard table in that city, gave information of an offer
having been made to him of a considerable sum of
money, if he would undertake to throw some
carrots, which should be scooped out and filled
with arsenic, into the soup preparing for the king's
table.
When the king was informed of this, he wrote to
M. de Hagan, president of the regency of Warsaw,
requesting to see him. That magistrate paid no
attention to the invitation, and a person of the king's
suite was sent to relate the particulars to him, but
both he and the courts of justice declined to inter-
fere in the matter. Upon this M. d'Avarny was
charged to take Coulon's deposition in writing,
which the French king forwarded in a letter to
the King of Prussia, and, at the same time, to
the Emperor of Russia. His Prussian Majesty
expressed the utmost indignation and regret, and
gave orders that a strict judicial examination
218 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
should be made of the persons concerned in this
affair.
M. de Hagan has been reprimanded for his negli-
gence and inattention, and for the want of respect
shown to the French king. His conduct is, indeed,
considered unaccountable ; for whatever may be the
real state of the case, there was no apparent reason,
for the police refusing to take cognizance of it. There
are, however, grounds for believing that Coulon is
himself the author of the story, and that he has
invented it with the hope of obtaining a reward for
his pretended discovery. But, as the laws of this
country punish severely the act of preparing
poisonous ingredients, otherwise than in the pur-
suance of some lawful avocation, an investigation
was certainly called for.
The reason assigned for the conduct of the govern-
ment of Warsaw, is, that a certain boyer, an un-
accredited agent of Bonaparte, residing in that city,
is one of the individuals named in Coulon's deposition.
There is a spirit of recrimination shown in the lan-
guage held on this affair by the agents of the Prussian
Government. They accuse the attendants of Louis
XVIII. with having too readily given credit to an
idle story, fabricated, evidently, for the purpose of
imposing upon them and the public. They have
even gone so far as to say, that it is altogether a
device of the French king himself, imagined solely
for the purpose of holding out to the world a reason
for throwing odium on Prussia, and for leaving her
dominions.
1804.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 219
August 10th. Louis XVIII. has written, to some
persons in Berlin, that he had been escorted' with
every mark of respect through the Prussian territory,
and had been in like manner received at Grodno,
where he was immediately waited upon by the
governors of the town and proyince. A house was
prepared for his reception, and a captain's guard,
with colours, ordered to be in attendance. This last
honour he had declined, but, on the guard being with-
drawn, two sentinels were left on duty. The other
French princes had not arrived.
It has been discovered that Coulon and his wife
had themselves purchased the arsenic which they
pretended had been given to them for the purpose of
poisoning the French king. This strengthens the
supposition that the whole story is an imposture.
But Coulon persists in his declaration of the proposal
having been made to him by two Italians, who, how-
ever, are not forthcoming.
Letters August llth. The King of Sweden has
been lately hovering round these parts, but has never
actually lighted upon us, which I am sorry for, as he
is to my mind more interesting, and better worth
seeing than the generality of sovereigns. He seems
to have a good deal of his ancestor's Charles XII.
blood in him ; and if he is in some things rather
odd, as people assert here, with an expressive nod
of the head and tap on the forehead, it is very often
on the right side. It must be confessed, that he
gave the rest of the potentates of Europe a pretty
smart reproof, by his conduct in regard to the Etten-
220 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
helm business ; for lie was the only one that did
anything to prevent the fatal catastrophe, though there
have been found, " at back hunt," some to resent it.
Though his efforts on the prince's behalf were of no
avail at the Corsican Court, and he has it not in his
power to punish the tyrant, yet he lets slip no occasion
of showing, most publicly, his detestation of the deed
and its perpetrator. The other day at Toplitz, a water-
ing place near Dresden, the king was walking in the
rooms, with a little dog under his arm that belonged
to the unfortunate Due d'Enghien, and which he
takes everywhere with him, talking with the prince's
late chamberlain, while he passed by Madame Laforet,
the wife of the French minister at this Court, and
absolutely refused to be introduced to her ; mortifying
her still more by the marked attentions he paid to
Mr. Wynn, who had come from Dresden, at His
Majesty's desire, to pay his respects to him. He was
very courteous towards all other strangers, distin-
guishing particularly the French emigrants, of whom
there are a great number at that place. He expressed
without the slightest reserve his partiality to the
cause of Great Britain. Mr. Wynn had a most
agreeable visit, and was much pleased with the king,
whom he accompanied on his excursions, and dined
with every day.
13th. You have heard of the Coulon plot, which
in England, I believe, has been set down to Bona-
parte's account. The man Coulon had once been
employed in the French king's kitchen, and therefore
continued to have access to it. It seemed strange to
1804.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 221
everybody that lie should be allowed to have a hand
in the preparation of Louis' pot au feu, and to add
to it his carrottes farcis d 'arsenic ; which, according to
his own statement, he was about to do, when, sud-
denly conscience-smitten, and horrified at the atrocity
of the deed he was in the act of committing, he
hastened to make a full confession. This morning
the letters from Warsaw tell us that the story of the
plot from beginning to end, is pure invention, as
Coulon and his wife have both acknowledged. Here
the matter ends, though many persons still believe
that the story originated with Louis XVIII. himself;
while his friends assert that Coulon has been bribed,
or threatened by the king's enemies, into confessing
the plot, which Providence did not permit him to
execute for them, to be the coinage of his own brain.
I4:th. Young Pole, who goes to Constantinople
with Mr. Arbuthnot, has just arrived, and an-
nounces his chief and another ambassador, Lord
Gr. L. Gower. They will make a short stay in
Berlin this week, on their way to their respective
posts, if the French send no Coulincourts in pursuit
of them.
I am grown too discreet, you say, and tell you no
political news. I will tell you, then, that a report
has reached Berlin that Oubril has left Paris. It is
not confirmed by any official accounts, or even
private ones upon which an absolute reliance can be
placed. It is, however, an event daily looked
forward to, and one might be the more inclined to
give credit to it, when we remember that we had the
222 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
news of Lord Whitworth having done the same
thing several days before the official accounts were
received. If it be so, we shall have hot work of it.
And so far is sure, that Oubril had given it to be
understood to all Russian subjects in Paris, that they
should be ready to be off at a moment's warning, as
there was no saying what turn the negotiation
might take ; but if the emperor stands stout up to his
pippins, war can hardly be avoided. If this piece of
news is not the talk of all the Bath tea-tables when
this letter reaches you, I beg, my dear mother, that
mum may be the word until it becomes so. Perhaps
I shall have less time than ever to write to you,
though fag has pretty generally been the rule with
us from early morning till night. But our new
chief is rather more alert than his predecessor ; he
has turned over a new leaf at the office, and keeps
us all close to the collar, at home and abroad.
There is no chance of my brother seeing England
this year ; though, in these uncertain times, we can
hardly tell what may happen from one day to
another, and it might chance that we should both pay
you a visit, even sooner than you wish. For, sup-
posing the pending negotiation between the Emperor
of Russia and his l/rotlier Boney to end in war, who
can tell what part His Prussian Majesty would take.
Diaries Aug. 19th. The Duke of Brunswick has
claimed the interference of this court with the French
Government, in reference to the seizure, by the
French commander, at Celle, of the goods sent from
Hamburg, and other large towns of Germany, for
1804.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 223
the fair at Brunswick. The goods of one merchant,
who made the immediate and proper application of
six hundred louis d'ors, were released. The value of
what is retained is reckoned at half a million of
dollars.
The conduct of the commander will doubtless be
disowned at Paris ; but he and his subordinates will
be left in possession of the sums they have extorted
from the merchants.
Bremen was blockaded at the same time, and has
had to pay fifty thousand marks for the removal of
the blockade and the renewal of postal communi-
cation with the south of Grermany. The post from
Hamburg to Brunswick had also been stopped.
23rc?. The Emperor of Germany, it appears,
made it a condition of recognizing Bonaparte's
imperial title, that he should be acknowledged
Emperor of Austria. I have seen in a Vienna paper
the patent published by the Emperor of the Romans
on assuming the imperial title of his hereditary
dominions. The title of Hereditary Emperor of
Austria, is to follow immediately that of, Elected
Emperor of the Romans. The motive for this
change is, stated to be, the keeping up of a perfect
equality in the relations of the House of Austria
with France. The latter expression appeared, at
first, to give some umbrage here, but it will be
considered, I believe, that, as France does not claim
precedence of other royal Courts, a perfect equality
with that power implies nothing more than the
equality of rank which Prussia has claimed with
224 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [ 1804 -
France, and which has been admitted. The new
dignity of Austria, with this reserve only, will be
acquiesced in.
31st. The King of Sweden intends to set out
from Leipsic in a few days, on his way to Stralsund,
where it is now said His Majesty will pass the
winter. But he observes the greatest secrecy re-
specting his journey, and has applied to this Court,
through his Charge d' Affaires, for a general order for
his free passage to be sent to the Custom Houses on
the Prussian frontier, not choosing to state the exact
route he means to take. His object is also, supposed
to be, to avoid any compliments or marks of dis-
tinction that would probably, as on former occasions,
be shown to him by the king.
His return to his own dominions, though said to
be owing to the urgent persuasions of the Emperor
of Russia, is known to be chiefly occasioned by his
want of money, which is so great that he has lately
been sometimes at a loss for the means of defraying
his ordinary travelling expenses.
Sept. 2nd. His Swedish Majesty has taken ex-
ception to the notification of the Emperor of
Germany, that he intends to assume a new title, as
being by no means sufficient to satisfy the forms of
the constitution. "The Diet," he says, "should
assemble and deliberate on the subject, and that, as
guarantee of the constitution, he felt himself called
upon thus frankly to declare his sentiments, not-
withstanding his reluctance to express any opposition
to His Imperial Majesty's views."
1804.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 225
. This Court takes much credit to itself for its
early and unconditional accession to the wishes of
the French Government ; considering its conduct and
policy thus placed in a more favourable light than
that of Vienna, whose recognition of Bonaparte's
title has been made the price paid for the acknow-
ledgment of that which the head of the House of
Austria following Bonaparte's example has chosen
to assume.
1th. A fresh conscription of five hundred thousand
men has been ordered by . Bonaparte to be imme-
diately embodied. This menace has roused here
very general apprehension for the continuance of
tranquillity, though by some persons it is considered
to be mere bravado, a defiance thrown out to Russia
in consequence of the sailing of her squadron. Yet
the king, it seems, is not so much alarmed at the
hostile altitude of those nations as might be expected ;
he considers war, without the participation of Austria
and Prussia, scarcely possible.
M. Oubril has left Paris, having received an un-
satisfactory reply to the emperor's demands, which
are believed to have been the evacuation of Hanover
and Naples, and a suitable provision for the King of
Sardinia. He is now at Mayence, the French
Government not allowing him to proceed further
until it is known that the French Charge' d' Affaires
at St. Petersburg has crossed the Russian frontier.
Bonaparte and Talleyrand are at Aix-la-Chapelle,
to which former seat of Charlemagne's empire the
Austrian minister and the representatives of the
VOL. i. y
226 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
smaller states are to repair to present their credential
letters.
Some of the German princes are much alarmed for
the integrity of the empire, owing to the facility with
which the new title assumed by the Roman emperor
has been acknowledged by Prussia ; as it would seem
to announce a perfect agreement between this Court
and that of Vienna.
It is said here, that the latter Court has a very
mean opinion of the talent for business of its repre-
sentative, Count Metternich, and that upon any
emergency it would send Count Mehrfelt on a special
mission. It has, however, been observed that the
Austrian count, who is a man of very pleasant,
conciliatory manners, has been at considerable pains
to cultivate an intimacy with M. Laforet, though his
present opinions are known to be entirely opposed to
those of the French minister, and his habits of life
very different from his. This circumstance has,
therefore, excited considerable attention in several
quarters. Perceiving, probably, that his conduct had
led to some abatement of the friendly advances he
had met with chez nous, Count Metternich has
lately appeared desirous to do away with the un-
favourable impression, which the empressement of his
manner towards the members of the French mission
had created, by showing himself more solicitous to
keep up the cordial footing on which he was received
by my brother. He is supposed to have been acting
under orders from his Court. He is leaving now for
Sans Souci, to deliver the emperor's letter to the
1804.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 227
king, announcing his assumption of the title of
Hereditary Emperor of Austria. His Prussian
Majesty came from Paretz, for the double purpose of
receiving this letter and giving audience to a M.
d'Arbery a young man whose family has con-
siderable property in Flanders who is a ci-devant
count; whose father is a lieutenant-general in the
Austrian service, his mother an attendant of Madame
Bonaparte, and he himself holding the office of
auditor of the Council of State. M. d'Arbery's
arrival in Berlin, and M. Oubril's departure from
Paris, were announced here on the same day, and
created an impression similar to that caused by the
publication of His Majesty's message to parliament,
and the simultaneous appearance of General Duroc
at Berlin, eighteen months back. The General came
to announce Bonaparte's intention to occupy Hanover
in case of war ; M. d'Arbery is supposed to be
charged to give notice to the king of the early
invasion of Swedish Pomerania, and consequently of
the Duchies of Mecklenburg, through which it would
be necessary to pass to reach the Swedish territory.
He is the bearer also of a complimentary letter from
Bonaparte, thanking the king for the early acknow-
ledgment of his new title, and assuring him that he
should "take pleasure, on all occasions, in con-
tributing to the lustre of the Prussian monarchy and
the splendour of His Majesty's reign."
M. d'Arbery, as auditor of the Council of State,
holds nearly the same intermediate situation between
Bonaparte and his ministers as that occupied by
2
228 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804
M. Lombard in this country. From this circumstance
having, with much affectation, been made generally
known by the French legation, it is evident that
M. d'Arbery's mission is meant to be a sort of a
pendant to that of M. Lombard to Brussels, last year ;
the success of which corresponded with the great dis-
satisfaction Bonaparte was known to have felt at the
low rank of the person sent to him, which he thought
by no means equal to the distinguished one held by
his envoy, General Duroc, both in his army and in
his household.
With regard to Bonaparte's intended operations, it
can only be inferred, from what we already know of
the King of Prussia's " system for securing to his
people the blessings of peace," that His Majesty will
grumble a little and submit. His minister has, how-
ever, announced to the French party that " il y a un
point ou la patience se lasse" and that, to that point
they are fast driving the king ; that fresh attacks on
the Hanse Towns, and an invasion of the Duchies of
Mecklenburg cannot be seen with indifference, and
that this Court, although it is not upon good terms
with the King of Sweden, cannot permit a body of
French troops to establish themselves in Pomerania.
Whether the king will confirm this declaration, and,
if so, whether the declaration may not turn out to be
mere empty words, remains to be seen. For my part,
I wish the Kings of Prussia and Sweden could change
places. The latter would perhaps employ to some
purpose the army of this country amounting to near
two hundred and fifty thousand men more perfect,
1804.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 229
it is allowed on all hands, in every detail of its
organization than at any former period, and suffi-
ciently imbued with the spirit of patriotism effectually
to resist the troops of the new empire.
The finances of the country are also known to be in a
more flourishing state than they have been since 1790,
when the late king made the first inroads on the
treasure left by Frederick the Second. But the vis
inertice of the king paralyzes the whole force of the
Prussian monarchy, and renders it as completely null,
for all purposes of beneficial influence, as are the
smallest of the states of Germany, or of the Italian
republic.
Letters September 2th. Our society, owing to the
unfavourable weather, is returning by slow degrees
to Berlin ; the watering-places grow dull, the camp
at Prague yet detains some of our set, but it will
break up at the end of the month, and the Court will
come earlier than usual from Potzdam, as the queen
lies in the latter end of November. Prince Henry's
journey to Pyrmont has resulted in his betrothal to
a princess of Denmark the daughter of Prince
Frederick but as she is only fifteen years old, the
marriage ceremony is postponed for a twelvemonth.
10^. As you have now got Drake safe amongst
you, and have heard from himself the story of his
adventures, I send you a description of a French
caricature of his flight, which has given occasion for
many a hearty laugh at his expense, both here and
at Munich. Our hero is represented in woman's
dress, flying away from the latter place, very heavily
230 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
weighted with immense folio books ; his pockets full
of small bottles, with labels hanging out, marked
" sympathetic ink." His family motto, " Aquila non
capit muscas" in very large letters, surmounts the
whole, and beneath it is written, " Non, en verite,
M. Drake nest point un gobe-mouche" It was pub-
lished in Paris, and has had so great a sale that I
cannot get a copy for you, as I intended. I regret
this, for the likeness is good and the expression very
ludicrous. En revanche, however, we have another
representing the purple-decked emperor seated on his
throne, and the woman, who lately stole the Russian
princess's diadem of diamonds, imploring for mercy
at his feet, and exclaiming, " Est ce done un si grand
crime de voler un diademe ?" Perhaps you have not
noticed the article in the " Courier de Londres," on
the appointment of M. de Portalis, secretary of this
legation, to Eatisbon. And, indeed, to fully ap-
preciate the force of the concluding sentence, " On
pent dire que cest un singe qui represente un tigre,
you must have known something of his character ;
and have seen how far he is from being an Adonis
to understand how aptly the above expression applies
also to his apish style of beauty. I tell you these
things, because news of the kind you best like is
scarce. Our city has been for some time " a mighty
void," enlivened only by the temporary sojourn of
our ambassadors and their suites. Your recent
papers are also dull, especially after those containing
the bustling accounts of the Middlesex election. We
rejoice, and suppose every good Englishman does the
1804.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 231
same, as much at the victory of M., as at the defeat
of the baronet ; for it would have been a disgrace to
the county to have returned for its representative
the man who was publicly pronounced unworthy to
accompany the address. We are only sorry it was
so hard run ; but we know for certain that the
opposite party held proof positive against two
hundred of Burdett's votes. The effect produced here
by the account of the shameful riots that took place on
that occasion, is quite laughable to witness. In this
country, where everything goes vi et armis, such
scenes are incomprehensible, and nothing will con-
vince some of our friends that our system of elections
is not the worst of institutions, and that both candi-
dates and electors are not great rogues.
ISth. To make up for our disappointment in not
getting even a fortnight's holidays for official busi-
ness increases we went over to Potzdam for the
manoeuvres. It was remarked that not a single
English traveller was present ; and it is, indeed,
much better that they should be well employed at
home. There are very few on the Continent, and
those who now come through Berlin are fugitives
from France, who have found means by bribery
or by the connivance from other motives of their
gaolers to escape from the imprisonment to which
Bonaparte condemned them.
22nd. I have received an amusing letter of the
2nd inst. from my aunt, who is at Dover. She is
an enthusiastic Pittite, and, from her own account,
when she paid a visit to Walmer^ her enthusiasm
232 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
almost led her into theft. She says, " The Govern-
ment is very active in constructing an intrenched
camp near the top of Shakespere's cliff, and in open-
ing and embanking an immense ditch at the bottom,
with various other devices to impede the progress of
the French ; though I believe they dare as soon eat
fire as attempt to set foot on the Kentish coast.
However, it may be right to provide for the fortune
of war, and Bonaparte may have the pleasure of
seeing from his own shores with what zeal and
activity Kentish men are preparing for his destruc-
tion. People at Dover are in great and lively hopes
that Mr. Pitt has some grand scheme in embryo,
with regard to this port, which they imagine is to be
made a royal harbour. I passed a most pleasant day
at Deal and Walmer, which are so improved and
beautified even within these few years, that I really
hardly knew where I was. They are absolutely lined
with most capital barracks, and interlined with
soldiers.
My great delight at Walmer consisted in a minute
investigation of the minutiae contained in Walmer
castle and its environs, as the residence of our
Kentish idol, Mr. Pitt, whom the stupid Opposition
think proper to dub * the colonel.' He has made
the castle a most comfortable residence, and has really
taught Eden to bloom in a perfect wild. I never saw
anything so neat as his grounds, so flourishing as his
shrubbery, and his peaches had, to my taste, a flavour
peculiarly delicious. His house and furniture are
neatness arid comfort personified ; without a single
1804.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 233
superfluity. I could have stayed there till this time,
examining his library, looking through his famous
telescopes, and sitting on every couch that looked as
if it had had the happiness of receiving his wearied
limbs. Although it was one of the hottest days we
have had, I longed to steal a pelisse of his, lined
throughout with ermine, that hung by his bedside ;
and if it had not been so costly, or had been more
portable, I really think I should have been tempted
to purloin it as a sacred relic. Oh, my dear George,
be assured we cannot fail of doing well now he is at
the helm ; and though Bonaparte were to thunder in
our ears even ten thousand times more than he does
and he now very often deafens us I could never feel
the shadow of fear. I always venerated the wonder-
ful talents of Mr. Pitt ; but now being as it were in
his very seat of emjjire admiration is almost con-
verted into idolatry. But I remember you did not
draw your first breath in Kent so, perhaps, you are
not so enthusiastic a Pittite as I am. I wish your
brother could stir up your King of Prussia to second
Mr. Pitt's efforts. The reign of Bonaparte would
then soon come to an end."
Diaries Sept. 23rd. Some days ago a Frenchman,
who announced himself as Colonel Delgette, of one
of the foreign regiments in the service of Great
Britain, called on my brother at an unusually early
hour, and, pleading business of much urgency, and the
impossibility of his making any stay in Berlin, was
admitted. After producing letters of service, show-
ing that he had been appointed by Bonaparte, chef
234 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
de bataillon, as well as other papers testifying to
his resignation of that post, and mentioning, besides
the high character he could receive from many per-
sons of distinction in this city, he came at last to the
object of his visit the offer of his valuable services
in France to the British Government. They were
immediately declined. He then urged the great
advantages which England would secure by the
acceptance* of his offer from the unusual sources of
information which he represented were open to him
though he declined to furnish any written statement
respecting his views and means of action. Two days
after he made an application for another interview,
of which no notice was taken. . The next thing
heard of him, was that he had dined at the French
minister's more than once, and had, by some means,
contrived to get an introduction into Berlin society.
He had represented himself to M. Laforet as an
officer in the army in Hanover, absent without leave,
and able to give information respecting the aims and
designs of Great Britain, that it was most important
for the French Government to be in possession of.
He proved to be a mere adventurer, and, notwith-
standing his great effrontery, was obliged imme-
diately to decamp, in order to escape the conse-
quences of the indignation that was excited by the
discovery of his real character.
The public of Berlin take an exceeding interest
in everything relating to France, and are often quick
in seizing the ridiculous side of a subject. Lately,
especial amusement has been afforded by the appear-
1804.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 235
ance amongst them of a Parisian beau- reared amidst
the horrors of the revolution, but remodelled after
the fashion of the new imperial Court in the person
of M. d'Arbery, who^ has made himself a very con-
spicuous object in Berlin. He has just returned to
Mayence with the king's answer to Bonaparte's letter.
It is understood that the new emperor's compliments
have been but ill received. They were thought ill-
timed, and somewhat equivocal from the character
of the person selected for this special mission. M.
d'Arbery has been treated by the Court, and the
society of Berlin, with a coolness exceeded only by
the disgust which his manners and appearance excited.
Since his departure, it is made public that, besides
compliments and thanks for prompt and disinterested
acquiescence in Bonaparte's views, his new Imperial
Majesty had commanded his envoy to say, that should
the king desire to follow the example of the Emperor
of Germany, and assume the imperial dignity, it would
give him pleasure to be the first to recognize it, and
to use his influence with other powers in order to
obtain their concurrence.
M. d'Arbery, it appears, in the course of the
audience granted him, urged on the king the con-
sideration of his imperial master's overtures. To
this extraordinary proposal the king replied, " that
as he did not conceive any additional honour would
accrue to himself, or any increase of happiness to his
subjects, by his adoption of any other title than that
he already possessed, he preferred to retain that,
being the one he had inherited from his ancestors."
236 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
M. d'Arbery,. however, was honoured with a present
of the king's picture, set in diamonds.
23rcZ. It seems that a suspension of diplomatic
relations between Russia and France is to be the
only consequence of their present disputes. Russia,
it is now understood, will resort to war only in case
of some new provocation. This is an additional
reason for the security felt by this Court respecting
the differences that exist between France and Russia.
Oubril is still at Mayence.
25th. Louis XYIII. is expected to return imme-
diately to Warsaw. A letter addressed to him by
the King of Sweden was sent to Berlin by express,
and, contrary to the form hitherto observed, was
addressed " A Monsieur mon frere, le Roi de
France." The king recalled his minister, M. d'En-
gestrom, on account of his sympathy with the views
of this Court. No other minister has been appointed,
and the present Charge d' Affaires, M. Brinckman, has
not been informed by His Swedish Majesty of the
recall of his minister from Paris, which is thought
extraordinary, at the least.
The coolness that now exists between Russia and
Sweden is a remnant of the animosity which the
discussion respecting the frontier in Finland gave
rise to. The proceedings of the king were generally
thought to be rash and ill-advised, and Count
Woronzow conceived so much personal enmity to-
wards him that, but for the emperor's forbearance,
and his consideration of the closeness of their family
connection, the opportunity would have been seized
1804.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 237
of taking possession of Finland. The king's long
absence from his dominions, and his residence at
Munich and Carlsruhe, have been unfavourably
looked upon at St. Petersburg. But the anxious
wish of the king to take a conspicuous part against
France has not met with the consideration to
which he thinks it entitled his overtures on the
subject having been answered only by a recommen-
dation from the emperor to return to Stockholm.
The sentiments entertained towards the King of
Sweden at Berlin, are even less friendly ; on account
of the part he has acted at Ratisbon, his undisguised
opinions of Prussian politics, and those he has ex-
pressed, with as little reserve, respecting the King of
Prussia himself.
One of the strange circumstances of the King of
Sweden's situation is, that most of his ministers at
foreign courts are advocates of the cause which their
sovereign appears to hold in so much abhorrence. He
yesterday left Magdeburg for Stralsund, and his
minister, Baron Armfelt, is expected here to compli-
ment the King of Prussia, in return for a similar
mission when His Swedish Majesty passed through
the Prussian dominions.
Nth. The French Charge d' Affaires at St. Peters-
burg is not allowed to proceed further than Riga, on
his return to France, until it is known that M. Oubril
has left Mayence.
Oct. 2nd. Baron Armfelt arrived a few days
since with a letter from the King of Sweden. He
passed on direct to Potzdam, to deliver it in person
238 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
to the King of Prussia, without any communication
with the Prussian minister. The Baron dined at
Court, and immediately after left Potzdam for Berlin.
He made no request to be presented to the queen,
and left no card with any person of her Court. Such
entire disregard of the usual form and etiquette has
created great dissatisfaction, and is calculated as one
object of Baron Armfelt's mission was to ask Prussian
protection for Swedish Pomerania to indispose the
king to commit himself to any promise of support to
the King of Sweden's plans. It is feared also that
the hasty departure of the Swedish envoy may excite
the attention of Bonaparte, especially as the king
has again expressed very decided opinions with
regard to him, and openly censured the conduct
of the French Government.
Sth. A Eussian vessel is detained at Cuxhaven by
the French commanding officer. And it is reported
that the French army is about to take possession of
the Hanse Towns, owing to the impossibility of
drawing any further supplies from Hanover.
Orders have been given by this government to
stop the exportation of rye, the crops having failed
to a great extent this year, and the bread for general
consumption being made of that grain in this country.
Spirits are also not to be distilled from either rye
or potatoes. Wheat and oats have been productive,
but have risen in price, owing to the deficiency in
the rye crops.
15th. The King of Sweden has been prevailed on
to suspend his armaments in Pomerania by the assur-
1804.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 239
ances he had received of Prussian protection. His
Majesty intended to return to Stockholm, as soon as
he knew of the effect on Bonaparte of a note he had
written to the French Charge d' Affaires in Sweden.
The French minister here has been known to say,
that it is the rule with his Court to pay no attention
whatever to the conduct of the King of Sweden.
\lth. An intimation has been sent to Louis
XVIII. to suspend, for the present, his intention of
returning to Warsaw. It is said to be conveyed to
him in terms amounting almost to a general prohibi-
tion to his again taking up his residence in the
Prussian dominions.
There exists much dissatisfaction with the present
proceedings of the Bourbon family. It is felt that
the meeting of the French princes in Sweden has
so much the appearance, under the circumstances ot
the moment, of active hostility to Bonaparte, that
this country cannot consistently afford any further
countenance to the members of that family. It is,
however, whispered, that M. Laforet, on leaving
Mayence, was desired by Bonaparte to solicit this
prohibition from the king, and that the granting of
Bonaparte's request was facilitated by the fact of
Louis having shortly before written to the King of
Prussia, to inform him that the Emperor of Eussia
had offered him an asylum in his dominions.
M. Oubril's being at Frankfort, gives rise to a sup-
position that Bonaparte has attempted to renew the
negotiation.
23rd. The King of Sweden's letter to the French
240 DIABIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
Charge d' Affaires at Stockholm was not made known
to Bonaparte, it seems, until he had left Mayence
and had arrived at Treves. He was most violently
irritated on reading it, sent off an estafette in-
stantly, to make it known at Berlin, and wrote with
his own hand, " J'ai recu I'mfarne note du Eoi de
Suede. Je le meprise, et je 1'exposerai au mepris de
sa nation. C'est au dessous de moi de lui faire la
guerre. Mais je rappellerai mes agens commerciaux."
The King and Queen of Sweden, by the last
letters, were about to embark for Ystadt ; and it had
been thought advisable to give publicity at Stralsund
to the hopes entertained of immediate assistance from
Russia. The proceedings of the king are narrowly
watched by this Government. The King of Prussia
has written to His Swedish Majesty.
25/A. There were gay doings at Mayence during
Bonaparte's stay there, to which Madame B. and her
ladies added the grace of their presence. Besides
" the emperor's " reviews, there were " the empress's "
receptions; balls, theatricals, and other festivities
every evening. M. Laforet finds Berlin insufferably
dull since his return from his sojourn with the
brilliant Imperial Court.
26#A. The king has promoted Colonel Knobelsdorff
to the rank of major-general, on sending him to
Paris to compliment Bonaparte for the mission of
M. d'Arbery a new proof of the influence of his
cabinet advisers, with whom the measure originates,
though it entirely coincides with the views of the
king, who, resolved to maintain peace at any price,
1804.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 241
finds nothing more natural than to have recourse to
any and every means for securing it.
Several Prussian officers and other persons are
going to Paris to see the ceremony of the coronation.
The Elector of Baden, it is thought, will also visit
Bonaparte on that occasion.
27th. We have been under much apprehension
lately for the safety of our beautiful queen, who was
for some time thought to be in a very critical, if
not dangerous, state. Last week she was removed
from Paretz to Potzdam, and is now so far recovered
that it is expected she may come to Berlin in the
early part of next month. Notwithstanding her
great experience in such matters, she has erred in
her calculations, I understand, to the extent of two
months, in the time announced for her eighth con-
finement.
We have not one English visitor at this Court at
the present time, a circumstance which has not
occurred for years, I am told. En revanche, we have
an unusual number of Russians, and among them
some extremely clever, as well as very pleasant,
people.
29#A. The approaching coronation had begun to
be the one theme of conversation in Berlin ; and the
great event, itself, we had supposed, would wholly
occupy, at least for a time, the mind and thoughts of
the mighty emperor and his Court. But at noon
to-day, an estafette was received by M. Alopeus
from the Eussian Charge d' Affaires at Hamburg, in-
forming him that Sir George Rumbold had been
VOL. i. R
242 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
seized, and carried off by a detachment of French
troops, and his papers taken possession of.
Shortly after, came another estafette from M. de
Grote, the Prussian minister, giving the details pf
this extraordinary outrage. In the night of the 24th,
a body of near three hundred soldiers surrounded Sir
George Eumbold's house at Altona. The com-
mandant with about thirty of his men forced an
entrance, and ordered Sir George to leave his bed
and dress. Two officers took possession of his papers,
which they placed in a carriage, and afterwards com-
pelled him to enter it, when they drove off, accom-
panied by a strong escort, towards Hamburg ; whence
Sir George was to be sent a prisoner to Paris. M. de
Grote had demanded of the French minister at
Hamburg an explanation of this flagrant breach of
the law of nations, and he had expressed great
concern at what had happened, but declared that he
had received the first intimation of it from the
syndic, Doorman, who had been to him, on the part
of the senate. He had, already sent his secretary
to Hamburg to inquire of General Frere on what
grounds, and by what authority, he had acted, and
he promised to let M. de Grote know the result of
his inquiries.
30th. This violation of the neutrality and inde-
pendence of the German States, this fresh outrage
of Bonaparte and the aggravated insult offered to the
King of Prussia, are felt very deeply. They excite
the highest indignation in all classes of people in
this city, and have created no small bustle with us.
1804.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 243
From my brother's situation, the first step in Sir G.
Rumbold's behalf had necessarily to be taken by
him, and for that purpose he went over to Potzdam,
where he found the utmost agitation prevailing, to
request the King of Prussia to send a messenger to
Paris to demand Sir George's immediate release.
Nov. 1st and 2nd. The king appeared to be ex-
tremely pained at the shameful occurrence, and to
feel that it was incumbent upon him, as director of
the circle of Lower Saxony, to interfere in the matter.
A messenger has therefore been despatched to
Paris with an autograph letter from His Majesty to
Bonaparte in order, as it is therein stated, that " les
entraves diplomatiques " may not occasion any delay
demanding the release of Sir George Rumbold, as the
only reparation that can be accepted for this breach
of the system agreed upon between the two powers ;
and stating, further, that in case of refusal other
means would be resorted to.
3rd. Ten days, at least, must elapse before we can
know how this demand will be received, and, of
course, a longer period before we know how it will
be enforced ; but it is made peremptorily, and we are
in the midst of two hundred and fifty thousand armed
men ; which in these times is no bad thing. It is
reported that the military measures to be adopted, in
the event of Bonaparte's refusal, are decided upon.
The more eclat given to the demand the better.
The French minister at Hamburg has informed
M. de Grote that the arrest of Sir George Eumbold
took place by the order of Fouche, addressed to
R 2
24J DIAEIES AND LETTEES OF [1804.
Marshal Bernadotte. And that Fouche had received
his instructions from Bonaparte himself, who had
been led to believe that Sir George was engaged in
the same machinations as those Mr. Drake and
Mr. Spencer Smith were accused of.
4th. General Knobelsdorff, who had been pre-
vented from setting out on his mission at the time of
his appointment, by an accident he met with when
mounting a restive horse, had just left when the
intelligence from Hamburg arrived. A messenger
was sent after him to desire him not to proceed on
his journey until he received further orders. If he
should be found at Frankfort, he is to remain there
under pretence of illness ; if he has entered France
he is to proceed on to Paris, but not to appear in
public, and to say that his credentials will be sent
after him by a courier.
The Duke of Brunswick is expected at Potzdanx, to
consult with the king on the course it may become
necessary to pursue, should Bonaparte not give way.
5th. It is a very striking instance of the subser-
viency of the German press that no newspaper at
Hamburg, or elsewhere, mentioned even the bare
fact of the seizure of Sir George Rumbold, or the
steps taken by the magistracy of that town to reclaim
their independence. Even in Berlin, an article on
the subject, which was prepared and sent to one of
the papers, was refused by the censor. Indeed, the
newspapers of this country are not at liberty to relate
even the ordinary events of the day, in a manner at
all favourable to British interests much less may
1804.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 245
they insert any comments, or use any arguments
tending to show the justice of our cause. The
" Leyden G-azette " has been suspended for venturing
to express opinions displeasing to the French.
Her Imperial highness, the Hereditary Princess of
Weimar, arrived to-day at Custrin, but has declined
the invitation to visit Potzdam. Her refusal appear-
ing to give umbrage to this court, the Duke of
Weimar hopes, with the assistance of M. Alopeus,
who set out last night to meet her, to prevail on her
imperial highness to change her mind and to come
this way.
6th. Some days ago, letters from London in-
formed us, that four of our frigates had fallen in
with four Spanish ships of equal force, off Cadiz, and
had brought home three of them the fourth blew
up. Our frigates were acting under orders to detain
vessels laden with treasure, as those vessels were,
but the Spaniards would not be detained ; so there
they are, as our letter says. The business, it was
thought, might yet be amicably arranged, and the
treasure, perhaps, restored. Since then, the French
have been very busy in spreading the report, and en-
deavouring to impress the minds of all classes with
the idea, that this engagement between the British
and Spanish frigates, and the capture of the latter,
form a sort of a set-off against their own violation of
the law, in the seizure of the person and papers of Sir
George Rumbold. But intelligence has just arrived
which proves the fallacy of their report, by showing
that the Spanish ministry had previously been made
246 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
aware of the eventual order that had been issued to
the cruisers.
10^. The Paris letters state, that the recent
attempt on the flotilla at Boulogne has produced a
more important effect on the French soldiers and
sailors than the execution actually done by the fire-
ships ; for it has shown them to what extreme danger
an armament would be exposed at sea, or when arrived
on the coast of England, if, in the present instance,
the enemy owe their escape from the experiment
that was made for their destruction, rather to good
fortune than to any means of defence they could
employ, though favoured with every protection their
own harbours and batteries could afford them.
13th. Expectation is anxiously on the qui vive for
Bonaparte's answer to the demands of this Court;
the more so, as the king has committed himself so
far, and has given so much publicity to the step he
has taken, that a refusal must be considered the
signal for war.
Meanwhile, His Majesty is in a state of anxious
hope and fear, and remains at Potzdam almost in-
accessible, except to his cabinet secretaries, who,
with General Kochritz unfortunately just returned
from Silesia will doubtless do their best to damp
the ardour with which the king, at first, entered into
the general view taken of this outrage, and to repre-
sent to him the probable miseries he has brought on
the country, and the calamities that may result from
the step he has ventured to take.
\lth. We learn that, on the 2nd, the news of Sir
1804.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 247
George Rumbold's seizure reached Paris by an
express to the deputy of Hamburg, who was ordered
to claim his release, and that Talleyrand professed
ignorance of the whole matter. The intelligence
had created a great sensation in Paris.
The " Moniteur " of the 5th also came by the last
post from Paris. It contains a circular despatch a
copy of which, it is pretended, has been forwarded
to this and other Governments to the effect that the
French Government can no longer recognize the
inviolability of any British agent on the Continent.
This despatch is entirely a fabrication, and an after-
thought of Talleyrand to serve as an introduction to
the violence committed upon Sir G. Rumbold.
There is also an alteration in Fouche's published
letter to Bernadotte. The phrase introduced, "s'il
est en votre pouvoir," is considered as providing a
saving clause by which the French Government may
withhold its approval of the means employed to
accomplish their ends, and yet profit, temporarily, by
their crime.
The manner in which Bonaparte announces this
atrocious act to the world looks like a sort of de-
fiance thrown down, by anticipation, to those
Governments who might think of interfering on the
occasion.
There is scarcely an individual who denies that
the honour and dignity of the Prussian monarchy
are involved in the issue of the present question ;
yet such is the King of Prussia's known predilection
for peace that advantage is taken of it, by a party in
248 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
the interests of France, to inculcate amongst the
public all the arguments that can be brought against
the policy of engaging in a quarrel with France.
And it is to be feared, that the king will be only too
glad to avail himself of any opening that may be
afforded him, to escape from the dilemma into which,
it is suggested to him, he has been brought by the
precipitancy of Baron Hardenberg.
The messenger sent after General Knobelsdorff
did not overtake him on the journey. He had
travelled by a different route, on learning that Bona-
parte's coronation was again postponed, and the
messenger reached Paris two days before him.
Whilst we are all on the tiptoe of expectation for
the great emperor's reply to the king, a letter from
the Prince of Mecklenburg Schwerin informs M.
Alopeus of another flagrant outrage an attack on
the king's messenger, Wagstaffe. He was the
bearer of despatches relating, we presume, to Sir
G-eorge Rumbold's business, to the British ministers
at Berlin, St. Petersburg, and Vienna. On his way
from Husum, just after he had entered the wood of
Yictliibbe, he was stopped by five men, masked, and
fantastically dressed as brigands, armed with guns,
and with pistols and poignards at their waistbelts.
They ordered the postilion to dismount, and three of
them bound him to a tree, threatening him with
death if he raised any cry for help, or made any
attempt to escape. The two others had, in the
meantime, seized the courier, and, with their pistols
pointed towards him, demanded his money, which he
1804.] SIB GEOBGE JACKSON. 249
gave them, begging them to spare his life. He was
answered by one of them, in German, though they
spoke French among themselves, that his life was
safe, it was not that they wanted. Having bound
the courier's hands and feet, they took the carriage a
little further into the wood ; one of the men, who
appeared to be their chief, impatiently repeating,
" Mais les papiers, les papiers." These he took
entire possession of, private as well as public ones,
stowed them away in the courier's bag, and rode off.
The others ransacked his valise, and being pleased
with its contents, bound it upon one of the horses,
together with various small packages that had been
forwarded to the different ministers amongst other
things, a box of baby linen for my sister's infant.
The brigands then decamped with their booty, having,
with many threats, previously charged both courier
and postilion to remain quiet until they had dis-
appeared. The postilion having succeeded in releas-
ing himself, unbound the poor courier. They then
made the best of their way to the neighbouring
village of Draguhn, the inhabitants of which had
seen five or six of these sham brigands pass through
in the morning ; their costume exciting as much
curiosity as terror. On reaching Schwerin the duke
was made acquainted with the outrage, and he im-
mediately sent off an estafette to the Russian minister
with the above particulars.
