Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp1.djvu/377

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POST-CAPTAINS OF 1808.
359

then took the arm of Captain Ussher, and entered the barge of the Undaunted. * * * * * *

“During the voyage, Napoleon spent the greater part of the day on deck, and was not the least sea-sick; he looked at the coast of Corsica with intense interest through a telescope, and related many anecdotes of his former days * * * * * *

“Passing the island of Capraja, famous for its anchovy fishery, a deputation came off, requesting the Captain would take possession of the island, which he did. Napoleon talked with the deputies, who were greatly surprised to find him on hoard an English ship of war.

“Elba appearing in sight, the Emperor enquired what colours were flying on the batteries. When within four or five miles of the harbour of Porto Ferrajo, Colonel Campbell, and Lieutenant Hastings, then first of the Undaunted, with the foreign ministers, went on shore as commissioners to take possession of the island, and make the proper arrangements for receiving its future sovereign.

“On the 30th April, ahout eight o’clock in the evening, the frigate anchored at the harbour’s mouth. A deputation of the inhabitants waited on their Emperor; he was on deck, at his usual hour, and indefatigably inquisitive. At seven A.M. the Undaunted weighed, and ran into the harbour, anchoring abreast of the town. After breakfast, Napoleon requested Captain Ussher to cause two flags to he made by the ship’s tailors; they were to he white, with a” diagonal “red stripe – on the stripe three bees, as the arms of the Emperor. One of the flags was hoisted at one 1 P.M., and saluted by the Undaunted, and a French corvette lying in the harbour. At two, on the 3d of May, Napoleon landed, and took upon himself the government of the island. * * * * * *

“Having completed his arrangements, Captain Ussher demanded an audience of leave. The Emperor was grieved at the thoughts of losing the Undaunted and her captain, and used every argument to induce him to prolong his stay, but in vain. When he took leave the Emperor was visibly affected; the attentions and kindness which he had received from that excellent officer, had evidently wrought a change in the sentiments of Napoleon in favor of England. Captain Ussher rightly conceived that the duties of hospitality demanded of him every soothing act which could tend to alleviate the afflictions of a conquered enemy, and of fallen grandeur.”

Captain Ussher remained at Elba until the English transports which conveyed Napoleon’s troops, horses, carriages, baggage, &c. were cleared and sent back to Genos, when he sailed for the same place, and on his arrival found himself appointed to the Duncan 74, in which ship he returned to England at the breaking up of the war establishment on the Mediterranean station.

The high sense his late commander-in-chief entertained of