was written previously to the interview at Erfurt, when Napoleon, to avoid alarming Russia, made his ambition appear to slumber.  But when he got his brother Joseph recognised, and when he had himself struck an important blow in the Peninsula, he began to change his tone to Louis.  On the 20th of December he wrote a very remarkable letter, which exhibits the unreserved expression of that tyranny which he wished to exercise over all his family in order to make them the instruments of his despotism.  He reproached Louis for not following his system of policy, telling him that he had forgotten he was a Frenchman, and that he wished to become a Dutchman.  Among other things he said: 

Your Majesty has done more:  you took advantage of the moment when I was involved in the affairs of the Continent to renew the relations between Holland and England—­to violate the laws of the blockade, which are the only means of effectually destroying the latter power.  I expressed my dissatisfaction by forbidding you to come to France, and I have made you feel that even without the assistance of my armies, by merely closing the Rhine, the Weser, the Scheldt, and the Meuse against Holland, I should have placed her in a situation more critical than if I had declared war against her.  Your Majesty implored my generosity, appealed to my feelings as brother, and promised to alter your conduct.  I thought this warning would be sufficient.  I raised my custom-house prohibitions, but your Majesty has returned to your old system.

Your Majesty received all the American ships that presented themselves in the ports of Holland after having been expelled from those of France.  I have been obliged a second time to prohibit trade with Holland.  In this state of things we may consider ourselves really at war.  In my speech to the Legislative Body I manifested my displeasure; for I will not conceal from you that my intention is to unite Holland with France.  This will be the most severe blow I can aim against England, and will deliver me from the perpetual insults which the plotters of your Cabinet are constantly directing against me.  The mouths of the Rhine and of the Meuse ought, indeed, to belong to me.  The principle that the ‘Thalweg’ (towing-path) of the Rhine is the boundary of France is a fundamental principle.  Your Majesty writes to me on the 17th that you are sure of being able to prevent all trade between Holland and England.  I am of opinion that your Majesty promises more than you can fulfil.  I shall, however, remove my custom-house prohibitions whenever the existing treaties may be executed.  The following are my conditions:—­First, The interdiction of all trade and communication with England.  Second, The supply of a fleet of fourteen sail-of the line, seven frigates and seven brigs or corvettes, armed and manned.  Third, An army of 25,000 men.  Fourth, The suppression of the rank of marshals.  Fifth, The abolition of all the privileges of nobility which are contrary