94 EXPEDITION TO JAPAN, 



glance, that there was not the remotest chance of escape. Miglit there not then have been 

 some relaxation of minute and indelicate personal supervision, at least in the day time, when 

 the island was surrounded by British cruisers, and the numerous forts fully garrisoned ? Was 

 it necessary for security to make the captive fed incessantly that he was watched ? 



The British ministry had enjoined the safe custody of the prisoner ; unfortunately they left 

 it to the jailors to settle all the details of the mode of keeping him. 



The tomh in which Na}>oleon was placed has lost some of its interest from the removal of his 

 body to France. He died on the 1st of May, 1821. On the 4th of October, 1840, his remains 

 were embarked on the French frigate Belle Poule, which had been sent, under the command of 

 the Prince de Joinville, for the purpose of transporting them to France. 



The inhabitants of St. Helena seem to be industrious, but the general opinion of the officers 

 of the ship, founded on their experience, was, that in their rambles over the world, they had 

 never met with more polite and unscrupulous extortioners. It is said to be the practice of 

 householders to entertain unsuspecting strangers with great seeming kindness, and then to 

 mulct them most unmercifully for the supposed hospitality. This may be slander, but an 

 incident occurred while the ship was at Jamestown, which leaves no doubt that proffered 

 favors are sometimes done with the expectation of receiving for them — a "consideration." One 

 of the lieutenants of the ship was the victim of excessive civility. Contemplating a visit to 

 Longwood, he had engaged a horse at the livery stable, which, on landings he found saddled 

 and waiting for him according to appointment. He was about mounting, when a citizen of 

 Jamestown, whom he had casually met the day before, stepped up and told him that he had a 

 horse, much superior to that he was about to mount, which was altogether at his service, and 

 that he would send for it. Consequently the hired horse was dismissed, with a compensation 

 to the disappointed attendant, and that of the polite friend was acce^jted, unfortunately, 

 however, proving to be inferior to the one dismissed. However, he was used for a few hours, 

 and returned with a douceur to the servant who received him. 



The same evening the owner of the horse visited the ship, when the lieutenant was profuse 

 of civility and thanks, and after entertaining him, jjressed upon him the acceptance of some 

 little presents, quite equal in value to the hire of the horse. These gifts were received in such 

 manner as induced the officer to think there was still something more wanting, when he said, 

 "Will you allow me to pay for the use of your horse?" and was answered: "Well, I am glad 

 you were pleased with the animal, and you need only pay me the usual charge of three dollars." 

 It was immediately handed to him, when he coolly offered his services at any future time, and 

 said, with a peculiarly knowing look : "If, when you again visit the island, you will place yourself 

 under my guidance, I will put you through all charges at half price." Then politely wishing 

 a good voyage to all on board, he j^assed into the boat, with the neck of a wine bottle protruding 

 from one pocket, and a liberal supply of Havanas filling the other, the offerings of his grateful 

 friend, the lieutenant. 



At the time of Bonaparte's residence, the island was strongly fortified and fiilly garrisoned, 

 and indeed was deemed impregnable. But this was before the introduction of armed steamers 

 into the navies of the world. Tlie island is strongly fortified on the north side, while the south, 

 exposed to the whole strength of tlie trade winds, is on that account almost inaccessible. But 

 the batteries were constructed to prevent the approach of sailing vessels, and this they might 

 probably accomplish, as they are on the high cliffs commanding the only ways by which sailing 

 vessels can approach. 



