Yesterday morning I left Donchery in a small car-
riage to drive to Bouillon, and from there here. I
joined the convoy of the Emperor, who took the same
route, accompanied by an escort of hussars. It was
impossible to get on. Columns of troops the whole
way. On the other hand I did not want to pass the
Emperor. It was only at 2.30 that I arrived at the
frontier. I made myself known, and the officer of
the Customs conducted me to his house, where I left
my uniform and arms. I entered Bouillon in plain
clothes. The town was crammed with French officers
and was in a state of flutter over the arrival of the
Emperor. After great efforts and with the help of
gold, I found another carriage which took me to Poix
St. Hubert, where I arrived at midnight. With the
help of gold too, I persuaded the innkeeper to give me
his bedroom, so that I could sleep for some hours. At
seven o'clock to-day, I left again by rail ; arrived at
noon ; transacted my business ; dined very well with
Balan ;^ and to-morrow morning I shall leave again
at six o'clock to return to Vendresse, which I hope
to reach to-morrow evening. I shall travel with an
English officer of the International.
You can't tell how funny it seemed to me to see a civil-

' Minister of Foreign Affairs at Brussels.
SURRENDER OF THE EMPEROR 65

ised city again and a country at peace. It was really
a relief. I took a bath^ and had my hair cut — ^two
things that were very necessary.