20^A to 21s. A courier has arrived from Paris
with Bonaparte's letter to the King of Prussia. It
informs him that Sir George Rumbold is released
250 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
and gone to England by way of Cherbourg. The
joy with which this news is received affords the best
proof of the anxious state of public feeling previous
to its arrival ; for few were sanguine enough to
believe that Bonaparte would give way, or that a
plausible means could be found for averting what
ought inevitably to have been the consequences of
his obstinacy. The transaction is now considered
closed, and great credit is taken by the Grovernment
for the firmness and energy they have displayed.
People are, generally, disposed to lose sight of the
insult offered to the G-erman empire ; of the in-
fringement of its neutrality and independence, and
are willing to regard the release of Sir G-eorge
Rumbold as a sufficient satisfaction for what has
happened, and a final settlement of all differences
with the French Government. And yet that spirit
of aggression, which the late appearance of the
French troops at Altona, and the robbery of our
messengers denote, is still at its height, and it seems
extraordinary, under such circumstances, that persons
can be found to flatter themselves that Prussia may
preserve an independent existence, without any
exertion of her own, beyond the moment that Bona-
parte has fixed for her entire subjugation.
Ikth. An acknowledgment of the act of complai-
sance, as it is termed, shown by Bonaparte to this
Court, has been sent from Potzdam to Paris. At the
same time, we learn that Sir G. Rumbold's papers
are detained, and we see his release announced
in the French papers, in terms intended to seduce
1804.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 251
the world to believe that Sir George was taken
as a spy at the French outposts ; plausibility being
given to this insinuation by the condition attached
to his release, of his not residing within fifty leagues
of any French army.
2&th. The King of Sweden is said to be greatly
piqued at the expressions employed by the King of
Prussia in his letter of the 10th of October. His
Swedish Majesty acts, no doubt, on a well founded
principle ; but, as there exists at this Court so much
prejudice against him, it is to be lamented that he
assumes towards it the language of reprisal. He has
again excited the displeasure of the king by demand-
ing to know, with reference to the late transaction
at Hamburg, what steps would be adopted in pur-
suance of the king's declaration to him "that he
would defend the peace of the north of Germany
against whoever might attempt to disturb it." He
has been given to understand that his interference
is uncalled for.
30th. Bonaparte has been asked to evacuate
Hanover, and to allow a Prussian force to occupy it
until peace shall be signed between France and
England ; Prussia then to decide to which .of the
belligerent powers the electorate shall belong.
Dec. 1st. The Emperor of Eussia is not so well
satisfied as the King of Prussia with the termination
of the Kurnbold affair. But to move the king to any
further exertion in the matter, is not considered
possible. He is too happy to have escaped from
the embarrassment in which he feared his temerity
252 DIARIES AND LETTEES OF [1804.
would eventually involve him to regard the manner,
however ungracious, in which his request to Bona-
parte has been complied with. There are Prussians
who consider their country humiliated by it, and
who feel keenly that the baneful influence exercised
by Bonaparte throughout Germany, and the injury
suffered, by Prussia in particular, by the blockade of
the Elbe and Weser, are the consequences of his not
having been stopped in limine.
I heard, yesterday, a person of some distinction
at this Court say, with much earnestness, that the
substantial interests of the crown and people are
sacrificed to the king's love of peace, and his selfish
dread of any disturbance of the enjoyment he finds
in the pleasures of a calm and tranquil life.
5th. The " Moniteur " of the 26th announces
that the French Government intend to communicate
to foreign Courts the nature of the papers seized in
Sir G. Eumbold's house. This is a fresh annoyance
to the king, as it was understood they were to be
suppressed altogether, and further interference re-
specting them made unnecessary. This violation of
his word has caused a new burst of resentment
against Bonaparte, though considerably stifled, in
some quarters, by the dread of being involved in a
new quarrel with him. The Emperor of Russia
has again declared that the release of Sir George
is a totally inadequate satisfaction for the violation
of German territory ; but the king, putting aside
that view of the question, has positively declared
that "he will not go to war for a box of papers."
1804.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 253
The said papers, however, are not likely to be suffi-
ciently edifying to be honoured by publication in the
" Moniteur."
Letters Dec. 1th. Although we have actually
been employed, almost without intermission, for the
last thirty-six hours, in despatching a messenger, I
send you a line by him to certify that we are not
yet carried off. Your October letters are probably
gone to amuse Napoleon Bonaparte by his fireside
at St. Cloud ; for Wagstaffe brought nothing but the
clothes he wore, and hardly expected to escape with
a whole skin.
My brother certainly did not write the note you
saw in the papers under date of the 5th of November ;
what he did write you will probably have seen ere
this. It should, at least, have some merit in Sir Gr.
Rumbold's eyes, as it contributed, no doubt, to
shorten his abode in the Temple. What her lady-
ship will think of it is another 'question ; probably
that she might have had timely notice of the
baronet's arrival at Richmond at one o'clock in the
morning. She is a dashing mother of forty, with
two very handsome girls, of whom she often passes
for the eldest sister. I daresay she would prefer a
Richmond or a London life to the humdrum round
of the Hamburg factory. Perhaps, as you say,
you may have the satisfaction of seeing the " freed
captive" in the Pump-room, as it is reported he is
going down to Bath to visit Lord Harrowby. "We are
anxious for the next post, to learn what has been the
effect of Lord Harrowby 's fall, and whether the Bath
254 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
waters have proved beneficial. His health appears
to be so bad that I should not be surprised if he did
not hold office long, although he has not hitherto
been deficient, in activity, at least.
llth. We are in expectation of accounts from
Paris of the coronation, which was to take place on
the 2nd. It affords a subject of conversation to all,
to some of mirth, to others of sorrow. My idea is
that such a state of things cannot last. I feel per-
suaded that Bonaparte will end as he deserves, and
that every step he takes is one towards " the height
from which he is to be hurled by the hand of
Omnipotence," as Burke said, on a very different
occasion ; and the faster he goes the better. At all
events, his emperorship has certainly had to retreat
a step, and that, in time, without which you know
nothing can be done, may lead to what my sister
would elegantly call a genuflection, but which I
prefer to write, coming down on his marrow bones ;
At all events, we excommunicated, " profaneurs de la
morale et de la religion politique," have adopted the
spiritual motto of Dum spiro spero.
I have had another letter from my Aunt Henry,
chanting the praises of Mr. Pitt. It made us laugh,
and reminded us of the advertisements that set forth
the excellence of Packwood's incomparable razor
strops.
llth. To return to Boney, we have learnt,
amongst various particulars respecting the arrange-
ments for his coronation, that he has altered the
etiquette hitherto observed by the kings of France
1804.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 255
in their interviews with the Pope. Instead of
kissing his hand, he advanced with extended arms
to embrace him. His Holiness did not meet the
great Liliputian in a similar manner, but let fall
his arms by his side, and said, " Je me jette dans
vos bras ;" after which, he gave him his apostolic
benediction.
Paris letters mention that Bonaparte has it in con-
templation, during the Pope's stay in that capital, to
unite the Protestant and Catholic persuasions under
one common system. The same letters also state
that the King of Spain is about to abdicate, and
that the queen and the Prince of Peace are to be at
the head of a regency, to the exclusion of the Prince
of Asturias. Bonaparte's acquiescence is alone want-
ing for the execution of this plan, but he has hitherto
withheld it ; having devised some other method of
disposing of the Spanish peninsula. Popular com-
motions were expected to take place at Madrid and
other towns.
We have here, on their way to England, two
families who were arrested at Paris on the breaking
out of the war, but obtained leave, lately, to come to
Germany Mr. and Mrs. Peploe, the latter a niece of
Lord Malmesbury, and Mr. and Mrs. Greathead.
Mr. Gr. is an author, and was a famous democrat,
but has undergone a cure by the treatment he met
with in France. I believe he has written some-
thing for Mrs. Siddons, who lived in his family as
an attendant on his wife
Diaries Dec. 15th to llth. Particulars of the cere-
256 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
mony of the coronation of the new emperor and
empress are given in glowing language in the
French papers. The weather, we hear, was not
favourable for the Imperial pageant, which is de-
scribed as one of extraordinary splendour. The
enthusiasm of the people, when the herald pro-
claimed that the " glorious and august Napoleon "
was crowned and enthroned, is said to have been
frantically expressed ; and Bonaparte was, of course,
penetre d'emotion when he announced that he
ascended the throne by the unanimous wish of the
senate, the people, and the army. The whole thing
seems to have been a success, and Paris resounded
with the cry of "Vive 1'Empereur, vive Tlnipera-
trice !" The French mission was illuminated again,
on the arrival of the news, as brilliantly as it had
been on the 2nd, and an entertainment was given in
honour of the auspicious event.
20/A. An affray has taken place at Embden
between a few drunken sailors, a part of the crew of
H.M.S. Scorpion, and some people of the town, and
complaints of the violent conduct of the former have
been forwarded to Berlin. The matter was about
to be satisfactorily arranged, when the Prussian
minister was informed that Captain Carteret, of the
same ship, had violated the neutrality of the Prussian
territory by boarding an American ship in the Ems.
The fact was admitted, but Captain Carteret ex-
plained that he had acted on the suspicion of there
being English sailors on board the American vessel,
and that an infraction of the neutrality of the river
1804.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 257
was not intended an explanation which has not
given full satisfaction. Six men of the crew of the
Scorpion afterwards deserted to the French, taking
the ship's cutter with them to Delfzyl.
23rd. The business with Spain seems to be on
the point of terminating in hostilities. Mr. Frere
was nearly out of the Spanish territory on the
25th ult., and was daily expected in England. The
correspondence between Russia and England, the
same letter says, is less likely to end in smoke than
seemed probable a short time ago.
27^. Subsidy to a large amount has been offered
to the King of Prussia to engage him to unite with
England in opposing the further encroachments of
Bonaparte; and every argument has been used to
show him his danger, and to excite him to take
measures to avert it while yet there may be time,
and before his country becomes a prey to Bona-
parte's insatiable ambition. But the king declares
that he has adopted a system of perfect neutrality,
as most consonant to his wishes, and best calculated
to secure the interests of his monarchy ; and he
hopes it may be in his power to maintain this
system Bonaparte having given him the most
solemn assurances that he will not interrupt the
tranquillity of this part of Germany.
Every one thinks it extraordinary that the king
can so deceive himself; that he can place the smallest
reliance on Bonaparte's assurances, in the face of the
aggressive conduct he steadily pursues, and the
intolerable principles set forth by M. Talleyrand.
VOL. i. s
258 DIARIES AND LETTEES OF [1804.
But, when the king's character, and the influences
to which he is open are taken into account, the
hopelessness of prevailing on this Court to adopt
a line of conduct becoming its dignity and power,
will then be patent to all.
28th. The Grand Seigneur, who refuses to acknow-
ledge Bonaparte's new title, has requested the good
offices of Prussia to make known to the French
Government that he declines to do so, not from
hostility to France, but from circumstances out of his
power to control.
The King of Sweden, whose language and bear-
ing toward this Court prevent the return to the
friendly understanding so desirable between the two
sovereigns, has just added to the irritation his mea-
sures create by signing a Convention with England.
It is notified to him that should the suspicion
entertained on that head prove to be well-founded,
the neutrality of his dominions will be no longer
acknowledged.
The mediation of Prussia, which Bonaparte was so
anxious to secure for the settlement of his differences
with Russia, seems to be unavailing the pretensions
of the opposing parties being so irreconcilable.
The proposal of Prussia to hold Hanover during
the continuance of hostilities between France and
England which she desired to make a sine qua
non with France for employing her good offices in
an accommodation with Russia is rejected by Bona-
parte and opposed by the emperor. It has also
been allowed to appear, that an impression exists at
1804.) SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 259
the Court of St. Petersburg that Prussia is more
anxious to obtain possession of Hanover than to insist
on the evacuation of the north of Germany by
the French.
30^. From recent statistical reports, it appears
that the Prussian army has been increased by 26,000
men since 1791. It now amounts to 248,205, besides
supernumeraries in almost every regiment. Many
details have also been attended to, and so much
amended during the present reign that, in the opinion
of all military men, the arrangement for the troops
are now much more effective than heretofore, and the
Prussian army, as a whole, never in finer condition
than at this moment.
About 30,000 stand of arms have lately been
manufactured, of which the muskets are shorter, and
the bayonets longer than those before employed ; but
they will not be brought into use until the full number
required for the army, or at least a large proportion of
it, is ready.
Whether these advantages over former times are
not more than counter-balanced by the weak, wavering
policy of the present government, and the timidity
and indecision prevailing in that quarter whence the
general spirit that should animate the troops should
receive its first impulse, remains to be seen. That
these influences have had some effect on the higher
ranks of the army is plainly perceptible ; but amongst
the officers, as a body, a feeling of emulation and
spirit of discipline still exist; sufficiently active, it is
asserted, to enable a commander, with capacity to
s 2
260 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1804.
turn them to account, to lead the Prussian army to
exploits worthy of the most brilliant epochs of the
monarchy.
The same returns state that the population of the
Prussian dominions is now rated at nine millions of
souls an increase of a third since 1791. But this
proceeds only from the increase of territory, without
calculating the progressive increase of numbers ob-
servable in those parts of Germany that have not
been engaged in war.
The late partition of the German empire has had
an injurious effect on the recruiting of foreigners for
the Prussian service, -as there was formerly one
recruiting officer, at least, in every imperial city, and
the chief reliance is now upon deserters from other
services. Even this resource has been, of late, dimin-
ished by an order given p artly from complaisance
to the French Government, and partly from other
motives to admit no French deserters into the
ranks. On the other hand, from the great increase
of territory His Prussian Majesty has acquired, a
much larger proportion of the native population can
now be obtained for the military service.
The increase of revenue has not been so large, in
proportion to the territory acquired, as might be
expected, but it is estimated at four millions of
dollars ; making the whole revenue of the crown to
amount to about twenty-nine millions. This is the
weak part of the Prussian monarchy ; and it is felt,
that while every source of revenue is now strained
to the utmost to supply, on an emergency, the
1805.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 261
means of carrying out any extraordinary operations
would require the genius of a Frederick.
1805.
Letters Jan. 5th. What with the ice, that now
blocks the harbours and rivers, and the French police
ever on the alert to intercept the despatches and
letters that do by some means get landed, a double
barrier is raised at this season between us and Eng-
land, and our communications are, of course, more
irregular and uncertain than ever. Several mails are
now due, and we are anxious, on many accounts, for
their arrival. The last letters left Lord Harrowby
in very bad health ; so much so as to preclude the
probability of his continuance in office, even should
his fall not be attended with fatal consequences.
The political barometer is in a very fluctuating
state ; but that by no means affects our enjoyment
of the festivities of the season. We have the usual
friendly and family gatherings, where cart-loads of
gimcracks and toys, that were displayed in the
booths of the Berlin fair, are again displayed to more
advantage on lighted tables in the houses. The
usual family hops, interrupted at midnight by hug-
ging and kissing and laughing, only to be resumed
with more vigour, and kept up till near daylight.
But these, for the most part, are but bread and
butter affairs. We are waiting for our queen's
perfect recovery from her recent confinement to
begin, in serious earnestness, the gay doings of the
262 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
carnival, which has generally to be put forward or
backward to accommodate Her Majesty without
whose bright presence, the carnival would be con-
sidered no carnival at all. This reminds me of
Stevens, who, notwithstanding some rather precise
notions respecting the frivolity of these amusements,
enjoyed them, I believe, more than he thought right
to acknowledge. I had a letter from him by our last
arrivals. He has got back to Oxford ; writes out of
spirits, and alludes regretfully to his Berlin life.
Diplomacy, however, no longer vexes him with han-
kering thoughts. II a pris son parti has taken
priest's orders, and thus, as he says, " is now wedded
to the church for life." I think he has done wisely,
and I trust the union may prove a happy and pros-
perous one. He has some expectation of travelling,
as tutor, with Lord Kinnoul.
Diaries Jan. *lth. The members of the French
mission are taking considerable pains to accredit a
report, circulated by their own agents, that a recon-
ciliation is about to take place with Russia. Yet
every succeeding day tends to show that no result
can be expected from the mediation of this Court
between Russia and France. The other night, how-
ever, M. Laforet openly complimented the Russian
minister on the subject, and he, as publicly, declined
to accept the compliment.
As to Hanover, it is said that France would,
perhaps, not object to give it over in trust to the
King of Prussia, provided he would come under a
positive engagement that it should be used as an
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 263
object of compensation in any future negotiation for
peace, and would prevent the transit of British mer-
chandize, and the enrolment of recruits in the
electorate, for the British service.
12th. The Paris bulletin, speaks of a warm
attack having been made by Bonaparte, at a recent
levee, upon the Austrian ambassador, whom he ques-
tioned with much asperity respecting the recent
movements in the Tyrol.
It is again given out that the project of invading
England is abandoned.
16th. The King of Sweden has been warned, that
this Government will think it right to put a stop
to any offensive operations he may commence in
Pomerania. The king left Stralsund on the 7th to
remove the queen, who is near her confinement ; for,
according to the constitution of Sweden, a prince born
out of the kingdom is not capable of succeeding to
the crown.
General Armfelt is now in Berlin, but leaves to-
morrow for Stralsund.
22nd. The Elector Arch- Chancellor and the
Elector of Hesse Cassel have been endeavouring
to negotiate at Paris an union of German princes,
and have obtained Bonaparte's promise of protection
to such an association. But, that the second prince of
the empire should debase himself so far, as to solicit
the interference of a foreign power in its concerns,
has caused general and extreme indignation.
The Court of Vienna has taken offence at these
proceedings of the German princes ; also at those
264 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
of the French Government, both with reference to
this affair and to Italy. Bonaparte's violent be-
haviour to Count Cobenzl has likewise given great
dissatisfaction, and something very like the language
of resentment has been expressed on the subject.
25^7*. We hear that the treaty between Russia
and Sweden is signed, as well as that of subsidy
between England and Sweden. Baron Armfelt, who
prolongs his stay until the 27th, talks with the utmost
confidence of the extensive form of the campaign he
has traced out, and expects to surmount, with great
facility every obstacle that may oppose his intended un-
dertaking. The General has a happy confidence in his
own talents, and in the bravery and spirit of the troops
to be employed. He expects, by the month of March,
to have formed magazines in Sweden, to have ar-
ranged for the transport of the Russian army, &c.,
yet His Swedish Majesty had the utmost difficulty
to procure the sum necessary to defray the expenses
of his journey from Stralsund to Stockholm. How-
ever, the General certainly looked to the supplies
he was to receive from England.
29?A It has been announced to this Court, in the
usual manner, by the Spanish Charge d' Affaires, that
war has been declared by His Catholic Majesty against
Great Britain.
Letters Jan. 30th. Our carnival and all its gaieties
are postponed. The queen is again in perfect health,
and was ready to grace the ball-room with her pre-
sence, and take her share of the dancing. Two days
ago the Duke of Brunswick, who had been invited
1805.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 265
for the festivities of the carnival, arrived in Berlin ;
but on that very day the queen-mother was seized
with a paralytic fit. Her physician gives but little
hope of her recovery, and probably she will not live
many days. It is, indeed, to be wished that she may
not, as, with half her body paralyzed, she can only
be a burden to herself and others. The king is
deeply afflicted, for he is most affectionately attached
to his mother, and the queen and all the royal family
participate in this feeling, and share fully in his
grief.
I too, unhappily, have much cause for grief in
the unexpected death of Henry Lowenstern. You
know my attachment to the Lowenstern family, and
the friendship that exists between me and Otto,
the eldest son. About ten days ago Henry and I
went out together to skate, and he being a novice
came down upon his knees several times on the ice,
but was apparently as well as usual when he returned
home. The next day I was surprised to hear that he
was in a high fever. This increased during the day
and following night, until it became wild delirium
and fury. Two attendants could scarcely hold him,
and restrain his violence. Nor was it, indeed, calmed
down until the near approach of death, A blow on the
head was supposed to have produced this fatal result ;
and, though I could not call to mind that in falling
on the ice he had struck his head, I was wretched
under the idea that he had received his death blow
in that way, and that I, indirectly, was the cause of it
by inducing him to attempt to skate. Otto had left
266 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [ 1805 -
Berlin the day before this happened, M. Alopeus
having sent him to St. Petersburg with despatches,
and M. Lowenstern was also absent in Livonia. I
therefore passed two nights with Henry, while the
Countess Hagan strove to comfort the afflicted
mother and sisters, who were overwhelmed with
grief and despair, and whom it was necessary to
exclude from the room where the poor youth lay ;
for their presence only increased his ravings. When
this scene of sorrow was ended, and the cause of poor
Henry's death ascertained, I was relieved from much
of my distress of mind, by the statement of his servant
that he had returned from walking covered with snow,
on the day preceding the skating, and had told him
he had had a terrible fall Unter den Linden.
The surgeon who attended him, accompanied by a
confidential servant, has taken the body to Livonia,
where M. Lowenstern waits to see it deposited in the
family vault. Before their departure, the room in
which poor Henry lay in his coffin, was hung with
black, and lighted up after the custom of their
country and an impressive sermon was preached
by a Lutheran minister. The Countess Hagan and
myself, with some other friends, assisted at this
ceremony. Henry was a fine youth of sixteen. His
death has affected us all very deeply.
Feb. 2nd. It was reported last night that the
queen dowager was better ; that her illness had taken
a favourable turn. It is now hoped that she is at
least in no immediate danger, and her physician
thinks she may eventually recover, should she survive
1805.] SIB GEOBGE JACKSON. 267
the ninth day from her attack. We are to launch,
they say, into the dissipations of the carnival next
week. It is a little mal a propos, this delay in the
rising of the curtain ; for many foreigners have come
to Berlin to take part in the diversions. If they
really do commence, after this second postponement,
no doubt everything will be done to make amends to
the queen for lost time.
There has lately been so much high play at the
supper parties where Macedoine has been intro-
duced, and has quite eclipsed Loo that His Majesty
has expressed a wish that it should be discontinued.
This has been complied with ; but as Macedoine
occupied twenty to thirty people at once, the effect
this sudden change has produced at these reunions is
rather a dull one. I was the other night at the
first supper where Macedoine was not played. The
Macedonians were like a defeated army. Individually
they knew not what to do, and had no general
point de ralliement. Two or three different parties of
men sat down together to try a sober game. The
desperate gamesters, however, disdained a rubber,
and sat yawning on the sofas, making feeble attempts
at conversation, in which the Germans do not greatly
shine. It was dreary work ; and even when supper
was announced, welcome sound though it was, yet I
think the repast was not enjoyed so much as when
the excitement of Macedoine had raised the spirits,
whetted the appetite, and given more glibness to the
tongue. If His Majesty has set his face against Mace-
doine, then, as a pis aller, Loo must regain its vogue.
268 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
3rd. Ten mails arrived yesterday, yet they
brought us no very interesting public intelligence,
except that of " the reconciliation," and the nomina-
tion of Lord Mulgrave ; though this is scarcely news,
for the retirement of Lord Harrowby was long fore-
seen. Who would succeed him was, however, not so
certain.
4th. The reports of the queen dowager's health
are less favourable.
Diaries Feb. *lth. People are now looking towards
Vienna with some anxiety. The last advices state
that M. de Rochefoucault had been some days in that
city, but refused to present his letters of credence
until the Austrian troops, lately placed on the frontier
of Italy, had returned to their quarters. He had
been informed, that measures regarding the internal
arrangements of the empire could not be discussed
with any foreign power.
There is certainly a desire to oppose some united
resistance to the ambitious views of Bonaparte by
those powers who are not actually at war with him.
But doubt and hesitation are created owing to his
pursuance of his well known system of urging his
pacific intentions at St. Petersburg, at the same time
that the members of the French mission proclaim
loudly that he is negotiating for peace with Great
Britain.
Wth. After having been very confidently in-
formed that the invasion of England had been aban-
doned, we now learn that Admiral Verhuel is on
his way to Holland, if not already arrived there, to
1805.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 269
superintend the armaments in the Texel ; Bona-
parte having ordered a renewal of the preparations
lor the invasion. The opinion gains ground that
at length something is really to be undertaken, and
the sailing of the Toulon and Eochefort squadrons
is thought to confirm it.
The admiral has asserted that he can answer for
the safe arrival of a fleet on the English coast ; and
this opinion, which he has used every endeavour to
impress on Bonaparte, is said to be general through-
out the Dutch navy.
\kth. Greneral Wintzingerode, aide-de-camp to
the Emperor of Russia, arrived last night with a
letter from the emperor to the king. It was known
some days since that orders had been given for the
Russian troops, in Livonia and Esthonia, to hold
themselves in readiness to march.
The emperor is said to be determined to oppose
the occupation of Swedish Pomerania by Prussian
troops. Prussia has, therefore, by her own fault got
into a dilemma from which it is difficult to say how
she will extricate herself. And the embarrassment
is likely to be increased, when France shall adopt the
language, which the evident and well understood
mission of G-eneral Wintzingerode to engage this
country to join the allies, will of course give rise to.
16#A. We have the "Moniteurs" by a courier
from Paris, who brings the news of the rejection by
England of Bonaparte's overtures, as well as an
account of the return to port of the Toulon squadron.
Two frigates and a ship of the line are reported to
270 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
have separated from it in a gale, in which the whole
squadron sustained much damage. It is, however,
surmised that the sight of the British squadron,
rather than the gale, was the cause of the enemy's
return ; for letters from the south state that one
of Lord Nelson's frigates having reconnoitred the
French fleet in the outward road of Toulon, his
lordship had, by this means, early intelligence of the
French admiral's intention of putting to sea.
The language of the French Government is bitter
and irritating in tone, and the publication of the
correspondence with Great Britain is doubtless in-
tended to create an impression unfavourable to her
in the public mind ; while in the report of the Tri-
bunate there occurs the expression evidently used
ad captandurn that both Austria and Prussia are
the allies of France.
It is said that Bonaparte, in his letters to the
King of Prussia, has usually signed himself, " Good
brother, friend, and ally" The King confines himself
to the usual form, " Good brother and friend."
It has lately been observed that the queen has on
various occasions shown a disposition to obtain some
influence in public affairs, and that advantage has
been taken of this circumstance to setfure that in-
fluence in favour of M. de Haugwitz. It appears,
therefore, that he has not lost sight of the possibility
of his return to power ; and his friends think the
present crisis offers a favourable opportunity for
disposing the mind of the king to recall the Count
once more to his councils. With this object in view,
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 271
M. de Haugwitz now supports M. Lombard ; and the
prevalence of the cabinet secretary's opinions, which
coincide so well with the line of conduct the king is
inclined to pursue and which would lead him to be
a passive spectator of a war that would be carried on
at no great distance from the gates of Berlin, or of
being exposed to the hostility of a Russian army on
the eastern frontier of Prussia has excited some
murmurs against the queen, from the supposition
that she has been prevailed upon to countenance the
views of the French party.
22nd. A Court-ball that was to be given to-
morrow evening is countermanded, the queen-mother
having had a relapse. She is now in great suffering
and danger.
Letters March 8th. As usual, we are anxiously
looking towards England for news, and waiting
somewhat impatiently for the several mails now due ;
for my brother has not yet received any reply to, or
acknowledgment of the despatches sent from hence
in the first days of December. Yet the wind has
been for some time westerly, and there are packets,
we know, at Heligoland ; but the quantity of floating
ice on the coast of Sleswig prevents the boats from
getting near the shore. In the meantime, we receive
partial advices through Holland the king's speech
came that way but many interesting particulars
remain unknown to us. The chief advantage in this
sort of conveyance, is, that we are sure to hear the
worst side of every subject, and the good may come
after for such is the slavery in which the continental
272 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
press is held by Bonaparte, that hardly any news-
paper dares to circulate intelligence favourable to
England, without having received our papers, from
which they sometimes venture to make an extract.
Wth. This has been an unusually dull winter,
and the death of the queen-mother on the 25th
ult. one month from the time of the first attack-
has finally put aside all the dissipations we were
waiting only a favourable turn in her illness to
plunge into. Her Majesty was in her fifty-fifth
year, and was a daughter of Louis IX., Landgrave
of Hesse Darmstadt. The affliction of the king and
royal family is very generally shared by the public,
and her death will be felt as a misfortune by many
persons ; for the late queen was extremely bene-
volent. She sought out misfortune, and relieved it
unsolicited, and her private acts of generosity were
numerous. Her funeral took place on the 4th. The
king, and the princes of the family, accompanied
the body to the vault, where the remains of Frederick
William II. are deposited.
13th. The ceremony of the " Court of Condolence,"
which took place last Sunday, was, for such an
occasion, the most farcical spectacle I ever witnessed.
All those who assisted at the condolence assembled,
about half-past five, in a room of the palace
the ladies in black stun dresses, and entirely en-
veloped in veils, of black gauze, of from twelve to
fifteen yards in length, which fell in a deep double
fold over the face. As we had some time to wait,
the chatting and laughing went on gleefully ; and
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 273
the ladies, who had all thrown their veils back,
were amusing themselves with sprightly comments
on the droll effect of their dress. The military part
of the company whose red coats, worn over black
waistcoats and inexpressibles, had certainly a very
odd appearance came in for their share of tittering
raillery. But presently all this hilarity was silenced ;
every face assumed a gloomy expression, and the
veils were drawn hastily down. The large centre
doors of the apartment had been suddenly thrown
open. Beyond them was a hall, hung with black,
and daylight was excluded ; the darkness being made
still more visible by the feeble light of two candles,
burning at the further end of the hall, and by whose
pale glimmer you made out that a figure, enveloped
after the same mummy-like fashion as the other ladies,
was sitting there in an arm-chair, with several others
standing around her. It was Her Majesty and the
princesses. The princes of the family were ranged,
standing, down the sides of the hall. The ladies
entered first, single file, walked slowly up the hall,
made a profound curtsey to the queen, and passed
on to another room ; the gentlemen followed. Not
a word was spoken, not a sound was heard, but the
dull " echoes of our feet," until we reached the outer
room, which was well lighted up, and where the
giggling and chattering had recommenced with
greater activity than before. The preparation for,
and conclusion of, this scene formed so striking a
contrast to the procession of mourners slowly passing
through the dark hall of the shadow of death, as it
VOL. I. T
274 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
were, that it produced a singular effect on those
who witnessed it for the first time. The king was
not present his grief was supposed to be too over-
whelming. Of course we have all been as black as
crows since the queen-mother's death, and shall con-
tinue so for some time to come. This is a gloomy
sort of consolation to me for the loss, as I fear, of
my uniform, for the second time. Cavendish had
been good enough to order it himself, that it might
be correct in all its details. But nothing has been
heard of it since it was sent, some months ago, from
the Office. The French must have surely taken a
fancy to this particular style of uniform. It was
intended to grace the festivities of the carnival ;
however, I have no present need of it, and there is
just the ghost of a chance that it may turn up with
the final breaking up of the frost.
There are now, we hear, two candidates for the
secretaryship of this mission : Hill, who was with my
brother in Paris, and a Mr. King. As I am not to
have the appointment, I must be content with dis-
charging its duties and wishing success to Hill. As
for King, he has been staying for some time in Berlin,
and an odd sort of fellow he is ; with much, I should
say, of his mother's eccentricity of character. He is
the son of the Countess of Kingston, who paid a
visit to the French commandant at Hanover last
year. When the expedition was on the point of
sailing for Egypt, King was at college. Suddenly
he took it into his head to set off for Portsmouth,
without saying a word to anybody, and entered as a
1805.J SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 275
volunteer ; wrote two lines to his mother, bidding
her good-bye, and wishing her health and happiness
should he see her no more, and so set sail.
16M. We received seven mails on the 13th, and
were much surprised at hearing, on the first opening
of our communications with London, that the
Hamburg baronet shortly intended to visit this
capital. Owing to the detention of the mails, our
time for wondering was short, for his arrival followed
pretty quickly upon the notice of his plans. On dit,
that he is obliged to run away from his creditors.
However, he has completely done himself up by his
parole. He comes to thank the king and my brother
for getting him out of prison. The latter told him
he was a lever that had broken in his hands, and
says that, as far as he is concerned, it would not
have signified much if Boney had kept him in Le
Temple, together with what the king calls his box of
papers, for anything there is likely to be found in it.
Yet I must say, I feel for him ; for I never saw any
one so altered, and whatever his talents for diplo-
macy may be, we found Sir G. Rumbold a most
pleasant gentlemanlike man, when we made a short
stay at Hamburg on our way to Berlin. Now, it
is hardly possible to live with him, his depression
is so great; and the slights and reproaches he
experienced in England so prey upon his spirits
that, if in company any person happens to laugh, he
immediately supposes it to be a sneer directed against
him. During only the short time he has been here,
this has frequently occurred ; and all intercourse
T 2
276 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
with him is rendered, therefore, so painful, that I
shall be glad when he leaves for Dresden, which
I believe he intends doing as soon as he has had an
opportunity of personally thanking the king for his
release. Have you happened to meet his wife and
daughters? A Spaniard, who had resided some
time in England, was here last summer, and spoke of
the elder Miss Rumbold as the prettiest girl he had
seen there. I have since heard that she really is
uncommonly beautiful, but attends so little to the
hints and admonitions of the Bishop of Durham, that
the love of showing off an amazingly fine ankle has
prevented more than one offer from among the
crowd of her adorers. Apropos of pretty women,
Texier, the French play-reader, is now here with his
daughter. People are disposed to admire her beauty
far more than his performance, and not without reason.
The late dowager queen made a ridiculous fuss about
him, otherwise he would have completely failed
here. I never heard him in England ; but he read a
play of his own at our house a short time ago, and
in a manner that pleased nobody. When he read
the part of a king, a sword and a crown were placed
by his side ; for that of an old woman, a spinning-
wheel was drawn up before him. He has a son with
him, of about seventeen or eighteen, and being asked
the other day for what pursuit or profession he
destined him, he answered, " I have a great many
friends in England, and I hope in the course of a
few years to get him made a member of parliament."
His daughter, as I have already said, is particularly
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 277
handsome ; but Texier is so impatient when she
is present that this should be generally and instantly
felt, that she has not been in company five minutes
before he begins expatiating to everybody near him
on her extreme beauty and great accomplishments, as
a proof of which I heard him tell the Duke of
Brunswick Oels that, in England, " II y avait cinq
cents lords qui auraient ete les uns plus heureux que
les autres de 1'avoir." Our royal motto immediately
presented itself to my mind, as I trust it did to that
of the duke and others, if not, there must have been
difficulty in repressing the naughty ideas that sug-
gested themselves on hearing M. Texier, with a
theatrical air, triumphantly proclaim his daughter's
conquests. The idle public of this city are just now
taken up with a man who reads lectures on skulls,
and shows by their conformation the different
propensities of their owners. As we have no time
to spare, we are not amongst this Dr.'s disciples.
His name is Gall. I have not yet heard that his
so-called discovery is to lead to any useful result.
Diaries March 18th. The King of Sweden has
himself, written to inform this Court, that in accordance
with the dignity that should characterize the acts of
an independent sovereign, he cannot allow his general
policy or his engagements with other countries, to
become a subject of discussion. And that should the
King of Prussia persist in his intention of invading
Pomerania, " He will, with the assistance of Grod arid
his faithful subjects, defend himself to the utmost ;
and will not be wanting in allies to support him."
278 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
23rd. The proceedings of the French in Italy,
and Bonaparte's journey to Milan, are exciting
unusual interest. During his stay in that city,
M. Humboldt, the Prussian minister at Rome, has
received orders to reside there. We learn, from
the " Moniteur," that Bonaparte has taken the resolu-
tion to declare himself King of Italy, this being,
he announces, the only possible means of securing
the independence of Italy and the countries belong-
ing to it. He represents it also as a proof of his
pacific disposition, and the most feasible expedient
for the restoration of peace; intimating that, when
Corfu is evacuated by the Russians, and Malta by
the English, he will, in conformity with the public
acts now made known, abdicate the throne of Italy
in favour of some individual of his own selection.
As usual, this Court is highly indignant at the
arrogance and overbearing ambition of the modern
Charlemagne ; but, as usual, it will conceal its senti-
ments, and adopt the extravagant reasons with which
Bonaparte imposes on its weakness.
April 3rd. The long talked of arrangement of
the exchange of decorations is at last conipleted.
For the seven " Golden Eagles " as the insignia of
the newly instituted Order of the Legion d'Honneur are
called seven black ones are returned. The former
are destined for His Majesty ; Prince Ferdinand, the
king's great uncle who accepts the decoration which
was intended for his son ; Prince Louis Ferdinand,
who, however, expressed unwillingness to receive it ;
the Duke of Brunswick ; Field-Marshal Mollendorff ;
1805.J SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 279
Baron Hardenberg, and Count Schulenberg. The
Black Eagles are for Bonaparte, his brother Joseph,
Murat, Beauharnois, Cambaceres, Talleyrand, and
another member of his government, whose name has
not transpired.
A similar arrangement has been made with the Court
of Madrid in regard to the Order of the Golden Fleece.
Though it has been thought unadvi sable to refuse
these orders, yet there is not one of the persons for
whom they are destined, except Prince Ferdinand,
who has been, throughout, a warm admirer of the
French Revolution, who is not ashamed of the new
decoration some of them express themselves, undis-
guisedly, to this effect ; and the feeling is not a little
strengthened by Prussia being placed, by this arrange-
ment, on the same footing of dependence as Spain.
1th. The French minister went yesterday to
Potzdam to deliver the insignia of the Legion of
Honour to the king, together with a letter from
Bonaparte. In the evening he had an audience
of Prince Ferdinand, for the same purpose. The
prince had invited to his house the whole of the
French mission, several foreign ministers, and many
of the residents of this city, to see him decorated
with the star and riband, which he immediately
put on. Visits were also made to the other persons
for whom the new honour was destined, and the
insignia were delivered to them with a^letter from
M. Talleyrand. Field-Marshal Mollendorff had a
large party to dinner, to which M. Laforet was not
invited. The insignia lay on a table for the
280 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
inspection of the guests. Only Prince Ferdinand
has, as yet, wor the order.
The Duke of Brunswick has sent to express his
great embarrassment on this subject, and his doubts
as to the acceptance of the decoration of the Legion
of Honour being compatible with his position as
a Knight of the Garter. Meanwhile, M. Laforet
has delivered the insignia to his serene highness's
minister at Berlin, in the same manner as to the last
mentioned persons, with a letter from M. Talleyrand,
and not from Bonaparte . himself, as was expected,
considering the difference of his serene highness's
rank and situation.
8^. The changes that have taken place in the
war department at Yienna, and the determination of
the emperor to postpone his journey to the Venetian
provinces, engross much 9 attention here. Both
Prince Schwartzenberg and General Loton are con-
sidered totally unequal to undertake the important
charges with which they are entrusted ; and it is
supposed that the influence of the empress has been
exerted, for the purpose of suppressing any disposition
that might appear in the Austrian Government to
oppose the progress of France.
9th. The king has written to Bonaparte, in
answer to his notification of his having assumed the
title of King of Italy. His Majesty expresses an
earnest hoge that the step he has taken may fully
answer the object that gave rise to it. That the erec-
tion of the Italian Republic into a kingdom may be
universally considered as a proof of Bonaparte's pacific
1805.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 281
disposition, and the manner of doing it a proof of
his moderation ; and that the whole may lead to the
desirable end of restoring peace to Europe.
As to the act itself, and the title adopted, His
Prussian Majesty says that, the opinions of other powers,
more immediately interested upon the occasion, must he
referred to. Thus ends the letter, and it is addressed
to the Emperor of the French, without the addition
of King of Italy. This is doubtless the result of the
language lately held to this Court by the Emperor of
Russia ; for, as Bonaparte made an act of the
emperor one of the pretexts for that which he now
announces to the world, the acknowledgment of his
new title would be, in fact, to allow the justice of his
complaint, and, in a certain degree, to take a part in
his favour.
There has Been, however, no refusal, but merely
hesitation, to acknowledge this new dignity ; and
Bonaparte has not started that question, but now, as
when he assumed the Imperial title, has taken it for
granted that it would be immediately acknowledged
by this and other Courts. The king's letter contains
a great many compliments intended to palliate the
effect of the concluding phrase.
\&th. The Duke of Brunswick has accepted the
insignia of the Legion of Honour ; and M. Laforet is
to receive from him, as well as from the king, a
valuable present on the occasion. The duke, however,
apologises to the King of England, and begs that it
may be borne in mind that his country is surrounded
by a French army, and that the honour is conferred
282 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
on him as a Prussian general, in which capacity he
made his acknowledgments to M. Talleyrand.
The king, who was consulted by his serene
highness, advised this course, and said the duke
could not act more conformably to his own interest
than by adhering to the system pursued by this
Court. The duke showed a desire to adopt a contrary
course ; but was prevailed on to accede to the wishes
of His Majesty, on being assured that the acceptance
of the new honour was really as repugnant to his
feelings as to those of the duke ; but that, without
departing from the line of conduct he had laid down
for himself, he could not refuse it. He had, indeed,
gone so far as to set aside Bonaparte's proposal of
giving greater solemnity to the exchange of orders ;
he having desired that they should be delivered by
a chamberlain, sent expressly for th*at purpose by
each Government.
17 'th. Bonaparte being in Italy, M. de Lucchesini
has followed him thither with the orders ; which are
left it seems entirely at his disposal, so that the
report that one was destined for Bernadotte is not
yet confirmed. Bernadotte has asked, and obtained
the permission of His Prussian Majesty, to be present
at the reviews to be held at Magdeburg towards the
end of next month.
