BONAPARTE.
(FROM FLINDELL'S WESTERN LUMINARY.)
Exeter, August 7.
The exhibition of this fascinating monster, (Bonaparte) in Plymouth Sound, closed on Friday last. We are indebted to the kindness of friends for the following accounts of the show:-
---August 6.
... "I am just returned from Plymouth, and ... give you a few particulars respecting Bonaparte, during his latter stay in Plymouth Sound, and on his quitting England, I trust for ever. The last evening that he made any conspicuous appearance on the gangways of the Bellerophon, was on Tuesday last, when he shewed himself only for a short time on each side. On Wednesday, he did not shew himself at all. On Thursday he came on deck again and twice looked out at the starboard-gangway (but not once at the larboard one) and that was only momentary.- On Friday, the Bellerophon got under weigh about one o'clock; and not having a satisfactory view of him, I went in a boat with a few other gentlemen, and followed the ship till she was some distance outside the breakwater. All this time he did not show himself; and, as the ship was working out, I take it for granted he was not on the quarter-deck. However, as there was but one guard boat rowing astern (the others being employed towing the ship, there being but a light air), we frequently ran up pretty near to her, and in consequence of two ladies who had embarked on board a shore boat, under the idea that having no gentlemen with them, they would be suffered to approach nearer the vessel, and who seemed most anxious to see the renowned prisoner she had on board, they frequently standing on the thwarts of the boat, and waving their handkerchiefs, he at last made his appearance at the stern window of the cabin, evidently for the purpose of satisfying their curiosity. He held his head out of the window, and inclined it downwards, as if he was resting on his elbows, without his hat being on, which gave us a complete view of his face and head, which is very bald on the top, but the hair on the sides being suffered to grow long, we could perceive it was combed across. He staid about a minute, and then retired. We followed him till he got within a short distance of Penlee Point; but he did not shew again. Indeed, I did not expect it, for in a short time after he looked out at the window, he drew the curtains of the cabin windows; when I remarked, that it was decidedly done to let us know that the Lion was no more to be seen. There appeared to be rather a bustle in the cabin, as if they were packing up for the intended removal into the Northumberland, to meet which ship they were standing out to sea. From the best authority I could get (and I believe it was pretty good) I have no doubt it is true, that Madame Bertrand made an attempt to throw herself into the sea, when she was prevented by one of the French Officers on board. I am told she is a most clever spirited woman, and may add, of a most violent temper."
