me in the most good-humoured way said, "What do the gossips say of my
preparations for the invasion of England?"--"There is a great difference
of opinion on the subject, General," I replied. "Everyone speaks
according to his own views. Suchet, for instance, who comes to see me
very often, has no doubt that it will take place, and hopes to give you
on the occasion fresh proofs of his gratitude and fidelity."--"But Suchet
tells me that you do not believe it will be attempted."--"That is true, I
certainly do not."--"Why?"--"Because you told me at Antwerp, five years
ago, that you would not risk France on the cast of a die--that the
adventure was too hazardous--and circumstances have not altered since
that time."--"You are right. Those who look forward to the invasion of
England are blockheads. They do not see the affair in its true light.
I can, doubtless, land in England with 100,000 men. A great battle will
be fought, which I shall gain; but I must reckon upon 30,000 men killed,
wounded, and prisoners. If I march on London, a second battle must be
fought. I will suppose myself again victorious; but what should I do in
London with an army diminished three-fourths and without the hope of
reinforcements? It would be madness. Until our navy acquires
superiority it is useless to think of such a project. The great
assemblage of troops in the north has another object. My Government must
be the first in the world, or it must fall." Bonaparte then evidently
wished it to be supposed that he entertained the design of invading
England in order to divert the attention of Europe to that direction.

From Dunkirk the First Consul proceeded to Antwerp, where also he had
assembled experienced men to ascertain their opinions respecting the
surest way of attempting a landing, the project of which was merely a
pretence. The employment of large ships of was, after rang discussions,
abandoned in favour of a flotilla.