“A prey to rheumatic pains in my hands and knees, I should be completely miserable were not my troubles alleviated by the hope of seeing you in a few days. I cannot hold a pen, so I beg of Your Majesty to pardon my not writing with my own hand to express the great pleasure I have in going to enjoy your generous kindness, for I am obliged to use a secretary.
“The Queen also writes to Your Imperial Majesty, and we beg you to accept our united sentiments of love and confidence.
“Your protection is balm to the wounds of my heart, and I feel that the moment in which I shall find myself in your arms will be one of the happiest of my life, and the first, after all that has happened, on which I shall feel sure of my existence.
“May my wishes be fulfilled!
“My sir and Brother,
“I am, Your Imperial Majesty’s faithful Ally and Friend,
“Charles.”[9]
[9] Published in the Moniteur, 1810.
The Queen’s letter to Napoleon ran thus:
“Sir and Brother,