enormous sacrifices were not overoppressive to those who made them.  I fixed the value of the English merchandise because I knew that the high price at which it sold on the Continent would not only cover the proposed ransom but also leave a considerable profit.  Such was the singular effect of the Continental system that when merchandise was confiscated, and when afterwards the permission to sell it freely was given, the price fetched at the sale was so large that the loss was covered, and even great advantage gained.

Peace being concluded with Russia it was necessary to make choice of an Ambassador, not only to maintain the new relations of amity between Napoleon and Alexander, but likewise to urge on the promised intervention of Russia with England,—­to bring about reconciliation and peace between the Cabinets of Paris and London.  The Emperor confided this mission to Caulaincourt, with respect to whom there existed an unfounded prejudice relating to some circumstances which preceded the death of the Duc d’Enghien.  This unfortunate and unjust impression had preceded Caulaincourt to St. Petersburg, and it was feared that he would not experience the reception due to the French Ambassador and to his own personal qualities.  I knew at the time, from positive information, that after a short explanation with Alexander that monarch retained no suspicion unfavourable to our Ambassador, for whom he conceived and maintained great esteem and friendship.

Caulaincourt’s mission was not, in all respects, easy of fulfilment, for the invincible repugnance and reiterated refusal of England to enter into negotiations with France through the medium of Russia was one of the remarkable circumstances of the period of which I am speaking.  I knew positively that England was determined never to allow Napoleon to possess himself of the whole of the Continent,—­a project which he indicated too undisguisedly to admit of any doubt respecting it.  For two years he had indeed advanced with rapid strides; but England was not discouraged.  She was too well aware of the irritation of the sovereigns and the discontent of the people not be certain that when she desired it, her lever of gold would again raise up and arm the Continent against the encroaching power of Napoleon.  He, on his part, perceiving that all his attempts were fruitless, and that England would listen to no proposals, devised fresh plans for raising up new enemies against England.

It probably is not forgotten that in 1801 France compelled Portugal to make common cause with her against England.  In 1807 the Emperor did again what the First Consul had done.  By an inexplicable fatality Junot obtained the command of the troops which were marching against Portugal.  I say against Portugal, for that was the fact, though France represented herself as a protector to deliver Portugal from the influence of England.  Be that as it may, the choice which the Emperor made of a commander astonished everybody.  Was Junot,