I shall relate the conversation exactly as it occurred, according to my notes, made at the time."] [Footnote 1238: Mathieu Dumas, "Memoires," III., 156.

"It is certain that he thought of it from this moment and seriously studied the obstacles, means, and chances of success." (Mathieu Dumas cites the testimony of Desaix, who was engaged in the enterprise): "It seems that all was ready, when Bonaparte judged that things were not yet ripe, nor the means sufficient."-- Hence his departure.

"He wanted to get out of the way of the rule and caprices of these contemptible dictators, while the latter wanted to get rid of him because his military fame and influence in the army were obnoxious to them."] [Footnote 1239: Larevelliere-Lepaux (one of the five directors on duty), "Memoires," II., 340.

"All that is truly grand in this enterprise, as well as all that is bold and extravagant, either in its conception or execution, belongs wholly to Bonaparte.

The idea of it never occurred to the Directory nor to any of its members....