The National Register.
London, England, 1816-03-31 00:00:00

BUONAPARTE.

Pt ANTATTON-ITOUSE, ST. Hi:LENA, JAN. 6.--Those who have
seal), seen the burning valley and shabby town of St. flelena,
ran form no idea of the romantic beauties of this enchanting
spot. 'The Governor, at whose house we are, wishes us to
remain till the new Governor arrives. but
will not allow ns to he absent from camp many days.—Buena-
parte maker the duty very hard upon the offurees; they are on
daty every third day. Since we arrived with the great Napo-
leon, sue have had nothing but a round of bails, entertainments,
and galas ; and Lir G. B—•—, our colonel. gave a morning
fete in tents, which cost WI. I did the honours to the French
*Countesses, Governor, Ladies, &c. danced in every dance, and
and then walked home two miles in the rain, so you will say
lam tolerably strong. E—y danced with young Count Las.
cases. She sling to Buonaparte, and accompanied herself in
two Italian -songs on the piano. He was so delighted with her
that he seized her by the ear and gave her two severe pinches,
which is the climax of his approbation and delight. He
pitched Sir G. It-- -, and every officer on board the Nor-
thumberland, except the Admiral, when they said any thing
to please him.
I was introduced to Bony when he lived at the Briars. He
met me in the garden where lie was walking with his generals,
all very obsequious, with their hats in their hands. He asked
%cheater I was the lady who sung Italian, and spoke to me
in Italian and French. He ikkeil me to go into Mr. Balcomb's
and sing him an Italian song. I felt a little alarmed when I
found the Emperor of the whole world behind my chair, al-
though be is now an ex-Emperor. I sang him a great many
songs and an Italian duet with E--y, which appeared to
please him greatly, and I understood he talked of us for three
days.
I had the felicty of dining with him on the 211 of January,
at the first party he gave. Sir G. B. was the only one invited.
The greatest state and etiquette is observed at the Court o f
Longwood, nut a single word was uttered during dinner ex-
cepting by Buonaparte himself. All the Marshals and Coun-
tesses sat mumchance, but I chattered away to his Majesty
without any fear, which appeared to amaze them all. You
cannot form an idea of the awe they all stand in of him, and
he treats them, ladies and all, in the most cavalier manner.
The plate and china is superb beyond belief. The coffee-cups
are 25 guineas each cup. After dinner he asked me to play at
tric trac. I sat down. but did not know the game. He then
asked me to teach bins English backgammon. The-idea of nay
instructing the Great Napoleon put me into a fine fright. He
is very cheerful and gay, and sang all the time he was playing
at cards. All the 53d were introduced to him in a body. He
sent a plate of sweetmeats to E----y from table with his
own band, and offered some to me, which I did nut remark at
the time, but I was told by his Secretary, Count Lascases, that
it was a favour Queens had never received from him ; and as
for Kings, said he, I have seen seven at once waiting in his
anti-room without gaining an audience.
Countess Bertrand is au elegant woman. I see her very of-
ten, and Lascases is ane of the most learned men of the age,
and exceedingly agreeable. Our Camp is a quarter of a mile
from Longwood. We are building a house w hick will be !ca-
tty in a month. 'flue climate is very cool in the mountains, but
too cold I think.