Daily National Intelligencer

FROM LONDON

NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE.

The fact of Bonaparte being employed in writing "Memoirs of his own Life and Times," is positively asserted by Mr. Santini-who says, that when he left St. Helena, "it was finished down to the end of the Egyptian expedition."

We find by the Monthly Magazine, that Sir Richard Philips, who had ascertained the above facts, instantly became desirous of having the publication of the work, & that between him & the Colonial Department, the following correspondence has taken place upon the subject:

Letter from Sir Richard Philips to Earl Bathurst, Secretary of State for the Colonial Department, &c.&c.

My Lord—I have been credibly informed, that the late Emperor Napoleon has been for some time past engaged in writing annals of his eventful life; and it has appeared to me to be a suitable speculation, in which, as a publisher, to engage as an affair of business. It is, however, necessary that I should be able to communicate with the author on the subject, and I therefore take the liberty to enquire whether, if I address a letter under cover to your Lordship's care, it will be forwarded to him at St. Helena.

Having read in the newspapers your Lordship's late speech in the House of Lords, I am of course duly sensible of the delicacy of making this request, and aware that I ought to seek nothing of your Lordship on this subject, which is inconsistent with the line of policy adopted by the British government My letter, therefore, my Lord, would be open, and would be strictly limited to a proposal in regard to the printing and publishing of the work in question, with fidelity and promptitude. I should also request, that all communication with me should be made in the usual forms through your Lordship.

I conceive, my Lord, that you will feel that such a work, in its close connexion with the eventful history of the times, is an object of considerable literary interest ; and that its publication cannot fail to excite a lively curiosity, as well in this age as in posterity. As materials of history, it could be inferior to no ancient or modern production, & in that view it lays claim to my notice, and will, I hope, entitle this application to the respect of your Lordship.

I have the honor to be, my Lord, Your most obedient humble servant,

R. PHILIPS.

March 29th, 1817.

Reply of Henry Goulburn, Esq. under Secretary of State, &c.

Sir—I am directed by Lord Bathurst to acknowledge the receipt this day of your letter of the 29th ultimo, requesting permission to address a letter either to General Bonaparte or to General Bertrand, on the subject of publishing a work, in which you have been informed that the former is engaged ; and to acquaint you that, before giving any reply to your letter, Lord Bathurst is desirous of being informed whether you have received any communication, either from General Bonaparte, or from any person authorised by him to treat with you, on the subject of such a publication.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

HENRY GOULBURN.

Sir Richard Philips Knt.

Sir Richard Philips to Henry Goulburn, Esq. under Secretary of State, &c.

Sir--If you would do me the honor to reconsider my letter to Earl Bathurst, you will perceive that I act merely upon the information that the literary and historical work in question is in course of preparation; and that, as a man of business, I am anxious, on my own motion, to open a negociation for the publication of it.

Under other circumstances, I should have felt no hesitation in addressing the author, or his representative, directly on the subject ; but the actual situation of the author renders it necessary that my communication be made through Earl Bathurst; and it was the object of my letter to learn, whether an overture, in that form and manner, would be allowed to be made

R. PHILIPS.

April 4, 1817

Henry Goulburn, Esq. &c. to Sir Richard Philips.

COLONIAL OFFICE, APRIL 11, 1817.

Sir--I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th inst. referring to a former letter, and stating your desire to open a negociation for the publication of a literary and historical work, which you have understood to be in preparation by General Bonaparte, or by one of his suite: and having laid the same before Earl Bathurst, I have received directions to acquaint you that, under the circumstances stated, his lordship must decline being the medium of forwarding an application to this effect, or of authorising such a communication being transmitted to General Bonaparte, or to any of his followers.

I am, Sir, Your most obedient servant,

HENRY GOULBOURN.

To Sir R. Philips, Knt.