20M. M. Brinckman, the Swedish Charge d' Affaires,
has received from the King of Sweden the insignia
of the Order of the Black Eagle, with directions to
return them to the Prussian minister, with the remark
that " Orders of knighthood were originally instituted
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 283
in honour of religion and chivalry ; and that, in his
quality of knight, the King of Sweden could not
consent to wear an order worn by Bonaparte et ses
semblables" It was intended to return them to
M. Tarrach, the Prussian minister at Stockholm, but
he declined to receive them, and M. Brinckman has
not yet been allowed an opportunity of fulfilling the
commission entrusted to him, as much displeasure is felt
at this act of the King of Sweden. M. Tarrach will
be recalled, and a Charge d' Affaires left in his place.
25M. The messenger who took the Prussian
Orders to Paris is returned, and brings the news of
the Toulon fleet having a second time put to sea and
again returned to port, and that there was reason to
believe it had been engaged and defeated by the
British squadron in that quarter. A report has also
found its way here, the confirmation of which we are
anxiously awaiting, of the Brest fleet having been
defeated by Sir 0. Cotton.
Letters April 11th. Your last sunny spring letter
from Bath was quite cheering ; here, not a leaf is to be
seen. After all the contumely heaped upon it, our
English climate is, perhaps, not the worst in the
world. However, en attendant the spring of the
Brandenburg sands, and the w r aking up of Downing
Street from the trance it has lately fallen into, I
have enrolled myself amongst the disciples of Dr.
Gall, whom I believe I have already spoken of to
you. There is a general rage for this man and his
system, and, in conformity to the fashion of the day,
I am attending a course of his lectures. They
284 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
contain, as far as I have gone, much ingenious and
entertaining matter, together with a great many
mischievous notions. Dr. Gall is a physician of
Vienna. He fancies he has discovered an entirely
new system of the brain, by which he makes that im-
portant part of the human structure to consist, instead
of a marrowy substance, of a membraneous skin, which
can be opened and spread upon a table like a napkin.
He likewise divides the brain into various organs,
from which he pretends to account for different
qualities of the mind. Many of his notions have a
direct tendency to fatalism, as he says that a man
being born with the organs that dispose him to
theft, murder, suicide, &c., although his disposition
thereto may be modified by education, it cannot be
totally eradicated. This doctor has not yet published
anything upon his system ; but if I can get a clear
statement of it in a concise form, I will certainly
send it to England, that the first part of it may
be received or refuted by the profession ; for as
to the theory of the organs I think that, at best,
must remain an ingenious speculation.
2$th. I was amused by your fears of my being
concerned in a duel, noticed in some of the English
papers. You must never place any confidence in
what those papers report from this quarter. We
frequently see statements of occurrences here which
certainly never occurred. But the duel in question
did really take place ; the principals were a M.
Krudener connected with the Eussian mission,
whose father, now dead, was the Russian minister at
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 285
this Court and a Captain Mausinna, a son of the
surgeon-general of the army. Society, as you may
know, is in Berlin most rigidly divided into sets
which, except in the case of a few young men, never
associate with each other. Krudener, who belonged
to the first circle, had chosen to join the subscription
for the weekly balls of the second, which indeed
includes persons of such position as the judges, privy
councillors, the clergy, and officers of the garrison.
At one of these balls the quarrel happened. Both
the young men had been drinking very freely, and
as both were anxious for the good graces of the same
fair lady, they exchanged some very uncomplimen-
tary words which ended in blows. Krudener being
the weaker man came off rather badly, but the next
day, after much consultation, for it is the first
instance of a noble fighting with a bourgeois, he sent
a challenge to Mausinna, with the declaration that
one or the other must forfeit his life. The meeting
took place at eight the next morning ; shots were ex-
changed at the distance of eight paces, and Krudener
wounded his adversary in the thigh. But, according
to their previous arrangement, this was not sufficient
satisfaction. They fired again, and Krudener 's ball
pierced his adversary's heart : he fell dead without
uttering a word. This affair caused a great sensation
in Berlin. As it was thus to be settled, I confess
to being glad that Krudener is the survivor ; though
I doubt whether his existence is worth having.
For, from what I know of his disposition, I believe he
will suffer much from remorse when the excitement of
286 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
his present feelings has passed away. His mother
who about a year ago wrote a novel called " Valerie,"
which made a great noise is au desespoir. She is at
Eiga; her son, with his second, Prince Lubomirski,
is at Dresden. Krudener cannot return to his post
at Berlin, and the prince I imagine will prefer some
other Court. De mortuis nil nisi bonum yet it must
be confessed that Mausinna was a great scamp. The
sympathy of the public, however, is with him and
his family, and has been very strongly expressed.
May 1st. You have heard of the honours conferred
here by the Great Nap ; and that the Golden Eagle
now flaunts his glittering plumage by the side of the
black one, at least on the breast of Prince Ferdinand,
the Great Frederick's brother ! He alone of the
decores feels himself honoured. What would have been
the feelings of that brother could he have stepped
from his tomb, and have beheld the empressement
with which the prince and princess received the
mighty man's minister, when he arrived to decorate
his royal highness, in the presence of a large com-
pany ; having just returned from the performance
of a similar ceremony at Potzdam ! The king will
probably never wear his Order, unless his ill-fate
should force him to an interview with the Corsican
emperor. The Duke of Brunswick is still greatly
embarrassed how to reconcile honour with dishonour,
the Garter with the Eagle.
1th. We have Sir William Coll and his sister
with us, quite young people, who have been travel-
ling for the last two years. They left England just
1805.J SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 287
before the breaking out of the war, and were among
those English who owe their liberty only to the
good nature of the commandant at Geneva, who had
promised to give them timely notice of any un-
favourable turn of affairs. The arrest of the English
was, however, ordered without any previous warning.
The commandant went to them with the order in his
pocket ; told them he should delay the execution of
it for a few hours, and begged them to set off im-
mediately. They did so, and Sir William and his
sister, after another very narrow escape at Lau-
sanne, reached Neufchatel, whence, after letting
his beard grow, and both disguising themselves as
peasants, they contrived to get away, and travelled
on foot to Munich. They have been at Vienna for
the last fifteen months, and are now on their way
home. They amuse us greatly with stories of their
adventures. You may remember their father, an
old blind baronet, who lived at Lee. Our Hamburg
baronet is still here, as miserable as ever himself,
and making everybody miserable he comes in con-
tact with. He thinks himself hardly dealt by, and
perhaps he is ; but everybody answers, " his parole !"
" his parole !" Drake, he says, had he been carried
off as he was, and lodged in a Paris gaol, might have
been induced to give his parole, too ; and he hears
that Drake is one of those who cast blame on him.
Neither one nor the other can again be employed, but
Drake, having been made a catspaw of, will no doubt
find consolation in the receipt of a good pension.
Kotzebue, after whom you inquire with so much
288 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
interest, left this some months ago to pass the
winter, I believe, in Italy. Upon his first coming
here people were much disposed in his favour, but
his unconscionable vanity and affectation of extreme
sensibility sickened many persons ; and he sank
very low in every one's estimation after the publica-
tion of his memoirs, because of his pitiful and
ignoble insinuations against those to whom he owed
a deep debt of gratitude. For myself, I own that I
was much surprised, notwithstanding all I had heard
and seen of him, when, after reading his description
of his feelings in the wood near Stockenanschoff, and
the stream of tenderness that gushed forth when he
thought of " his Emily," the mere repetition of whose
" sweet name " calmed his sufferings both of mind
and body, &c., I learnt that he had just married his
third, if not fourth wife.
It was reported, about three months ago, that Kot-
zebiie had been arrested by the French on his road
from Rome to Naples. A month or so afterwards
there appeared in the " Hamburg Gazette " a letter
from him, contradicting the report, and expressing
his astonishment at the impertinence of the newspaper
people in propagating it. He assured his friends that,
so far from having met with any hindrance or moles-
tation on his journey, he had experienced, wherever
he met with a Frenchman, not only the urbanity for
which that nation is celebrated, but the most dis-
tinguished and flattering marks of consideration and
respect. This curious production ends thus : " Would
to God my good countrymen would leave me quiet !"
1 805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 289
and then, pour surcrott d'insolence, he signs himself
" Kotzebiie, Chancellor of His Imperial Majesty the
Emperor of Russia ;" which will certainly do him
no good at St. Petersburg.
9th. We expect to have another brush with
Bonaparte if Mr. Taylor returns to Oassel. M.
Bignon, the French Charge d' Affaires at that Court,
has informed the elector that if Mr. Taylor is
admitted to his table at the same time .as himself, he
will immediately quit Cassel. His electoral highness
is said to have replied, " Qu'il en etait le maitre." He
is, however, rather perplexed as to the course he
shall take, and has sought the advice of the king, as
well as desired to have the charges which the French
Government bring against Mr. Taylor stated in
writing.
Diaries May 14M. The Swedish Charge d' Affaires
has fulfilled the king's orders, and delivered also a
letter he was charged with from His Majesty. No
notice whatever will be taken of it, and the Swedish
Order of the Seraphim will not be sent back ; but
directions have been forwarded to M. de Tarrach to
ask for his passports, and to leave Sweden imme-
diately, with the whole of his mission.
M. Brinckman has been informed that he is at
liberty to remain in Berlin, but as a private person
only. It was at first intended not to proceed to that
extremity, but to treat the conduct of the King of
Sweden with indifference. M. Lombard and the
French party, however, persuaded the king to resent
the affront, and availed themselves especially of the
VOL. i. u
290 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
King of Sweden's expression " et ses semblables,"
which they represented as pointing directly to His
Prussian Majesty. At the intercession of the Russian
minister, permission was given to M. Brinckman
to remain in Berlin, but no other concession was
made.
IQth. Their Majesties are going to Furth on the
23rd, for the inspection of the troops cantoned in the
margraviates. They will afterwards pass some time
at a new bathing place, not far from Bareuth, called
Alexander's Bad.
Several French officers, besides Marshal Bernadotte,
are to be present at the reviews at Korbelitz. The
latter is to receive the military honours of a Prussian
field-marshal, and Lieutenant-Colonel Kreusemarck
is appointed to attend him and his suite during his
stay with the Prussian troops.
19^A. M. Laforet observed yesterday, in conversa-
tion, that Bonaparte's assumption of the consular
dignity was followed by the restoration of the
blessings of peace, and he now hoped that his
accession to the crown of Italy would prove of
similar benefit to humanity. Bonaparte's reasons for
assuming the regal title are just announced to the
world by M. Talleyrand, in terms to which " qui
s'excuse s'accuse " may fairly be applied.*
The manner in which the Austrian Government,
without absolutely acknowledging Bonaparte's title
of King of Italy, makes it clear that they have very
little disposition to resist his claim to it, is con-
* See Appendix, No. 4.
1805.] SIB GEOBGE JACKSON. 291
sidered as a betrayal of their weakness in no small
degree.
23rd. Public attention is now almost exclusively
directed to the expected arrival of M. de Novossiltzow,
for whom Bonaparte has sent passports for his
journey to Italy, for the purpose of entering upon a
negotiation for a pacific adjustment of the differences
existing between Russia and France. It is feared,
however, that Bonaparte's inordinate ambition will
prevent the possibility of coming to any reasonable
terms with him. The French party, meanwhile,
endeavour to divert the public mind towards that
view of the matter which, as they represent, shows
with what facility an accommodation could be effected,
if the complicated interests that England is forced to
attend to did not present a material obstacle to a peace.
Yet they have made known, that Bonaparte has de-
clared, that any menaces from the Russian envoy will
prove fatal to the success of his mission.
25#A. My brother, having received leave to absent
himself from Berlin for some weeks, presented me to-
day, to Baron Hardenberg, as the person who had
filled the office of secretary of legation for the last
fifteen months, and who would make any application to
him that the course of affairs might render necessary ;
who would report to the British Government any
circumstances that might occur during his absence
with which it would be desirable they should be ac-
quainted, and would take charge, generally, of the
business of the mission.
Letters May 1th. I received yesterday a letter
u 2
292 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF L 1805 -
from a friend in England. He says, " This is with us
a season of conjecture, with respect to the fleets ; of
apprehension for the islands, and of cavilling at home
on subjects that ought not to have been introduced
at a critical time like this. Thoughtful people
tremble for the state of the nation. The king,
whatever you may hear of his perfect recovery, be
assured, is far from being compos mentis. His dis-
position is so very volatile, and so difficult to do
business with, that ministers know not how to act.
He thinks of nothing but pleasure and expense, in
unbounded degrees ; the presents he makes some-
thing quite new with him cost enormous sums.
His dislike to the queen increases daily, and he is
now devoted to two young favourites. What a
deplorable state of things for a nation circumstanced
as we are ! Yet we, whose duty it is to be, as those
who seeing, see not, console ourselves with the
thought that an old dotard, if he can work no good,
may do less evil than a drunken profligate.
" Do you know that our friend Nott is named sub-
preceptor to that poor child the Princess of Wales ?
You have had, no doubt, a full and particular ac-
count of the Installation, reported as the most mag-
nificent spectacle ever seen in England. I can add,
and the most ennuyant. Sir Isaac Heard will pocket
some thousands by it, which may console him for the
unlucky accident he met with. It is a sort of wind-
fall to him ; for he told me he never expected or
supposed there would bean Installation in this reign.
I could tell you some anecdotes that would make you
1805.J SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 293
laugh, about that event, and matters more domestic of
our virtuous court. But I forbear, for they should
perhaps be considered subjects rather of grief than of
mirth. I know, too, that your letters are often
waylaid by the enemy. This goes by a pretty safe
conveyance, or I should not have ventured to give
you even this little peep under the curtain.
" The great emperor, they tell us, knows as well as
ourselves, what great George and his hopeful heir
would be worth to us in the hour of danger. But he
knows also what sort of spirit pervades the people,
and how, if it comes to the point, the whole nation
will rise and do its own work, and brush him off our
shores very thoroughly. .
" The spirit of the King of Sweden's declaration to
his cousin and brother of Prussia is generally admired.
Had he but the needful resources, or neighbours with
something like the same chivalrous boldness and
valour, for which we give him credit, he would soon
carve his way, I fancy, through Prussia to France,
and beard the lion in his own lair. Adieu, my dear
George. Don't let us two old Westminsters drop our
correspondence. You have heard from Mrs. J. of the
changes at that seat of learning, I know. How is it
your brother does not apply for the vacant Berlin
secretaryship for you ? I, who, being in the office,
ought not to let you into its secrets, believe that
Lord M. would give it you. You are thoroughly up
to its duties ;. and they tell me you are now full six feet
in height, fond of the ladies, and a devilishly good-
looking fellow." B.
294 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
Diaries June 3rd. The Swedish Charge d' Affaires
is ordered to ask for his passports and to leave Berlin
immediately.
4:th and 5th. Countess Yoss has written, from
Magdeburg, that Bernadotte had excused himself from
attending the reviews on account of indisposition. But
Berthier was there ; of whom she says, " II est tres
poli, mais du reste, pas grande chose." M. de
Lucchesini had arrived at Furth, from Milan, in five
days. He brought the news that the Doge of Genoa
awaited only the arrival of Bonaparte to complete the
arrangement for the union of that country with France.
The event is officially announced by the French, this
morning, as having actually taken place, with the
further information, that Bonaparte had acceded to it
solely at the entreaties of the Genoese, and to give
them an additional proof of his pacific dispositions and
his desire to ensure the independence and welfare of
that part of Italy.
My brother, who is at Dresden, writes that he had,
on the 3rd, a private audience of the elector, and that
at an evening Whitsuntide drawing-room the only
one held there during summer he and his wife were
presented to the whole of the electoral family. The
Court resides at Pilnitz, a very pretty chateau, and
famous for the interview that took place there in 1791
between the Emperor Leopold and the late King of
Prussia on the subject of the affairs of France. The
agreement formed between them was. afterwards
converted by the French revolutionists, and by our
opposition, into a treaty for the partition of France ;
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 295
and was made the cJieval de bataille both in France
and in our Parliament, in order to prove the iniquity of
the last war, and of the views of the coalesced powers.
The Emperor of Germany arrived at Prague on the
30th. The Chancellor of Bohemia, only, accompanied
him. Immediately on his arrival he convoked a
meeting of the chief magistrates and capitaines de
cercles. His journey was suddenly undertaken, but
its object is supposed to be, to find if possible, a
remedy for the sufferings of his Bohemian subjects,
arising from the scarcity and consequent high price
of all the necessaries of life. The condition of the
inhabitants is represented as most wretched. Specu-
lators are however inclined to think that an interview
with the King of Prussia may be intended, as, after
the Fiirth reviews, he will be near Bareuth, not far
from the frontiers of Bohemia. The march of the
Austrian troops towards Italy, consisting of ten
regiments of infantry, four of cavalry, and three parks
of artillery, has, it is feared, been countermanded.
The semestriers who were ordered to join their regi-
ments are also dismissed.
The King of Sweden has invited the British,
Eussian, and Austrian ministers at Stockholm to ac-
company him to the camp at Scania. M. Brinckman
has not yet applied for his passports ; he postpones his
departure as long as possible, thinking it not impro-
bable that the king may be prevailed upon to make
up matters with the King of Prussia, and that he,
perhaps, may be employed in the work of concilia-
tion. There are many good reasons for supposing the
296 DIAEIES AND LETTEES OF [1805.
contrary, but so strange a thing would not be without
a precedent.
Qth. A person, who professes to have overheard
the matter discussed between Count Metternich and
M. Laforet, at the house of the latter, assured me this
morning that Austria has acknowledged Bonaparte's
title of King of Italy, and that the King of Prussia
on being informed of it, immediately, in a great huff,
sent off fresh letters of credence to M. de Lucchesini ;
observing that, if a power so much more nearly
interested in the question than Prussia, as Austria
was, had recognized Bonaparte's proceedings, there
could no longer be any reason for Prussia withhold-
ing her recognition of the title he had assumed
Letters June 10th. Bonaparte has dismissed the
Archbishop of Turin from his office, because he de-
clined to accept the cordon of the Legion of Honour,
and refused to incense him at the door of the cathedral.
The Piedmontese nobility appear to have set an
example to their more powerful, but less magnanimous,
neighbours. Women, as well as men, have refused
the most distinguished places in the new-fangled
Court. Nothing can equal the discontent prevalent
in Italy. People of all ranks make no scruple of
publicly avowing their sentiments, and the usurper's
disappointment and vexation are equally undisguised.
12M- The Russian negotiators have received, by
the last " Moniteur," a gentle hint of what they have
to expect. The paragraph referred to says "toute
la paix d' Amiens rien .que la paix d' Amiens la
France ii'eii signera jamais d'autre."
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 297
13/A. Berlin is becoming a perfect desert, every-
body is hurrying away to breathe the fine air of
Dresden, which place has now more visitors than it
can comfortably hold. But most of them are birds of
passage on their way to the watering places in
Bohemia. Two of the French generals, who were at
the late reviews near Magdeburg have arrived in
this city. The junior officer Frere, of Hamburg
notoriety came without asking leave ; and, indeed,
without knowing that his superior officer was here.
Allow, then, that he must have been taken rather
aback when he met, as he was going to pay a visit to
the French minister, Sir G. Rumbold at the door, and
General Revaud on the staircase. The conduct of
the latter while at the reviews was such as to annoy
even his own officers. To some inquiries that were
made after the health of Bernadotte, who had excused
himself from attending on account of illness, Revaud
answered with a shrug of the shoulders His
Prussian Majesty being present "II se porte aussi
bien que moi." At a fete given at Brunswick, in
honour of the French officers, the duke, it appears,
wore his French eagle, which Revaud remarking, im-
mediately expressed to his serene highness his satis-
faction at finding that the report he had heard of his
refusal to wear that decoration was incorrect. The
duke was not well pleased at this freedom, nor with
the familiarity with which the General constantly
addressed him as " Monsieur le Due," never " votre
Altesse," or " Monseigneur."
14t/t. An amusing circumstance occurred with
298 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
reference to Revaud's avant-courier, who contrived to
pick a quarrel with his postilion just as he reached
his journey's end. Wishing to convince the man of
his fault, by a forcible argument, addressed to his back
rather than to his understanding, he began belabour-
ing him unmercifully with the flat of his sabre. His
Majesty happened at that moment to be at a window,
and saw all that was going forward. Observing to
his aide-de-camp that, the^ gentleman, he supposed,
had forgotten he was no longer in Hanover, he gave
orders that he should be put under .arrest, and, that
he might have leisure to refresh his memory, continue
in that comfortable situation during his master's stay
at the reviews.
The three French generals who assisted at these
reviews were Berthier, Kellerman, and Re'vaud.
Berthier was accompanied by his wife. They dined
each day with the Queen, and supped with General
Knobelsdorff. The Duke of Brunswick gave them a
very grand entertainment at his capital, and ordered
that the plays most agreeable to them should be
performed at the theatre.
All the Prussian officers, even the King and Duke
of Brunswick, were encamped during the reviews,
except Prince Louis, who preferred the conveniences
and delights of love in a cottage, as he had taken his
chere amie with him.
16th. Sir George Rumbold has been very ill with
the ague and fever which affects so many people in
Berlin. I have constant attacks, more or less severe,
and do not expect to be entirely free from them while
1805.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 299
I remain here. Sir G-eorge is going to Dresden for a
change. The Metternich family set off for the same
place this morning, also M. Brinckman, to whom the
King of Sweden has sent peremptory orders to leave
Berlin without loss of time. The Prussian minister
is already returned from Stockholm.
Diaries June \lth. A French messenger has
arrived from Italy, but has been twelve days on the
road, having come round by Paris. M. Laforet
announces that he has brought no news, beyond
that it was the intention of Bonaparte to return
to Paris by the 12th of next month. But there are
various on dits, of a not very conciliatory tone, on the
subject ofM. de Novossiltzow's mission, from which it
is inferred that Bonaparte is inclined to treat the
Russian negotiator in a manner very different from
what his former professions led us to expect.* The
French minister is at great pains to make it generally
known that he has no instructions as to the place or
time of the proposed negotiation ; but he states,
vaguely, that by the time M. de Novossiltzow arrives
at Mayence Bonaparte's movements will be more
certain, and that the former will then be informed
when and where he can be received.
] Sth. The king is at Alexander's Bad ; .to which
place the Electors of Bavaria and Hesse are also
gone to consult with His Majesty on the present
position of affairs, in regard to their electorates. It
has been rumoured, and has caused general alarm,
that the king intended to make a tour in Switzerland
* See Appendix, No. 5.
300 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
before his return to Berlin. It is feared that he would,
in that case be drawn into a meeting with Bonaparte,
from which only unfavourable results are augured.
24M. An avant-courier arrived on the 22nd, and
announced that M. de Novossiltzow might be expected
in Berlin that night. Instantly, I despatched a courier
to Dresden to give my brother the first intelligence
of it. The people of Berlin are so anxiously inter-
ested in this negotiation for peace between Russia
and France, that numbers were waiting merely to get
a glimpse of the Russian negotiator, as he entered the
city. They were however doomed to disappointment ;
for M. de Novossiltzow did not reach Berlin until late
last night, having been twelve days on his journey.
The quidnuncs were all on the alert this morning,
when a further subject for speculation was afforded
them by the arrival of my brother, about eleven
o'clock, in an open carriage and four. He had
travelled all night, with the hope of arriving as
soon as M. de Novossiltzow, and is now gone to visit
him.
26th. Bonaparte announces that he will not
receive M. de Novossiltzow at Milan, but in Paris.
The latter will wait for an interview with the King
of Prussia. This, it is hoped, will put an end to any
project that may have been formed for a tour in
Switzerland.
11th. We had M. de Novossilteow and ten others
to dinner last evening, and paid him the compliment
of a diner Russe cooked by a Russian chef. M. de
N. himself, is however, Le Russe le moms Russe I
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 301
have seen for a long time. Polite and prevenant,
yet with a frank and open manner that at once
inspires confidence. He has the appearance of being
very young, though he is near upon forty ; il louche,
and has not, exactly, an air distingue, yet his manner
of presenting himself, and his evident bonne foi, at
once prepossess you in his favour. I have noticed
him thus particularly, because so much is expected
from his talents as a negotiator, in this business
between Russia and France.
29M. The incorporation of Genoa has made so
great a sensation at St. Petersburg, and also at Vienna,
that there are hopes that the latter Court may be
induced by it to take some vigorous and decisive
steps in conjunction with Russia. It is even proposed,
in consequence, to break off the negotiation with
France ; though M. de Novossiltzow will proceed on
his journey to the place Bonaparte may appoint, in
order to give Austria time to receive the succours
that may be sent to her. The actual recognition of the
title of King of Italy by Austria, which the French
mission reported had taken place, is now said to have
been a fabrication.
30M. The king has notified his intention of re-
turning to Berlin to receive M. de Novossiltzow.
July 3rd. Disturbances have taken place in some
of the provincial towns, owing to the distress which
the high price of corn and other necessaries of life
has caused among the poorer classes. But it is not so
severely felt in the Prussian dominions as in Saxony
and Bohemia. The turbulent spirit which, from the
302 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
same cause, has occasionally shown itself amongst the
populace of Berlin has been allayed by the measures
taken to diminish the consumption of grain, by pro-
hibiting its distillation, and to secure a supply for
the markets by stopping the exportation of bread,
even to the neighbouring villages. At Halle these
measures were not seconded by others that were
necessary to enforce obedience to them. In conse-
quence the people of that town, after many riotous
acts, went to the length of destroying several houses,
and putting to death several supposed monopolists.
For the popular vengeance as too often happens
fell chiefly upon innocent victims. But the worst
feature of these disgraceful proceedings is, that they
occurred in the presence of a whole regiment of
infantry, in garrison at Halle. After causing full
inquiry to be made into this circumstance, the king
has cashiered the field officer of the day, and two
other officers of the regiment.
5th. Count Schmettan, a Prussian general, and
a very clever fellow, has availed himself dexterously
enough of the circumstance of the King of Sweden
having returned the Black Eagle to the King of
Prussia. The Count had the Swedish Order of the
Sword, but no Prussian decoration. He, therefore,
wrote to the king, suggesting the propriety of return-
ing the insignia to His Swedish Majesty, and begging
to receive, the king's orders to that effect. The king
replied, that it was not necessary to return the
Swedish Order, but as it might not be agreeble to him,
under existing circumstances, to wear it, he sent him
1805.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 303
the Red Eagle to supply its place. It is said that the
Count looked higher, he expected to bring down
the Black Eagle, and was somewhat disappointed
when he found his colour red.
Mr. Pierrepont, our minister at Stockholm, and his
Russian colleague have been amusing themselves
greatly at the Swedish camp, and have been royally
entertained there. Everything was at His Majesty's
expense ; houses, horses, carriages, &c. &c. The camp
consisted of about nine thousand very fine-looking
fellows, in every respect very well equipped. The
king laid aside all etiquette, and was extremely
affable and attentive to his guests.
7th. The affair of Genoa creates, apparently, no
uneasy feeling at this Court, notwithstanding the
agitation it has caused at St. Petersburg and Vienna.
It is not enough for the King of Prussia to see the
knife at his throat, the blow must be given before he
will believe that danger threatens him.
10th. The King of Prussia arrived yesterday at
Charlottenburg and gave audience to M. de Novos-
siltzow. The result is that he does not proceed on his
journey to Paris, but returns Bonaparte's passports to
the Prussian minister, and in a day or two will set out
for St. Petersburg. The Russian troops are already
marching towards the frontier in different directions.
The king, it is generally believed, will not be
moved by any arguments to depart from what he
calls his system, which is, in fact, no system at all ;
being founded on nullity, and a determination to be
entirely governed, and not at all guided, by events
304 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
as they arise, and to resign himself submissively to
whatever may appear, at the moment of unavoidable
choice, to offer the least immediate danger. In short,
nothing but actual force will stir the King of Prussia
from the ground he has taken as the basis of his
political conduct.
\1th. Mr. Taylor having returned to Cassel, the
French minister, M. Bignon, took the liberty of
addressing himself to the elector on the subject, and
in language so intemperate and threatening, that
his serene highness has submitted the matter to
the king. He has expressed his intention to con-
tinue to receive Mr. Taylor, yet asks for advice in
the embarrassing position he is placed in. The
king has approved of the elector's resolution, and
advised him to persevere in it.
I4:th. As the Prussian Government has been the
medium through which the mission of M. de Novossilt-
zow has been conducted thus far, it will also be
charged to convey to Bonaparte the motives that
render it impossible for Russia to proceed in the
negotiation, at a moment when he is arbitrarily
taking possession of every point that was to have
become a subject of discussion.
19M. Yery early this morning M. de Novossiltzow
left Berlin for St. Petersburg, and will travel with
great speed. He has made here the most favourable
impression. His personal qualities, and his con-
ciliatory manners, would have been likely to gain
the esteem and good will even of our enemy. He
left a note, addressed to the Prussian minister, to be
1805.J SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 305
communicated to M. Laforet. The latter has refused
to receive it, alleging- that it is conceived in terms
offensive to the dignity of the emperor, his master.
As M. de Novossiltzow desired that all publicity
should be given to it, it was forwarded to Hamburg,
and has appeared in the newspapers of that town.
Curiosity is now piqued to see what effect it will
have upon Bonaparte.*
It is generally admitted that the British Govern-
ment could not have given a better proof of its
sincere wish to put an end to the war, or the
Emperor of Russia of his readiness to second that
wish, than by the manner in which this step towards
a negotiation has been taken. The most inveterate
antagonists of Great Britain must allow that an
attempt has been made to meet the overtures of
France upon fair and dignified grounds, and that it
has been done in the most unexceptionable manner.
The choice of the negotiator is thought to be an
unequivocal proof of the sincerity with which it was
sought to restore to Europe independence and peace.
The King of Prussia is fully convinced of it. He
has felt irritated at the conduct of the French
Government, and displeased with M. Laforet for
returning the Russian note. He himself gave orders
that the French minister should be made acquainted
with his sentiments. And, speaking of Bonaparte's
ambition, he said, " Qu'il ne croye pas que je le
suiverai dans toutes les sottises qu'il jugera a propos
de faire."
* See Appendix, No. 6.
VOL. I. X
306 DIARIES AND LETTEES OF [1805.
The Hamburg papers have published the note of
M. de Hardenberg to M. Laforet on returning the
passports of M. Novossiltzow.*
Letters July 23rd. The Russian business having
been brought to an unexpected close, my brother
thinks it right to await at Berlin the intelligence he
is expecting, both from England and Russia, rather
than to avail himself further of his leave of absence.
My term of office, then, is ended. Though short, it
has been satisfactory. My correspondence, both
public and private, has been pronounced by my
chief, "very commendable." But a damper, or
rather an extinguisher, to my hopes has arrived by
this mail. My brother's urgent solicitations to
Lord Mulgrave are answered by the announcement
of Mr. Bartle Frere's appointment as secretary of
legation. My aguish attack was on me, and what
I could not, momentarily, at least, help feeling, I
think made it sharper than usual. However, it is
past now, and I am going for a few days to Dresden.
I have worked almost day and night during my
brother's absence, and the change, he thinks, will do
me good. Frere was at Felstead with Francis his
junior and his fag. He is, I believe, a pleasant,
gentlemanlike young man, and will, no doubt, be an
agreeable addition to our circle. King, who wanted
the secretaryship of this mission, and remained in
Berlin ready to pop into it when his friends, as he
expected, had secured the post for him, was appointed
to Dresden, under Wynn, our youthful minister at that
* See Appendix, No. 7.
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 307
Court. King, however, on receiving notice of it
was highly indignant ; and, although he has never
filled any appointment whatever, actually wrote to
Lord Mulgrave, saying he had better keep so good a
thing for some one of his particular friends. He is
certainly very amusing, but terribly harum-scarum,
even for an Irishman. He is now off to Greece, and
of course will not turn his thoughts again to a
diplomatic career.
Lord Mulgrave has made himself very unpopular
with the juniors. He has given orders that no
clerk shall " on any account ever leave the Office "
without asking permission. Some of the young
men, I have been told, being too proud to ask leave
to go to dinner, prefer to go without, and remain in
the office till all the doors are closed, and they are
almost turned out.
Dresden, 31st. I left Berlin with my friend Low-
enstern on the 24th. While changing horses at
Potzdam, we were much amused by the facetiousness
and thoughtless loquacity of a French, courier, who
drew up at the post-house nearly at the same time
as ourselves. Little suspecting that he was commu-
nicating his information to a Russian, and an English-
man, he told us he had been sent off at an hour's
notice, and was the bearer of only one small letter.
But he did not end his story there ; and when he
proceeded to give us the particulars of what was
passing in Paris, of the anxiety felt by all classes
for the safety of their boasted Armada, and of the
journey of his " imperial master " to the coast to
x 2
308 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805
superintend, not to accompany, the flotilla about to
attempt the long threatened invasion, we could
hardly contain ourselves for laughter ; and had not
our order from M. d'Engelbach to the postmaster
made him more alert than usual, we should certainly
have been betrayed by our hilarity. As soon as we
arrived at Dessau we sent off the particulars he had
favoured us with to Berlin.
We looked at Worlitz en passant, then continued
our journey in a heavy rain and dark night. We
were praising the goodness of the roads, and congra-
tulating ourselves on our prosperous journey, when,
suddenly I was raised high above my fellow traveller,
who was as suddenly seated on a level with the
road. We fancied that the carriage had fallen into
a deep hole, but soon discovered that one of the
wheels had come off. Nothing was broken, and, as
luck would have it, in spite of the rain and the dark-
ness, we succeeded in finding the nut of the wheel,
which had come unscrewed, and was the sole cause
of our change of position. Notwithstanding this
contre-temps we got to Leipsic early in the morning,
having accomplished the last post, which is four
G-erman miles and the roads the worst on the
whole journey in five hours. Leipsic is a very
dull town except during the fair. We assisted at a
Lutheran baptism, at the church of St. Nicholas,
the handsomest modern church I ever saw. We left
Leipsic at four, and arrived within half an English
mile of Wiirze by six. Here we had the mortifi-
cation of being detained thirteen hours by the over-
1805.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 309
flowing of the Miilde, owing to the late excessive rains.
A miserable ale-house, every corner of which was
already taken up by persons in the same predicament
as ourselves, was the only accommodation the place
afforded. We had nothing for it then, but to make
up ourselves for the night in the carriage that stood
in the inn yard ; not a little worried, however, by a
quarrel with our postilion, who, upon our arrival,
said he would give his horses a feed, and take us
round by Crimma. Accordingly we enjoyed a quiet
dish of tea, and made acquaintance with a Saxon
lieutenant going to join his regiment at Toyau,
expecting in an hour or two to proceed on our
journey. But our friend the postilion, in the interval,
had had such frequent recourse to the brandy bottle
that, from a very good humoured, gay postilion, he
had become the surliest bear I ever had to do with.
Neither the threats and authority of the Office, nor
our own more persuasive language could make the
brute stir, so we were obliged to give it up, and be
content to turn into the carriage, and await the
morning. Our Saxon friend was furious, wrote to
the postmaster at Wiirze, and entreated us to lay our
complaint at the office at Dresden. We, however,
on our arrival in this city, felt so indifferent in the
cause of public justice, that it was only from a sense
of what we owed to the advocate who had so enthu-
siastically espoused our cause, that we took any
further step in the matter. The Dresden office has
referred us to Leipsic, which ends the affair, and
fortunately so for the drunken postilion.
310 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
On our arrival, we made the usual round of visits
and presentations. At noon we accompanied Wynn
to the princes' and princesses' apartments, and were
very graciously received. Thence we went to the
elector, who talked a good deal with everybody. I
expected to be passed by, and was therefore the more
surprised when I found him very chatty with me
also, telling me, amongst other things, how pleased
he was to have made my brother's acquaintance.
But not thus condescending was his consort. She re-
ceived us, as is usual, in the dining-room, the dishes
being already on the table; the grateful savour of
which had, I suppose, so sharpened her appetite, that
she would hardly allow Wynn time to pronounce our
names, and she held no conversation with anybody.
Saturday we had a supper at Wynn's ; the guests
were mostly Russians, including the Princess Hohen-
zollern and her set. The Princess Troubetzkoi, who
was there, is, I think, at least by candle-light, almost
the prettiest woman I have seen on the Continent.
The Czartoriskis play the campagnards, and will not
join in the raking of the town, which I am sorry for.
At Wynn's there was, at first, but one card-table,
and that for men ; but just as supper was about to be
announced, the Duchess Acurenza took it into her
head to wish to play, and a Boston was accordingly
arranged for her Grace.
What remains of my leave of absence I shall spend
chiefly with my friend Lowenstern's charming family
at Breisnitz, whence we shall make excursions in
La Suisse Saxonne.
1805.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 311
Diaries August $th. Returned to Berlin this
afternoon. Heard at Dresden, what I find confirmed
here, that Bonaparte has said he was neither surprised
nor dissatisfied at M. de Novossiltzow's return to
Russia as his mission was so unlikely to lead to any
successful result. From a paragraph in the " Moni-
teur," intended to express his sentiments, it appears
that Bonaparte is desirous of negotiating directly
with England.
10^. Count Bernstorff, brother of the Danish
minister, has been sent to Berlin for the purpose of
removing some obstacles that have arisen to the com-
pletion of the negotiation for a marriage between
Prince Henry and the Danish princess. They relate
to a correspondence which has been carried on between
the princess and a young officer in the Danish army.
The prince considers that some explanation should be
forthcoming on the subject.
The vexations to which the Elector of Hesse is
exposed, by the conduct of M. Bignon, and the orders
of the French Government, with respect to Mr. Taylor,
may lead, it is feared, to serious consequences. The
king has sent a remonstrance, and has said that if any
well-grounded complaint can be brought against
Mr. Taylor, it would be judged of according to the
established rules of the laws of nations.
The Elector and Prince Witgenstein were at
Pyrmont, where Mr. Taylor also had been to pay his
respects to the elector. His serene highness displayed
great anxiety, and entreated Mr. Taylor to leave
Pyrmont. This, at first, he declined to do, but has
312 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
since determined to return to Cassel ; to remain there
for some days ; to despatch a messenger to England,
and afterwards to go for some weeks to Dryburg.
The insolence of the orders sent by the French
Government, and the impetuosity of M. Bignon in
attempting to execute them, have excited both
alarm and indignation. For it is felt that it is but
a mere pretext for the subjugation of the Elector of
Hesse, and other princes, and is to end, if not checked,
in usurping the same authority in the Prussian
dominions.
llth. A Frenchman, who described himself as un
litterateur , lately applied in Vienna for a passport, to
go to Hungary ; but, being recognized as an officer
who had served in the last war as aide-de-camp to
General Massena, the passport was refused. Bonaparte
made this a subject of complaint, as being inconsistent
with the relations of peace and unity existing between
the two countries. The cause of the refusal was
explained, and it was added that such complaints
came with an ill grace from France, where several
Austrian officers had been arrested by the police, and
had obtained their release with the greatest difficulty
through the intervention of the Austrian embassy.
An explanation of the armaments going on in Austria
was then demanded. The answer was, they were
occasioned by those of France, where nearly three
times the number of troops were assembled beyond
those under arms in Austria.
12*/i. Prince William of Brunswick having lately
had occasion to reprimand one of the young subaltern
1805.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 313
officers of his regiment, he replied in so insolent a
manner that the prince, in a moment of great irrita-
tion, struck him. The officer immediately drew his
sword, attacked the prince, and wounded him. He
then rushed away, to surrender, as he said, but,
instead of doing so, went to his rooms, and shot him-
self through the head. For some reason this unfor-
tunate affair is hushed up ; and though it is well
known to be a fact by every officer of this garrison,
the truth of it has been denied in a way that in-
dicates that no public notice will be taken of it.
The reprimand, it has transpired, was as intemperate
as the retort.
16^. It has always been thought likely that
General Ruchel, colonel of the regiment of Guards, and
governor of Potzdam, would be named to one of the
first commands, in the event of the Prussian army
taking the field. He has just been appointed to
succeed General Kreusemarck, who retires from the
service with the rank of field- marshal, as governor of
Konigsberg. His nomination to this post is considered
to be, in some measure, connected with the present
state of affairs. But while it is asserted, on the one
hand, that the king is determined to maintain the
tranquillity of the north of Germany, on the other, it
is denied that any armaments are in contemplation.
Such, however, is the state of readiness in which the
Prussian troops are maintained, that some time might
elapse before any steps so openly significant would be
taken, as the recall of furlough men, the dislocation
of regiments, or the purchase of artillery horses.
314 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1S05.
The military magazines which, according to the
constitution of this army, should always be full, in
order to supply any unexpected demands, have not
been completed since the peace of Basle ; owing to
the high price of corn.
In the course of this year, from the failure of the
last crops and the consequent want and misery of the
poor, which exceed everything we know of in England
in our years of scarcity, it became necessary to open
these magazines, for the assistance of the provinces,
when it was found that they contained very little
more than was required for that purpose.
We received yesterday the account of Sir E. Calder's
success which, as a commencement, we may be
satisfied with, but which, if followed by no other
more decisive operations against the enemy, would
leave a feeling of regret that they should escape so
well. However, we should still have supported the
honour and superiority of our flag. The joy here is
almost as general as in England, though there are
some persons who do not think it prudent to pro-
claim it so loudly.
