I am well convinced that none of the writers of St.Helena can be taxed with the slightest deception; disinterested zeal and nobleness of character are undoubted pledges of their veracity.

It appears to me perfectly certain that Napoleon stated, dictated, or corrected all they have published.
Their honour is unquestionable; no one can doubt it.

That they wrote what he communicated must therefore be believed; but it cannot with equal confidence be credited that what he communicated was nothing but the truth.

He seems often to have related as a fact what was really only an idea,--an idea, too, brought forth at St.Helena, the child of misfortune, and transported by his imagination to Europe in the time of his prosperity.

His favourite phrase, which was every moment on his lips, must not be forgotten--"What will history say--what will posterity think ?" This passion for leaving behind him a celebrated name is one which helongs to the constitution of the human mind; and with Napoleon its influence was excessive.