Sellers of chaplets and rosaries must have made their fortunes during this winter, for in some shops more than one hundred dozen were sold per day.  During the month of January, by this branch of industry alone, one merchant of the Rue Saint-Denis made forty thousand francs.  All those who presented themselves at the audience of the Holy Father, or who pressed around him as he went out, made him bless chaplets for themselves, for all their relations, and for their friends in Paris or in the provinces.  The cardinals also distributed an incredible quantity in their visits to the various hospitals, to the Hotel des Invalides, etc., and even at private houses.

It was arranged that the coronation of their Majesties should take place on Dec. 2.  On the morning of this great day all at the chateau were astir very early, especially the persons attached to the service of the wardrobe.  The Emperor himself arose at eight o’clock.  It was no small affair to array his Majesty in the rich costume which had been prepared for the occasion; and the whole time I was dressing him he uttered unlimited maledictions and apostrophes against embroiderers, tailors, and furnishers generally.  As I passed him each article of his dress, “Now, that is something handsome, Monsieur le drole,” said he (and my ears had their part in the play), “but we shall see the bills for it.”  This was the costume:  silk stockings embroidered in gold, with the imperial coronet on the clocks; white velvet boots laced and embroidered with gold; white velvet breeches embroidered in gold on the seams; diamond buckles and buttons on his garters; his vest, also of white velvet, embroidered in gold with diamond buttons; a crimson velvet coat, with facings of white velvet, and embroidered on all the seams, the whole sparkling with gold and gems.  A short cloak, also of crimson, and lined with white satin, hung from his left shoulder, and was caught on the right over his breast with a double clasp of diamonds.  On such occasions it was customary for the grand chamberlain to pass the shirt; but it seems that his Majesty did not remember this law of etiquette, and it was I alone who performed that office, as I was accustomed.  The shirt was one of those ordinarily worn by his Majesty, but of very beautiful cambric, for the Emperor would wear only very fine linen; but ruffles of very handsome lace had been added, and his cravat was of the most exquisite muslin, and his collar of superb lace.  The black velvet cap was surmounted by two white aigrettes, and surrounded with a band of diamonds, caught together by the Regent.  The Emperor set out, thus dressed, from the Tuileries; and it was not till he had reached Notre-Dame, that he placed over his shoulders the grand coronation mantle.  This was of crimson velvet, studded with golden bees, lined with white satin, and fastened with a gold cord and tassel.  The weight of it was at least eighty pounds, and, although it was held up by four grand dignitaries, bore him down by its weight.  Therefore, on returning to the chateau, he freed himself as soon as possible from all this rich and uncomfortable apparel; and while resuming his grenadier uniform, he repeated over and over, “At last I can get my breath.”  He was certainly much more at his ease on the day of battle.