In the meanwhile Fouché sent to Ferdinand a man called Richard, personating Colly. But the Prince was not caught in the trap, for, in his rooted desire to conciliate the Emperor of the French, he sent at once for Berthémy, the Governor, and said to him:
“The English have done great harm to the Spanish nation by using my name, and they are now the cause of the blood which is being spilt. The English Ministry, in their mistaken idea that I am kept here by force, have sent an emissary to me who, under the pretext of selling me curios, has given me a letter from His Majesty the King of England.”
The letter from George III. to Ferdinand, which was subsequently published in Le Moniteur, ran thus:
“Sir, my Brother,
“I have for a long time wished for an opportunity to send Your Majesty a letter signed by my hand, to express the deep interest and the profound feeling which I have entertained for you since you were taken from your kingdom and your faithful subjects. Whatever the violence and cruelty with which the usurper of the throne of Spain oppresses that nation, it ought to be of great consolation to Your Majesty to know that your people retains its loyalty and love for its legitimate Sovereign, and Spain makes continual efforts to maintain the rights of Your Majesty and to re-establish those of the monarchy. The resources of my kingdom, my squadrons, and my armies, will be employed in aiding the vassals of Your Majesty in this great cause, and my ally the Prince Regent of Portugal has also contributed with all the zeal and perseverance of his faithful friend.
“The only thing which is wanting to your faithful subjects and your allies is the presence of Your Majesty in Spain, where it would give fresh energy. Therefore I ask Your Majesty, with all the frankness of alliance and friendship which bind me to your interests, to think of the most prudent and efficacious way of escaping from the indignities which you suffer, and to present yourself in the midst of a people unanimous in its desire for the glory and happiness of Your Majesty.
“I beg Your Majesty to be sure of my sincere friendship, and of the true affection with which I am—in the palace of the Queen, Monday, January 31, 1810—sir, my Brother,
“Your worthy Brother,
“George R.”
“By command of the King,