Seven regiments of my father's division were ordered to Toulon. As my father arrived before either Bonaparte or Kléber, he took command of the troops for the expedition; handing it over to his senior, Kléber, when the latter arrived.
Toulon was full of memories for Bonaparte: it was from Toulon that the Eagle took his flight. The day of his arrival he walked by the sea-shore, and visited the Petit Gibraltar.
He had scarcely had time to see my father before he said: "Come and see me to-morrow morning as early as you like."
At six the next morning my father was crossing the parade-ground to see Bonaparte, when he came across Dermoncourt.
"Where the deuce are you off to, General, at this time of morning?" he asked.
"Come with me, and you will see," said my father. And they proceeded together.
As they approached their destination, Dermoncourt exclaimed:
"You are not going to see Bonaparte, are you, General?"
"I am."
"But he won't receive you."