CHAPTER XXIV.

1799.

Cambacérès and Lebrun—Gohier deceived—My nocturnal visit to Barras

—The command of the army given to Bonaparte—The morning of the

18th Brumaire—Meeting of the generals at Bonaparte's house—

Bernadotte's firmness—Josephine's interest, for Madame Gohier—

Disappointment of the Directors—Review in the gardens of the

Tuileries—Bonaparte's harangue—Proclamation of the Ancients—

Moreau, jailer of the Luxembourg—My conversation with La Vallette—

Bonaparte at St. Cloud.

The parts of the great drama which was shortly to be enacted were well distributed. During the three days preceding the 18th Brumaire every one was at his post. Lucien, with equal activity and intelligence, forwarded the conspiracy in the two Councils; Sieyès had the management of the Directory; Réal,

—[Pierre Francois Réal (1757-1834); public accuser before the

revolutionary criminal tribunal; became, under Napoleon, Conseiller

d'Etat and Comte, and was charged with the affairs of the "haute

police."]—

under the instructions of Fouché,