On the 3rd day of Nivose (December 24th, 1800), as the First Consul was driving to the opera to hear Haydn's oratorio, "The Creation," his carriage was shaken by a terrific explosion.

A bomb had burst between his carriage and that of Josephine, which was following.

Neither was injured, though many spectators were killed or wounded.

"Josephine," he calmly said, as she entered the box, "those rascals wanted to blow me up: send for a copy of the music." But under this cool demeanour he nursed a determination of vengeance against his political foes, the Jacobins.

On the next day he appeared at a session of the Council of State along with the Ministers of Police and of the Interior, Fouche and Chaptal.