"O ——, Murat, and Ney, were common-place Generals, having no recommendation but personal courage.
"Moncey was an honest man: Macdonald was distinguished for firm integrity; I was deceived with respect to the character of B——.
"S—— also had his faults as well as his merits. The whole of his campaign in the south of France was admirably conducted. It will scarcely be credited that this man, whose deportment and manners denoted a lofty character, was the slave of his wife. When I learned at Dresden our defeat at Vittoria, and the loss of all Spain through the mismanagement of poor Joseph, whose plans and measures were not suited to the present age, and seemed rather to belong to a Soubise than to me, I looked about for some one capable of repairing these disasters, and I cast my eyes on S—— who was near me. He said that he was ready to undertake what I wished; but entreated that I would speak to his wife, by whom, he said, he expected to be reproached. I desired him to send her to me. She assumed an air of hostility, and decidedly told me that her husband should certainly not return to Spain; that he had already performed important services, and was now entitled to a little repose. ‘Madam,’ said I to her: ‘I did not send for you with the view of enduring your scolding. I am not your husband, and if I were I should not be the more inclined to bear with you.’ These few words confounded her; she became as pliant as a glove, turned quite obsequious, and was only eager to obtain a few conditions. To these, however, I by no means acceded, and merely contented myself with congratulating her on her willingness to listen to reason. In critical circumstances, Madam, said I, it is a wife’s duty to endeavour to smooth difficulties; go home to your husband, and do not torment him by your opposition."
RIDICULOUS INVITATION SENT BY SIR HUDSON LOWE.
11th.—At four o’clock I attended the Emperor. The Grand Marshal entered the room, and gave him a note. The Emperor, after glancing it over, returned it, shrugging up his shoulders and saying: “This is too absurd! There is no answer; give it to Las Cases.”
Will it be credited? This was a note from the Governor to the Grand Marshal, inviting _General Bonaparte_ to dine at Plantation House to meet Lady Loudon, the wife of Lord Moria. I blushed at the indecorum. Could any thing be more ridiculous. Sir Hudson Lowe doubtless thought the thing perfectly natural; and yet he had resided for a long time at the head-quarters of armies on the Continent; and taken part in the diplomatic transactions of the time!!...