Count Bougainville, the French Circumnavigator. 377 
saved the Northumberland; and although the Auguste which he 
commanded was one of the most roughly handled of the whole 
fleet, he collected and conducted to Saint Eustatia the remains 
of the shattered squadron. 
The peace which secured the independence of America re- 
stored M, de Bougainville to that leisure which is so necessary 
for the pursuit of the sciences. The Academy conferred upon him 
the title of honorary member. M. Lagrange, whose vote he 
asked, observed: ‘* To you it was that I was indebted for being 
received into the Academy, since your works opened to me the 
career which I pursued.” 
About this period he conceived the project of tracing the icy re- 
gions of the north, and penetrating to the pole. A distinguished 
‘astronomer offered to accompany him, and the route was sketched. 
The French ministry however did not accede to his terms, and 
the Royal Society of London asked him for his plans. He 
transmitted them immediately, pointing out the route which he 
would take. Captain Phipps, afterwards Lord Mulgrave, preferred 
another, one also of Bougainville’s suggesting, but he could pre- 
ceed no further than 80°. 
When a spirit of insubordination broke out in the French 
navy, and in the Brest fleet in particular, M. de Bougainville, by 
his reputation, his courage and his firmness, mixed with the most 
amiable qualities, seemed to be the only man capable of recalling 
the seamen to their duty. But his exertions were unavailing; the 
flames of jacobinism had spread too far, and he retired from the 
service in disgust. In 1791 his name was put upon the list of 
vice-adinirals. . This high distinction redoubled his attachment 
to a prince who was abandoned by all. From the massacres of 
1792 he escaped as if by miracle, and took refuge on his estate 
in Normandy, where he found his two pieces of cannon the only 
recompense which he had received for 40 years service. 
On the restoration of order he was appointed to the Board of 
Longitude; but whether he did not tiink matters sufficiently settled 
or the care which it was necessary to take of his fortune prohibited 
him from leaving his estate, he sent in his resignation, and was 
succeeded by Count Fleurien, who afterwards resigned in favour 
of M. de Borda. When the Institute was formed, M. de Bou- 
gainville was nominated to a seat at the Board of Navigation 
and Geography. As President of the Class of Sciences, it was his 
duty to deliver to the emperor the reports of that department, 
and he acquitted himself with great dignity. 
As a senator his pecuniary circumstances were made perfectly 
easy ; but although old age was coming on he possessed all. the 
fire and vivacity of youth. He was still desirous of partaking in 
some hazardous maritime enterprise ; and when his friends men- 
tioned 
