I succeeded in convincing him.
"Why did he not himself issue the order you come to ask of me?"
"Because he maintained, general, that orders to be given to the military authorities are your business, and not his."
General Gérard bit his lips.
"Hum!" he exclaimed.
"Well, general?"
"Well, I say it is impossible!"
"Why so?"
"I cannot compromise myself so far as to issue such an order."
I looked him straight in the face.