Memoirs of Napoleon, vol 7 | Page 6

it was complained that France had sent a
number of persona into the ports of Great Britain and Ireland in the
character of commercial agents, which character, and the privileges
belonging to it, they could only have acquired by a commercial treaty.
Such was, in my opinion, the real cause of the complaints of England;
but as it would have seemed too absurd to make it the ground of a
declaration of war, she enumerated other grievances, viz., the union of
Piedmont and of the states of Parma and Piacenza with France, and the
continuance of the French troops in Holland. A great deal was said
about the views and projects of France with respect to Turkey, and this
complaint originated in General Sebastiani's mission to Egypt. On that
point I can take upon me to say that the English Government was not
misinformed. Bonaparte too frequently spoke to are of his ideas
respecting the East, and his project of attacking the English power in
India, to leave any doubt of his ever having renounced them. The result
of all the reproaches which the two Governments addressed to each
other was, that neither acted with good faith.
The First Consul, in a communication to the Legislative Body on the
state of France and on her foreign relations; had said, "England, single-
handed, cannot cope with France." This sufficed to irritate the
susceptibility of English pride, and the British Cabinet affected to
regard it as a threat. However, it was no such thing. When Bonaparte
threatened, his words were infinitely more energetic. The passage
above cited was merely au assurance to France; and if we only look at
the past efforts and sacrifices made by England to stir up enemies to
France on the Continent, we may be justified in supposing that her

anger at Bonaparte's declaration arose from a conviction of its truth.
Singly opposed to France, England could doubtless have done her
much harm, especially by assailing the scattered remnants of her navy;
but she could have done nothing against France on the Continent. The
two powers, unaided by allies, might have continued long at war
without any considerable acts of hostility.
The first effect of the declaration of war by England was the invasion
of Hanover by the French troops under General Mortier. The
telegraphic despatch by which this news was communicated to Paris
was as laconic as correct, and contained, in a few words, the complete
history of the expedition. It ran as follows: "The French are masters of
the Electorate of Hanover, and the enemy's army are made prisoners of
war." A day or two after the shop windows of the print-sellers were
filled with caricatures on the English, and particularly on the Duke of
Cambridge. I recollect seeing one in which the Duke was represented
reviewing his troops mounted on a crab. I mention these trifles because,
as I was then living entirely at leisure, in the Rue Hauteville, I used
frequently to take a stroll on the Boulevards, where I was sometimes
much amused with these prints; and I could not help remarking, that in
large cities such triffles have more influence on the public mind than is
usually supposed.
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