As we have seen, he was desirous of signalizing his prospective succession to the Swedish throne by bringing to his adopted country a land that would amply recompense it for the loss of Finland.[302] This could only be found in Norway, then united with Denmark; and this was the price of Swedish succour, to which the Czar had assented during the war of 1812.

For reasons which need not be detailed here, Swedish help was not then forthcoming.

But early in 1813 it was seen that a diversion caused by the landing of 30,000 Swedes in North Germany might be most valuable, and it was especially desired by the British Government.

Still, England was loth to gain the alliance of Bernadotte at the price of Norway, which must drive Denmark into the arms of France.

Castlereagh, therefore, sought to tempt him by the offer of our recent conquest of Guadeloupe.