In this state of things the Emperor has been compelled to sell all his plate to procure the first necessaries of life. M. Santini broke it in pieces before it was sent to the market. The produce was deposited, by order of the Governor, in the hands of Mr. Balcombe. When the house-steward, wishing to supply the deficiency of the provisions furnished by the Governor, makes purchases himself (which happens every day), he can only pay them by orders upon Mr. Balcombe. When M. Santini did not succeed in shooting a few pigeons in the neighbourhood of their dwelling, the Emperor frequently had nothing for breakfast. Provisions did not reach Longwood until two or three o’clock in the afternoon.
There is no water fit for cooking at Longwood. Very good water may, however, be procured at a distance of 1200 yards, which might be conveyed to the Emperor’s barracks at an expence of from 12 to 1500 francs. The house is only supplied by the water which is brought from this fountain; it is open only once during the day, at all other times it is locked. It is guarded by an English officer, who is scarcely ever present when water is wanted. There is a conduit for conveying water to the English camp; but it was thought unnecessary to do as much for the unfortunate Napoleon.
The last visit the Governor made to Longwood, and at which M. Santini was present, he offended the Emperor to such a degree, that he said, “Have you not then done with insulting me? Leave my presence, and let me never see you again, unless you have received orders from your government to assassinate me: you will then find me ready to lay open my breast to you. My person is in your power. You may shed my blood.”
Admiral Cockburn marked out a circuit of two leagues for the Emperor’s promenade; the present Governor abridged it to half a league.
The climate of Longwood, and the humidity to which the Emperor is exposed, have considerably injured his health. It is the opinion of his English physician, that he cannot remain there another year without hazarding his life.
The Emperor’s plate being sold, he dispensed with the services of the keeper of the plate; and, for want of a sufficient supply of forage, he discharged one of his two pike-men. Having no longer any cabinet, he thought proper to dismiss M. Santini. In the same manner, objects of the first necessity for his household suffer daily diminution. Col. Poniatowski has been removed from the Island by order of the Governor.
M. Santini departed from St. Helena on the 28th of October, on board the Orontis, sailed to the Cape of Good Hope, and again returned to St. Helena, but was not suffered to land. The Emperor sent some provisions on board the vessel; but M. Santini sent back the live-stock, as the Captain insisted on his killing it immediately. As for wine, he never tasted it during the voyage, as he would not submit to have the Emperor’s present, which was strictly his own, distributed in rations by the Captain.
On landing at Portsmouth, M. Santini proceeded to London, and published the following Memorial.