If the fact be that he was a spy, he certainly played his part well.

In all the parts of his correspondence which were intercepted there never was found the least confirmation of this suspicion.

Be this as it may, Bonaparte could not endure him; he did not make him acquainted with what was going on, and his influence rendered this mission a mere nullity.

The General-in-Chief concentrated all the business of the negotiation in his own closet; and, as to what was going on, Clarke continued a mere cipher until the 18th Fructidor, when he was recalled.
Bonaparte made but little count of Clarke's talents.

It is but justice, however, to say that he bore him no grudge for the conduct of which he suspected he was guilty in Italy.