19#A. We are waiting anxiously for the confir-
mation of a report, just received, of Lord Nelson
and Admiral Cornwallis having fallen in with the
combined squadron, and taken sixteen sail of the line.
22nd. The " Frankfort Gazette " contains a most
insolent and scurrilous article on the subject of
M. de. Novossiltzow's mission. The French resident at
Frankfort would not allow the editor of that paper to
publish the Russian note. A remonstrance was
1805.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 315
therefore sent to the latter for giving insertion to the
above-named article, when permission was granted
for the appearance of the note ; with comments
immediately following it, furnished to the editor by
the resident.
28M. The Russian army entered Gallicia, at
Brody, on the 22nd inst. The vigour and resolution
of the Emperor Alexander, and the prospect of the
speedy beginning of a continental war, have caused
great excitement in Berlin amongst all classes of
people. Nevertheless, the course to be taken by this
country will probably remain uncertain until no choice
is left to it.
The Elector of Wurtemburg has applied to be
included in the line of neutrality, which he hopes the
King of Prussia will draw for himself and his con-
federates. The reason for this application is, that
Bonaparte had made a requisition at Darmstadt for
the largest possible number of troops, with the
necessary cannon and ammunition, to be got ready for
service without delay, and held at the disposal of
France. Although he would consider such a pro-
posal as altogether inadmissible, yet, in case it should
be made, the elector urges on the king an armed
neutrality as desirable, and the more so as informa-
tion had come to him from Strasburg, that quarters
and magazines were preparing there for thirty
thousand men.
30M and 31s/. Mr. Taylor's business has caused
my being despatched on special service to Hanau
a small present compensation for a recent disappoint-
316 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
merit, which I feel much more than I care to let my
brother know. I got as far as Weimar this morning
at half-past seven. The duke, for whom I had
some information of importance, was already out
hunting. I transacted my business, therefore, with
Baron Eglestein, and left my excuses to his highness
for proceeding, as I was obliged, on my journey. A
fracture in the carriage compels me to spend a longer
time here Eisenach than pleases me, while it is
botched up by a smith.
The question of Mr. Taylor's recall or dismissal
remains undecided. He is in a most unpleasant
position. The elector, to a certain extent, is still
determined to resist the demand of France, and the
King of Prussia continues to approve of his deter-
mination, and to promise his protection. Mr. Taylor's
correspondence, published in the " Moniteur," proves
only, that his conduct has been unexceptionable, and
that of the French insolent and most unwarrantable ;
thus, the charges brought against him are utterly
refuted by what the French have themselves made
public. Yet they persist in their demand, and
Prince Witgenstein the Prussian minister at Cassel
has allowed himself, in opposition to the views
of his own Court, to encourage the elector in that
deference and submission to France which his high-
ness's own ministers recommend. The key to this
enigma is that the prince, in the various pecuniary
and commercial speculations in which the elector is
engaged and by which he turns to a very profitable
account the immense capital he possesses is, in
1805.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 317
fact, little more than his serene highness's broker.
Loans, at very high interest, upon property, either
real or personal ; purchases of corn in large quan-
tities, to be retailed when advantageous opportuni-
ties offer, are amongst the principal sources of this
part of the elector's revenue. Prince Witgenstein
receives a large percentage for his agency, and the
elector employs him in preference to the Frank-
fort Jews ; whilst other parties concerned, consider
that their engagements with the elector have an
additional surety by being contracted through the
medium of a Prussian minister. In the midst of all
this traffic, it is not surprising that there should
appear in the conduct of the elector so little of
dignity or consistency, or on the part of Prince
Witgenstein so strong a repugnance to see his
electoral highness purchase either, at the risk of
disturbing so lucrative a business. The King of
Prussia, although he has repeatedly assured the
elector that he will not suffer him to be molested in
consequence of his continuing to receive Mr. Taylor
at his Court, yet says that he cannot, with that
object in view, send troops into Hesse beforehand,
nor can he prevent the elector from yielding, if he
thinks proper, to the views of his own ministers, or
to defer to the private opinions of Prince Witgen-
stein. As the elector himself will not adopt, it is
clear, any more decisive line of conduct towards
Mr. Taylor until forced to it, my business is, to
persuade that gentleman to leave Hanau, and put the
elector to the test, by returning to Cassel, and,
318 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
remaining quietly at his post; allowing nothing,
short of His Majesty's commands, to remove him.
Hanau, September 3rd. I reached this at five
yesterday evening ; gave Mr. Taylor an account of
all that was going on at Berlin, and explained to
him our reason for desiring his return to Cassel.
He read all the papers I brought him, and, after dis-
cussing the subject, he determined on returning to
his post. We set off together this evening, and
expect to be at Cassel early to-morrow.
1th. Mr. Taylor has resumed his residence at
Cassel without let or hindrance. He is to remain
long enough to incite the French, if they are deter-
mined to oppose his stay at this Court, to some fresh
act of violence. Bernadotte's army is encamped
round Cassel, and a very fine sight it is ; for the
town and environs are exceedingly pretty, and the
French encampment certainly lends the charm of
animation to a very picturesque spot. The elector
had sent a message to Bernadotte demanding an
explanation of the formation of an army round
Cassel. The General answered that it was not
intended to molest his electoral highness, or to
invade his territory, but merely to form a camp of
observation in that quarter.
The elector is also assembling a camp of sixteen thou-
sand men, with which he intends to defend the entrance
to his country, and, in case of necessity, to fall back
to Eichsfeld, where he would be joined, he expected,
by a sufficient number of Prussian troops to resist
the progress of the French. But General Berna-
1805.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 319
dotte's army is supposed to be destined to join that
under General Marmont, and to act against Austria
in the empire.
The general opinion at Cassel is, that a direct at-
tempt to force Prussia into a war with France would
be unsuccessful, and it is equally probable that the
king would not, for the sake of preventing any
military operations from Stralsund, risk the conse-
quences of a war with Russia.
Berlin, Sept. 1 2th. I returned from my mission to
Cassel to-day, and find great excitement prevailing.
War is the general topic. How Prussia is to stand
aloof nobody knows, except, perhaps, the king.
General Duroc is here, and the little man is no
doubt doing his best to turn the mouths of the
Prussian cannon against us. He pays great court to
the queen ; and there is a story afloat that, having
greatly admired a scarf which Her Majesty herself
had embroidered, she requested his acceptance of it
for Madame Duroc, who is the daughter of M.
Hervas, formerly the Spanish Charge d' Affaires at
this Court. The General arrived here on the 1st
inst., having left Boulogne on the 25th ult. Part of
the army of Boulogne had begun its march towards
the Rhine on the same day, and Bonaparte himself
had left, with the same destination.
I3th. Similar demands to those made at Darm-
stadt have been extended to the Electorates of
Bavaria, Wiirtemberg, and Baden. The French
ministers at those Courts were authorized to state
that Bonaparte having determined that they should
320 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [ 1805 -
not remain neutral in the impending war, it rested
with the electors to decide whether they would
declare for or against him. At Stutgard, M. Didelot,
the French minister, added, from himself, that he
would not require an immediate answer, but in the
course of a few days would do himself the honour
of waiting on his electoral highness to receive his
decision.
The elector naturally feels a great repugnance to
declaring himself against the emperor, at the same
time he cannot but be aware that his country is at
the mercy of whichever power should first occupy it.
He seems to rely but little on the intervention of the
King of Prussia, though he has again very urgently
solicited it.
It is the general opinion that it is become impos-
sible for this country to remain neutral ; and though
it cannot be precisely known to what aims General
Duroc's exertions may be now directed, yet a variety
of circumstances favour the suspicion that he is the
bearer of a message, perhaps less offensive in form,
but not very different in effect, from that which the
princes of southern Germany have received.
Count Haugwitz has been sent for from Silesia,
and M. Lombard has returned from Leghorn, where
he has been for the benefit of his health.
Great complaints are made of the conduct and
threatening language of the Russian officers, of the
armaments, and of the proceedings generally on the
side of Swedish Pomerania.
Orders have been given to put eighty thousand
1806.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 321
men on the war establishment, besides the whole of
the artillery in garrison at Berlin. Some other
regiments will be added, making altogether a force
of ninety thousand men.
The accounts received of the movements of the
French troops, and the assembling of Bernadotte's
corps round the city of Hanover, give rise to the
suspicion that Prussia intends to take military posses-
sion of the electorate. M. de Hardenberg asserts
that the French have made no such proposition,
but that if made it would be acceded to ; it being
for the advantage of the country as well as for
England, to whom it would be restored at a general
peace.
The alarm is great lest the Russians should attempt
to force a passage through the Prussian territory.
Advantage will perhaps be taken of it to remove
the obstacles which this country has threatened to
oppose to the operations of the allies on the side of
Swedish Pomerania.
General Marfelt arrived yesterday from Vienna,
for the purpose of urging the King of Prussia to join
his forces to those of the allies.
15th. An express from Munich this morning
informs us that the Austrians had crossed the frontier
on the 9th, and that Count Walmoden, who com-
manded the advanced party of Uhlans, went forward
to parley with the commanding officer of the Bavarian
troops, who destroyed the bridge on the Tnn and
retired. The Elector of Bavaria arrived at Anspach
on the llth, on his way to Wiirzburg.
VOL. I. Y
322 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
16th. The Elector of Darmstadt has represented to
this Court the distress of his position, in consequence
of his being required to hold, at Bonaparte's disposal,
three thousand infantry, some artillery, and one
thousand horses. But as the king can afford neither
help nor protection to the princes of South Germany,
the elector is advised to place his valuables in a
place of safety, and is offered a residence in Franconia,
for himself and the electress.
Vlih. The officers of the garrisons of Berlin and
Potzdam have not only been ordered not to ask for
leave of absence, but to get their camp equipage ready
for service without delay. It is also certain that
battalion guns have been sent off for the use of the
three regiments of infantry nearest the Mecklenburg
frontier, together with a detachment of foot artillery,
six guns, and two howitzers, and another detachment
of horse artillery, eight guns, and thirty-two powder-
wagons. It has been remarked that the cart-
ridges preparing in this arsenal are for grape and
grenades; none for cannon of large calibre. All
this seems to point to the operations on the side of
Stralsund, which are no longer a secret, as the
Russian Admiralty has engaged transports through-
out the Baltic for that port.
19M and 2Qth. The Courts of Copenhagen, Dres-
den, arid Cassel, have been urged to accede to the
neutrality of Prussia, and to set on foot a respectable
force for the support of that system. But Denmark
will be cautious of acting contrary to the interests of
Russia; Saxony will follow her usual policy, and
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 323
seek to gain time ; while the question is already
decided for the Elector of Hesse as we learn by
express that Marshal Bernadotte marched through
Cassel, on the morning of the 17th, with seventeen
thousand men. He previously sent a message to the
elector to say that, as the peace of Germany was
still inviolate, he requested a passage for his troops
through the Hessian territory to return to France.
The request was granted. The elector put the
garrison of Cassel under arms, and the rest of his
troops were drawn up at a short distance from the
town. The French army, with Bernadotte at their
head, then marched by the elector, rendering him
all military honours. It must have been a very im-
posing spectacle, and I almost regret not to have
seen it. The elector was not, as has been reported
in Berlin, desired by the king to consent to this
measure he has now, however, given in his adhesion
to the neutral system of Prussia, with what proba-
bility of abiding by it remains to be seen.
Permission is asked for the march of the Russian
army through a part of the Prussian territory ; and
every argument is urged to move the king to make
common cause with the powers allied against Bona-
parte. But the pernicious counsels of his confidential
advisers confirm him in the obstinate tenacity with
which, when pressed to adopt a more energetic and
dignified attitude, he pleads, and clings to his system
of neutrality. The king has said, also, that if the
Russians do cross the frontiers of his dominions he
will consider it the signal for war. He has ordered
Y 2
324 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
the whole of his army to be put on the war establish-
ment, and has determined on immediately seeking an
interview with the emperor at Brzesco : and on this
will depend the final decision of the king. But that
he will decide for taking active measures against the
common enemy, few, if any, are so sanguine as to
expect.
Count Haugwitz sets out to-night for Vienna with
the hope, it is said, that he may be able to prevent
the commencement of hostilities ; but it is whispered
about that he is despatched on a fruitless errand, in
order that M. de Hardenberg may be freed, for a
time, from a troublesome colleague.
llnd. The French have left between four and
five thousand men in Hanover, and reinforcements
are shortly expected. They took with them two
thousand five hundred horses, and about one hundred
and fifty thousand dollars in cash and bills of ex-
change. The States were ordered to provide for the
march of the troops through Hesse, where everything
was to be paid for. It is believed they are gone
to Frankfort.
23rc?. Further advices state that they appear to
have determined to evacuate the electorate of
Hanover altogether. General Ebele, who commanded
the artillery, and two thousand men who were left
in the city, set out, five days ago, after having
demanded from the States fifty thousand dollars for
the gunpowder he left, and five hundred louis
d'ors for his own purse. Large quantities of gun-
powder have likewise been given to different con-
1805.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 325
tractors in exchange for thfc horses with which they
have agreed to furnish the French army.
24M. General Marfelt set out this morning on his
return to Vienna. He has been treated with the
greatest distinction by the king, who has always
shown a particular esteem for him. He was pre-
sented with His Majesty's picture, set in diamonds of
more than usual value. The General, however, had
no better success in obtaining a favourable decision
from the king than those who before him trod the
same ground. Perhaps he made some impression
upon him ; for General Marfelt possesses, in an emi-
nent degree, the talent of developing, and placing in
various and striking points of view, the arguments
he employs; and being thoroughly master of his
subject, he put it before the king in so clear a light,
and with that mild earnestness of manner that
characterizes him, that His Majesty had not a word
to say for himself. He, indeed, improved upon
everything General Marfelt said against Bonaparte,
in favour of our opposition to him, of the necessity
of union, &c., but always ended with, " I cannot
decide upon war."
Two days after this audience, an answer came from
Vienna to the proposal brought to Berlin by Duroc.
It states, with respect to the independence of Swit-
zerland, Holland, and the German empire which
Bonaparte had offered to guarantee that it is not
supposed that any additional security can be deriyed
from new engagements, if those already contracted
by France should be insufficient. That the actual
326 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
status quo in Italy which Bonaparte wished to see
maintained reserving to himself his late usurpations
was so far from being admissible, that it was the
very object of the armaments now going on in
Austria ; and, finally, that His Imperial Majesty was
so closely connected with the Emperor of Russia, that
he could listen to no terms that would not give equal
satisfaction to that sovereign. The same messenger
brought the intelligence that the Elector of Bavaria,
after a short negotiation with Prince Schwartzenberg,
had agreed to put his troops under the command of
the Austrian general, who by this time had taken up
his intended position on the Lech. Doubts are,
however, entertained of the elector's sincerity, which
casts a damper on news that would otherwise be most
welcome.
25/i. A courier has brought a second letter from
the Emperor of Russia, again urging the king to
make common cause with the allied powers, and
again requesting a passage through his territory for
the Russian army. As an inducement to join the
allies, Russia holds out to the king the probability
of recovering for Prussia her late possessions on the
left bank of the Rhine. But this bait is by no
means an enticing one to His Prussian Majesty. He
sees in it only a prospect of being brought into
contact with France, and of being exposed to endless
disputes with Bonaparte. However, this budget of
proposals, entreaties, and requests, was unfolded
before him two days ago, and has caused him, no
doubt, many an uncomfortable moment. It is
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 327
believed that he, in his present anxious state of inde-
cision, would be easily overcome, if his advisers were
not divided ; and though the honestest half may be
on our side, yet I am afraid it is the weakest. But
decide he must, and that very shortly, between a
war with Russia or a war with France. M. Alopeus
is ordered to allow three days for deliberation, and
then to deliver the same Declaration mutatis mu-
tandis that Romonowski presented at Yienna.
The head-quarters of the Russian army were ad-
vanced on the 15th from Brzesco to the Pelica, and
the troops will probably begin their march across south
Prussia and north Silesia into Lusatia and Saxony.
The Prussian armaments in those parts are certainly
not sufficient to oppose their entry. The first opera-
tions would be to disarm the regiments one after the
other, and take possession of the whole country east
of Warsaw. Let us hope, however, that things may
take a more favourable turn.
The attention of this Government seems to be
f
chiefly directed towards Stralsund.
26/j. A report is afloat to-day and full credence
is everywhere given to it that the Russian general,
Buxhovden, arrived privately at Potzdam, on Thurs-
day, and after a long interview with the King of
Prussia, which had no more satisfactory result than
that of others which preceded it, returned imme-
diately to his post at Grodno.
27M. Meanwhile, General Duroc and the French
minister seem to be very calmly waiting the result
of the present state of agitation and uncertainty into
328 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
which the lamentable indecision of the king has
plunged, I may say, nearly the whole of Europe.
Their couriers and messengers are constantly passing
to and fro between this and Paris, and, doubtless,
they are fully informed of all that is going on.
It has transpired that Duroc has been commis-
sioned to offer the king a hundred thousand men and
a considerable subsidy, in case he should decide
on acceding to Bonaparte's proposal of an alliance
with France and thus become involved in a war
with the two imperial courts besides a large in-
crease of territory on the successful termination of
the war, including the whole or greater part of the
Electorate of Hanover. He can, of course, afford to
be very liberal in his promises ; and the facility
with which he no doubt flatters himself of being
able to perform them at the expense of others, or of
leaving them unperformed, renders no excess in the
generosity of his offers incredible.
But the king rather desires to stand aloof, equally
from Bonaparte and the allies. His idea is to pre-
serve the " imposing attitude," which the Prussians,
generally, believe their country to have now
assumed.
28M. It is announced that fifty-three thousand
horses are wanted for the service of the different
regiments. The first corps tfarmee to be assembled
is General Kalkreuth's. His head-quarters are to
be fixed at Pasewalk, a few miles to the N.W. of
Stettin, and a short distance from the frontier of
Mecklenburg and Swedish Pomerania. The Duke
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 329
of Brunswick will shortly take the command of the
different armies.
It is generally credited that a secret treaty exists
between Bonaparte and the princes of south Ger-
many. The Elector of Bavaria, especially, is sus-
pected of being in league with the enemy.
2$th. The march of the Russian army through
the Prussian territory is suspended until after the
interview which the emperor has proposed to the
king. But it is under the supposition that this
Court will ultimately accede to the views of Russia.*
The Lombard interest is, however, just now com-
pletely in the ascendant; besides which, military
men, generally, are much piqued at the pretensions
of Russia, and a feeling of resentment against her
has lately sprung up amongst them ; so that a
contest with that power would perhaps be popular, as
far as such a term is applicable to a country and
government like this.
We are particularly anxious for letters from
England, where, as here, all eyes must be turned
towards the King of Prussia. The enemy is profit-
ing by the delay which his wavering policy has
caused in the proceedings of the allies, and much
damage to our cause may result from it.
Our chief seems anxious, at this critical moment
in the fortunes of Europe, to distinguish himself by
vexatious changes in the Office, which make him
extremely unpopular, and petty arrangements re-
specting the private correspondence of the foreign
* See Appendix, No. 8.
330 DIARIES AND LETTEES OF [1805.
ministers, which occasion inconvenience and annoy-
ance to them, and probably will not be a saving of
five shillings a year to the country.
The expense of living at Berlin having greatly
increased of late, the Russian minister has in con-
sequence received a large addition to his salary.
Oct. 1st. The king has granted an increase of
five dollars per month to the pay of the subaltern
officers. A corps of observation is to be formed at
Sieratz, between Breslau and Warsaw ; but no regi-
ments have yet left their usual quarters for that
or any other destination that has been named.
It is now positively known that an engagement
was long ago entered into between the Elector of
Bavaria and the French Government for the
junction of his army with that of Bernadotte. The
latter is arrived at Wiirzburg ; the Bavarians are
stationed in and about Augsburg, in the Upper
Palatinate, where there is easy access for one column
at a time across the territory of Niirnberg, without
touching that of His Prussian Majesty.
The elector received Bernadotte on his entrance
into Wiirzburg, and a council was immediately held.
The next day the citadel was occupied by a French
garrison, and Bernadotte took the command of the
Bavarian troops. M. de Gravoiireuth, the elector's
war minister, demanded a free passage through
Anspach for the Bavarians retiring from Augsburg to
Wiirzburg, and asserted that General Mack had
declared his determination not to respect the
Prussian territory. The president of the regency of
1805.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 331
Anspach immediately wrote to the General for an
explanation. And he in very unequivocal and
energetic terms convicted the Bavarian minister of
falsehood. The treachery of the elector excites
great indignation at Berlin and other parts of
Germany.
A strong corps of Austrians is marching towards
Augsburg, and other troops, that were destined for
the Grand Army, are advancing in the same direc-
tion. The Emperor of Germany is at Stoskarh.
The order to halt, which it was reported had been
given to a part of the Austrian army, was, it
appears, to one column only that interfered with
the line of march of the rest. Its march was re-
sumed twelve hours afterwards.
There are probable, though not certain, accounts
of a corps of Austrians having advanced from
Feldkirch, and occupied Coire.
The arrival of a British force is anxiously looked
for, and its occupation of Hanover and Holland
much desired. In the latter country it is supposed
that it would have no less success than in the
electorate ; for the Dutch are said to be impatiently
waiting for deliverance from the yoke of the French,
and to have drawn together a military force in the
town of Amsterdam to defend it against them.
Ind. Marshals Bernadotte and Marmont have
effected the junction of their armies, and are pro-
ceeding towards Franconia. The Austrians are
hastily throwing up works round Ulm, and the
peasants of that part of the country had been em-
332 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
ployed for that purpose. The Elector of Wurtem-
berg has complained of this, and of the requisitions,
extortions, and oppression of the Austrians in the
heart of his dominions ; as well as of their forcing on
the inhabitants, in payment of the commodities taken
from them, paper that had no currency in his country ;
and of their seizing his subjects and compelling them
to work at intrenchments, formed even out of the
electoral states.
The Austrian light troops had advanced, on the
25th ult., as far as Nagold, eight German miles from
Strasburg, and would be able to cut off a corps of
Bavarians assembled on the Danube, and prevent
them from joining the French.
The French army crossed the Rhine on the 29th
ult., in four columns.
5th. Prince Dalgoruski, the Emperor of Russia's
aide-de-camp, arrived yesterday with a letter to the
king. His Imperial Majesty was at Brzesco, but
intended to leave on the 30th for Pulawy, a mag-
nificent country-seat belonging to Prince Czartorisld,
which is destined to be for some time the head-
quarters of the 2nd Russian army. The troops
assembled at Brzesco consist of forty thousand men.
Several regiments are now on their way to Sieratz.
1th. Several acts of violence have been com-
mitted by the French troops, since their arrival in
the neighbourhood of Wiirzburg, in the villages
within the territory of the margraviate of Anspach.
Remonstrances were sent to the French commander,
by whom suitable apologies were offered ; and
1805.J SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 333
Bernadotte declared that the first of his soldiers who
should be guilty of such irregularities should be shot.
Notwithstanding this, on the 3rd inst., two French
officers rode into Uffenheim, and presented an order
to the Prussian magistrates to furnish quarters for
twenty thousand men. Immediately they sent off a
messenger to Marshal Bernadotte, requiring an ex-
planation of this extraordinary proceeding. Before
the messenger returned, four regiments of cavalry,
under General Kellerman, appeared before the
village of Sickenhausen, where an officer with
twenty-five hussars had been posted. He at once
challenged the advanced guard of the French
column ; informed them that the territory they were
about to enter was a part of the Prussian dominions,
and that he had orders to oppose the passage of any
force that might attempt it. General Kellerman
replied that he had received positive orders from
Marshal Bernadotte to advance, and that with the
force he had under him resistance to his march
would be useless. The march was then sounded,
and the French regiments passed by the Prussian
detachment. The officer requested and received
from General Kellerman a written attestation of his
having done his duty in attempting to defend his
post. The General added to it that, he himself acted
under the express orders of Marshal Bernadotte,
whom he supposed to have sufficient reasons for
giving them.
In the evening of the same day Bernadotte took
up his quarters at the town of Windestein. M. de
334 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
Schaukman, president of the regency, protested
against this step. Bernadotte was profuse in ex-
pressions of respect for His Prussian Majesty, and
of his extreme regret that his orders, given to him
by Bonaparte himself, were so peremptory in their
terms that he dared not disobey them.
The column of cavalry was to proceed by Anspach
and Gunterhausen ; the Gallo-Batavian army, under
General Marmont, by Morgentheim ; the Bavarians
by Fiirth, and the whole to rendezvous at Neuburg,
on the Danube ; whence, it is supposed, they intend
to fall upon the rear of the Austrians, while Bona-
parte himself will attack them in front.
When intelligence of these proceedings of the
French was brought to the king he was very
violently affected by it, and in the first ebullition of
his anger gave orders for the immediate dismissal
of the French minister and General Duroc. Upon
reflection he countermanded them, but summoned a
council to deliberate on the course he should take.
Could he but be kept long enough in this frame of
mind some good to the common cause might result
from it. But if this new insult to the crown of
Prussia should excite merely momentary resentment,
instead of rousing him to feel the necessity of vindi-
cating the honour and dignity of his crown and
sovereignty, and of doing it effectually, Prussia .will
hereafter sink into the miserable predicament into
which Spain and Naples are fallen. However, the
event has raised our spirits, and we allow ourselves
to hope that good may eventually come of it.
1805.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 335
8th. All that we now know of the Austrians is
that the advanced guard, which was to oppose the
before -named corps, had reached Augsburg, and had
been reinforced by about six thousand men, chiefly
cavalry from Bohemia. The last intelligence of the
Russian army, under General Kutuzow, was dated
the 27th ult., when it was crossing the road from
Prague to Vienna, at Jagelsdorf, five derm an miles
from that capital.
9M. Whether the interview of the sovereigns of
Russia and Prussia will take place at present seems
doubtful. The king cannot now, it is thought, absent
himself from his capital, and there is no certainty
that the emperor will advance in this direction ;
though advantage having been taken of the late
events in Anspach to obtain permission for the
Russian army to cross the north part of Silesia, the
interview may, without inconvenience, be postponed.
Field-Marshal Mollendorf, yesterday morning, made
public at parade the unexampled violation of Prussian
territory that had just taken place at Anspach by
order of Bonaparte. The recital of the flagrant circum-
stances attending it seemed to infuse new spirit and
animation into both officers and men, and they heard
with eager satisfaction that they were soon likely to
turn their arms against the invader of their country.
This news was rapidly circulated amongst the people,
and joy is undisguisedly shown at the prospect of
Prussia uniting her efforts with those of the allied
powers to crush the common enemy of the peace and
independence of Europe. People exchange in the
336 DIARIES AND LETTEES OF [1805.
streets congratulations on the subject, and the genuine-
ness of the sentiments generally expressed cannot be
doubted, except in those persons avowedly devoted
to the French interests.
M. de Schaukman sent immediately by express to
Vienna an account of what had taken place at
Anspach. It will therefore be known at that Court
that some support may probably be looked for from
this quarter. But news has just come in, of Bona-
parte himself having got as far as Ludwigslust and
taken the command of the Wiirtemburg troops,
which has greatly lowered the hopes of those who
looked to Prussia for energetic action on the side of
the allies.
The Landgrave of Darmstadt on being summoned
to send his contingent of troops to the columns of the
French army, disbanded them, and retired with a
small body of light horse to Griesen.
It is conjectured that Bonaparte must have taken
the step of entering Prussian territory, and there con-
centrating his troops for the purpose of striking a de-
cisive blow at Austria, from having been misinformed
by his agents of the present state of the relations
subsisting between Russia and Prussia. They may
have been misled by the circumstance of the openly
declared intention of the former to march her army
through this country, and that of the latter to regard
it as a signal for war which would compel her to
accept the alliance proposed by France.
10?/i. General Kalkreuth sets off to-morrow to
arrange with the emperor the march of the Russian
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 337
army quartered near Pilawy, the king having
consented to its passage through his dominions. It
will be under the command of General Michelsen,
and will take the route of Warsaw and Breslau.
The army of Stralsund is also declared to be at
liberty to proceed in its operations unmolested by
this country. It is, however, much to be regretted
that General Tolstoi, who commands it, cannot leave
Stralsund without further orders, as" the Prussians
will doubtless take military possession of Hanover,
unless a Russian or British force should occupy it
before them.
The interview, which it was proposed should take
place at Cracow, between the two Emperors and the
King of Prussia is now finally set aside, as the latter,
under the present state of things, cannot leave
Berlin.
\\th. In to-day's " Berlin Gazette," under date
of Anspach, it is stated that the Bavarians, in their
march through the margraviate, committed every
kind of excess. They broke open the royal store-
houses and supplied themselves from them with the
necessaries the king's officers had refused to give
them, and placed a garrison of three thousand men
in Niirnberg. General Tauentzien, who commanded
at Anspach, remonstrated strongly with Bernadotte,
and insisted on seeing the orders he said he had
received from Bonaparte. The French marshal
complied with his demand, and also told General
Tauentzien he might be quite easy on his own account,
for Bonaparte had written him word that the whole
VOL. T. z
338 DIAEIES AND LETTEES OF [1805.
measure had been previously concerted with the Court
of Berlin.
Greneral Tauentzien took .the judicious step of
sending an officer to Greneral Mack to^ acquaint him
with the march of the French columns and the cir-
cumstances under which it occurred. By this means
the evident tendency of this falsehood will have
failed in its effect.
These instances of French perfidy have made their
due impression in this city.
Bonaparte was at Heilbron, by the latest accounts.
The French army, in great force, marched through
Stutgard and Ludwigsburg, in defiance of the
elector's request that they should go round those
towns.
15th. Bonaparte has written to the king in a
tone of insolent superiority exceeding anything he
has yet ventured to adopt, even towards this country,
and in terms altogether so disrespectful that His
Majesty is greatly displeased. It has been made
known to M. Laforet, and General Duroc, that the
king considers himself absolved from every promise
he has made the French Government, in consequence
of the late proceedings in Anspach ; and that the
Russian army would therefore cross his country,
and part of his own army occupy the electorate of
Hanover. The French negotiator suggested that
some arrangement might probably be made for
the delivery of Hanover to the king ; and, extra-
ordinary as the project seems, there is an idea enter-
tained that the Prussians may occupy the country,
1805.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 339
and a French garrison remain in the fortress of
Hameln.
16th. The Prussian army will be assembled at
four different stations. The largest corps, seventy
thousand strong, in Franconia, under Prince Hb'hen-
lohe. The second, force unknown, at Hildesheim
and Halberstadt, under the Duke of Brunswick
The command of the third will be given to the
Elector of Hesse, who will join his own troops to it.
It will be stationed in Westphalia, in Minister,
Minden, and Paderborn.
General Bliicher, who commands in the last-named
province, has been ordered to allow of no further
transports of French troops or baggage.
He is an officer of much talent, spirit, and resolu-
tion, extremely well disposed towards us and our
cause, and will probably have, under the Elector of
Hesse, the command of the operations of the West-
phalian corps.
The fourth army is to be the reserve ; and of this
the king will take the command. It will be com-
posed of the household troops ; the garrison of
Potzdam ; the regiment of gendarmes ; the grena-
diers of the Berlin regiments, and several other
corps now on their inarch from Pomerania. The
king lias often said that, from motives of ambition,
he would never draw the sword ; but surely a war
more just or necessary than that in which Prussia is
about to engage could never have been undertaken.
The Eussian army, under General Michelsen, will
form the right wing of that commanded by Prince
z 2
340 DIAEIES AND LETTEBS OF [1805.
Hohenlohe. The communication between the Russian
and Prussian head-quarters will be frequent, and it
is desired that the Austrian Government should send
an officer to communicate as much of their plans as
may be necessary for military concert between the
two countries.
It is inquired, with great anxiety, what the views
of Great Britain may be with regard to the force
which was said to have been destined for an expe-
dition to the Continent, but which the last letters
from England reported as not likely to be employed
this season.
Very early this morning intelligence was brought
here from Wiirzburg and Ratisbon that a corps of
Austrian grenadiers differently estimated at from
eight to eleven battalions had been surrounded by
the French at Wertingen, a town between the Lech
and the Danube, and made prisoners with their
colours, artillery, &c.
M. Otto is at Wurzburg with the elector. Letters
thence describe the rapid and irresistible progress
of the French armies, which, it is added, are to replace
the elector, without delay, in his residence at Munich.
These accounts are, however, in the usual bombastic
style of the French reports, and are a good deal
confused, perhaps designedly so.
Whether the Austrian corps was taken by General
Murat's column, which is said to have passed the
Danube near Dim, or by that under Davoust, cannot
be discovered. Probably, the disaster lias been
exaggerated, though something of the sort must,
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 341
unfortunately, have occurred ; for subsequent letters
from Swabia speak of the passage of Austrian pri-
soners through that country. If French accounts
may be credited amongst which is a letter from
Bonaparte to the Elector of Bavaria their columns
are in possession of both sides of the Danube. The
Austrians made an unsuccessful attempt to destroy
the bridge of Donauwerth. Bernadotte passed the
river at Ingoldstadt, the Bavarians at Kelheim, and
both corps were marching to Landschut. Bonaparte
had ordered an attack on General Kienmeyer, who
had retired to Aicha.
The direct communication of the Austrian army
with Germany is interrupted, but if, as stated from
Ratisbon, their head-quarters were at Guntzburg,
much of the preceding tableau would be changed.
If the Austrian general can succeed in concen-
trating his different corps before they are attacked in
detail, Bonaparte may have cause to repent of the
precipitation with which he has advanced, without
magazines, and with comparatively little artillery.
Some apprehension is felt lest the Russians, under
General Kutusow, who were transported in wagons,
at the rate of six to eight German miles a day, and
consequently, without cavalry, should not have been
able to retire behind the Inn, where the main Aus-
trian army was endeavouring to gain a position.
It is already, most unfortunately, very perceptible
that the French faction, which exercises its per-
nicious influence near the person of the king, has
succeeded in abating the resentment His Majesty so
342 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
keenly felt, and so warmly expressed, when he iirst
heard of the insult put upon him by Bonaparte,
But the want of energy that so lamentably marks
the character of the King of Prussia ; his dread of
plunging into a greater embarrassment than that he
conceives submission to the encroachments and over-
bearing insolence of the French to be ; his dread, in
a word, of encountering a power so formidable as
that of Bonaparte, has afforded advantages to those
about him who are daily pleading the cause of
France, in opposition to the opinions of his friends
and advisers. These, see with regret the humiliation
of their country, and urge for active measures that
she may retrieve her position ; but their efforts are
ever counteracted by the insidious counsels of subor-
dinate agents, and they have the utmost difficulty in
prevailing on the king to follow a line of conduct in
only the smallest degree consistent with his dignity
and honour.
VI th. An intercepted correspondence has made
known certain schemes of Bonaparte for the revo-
lutionizing of Poland. His emissaries, under various
disguises, are seeking to disseminate opinions, and to
awake dormant feelings unfavourable to the present
rulers of that country.
One of the letters made public, is from Bonaparte
to Lucien. In order to induce the latter to repudiate
his wife, who was the widow of a Paris stockbroker,
Bonaparte promises to provide for her when divorced
by giving her a principality in Germany. As Lucien
and his wife are just gone to America, he is sup-
1805.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 343
posed to have turned an unwilling ear to some previous
proposal of the same kind.
The king is at present greatly displeased with the
conduct of Prince Henry, who has very unequivo-
cally declared his dislike to the marriage that was
arranged to take place next year between him and a
princess of Denmark. She is supposed to be deeply
attached to a lover far below royal rank. The ex-
planation given of the young lady's correspondence
with a subaltern officer has been more satisfactory
to the king than to the prince. The marriage
is now finally broken off, and much surprise is ex-
pressed that Count Bernstorff, after such a rejection,
should prolong his stay in Berlin. He had recently
returned from Travemiinde, where he had been to
consult the prince royal as to the part Denmark
would take in the impending war. The prince has
replied that Denmark will preserve a perfect neu-
trality. The delivery of this message may serve to
retard the departure of Count Bernstorff, and to veil,
in some degree, the unsuccessful result of the
matrimonial mission.
An 'account is just come in of a second advanced
corps being cut off near Ulm, which is thought to
prove that General Mack is retiring with the main
body of his army behind the Inn, and that he may
be able to effect there a junction with the Russian
army.
Another account is received. General Mack has
concentrated his army on the left bank of the Iller,
with the rear towards Strasburg. Bonaparte has
344 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
posted himself on the opposite bank. A general
engagement was expected on the 14th.
Bernadotte entered Munich on the 13th.
Reports are flowing in apace, vague and con-
tradictory.
18th. An express is sent off to Husum to detain
the packet, and a Prussian order to the postmasters,
for horses to be in readiness all along the road. I
leave Berlin this evening for London, with the news
that the king has at last determined on various
military operations ; the first of which is, to send an
army to take possession of Hanover, for the purpose
of restoring it to His Britannic Majesty. The king
is also ready to enter into a treaty of concert, and
to arrange for an eventual subsidy for himself and
the German princes, his confederates. If this is
not entirely satisfactory, it is more than we have
dared to hope for ; and Bonaparte must now be
reduced if the Austrians do but make a tolerable
defence. If they are defeated, this country will be
the chief bulwark against the overthrow of the
whole Continent. So much is this felt to be the
case, that the partial losses which Austria has
suffered have produced here rather a good effect
than otherwise.
The Prussian army is in very fine order, and is
very well disposed. The Anspach affair has done
wonders in rousing the spirit of the troops. Yet
the ebbing and flowing in the disposition of the
Government, according to the circumstances of
greater or less encouragement in the course of
1805.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 345
events, and the more or less success of the intrigues
of the French party, must still be taken into con-
sideration.
Harwich, Oct. 23rd, 1805.
Letters. You will have heard from General
Ramsey of the speed with which bad roads and
dark nights considered I reached Husum. A fine
breeze was blowing, and I went on board imme-
diately. I am now just arrived, and find here two
messengers, with despatches for Mr. Pierrepont and
the commander of the Russian army, waiting for a
change in the wind that has brought me over so
swiftly. While the horses are being put to the
chaise, I write this line to send by one of the mes-
sengers, and then set off instantly for London.
London, Oct. Ikth. I arrived in town a little before
ten o'clock last night, and went directly to the Office.
Mr. Ward was out of town, and Mr. Hammond over
the way at Mr. Pitt's, where a council had been
sitting which Lord Mulgrave had just left. I there-
fore sent to Mr. H, to inform him of my arrival. He
immediately crossed over and took the despatches,
and shortly after a message came from Mr. Pitt,
desiring to see me. He received me in the civilest
manner ; said your despatches were highly satis-
factory, and seemed in great spirits from reading
the good news you had sent him. After con-
gratulating me on being the bearer of it, and ex-
pressing his satisfaction at the expedition I had used
on my journey, he questioned me as to the general
346 DIAE1ES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
spirit that reigned at Berlin, the march of the
Russians from Stralsund, and what was known at
the former place relative to the reported defeat of the
Austrians.
On the first of these points I left him little to
desire, assuring him that nothing could be better
than the spirit that animated all ranks of people at
the present moment, or more general than the deep
sense entertained by them of the insult offered to
Prussia by the recent proceedings of the French at
Anspach.
On the second, I could only repeat the intelligence
received at Berlin on the day I left it ; adding what
I had learnt on the road that the advanced guard
of the Russians was expected at Schwerin on the
evening of the 18th or 19th.
With regard to the business of Wertingen, I told
him that the only knowledge you had at Berlin on
the subject was derived from French reports, on
which, from the vagueness and uncertainty of their
tone, little reliance could be placed. It was supposed,
however, that the successes of the French at Wer-
tingen and Ulm were greatly exaggerated, but that
if the news of this check of the Austrians had
had any particular effect at Berlin it was rather
favourable to the common cause than otherwise, by
showing the necessity for prompt and vigorous
measures.
I had been with Mr. Pitt more than half an hour
when he said he would not detain me any longer
that night, as I should probably not be sorry to get
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 347
a little rest, but that to-day, at one o'clock, Lord
Mulgrave would be very glad to see me. Accordingly
I went, but his lordship was engaged, and I saw
only the two under secretaries, who were both
remarkably civil.
25M. I returned to the Office to-day by Lord
Mulgrave's appointment, and had a long conversa-
tion with him. His reception of me was as gratify-
ing as that I had met with from Mr. Pitt. He began
by expressing his extreme satisfaction at the receipt of
the welcome intelligence contained in your despatches,
as well as at the clearness and fulness with which
you had gone into details, leaving him, he said,
little to inquire. There were, however, one or two
expressions in them on which he wished for some
information ; and he then adverted, with evident
anxiety, to that part of your conversation with Baron
Hardenberg relative to the "delivering over of
Hanover to the king by Prussia. He observed that
that might possibly bear two constructions, and
wished to know if it was to be the result of any
future arrangement at the close of the war, or
whether the King of Prussia would be ready to carry
out his intention as soon as a proper force should be
sent to take possession of the electorate , hinting to
me that that was the destination of the expedition
now nearly ready to sail. I answered, that I was
not able to give him a positive assurance to thai*
effect, but I certainly understood that such was the
intention of the Prussian Government. Another
point on which, he said, he did not feel himself
348 DIARIES AND LETTEES OF [1805.
perfectly at ease, was the idea which Prussia held
out of adopting an armed mediation ; and he desired
to know whether I considered it merely a pretext
made use of for gaming time and concentrating her
forces, or that such a line of conduct would even-
tually be pursued. I thought myself justified in
stating that nothing further could be intended by it,
and that from the general spirit of indignation which
pervaded the whole kingdom, I considered war, on the
part of Prussia, as almost inevitable.
