Upon the 15th of October, 1815, the Northumberland reached St. Helena,
which presents but an unpromising aspect to those who design it for a
residence, though it may be a welcome sight to the seaworn mariner. Its
destined inhabitant, from the deck of the Northumberland, surveyed it
with his spy-glass. St. James' Town, an inconsiderable village, was
before him, enchased, as it were in a valley, amid arid and scarped
rocks of immense height; every platform, every opening, every gorge, was
bristled with cannon. Las Cases, who stood by him, could not perceive
the slightest alteration of his countenance. The orders of government
had been, that Napoleon should remain on board till a residence could be
prepared suitable for the line of life he was to lead in future. But as
this was likely to be a work of time, Sir George Cockburn readily
undertook, on his own responsibility, to put his passengers on shore,
and provide in some way for the security of Napoleon's person, until the
necessary habitation should be fitted up. He was accordingly transferred
to land upon the 16th of October; and thus the emperor of France, nay,
wellnigh of Europe, sunk into the recluse of St. Helena.


DEATH OF NAPOLEON

During the 3rd of May, it was seen that the life of Napoleon was drawing
evidently to a close; and his followers, and particularly his physician,
became desirous to call in more medical assistance;--that of Dr. Shortt,
physician to the forces, and of Dr. Mitchell, surgeon of the flag-ship,
was referred to. Dr. Shortt, however, thought it proper to assert the
dignity belonging to his profession, and refused to give an opinion on a
case of so much importance in itself, and attended with so much
obscurity, unless he were permitted to see and examine the patient. The
officers of Napoleon's household excused themselves, by professing that