However great Napoleon may have been, was he not also liable to pay his tribute to the weakness of human nature?
I speak of Napoleon such as I have seen him, known him, frequently admired and sometimes blamed him.

I state what I saw, heard, wrote, and thought at the time, under each circumstance that occurred.

I have not allowed myself to be carried away by the illusions of the imagination, nor to be influenced by friendship or hatred.

I shall not insert a single reflection which did not occur to me at the very moment of the event which gave it birth.

How many transactions and documents were there over which I could but lament!--how many measures, contrary to my views, to my principles, and to my character!--while the best intentions were incapable of overcoming difficulties which a most powerful and decided will rendered almost insurmountable.
I also wish the future historian to compare what I say with what others have related or may relate.