CHAPTER VIII.
1797.
The royalists of the interior--Bonaparte's intention of marching on Paris with 25,000 men--His animosity against the emigrants and the Clichy Club--His choice between the two parties of the Directory-- Augereau's order of the day against the word 'Monsieur'-- Bonaparte wishes to be made one of the five Directors--He supports the majority of the Directory--La Vallette, Augereau, and Bernadotte sent to Paris--Interesting correspondence relative to the 18th Fructidor.
Bonaparte had long observed the struggle which was going on between the partisans of royalty and the Republic.

He was told that royalism was everywhere on the increase.

All the generals who returned from Paris to the army complained of the spirit of reaction they had noticed.
Bonaparte was constantly urged by his private correspondents to take one side or the other, or to act for himself.

He was irritated by the audacity of the enemies of the Republic, and he saw plainly that the majority of the councils had an evident ill-will towards him.

The orators of the Club of Clichy missed no opportunity of wounding his self-love in speeches and pamphlets.