His lordship mentioned, in terms of great appro-
bation, the conduct of Baron Hardenberg. It was
his conviction, he said, that had it depended on his
Excellency, things would long ago have taken a
very different turn. He then expressed some anxiety
as to the stability of that minister's present position,
and asked me on what several hints in your late
correspondence were founded, from which he had
been led to infer that a change of administration was
probable. I ventured to assure him that, however
trying and critical M. de Hardenberg's situation
may, at times, have been, he now stood upon very
firm ground. That it could not be denied that there
was a moment last year alluding to the business of
Sir Greorge Rumbold when the popular clamour
ran high against him, and when it was feared that
his advice to the king would be overruled by the
^counsels and secret influence of the cabinet secretaries.
But that the momentary loss of credit he then
experienced had been amply made up to him by the
reputation which the success of his interference on
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 349
that occasion had gained him, and which had enabled
him to combat successfully the subsequent efforts of his
enemies to withdraw the king's confidence from him.
And I assured his lordship that the hints he referred
to must have proceeded rather from your know-
ledge of the many difficulties the Prussian minister
has to encounter than from any actual indications of
an approaching change in the government. Lord
Mulgrave then put many questions to me respecting
the character of the King of Prussia himself, which I
answered as faithfully as I could, referring him at
the same time to a separate despatch I recollect on
that subject of the 17th September, 1804. But 1
should observe, that he seemed to have mistaken the
hitherto wavering and timid policy of that monarch
for cowardice, and spoke of him as a man deficient
in personal bravery.
He then mentioned your Eussian colleague, of
whose abilities he seemed to have but a very poor
opinion. He attributed the want of confidence shown
him by his Court to his attachment to French prin-
ciples. The younger Alopeus he thought far superior
to him, and said he was looked upon at St. Petersburg
in a very different light from his brother. He was
surprised, he said, that the cleverer one should be
sent to Stockholm, when his abilities might be turned
to so much more profitable account at Berlin.
I told him, in answer, that no one could be more
thoroughly anti-Gallican than the elder M. Alopeus,
and that, if we might judge from the general
opinion entertained of him on the Continent, he
350 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
was by no means deficient either in talent or
experience.
His lordship was also very anxious to know the
real dispositions of the Duke of Brunswick ; and I
soon found that both he and Mr. Pitt had paid more
than ordinary attention to those parts of your corre-
spondence which had any reference to his serene
highness, and particularly to one passage where you
speak of the fairness of his language. Here I could
only repeat your own expressions, corroborating
them, however, by calling to his lordship's recollec-
tion the exertions of his serene highness to induce
the king to allow of the passage of the Russian
troops through bis dominions.
Speaking of the indignation excited at Berlin by
the late violation of Prussian territory, Lord Mulgrave
observed, how very ill-advised and injudicious a
measure it was, on the part of the Russians, to think
of forcing their passage a measure which, however
weak the conduct of Prussia had been, it could never
be supposed would be practically submitted to by a
power possessing such ample means of making
herself respected.
With regard to Baron Jacobi, his lordship's con-
versation was a complete recapitulation of the con-
tents of the despatch you read to me on the same
subject, the day of my departure, with this addition,
that, in a conference he had just had with him,
Jacobi had declared he now saw the moment ap-
proaching when the dearest wishes of his heart were
about to be accomplished.
1805.] SIR GEORGE. JACKSON. 351
'Lord Mulgrave ended this conversation by inform-
ing me of the intended special mission of Lord
Harrowby which I had already heard of from
Mr. Hammond, on the night of my arrival observing
that, if the allies would but act with union, and lay
aside all individual jealousies and mistrust, naming
particularly the ancient rivalry between the Houses
of Hapsburg and Brandenburg, it must be all over
with Bonaparte, who could never withstand the
united efforts of the three great continental Powers
joined to those of England. Lord Harro why's mis-
sion, he said, anticipated, in a manner, the object of
my journey, and rendered my immediate return
needless. I might go down to Bath for two or
three days, provided I held myself in readiness to
come up at a moment's warning. And he suggested,
that that moment would be as soon as Lord H.'s
arrival on the Continent is known here. I go down
to-night, and shall return in a few days to press my
departure if I find it likely to be at all delayed.
And now, my dear brother, I conclude this long
letter by expressing my thanks to you for having
secured me so welcome and flattering a reception on
my first return from the Continent.
&c., &c.
G-EORGE JACKSON.
Reilly's Hotel, Nov. 6th. On my return to town,
my dear M., I found my table covered with cards,
invitations, and letters. Amongst the latter one
from Lady Hester Stanhope, expressing her regret
352 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
at having missed seeing me when I called upon her
before I left for Bath, and saying she should be in
town again this week, and hoped I would not fail to
call, as she should be happy to show every civility
in her power to the brother of her old friend. In
a word, nothing could be kinder or more polite.
Owing to the non-arrival of the mails, no determina-
tion is come to respecting my departure. I am there-
fore completely tied by the leg. As to news, there
is none, except what you see in the papers, which
is by no means considered in a doleful light by
Mr. Pitt, or indeed by any one who is not a decided
croaker, and will give himself time and trouble to
reflect. There is a report, but I think it unworthy
of credit, of the total defeat of a corps of French
near Giintzburg, under Marshal Ney, who was said
to have been killed in the action.
Francis has, no doubt, by this time heard of Lord
Harrowby's mission. I believe he will feel it very
much ; and, indeed, after three years of incessant
exertion, when he hoped to reap the only reward he
cares for the gratification of concluding what he
had begun it is poor encouragement to have another
step in to snatch away the prize at the moment it
was within his reach. So much has been said to me
on the subject, that in writing to you this observation
escapes me, but I beg of you to say nothing about it
to anybody.
Nov. 6th. When you learn, my dear M., that I
am off with the glorious news from Trafalgar, which
you will read in this night's extra " Gazette," you will
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON.
not expect from me more than a few lines, until I
get to my journey's end. I enclose them with two
gazettes, dripping wet from the press, which I shall
send as a parcel by this night's mail from the
Grloucester coffee-house. The event has proved how
necessary it was to be constantly in waiting, for,
with the very best intentions, they could not, had I
been in the country, have sent for me in time ; and
I should never have forgiven myself, if, from my own
fault, I had missed so favourable a stroke. You had
no idea that my maxim of " Push on, keep moving,"
would so well answer, and answer so soon.
Adieu, &c.,
G. J.
P. S. I just now learn that a corps of Austrian
cavalry, six thousand strong, commanded by the
Archduke Ferdinand in person, fell in with and
captured, near Nordlingen, a detachment of French
troops, six hundred foot and eight hundred horse.
This was an escort to fifty pieces of artillery and
one hundred ammunition wagons, which also were
taken. The Austrians had crossed the Danube, near
Ulm, and were marching across the Upper Palatinate
to join the combined armies on the Inn. But this is
old news. I send you a packet just put into my
hands. It is from Otto Lowenstern, and will give
you all the reports of the war that have reached
Berlin to the 30th ult., the last date we have from
thence. Do not fail to return it by the first mes-
senger. Once more adieu.
VOL. i. 2 A
354: DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
From M. Otto Lowenstern translation.
Berlin, October ^fth. I have done ray best, dear
George, to keep you au courant of all that is going
on in your absence. It is an anxious, busy time
with every body, and with our mission especially,
as our emperor is here. ^rd. A few days after
you left, G-eneral Kalkreuth sent a messenger to
announce that His Imperial Majesty, having heard
of the obstacles that prevented the King of Prussia
from leaving his capital, would himself visit Berlin,
and might be expected on the ^fth. He particu-
larly desired that all ceremonies might be omitted
on the occasion. It was ordered, therefore, that the
guns of the garrison should not be fired 3 but that the
king's equipages should be sent for the emperor's
use to a certain distance from the city, and several
Generals and Staff officers to meet him. Preparations
were ordered to be- made to receive him, both at
Berlin and Potzdam, and the emperor was himself to
decide at which palace he would take up his resi-
dence. Three days, it was said, would be the extent
of his visit. But Prince Dolgoruski, the emperor's
aide-de-camp, was expected that evening, and from
him a more particular statement of His Imperial
Majesty's wishes and intentions was looked for.
The public records were referred to for precedents
of the etiquette observed on any similar occasion.
But as no Russian emperor had visited Berlin since
the time of Peter I. who came in the suite of his
own ambassador little or nothing was found in the
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 355
usages of that day applicable to those of the present.
The records inform us, that the Czar Peter associated
with much familiarity and condescension with the
ministers of the elector ; that he strongly recom-
mended his electoral highness to take the title of
king ; that he was very profuse in his assurances of
good will, and that His Imperial Majesty indulged
freely in copious libations of wine.
General Kalkreuth also sent us intelligence that
confirms the last reports from the Austrian army.
From Anspach and Ratisbon, we hear that Bonaparte
on the -^fth, actually attacked the Austrian forces on
the Iller, and succeeded in forcing their positions.
The precise situation of the respective armies is
difficult to ascertain ; so conflicting are the statements
on that head.
The French and Bavarians assert that thirty thou-
sand Austrians have laid down their arms ; that
fifty thousand have, in another place, been taken
prisoners, and that some pieces of cannon have been
captured. But we make large allowances for French
brag in all these accounts. Bonaparte issued a
proclamation at Ratisbon on the T Vtb, in which he
made known the great exploits he meant to perform,
and the people of that part in their terror looked
on them as faits accomplis, and immediately reported
them as such.
A report that " scattered detachments of Austrians
were retreating in disorder across the Upper Pala-
tinate," was sent here by a subaltern officer of the
regency of Anspach, but it was not accompanied
2 A 2
356 DIAEIES AND LETTEES OF [1805.
by any connected account of what had taken
place.
The intelligence that the French had passed
through the centre of the Austrian line ; that one
part of Mack's army had retreated to the Vorarl-
berg and Tyrol, and that the other is crossing the
Palatinate, with the object of effecting a junction
with the army on the Inn, is considered trustworthy.
Orders have been issued, at least so it is asserted,
since these reports arrived, for the Prussian armies
to move forward to the support of the imperial
troops, as soon as they reach their different destina-
tions, and the whole force is expected to be ready
to march by the if nd proximo. If such a decision
has been taken, we owe it no doubt, to the announce-
ment of Alexander's visit.
I write a differentes reprises. Dolgoruski came in
this afternoon \\ th. He says the emperor will stay
here but a very short time, and that from Berlin he
goes to meet the Emperor of Germany. However,
accounts were brought in, in the course of the night,
which may compel some change in his arrangements ;
for I am sorry to say that the defeat of the Austrians
on the Iller, is confirmed by these accounts. They
run thus : " The engagement was begun by Bona-
parte, on the -pfth. In the course of that day he
made eight successive assaults on the Austrian line,
and was each time repulsed. On the y\th he re-
turned to the charge, and was again repulsed, with
immense slaughter, until about noon, when a consi-
derable impression being made on the Austrian line,
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 357
it gave way, and separated into two corps. The
right wing has escaped, it is conjectured, in the
direction of the Tyrol ; but no certain accounts have
been received from that quarter. A part of the left
wing threw itself into Ulm, and if it has not already
surrendered, as reported, must shortly be captured."
" A corps of twelve thousand men, with the Arch-
duke Ferdinand at their head, forced their way
through the French army. It was this corps which,
in its retreat towards the Upper Palatinate, captured
the park of artillery and its escort." An estafette
from Bareuth, to-day, tells us that " the archduke
and his troops had passed through that town on their
way to Eger, whence they hoped to reach Prague,
though a detachment of French, under Murat, was in
close pursuit of them."
The usual exaggerated accounts from French and
Bavarian sources are in circulation. They state the
loss of the Austrians at twenty to thirty thousand
men, and thirty general officers, amongst whom is
General Mack.
Our imperial master arrived yesterday ^fth, at
two o'clock. On the preceding day, the king's first
aide-de-camp, General Kochritz, went out some miles
on the road by which the emperor was to enter
Berlin, to meet and to compliment him. Yesterday
the king's brothers, the Princes Henry arid William,
rode a German mile out of Berlin to receive him.
At the gates of the city the governor, and com-
mandant, F. M. MollendorfF, and General Gotze, were
waiting to welcome him.
358 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
An immense assemblage of people filled the streets
to see him pass, and gave him a noisy but no doubt
as hearty a welcome as any he had received. In-
deed, if the tumultuous joy that now reigns through-
out Berlin may be said to mean anything, I should
say that the whole city is delighted at His Imperial
Majesty's visit.
All the troops that remain in garrison were drawn
up in the neighbourhood of the palace, where the
king and queen, the whole of the royal family, and the
Court, were assembled to receive their illustrious guest.
The peculiar position in which the French mission
is now placed prevented any invitations from being
sent to the corps diplomatique.
Between three and four the Emperor and their
Majesties left Berlin for Potzdam. Prince Dolgoruski,
Counts Tolstoi and Liewen accompanied them ; also
General Woronzow, who came in in the morning
from Warsaw.
Prince Czartoriski, who has two secretaries with
him, followed in the evening. He sent word before
he left, to the English and Austrian ministers, that
the emperor would give audience to them during his
stay. Saturday he passed with their Majesties at
Potzdam. Yesterday, Sunday |-fth, after the garrison
had marched in review before the emperor and the
king, he and the whole of the Prussian Court
returned to Berlin, when, under the title of Le Comte
du Nord, His Imperial Majesty paid visits in person
to the various branches of the royal family, F.M.
Mb'llendorff, and Count Schulenberg.
1805.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 359
He then assisted at a gala, and a dinner at the
palace, served on the state service of gold, to which
not only the royal family, but also the ministers of
state and lieutenant-generals of the garrison were
invited.
In the afternoon His Imperial Majesty gave
private audiences to the ministers of Eussia,
England, Austria, Turkey, and Mecklenburg Sch-
werin; and in a room adjoining the audience-
chamber he received the ministers of other friendly
states.
In the evening he went with their Majesties to
the theatre, where the people received him with
such marked enthusiasm and joy as are very rarely
evinced by the public of Berlin.
17 'th. Our emperor has won the hearts of the
Berlinois. All classes of people are chanting his
praises. He has a manner that wins popularity ;
much affability, which, without losing dignity, does
not oppress by apparent condescension.
Yesterday he went to the Arsenal, and, after the
conference that was held in the morning, visited
several of the public buildings and institutions of
Berlin. The Duke 'of Brunswick, who assisted at
this conference about which you will learn all the
particulars when you return arrived here on
Sunday night.
The emperor dined with Prince Ferdinand yester-
day, and passed the evening with their Majesties.
The conference with the king and his ministers
was resumed to-day. What impression has bee,n
360 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
made on His Majesty I have not yet heard, and I
doubt if it is yet known to Alopeus. In the after-
noon we had a parade of the gendarmes'; and I hear
that, after dining at Charlottenberg, the Emperor will
accompany their Majesties to Potzdam, where there
is to be a grand manoeuvre of the garrison to-
morrow.
The good people of Berlin were again gratified by
a sight of Alexander to-day. He rode through the
principal streets with a very brilliant cortege, both
Russian and Prussian ; for according to the etiquette
of this Court several officers of high rank, both civil
and military, have been appointed by the king to be
in constant attendance on the imperial visitor.
Count Kalkreuth is one of them, and, as usual, finds
many things on which to exercise his amusingly
caustic wit. From what I have told you of our
emperor's doings you will think, perhaps, that the
real object of his visit to the king has been less
attended to than pleasure. But it is not so. He
gives to business several hours every day. Our
mission, and the members of his own suite, have had
no idle time on their hands, I assure you. All have
been constantly employed, and many couriers daily
arrive from, and depart for, St. Petersburg and the
different Russian armies.
In case you should not hear it from any other
quarter, I should tell you that a detachment of
Prussian troops Kleist's regiment, a few squadrons
of dragoons, and- a battalion of light infanty under
General Bila took possession of the city of Hanover
1805.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 361
on the |f th. The French garrison retired to Hameln
on the preceding day, and the Prussians have occupied
the defiles leading to that fortress.
The last piece of news 'I am able to give you by
this mail is, that this morning, -^jytb, a courier reached
Berlin from Vienna, which he left on the 24th, and
announced the immediate arrival of the Archduke
Anthony, for whom he had ordered horses all along
his journey. Metternich instantly set off to Potzdam
to inform His Majesty, who ordered that Sans Souci
should be prepared for his reception. The Count re-
turned without delay, and only just in time to receive
the Archduke, who went on to Potzdam without
stopping in Berlin, except to change horses.
It is seven o'clock, and a messenger for England
leaves in the course of an hour. But I add to this
budget, that I was just about to close, that one of
our secretaries has told me that the archduke has
made this rapid journey to Berlin for the purpose of
entreating the king to afford the Austrians the
immediate support of a Prussian army. He is to
urge him to give instant orders for its march
through Bohemia to the defence of Vienna, which
city now depends for its safety wholly upon the
army on the Inn.
Under such pressing difficulties one can hardly
believe that the King of Prussia will not yield to
the Archduke's urgent request.
The army under Prince Hb'henlohe is nearest to
the scene of action ; but it is calculated that it
cannot arrive on the Elbe in the neighbourhood of
362 DIARIES AND LETTEES OF [1805.
Dresden until the T 2 th of November, though it
might with excellent effect march through Thuringen
and Franconia to the Danube, and thus check Bona-
parte's progress, even should his troops have been
pushed beyond the Inn. I hope to see you back
before the next messenger leaves for London. Your
brother, I know, looks forward anxiously for your
return. To lose his right hand at this busy moment
is no joke, mon cher George, &c., &c.
OTTO LOWENSTERN.
Duroc, I hear, is about to leave Berlin.
Mr. F. Jackson to Mrs. Jackson.
Berlin, Nov. 3rd. I am in eager expectation of
George's return. I reckon upon his having sailed
yesterday, and unless the wind which favoured his
passage over should impede his return he must be
here in a very few days. He has done very well,
and has met with the reception which his assiduity
and talent for business deserve. My object in de-
spatching him at this important moment was to give
him a good introduction to people in power. It has
fully answered the purpose, and I now, for many
reasons, want him back very much. For the rest,
we are going on very well. The Emperor of Russia
arrived on the 25th ult., and leaves on the 5th. I
had a private audience of him on Sunday. Nothing
can exceed his affability and condescension, but his
good understanding and the joy that his presence
has created here. He had determined yesterday to
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 363
leave Potzdam to-day ; but the business in hand did
not allow of his doing so. He therefore will not set
out until Tuesday, in compliance with a Russian
custom of not beginning a journey on a Monday.
During his stay here, he has principally applied
himself to gaining over those individuals who stood
in the way of his wishes, in regard to the object to
which we owe his visit, or whose more active co-
operation might hasten their accomplishment.
The Duke of Brunswick he particularly dis-
tinguished, and conferred on him the Order of St.
Andrew, with a diamond star worth 3,000. Baron
Hardenberg also received that order, and Count
Haugwitz will obtain some substantial proof of his
good-will. He gave Beym one of the cabinet
secretaries, a diamond ring, which is valued at
upwards of 1000/. His attentions to their Majesties
themselves, and to every person belonging to their
Court, have been unremitting. He is a very fine,
handsome young man, and the evident goodness and
amiability of his character seem everywhere to have
made their due impression. For my own part, I am
very glad to have had the opportunity of paying my
respects to him, &c.
F. J. J.
Mr. J. Jackson to Mr. G. Jackson.
Berlin, Nov. 9th. I fully looked for your return
yesterday, or for a letter to announce it. I have,
instead, the intelligence that Lord Harrowby is coming
364 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805
out. I do not therefore expect you just yet, still I
would not have you delay your departure, if there
should seem to be nothing worth waiting for.
It would be both useless and improper to enter
into particulars upon the subject of Lord Harro why's
mission, but I may say that I feel deeply the mortifi-
cation of being superseded, even by a person of Lord
Harrowby's presumed abilities, at a moment when I
had, as you know, after years of anxious labour, arrived
at a point which was the summit of my wishes. I
must, however, rejoice at the present state of things,
although another is to reap the crop that I have sown.
I hope I shall continue to bear this disappointment as
I ought, having the testimony of my own conscience,
and, indeed, of the king's government, most fully
expressed, that I have not deserved it.
You will have seen by my letter to our mother
that, like the rest of the Berlin world, I was well
pleased with Alexander. He told me, at the audience
I had on the 27th, that he was satisfied with the
progress he had made for the success of the object he
had in view, and that the king and his ministers
seemed to be well disposed to co-operate with the
allies in the present critical state of affairs. He said
he was quite aware of the sort of influence exercised
here by persons in the Cabinet, and well acquainted
with the secret springs that too often impede the
motions of the ostensible Government. What he
i
was himself doing arose, he said, from no interested
motive, beyond the gratification he should feel in
rescuing Europe from the disastrous situation into
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 365
which it had fallen from the wild ambition of an
obscure individual. The unfortunate reverses of
Austria render, as he observed, the alliance of this
country more -necessary than before, " And," he
added, taking me by the hand, " I am resolved not
to leave Berlin till the work I have undertaken, and
which is satisfactorily begun, shall be successfully
completed."
After a week's negotiation, conducted almost in
despair of bringing Prussia to accede to the views of
the allies, an agreement was come to, and Count
Haugwitz is charged with the important commission
of conveying to Bonaparte the substance of the
Treaty of Potzdam, based on the armed mediation
which this Grovernment announced its intention of
employing.
The Treaty of Potzdam was signed on the 3rd, and
the ratifications exchanged.
The emperor left Potzdam early on the morning
of the 5th. He took leave of their Majesties in the
vault in which the remains of Frederick II. are
deposited. Yarious plans were suggested for an
interview of the two Emperors and the King of
Prussia at Prague or Dresden ; but the events of the
war must decide whether any one of them can be
adopted. The emperor was to pass two days at
Weimar, and to be at Dresden to-day ; thence to
proceed to Bohemia to meet the Emperor of Germany,
who, it is supposed, will corne some part of the way
for the interview. Count Haugwitz was to have set
out for Paris on the evening of the 5th, but he is
366 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
still here, owing solely to his habit of procrasti-
nation.
Duroc left on the 3rd. He went to Potzdam on
the 2nd, to take leave of the king. He was not
invited to dinner, but was presented with a snuff-
box, with the king's picture set in diamonds. Duroc
pretends that Bonaparte is without information of
what is passing here. It is, however, difficult to
understand that no notice should be taken of the
declaration of this Court of the 14th of October.
I hear that the French General endeavoured to
make an acceptable apology for the affair of Anspach,
as General Murat has also done for an action which
took place at Bareuth between his corps and the
retreating Austrians. I cannot go more into details,
you will learn them on your arrival. Lord H. is
making a long journey of it. I have heard nothing
of him.
&c., &c.,
F. J. J.
Letters Berlin, Nov. 19th. I promised, my dear
mother, that you should hear from me as soon as I
arrived. The newspapers those ever watchful
Arguses over the motions and actions of great men
will have cleared up your doubts as to the time
of my actual departure from London. When I
got my gazettes from Mr. Rolleston's office, where
I left them all busily employed in making up
packages for the Continent, it was past ten o'clock.
I set off immediately, full gallop, into the city, which,
as well as the "West End, was, as it were, on fire.
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 367
What with the news itself, the pleasure my commis-
sion gave me, the noise and hurrahs of the crowd
which was often so dense as to impede the progress
of my four steeds I could get no sleep that night ;
and by the time I was out of London the horses
were so tired from my having had them before the
door ever since four o'clock, waiting solely for the
coming out of the gazettes that I was much longer
getting to Komford than I otherwise should have been.
At all the places I stopped at on the road, the
utmost joy was expressed by every soul who heard
the glorious news I was the bearer of. A packet
was waiting my arrival at Harwich. I embarked
immediately, and, after a voyage as tedious as it was
boisterous, landed at Hamburg on Saturday the 16th.
I provided myself with a carriage having left my
brother's, which I had expected to return in, at
Husum and proceeded with all possible expedition
towards my destination. As the clock struck six
yesterday morning I entered the gates of Berlin, and
very soon after roused my brother and his household
from their beds. What was my mortification, then,
to find that a report, stating the sum and substance
of my gazettes, had got before me ; having reached
Berlin late on the preceding evening. But though
vexed, I was not surprised; for in the two first
days of my voyage, and afterwards, when beating
about by contrary winds, I had the pleasure of seeing
the vessel which sailed from Yarmouth at the same
moment as myself, with a gazette I gave the com-
mander, for our fleet off Texel, making the best of
368 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
her way to that station, grace to the very same storm
that retarded my progress. What I then appre-
hended, precisely happened, and the report, via
Holland, reached this a few hours before my arrival.
However, they were not sorry to have it confirmed
in so satisfactory a manner ; and that, and a most
kind and handsome letter from Mr. Pitt, which he
himself delivered into my hands, for my brother, at
the end of a very flattering conversation I had with
him just before setting off and from which it would
seem that he feels for the awkwardness of his situa-
tion, and wishes to alleviate it so raised Francis'
spirits that it would have done you good to have
seen him. He at first proposed to celebrate the
victory by a grand ball, which has since been changed
for a great supper.
23rc?. Everybody sought invitations to it, and
more than everybody that had them came. I was,
for that evening, a hero, and it would have required
a hundred tongues, at least, to have answered all the
questions that were put to me, and to have acknow-
ledged the congratulations I was overwhelmed with.
I never saw joy so general or, apparently, so heart-
felt. That which I witnessed along the road when
I stopped on my journey, not only on your side of
the water but also on this, alone equalled it. I have
since heard the account of the victory read, and
have seen tears flow, as it was repeated with much
emotion, ** Aber Nelson gestorben ist." Such is the
effect of the victory, and the heroism of the victor, on
all classes of people.
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 369
For myself, I have every reason to be gratified
with my trip, and am considered a most lucky fellow
in having been the bearer of two of the most im-
portant pieces of intelligence that Europe has been
saluted with for many a year. But this would be as
nothing to me without my brother's approbation ;
and I am well pleased to assure you that he is
satisfied with the expedition with which I performed
my journey to England, the course I pursued there,
and my activity in resuming my journey, notwith-
standing that its first object was done away with by
Lord Harrowby's mission. Though to me of far less
importance, you will perhaps like to know that they
gave me in London 260/., and the vessel gratis that
brought me back.
Lord Harrowby arrived only three days before me,
having made the longest journey between this and
London ever known. He has taken all the important
business out of my brother's hands.
24#/i. The Russians are helping us to make up
for the deficiencies of the Austrians. They have
destroyed a corps of ten thousand French.
We have heard that when the Emperor Alexander
left Dresden he took the road towards Prague ; but
before he had travelled a German mile, he received
accounts of a French force of six thousand men being
at Pilsen, whose object was to interrupt the commu-
nication between Prague and Vienna. Under these
circumstances His Imperial Majesty thought it pru-
dent to change his route, and took, therefore, the road
to Bautzen, on his way to Breslau and Olmutz ; where
VOL. i. 2 B
370 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
he and the Emperor of Germany and his Court now
are.
A messenger brought last night the account of Sir
E. Strahan's victory, and the capture of four French
line-of-battle ships. From, the spirit that now pre-
vails amongst the public of Berlin, the general
rejoicing at this fresh success over the French is
unusually great.
My brother is somewhat depressed ; and indeed
his situation is as irksome as it well can be, and
must continue so as long as Lord Harrowby remains.
His lordship appears to be a confirmed, and peevish
invalid.
Diaries Nov. 2,4=th. I learn that the principal
terms Count Haugwitz is charged to offer for the
conclusion of peace the non-acceptance of which is
to form a casus belli are,
1st. That Mantua should be ceded to Austria, and
that the Mincio should form her Italian frontier.
2nd. That Genoa, Parma, and Placentia, shall be
given as an indemnity to the King of Sardinia.
3rd. That Switzerland and Holland should no
longer be occupied by French troops ; and that they
should be at liberty to adopt the form of government
best suited to them, as well as to erect fortifications
for the security of their frontiers.
The Prussians, on the other hand, aware of the
value of their co-operation at this critical moment,
have driven a hard bargain on their own account,
and stipulate for certain territorial acquisitions and
a subsidy from Great Britain of 12. 10s. per head
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 371
for a hundred and eighty thousand men of their
own army, and forty thousand Hessian and Saxon
auxiliaries.
Many persons are speculating on the kind of re-
ception Count Haugwitz will meet with, though it is
not very difficult to foresee ; and it is doubtful
whether he will be allowed to continue his negotia-
tion during the four weeks, at the end of which this
country engages itself to begin the war. It is not
expected that Bonaparte would remain inactive
during that time, but it is still hoped that the com-
bined army will be able to maintain their ground.
General Kutusow, and Prince Pangrazin, who com-
mands his vanguard, have written in good spirits
notwithstanding the defeat of the Austrians and
their constant expectation of having to encounter
superior numbers. The latter wrote to Prince
Czartoriski in the style I am told of his military
preceptor Suwarow " We hear the Austrian army
is defeated. We shall be victorious. We shall beat
the French, because it is the will of God and our
sovereign."
The Russian negotiator had no more hostile op-
ponent to encounter at the conference than General
Kochritz, who incessantly represented to the king the
calamities attendant on a war with France. Unfor-
tunately, this officer, himself utterly ignorant of
business, and the echo of an obscure person devoted
to the French interest, continues to have great in-
fluence on the opinions of the king.
The stipulations of the Treaty of Potzdam met
2 B 2
372 DIABIES AND LETTEES OF [1805.
with the highest approval at Vienna ; and the
Emperor of Germany has, on the occasion, conferred
on his minister, Count Metternich, the Grand Cross
of the Order of St. Stephen. The Russian minister,
M. Alopeus, has also received from the Emperor of
Russia the diamond star of St. Alexander.
In consequence of Bonaparte's overtures to General
Mack for peace, the Emperor of Germany wrote a
second time to Bonaparte, and sent General Count
Giulay one of the Generals made prisoner at Ulm
with his letter to the French head-quarters, pro-
posing an armistice for three or four weeks, to allow
time for consulting the Emperor of Russia. This
step is highly approved of here, though it is supposed
that Bonaparte will not consent to an armistice, hut
that he will push on to a general and decisive engage-
ment, before the Russians have time to rally their
forces. General Kutusow, however, crossed the
Danube at Krems, and the first and second columns
of General Buxhovden's army arrived on the llth in
the neighbourhood of Brunn. No further accounts
are received, and the delay causes general anxiety ;
for about the same time General Marfelt retreated
with his troops into Styria. It is thought he
may be able to co-operate with the Archduke
Charles.
Much dissatisfaction is expressed at the wavering
conduct of the Elector of Hesse. He has replaced
on the peace establishment a corps that was ready
for service ; and the officers appointed to concert
measures with him, complain that no satisfactory
1805.] SIH GEORGE JACKSON. 373
result can be come to with him, though the emperor
promised him both subsidy and territorial indemnity.
The reverses of the Austrians are said to have by
no means damped their resolution to continue the
war ; they had determined, even if Yienna fell into
the enemy's hands, not to conclude a precipitate
peace with him ; while, here, with the intention of
making Bonaparte pause in his victorious career, the
army of Prince Hb'henlohe has been ordered to take
up its station in the principality of Anspach ; that of
Westphalia to advance as far as Frankfort-on-the-
Maine, and the combined Russian and Swedish troops
to attack Holland conjointly with the British force
which it was expected would be sent over for that
purpose their rear and flank to be guarded from
any operations of the French by the army under the
Duke of Brunswick.
To conciliate the Elector of Hesse, and to en-
courage him in his attachment to the good cause, the
unfettered command of the Westphalian army is
given 'to him, and much disapprobation expressed at
some indiscretions of General Blucher.
Owing to a long continued prevalence of northerly
winds, the King of Sweden was for some time
without information of what was passing here. He
therefore sent his aide-de-camp, General Lowenhjelm,
with a letter, requesting to know what was the in-
tention of the King of Prussia in occupying Hanover,
and also announcing his own early arrival with an
army for the purpose of taking possession of the
electorate, and restoring it to the King of England.
374 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
Supposing the King of Prussia to have the same
object in view, he proposed to him a pact for the
operation of the two armies, similar to that which had
been agreed upon. As the inquiries of His Swedish
Majesty, though not offensive in themselves, were
put in a very categorical style, and as no notice what-
ever was taken of the differences already existing
between him and the King of Prussia, this letter
indisposed His Majesty still more against the King
of Sweden, and would have produced a very bad
effect in the present state of affairs, when it is much
desired to bring about a reconciliation, but for the
intervention of the Emperor of Russia.
This Court requires that the King of Sweden
should send a person of high rank, with a letter
expressive of His Majesty's regret at the estrange-
ment that has occurred, when the King of Prussia,
on his part, will be ready to re-establish his usual
relations with the Court of Stockholm. But no
means yet adopted have induced the King of
Sweden to alter his measures, or to soften the un-
friendly tone of his communications to this Court.
The messengers who were sent to him returned
with orders to his aide-de-camp, Count Lowenhjelm,
to leave Berlin immediately, and join him at
Stralsund, which he did. This state of things is
much regretted, and it is feared that the unyielding
conduct of the King of Sweden may give rise to
further differences that may even be prejudicial to
the general success of the allies. The Emperor
Alexander, on leaving Berlin, desired General
1805.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 375
Tolstoi to go to the king, and to use his utmost
endeavours to prevail on him to make some advances
towards a reconciliation. And there is no doubt,
notwithstanding the fresh obstacles in the way of it,
that the King of Prussia will consent to it on rea-
sonable terms, and such as may not in any degree
be felt by the King of Sweden to be personally
humiliating.
The French have sent reinforcements to Holland,
both from the army of Boulogne, and from Mayence,
and have made preparations at Greve and at
Nymegen, as though they were expecting an attack
on those places.
It seems that General Barbou, the commandant at
Hanover, wished to take with him to Hameln a
member of the executive council and a member of
the States, but that it was refused by the Prussians.
He has now collected there a quantity of Hanoverian
artillery, and has made every preparation for a
defence by destroying the houses, and cutting down
the trees and hedges round the town, a service he
compelled the inhabitants of Hameln themselves to
perform for him. He endeavoured also to lay the
country under water, and has done considerable
damage, and caused much injury and loss to a
number of persons without effecting his purpose, for
which the water does not rise high enough.
The Duke of Brunswick was to send troops to
surround Hameln, and prevent the Hanoverian
artillery from being carried away. That part of the
Hanoverian army that remained in the country was
376 DIABIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
to be brought together, and arms, which have been
concealed in sufficient quantity during the French
occupation, distributed to them. M. de Hardenberg,
the brother of the baron, has been instrumental in
effecting many arrangements that will save the
country from further suffering, and accelerate the re-
establishment of the electoral government.
25#A. Beym and Lombard have succeeded in
persuading the king to recall Count Haugwitz to a
share in the direction of foreign affairs. They were
dissatisfied with Baron Hardenberg's independent
manner of undertaking the business of his depart-
ment, and they know, from experience, that they
can fully rely on Count Haugwitz to allow them a
more direct interference in it.
11th. There is an increased degree of activity in
the military preparations of this Government. The
departure of the garrison of Potzdam, and the re-
mainder of that of Berlin, is ordered for the 30th.
The staff of Field-Marshal Mollendorff is com-
pleted. My sister-in-law's brother who had left
the service, but has again donned his uniform is
appointed aide-de-camp and brigade-major to the old
Field-Marshal, who, at the age of eighty-three, is as
young and active as any of his suite, and talks of
nothing so much and I dare say he is sincere as
of his wish to die the death of Nelson. He and the
King of Prussia will set out for the army, it is
supposed, in the course of the ensuing week. The
route they will take depends on the intelligence,
hourly expected, of a battle between the Kussian
1805.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 377
and French armies near Olmutz. A general en-
gagement was expected to take place on the 22nd.
The hostile armies were not more than three or
four German miles from each other. The Prussians
are to take up a position about a league to the west
of Olmutz, where as circumstances may render it
expedient they will either await the onset of the
French, or attack them.
The Emperor Alexander meant to put himself at
the head of his army, which would amount to
upwards of seventy thousand men, including eigh-
teen thousand Austrians, under Prince John of Lich-
tenstein.
Dec. 2nd. Lord Harrowby is really an object of
pity to everybody who sees him ; and surprise has
been freely expressed that a man so thoroughly
hors de combat should have been selected by our
Government at a critical moment like this for its
special negotiator. For my part, I most pity my
brother, though he has, he says, made up his mind
to what he could not prevent, and is disposed to
judge cautiously of the conduct of a man whose in-
firmities are so great. He has had three fits since
he came, and has suffered agonies almost the whole
time ; often, as he himself told Francis, he is in-
sensible for hours together. He is naturally of an
irritable temperament, which, added to his bodily
suffering, renders it both unpleasant and painful to
transact business with him, during those short
intervals in which he is at all capable of attending
to it.
378 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
6th. Unfavourable, though uncertain, reports are
afloat respecting the fate of the allied armies. It is
circulated in the city this evening that the Russians
are defeated, and Alexander killed the excitement
is indescribable.
1th. -The bad news is partly confirmed. A battle
was fought on Monday last, the 2nd inst., at
Austerlitz, between the Russians and the French.
8th to llth. The Russians successfully repulsed
the advanced guard of the French, but were, later in
the day, completely defeated in their centre by Ber-
nadotte's corps. It is still hoped that their right
and left wings may be able to re-establish matters a
little. Both emperors were in the thick of the
battle, and both exposed themselves much to the
enemy's fire Alexander recklessly so. The troops
followed the example of their sovereigns, and fought
desperately. The nature of the ground taken up by
the allies seems to have favoured their operations,
and victory at one moment inclined to their side.
The Russian cavalry had penetrated the French
squares, and a horrible slaughter ensued. It was
expected that the Russian Guard would decide the
fate of the day. But again the superior generalship
of Bonaparte and his marshals turned impending
defeat into victory. At least, this is the cause
assigned here for the disastrous result of the battle.
Both sides are said to have fought with astonishing
intrepidity, man to man. The Grand Duke Con-
stantine seems to be almost the only man of his
regiment that escaped. The Emperors Alexander
1805.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 379
and Francis witnessed the final defeat of the Russian
Guard from some rising ground near the spot
where the last struggle took place. Artillery and
baggage fell into the enemy's hands. The loss on
both sides was immense ; but though the returns of
the Russians are not yet received, we know that
great as was the slaughter, the number of killed and
wounded falls far short of that reported by the
French which is, " half the Russian army, and the
rest entirely routed ; of whom the greater part
threw away their arms." Equally absurd is the
statement that their own loss did not exceed nine
hundred, with about one thousand wounded ; for the
fact is, that a victory like that of Austerlitz would
bear very few repetitions. Two such would go well
nigh, it is said, to ruin the French, and one defeat
would be absolute destruction. It may, perhaps, be
reserved for the Prussians to make them experience
that alternative.
The garrison of Berlin marched out in good
spirits on the 7th.
13th. Something has passed at the head-quarters
of the hostile armies which looks like a tendency
towards peace. We have not yet received any
particulars, but we know that an armistice is con-
cluded between the Austrians and the French.
I4:th. Bonaparte's proclamation, addressed to his
victorious troops, is in the usual bombastic style.
" You have taught them," he says, " that it is more
easy to defy and to threaten than to conquer us."
Nous verrons.
380 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
Mr. F. Jackson to Mrs. Jackson.
Berlin, December 15th.
MY DEAR MOTHER,
I never remember the communication with
England so frequent and rapid as of late. Your
letter of the 5th reached me on the 12th, and found
me in much better mood than when I wrote last. I
mean, as to momentary feelings : for I shall never
forget the injustice that has been done me. I begin
to be annoyed for the progress of affairs, which
cannot be altogether what it ought to be. Lord
Harrowby is, doubtless, a man of ability ; but he is
a stranger to the sort of business he has undertaken.
Everything is new, and embarrasses him, and a great
deal of time is lost. He has been for two days
unable to attend to anything, having had in that
time four or five fits. I remain quite quiet, listen
to what is said to me, and only give an opinion when
it is asked. My wish and study is only not to make
an enemy of a man who has it in his power to
do me great injury. I was as desirous on his
arrival to make him my friend ; but that I see is im-
possible. I had determined to subdue all personal
feelings, and to assist him in working for the public
good, and I thought he would wish nothing better.
But whether it be owing to personal jealousy of
me, whether it be constitutional irritability, and an
unwillingness to confide in anybody, certain it is
that I can no more succeed with him than I should
in persuading a Russian pope to cut off his beard.
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 381
I must, therefore, wait patiently till I am restored
to my functions by his departure. I wish, with all
my heart, that I may find matters as easy of execu-
tion as when they were taken out of my hands. I
am very glad to write to you upon this subject,
because it relieves my mind and prevents me from
mentioning it to anybody else, which I should be
afterwards sorry to have done.
YJth. Your letter of the 9th, which came in
this morning, contains one piece of news which oc-
casions me great anxiety. I mean with reference to
Mr. Pitt. He Is ordered, I suppose, to take the Bath
waters. But I should fear something serious if he
is looking so ill as you say, and shakes so much
that he can scarce carry the glass to his mouth. I
trust most sincerely that they may prove healing
waters to him, for the nation can ill afford to spare
him.
