CHAPTER IX
The Peace of Amiens
The principal points in the negotiations which ended in the Peace of Amiens are matters of history. But a short account of them may be given in this chapter, inasmuch as Indian affairs were the subject of a brief discussion by Bonaparte and as they illustrate the capacity of the ex- Governor-General for dealing with politicians who were as disingenuous and subtle as any Indian prince could be. Great Britain wanted to recover some of her colonial possessions. The English negotiators at the Preliminary Treaty had been anxious that the French should evacuate Egypt. There were other serious matters for discussion regarding the Neapolitan and Roman States and the restoration of Malta to the Knights of St. John. And there was also the question of the release of prisoners in both countries and the expenses of their maintenance during captivity. Bonaparte wished for peace in order to make a better preparation for war: purposely delayed proceedings and threw the blame of the delay on England; used a haughty and dicta-
