Napoleon in Exile, or a Voice From St. Helena - The Opinions and Reflections of Napoleon on the Most Important Events in His Life and Government, in His Own Words #227588

The next point is as to the accuracy of the transcript. Upon this subject my plan was as follows: I spoke as little and listened as attentively as I could, seldom inter posing, except for the purpose of leading to those facts on which I wished for information. To my memory, though naturally retentive, I did not entirely trust: immediately on retiring from Napoleon's presence, I hurried to my chamber and carefully committed to paper the topics Of conversation, with, so far as I could, the exact words used. Where I had the least doubt as to my accuracy, I marked it in my journal, and by a subsequent recurrence to the topic, when future Opportunities offered, I satisfied myself; this, although I have avoided them as much as possible, may account for some occasional repetitions, but I have thought it better to appear sometimes tedious, than ever to run the risk of a mis-statement. My long residence at Longwood rendered these opportunities frequent, and the facility of communication which Napoleon allowed, made the introduction of almost any subject easy. Thus did I form my original journal; as it increased in interest, it became of course to me an object of increased solicitude; and as nothing which could possibly occur at St. Helena would have surprised me, I determined to place its contents at least beyond the power of that spoliation which after. Wards was perpetrated on some of my other property. Having purchased in the island a machine for that purpose.