Your prophecy is not altogether verified ; for it
has not found me rejoicing, though in some measure
consoling myself for many things that have passed,
with the idea that I have not on my shoulders
the responsibility of the moment. It is right that
they who would rob me of the roses should feel the
scratchings of the thorns.
The state of affairs is just now such as might
reasonably be supposed to affect a stronger frame
than Lord Harrowby's. All may yet end well, but
this interval of suspense is distressing, and has a
most distressing effect upon his lordship. In addition
to his fits, he now has spasms every day that affect
382 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
his whole body. He wishes very heartily that he had
not left London, and that he were well and safely
arrived there again. And so I believe does his
whole party ; for they have a very dull time of it.
Indeed, the winter promises, upon the whole, not to
be a very lively one. There are few people of our
society here, and of those few, several will go with
the king, when he takes the command of the army.
22wc? Bonaparte seems to be in a fair way to
become the uncontrolled master of the Continent.
Perhaps he may bend the bow until it breaks, which,
indeed, seems to be our best chance for the future.
Lord Harrington has arrived here. He was
destined for an extraordinary embassy to Vienna,
but, under present circumstances, it seems likely that
he will not proceed farther. I suppose it was meant
only as a compliment to send a nobleman and man
of military rank. It can hardly have been a question
of his doing any business. Added to other incapa-
cities, a fit of the gout is come upon him, which com-
pletely ties his lordship by the leg.
F. J. J.
Letters December 30M. We are having a revival
of balls and fetes, which, while war was impending,
had gone out of fashion. They are even now con-
sidered by many persons rather hors de saison.
The Grand Duke Coristantine has been here for the
last ten days, with his suite, and as he is as fond of
dancing as the queen herself, several balls have been
given by the Court, and many other gaieties are
1805.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 383
preparing. We, however, do not profit much by it ;
for the Court, not choosing to see M. Laforet or any
of his party, has hit upon the expedient of excluding
the corps diplomatique in toto. For my part, I do
not quarrel with this arrangement ; but many of the
young men, and especially those of the Russian
mission, which has seven attaches, think it very
hard, and wish politics, war, and Bonaparte at the
deuce, for preventing them from leading a dance.
The account you have heard of the adieus of Alex-
ander and Frederick is true, so far as to their having
taken place in the vault. But whether any vows
were sworn over the tomb of the late king, I know
not ; I never heard anything of the sort mentioned
here, and I imagine the English papers invented
it. The emperor is returned to St. Petersburg, and
I hope it will soon appear that, il na recule que pour
mieux sauter. Much as my journey gratified me, I
cannot help regretting having missed seeing him.
The impression he made on the people is extra-
ordinary, and they become quite enthusiastic as they
tell of what he said and did. It is certain, that had
the King of Prussia himself been in the battle of the
2nd, more anxiety could not have been evinced for
his fate than was shown for that of the Emperor
Alexander, until the particulars of the events of that
memorable, but unhappy, day reached this place.
They have struck a medallion of him to comme-
morate his visit. The likeness is said to be good ; if
so, he has a fine face.
Bonaparte told Prince Dolgoruski, whom the
384 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
emperor sent to the French outposts upon his desir-
ing to speak with him, that if Alexander wished it
he might annex Moldavia and the Ukraine to his
dominions, and that he not only would not oppose
this measure, but would use his influence to render
it palatable to other powers. The prince replied
that his imperial master desired to enter into no
such arrangements ; that he sought no acquisition
of territory. He was there to succour his ally, the
Emperor of G-ermany, and had no other wish than
to see Europe restored to happiness and indepen-
dence. With this declaration the interview closed
Bonaparte ceremoniously desiring the prince to
convey his best respects to the Emperor Alexander,
and to lay him at His Imperial Majesty's feet. Since
then, he has sported the magnanimous towards
Russia, and has sent back Prince Repnin and some
other Russian prisoners of distinction, with the ob-
servation that he would not deprive the Emperor
of Russia of the services of such brave and distin-
guished officers.
The physicians have earnestly advised Lord Har-
rowby to return to England, and to withdraw entirely
from business. He is getting worse, and his state of
health is alarming. Last night he had a burning
fever, and they were going to blister him ; but this
morning the fever has subsided a little, and it is
determined that he shall set out on his way home
as soon as he can bear the journey. With all the
symptoms he has about him, poor man, he must
probably soon undertake a much longer journey.
1805.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 385
He is much concerned at the story of his being
waylaid on his road to Berlin having reached the
English papers ; because, he said, it would alarm his
friends. I did not suppose it would cause you any
anxiety on my account ; knowing, as you do, how
untrustworthy such " foreign news " always is. It
may surprise you to hear that the reported assassi-
nation of Alexander had no foundation whatever, and
that the " attempt on Lord Harrowby " was a very
idle story, originating in the fears of a party of timid
travellers. Lord Harrowby and his suite passed
on their road two men, whom some of them thought
very ill-looking fellows. At the next place they
stopped at, they were told that two spies had just
been taken up not far up from that spot, and sent to
the Russian head-quarters, where they were to be im-
mediately exalted in a manner of which the usurper
who employed them was far more worthy, and that
one of them was said to be the man who last year
stopped the messenger Wagstaffe, near Lauenburg.
Of course, the travellers came at once to the conclu-
sion that these spies could be no other than the ill-
looking fellows who had looked at them, and who
were only prevented, they were convinced, from
stopping them by the sight of the goodly array of
blunderbusses and pistols with which they were armed.
Berlin is, just now, a sort of English diplomatic
nest. We have Lord Gr. L. Gower on his way from
Olmiitz to St. Petersburg. Lord Harrington unde-
cided about continuing his journey to Vienna, and
Mr. Pierrepont from Stockholm. These, with our
VOL. i. 2 c
386 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1805.
cabinet minister, and their respective appurtenances,
number twenty-three persons. Besides, within the
last few days, we have had an unusual influx of
English travellers. Among them is Lord Kinnaird,
whose father and mother both died in the space of a
week, while I was in England. You will have often
read this young man's speeches in the Commons.
He is a very clever fellow, but a violent oppositionist.
He is by no means consoled for the privation which
his elevation subjects him to, by the immense fortune
he has come into. Not being one of the sixteen
Scotch Lords, he has no place in the upper house,
and is incapacitated for a seat in the lower one. I
agree with him in thinking it a hardship for an
able and active-minded man.
Two officers, with beards that would astonish you,
and who escaped from Verdun, after marvellous ad-
ventures that you one day may read of, amuse and
astonish us with the stories they tell of their cap-
tivity, and of the almost incredible gains of the com-
mandant and other officers by the sums they extort
for "relaxations of duty." By some means, they
obtained a supply of money, and agreed to pay the
commandant fifty louis each for a parole of a day,
with the privilege of reporting themselves but once,
instead of twice, during the twelve hours it lasted.
Twice they returned punctually. But with the third
hundred louis, they considered they had paid the
French general handsomely for his complaisance,
and that evening both his prisoners were, of course,
reported non est inventus.
1805.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 387
I send you one of the Alexander medals ; and
another, which is considered to be not without a
certain degree of merit, and has been lately struck
in Berlin, in commemoration of the battle of
Trafalgar and the glorious death of Lord Nelson.
31st. One of the first uses made by Bonaparte of
his victory at Austerlitz is to create two kings.
The Elector of Bavaria, while out shooting one day,
received from a messenger, sent by Bonaparte, a
letter directed to " Sa Majeste' le Roi de Baviere et
de Suabe, notre tres cher frere, ami, et allie'." The
secret of this is, that the elector is about to give his
daughter in marriage to Beauharnois viceroy of
Italy and Madame B's son. A princess of Wiirtem-
berg was to have shared the bed and the honours of
this hopeful youth, but we hear that she had spirit
enough to refuse him ; in consequence of which her
father, the elector, who was to have been made king
first, has lost that honour, and may, perhaps, lose
some portion of the share destined for him of the
plunder of the Holy Roman Empire, about to be
distributed. Their new Majesties will be enthroned
to-morrow, and the mighty modern king-maker, de-
lighting most to honour His Majesty of Bavaria, is
expected at Munich to-day.
I am compelled to descend from this lofty theme to
a very humble one. My brother desires me, in con-
cluding this epistle, to step, as it were, from a throne
to a beer barrel. He will be glad if you will thank
Mr. Barclay for his kind remembrance of him, and,
if he is still at Bath, will tell him, with his best
2 c 2
388 DIAEIES AND LETTEBS OF [1806.
respects, that the specimen barrel he has been so
good as to send him, of this year's brewing, is super-
excellent.
1806. "
Letters Jan. 3rd. Peace was signed at Presburg,
on the 27th ulfr., between Austria and France, and
upon such humiliating conditions as to resemble much
more a capitulation than a treaty of psace.
4th. The Emperor Francis has signed away all
the Tyrol, the Venetian States, the Vorarlberg, and
the whole of his possessions in Swabia, together with
the quarter of the Inn, as far as Lintz, within a few
miles of his capital. He has also acknowledged a
right in his brother emperor to meddle, henceforth,
ad libitum, in the interior government of what
remains to him of his empire, and has received the
haughty mandate of this arbitrary usurper as to what
the form of that government shall be, and who the
ministers to compose it.
5th. The cowardice or ignorance both are
ascribed to them of some of the officers who were
engaged in the fatal battle of Austerlitz has proved,
indeed, a heavy misfortune for Austria and her
emperor ; for it is now known that, at the least,
much might have been done to retrieve first dis-
asters if, instead of giving way to the infatuation
of terror, inspired by the mere fact of the presence of
Bonaparte in the field, a proper spirit had prevailed
in some of those who commanded, and due exertion
had been used to rally and reanimate the troops.
** Better, a thousand times better," was said by more
1806.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 389
than one that came in the suite of the Prince who left
the horrors of the battle-field to caper in the ball-
rooms of Berlin, " that the Emperor of Germany
should have perished under the ashes of Vienna, in
an ineffectual struggle for the independence of his
country, than that he should have subscribed to the
disgraceful terms of peace proposed by his conqueror,
and have allowed his name to go down to posterity
connected with an act of such pusillanimity and base-
ness as the signing of the Treaty of Presburg.
Yet Bonaparte was scarcely satisfied with these
sacrifices, and for a long time insisted on the absolute
cession of Istria and Dalmatia, with the islands
dependent on it. And it was only after a conference
of more than two hours with the Archduke Charles,
in which the latter declared that sooner than consent
to this he would renew the war, that he thought
better of it, and graciously moderated his pretensions
in that respect.
When people come to know the real state of things,
and are told* and it is an undoubted fact that the
whole time this negotiation, if indeed it deserves
that name, was going on, the Archduke had. within
thirty English miles of Vienna, an army of ninety
thousand men, in the finest order and best of spirits,
they will hardly believe such a result to have been
possible.
Qth. The Bavarian coronation, if is reported, will
take place to-morrow, and in a few days after the
new king will give his daughter an amiable girl,
and one of the prettiest of the young German prin-
390 DIARIES AND LETTEES OF [1806.
cesses to the mighty emperor's adopted son and
heir expectant, Beauharnois. We hear that the
Princess of Wiirtemburg is now demanded in mar-
riage for brother Jerome.
After the coronation and marriage at Munich,
Bonaparte is to return immediately to Paris. The
coalition has served him as a pretext for not putting
his three years' threat into execution against our
island ; we shall see if he will pluck up spirit enough
again to menace us, for as to really attempting any-
thing I believe he is far too wise for that.
It is a pity that Sir Sydney Smith should have
followed so much the gasconading system, for it
appears that all the fuss he made with his experi-
ments, &c., has ended only in smoke.
*lth. The " Morning Chronicle," and the whole
list of railing oppositionists, in their wisdom, ascribe
these continental mishaps to the policy of Mr. Pitt.
The opposers of the Administration cannot give a
stronger proof of the shifts they are reduced to.
8th. Lord Harrowby is gone thank God! it is
a great relief to everybody who had any business to
transact with him. I had heard in London of the
fretfulness of his temper, and although I have not,
generally, had to feel the effects of it, yet it has been
sufficiently trying to witness its effect upon others
during the last two months. As far as my brother
is concerned, his lordship's 'conduct cannot be re-
conciled to any idea of gentlemanlike feeling towards
one who was not, after all, directly under his super-
intendence. Francis has had, as he says, a very
1806.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 391
difficult card to play, owing to those same dispositions
having become so evident to this Government that
they became heartily tired of treating with his lord-
ship, and hinted several times that they desired to
re-enter into communication with him. But so far
was he from yielding to those hints the least in the
world, that he did not once go to the Prussian
minister's house when Lord Harrowby was not there,
and also declined entering into any conversation on
matters of business, even with those of his colleagues
with whom he has been always in the most con-
fidential habits of intercourse. But, as I said, he is
gone, and it is well that he is, for all who were with
him would soon have been as much out of their
wits as Lord Harrowby, at times, is himself. Mr.
Hammond, who behaved very well through it, was
near going out of his ; and it was, indeed, a severe
trial of any man's temper and patience, even after all
possible allowance was made for a truly miserable
state of health.
We are sorry to see that you still persist, on your
side of the water, in deceiving yourselves as to the
issue of the battle of the 2nd of December. The
" Moniteur," and other French papers, contain many
a hoax on your incredulity.
Diaries Jan. llth. It is publicly reported, and
credited, that Austria has undertaken to propose to
the British Government terms of pacification on the
part of France. We learn also, from the same quarter,
that Austria has consented to leave Istria and
Venetian Dalrnatia at the disposal of Bonaparte.
392 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
Nothing lias publicly transpired respecting the
negotiation between Prussia and France, but Count
Haugwitz is to set off to-morrow to join Bonaparte at
Munich ; should he have left that city he is to follow
him to Paris or wherever else he may be. It was
thought probable that he would return to France by
way of Italy. The Count is accompanied, as before,
by M. Lombard senior.
14th. The Duke of Brunswick will shortly go to
St. Petersburg on an extraordinary mission.
15th. General Count Schulenberg is appointed to
command, under the Duke of Brunswick, the Prussian
troops destined to occupy the Electorate of Hanover,
and waits only for the conclusion of the arrange-
ments on that subject between Prussia and France to
set out for his head-quarters which it is supposed
will be in the city of Hanover. The force under his
orders will amount to about thirty thousand men.
He is preparing a large military as well as civil
establishment, and from this circumstance and some
authentic information on the subject, we are in-
clined to think that he is to be charged with the
superintendence of the different departments of the
electorate, if not with the exclusive administration
of it.
IStk. I much fear that the loss of his hereditary
dominions in G-ermany will be added to the afflictions,
mental and domestic, that embitter the latter days of
our poor old king. Nothing, I am convinced, but a
speedy peace will prevent this.
24M. The preparatory measures for occupying
1806.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. S93
the electorate are going on apace, as well as those
for replacing the greater part of the Prussian army
on the peace establishment. In the meanwhile
Baron Hardenberg is invisible to the whole of the
corps diplomatique, except M. Laforet, who, however,
declines to hold any intercourse with him ; Bona-
parte allowing his minister to transact business only
with Count Haugwitz, and, since his departure, with
Count Schulenberg. When the latter leaves Berlin
for his new command, we shall see whether sufficient
submission will have been made to reinstate Baron
Hardenberg in the conqueror's good graces. At all
events, we are supposed now to be free from war's
alarms, if not tired of them, but are very anxious to
know what will be said and thought in England of
these strange occurrences.
The garrison of Berlin is expeeted to return in
about ten days, to the great delight of all the young
women and many of the old ones.
25th. As a means of engaging Bonaparte to
withdraw his troops from Hameln, and to renounce
his intention of reconquering the electorate, Prussia
undertakes to ensure the retreat of all troops but her
own. It is doubtful whether Bonaparte will agree
to this, or, if he does, whether he will not attach to
his acquiescence some dishonourable conditions to
which this country could not consent. However,
Prussia founds upon it her hope of being able to
disarm ; the delay of which causes her a daily ex-
penditure of one hundred thousand dollars.
In a political journal published here under Prussian
394 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
censorship, it was stated a few days ago that, in the
impending arrangements, Hanover would be divided
between the King of Prussia, and the Duke of
Brunswick, who would be created Elector of West-
phalia. It was added that, at all events, that part of
the electorate between the Elbe and the Weser would
become Prussian territory. It is a new and extra-
ordinary thing for this Government to allow a state-
ment of its views to reach the public through the
medium of a newspaper. The circumstance is also
the more noteworthy, because the statement is in
harmony with the general expectation respecting the
ultimate disposal of Hanover.
26th. The conduct of Count Haugwitz, when
commissioned to announce to Bonaparte the engage-
ments which the King of Prussia had entered into
at Potzdam with ihe two imperial Courts, has given
great offence to Austria, he having proceeded no
further in the negotiation with which he was charged
than the production of his full powers. It appears
that he constantly evaded, under various pretexts,
making known the stipulations of the Treaty to the
Austrian minister, Count Stadion, and even refused
to confer on the subject with him.
It was the general opinion, at the time, that a
more unfortunate choice could not have been made
than that of Count Haugwitz as negotiator. Yet it
would be necessary to know, before giving full
credence to the allegation against him, the date of
what passed between him and the Austrian minister.
For it is certain that, at a very early period of his
1806.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 395
stay at Vienna, he communicated the intelligence
that Austria was negotiating for a separate peace ;
which assertion was so far confirmed by the events
that followed the battle of Austerlitz, that many
persons have held that he would stand justified
before them for avoiding to commit his country in a
cause already, so far, abandoned by the party princi-
pally interested in it.
At all events, the reports from Vienna are not
likely to produce any effect here. Baron Hardenberg
may express indignation, and the reports may be
laid before the king, but Count Haugwitz will find
more than one zealous advocate to plead in his
favour.
11th. It is now publicly known that the discus-
sion with France is brought to an amicable conclusion,
and it is given out that the conditions are more
favourable for this country than could have been
expected.
It is understood that Hameln and the rest of the
electorate is to be given up to Prussia for immediate
occupation. The permanent disposal of the country
to be adjourned to the time of a general peace.
28th. The Russian armies in Hanover and Silesia
have begun their march to St. Petersburg.
Very pressing requests have been made for the
immediate departure of the British troops, as it is
inferred, from several circumstances that have taken
place, that Lord Cathcart intends to maintain his
position near Bremen against the occupation of a
Prussian army. He is said to be throwing up
396 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806-
intrench me nts, and to have given an intimation to
the senate at Bremen to send away the French
consul from that town.
Fifty thousand Prussians remain on the war
establishment.
1$th. It having been notified that the continuance
of the negotiation at this Court should be entrusted
to Lord Harrington, much surprise was expressed at
it, and Prince Dolgoruski has especially requested to
know what is the object of his lordship's mission.
30M. The Bavarian minister has received and
presented his new credentials. More hesitation is
felt in acknowledging the Elector of Wiirtemberg's
new title, owing to the engagement this court lies
under, in common with that of Copenhagen and
Hanover, to support the constitution of the states of
Wurtemberg as they existed before the late inno-
vations. But this country is now placed too much
under the control of French counsels to admit of an
independent line of conduct being followed in any
transaction.
Feb. 2nd. The French minister has received a
present from the king of a very valuable diamond
snuff-box, upon the occasion of the amicable settle-
ment of the late differences between this country and
France.
3rd. Notwithstanding this, much uneasiness is
felt here on account of the French troops having
taken up a position on the Maine and the Lahn. It
begins also to be doubted whether General Barbou
will deliver up the fortress of Hameln. The
1806.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 397
Prussian troops, meanwhile, continue their return to
their usual quarters, with the exception of the regi-
ments of the garrisons of Berlin and Potzdam, which,
yesterday, were ordered to remain on the war estab-
lishment.
4M. The sale of their best horses and the dis-
missal of the furlough men, which should have taken
place next week, is postponed, and thus twenty
thousand men are added to the immediately dis-
posable force of the Prussian army.
As soon as this new arrangement became known
in Berlin, the public who are very far from being
satisfied with the actual state of things were eager
to learn what fresh act of hostility had given
occasion for the change of orders. It is thus ex-
plained. Count Schulenberg, on arriving at Hildes-
heim, sent to General Tolstoi to urge the departure
of the Russian troops, and was told in answer, that
they could not begin their march for want of money.
To remove this difficulty, the Prussian general offered
to advance the sum required. The reply has not
yet been received ; but no further delay on the part
of General Tolstoi is expected, as the entry of the
Prussians is postponed only from the 13th to the
17th. On the other hand, the French are extremely
impatient for the departure of the Russians, and
General Augereau has advanced towards the frontier
of Hesse. He declares that he has orders not to
halt until the Russians have left, and that if they
are not speedily replaced by the Prussians, he shall
himself undertake to reconquer the electorate.
398 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
It was yesterday publicly asserted by M. Laforet
that Bonaparte, before leaving Vienna, received
proposals from that Court for a marriage between a
princess of Austria and Eugene Beauharnois !
th. -We were not a little affected by the intelli-
gence brought here yesterday evening, by express, of
the death of Mr. Pitt. The melancholy event has
caused a general expression of sorrow in this city.
We have, indeed, sustained a heavy loss. God
grant it may not be an irreparable one. Few, T
believe, even amongst his opponents, but feel the
greatness of the loss to the country, and those who
were the most violent amongst his adversaries must,
ere long, acknowledge it without hesitation. My
brother's remark was, that " he never ceased to be
great but when he yielded his own opinions to those
men not so well qualified to judge as himself." For
myself to whom he was remarkably kind, and
showed many civilities having seen him so recently,
and in such good spirits from the favourable turn
events had then taken, the news of his death comes
upon me with a heavier shock ; for I placed little
stress on the gossip of the Pump-room respecting his
health, that came to us in our Bath letters. I am,
however, inclined to say, with Tacitus, when he
consoled himself for the premature death of Agricola
with the reflection that he had not lived to see the
republic overthrown by Domitian for which I
would substitute the overthrow of the entire Con-
tinent by Bonaparte " he was no less happy in his
illustrious life than in his opportune death."
1806.J SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 399
Our common enemy, no doubt, regards this sad
event as the removal of a barrier to his insatiable
ambition ; but, though deprived of the talents of a
Pitt, and the intrepidity of a Nelson, by unanimity
and exertion we may yet bring him down from his
pinnacle, lustrous as " his star " may now seem to
him to be.
From Mrs. Jackson.
Bath, February 16th, 1806.
MY DEAR GEORGE,
I well knew what your sensations would be
on hearing of our national loss, and my thoughts
constantly revert to Francis and you when I hear
the subject canvassed, and all the consequences
anticipated from it. The political world is in ex-
traordinary confusion. All Mr. Pitt's friends are
rejected. Our friend, Mr. Rolleston, has refused to
be under-secretary of state, in which he is wise ;
for no one here thinks that Mr. Fox will be in long,
so that he would literally be giving up a substance
for a shadow. But R. has got his son, not yet
seventeen, appointed private secretary to Mr. Fox.
Lord Grenville wants a good thing for his brother,
T. Gr. some persons think he intends him to be
speaker ; but / don't think that in Tom's line. All
the foreign ministers, they say, are to be recalled ;
Mr. Elliot and your brother, the only exceptions to
the general sweep. I trust it may be so ; for though
no doubt it will be delightful to me to see you both
again, that delight must be in a degree damped by
400 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
the idea of Francis being removed in such a way,
and at such a time.
I never remember such a clearance, even the
nearest relations, Lord Chatham, and Mr. Singleton,
Lord Cornwallis's son-in-law. No one thinks it can
last long. There will be a new parliament ; and
though Fox has got the majority in the Cabinet, it is
the general opinion that the Grenvilles will turn
them out soon.
I did not see Mr. Pitt this winter. There was
always a crowd assembled to look at him, at which
he was vastly hurt. Lord Bridport told me that he
had not seen him for a week when he heard that he
was going away; and that he then wrote to
Captain Stanhope, requesting to know if he could
see him. He was admitted, and was, he says,
shocked at the change, which was far beyond what
he could have believed would take place in so short
a time. Pitt's death, he says, was the death of a
martyr ; that he died for his country as much as
though a ball had shot him down.
I began to be tired of hearing so much of Lord
Nelson, though he was a great admiral. We have
not the same complaint to make now ; Mr. Pitt died
and was buried without a hundredth part of the
sensation the other excited. All I hear of him now
is, that the last book Mr. Pitt read here was a novel,
which interested him so much that he could not lay
it down till he had finished it ; so everybody is
reading " The Novice of St. Dominic," and it is so
much in request that I who, like the rest, am
1806.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 401
curious to read it, cannot yet get it, though be-
spoken for me at more than one place.
Erskine, they say, is known not to he fit for a
chancellor, and is put in only that they may make
him a peer and give him a good pension. His grief
was so great at the loss of his wife who died very
suddenly from an overdose of laudanum, or some
other narcotic that the Bishop of London sat up
with him a whole night, but refused to consecrate his
garden, where he wished to bury her. You will not
wonder, after that, to hear he is soon to be married
to his mistress a blacksmith's daughter.
I suppose Sir John Warren's news has reached
you. We had accounts, via Falmouth, as early as
the 5th, that he had met the enemy, and was seen
drawn up in battle array. We always get the first
news from that quarter ; as we knew before you of
Trafalgar the account being brought in by the
mails covered with laurels and ribands to your
great annoyance, you remember, when you thought to
send me the first account piping hot from London, in
your dripping wet " extra Gazette." So much for
public news. I know you don't much regard Bath
news ; but if my budget has amused you, dear
George, it has answered the purpose of
Your affectionate mother,
C. J.
Diaries Feb. 26M. My brother has just received
a despatch from Mr. Fox, in answer to one from
Berlin of the 10th. I never remember so quick an
VOL. i. 2 D
402 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
exchange. It must have blown a hurricane both
ways. We now know the final arrangements of the
new Cabinet, but are a little impatient to hear how
far the change is likely to affect us here.
The newspapers persist in turning out all the
foreign ministers ; but we ought to suppose, on
seeing the composition of the new ministry, that
party feelings would have little or no influence now.
And it is to be hoped that the system will not
prevail of regarding the diplomatic profession merely
as one from which a provision can be made for
political adherents ; especially now that so strong an
union of men and talents cannot stand in need of
reinforcement by such expedients. Lord G. L.
Gower had already intended to return home ; and
Sir A. Paget, since they have published his de-
spatches, must retire.
27M. Baron Hardenberg, who has been staying
at his country house, returned a few days since to
Berlin. On that occasion the officers of the garrison
who had marched in the preceding day from their
cantonments in Upper Saxony took the opportunity
to give his Excellency a public testimony of their
respect and attachment by assembling in front of his
house, with the bands of their respective regiments
playing the favourite military and national airs.
This homage, paid by a distinguished corps of the
Prussian army to the high principle and public
spirit that actuated the minister in the late crisis, was
particularly gratifying to him, and, report says, was
highly approved of by the king. There is, however,
1806.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 403
no doubt that the garrison of Berlin was on this
occasion a faithful interpreter of the sentiments of
the whole army.
Count Haugwitz has, on the contrary, drawn
upon himself the severe and openly expressed
censure of the public generally. For it is thought
that the embarrassing position in which the country
is now placed is owing chiefly to his counsels and
conduct, while the popular feeling of resentment
towards him is still further increased by the present
proceedings and progress of the French in Fran-
conia, under the circle of the Upper Rhine.
They are bringing together there a very con-
siderable force, and levying heavy contributions of
which the town of Frankfort has hitherto paid the
largest share. Assessments are also made on the
Landgrave of Darmstadt, the Princes of Nassau,
Weilburg and Usingen, as well as some other
small states in that neighbourhood.
Instead of giving orders for the evacuation of
Germany, Bonaparte has actually sent for fresh
troops from France, and they are now on their march
to cross the Rhine. No explanation is given of
these proceedings, and the only construction that
can be put upon them is certainly not favourable for
the realization of the king's anxious wish to secure
the tranquillity of Germany. But, notwithstanding
the dissatisfaction expressed by all classes, it is
pretty certain that whatever the plans of Bonaparte
may be, this Government will oppose little or no
resistance to them.
2 D 2
404 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [18C6.
General Bennigsen, the commander-in-chief of the
Russian army in Silesia, came here a few days since
to have an interview with the king, at the request
of the latter. His troops had begun their march
homewards in the preceding week, as had also those
under the command of General Tolstoi.
The result of Count Haugwitz's mission is not made
known, but great agitation prevails in this city
respecting it, owing to the unexpected arrival of
M. de Lucchesini from Paris, on the 24th, after a
rapid journey of seven days and a half.
28th. There is, however, no doubt that Bona-
parte, whose head-quarters are now at Witzlow, has
determined not to withdraw his troops until he has
reduced the north of Germany to the same state of
subjection as the south. His immediate object seems
to be to cut off Great Britain from all intercourse
with the Continent, and to follow up his favourite
plan of transferring the electoral dominions to some
other sovereign. He insists that Prussia shall
disarm entirely, and that she shall close the ports
of the North Sea against British commerce. For
these acts of complaisance he is willing to reward
her with both Hanover and Hamburg ; Lubeck he
destines for Denmark, in case she will venture to
forbid the passage of the Sound to the British flag.
The army assembling on the Lahn and Upper Rhine
is intended to intimidate Prussia and Denmark into
compliance with Bonaparte's demands, and it is the
opinion of many well-informed persons in Berlin
that Prussia, at least, as she rejects the idea of
1806.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 405
resistance by force of arms, has no alternative but
submission.
As to Denmark, Count Bernstorff, who has just
left Berlin after a second private mission from his
Court, said, in my hearing, that " those who knew
anything of the character of the prince royal would
feel persuaded that he would prefer rather to fall
under the ruins of Copenhagen than suffer any
infringement of the independence of his country."
Whether this asseveration be worth more than the
often repeated declaration of the King of Prussia,
that " he would never assume the sovereignty of
Hanover unless he obtained the King of England's
consent," remains to be seen. Sanguine hopes have,
however, been entertained of procuring that consent
through the intervention of the Emperor of Russia ;
and it is now pretty generally known, and, indeed,
in confidence it has been acknowledged, that that is
the principal object of the Duke of Brunswick's
mission.
March 1st. Bonaparte being now free from the
fear of encountering an impediment on the side of
Austria, seems to consider the present moment well
calculated for the pursuance of his schemes in this
quarter, as well as a favourable one for the chastise-
ment of the king for the part he took, however
unwillingly, in the transactions of November and
December at least, if we may judge from the nature
of the new demands on Prussia, which have just come
to our knowledge. He requires the immediate cession
of Anspach, or, if that be too unpalatable to the
406 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
king, that his troops should at once occupy Hanover,
in order that it may be placed under the government
of a member of his family ; most probably General
Murat.
It is also his will that Count Schulenberg should
be recalled, and placed at the head of the foreign
department of this country, to the entire exclusion
of Baron Hardenberg, and that the king should
renounce his connection with Russia, and enter into
an alliance with France.
A messenger has, in fact, been sent to Hanover,
to recall Count Schulenberg to Berlin. A circum-
stance which, if viewed as an immediate compliance
with one of Bonaparte's demands, is a bad omen of
the determination that may be looked for on the
other two. His recall was' regarded as a preparatory
step to some resistance to be opposed to the advance
of the French. For Count Schulenberg having th.3
rank of lieutenant-general of cavalry must, while he
remains with the army, of necessity, retain the
command of it. But he has never seen service since
he left the army, as a lieutenant, in early life, when
the late king, as a particular mark of his regard and
favour, gave him the titular rank of lieutenant-
general. As he retained a predilection for military
life, and it was not expected that the occupation of
Hanover would lead to any active service,, the
command of the troops, as well as the civil adminis-
tration of the country, was conferred on him as an
additional mark of favour from his present sovereign.
But as matters now wear a different aspect, and the
1806.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 407
advice of General Schulenberg is said to be necessary
in the council about to be held, it was thought that
the opportunity had been taken of appointing General
Kuchel to replace him in his command. The anti-
Gallican sentiments of that officer are well known,
and he has been throughout the winter one of the
warmest advocates for a war with France.
Allowing for exaggerations, the French troops
now in Germany north of the Danube, including the
auxiliaries of Bavaria and Wurtemberg, probably
do not number less than a hundred thousand men.
And this force is so disposed between the Lahn and the
Danube as to surround the principality of Anspach,
to menace the Electorate of Hesse, to cut off the
Westphalian provinces of this country from the main
body of the Prussian troops, and to keep up the
command of the resources which are now drawn from
the countries on the Maine.
The Elector of Hesse, his treasure, and his army
would be at the mercy of the enemy at the very first
breaking out of hostilities ; and there is but little
doubt that the part played by the Elector of Bavaria,
at an early period of the war with Austria, would be
repeated in the case of Hesse.
We know that the elector is now treated with
exceeding coldness by Bonaparte, and that he, as well
as Talleyrand, refuses to hold any communication
with M. de Mb'ltzberg, the Hessian minister at
Paris.
Before it was understood that the conclusion of an
alliance with France was one of Bonaparte's injunc-
408 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
tions to this Court, it was said by the French party,
without any attempt at concealment, that Prussia
must choose between the alliance and hostility of
France and Russia ; for that things were come to a
point that admitted of no other alternative.
Ind. The king is about to establish a militia to
replace in garrison and other duties the 3rd battalion
of the regiments of the line, which, to the amount of
about fifty thousand men, will thus be added to the
effective force of the army. The militia will only be
called out, and receive pay and clothing, in time of
war. It will consist of all persons subject to the
military conscription who, on account of their size,
cannot be received in the line ; and of all foreign
recruits who have passed the age at which they are
admitted into the regular service.
The regiment of dragoons lately under the
nominal command of the Margrave of Anspach, and
of which Greneral Kalkreuth is colonel, is henceforth,
by the king's command, to be called the Queen's regi-
ment of Dragoons. This is a distinction conferred
in this country for the first time.
3rd. The hopes of those to whom the honour of
their country is dear are, unfortunately, not to be
realized. Count Schulenberg returns to Hanover, and
General Ruchel to his governorship of Konigsberg,
for the king cannot resolve on a war with France.
He must, therefore, comply with the conqueror's
demands, and is thus placed in the dilemma of either
giving up Anspach without an equivalent, or of
forfeiting the pledge that was given to the Emperor
1806.] SIE GEOBGE JACKSON. 409
i
of Russia that Hanover should not be alienated
without His Britannic Majesty's consent.
No orders have been given for stopping the return
of the troops to their usual garrisons, nor has it in
any way been intimated to General Bennigsen, who,
three days ago, took his final leave of the king, that
there was any wish that the Russian army should halt.
The General had his family in Berlin, and they
have been treated during their stay with especial
marks of distinction by their Prussian Majesties. On
taking leave of the king, the General was invested
with the Order of the Black Eagle.
I heard it confidently asserted this morning that,
as an expedient for paying off the arrears due to the
French army from the Austrian hereditary dominions,
it was stipulated in a secret article of the Treaty of
Presburg, that the French should be privileged to
levy contributions in Frankfort, Niirnberg, and other
towns.
The king and his council have decided that absolute
possession shall be taken of the Electorate of Hanover,
and that the cession of Anspach, stipulated in the
Convention of the 15th of December, shall be made
without delay.
Orders have been sent to Wesel ; and several civil
officers employed in the department of the Fran-
conian provinces, set out yesterday to superintend
the delivery of the Margraviate to the French.
The council that discussed these measures, in the
presence of the king, consisted of Baron Hardenberg,
the Marquis de Lucchesini, Field-Marshal Mollendorff,
410 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
General Kiichel, General Kochritz, MM. Lombard,
and Beym.
Baron Hardenberg and General Riichel, alone,
opposed them, and tbe former refused to counter-
sign the king's order for the execution of the measures.
It will, therefore, appear with His Majesty's signature
only. The baron has again expressed his wish to
retire from office. He is distressed in the greatest
degree at what has occurred, and the utmost dejection
prevails amongst those few persons connected with
this Government who have any sort of feeling for the
honour and dignity of their country and their king.
Letters > March 3rd. You have become quite
violent in your politics, my dear M., since you went
into opposition. Your letters, just received, are
absolutely scurrilous. Francis desires me to remind
you that letters are sometimes opened before they
reach our hands, especially in the present state of
things, and entrusted, as yours were, to the ordinary
post. What is said in the innocence of Bath gossip
might be thought very objectionable here, and be
revenged on the receivers. This looks a little like turn-
ing the tables upon you for the lecture you wrote me
when in Paris four years ago ; and I confess I would
rather my brother had himself given you a hint to
be more guarded in repeating the opinions expressed
in Bath of the King and Queen of Prussia. He is,
however, too fully occupied with business to write a
line to-day, and the letter especially complained of
was also addressed to me. I own to you that, I don't
think your people are very far wrong in saying the
1806.J SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 411
King of Prussia is no better than Bonaparte. For
a vigorous resistance to his encroachments would
certainly have prevented much mischief that would
seem now to be irreparable. As to the story of the
lace gowns, &c., it has been abominably misre-
presented, and the consequences drawn from it are
altogether erroneous. Madame Bonaparte's decora-
tions have never been worn by the queen, or Bona-
parte's Eagle by the king.
All I have to say on the subject of your politics is,
that you know my brother is not a party man.
Though a great admirer of Mr. Pitt, it does not
prevent him from doing justice to Mr. Fox, and
believing that he has the good of the country sin-
cerely at heart.
Everybody's attention is so much taken up with the
events of the moment that we have little or nothing
going on in the way of amusement, and there are
very few English, for the threatening aspect of affairs
has made them anxious to get home. We have one
amusing specimen of our countrymen in a Rev.
Mr. Cox, an old Westminster, and whose son was a
frequenter of Dean's Yard at the same time as
myself. He has been travelling with a Russian,
Prince Bariatinski, who has lived much in England,
and is now on his way thither to marry a daughter
of Lord Sherborne. Mr. Cox is famous for shooting
with a long bow, and for wholesale dealing in
superlatives. For all that, perhaps because of that,
he is most diverting, and is besides a most good-
. natured, generous fellow ; but he has never been able,
412 DIARIES AND LETTEES OF [1806.
clever as he is, to master the French language,
though he has spent a great part of his life on the
Continent, which, as he has a great deal to say, and
is by no means backward in his wish to say it, is
unfortunate. He was introduced at our house, a few
evenings ago, to the Countess Yoss, a fine stiff old
lady of the old school, in its fullest sense being one
of the highest bred, and of the most ancient family
of her set when, meaning to be very amiable and
polite, Mr. Cox stammered out, " Que, comme lui
etait le petit cochon du Prince Bariatinski, qui le
suivit partout, elle, grande-maitresse, etait le petit
cochon de la reine" a style of address that greatly
astonished the dignified old lady.
Mr. Cox, I hear, is the author of several tours,
more amusing than veracious.
The countess had had an interview with a mad-
man on the preceding day a gentleman of the
name of Koas, who had arrived in Berlin from the
country, and put up at one of the principal inns.
The people of the house noticed the agitation of his
manners, and his constant repetition of " Oh, I have
missed my purpose but, another time, another time
I shall succeed," &c. On examining his room, a
pair of loaded pistols was found on his table, and
soon after it was known that he had been to the
palace, and mistaking, probably, the queen's apart-
ment for the king's, had demanded admittance, but
had been turned away by a servant who, fortunately,
was in the antechamber.
It is the custom here for the officers, coming to
1806.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 413
report themselves, or having other military business,
to go into the king's room without being announced,
and had this man done so the consequences, most
likely, would have been fatal. However, not gaining
admittance to the queen's rooms he went to those
of the grande-maitresse, the Countess Yoss, to whom
he made a long, incoherent communication, and
put many startling questions, then rushed away,
and returned to his inn. Shortly after he was
arrested by the police. He unhesitatingly declared
to them that his purpose was to take the king's life,
which several sovereigns of Europe, and particularly
the King of Sweden, had commissioned him to do.
That he should then marry the queen, and that
his intention was to govern the country upon a very
different system from that in favour with the present
king.
It has been ascertained that this unfortunate
person was formerly in the Danish service, but has,
of late, lived on his estate in Mecklenburg. He is
connected with the first families of the Duchy, and is
to be sent to his friends, with the intimation, that
should he again appear within the Prussian territory
he will be confined for life.
Adieu, my dear M. We place no reliance on the
report that Lord and Lady Holland are likely to
supersede my brother at Berlin.
Diaries March 6th. Scarcely had the humiliating
intelligence become known, that Anspach was to be
delivered up in compliance with the demands of
Bonaparte, than a fresh pang was added to it by the
414 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
arrival of a Prussian officer with the information
that the French, without waiting for the decision of
the King of Prussia upon the points submitted to
him for consideration and acceptance, had taken
possession of Anspach, with a corps of fifteen thousand
men, on the 24th ult., the very day on which M. de
Lucchesini reached Berlin from Paris. The number
of troops has since been increased to near forty
thousand. The French have taken possession of all
the public offices, besides a considerable sum of money
found in them.
8th. The king and queen are gone to Stettin,
but are expected back shortly. His Majesty has
sent the Black Eagle to General Tolstoi, and the
Red Eagle to several other Russian officers. The
object of this journey is to see the Russian army
pass through Stettin on its homeward march.
Sth. The insignia of the Order of St. Andrew,
very richly set in diamonds, have just been received
from the Emperor of Russia, by Baron Hardenberg ;
and M. de Lucchesini, who leaves for Paris to-day,
with his letters of credence to the King of Italy,
carries with him valuable presents from the king for
different members of the French Government.
llth. As every other part of Count Haugwitz's
convention is being carried into execution, it is not
unlikely that the report is correct of the stipulated
offensive and defensive alliance being also agreed to.
