222 ST. HELENA 



The sum of £8,000 allotted for the Emperor and suite 

 did not appear to cover the expenses. They were continu- 

 ally applying for money ; and Montholon says : — 



We can only come into possession of our own money by bills 

 on Balcombe and Co. for £50 at a time. On one occasion, asking 

 for ^60, difficulties were made about it. 



The Imperial plate was broken up and sold gradually 

 at 5s. per ounce, and this gave them funds for daily ex- 

 penses and additions to their table alllowance. They 

 complained that the meat was tough, the poultry under- 

 sized, and the vegetables watery, and all provisions of 

 inferior quality. 



On September, 1817, there occurred slight shocks of 

 earthquake. O'Meara, in writing to Sir Hudson Lowe, 

 says : — 



The whole of the house was shaken with a rumbling, clattering 

 noise, as if some very heavy body, such as a loaded waggon, was 

 dragged along the upper apartments, which was succeeded by an 

 evident trembling motion of the ground ; the glasses rattled on 

 the table and the pictures receded from the walls. General 

 Montholon stated that his son Tristan, who was asleep, was wakened 

 by the shock, and explained that somebody was endeavouring 

 to throw him out of bed. General Buonaparte informed me that 

 on feeling the first shock he thought the Conqueror had taken fire 

 or blown up, or that an explosion of powder had taken place on 

 the island. He said he felt three distinct shocks and was of opinion 

 that the duration of them might be about twelve or fourteen se- 

 conds. 



Admiral Malcolm had been recalled and succeeded by 

 Admiral Plampim, who reached St. Helena in June, 1817, 

 on board the Conqueror, a ship of 94 guns (Capt. Davis). 

 The second battalion of the 53rd Infantry and the second 

 battalion of the 66th Infantry, each about 600 strong, 

 were relieved by the 1st battalion of the 66th Infantry, 

 numbering 1,300 and Captain Poppleton of the 53rd there- 

 fore gave place at Longwood as orderly officer to Captain 

 Blakeney of the 66th. 



It was possible in the enclosure to drive about eight miles, 

 and Napoleon would drive as fast as six horses could carry 

 him ; but even this came to an end, and for three months 

 he did not leave the house. During this time he was quite 

 alone, and took no exercise. Naturally he was ill-humoured 



