In the more official note he assured him that he desired peace, and that he assented to the opening of a Congress with that aim in view, in which England, Russia, Prussia, and even the Spanish insurgents might take part.

He therefore proposed that an armistice should be concluded for the needful preparations.

But in the other letter he assured his father-in-law that he was ready to die at the head of all the generous men of France rather than become the sport of England.

His resentment against Austria finds utterance in his despatch of the same day, in which he bids Caulaincourt seek an interview at once with the Czar: "The essential thing is to have a talk with him....

My intention is to build him a golden bridge so as to deliver him from the intrigues of Metternich.