This is, however, denied. Perhaps, because modified
by the omission of the words offensive and defensive,
the alliance still subsisting. What Bonaparte may
1806.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 415
ultimately decide upon respecting Hanover, no one,
at present, ventures to conjecture.
12th. The inhabitants of Anspach, not aware
that they were to fall, almost without notice of their
fate, into the hands of the enemy, forwarded a
petition to the king, which arrived at the same time
as the news that the French, anticipating the king's
determination, had already entered and taken pos-
session. They implored that their country might
not be alienated from the Prussian dominions, and
offered to forego every exemption from personal
service in order to support His Majesty in a war for
their defence ; proposing also to raise money and
men for that purpose to the utmost extent the country
would possibly admit of, and concluding with the
strongest expressions of attachment, and a decla-
ration of their sentiments of loyalty towards their
sovereign.
The king is said to have been much affected by
this earnest prayer of his faithful subjects ; and could
he then have resolved on daring to do, that which he
would, there is no doubt, have been glad to do,
the inhabitants of Anspach might have received an
answer more worthy, alike of him, and of them. The
king, in reply to their petition, said, " The proof
they had given of their fidelity and attachment
to their sovereign would never be forgotten by
him."
The large force placed in Anspach is intended as
a check upon Austria, of whose future intentions
Bonaparte is said to be suspicious. The army on the
416 DIABIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
frontier of Hesse will operate in the same way upon
Prussia.
15M. The British minister at Hesse, passing
through Berlin on his way to England, has been
prevented, by order of the king, at the command of
the French Government, from making the few days'
stay he had proposed doing in this capital. Pass-
ports were furnished for continuing his journey
immediately on his arrival, and the Prussian minister
was exceedingly anxious until assured that Mr.
Taylor was off again post haste. The Government
feared the possibility of his arrest, and the conse-
quences that must have resulted from it. Yet it is a
known and recognized fact, that Bonaparte could not
substantiate any charge whatever against Mr. Taylor.
And that his intercepted letters and despatches,
which were published in the " Moniteur," could not,
by even the most perverse construction, be twisted
into a justification of the incessant persecution he
was for a considerable time subjected to by the
myrmidons of Bonaparte, while resident at the Court
to which he was accredited.
The King of Prussia cannot surely bow more lowly
and more humbly before the mighty conqueror, if he
is still to be regarded as a king.
The Landgrave of Darmstadt, who remained firm
in his allegiance to the emperor and the empire, and
resisted every temptation to join the French army,
has been abandoned to Bonaparte's resentment ; a
deaf ear has been turned to the supplications of the
king's faithful subjects in Anspach, and the Govern-
1806.] Silt GEORGE JACKSON. 417
ment has felt, and confessed, that the capital of the
kingdom is no safe asylum, even for a few hours, to a
subject and representative of a friendly power, should
he be an object of Bonaparte's displeasure. No wonder
that it should have been said in bitterness of feeling
by one strongly attached to his sovereign and his
country, " Who, but must now despair of rousing
our king to a sense of his duty ; to himself as a
man, to his people as their ruler !"
YIth. The accounts just received from Paris state
that ratifications have been exchanged between
M. de Haugwitz and Talleyrand, of a treaty agreeing
in all respects with the Convention of Dec. 15th,
with the one exception of the alliance being de-
fensive, but not offensive.
19M. In consequence of the great dissatisfaction
openly expressed, at the lamentable proceedings of
this Government, as well by the military as by the
general public, an order has been issued to the
officers of the garrison of Berlin to abstain, under
severe penalties, from speaking of the state of public
affairs ; and it has been in contemplation to publish
an edict, prohibiting the public at large from dis-
cussing questions of state policy. This measure is,
however, deferred, under the hope that the course
adopted to silence the garrison may produce, gene-
rally, the desired effect. As yet it has failed to
do so ; and the satire, the sarcasm, and the jeux
$ esprit directed against the chief members of the
government were never so bitter and so frequent as
now, and never were sentiments more opposed to
VOL. i. 2 E
418 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
each other than are those of the nation and those
of its rulers.
2Qth. Part of the army of Frankfort, under
General Augereau, has marched to take possession
of the duchy of Berg. The other part is on its way
to occupy Cleves, on the right bank of the Rhine.
These troops were to be replaced by fresh detach-
ments, that would remain in Frankfort until the
contribution of four million florins should be fully
paid to the French Government.
22nd. The fortresses of Hameln and Wesel were
to be evacuated on the 18th ; but when a detach-
ment of Prussian troops marched from their canton-
ments to take possession of the fortresses, General
Barbou refused to deliver over that of Hameln until,
as originally arranged, the French troops had re-
ceived their pay, up to the 1st of April. General
Schulenberg, finding that payment was absolutely
insisted upon, required it to be made by the States.
They represented their total inability to raise the
necessary sum, and, finally, the General was obliged
to take upon himself to make good the deficiency.
Upon these terms one gate of the fortress was given
up to the Prussians.
24M. Since that, General Rapp has brought
orders from Paris for the evacuation -of Hameln ;
and Schulenberg having collected upwards of two
hundred thousand dollars from the public chests of
Magdeburg and Hildesheim, and satisfied the de-
mands of General Barbou, that officer took his
departure. This act of complaisance on the part of
1806.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 419
Count Schulenberg would, however, have failed to
move the French from Hameln, as General Barbon
himself made known, had he not received the orders
brought by General Rapp. The King of Prussia has
ordered the artillery of the fortress of Wesel to be
given up to the French, and has consented to take, in
exchange for it, the iron guns that remained at
Hameln after the Hanoverian artillery was carried
away last autumn.
It is now generally understood that the trans-
actions between this country and France are closed
for the present. The only immediate anxiety felt is
to know what steps these transactions will lead to on
the part of England and Russia.
25M. The Duke of Brunswick is returned from
St. Petersburg. He travelled so rapidly that he
was but eleven days on his journey. The emperor
has not expressed, it appears, so much dissatisfaction
on the subject of Hanover as was expected ; and
from all we learn, it is not likely that Russia will
interfere very warmly on the occasion.
The duke and his suite were received and treated
by the emperor and his Court with every possible
mark of personal favour and distinction.
26th. It has transpired that his serene high-
ness was charged to make proposals for a marriage
between Prince Henry of Prussia and the Grand
Duchess Catherine. And, in order to render the
proposals more acceptable to the Court of St. Peters-
burg, to offer to form an establishment for the prince
at Hanover for the support of which the revenues
2 E 2
420 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
of the electorate should be assigned. The duke
brought with him the insignia, superbly enriched
with diamonds and other valuable gems, of the Order
of St. Catherine ; conferred by the emperor on the
duchess. They have been sent on to her to
Brunswick, the duke intending to remain here some
days.
27th. The King of Prussia's proclamation for the
final assumption of the sovereignty of Hanover will
very shortly appear. It has been sent to Paris for
approval ; Bonaparte having been much dissatisfied
with that of the 27th of January. Lubeck and the
ports of the German Sea are to be closed to the
British flag. For this the king takes much credit to
himself, and considers that he has earned the grati-
tude of the continental powers by thus thoroughly
carrying out his systeme pacifique and securing, at
all sacrifices, the tranquillity of Northern Germany.
There are, however, many who take a very dif-
ferent view of the matter ; who think the honour of
the Prussian name sullied by the course the king
has pursued, and deplore the fate of their country,
subjugated as she is, with every means of resistance
in her hands, to the tyranny and mad ambition of
the Corsican adventurer.
The resignation of M. de Hardenberg has not
been accepted, but he has received unlimited leave of
absence ; which would seem to be a means adopted
by the King of Prussia to conceal from himself his
having yielded to Bonaparte's injunction to dismiss
his minister. M. de Haugwitz will resume the
1806.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 421
entire direction of foreign affairs, and the whole
conduct of the business of government will be under
the exclusive influence of French authority.
Amongst those persons who are not wholly de-
voted to the French interest, and who, from the
nature of their avocations, are more particularly
acquainted with, and therefore the more desirous to
avert the consequences that may ensue from the
measures now decided upon, the utmost uneasiness
exists respecting the decision of the British Govern-
ment in this crisis of aifairs. They do not scruple
to acknowledge that the very greatest distress must
arise from the suspension of the commerce of the
above-named ports, and the effect it will produce on
the Prussian revenue of which a fourth part is
derived from the excise duties.
The public, also, have not failed to observe that the
injury put upon Great Britain is not only gratuitous,
and unprovoked, but that the form and manner of it
are of a character in many respects altogether irre-
concilable with any principle of good faith or fair
dealing ; especially when the terms are considered
on which the retreat of His Majesty's troops from
the Continent was obtained. Hopes, however, are
cherished that war may yet be prevented. They are
founded on the belief that the commercial interests
of Great Britain will not allow of her taking the
closure of the ports of the North Sea as a provo-
cation to hostilities, and that she will be disposed to
content herself with the advantage of having the
ports in the Baltic still open to her.
422 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
The personal friendship existing between the
Emperor of Russia and the King of Prussia will
induce the former, it is thought, to use his en-
deavours to prevent the commencement of hostilities,
or, at all events, to refrain from taking part in them
himself; while the interests both of England and
Russia will render them, it is considered, unwilling
to consolidate the union between France and Prussia
by any attack on the latter power.
General Murat arrived yesterday se'nnight at
Diisseldorf, with a numerous suite. That town is to
be made the seat of government of the duchies of
Berg and Cleves. Murat will be constituted sove-
reign, with a vote at the Diet of Ratisbon, and with
the rank, it is said, of elector. Louis Bonaparte is
to take possession of Holland ; but whether he will
assume the title of king, or one more analogous to
that of stadtholder, is not yet made known.
A battalion of hussars is under orders to march
towards the frontiers of Mecklenburg ; and seven-
teen thousand men, under General Count Kalkreuth,
and Lietenant-General Schmettau, are to take up a
position on the borders of Pomerania and Perleberg,
as a demonstration against Swedish Pomerania, and
to compel the King of Sweden entirely to evacuate
Lauenburg, where he has left a detachment of
about five hundred cavalry. It was known that he
had determined not to withdraw them, and some
violent measures, it is feared, will be resorted to, to
compel him to retreat.
A Russian force lately appeared off Cattaro, and
1806.J SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 423
took that, and the other forts commanding the bays
called les bouches de Cattaro. The Austrian officer
had refused to admit the Russians, alleging that his
orders directed him to deliver the forts to the
French. An attack ensued, which was followed by
a capitulation. The French arrived the day after it
was signed.
General Bliicher has sent his son to Berlin with
information of the French having taken possession of
the abbeys of Essen and Werder, bordering on
Cleves. On the arrival of the troops, General
Bliicher immediately sent four battalions of infantry
and a strong detachment of cavalry into the same
quarters that the French had occupied, and pro-
hibited the inhabitants from supplying the latter
with provisions or other necessaries.
In the same way, the French have since possessed
themselves of several Prussian fiefs amongst them
the county of Gimborn, held, under the crown, by
Field-Marshal Walmoden. All these encroachments
are made under pretence of engagements, expressed
or implied, in the recent treaties between Prussia
and France.
Count Haugwitz is daily expected from Paris, and
it is supposed that he will bring an account of
further cessions made by him on behalf of this
country. Meanwhile, his signature has been put to the
proclamation for the taking possession of Hanover.
I am off to England to-night.
424 DIAEIES AND LETTEBS OF [1806
Cuxhaven, March 81st, 1806.
Letters. Everything has favoured and facilitated
my journey thus far. I reached Hamburg yesterday
morning, and found Mr. Thornton not altogether
unprepared for the news I brought. It was deter-
mined that I should get down to this place by water,
without loss of time ; and at daylight I arrived here
with a letter to the commanding officer of His
Majesty's ships and vessels at the mouth of the
Elbe. '
This letter, without letting him into all the cir-
cumstances of the case, contained an intimation that
it was necessary to stop the entrance into the Elbe
of two convoys of great value, daily expected from
Leith and Hull, until further notice from Mr. Thornton,
as well as British merchant ships in general that
might be entering the Elbe or Weser, and to keep
them in these roads under the protection of his
guns.
The second object was, if possible, to detain the
Prussian courier, who, by-the-bye, only arrived
yesterday morning; but unfortunately he is gone.
However, the packet he sailed in is one of the slowest,
and I may therefore, not improbably, pass him. As
yet there are no Prussian troops here. They are
to begin marching in to-morrow, at the rate of one
hundred and fifty each day until the whole have
entered. The governor is gone to meet them. The
inhabitants here have already scent of what is going
forward, and are, accordingly, in a great fright.
Prussian commissaries arrived here a few days ago,
1806.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 425
but the townspeople say they would much rather
have the French than the Prussians.
At Hamburg, the state of things is but too gene-
rally known. Eapp ga*ve the alarm, and Bourrienne
talks openly of it at the card table. There are about
fifteen British merchant vessels at Hamburg ; six or
seven are already laden, and they, at all events, will
soon have sailed.
The packet is getting under way. Wind fair,
but blowing hard, so that I have a good chance of a
quick passage.
a. j.
Reillys Hotel, April 6th Midnight. How sur-
prised you will be, my dear mother, to receive a
letter from London, and that not to tell you I have
arrived, but that I am off, after forty-eight hours'
stay. I have not had a moment unoccupied. I
have been twice with Mr. Fox very gratifying
interviews, both as regards Francis and myself.
Half an hour ago, I thought I might venture to
turn in for the night, and to-morrow I purposed
to write you a long letter. But a messenger arrived
with despatches just as I got into my room, and it
is notified to me that, a determination being
come to relative to my business, I must set off
immediately on my return. The horses are ordered,
and in an hour hence I shall be on my road to
Harwich. As I send this in the form of a parcel,
I may tell you, that the contents of this night's
" Gazette " have been followed up by the order I take
426 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
for my brother to return to England with all possible
expedition, and without taking leave. I mention this,
because I know how anxious you would be ; but, for
heaven's sake, don't let it be known, or even hinted
to any living soul. I don't know what the conse-
quences might be to me if you were even to have the
appearance of expecting Francis.
Adieu", dearest mother. I regret that I must leave
England without seeing you ; but you will agree
with me that, even for that pleasure, I could not
abandon the post of duty.
a. j.
Berlin, 18th April. I arrived only this morning,
my dear mother. The winds and the waves proved
as unfavourable for my return as they were prosper-
ous in wafting me over. It was my fate to cross in
one of the worst of the packets, and to be one of
the twenty-five people in a cabin with only twenty
berths. But the delightful scenes of that ten days'
voyage are now forgotten ; for I am again snug in
port, and I hasten to give you that news to dispel
the anxious fears which I know you have felt on my
account. My brother will probably be detained here,
by certain arrangements, nearly three weeks longer.
Bartle Frere will be off in two or three days, and
with the departure of the next messenger, our official
correspondence will be closed.
My friend, Otto Lowenstern, alarmed at the warlike
appearance of affairs, began to fear that by further
delay he should render his long-projected journey to
1806.] SIE GEORGE JACKSON. 427
England, less easy, if not impracticable : he there-
fore hastened his departure, and I had the mortifica-
tion of learning, at the first stage out of Hamburg,
that he had passed in the contrary direction only an
hour before. In fact, as far as I am personally con-
cerned, my last trip setting aside the importance
of the business on which I was despatched was
attended with as little pleasure as could possibly be,
and from the time I left Berlin until I returned, I
literally had my clothes off but three times. If you
see Otto before my return, receive him, my dear
mother, as your son, as such I have been received,
and affectionately welcomed, by his family for the
last three years. Gr. J.
Diaries April 20M. My brother, in conse-
quence of orders I brought from England to that
effect, yesterday requested the Prussian minister,
Count Haugwitz, to forward his passports imme-
diately, as he was directed to quit Berlin without
delay. The greatest consternation is excited by this
prompt decision of the British Grovernment.
Baron Hardenberg announced, on the 15th, his
retirement from office on unlimited leave of absence.
He carries with him the respect and esteem of all
classes of persons in this country, as well as the
goodwill and regard of his sovereign. He has
thought it advisable to reply, in the " Berlin Gazette,"
to a violent attack upon him in the " Moniteur " of
the 2 1st of March.*
* Sec Appendix, No. 9.
428 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
21st. Count Haugwitz has been received with
the strongest public marks of general disappro-
bation, no less so by his friends than by those
openly opposed to him ; for the interests of the
former are materially compromised by the lamentable
state of things he has been mainly instrumental in
bringing about, and in many instances, these selfish
considerations, rather than any worthier motives,
have led them to abandon him. The queen, and the
persons who compose her Court, have been most
pointedly reserved and cold in their manner towards
him, and some members of the government have
even declined to transact business with him.
23rd. The Count has represented to my brother
that the present state of Prussian affairs is not
thought here, any more than in England, to be
one that can possibly be tolerated for any length of
time. He therefore urges him to put off his depar-
ture, and to employ whatever means may be in his
power to prevent an open rupture between the two
countries.
25th. On Thursday night, during Count Haug-
witz's absence from home, the windows of his house
were completely demolished by some persons un-
known, and who have hitherto contrived to escape
detection. It is, however, strongly suspected that
the mischief has been done by some of the military of
this garrison, as carabine bullets were chiefly used
for the purpose. The same destructive smashing
occurred some nights before, on two successive occa-
sions. The damage was repaired, and the Count
1806.] SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 429
intended to take no notice of what had happened.
But since the last attack, a party of police patrols
the street in which he resides.
2Qth. General Kalkreuth's regiments are to hold
themselves in readiness to march at the shortest
notice. The garrison of Berlin has been placed
under his orders. The furlough men of the different
regiments are recalled, and everything wears the
appearance of some approaching military operations.
The cause assigned for these measures is, the ex-
pectation that the King of Sweden will oppose the
attempt to take possession of Lauenberg by the
Prussian troops already despatched thither for that
purpose, and that, if compelled to yield to a superior
force, he will make an attack on some other part of
the Prussian frontier. But they may be merely
intended to intimidate His Swedish Majesty, who has
made a public declaration of his intention to continue
to protect the Electorate of Hanover at all risks.
27#A. The detachment of troops under Colonel
Beeren, employed for the occupation of Lauenburg,
entered that province on the 23rd, near Eatzeburg,
where the Swedish cavalry was drawn up in a body.
An officer, with a trumpeter, was sent to summon
their commander, Count Lowenhjelm, to withdraw.
He refused, and ordered his men to fire on the
Prussians. The fire was returned, and resulted in
the retreat of the Swedes. They afterwards entered
the duchy of Magdeburg, near Gadebusch. A
lieutenant and a private of Beeren's regiment were
wounded ; the Swedes had one hussar killed, and
430 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
several wounded. This Government intends to take
no notice of the affair, but it is doubted whether the
King of Sweden will be equally quiet. General
Kalkreuth has orders to be prepared to resent any
further operations which His Swedish Majesty may
think fit to undertake.
May 4th. The recent history of this Court may,
I think, be comprised in a few words :
After the Emperor of Russia and his young
ministry abandoned the field of battle in Moravia,
with as much haste as they had gone to it, they
naturally lost a great part of their influence here.
They abandoned, at the same time, all the advan-
tages which Bonaparte's rashness and Alexander's
meritorious efforts had obtained for us in this quarter,
and they made no struggle to retain or to recover
any part of them. The consequence has been that
the French party resumed the upper hand, and has
now, more than ever, possession of His Prussian
Majesty's councils. M. de Haugwitz has been the
principal instrument and actor employed by the
cabinet secretaries, and has ended by replacing himself
at the head of the foreign department. He now
desires to call to his assistance, Count Keller, as a
sort of a make-weight, of which, indeed, he stands in
much need ; being himself so light as almost to kick
the beam, and, in fact, he hardly dare show himself
in public.
With regard to our immediate grounds of com-
plaint, the spirited manner in which Great Britain
has resented the injustice and insolence of those
1806.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 431
Gallic-Prussian measures, has both surprised and dis-
concerted the authors of them. It was not thought
that we should take the thing so much amiss, or, if
we did, that we could do so much mischief as is now
apprehended. They are, therefore, endeavouring
to cajole us by the promise of modifications, and
connivance at the continuance of our continental
commerce ; a promise which, even were it satisfactory,
they, with the best dispositions, could keep no longer
than it would take a courier to go from Berlin to
Paris, and back again.
5th. There has been a sort of coquetry between
our Government and Bonaparte, but it does not
appear likely to lead to anything more than an
exchange of prisoners.
1th. My brother left Berlin yesterday morning.
I went with him as far as Botsow, and returned in
the evening. Until his furniture and effects are
disposed of, I remain here, to look about me, and to
accompany my sister-in-law, now recovering from an
illness, to England.
The Court came from Potzdam yesterday, for the
play that was given for the benefit of Schiller's
widow. Their Majesties gave fifty louis, and the
Duchess of Courland a subscription of thirty. They
remain in Berlin for the special reviews of to-day and
to-morrow.
8th. M. de Bronikowski, one of the king's aides-
de-camp, set out yesterday for the King of Sweden's
head-quarters, with instructions to say that if His
Swedish Majesty will remain quiet, and will take off
432 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
the embargo on Prussian vessels, this Court will be
satisfied. But that if he persists in his hostility a
Prussian army will march, without delay, to the
attack of Pomerania. Everybody seems to think
that Bronikowski will not even be received, but will
be served as Lb'wenhjelm was last year at this Court.
General Kalkreuth has been taken very ill at
Pasewalk. M. de Massenbach is gone to take a
share of his duties. The king sent off an express for
Huffland, and he has set out for Pasewalk to attend
the General.
th. Last night a mob again assembled round
Count Haugwitz's house, and were about to repeat
their acts of violence when a party of police came
up ; but the delinquents made so precipitate a retreat
that none of them were taken.
}Qth. Count Baudissin has just told me, he has
received official advice from the Danish consul at
Memel, that orders had been given to allow of the
free ingress and egress of all British vessels at that
port; and I have learnt that a similar permission
has been, or is to be, given in regard to Lubeck and
Embden. I must send off this news to Francis,
though I believe that this sort of modification with
which Prussia hopes to pacify our Government will
produce no effect whatever, and that a straight-
forward course will be kept till all the measures we
so justly complain of are redressed.
llth. Count Keller has not accepted the post that
was offered him, or rather, he has attached so many
conditions to his acceptance of it, that it is thought it
1806.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 483
will not be pressed further upon him. He was very
unwilling to be associated with M. de Haugwitz in
the direction of public affairs ; and, as a sine qua non
of his taking office, he required, in order to exempt
him from a certain kind of suspicion that might
attach to his doing so, that the king should add to his
official instructions a positive order that no present
of any kind, should be received by him from any
foreign power, upon any occasion, or on any pretext
whatever.
Mr. F. J. Jackson to G. Jackson. On board
the " Ariadne"
May IQth. I embarked yesterday at eleven o'clock
at Hamburg, in a small vessel Lord Falkland had
sent for me, and came on board this frigate at nine
last evening. His lordship is a fine handsome
Scotchman, of whom I had before heard that he
piqued himself on being at once a first-rate seaman,
and a man comme il faut, qualities not often united ;
but I am bound to say that he has received me with
the frankness of a sailor, and the courtesy of a
gentleman.
Albemarle Street, May \%th. I arrived to-day at
one o'clock, and can say little more than that I have
had a fine passage. I find all the world entirely
taken up with Lord Melville's trial, so that I have
seen no one but Mr. Fox, and him, only for a few
minutes. I have an appointment with him for to-
VOL. i. 2 F
434 DIAEIES AND LETTEBS OF [1806.
morrow. I must remind you of my parting injunc-
tion at Botsow. For you cannot be too careful,
while you look about you with your eyes well open,
not to let it be known, in any manner, that you
now take any interest or concern in public affairs.
In a word, all you have to do is to take care
that, while nothing escapes your notice, no notice
whatever is taken of you by the G-overnment of the
country.
IQth. I have time only to tell you that the result
of a great confusion and clashing of ideas, and of per-
plexing pros and cons of a long discussion, is, that
it was yesterday decided that war should be formally
declared against Prussia. It is possible that Baron
Jacobi has given his Court information of this by a
messenger he despatched last night. But you may
remain perfectly quiet, an4 quietly settle all I left
unsettled in Berlin.
I was at the king's levee on Wednesday. There
were not more than twenty persons there, for only
official people now attend them. Afterwards I had a
private audience, of upwards of half-an-hour, in the
course of which many pleasant things were said to
me, and many pleasant questions asked. Yesterday
I kissed the queen's hand she gave me a very
gracious reception.
nth. I manage to steer clear of balls and routs,
for I am a good deal fagged with the business of the
moment. I dine to-day with the Duke of York,
which inconveniences me greatly, as it forces me to
give up a dinner party which Cavendish had made
1806.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 435
on purpose for me, at his father's, and to which
several persons were invited to meet me. Tell Count
Goertz that I am induced to recommend, as the
result of my inquiries, that the ships laden with
corn, on account of the elector, should run for
Lubeck as soon, and as fast, as they can ; the truth is,
that Lubeck, notwithstanding our declaration, is not
yet blockaded. As for the vessels under Prussian
colours, it is difficult to give any advice, because,
independent of the blockade, they will be seized by
our cruisers wherever they are met with.
F. J. J.
Diaries, May 15th. M. de Bronikowski returned
yesterday from his mission to the King of Sweden.
His Majesty received, and treated him very courteously,
and he has brought his reply to the King of Prussia's
letter. After an interview with Count Haugwitz, he
went on to Potzdam, and in the course of the day was
followed by the count. The substance of the King
of Sweden's reply, a copy of which I have seen, is,
that His Prussian Majesty could not have more at
heart than himself the maintenance of peace and
good understanding between the two countries.
That, as a proof of it, he was willing to put a stop to
those measures he had found it necessary to adopt, as
soon as Prussia should consent to recall her troops
from Lauenburg, to restore the country to the King
of England, and that no port of the Baltic was
closed to the British flag. An intimation was added
that, in case these conditions were not complied with,
2 F 2
436 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
a squadron, already fitted out for the purpose, would
proceed to blockade those ports.
17#A. The effect produced by this answer may be
easily imagined. Orders have been sent to this
garrison for a corps of infantry, and a detachment of
artillery, to be held in readiness to march at a
moment's warning, and everything has assumed a
warlike appearance. Prince Louis, whose undisguised
reprobation of the recent measures of this Court
excites some uneasiness, is appointed to the chief
command of the expedition. That there is forth-
with to be war with Sweden is now in everybody's
mouth. Further orders are received, for the troops
to begin their march on the 20th.
19#A. To-day the above orders are countermanded,
for the present. This is owing to the arrival, on
Saturday, of a Major de Ch'apmann son of the famous
admiral of that name in the last reign with a second
letter to the king, modifying the demands of the
first. The major went on immediately to Charlot-
tenburg. He was invited to the Sunday morning
parade, and afterwards to dine with the king. He
was placed at the marshal's table, and was treated
with the same marks of distinction as M. de Broni-
kowski received from the King of Sweden at
Stralsund. After dinner, the King of Prussia's
answer was delivered to him, with which he took his
departure the same evening. It corresponds with
the tenor of a conversation Count Haugwitz had
with M. Liitzow on the subject. The king renews
the assurances of his pacific dispositions, and his
1806.J SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 437
desire that the differences between the two countries
should be amicably settled ; a desire of which, he
says, he gives the most unequivocal proof in his
readiness to overlook, and to consider as non avenu, as
well what passed in Lauenburg 1 , as the embargo, and
the seizure of the Prussian vessels. But he rejects,
in the most positive terms, all idea of combining
the interests of His Swedish Majesty with those
of his ally. This resolution he is determined to
adhere to, both on the ground of his not recognizing
the right of the King of Sweden to interfere in the
affairs of England, as. that such an intervention, so
far from facilitating, could only tend to protract,
and render more intricate the negotiations with that
country.
The last step taken by the King of Sweden appears
to have given much satisfaction to all those who have
no immediate interest in misrepresenting or denying
it. He no longer persists in his demands respecting
Lauenburg; but he requires peremptorily, and defi-
nitely, the re-opening of the Elbe. He has thus,
as it were, turned the tables on the King of Prussia ;
for in proportion as the King of Sweden's former
proposal was regarded as unconciliatory and inad-
missible, his present one is allowed to be marked by
moderation, and to require only what honour and
justice would seem to dictate.
20^. Thus matters stand at present. The general
opinion is that neither party will give way, and that
the King of Sweden, having gone to the utmost
extent of concession, will found his right to interpose,
438 DIAEIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
on the appeal of His Britannic Majesty in his mani-
festo as Elector, and will resolutely persist in this last
condition. Whether, in this case, this Court will
immediately proceed to extremities appears very
doubtful. It will certainly make every demonstration
of an intention to commence hostilities. But so
much forbearance has hitherto been shown on that
head, and so great a disposition evinced to menager
the King of Sweden, that M. d'Alopeus tells me he
trusts no decisive measures will be taken, until the
return of a messenger who was sent to St. Peters-
burg with the letter brought by M. de Bronikowski
from Stralsund.
It has been reported here that Louis Bonaparte
has refused the crown of Holland ; that Murat is
the person now fixed on in his stead, and that the
duchy of Cleves and Berg will be given to the
hereditary Prince of Bavaria. It has always been
said that Bonaparte intended the duchy for a
German prince.
2,1st. One of the syndics of Hamburg is come to
Berlin for the purpose of soliciting some relaxation
of the embargo, for the towns of Bitzebuttel and
Cuxhaven, and a free passage for small flat-bottomed
boats on the Jade. Count Haugwitz says that his
request will be granted.
llnd. Baron Binder has told me that he received
orders a few days ago, from Count Stadion, to apply
to this Court for passports for Sir A. Paget and suite
to pass through the Prussian territory. They were
instantly granted, and forwarded to Count Zorley at
1806.] SIB GEORGE JACKSON. 439
Dresden ; Haugwitz, at the same time, observing to
Baron Binder that the demand was altogether an un-
necessary one, as it was not, and never had been,
intended to .put obstacles in the way of any English
travelling in this country.
23rd. The military preparations are still going
on, but with abated vigour. The gendarmes have
always one foot in the stirrup, but the word of
command, to mount, is not yet given.
24M. Intelligence reached us last night that the
King of Sweden had actually put into execution the
threat held out in his first letter, and that the ports
of Dantzig, Memel, and Pillau were blockaded in the
most vigorous manner by a Swedish squadron.
Count Keller has again been offered a place in the
cabinet. He has declined it, and has stated unre-
servedly to the king that his reasons for doing so
are, that the terms on which M. de Haugwitz pro-
posed he should hold office tended to render him a mere
cipher in the government and incapable of being in
any way useful to his country.
The king, meanwhile, continues to keep up a
regular but private correspondence with Baron Har-
denberg, frequently despatching couriers to Cassel,
where the baron is now staying. He had intended to
withdraw altogether from public affairs, but he is so
much occupied by the king's correspondence, that he
is frequently engaged the greater part of the night
in writing.
25M. A Feld-jager, despatched by General Kal-
kreuth, brought yesterday a letter for the king, which
440 DIABIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
had been sent to the Prussian outposts by the King
of Sweden, after the return of Major de Chapmann.
As far as I can learn, its contents are a mere reca-
pitulation of his former letters, and a positive refusal
to recede from his last demand. It appears to have
produced nothing decisive here. The garrison has
certainly received the marche route, but, hitherto, no
final orders to make use of it.
28^. Count Kalkreuth, the General's nephew,
has arrived from the Prussian head-quarters, to
report the appearance of Swedish gunboats at the
mouth of the Pene.
29M. He returned to Pasewalk in the evening.
A Prussian courier from St. Petersburg, who came
in this morning, may have brought accounts that
will lead to more decisive measures against the King
of Sweden ; that is to say, in the way of demonstra-
tion, for though this garrison expects to march, it
does not expect to fight the Swedes. At all events,
no answer whatever will be given to the letter sent
by the king to the Prussian outposts, and which, it
appears, was penned by His Majesty himself. For
M. Brinckman wrote to Count Liitzow, who has
been good enough to read his letter to me, that he
was for two hours with the king, dissuading him
from sending it, after it was written, but without
avail. It was M. Brinckman who induced the king to
modify his first demands, and to despatch Major de
Chapmann to Berlin after the departure of M. de
Bronikowski ; but His Majesty has declared that he
will not be prevailed upon to retract any further.
1806.] SIE GEOEGE JACKSON. 441
There is a story in circulation in society here, the
truth of which M. de Bray, the Bavarian minister,
says he is inclined to doubt, hut which was certainly
reported to this Government as a fact, that the
Princess of Bavaria, vice-reine d'ltalie, has returned
unexpectedly to her father, in consequence of Beau-
harnois having ended some marital dispute by
striking the princess tres rudement, as the account
has it. This treatment from her roi et maitre, though
it might be a mode de Paris, she was not prepared to
receive or tolerate, therefore, faisait ses paquets au
plus vite, and decamped. The king, her father, was
surprised at her visit, and was, naturally, much
grieved on learning the cause of it ; but he has
endeavoured to induce his daughter to return to her
noble husband, and, with the assistance of Bonaparte's
paternal authority, the quarrel, it is supposed, will
be made up and another motive be assigned for her
journey.
30th. Advices just received state that, the King
of Sweden has extended the blockade of the Baltic
ports to all flags, without exception. This last step
was taken by the king without either consulting or
informing his advisers. But there is, it appears,
much jealousy, as well as uneasiness, amongst those
who take part in the councils of His Imperial Majesty.
M. Brinckman sent off an express to M. Liitzow,
begging him, for God's sake, not to interfere any
further with this Government on the king's behalf,
but to let things take their course.
The courier from St. Petersburg brings a letter,
442 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
expressive only of the emperor's regret that the
differences between Prussia and Sweden cannot be
amicably terminated.
About the same time a messenger from Count
Goltz, the Prussian minister at that Court, reached
Berlin, and his report of the friendly dispositions of
the Emperor towards the King of Sweden will
probably deter the King of Prussia from proceeding
to extremities against him. The former has been
urged by His Imperial Majesty to desist from his
hostile measures, or at least to suspend them.
This Government received an estafette from Baron
Jacobi this morning, which prepared me for the news
brought a few hours later by the mail of the 16th.
But news to the 19th, via Holland, has since arrived,
which not only contradicts a preceding report
that letters of marque were issued on the 15th but
mentions that the Declaration, &c., had not appeared
in the Saturday's " Gazette/' and that, in consequence,
all hopes of an accommodation .were not entirely
given up. The non-arrival of the messenger seems
to accredit this intelligence.
Mr. F. J. Jackson to G. Jackson.
York Hotel, Albemarle Street,
June 5th, 1806.
DEAR GEORGE,
I have your sister's letter of the 24th ult, but
of what you are doing in Berlin I know nothing
since the 19th and 20th. Parts of those and of
letters of preceding dates have been seen, a qui de
1806.] SIR GEOEGE JACKSON. 443
droit, and have obtained for you the commendation
your vigilance merits.
I adhere to my original plan of meeting you at
Hamburg, for although Elizabeth says of you " Je n'ai
qu' a me louer de son amitie, et de ses attentions
soutenues," I think she will be better satisfied that ]
should cross the water with her. I purpose leaving
this on the 10th, and, with a tolerably fair wind, may
expect to be at Hamburg about the 15th.
As soon as you receive this, you must, yourself,
deliver the enclosed letter to Count Haugwitz. The
necessary papers with which he will furnish you for
the entrance of the packet I beg you to forward by
estafette to Mr. Thornton at Hamburg.
This town was in a blaze last night. I, of course,
paid my respects on the occasion to the king. He
seems to me somewhat improved in general health,
but his sight is decidedly impaired. The day before
I dined with Burghersh's father. Lady Westmoreland
is one of les elegantes of the day. It was a curious
dinner ; the company, chiefly Russians as much out
of their element in English society as I feel myself
to be, after the sociability, ease, and elegance of that
of foreign Courts, to which I have so long been
accustomed.
I am satisfied with your report of the sale, even
with the probability of the " state coach " being
brought back to England. But as Countess Metter-
nich has so set her heart on having it, I am willing to
take the fifteen hundred dollars, as proposed. Yet I
fancy that when the matter is laid before the count
444 Dl ABIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
on his return, he will be compelled to answer her,
" Though ready to gratify you, how am I to raise the
needful for payment ?"
I look forward with pleasure to the prospect of
getting out of this dusty town after being cooped up
in Albemarle Street.
The " Winter in London," which you ask for, to
read on your voyage, I can tell you, from having
run through it myself as I found it a subject of
fashionable, though as I think unprofitable, discus-
sion is a wretched performance.
This novel of the day is a work miserably put
together to serve a most miserable aim.
I will say nothing of politics until we meet.
There is, indeed, little to be written from hence, in
point of fact, though, in the way of reflection on
that little, a great deal might be said, but that would
be too long to enter upon now. If Prince Hatzfelt
or Alvensleben should broach the subject you may
tell them, as from yourself, that none of the suggested
modifications can have the smallest effect here.
F. J. J.
Diaries June loth. An estafette from Mr. Thorn-
ton brought us last night a letter from my brother,
enclosing one for Count Haugwitz. I lost no time
this morning in waiting upon his Excellency, but
did not see him until my second call, about ten
o'clock, when, apologizing to him for so early an
intrusion, I delivered my brother's letter. He said
he was ever happy to receive anything that came
1806.J SIE GEORGE JACKSON 445
from him; and having read it, he told me that, so
far from any apology being necessary, he felt himself,
on the contrary, obliged for the opportunity my
brother afforded him of showing with what pleasure
he seized the occasion of being useful to him, and of
proving the sincerity of these sentiments of regard
and good-will which he trusted were mutual.
He expressed his sorrow that the journey my sister
was about to undertake should be necessary, but as it
had unfortunately become so, no endeavours, on. his
part, should be spared to render it as little incon-
venient to her as possible. The king, he said,
participated in that feeling, and, for himself, to the
regret with which he saw my brother's departure in
a public point of view, he must add that which he
experienced from his loss in his private capacity.
" This," he went on to say, " is not the language of
mere commonplace civility, but proceeds from the
real esteem I feel for your brother, from the long
and close connection, both public and private, I have
had the satisfaction of holding with him."
He then told me, that he knew too well His
Prussian Majesty's sentiments to make it necessary
that he should take his orders on the subject of the
letter. He would not, therefore, defer the answer.
I mentioned that the packet my brother was to
come in would be under Pavilion Parlementaire.
He answered, " Mais Pavilion Anglais suffit."
In a word, nothing could be more obliging than
the manner in which he received my brother's
request.
146 DIARIES AND LETTERS OF [1806.
To give full effect to it, and to prevent the possi-
bility of any delay or misunderstanding, Count
Haugwitz immediately despatched an estafette to
Count Schulenberg with the necessary orders, and
has, besides, already sent the maritime passport,
which I have forwarded to Hamburg, and to-morrow
we leave Berlin.
In the course of our conversation, Count Haugwitz
more than once referred to the change which the
packets had made from Cuxhaven to Husum. He
assured me that this Government had never intended
to prevent their coming, as formerly, to Cuxhaven,
and he begged that I would represent this to my
brother. As I was leaving he repeated this request,
and I promised to report what he had told me. I
then bade him adieu, with many acknowledgments
for his kind expressions of good will towards myself,
and for the obliging readiness he had shown to
comply with my brother's wishes.
London, Aug. 1st. Contrary winds detained us a
fortnight at Hamburg. We reached London on the
24th ult.- I return to it from Bath to-day, to set off
again by to-night's mail to join my friend Otto
Lowenstern at York, thence to make a tour together
in Scotland.
As to my future prospects, I am totally in the
dark ; and, perhaps, at this early period I am hardly
justified in my impatience on the subject. Whether
Mr. Fox will only resign his office in Downing
Street, or his office upon earth, seems to be a question.
He is to be tapped, they say, to-morrow, which looks
1806.] SIB GEOEGE JACKSON. 447
as if lie could not last long. Lord Lauderdale, I
hear, will negotiate the peace.
They are already speculating at the office as to
who will be Mr. Fox's successor. Some say, Lord
Spencer is a very likely man, and a very proper
one, too. The regulars, they say, would have a very
tolerable chance with him against the many irregulars,
whom it seemed F.'s system to employ in the foreign
line. I hope it may so turn out, but for my own
part I had grounded some expectations not only on
Mr. Fox's manner of receiving me when I came over
in March, but on some words he let fall when I saw
him the second time. However, I am off to bonnie
Scotland, and apres ? apres nous verrons.
448
APPENDIX.
No. 1.
LE Senatus Consulte determine pour 1'avenir la denomina-
tion, les formes et la transmission du pouvoir souverain en
France ; les seules choses que dans 1'organisation du gou-
vernement de la Republique n'etaient pas proportionnees
a la grandeur et au besoin de 1'etat.
Dans cette circonstance le premier soin de Son Excellence
le Ministre des Relations Exterieures de Sa Majeste Im-
perjale, a ete de charger le soussigne de notifier au Ministere
de Sa Majeste le Roi de Prusse, que Sa Majeste Imperiale
Napoleon, Empereur des Franpais, est investe par les lois de
1'etat de la dignite imperiale, et que ce titre et cette dignite
seront transmis a ses descendans en ligne directe et mas-
culine, ou, a defaut de cette ligne, a la descendance directe
et masculine de leurs Altesses Imperiales les Princes Joseph
et Louis Bonaparte, freres de 1'empereur.
