This is the memoir that we’re translating of the highly suspicious alleged last mistress of Napoleon, Countess Albine de Montholon. She gives us interesting details but she hasn’t told us why she sacrificed her earthly existence to join Napoleon - who really wasn’t much to either her or her husband Charles. Maybe she’ll tell us eventually.
ADMIRAL KEITH ON BOARD.
On July 28, Admiral Keith (1) came on board at noon; he had a long interview alone with the Emperor.
During the day, several ships, loaded with French soldiers taken prisoner at the battle of Waterloo, entered the port; it was for us a sad spectacle and an ominous sign.
Finally, on the 31st, Admiral Keith returned on board, accompanied by another person in possession of the order to send the Emperor to Saint Helena.
The admiral was received by the Emperor in the stern room and announced his destination to him; this second interview lasted long enough.
When the admiral left the Emperor’s, I was with Mme. Bertrand and, if I am not mistaken, several other people, in the room which
…
(1) George Elphinstone, Lord Keith (1747-1823), admiral and peer in 1804, generalissimo of the English fleet.
…
preceded the one where the Emperor was. The admiral told us in French, that he spoke with great difficulty, that he had just announced to the Emperor that he was being sent to Saint Helena.
We did not hide from the admiral our astonishment and our sorrow at not staying in England:
“It is," he said, "to the Emperor's greatest advantage that the Cabinet made this determination. In England, one would have been obliged to keep him locked up in some castle, while there, he will be free.”
We will see how that turned out.
The Admiral, speaking to us thus, was embarrassed; he seemed ashamed by the sad mission he had to fulfill.
After a few moments of conversation on this subject, he left us.
Consternation reigned among us. Arrangements were made immediately.
The Emperor could only take three of his general officers. There was a moment of hesitation on the part of General Bertrand; it was even temporarily decided that he would not follow.
The Emperor summoned him and said to him, "It is not for me that I want to take you -
…
C’est le mémoire que nous traduisons de la dernière maîtresse (?) de Napoléon, la comtesse Albine de Montholon.
Elle nous donne des détails intéressants mais elle ne nous a pas dit pourquoi elle a sacrifié son existence terrestre pour rejoindre Napoléon - qui n'était vraiment pas beaucoup pour elle ou son mari Charles.
Peut-être qu'elle nous le dira éventuellement.
