The signing of the peace, according to his own ideas, and in opposition to those of the Directory, the way in which he just halted at Rastadt, and avoided returning to the Congress, and, finally, his resolution to expatriate himself with an army in order to attempt new enterprises, sprung more than is generally believed from the ruling idea that he was distrusted, and that his ruin was meditated.

He often recalled to mind what La Vallette had written to him about his conversation with Lacuee; and all he saw and heard confirmed the impression he had received on this subject.
The early appearance of bad weather precipitated his determination.

On the 13th of October, at daybreak, on opening my window, I perceived the mountains covered with snow.

The previous night had been superb, and the autumn till then promised to be fine and late.

I proceeded, as I always did, at seven o'clock in the morning, to the General's chamber.