As I have said a few pages back, on taking the government into his own hands Bonaparte knew so little of the Revolution and of the men engaged in civil employments that it was indispensably necessary for him to collect information from every quarter respecting men and things.  But when the conflicting passions of the moment became more calm and the spirit of party more prudent, and when order had been, by his severe investigations, introduced where hitherto unbridled confusion had reigned, he became gradually more scrupulous in granting places, whether arising from newly-created offices, or from those changes which the different departments often experienced.  He then said to me, “Bourrienne, I give up your department to you.  Name whom you please for the appointments; but remember you must be responsible to me.”

What a list would have been which should contain the names of all the prefects, sub-prefects, receivers-general, and other civil officers to whom I gave places!  I have kept no memoranda of their names; and indeed, what advantage would there have been in doing so?  It was impossible for me to have a personal knowledge of all the fortunate candidates; but I relied on recommendations in which I had confidence.

I have little to complain of in those I obliged; though it is true that, since my separation from Bonaparte, I have seen many of them take the opposite side of the street in which I was walking, and by that delicate attention save me the trouble of raising my hat.

CHAPTER XXVII.

1799-1800.

Difficulties of a new Government—­State of Europe—­Bonaparte’s wish for peace—­M. de Talleyrand Minister for Foreign Affairs—­ Negotiations with England and Austria—­Their failure—­Bonaparte’s views on the East—­His sacrifices to policy—­General Bonaparte denounced to the First Consul—­Kleber’s letter to the Directory—­ Accounts of the Egyptian expedition published in the Moniteur—­ Proclamation to the army of the East—­Favour and disgrace of certain individuals accounted for.

When a new Government rises on the ruins of one that has been overthrown, its best chance of conciliating the favour of the nation, if that nation be at war, is to hold out the prospect of peace; for peace is always dear to a people.  Bonaparte was well aware of this; and if in his heart he wished otherwise, he knew how important it was to seem to desire peace.  Accordingly, immediately after his installation at the Luxembourg he notified to all the foreign powers his accession to the Consulate, and, for the same purpose, addressed letters to all the diplomatic agents of the French Government abroad.