The Surrender of Napoleon / Being the narrative of the surrender of Buonaparte, and of his residence on board H.M.S. Bellerophon, with a detail of the principal events that occurred in that ship between the 24th of May and the 8th of August 1815

by Sir Frederick Lewis Maitland

Footnote 2: Admiral Somerville married Mary Stuart, eldest daughter of David Maitland Makgill Crichton of Rankeilour, and grand-niece of Sir Frederick. I am indebted for the use of this letter to the courtesy of his son, Mr D. M. M. Crichton Somerville.[Back to Main Text]

Footnote 3: Chasse-Marées are small decked vessels, rigged as luggers; they are generally from twenty to thirty-five tons burthen, and are used almost exclusively for the coasting trade of France. Though there is no doubt that, during the summer months, a vessel of this description might succeed in making the voyage to America; yet if we take into consideration the indolent habits that Buonaparte had of late years given way to; the very small space for the accommodation of himself and suite, and for the stowage of provisions, water, and other necessaries; that there was no friendly port he could have touched at, to gain supplies;—the utter impracticability of his reaching his destination in a vessel of that description, even if he had eluded the vigilance of our cruisers, will at once be evident to every one.[Back to Main Text]

Footnote 4: I have been induced to insert Buonaparte's observation on Mrs M.'s portrait, as well as one he made on seeing her alongside of the Bellerophon in Plymouth Sound, as they show, in a strong point of view, a peculiar trait in his character; that of making a favourable impression on those with whom he conversed, by seizing every opportunity of saying what he considered would be pleasing and flattering to their feelings.

[I have passed over the important and interesting passage respecting Mrs M. I trust she will consent it should remain, for I think everything connected with such a remarkable passage of history becomes historical. Perhaps it will somewhat change the view of the subject, and relieve Mrs M.'s delicacy, if we consider it not as immediately applicable to Mrs M. personally, but as a point illustrative of Bonaparte's address. It was of importance to him to secure Capt. Maitland's good opinion, and he took a delicate and ingenious way of giving pleasure. I have always understood that there could be only one opinion of the justice of the compliment, yet I think the praise would have been bestowed even had the portrait less charm. I do pray that Mrs M. will consent to be immortal.—Scott.][Back to Main Text]

Footnote 5: They were part of the officers and crew of the Æneas store-ship, mentioned as having been detained on the 18th of June, who were on board the Bellerophon about a week, and were landed at Isle d'Aix, in a chasse-marée, a few days before Buonaparte's arrival there.[Back to Main Text]

Footnote 6: I was afterwards told, that one of the frigates, at Isle d'Aix, had changed her eighteen pounders for twenty-fours.[Back to Main Text]

Footnote 7: [It was an odd idea that you should be like Lord Lauderdale.—Scott.][Back to Main Text]

Footnote 8: The books that seemed to occupy his attention, when I had an opportunity of observing him, were, a Life of Washington, and a translation of Ossian's Poems.[Back to Main Text]

Footnote 9: [I cannot assent to your leaving out what Madame Bertrand said respecting Bonaparte. But if she spoke favourably of him in her calmer moments, I think it might be mentioned in this place so as to claim some allowance for her irritated state of feelings. It is, by-the-by, precisely at such moments that real opinions start out which are at other times carefully suppressed. What she said in her passion was very true: B. was not fond of rendering his favourites independent. I really think you cannot leave it out: as well omit the threat of Savary &c., to kill B.—Scott.][Back to Main Text]

Footnote 10: [The business of the Habeas Corpus is so whimsical that Capt. M. should get some legal friend to give a brief idea of the nature of the process and the purpose for which it was resorted to. The book will certainly be instantly translated into French, and such an explanation as I have hinted at will be extremely necessary. It should be thrown into a note; a few words should be added on the absurdity of the attempt. It will be otherwise thought and said that Bonaparte was kidnapped out of England contrary to the English laws. The real nature of the transaction should be distinctly explained.—Scott. The following note accordingly appears in the original edition:—]