The Marquess Cornwallis

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1893. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX The Peace Op Amiens The principal points in the negotiations which ended in the Peace of Amiens are matters of history. But a short account of them may be given in this chapter, inasmuch as Indian affairs -were the subject of a brief discussion by Bonaparte and as they illustrate the capacity of the ex-Governor-General for dealing with politicians who were as disingenuous and subtle as any Indian prince could be. Great Britain wanted to recover some of her colonial possessions. The English negotiators at the Preliminary Treaty had been anxious that the French should evacuate Egypt. There were other serious matters for discussion regarding the Neapolitan and Roman States and the restoration of Malta to the Knights of St. John. And there was also the question of the release of prisoners in both countries and the expenses of their maintenance during captivity. Bonaparte wished for peace in order to make a better preparation for war: purposely delayed proceedings and threw the blame of the delay on England; used a haughty and dictatorial tone in his correspondence about the form and manner of the negotiations; and throughout showed his usual duplicity. As the final results are known and are available to all readers, a few incidents of the negotiations may be mentioned here, as they illustrate Cornwallis's tact in negotiation. Cornwallis left Dover early on the morning of November 3rd, 1801, and reached Calais at ten o'clock at night, after a stormy passage of fifteen hours. He was received with all due respect and honour, and pushed on almost at once to Paris. On November the 8 th he had an interview with Talleyrand, whom he distrusted as unscrupulous. According to this Prince, Bonaparte was very anxious (empresse) to see the English plenipotentiary. The ...