Page:A Tour Through the Batavian Republic.djvu/359

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE BATAVIAN REPUBLIC
347

of Bonaparte is considered in Holland with the highest sentiments of veneration and attachment. His military talents, the moderate use he has invariably made of victory, the clemency of his disposition, his sincere endeavours so restore peace to Europe, and his munificent encouragement of arts and sciences, are subjects of loud and general panegyric. The pictures and busts of this great man that are exhibited for sale ia Holland are innumerable; and from the avidity of the people to possess likenesses of so distinguished a character, they are readily disposed of. At every table where toasts are given, the health of Bonaparte is always enthusiastically drank; and at French tables, the health of the first consul of the republic is constantly given in the same manner as that of the king is in England.

I had the happiness to meet with more than one person who was well acquainted with Bonaparte, and had seen him since his elevation to the first magistracy of the French republic. The exalted situation which he fills has scarcely produced any