Surrender the Wind by Elizabeth St. Michel

Over the following weeks, the British government considered the fate of the ship’s famous prisoner. It then took Napoleon to Plymouth, where he was held aboard the moored Bellerophon and not allowed to set foot on British soil, much to his annoyance.

Maitland’s account in FO 97/159 appears to have been triggered as a response to enquiries from his superiors, after they had dealt with accusations from Napoleon’s party that they had been promised residency in England by the Captain.Įscorted by HMS Myrmidon ( ADM 53/852), upon arrival in England the Bellerophon anchored at Brixham. Napoleon wanted to travel to North America, where he hoped to gain asylum upon refusal of this by the British, he hoped to be allowed to live out his life in England. While in custody Napoleon and his entourage were treated like guests, with the former emperor given access to the Great cabin of the ship. HMS Bellerophon log entry for 15 July 1815, which notes Napoleon’s arrival on board (catalogue reference: ADM 53/192)

Napoleon’s arrival on the Bellerophon is recorded in the log for the ship dated 15 July 1815 ( ADM 53/192). They had a letter from Napoleon, wishing to discuss the terms of General Bonaparte’s surrender.Īfter leaving Bellerophon, Comte de Las Cases returned at 19:00 the same day with a letter from Napoleon’s General, Count Bertrand revealing that Napoleon was currently on Isle D’Aix and fully prepared to surrender. The Comte de Las Cases was again on board, this time accompanied by General L’Allarand. There was further contact between the French party and the Bellerophon over the following days.Īt 07:00 on 14 July a vessel approached the Bellerophon. On board were General Anne Jean Marie Rene Savary and the Comte de Las (Count of) Cases, with the first announcement of Napoleon’s consideration to surrender to the British. On 10 July 1815, HMS Bellerophon was guarding the French port of Rochefort when a French vessel bearing a flag of truce approached. After his abdication, he was unwelcome in France, with his capture sought by Prussian and Austrian forces.Ĭaptain Maitland of HMS Bellerophon wrote an account of the events that followed for a personal statement this can be found at TFhe National Archives under the document reference FO 97/159.

Six weeks after his disastrous defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon faced an uncertain future. First page of Captain Maitland’s account of Napoleon’s surrender to the Bellerophon (catalogue reference: FO 97/159)

Surrender the Wind by Elizabeth St. Michel