238 TROUBLED COUNSELS. chap. work. 'The Emperor' writes Vaillant to Can- VIII robert 'chooses to have his Army of Reserve in ' liand ; I cannot better explain myself.' * "When absolute concealment from Canrobert of what thousands were partially knowing had become impossible, the Emperor still went on concealing from him as much as he could — concealing from him, for instance, the aim with which a French Army had been gathered on the shores of the Bosphorus. This discrediting collapse of an enterprise which had quickened the pulse of three armies would have all been escaped, if the Emperor, or the Emperor's Government, proceeding in a straight course of action, had simply kept Can- robert's knowledge abreast of that furnished to Bruat; for the outburst of warlike impatience which provoked strong resolves on the Monday would have plainly been calmed on the Satur- day or the Sunday before, by assigning that ground for delay which was afterwards declared to be cogent by all the assembled French generals. VI. Uncertainty How long this postponement of the assault duration of might continue no one then could divine. The ponement. letter from the Minister of Marine to Admiral
- Rousaet, vol. ii. p. 35.
