Napoleon Bonaparte,(born in Ajaccio, Corsica in 1769 - died in exile at St Helena in 1821.) A general from 1796 in the Revolutionary Wars, in 1799 he overthrew the Directory and made himself dictator. From 1803 he conquered most of Europe and installed his brothers as puppet kings in the conquered countries.

He was Emperor of the French from 1804-1814. War against France was renewed by Britain in 1803, and Napoleon's plan to invade England was defeated by Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, in 1805. The English and French had been at war for so long that it was almost the normal course of events.

As a generalisation Napoleon was hated by the English,as being 'the enemy', but an interesting view is shown by this extract from a letter written by an eye-witness, after the battle of Waterloo:-

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"I send you, as the greatest curiosity I have, the copy of a sketch of Bonaparte done about a week since on board the BELLEROPHON by his secretary Col Lanat - Having had a very good sight of him myself I can pronounce it to be a strong likeness of the outline of his face and head. The day after he arrived here one of our Colonels borrowed the General's boat and I was glad to seize the opportunity of taking Emily to see this wonder of the age. When we arrived near the ship we saw Bonaparte walking backwards and forwards in the cabin in conversation with General Bertrand"

(General Henri-Gratien Bertrand was a military engineer and Napoleon's friend. He had a distinguished military career, culminating in being appointed the Grand Marshal of the Palace of Napoleon's court in Paris. He had accompanied Napoleon on his previous exile to the island of Elba and was now to accompany him to St Helena.)

The letter goes on
"Our boat (which was a very handsome one and filled with Ladies and Officers) having attracted his attention, he came forward and looked at us occasionally with an opera glass, for the space of five minutes. He was dressed in a green coat with red collar and cuffs and gold epaulettes and he wore a Star. After staying good naturedly long enough to satisfy the curiosity of the ladies, he sat down to a writing table and we saw no more of him.

You will have seen by the papers what an extraordinary sensation was created here by Bonaparte's presence however the stories that related of him have no foundation - the fact is that he went away with a very good grace and having been invited to the NORTHUMBERLAND on Monday last, he immediately desired that all the officers should be introduced to him - and that same evening he was seated comfortably at cards with the admiral.

He is accompanied by Bertrand and three other superior officers and two ladies with their children and eight servants. Being desirous that the surgeon of the BELLEROPHON should also accompany him, and the surgeon also being willing to go, he was allowed to have him and has promised him five hundred a year, in addition to his pay. He has taken with him about twenty thousand pounds sterling in French coin (Napoleons). He constantly regretted that he was not allowed to remain in England and domiciliate here, but on taking leave of Lord Keith, he expressed himself satisfied and obliged by his Lordship's civility - and every person who has been near him is pleased with this manner and feels somewhat softened towards him. The NORTHUMBERLAND and the squadron bid a final adieu to our coast this morning and as far as regards Napoleon, Europe may be in peace. But the spirit still exists in France, and I do firmly believe the Bourbons will never reign in quiet."