En executant les ordres qu'il a re?us, le soussigne a
1'honneur de faire observer, au Minis.tere d'Etat que les
communications officielles doivent cesser jusqu'a ce que les
denominations anciennes soient remplacees par celles du
Protocole Imperiale, tant dans les lettres de creance des
ministres accredited en France que dans celles des ministres
de Sa Majeste Imperiale accredites dans les cours etrangeres.
APPENDIX. 449
Le soussigne n'a pas besoin de declarer que la grande loi
qui vient d'accomplir 1'organisation de 1'etat d'une maniere
conforme a la diguite du peuple Francais, n'apporte aucun
changement dans les rapports politiques, seulement en les
plapant sous la sauvegarde d'un gouvernement investe de
plus d'eclat et revetu d'une dignite plus analogue a la nature
des choses. La France assure plus de force et de consistance
a la reciprocite d'avantages que les nations amies peuvent
attendre d'elle, et en meme terns elle attache plus d'im-
portance aux egards que tous les gouvernemens recevront
du sien, et qu'a leur tour ils doivent lui rendre.
Le soussigne saisit, etc., etc.,
Signe LAFORET.
A Berlin, le 7 Prairial, An. 12.
27 Mai. 1804.
No. 2.
Le soussigne, Ministre d'Etat et du Cabinet, a porte sans
delai a la connoissance du roi 1'office que M. de Laforet lui a
fait 1'honneur de lui remettre au sujet du Senatus Consulte,
qui vient determiner pour 1'avenir la denomination, les
formes, et la transmission du pouvoir souverain en France.
Le roi partage la satisfaction que cet eclatant temoignage
de reconnoissance et de devouement de la nation Francaise
aura cause a Sa Majeste TEmpereur. Elle s'empresse de Ten
feliciter, et de lui exprimer ses vceux pourque ce glorieux
evenement, en assurant le bonheur de la nation par 1'eta-
blissement d'une base permanente et stable de son gouverne-
ment pour 1'avenir, serve encore a fixer, et a rehausser, par
le retour prochain d'une heureuse paix, cette prosperite
nationale qui est le grand but des soins de ce monarque, et
qui fern la gloire de son regne.
VOL. I. 2 G
450 APPENDIX.
Sa Majeste Imperiale voudra bien compter de la part du
roi sur une perseverance inebranlable dans les sentimens
dont il a plus d'une fois eu 1'avantage de pouvoir lui donner
des preuves convaincantes, et Sa Majeste en faisant observer
dans ses relations avec 1'empire Francais les formes qui vien-
nent d'y etre etablies, se tient assuree a. son tour que, par
une juste reciprocite de sentimens, 1'empereur loin de per-
mettre que ces relations d'amitie et d'heureuse intelligence
eprouvent quelque alteration, sera dispose a en ecarter de
son cote tout ce qui pourroit contribuer a les relacher le
moins du monde.
Le roi, en re"connaissant que les communications officielles
des ministres respectifs ne pourront qu' eprouver une inter-
ruption momentanee jusqu'a 1'arrivee des lettres de creance
dans la nouvelle forme, est pret a abreger cette interruption
autant qu'il depend de lui, et vient en consequence de pour-
voir des a present son ministre a Paris de celle dont il a
besoin, dans 1'attente certaine qu'a son arrivee celle de
M. de Laforet lui aura egalement deja ete transmise. En
attendant, le soussigne sera empresse de cultiver avec ce
ministre les communications confidentielles que les affaires
pourroient exiger, et profite avec un tres grand plaisir de
cette occasion, etc., etc.
Signe HAEDENBEBG.
Berlin, le 6 Juin, 1804.
No. 3.
Bulletin du 24 Juin, 1804.
La Cour de Cassation vient de confirmer 1'arret rendu par
la cour de justice criminelle centre les prevenus de con-
spiration.
Le denouement de ce proces etait devenu un probleme
fort difficile a resoudre aux yeux des hommes qui savent les
APPENDIX. 451
dangers qu'entraine quelquefois la condamnation des grands
coupables. Nous ne parlons pas ici des hommes vomis en
France par Tetranger, que 1'indignation et le mepris public
avaient poursuivis avant leur arrestation.
La difficulte est principalement dans celui que sa carriere
SL~vQ.it jette aux premier rangs de la revolution. Get individu,
lie par des preuves irresistibles avec des conjures, deja con-
vaincu moralement par sa conduite au 18 Fructidor, n'avait
d'excuse reele que dans sa. faiblesse, et peut-etre aussi
dans des vertus privees, qui n'empecbent pas quelquefois
d'etre bien coupable envers la patrie. Aussi ses defenseurs
ont ils pris grand soin de cacher l'homme et de ne montrer
que le general : ils ont attenue des circonstances graves
par des faits etrangers : ils ont emu la pitie publique parce-
que le peuple ne reflechit guere : il eprouve des sensations,
et les sensations detenninent son jugement.
II faut applaudir a cet esprit d'humanite redevenu le
caractere national. Cela prouve quels progres le gouverne-
ment a faits, *et quels services il a rendus a la France et a
1'Europe.
La cour de justice criminelle avait voulu distinguer les
personnes, les fautes, et les crimes, mais son arret, en satis-
faisant a la justice, n'avait pas pourvu a tout. La clemence
de 1'empereur vient de donner la solution si importante de
cette affaire.
Le Ge'ne'ral Moreau, condamne a deux ans de reclusion,
a demande, par une lettre addressee a 1'empereur, sa grace
avec la liberte de passer aux Etats Unis d'Amerique. S'il
doit ce conseil a ses defenseurs, c'est ce qu'ils ont fait de
mieux pour son bonbeur et pour sa reputation.
L'empereur, qui avait desire de ne point le trouver
coupable, s'est laisse aller a 1'interet que pouvait lui inspirer
un homme qui dans d'autres terns avait rendu des services :
et des services militaires sont d'une grande valeur aupres
d'un beros : aussi 1'empereur a tout accorde.
2 G 2
452 APPENDIX.
De quelque maniere qu'on envisage ce denouement du
proces, tous les interets s'y trouvent concilies Moreau faible,
egare, humilie, est desormais separe du nouvel ordre de
choses.
II fut un moment ou il devoit franchement s'unir au chef
de 1'etat, et sans doute alors son influence sur les destinees
de la Republique eut pu etre distinguee. Mais des passions
etrangeres 1'ont arrete". Aujourd'hui, Moreau, jouissant de
sa fortune et de sa reputation militaire en Amerique, ne
verra point dependre son sort des crises de 1'etat, ou des
intrigues de 1'etranger, ou de celles de 1'interieur, auxquelles
son nom pourrait servir de pretexte ou de ralliement.
II est noble a 1'empereur de chercher 1'extinction des
fautes plutot que la punition des coupables. La faiblesse
du caractere de Moreau 1'auroit ne"cessairement compromis :
a la premiere intrigue son nom eut ete prononce ; il se fut
encore trouve par consentement ou par quelque connivence
le veritable chef, ou le point de ralliement des conspirateurs.
Alors le chef de 1'etat, ne pouvant plus consulter que les
interets de la nation, qui 1'a charge de ses destinees, aurait
ete force par devoir de tarir la source eternelle de 1'inquietude
publique, et d'etouffer enfin la derniere etincelle d'un feu qui,
sans pouvoir faire de mal bien reel, pouvoit cependant
inquieter et compromettre des hommes faibles et non mal-
intentionnes.
Moreau etait dangereusement place pour 1'etat et pour
lui-meme. II 6tait hors de la nation, organisee com me elle
est aujourd'hui. II n'etait plus que dans la dissolution des
choses, ou dans un reste de factions. Ce n'etait plus qu'un
phare pour eclairer les intrigans de la nuit. Son eloigne-
ment, devenu n6cessaire pour lui-meme, plait au public,
autant qu'il avoit ete desire par ses amis. C'est a lui de
faire oublier par sa conduite, comme il 1'a promis dans sa
lettre, les torts qu'il a pu avoir, et les intrigues auxquelles
il a pris part.
APPENDIX. 453
No. 4,
Turin, le 2 Floreal, An. 13.
Conime il est souvent arrive qu'on s'attachait a donner
aux operations de Sa Majeste Imperiale de fausses inter-
pretations, j'ai cm devoir vous presenter, Monsieur, sous leur
veritable jour les evenemens qui ont porte Sa Majeste
d'accepter la couronne d'ltalie. II n'est pas a presumer que
vous ayez a repondre aux inductions que pourroit eu tirer
la malveillance. dependant j'ai rasseinble ici quelques une
des suppositions qu'on peut lui preter afin de vous mettre
a portee de les repousser, si, centre toute attente, 1'occasion
s'en presentoit.
Le royaume d'ltalie remplace la Republique Italienne ;
ces deux designations se correspondent, la premiere ne peut
indiquer aucune prevention nouvelle ; elle n'a rien de plus
alarmant pour les autres puissances, et, celles-ci ayant deja
reeonnu la Republique Italienne, on ne con9oit pas comment
le titre de Koi d'ltalie pourroit leur inspirer quelque
ombrage.
La France, 1'Espagne, le Portugal, tous les etats qui
envirronnent la Mediterranee, ont-ils cru leur independance
menacee par 1'Empereur d'Autriche parcequ'au lieu de se
borner au titre d'Empereur d'Allemagne, il prend celui de
chef du Saint Empire Kornain, qui avait autrefois compris
tout le monde connu ? Le Pape se croit-il moins souverain
de Rome parcequ'un fils de 1'Empereur d'Allemagne prend
le titre du roi des Remains ?
La circonscription d'un etat, ses relations avec les autres
puissances, le rang qu'il occupe au milieu d'elles, voila les
seuls objets qui puissent les interesser. Rien n'est change
dans les limites, dans les rapports politiques, ni meme dans
la designation du royaume d'ltalie ; ils sont les memes que
ceux de la Republique que ce royaume a remplacee.
454 APPENDIX.
Si 1'innovation d'un titre avoit pu servir de pretexte aux
interpretations c'etait centre celui de Republique Italienne
qu'elles avoient depuis trois ans, a se diriger. La conserva-
tion de ce titre, reconnu aujourd'hui dans toute 1'Europe, ne
laisse aucune prise a la malveillance.
La denomination actuelle se trouve meme plus particuliere-
ment consacree dans 1'histoire du pays et dans 1'opinion
publique ; et, si Ton peut comparer entr'eux deux evenemens
dont les circonstances sont analogues, et qui appartiennent
aux deux plus grandes epoques de -notre monarchie, le meme
territoire avec des limites a peu pres semblables, composa
autrefois le royaume d'ltalie.
Le pays auquel on a rendu son ancienne designation dtait
gouverne en republique lorsque son independance a ete
reconnu par le traite de Luneville. Mais le meme traite
a reserve aux habitans la faculte d'adopter telle forme de
gouvernement qu'ils jugeroient convenable. Cette clause,
et leur independance permettoit de repasser au systeme
monarchique, qui sous des formes differentes, les avoit long-
terns gouvernes.
La France etait republique lorsque le traite de Luneville
fut conclu. Cette circonstance et 1'etablissement d'une
republique en Italie devait inspirer a 1'Autriche plus d'in-
quietude ; aujourd'hui les memes motifs d'eloignement
n'existent plus. La France a repris son ancienne forme
de gouvernement. D'autres etats ont imite sa sagesse.
La Republique Italienne est rendu a la monarchie et toutes
les puissances ont une garantie de plus centre le systeme des
innovations.
Si 1'on demandait 1'independance actuelle du royaume
d'ltalie, vous auriez, Monsieur, a faire remarquer que ce
royaume se trouve dans la meme situation que la Eepublique
Italienne. On n'avait pas regard^ comme contraire a 1'esprit
des traites que le premier consul en fut declare president ; il
ne leur est pas plus contraire que 1'Empereur de France soit
APPENDIX. 455
nomine Koi d'ltalie. Le titre seul est change : lea relations
des deux etats sont les memes : les motifs de securite, qui
faisoient sentir a la Republique Italienne le besoin d'un
protecteur, subsistent encore ; ce pays ne peut acquerir, qu'a
1'abri d'une autre puissance, les moyens de se soutenir un
jour comme royaume independant.
Sa Majeste Imperiale a marque le terme ou il renoncerait
a la couronne du royaume d'ltalie. Ce terme etoit indefini
lorsque 1'Empereur etoit president de la Republique Italienne,
et des lors les autres puissances auroient pu s'en alarmer
d'a vantage : aujourd'hui Sa Majeste ne demande, pour trans-
fe'rer la couronne d'ltalie, que 1'execution des traites qui ont
assure 1'independance des Sept Isles et celle de Matte. Elle
ne veut que pouvoir compter sur le repos et la surete du
midi de 1'Europe, pour que ce royaume puisse jouir sans
danger de son independance.
Ce sont les voeux de ses habitans qui ont change* la forme
de ce gouvernement et qui ont defere la couronne a Sa
Majeste Imperiale. La constitution Italienne leur reserve
le droit de faire, au bout de trois annees, des changemens
dans leur institutions. Ce terme arrive ils ont senti le
besoin de les modifier.
J'ai eu 1'honneur de vous transmettre le proces verbal
de cet evenement. Vous y aurez remarque dans les discours
de M. de Melri, dans les voeux qu'a exprimes la deputation
Italienne, dans les arretes qui en ont etc* la suite, les motifs
qui ont port Sa Majeste 1'Empereur a accepter la couronne
d'ltalie, et les vues de moderation qui 1'ont anime, meme en
cedant aux vues des habitans.
Vous jugerez, par ces observations, et par les faits qui
y ont donne lieu, de 1'opinion qu'on doit naturellement se
former d'un evenement dont le principal objet est de con-
solider le repos et la surete de cette partie de 1'Europe qui,
par la nouveaute de son organisation, et par la direction
qu'ont prise quelques evenemens militaires, seroit la plus
456 APPENDIX.
expose a de nouvelles vicissitudes, si elle n'avoit pris de sages
mesures par s'en garantir.
Agreez, Monsieur, etc.,
Signe CH. M. TALLEYUAND.
No. 5.
Explication Verbale de M. de Laforet d'apres les
Depeches de Milan.
Si la Eussie, ou toute autre puissance du continent, voulait
intervenir dans les affaires du moment et peser egalement
sur la France et 1'Angleterre, 1'Empereur Napoleon ne le
trouvera pas mauvais et fera avec plaisir des sacrifices equi-
valens & ceux que 1'Angleterre feroit de son cote. Mais
si au contraire on n'exigeoit des sacrifices que de la France
seule, alors, quelle que fut 1'union que 1'Angleterre eut
trouve moyen de former par I'intermediaire de la Kussie,
1'Empereur Napoleon se serviroit dans toute son etendue,
de son bon droit, de ses armees, de son genie.
L'Empereur Alexandre serait tout-a-fait trompe, s'il
s'etait laisse* persuader que 1'evacuation de Malte fut un
sacrifice suffisant de la part de 1'Angleterre. L'affaire
de Malte est d'un interet tres secondaire, et, si apres le
message du Boi d'Angleterre la France s'est refusee a trans-
iger sur ce point ainsi qu'il le vouloit, ce n'est point a cause
de la valeur reele de cette isle ; mais parcequ'en consentant
a la laisser dans les mains de 1'Angleterre, la France eut
reconnu ce droit etrange de demander des garanties; c'est
a cause du message calomnieux et insultant du Koi d'Angle-
terre ; c'est encore par la raison qu'en negociant dans cette
circonstance pour maintenir la paix, la France auroit re-
connu a 1'Angleterre le droit de la calomnier et de 1'insulter
publiquement, toutes les fois qu'un pareil calcul pourroit
APPENDIX. 457
entrer dans les vues des factions du ministere et contribuer
au succes de quelques mesures d'adininistration interieure.
Enfin, lors des negociations d'Amiens la valeur intrinsique
de Malte a e'te apprecie. Son evacuation n'est qu'une con-
sequence du traite, et la France, qui la reclame comme son
droit, ne pourrait jamais la considerer comme 1'objet d'une
compensation. Si Ton exige qu'il y ait dans le traite entre
la France et FAngleterre une clause defavorable a la France
qui ne se trouve pas la traite d'Amiens, il fau droit qu'on
inserat dans le meme traite une clause equivalente au des-
avantage de 1'Angleterre et qui seroit de compensation aux
sacrifices que la France aurait a faire.
Tels sont les sentimens de 1'Empereur Napoleon sur la
traite a intervenir entre la France et 1'Angleterre, et ses
dispositions sont de meme nature relativement a la Russie.
II consentira a evacuer Naples, lorsque la Russie de son
cote evacuera les Isles lonniennes. Ces deux conditions sont
equivalentes. Mais si la Russie voulait faire inserer dans
la traite quelques dispositions defavorables a la France, il
faudrait qu'elle s'attendit de son cote a 1'insertion de quelques
clauses a sa charge.
N'est il pas extraordinaire en effet que Petersbourg devenu
1'echo des declamations astucieuses de Londres, preche
partout contre la pretendue ambition de la France, lorsque
la Russie, non contente de I'immense etendue de son terri-
toire et des reunions qu'elle n'a cesse d'y faire, veut forcer
la Porte Ottomane a renouveller le -traite de 1798, et qu'elle
opprime deux des plus beaux et des plus puissantes empires
du monde la Turquie et la Perse de maniere a ne leur
laisser aucune inddpendance. Si 1'on demanda des explica-
tions a la France, il faut que la Russie en donne elle-ineme
sur ce traite de 1798 si funeste a la Porte.
II faut qu'elle fasse connoitre ses limites avec la Perse,
qu'elle declare si la Georgie doit faire partie de Tempire
de Russie, ou en demeurer separee.
458 APPENDIX.
II est de la plus exacte verite que 1'Empereur Napoleon
ne desire rien tant que la retablissement de la paix, mais
il la veut egale et honorable. II consent a faire les sacrifices
qui seront necessaires pour parvenir a ce but, mais dans le cas
seulement ou 1'Angleterre et la Eussie feroient de leur cote
des sacrifices ou des concessions equivalentes.
Comme c'est deja un grand pas de fait vers le succes d'une
negociation lorsque les deux parties sont informees respec-
tivement des bases sur lesquelles chacune est disposee a traiter,
et dont on ne veut pas s'ecarter, il n'y aura aucun incon-
venient a ce que les idees renfermees dans cette conversation
parviennent a la connoissance du Gouvernement Anglais.
No. 6.
Lorsque Sa Majeste Imperiale de toutes les Kussies con-
sentit a la demande de Sa Majeste Britannique d'envoyer
le soussigne aupres de Bonaparte pour repondre a une de-
monstration pacifique que celui-ci venoit de faire a la cour
de Londres, elle fut guidee par deux motifs egalement
puissans, egalement uniformes a ses principes et a ses
sentimens conrius, 1'un de seconder un souverain pret a faire
des efforts et des sacrifices pour le repos general, et 1'autre
de tirer avantage pour tous les etats de 1'Europe d'un desir
de paix qu'on auroit du croire bien sincere a la solemnite
avec laquelle on 1'avait annoncee.
Les rapports existans entre la Eussie et la France eussent
pu supposer des obstacles insurmontables a une negociation
de paix par 1'organe d'un ministre Eusse. Mais Sa Majeste
Imperiale ne balanca point a passer sur tous les sujets
qu'elle avoit de mecontentement personnel, sur toutes les
formalites usitees* Elle profita de 1'intervention de Sa Majeste
Prussienue en faisant demander des passeports pour son
APPENDIX. 459
plenipotentiaire, elle se borna a declarer qu'elle ne les
accepterait, que sous la double condition bien precise, qne
son plenipotentiaire traiteroit immediatement avec le chef
du Gouvernement Francois sans reconnoitre le nouveau titre,
qu'il s'etoit donne, et que Bonaparte assuserait positivement
qu'il etait encore anime du meme desir de paix generale qu'il
avoit paru vouloir manifester dans sa lettre a Sa Majeste
Britannique.
Cette assurance prealable devenoit d'autant plus importante,
que Bonaparte immediatement apres la reponse donne par
Sa Majeste Britannique a sa lettre du Ire Janvier, s'etait
revetu du titre de Eoi d'ltalie, titre, qui pouvoit mettre par
lui seul des nouvelles entraves a la pacification desiree.
Sa Majeste Prussienne ayant transmis la reponse formelle
du cabinet des Tuileries, qu'il persistoit dans 1'intentiou d'y
preter les mains sincerement, Sa Majeste Imperiale accepta
les passeports avec d'autant plus d'empressement que le
Gouvernement Francois avoit affecte d'en mettre a les
envoyer.
Une nouvelle infraction aux traites les plus solemnels
vient d'operer la reunion de la Rdpublique Ligurienne a la
France. Get evenement en lui meme, les circonstances qui
1'ont accompagne, les formes qu'on a employes pour en pre-
cipiter 1'execution, le moment meme, qu'on a choisi pour
1'accomplir, ont forme malheureusement un ensemble, qui
devoit marquer les dernieres bornes aux sacrifices que
Sa Majeste Imperiale venoit de faire aux instances de
la Grande Bretagne et a 1'espoir de ramener par la voie des
negociations la tranquillite necessaire en Europe.
Sa Majeste Imperiale n'eut sans doute pas arrete dans ces
bornes sa complaisance et ses sacrifices, si le Gouvernement
Franfois avoit permis d'esperer, qu'il respecteroit les premiers
liens qui unissent la societe et qui soutiennent la confiance
des engagemens parmi les peuples civilises. Mais assure-
ment il seroit impossible de croire que Bonaparte en
460 APPENDIX.
expedient les passeports accompagnes des protestations des
plus pacifiques, songeat serieusement a les suivre, puisque
dans 1'intervalle, qui devoit s'ecouler entre 1'expedition des
memes passeports et 1'arrivee du soussigne a Paris, il hatoit
des mesures, qui bien loin d'apporter des facilites au re*-
tablissement de la paix, sont de nature a en detruire
jusqu'aux elemens.
Le soussigne en rappellant a son excellence le Baron
Hardenberg des faits bien particulierement connus du
cabinet Prussien, doit lui faire part qu'il vient de receVoir
de Sa Majeste Imperiale 1'ordre expres du -^ Juin dernier
de remettre sans d61ai les passeports ci-joints et de prier son
excellence de vouloir bien les renvoyer au Gouvernement
Francois, en lui annonpaut que dans 1'etat actuel des choses
ils ne sauroient etre d'aucun usage.
Le soussigne saisit cette occasion, etc., etc.,
Signe NOVOSSILTZOW.
r> 7. 28 Juin ion-
Berlin, - ^, 77 ,, 180o.
10 Juillet
No. 7.
Le soussigne Ministre d'Etat et de Cabinet se voit obligd
a son plus grande regret de faire part a M. de Laforet,
Ministre Plenipotentiaire de Sa Majeste 1'Empereur des
Franyois, de 1'office que M. de Novossiltzow vient de lui
addresser, pour lui rendre le passeport Franpois ci-joint en
original et lui annoncer 1'ordre que Sa Majeste 1'Empereur
de toutes les Kussies lui a fait passer a la suite des derniers
changemens en Italie, et nommement de la reunion de la
Kepublique Ligurienne a 1'empire Franpois, de ne pas pour-
suivre son voyage en France.
Le Eoi n'a pii que ressentir une peine infinie, en voyant
ainsi se confirmer les inquietudes, que des la nouvelle de cet
APPENDIX. 461
evenement inattendu on n'avait pu s'empecher de concevoir
sur 1'effet qui pourroit en resulter relativement a la ne'go-
ciation salutaire qu'il s'agissoit d'ouvrir. Le vif desir du
retablissement de la paix generale, dont Sa Majeste n'a cesse
d'etre anime, et qu'elle a si souvent manifesto, est un sur
garant des sentimens douloureux, qu'elle eprouve dans cette
occasion.
Le soussigne a 1'honneur, etc., etc.,
Signe HARDENBETCG.
Berlin, le 11 JuiUet, 1805.
APPENDIX. No. 8.
Dans ce moment ou 1'Empereur de toutes les Kussies,
mon augnste maitre, et Sa Majeste le Hoi de Prusse vont
s'expliquer et s'entendre sur les plus grands interests qui
jamais ayent occupe les souverains, il ra'a paru d'une urgente
necessite de retablir par des explications franches des faits
singulierement alteres qui jettent un faux jour sur les prin-
cipes, les sentimens, et les vues de Sa Majeste Imperiale.
Bonaparte, au moment ou il avoit manifesto 1'intention
la plus prononcee d'entamer une negociation qui devoit pre-
parer les voies au retablissement de la paix entre 1'Angle-
terre et la France, se porte a de nouvelles usurpations. Non
seulement que par cet acte de la plus revoltante deloyaute
il detruit jusqu'a 1'ombre d'une naissante mais timide con-
fiance, il fixe encore 1'opinion que 1'Einpereur devoit prendre
des dgards qu'il est intentionn6 de marquer a Sa Majeste
Imperiale dans le cours de la negociation prete a s'ouvrir.
Des ce moment, le seul parti a choisir etoit celui de ne
point s'exposer a un traitement centre lequel se revolterent
1'honneur, la dignite et meme 1'interet de tous les e"tats
ind^pendans. Aussi 1'Empereur ne balanca pas un seul
instant. La cause de tous les souverains, de toutes les
462 APPENDIX.
nations etant devenue meme personellement la sienne,
pouvoit-il devoit-il se permettre le plus leger doute sur
1'empressement avec lequel on se joindroit a lui ? Ce n'etoit
plus le cas de perdre, par des negotiations, le terns devenu
singulierement precieux.
L'Empereur ayant mis ses armees en mouvement, elles
s'approchent des frontieres de 1'Autriche et de la Prusse dans
la persuasion qu'on les accueillera partout avec cet empresse-
ment qu'inspire un interet commun. On ne demande que
le passage, lors meme que dans ces etats on jugeroit a propos
de ne pas se joindre a elles : payemens en argent comptant ;
indemnisations de tout genre sont offertes. De plus grands
avantages reels vont devenir la partage de ceux qu'une
accession active associe a la glorieuse entreprise de reprimer
une ambition egalement folle qu'elle est vaniteuse, revol-
tante et qualifiee a inquieter jusqu'au dernier individu sur
son avenir.
L'Autriche, sans contredit eminement interesse a la gene-
reuse entreprise de Sa Majeste Imperiale, ouvre ses barrieres.
Les armees Eusses sont accueillies avec amitie et joie.
Les ouvertures que j'ai eu 1'honneur de faire au ministre
de Sa Majeste le Eoi de Prusse, que n'ont elles pas eprouves
la meme faveur ?
II n'y en a pas eu une seule oii avant toute chose 1'inteVet
de la monarchic Prussienne n'ait ete consulte. Je ne parle
pas seulement de celui de 1'Europe, dont la Prusse ne sauroit
jamais se detacher. Jamais un mot n'est sorti de ma bouche
qui ait denote de loin 1'intention de ma cour d'avoir recours
a des mesures violentes. Mais ce qui detruit jusqu'a 1'ombre
d'un tel dessin prete a la Eussie, et auquel des contes
absurdes ont donne une vogue que la malveillance et la
credulite ont pris a taehe de repandre par tout le pays, c'est
la position que maintiennent deux grandes armees Eusses
sur la frontiere de la Prusse. Je demande a tout homme
impartiel dans la monarchie Prussienne, se seroit<>n laisse
APPENDIX. 463
arreter pendant plusieurs semaines sur le meme point, si
1'intention avoit e"te de forcer le passage ? Auroit-on attendu
que le roi eut rendu mobile toute son armee ? Mais on
pouvoit entrer sans dprouver de la resistance ; on de'sarmoit
20,000 a 30,000 hommes avant que la resistance pouvoit
meme etre organisee.
Voila ce qu'eut fait Bonaparte dans une situation semblable.
Le grand coeur d'Alexandre, lors meme que la politique,
1'interet des nations opprimees des peuples foules aux pieds,
et la voix etouffee de victimes innombrables sacrifices a la
soif de la domination, de 1'or, et de la folle ambition d'un
homme obscur 1'eussent exige imperieusement. Le grand
coeur d'Alexandre rejette une telle mesure. Get auguste
souverain s'attende de 1'amitie, de 1'intimite, de 1'union
cimentee a Memel et de tous les sentimens qui en derivent,
que son royal ami, sentant et appreciant 1'importance de la
conjoncture actuelle, loin de traverser ses genereux desseins
les seconder efficacement. Ce sera la le resultat de 1'entre-
vue dont 1'Europe, 1'univers, 1'humanite attendent leur salut.
La Prusse lui devra sa tranquillite et un avenir dont le
bonheur et la felicite seront garantis par la consolidation
d'une alliance que Frederic II. regardoit pendant la longue
duree de son regne prospere comme le boulevard de sa
monarchic.
Signe ALOPEUS.
No. 9.
From the Berlin "Gazette" of April Wth, 1806.
Le "Moniteur" du 21 Mars, en imprimant une lettre
adressee par moi, le 22 Decembre, 1805, a Lord Harrowby,
me somme de dire si elle est veritable ou supposee, et
I'accompagne de plusieurs remarques.
Ce qui rend les devoirs et la situation d'un homme d'etat
464 APPENDIX.
particulierement penible, c'est 1'obligation ou il se trouve
le plus souvent, de se renfermer dans le silence, lors meme
qu'il est meconnu ou calomnie.
Cependant, je dois au roi et a moi-meme de declarer, que
la lettre en question, quoiqu'alteree dans plusieurs expres-
sions essentielles, est officielle et ecrite par ordre de Sa
Majeste. Je le dois au roi, parcequ'a la cour de Berlin,
quelqu'y soit le protocole cite par le "Moniteur," les
ministres n'osent se permettre des demarches de cette nature
a 1'inscu du souverain; a moi-meme parceque je ne puis
voir avec indifference qu'on me croye capable de manquer
a mes devoirs et de m'exposer a etre desavoue apres avoir
agi en son nom.
Le 22 Decembre le roi et tout le monde ignorait a Berlin
qu'un traite avoit ete signe le 15 a Yienne par M. le Comte
de Haugwitz ; celui-ci ayant reserve toute information sin-
ce sujet a son rapport oral, et n'etant arrivee a Berlin que
le 25 Decembre. On se trouvait, comme il est exprime dans
ma lettre a Lord Harrowby, dans une incertitude totale
sur les intentions de Sa Majeste 1'Empereur des Francois.
De part et d'autre les armees e'toient en campagne et sur
le pied de guerre. Le General-Major de Pfuhl fut envoye'
au quartier-ge'neral Francois et a M-. de Haugwitz, pour
s'expliquer sur 1'arrangement intermediate qui fait le sujet
de la lettre a Lord Harrowby, et qui avoit eta propose par
M. de Haugwitz. M. de Pfuhl rencontra ce ministre en
chemin, retournant a Berlin avec un traite definitif, et
naturellement 1'arrangement intermediate dut tomber. Voila
le fait avec le plus exacte verite. Un jugement impartial
saura apprecier les remarques du " Moniteur."
Je m'honore de 1'estime et de la confiance de mon souverain
et de la nation Prussienne ; je m'honore des sentimens des
etrangers estimables avec lesquels j'ai ete en relation, et
c'est avec satisfaction que je compte aussi des Franpois parmi
eux. Je ne suis pas ne en Prusse, mais je ne le cede en
APPENDIX. 465
patriotisme a aueun indigene, et j'en ai obtenu les droits
tant par mes services, qu'en y transferant mon patrimoine
et en y devenant proprie'taire.
Si je ne suis pas soldat, je sens que je n'aurois pas ete
indigne de 1'etre, si le sort m'avoit destine a defendre les
armes a la main mon souverain et ses droits, et la dignite,
la surete, et Fhonneur de 1'etat. Ceci en reponse aux
re marques du "Moniteur." Au reste, ce ne sont ni les
bulletins des gazettes, ni les remarques de leurs redacteurs,
qui pourront jamais me deshonorer.
Voici le veritable texte de ma lettre du 22 Decembre
a Lord Harrowby. En le comparant a celui insere dans
le " Moniteur," on observera entre autres, qu'il n'y est pas
question ; ni de confederations a former qui puisse s adapter
aux evenemens, mais du defaut d'un concert adapte aux
circonstances ; ni de gagner du terns pour prendre des mesures
plus decisives, mais de 1'avantage qui resulteroit de 1'arrange-
ment intermediaire, de voir plus clair; ni d'un plan que
j'aurois soumis a Lord Harrowby, mais de 1'arrangement
intermediaire qui lui fut presente pour empecher que rien
ne troublat les negotiations dont on se promettois le maintien
de la paix entre la Prusse et la France et peut-etre 1'ache-
minement a la paix generate.
Signe HARDENBERG.
A' Berlin, le 8 Avril, 180G.
Lettre du Baron de Hardenberg d Lord Harrowby.
MY LORD, A la suite de la re'ponse prealable que j'ai eu
1'honneur d'addresser a votre excellence sur la question
qu'elle m'avoit fait relativernent a la surete des troupes de
Sa Majeste Britannique dans le nord de 1'Allemagne, je
m'empresse de lui transmettre sur cet sujet les assurances
positives dont j'ai la satisfaction de pouvoir m'acquitter.
Votre excellence connoit la position actuelle des affaires.
Elle sera la premiere a sentir qu'au point oii les choses
VOL. i. 2 H
466 APPENDIX.
en sont venues apres la malheureuse bataille d'Austerlitz
entre 1'Autriche et la France, qu'apres la retraite de la
grande armee Russe, et dans 1'incertitude totale oii nous nous
trouvons sur les intentions de Napoleon a 1'egard de la
Prusse, la plus grande circonspection devient indispensable.
L'armee la plus valeureuse ne peut pas toujours compter sur
les chances de la fortune, et il est sans doute non seulement
de 1'interet de la Prusse, mais de 1'interet le plus general
de prevenir qu'elle ne soit pas attaquee dans ce moment
oii tout le poids de la guerre tomberait sur elle et pendant
qu'aucun concert adapte aux circonstances n'a ete forme, car
dans le cas de malheur de ses armees le dernier rayon
d'espoir de pouvoir maintenir encore la surete et 1'inde-
pendance des etats du continent de 1'Europe seroit evanoui.
Le roi toujours anime du meme voeu de retablir la tran-
quillite generale sur un pied stable et autant que possible
satisfaisant pour tous, n'a pu que desirer viveinent, de voir
sa mediation stipulee par la Convention sign6 le 3 Novembre
a Potzdam, acceptee par la France.
Dans un entretien que M. de Haugwitz eut le 28 Novembre
avec Napoleon, ce souverain se montra dispose a 1'admettre
sous la double condition: 1. Que durant la negociation
aucunes troupes de Sa Majeste Britannique, Russes, ou Sud-
doises ne depasseroient les frontieres de la Hollanda pour y
porter la guerre en partant da nord de TAllemagne ; 2. Qu'on
assurerait a la forteresse de Hameln, un rayon un peu plus
etendu, afin d'obvier a 1'embarras des ses subsistances.
Le roi ne pouvait accepter ces conditions dans les cir-
constances du moment oii elles furent faites, mais celles-ci
ont entierement change, et dans les conjonctures pre'sentes,
cette double demande a paru non seulement admissible
a Sa Majeste, sous la condition que 1'Empereur de son cote
s'engage a ne faire entrer aucun corps de troupes dans le nord
de TAllemagne pendant la duree de la negociation, et a ne
rien entreprendre durant cet intervalle centre le Hauovre,
APPENDIX. 4G7
mais meme favorable parcequ'elle laisse le terns de voir plus
clair, et de se preparer a tout evenement, soit que la guerre
eiit lieu, soit que cet etat de choses intermediaire put con-
duire a une negociation definitive. Pour ne point perdre
de terns, Sa Majeste vient d'envoyer le General M. de Pfuhl
au quartier-general Francois afin de terminer cet arrange-
ment. En meme terns M. de Haugwitz a recu les instruc-
tions necessaires, en date du 19 de ce mois, et le roi fait
connoitre a la France qu'il regarderait la reoccupation du
pays d'flanovre par les troupes Francoises comme une
mesure hostile contre lui.
D'apres ce que je viens d'exposer, le roi m'autorise a vous
declarer, milord, a la suite des assurances precedeinent
donnees, pour le cas ou les troupes de Sa Majeste Britannique
et Russes eussent essuyes des malheurs, qu'il se charge de la
surete des troupes de Sa Majeste Britannique qui sout dans
le pays d'Hanovre et leur donne pleine faculte de se replier
au besom, sur 1'armee Prussienne et sur les etats du roi,
avec les modifications suivantes que les circonstances rendent
necessaires.
1. Quelles prennent des positions en arriere des troupes
Prussiennes et s'abstiennent pour le moment pendant la
duree de la negociation intermediaire de tout mouvement
et de toute demarche qui serait provocatoire contre . la
Hollande.
2. Que si une attaque des troupes Prussiennes de la part
des Francois avoit lieu, Sa Majeste puisse compter avec
une entiere certitude sur le soutien et la cooperation des
troupes de Sa Majeste Britannique pendant qu'elles resteront
dans le nord de 1'Allemagne. Sa Majestd fait avancer un
corps respectable en Westphalie et prendra en outre les
mesures de surete' et de defense necessaires. Les troupes
Russes, sous les ordres de General Tolstoi, se trouve deja
actuellement a la disposition entiere du Roi, 1'Empereur
Alexandre s'en etant remis a lui d'en disposer a ton gre", aussi
468 APPENDIX.
bien que de celles qui sont en Silesie sous les General
Bennigsen.
Je prie votre excellence de vouloir bien ecrire le plutot
possible, en consequence, a Lord Cathcart commandant les
troupes de Sa Majeste Britannique et de 1'engager a prendre
sans ddlai les mesures necessaires a ces divers egards, et en
particulier a se rendre a 1'invitation qui, d'apres les ordres
du roi, lui sera adressee par le General de Kalkreuth pour
s'aboucher personellement a un endroit convenu, avec lui et
le General Tolstoi, relativement aux positions que les troupes
de Sa Majeste Britannique, Busses et Prussiennes, auront a
prendre en consequence de 1'arrangement expose au dessus.
Les troupes Suedoises se trouvant sur la meme ligne avec
les troupes Anglaises et Russes, il est fort a desirer qu'on
puisse engager Sa Majeste Suedoise a se conformer a ces
arrangemens. J'espere que vous voudrez bien vous employer
a cet effet, milord, de concert avec le Prince Dolgoruski,
charge par TEmpereur de toutes les Eussies de ce que
regarde la destination de 1'armee Russie. Au cas que Sa
Majeste Suedoise fasse suivre a ses troupes la direction que
leur donnera M. Tolstoi, le roi est pret a leur donner la meme
garantie qu'il offre aux troupes de Sa Majeste Britannique,
pendant leur sejour dans le nord de 1'Allemagne.
3. Quand a I'approvisionnement de la forteresse de
Hameln, on a juge que 1'attribution d'un rayon ou la
garnison pourvoiroit elle-meme a ses subsistances, seroit
sujette a de tres grands inconveniens tant a 1'egard des sujets
de Sa Majeste Britannique que des collisions qui en
resulteroient entre les troupes. II a done paru preferable
de fournir le necessaire a cette garnison du pays d'Hanovre,
au moyen d'une personne intermediaire a laquelle le General
Barbou indiqueroit les besoins pour sa consommation jour-
naliere et sur les requisitions de laquelle le ministre Hano-
vrien auroit soin de faire livrer ces objets aux endroits dont
on conviendroit.
APPENDIX. 469
Le General Barbou de son cote devra s'engager a se tenir
tranqnille dans la ville de Hameln. D'apres ces idees le roi
envoye a Hanovre le Colonel Kreusemark, aide-de-camp
de F.M. Mollendorff. Je le charge d'une lettre de ma part
pour le ministere de Sa Majeste Britannique, et d'une autre
pour le General Barbou, afm que les arrangemens necessaires
pour fournir de cette maniere momentanement a 1'entretien
de la garnison de Hameln, puissent etre regies et mis en
execution sans delai.
II ne me reste qu'a me referer a tout ce que j'ai eu
1'honneur de vous dire de bouche, milord, et a vous prier
de vouloir bien vous porter en general a toutes les demarches
que vous croirez propre a 1'execution de tout 1'arrangement
que j'ai eu 1'honneur de vous presenter. Je vous prie de
vouloir bien expliquer a Lord Cathcart que ce n'est qu'autant
qu'il jugera convenable d'acceder a cet arrangement, et de
prendre les mesures que dependeront de lui pour en assurer
1'execution que Sa Majeste Prussienne pourra suivre 1'engage-
ment positif de garantir la surete des troupes. II est
cependant necessaire pour le cas d'une attaque de la part
des Franpois, que la direction parte d'un seul point, et il
paroit naturel que le general le plus ancien en grade
se charge alors du commandement. Le General Comte de
Kalkreuth y seroit appele par consequent, tant par cette
raison que parceque se trouvant le plus pres de 1'ennemi
il seroit le mieux en etat de juger des mesures a prendre.
Je reitere avec empressement 1'assurance, etc., etc.,
Signd .HARDENBERG.
Berlin, le 22 Decembre, 1805.
END OF VOL. I.
LONDON :
PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET
AM CHARING CROSS.
:
DC Jackson, (Sir) George
198 The diaries and letters of
J2A3 Sir George Jackson from the
1872 Peace of Amiens to the Battle
v.l of Talavera
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