If I cannot be master, I shall quit France." (Miot, tome i.p.

184).]-- The squabble with Bernadotte at Vienna delayed our departure for a fortnight, and might have had the most disastrous influence on the fate of the squadron, as Nelson would most assuredly have waited between Malta and Sicily if he had arrived there before us.' -- [Sir Walter Scott, without any authority, states that, at the moment of his departure, Bonaparte seemed disposed to abandon the command of an expedition so doubtful and hazardous, and that for this purpose he endeavoured to take advantage of what had occurred at Vienna.

This must be ranked in the class of inventions, together with Barras mysterious visit to communicate the change of destination, and also the ostracism and honourable exile which the Directory wished to impose on Bonaparte .-- Bourrienne.]-- It is untrue that he ever entertained the idea of abandoning the expedition in consequence of Bernadotte's affair.

The following letter to Brueys, dated the 28th of April 1798, proves the contrary: Some disturbances which have arisen at Vienna render my presence in Paris necessary for a few days.

This will not change any of the arrangements for the expedition.