The First Consul thought the taking of the prisoners in Hanover a good opportunity to exchange them for those taken from us by the English navy.  A proposition to this effect was accordingly made; but the English Cabinet was of opinion that, though the King of England was also Elector of Hanover, yet there was no identity between the two Governments, of both which George III. was the head.  In consequence of this subtle distinction the proposition for the exchange of prisoners fell to the ground.  At this period nothing could exceed the animosity of the two Governments towards each other, and Bonaparte, on the declaration of war, marked his indignation by an act which no consideration can justify; I allude to the order for the arrest of all the English in France—­ a truly barbarious measure; for; can anything be more cruel and unjust than to visit individuals with the vengeance due to the Government whose subjects they may happen to be?  But Bonaparte, when under the influence of auger, was never troubled by scruples.

I must here notice the fulfilment of a remark Bonaparte often made, use of to me during the Consulate.  “You shall see, Bourrienne,” he would say,” what use I will make of the priests.”

War being declared, the First Consul, in imitation of the most Christian kings of olden times, recommended the success of his arms to the prayers of the faithful through the medium of the clergy.  To this end he addressed a circular letter, written in royal style, to the Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops of France.

It was as follows: 

Monsieur—­The motives of the present war are known throughout Europe.  The bad faith of the King of England, who has violated his treaties by refusing to restore Malta to the order of St. John of Jerusalem, and attacked our merchant vessels without a previous declaration of war, together with the necessity of a just defence, forced us to have recourse to arms.  I therefore wish you to order prayers to be offered up, in order to obtain the benediction of Heaven on our enterprises.  The proofs I have received of your zeal for the public service give me an assurance of your readiness to conform with my wishes.

     Given at St. Cloud, 18 Prairial, an XI. (7th June 1803).

(Signed) Bonaparte.

This letter was remarkable in more than one respect.  It astonished most of his old brothers-in-arms, who turned it into ridicule; observing that Bonaparte needed no praying to enable him to conquer Italy twice over.  The First Consul, however, let them laugh on, and steadily followed the line he had traced out.  His letter was admirably calculated to please the Court of Rome, which he wished should consider him in the light of another elder son of the Church.  The letter was, moreover, remarkable for the use of the word “Monsieur,” which the First Consul now employed for the first time in an act destined for publicity.  This circumstance would seem