[317] "Rewbel, born in Alsace, was one of the best lawyers in the town of Colmar. He possessed that kind of intelligence which denotes a man skilled in the practice of the law,--his influence was always felt in deliberations--he was easily inspired with prejudices, and had little faith in the existence of virtue. It is problematical whether he did or did not amass a fortune, during the time he was in the Directory."--NAPOLEON, _Las Cases_, tom. ii., p. 138. [318] Montholon, tom. iv., p. 210. [319] "This singular answer was in exact conformity with the ideas of the moment. The sincere Republicans would have regarded it as a degradation for a man, however distinguished he might be, to wish to turn the revolution to his personal advantage."--MAD. DE STAËL, tom. ii., p. 175. [320] Moniteur, No. 224, May 3, 1797.--S. [321] Le Rédacteur, May 1, 1797. [322] "All the journals were full of harangues against the General of the Army of Italy: They depreciated his successes, vilified his character, calumniated his administration, threw out suspicions respecting his fidelity to the Republic, and accused him of ambitious designs."--NAPOLEON, _Montholon_, tom. iv., p. 212. [323] See especially his Letter to the Directory, 17th July.--_Correspondence Inédite_, tom. iv., p. 14. [324] Montholon, tom. iv., pp. 148, 211. [325] This gentleman was one of the second emigration, who left France during Robespierre's ascendency. He was employed as a political agent by the Court of Russia, after the affair of Venice, which proves that he was not at least convicted of treachery to the Bourbon princes. In July, 1812, he was assassinated at his villa at Hackney, near London, by an Italian domestic, who, having murdered both the Count and Countess, shot himself through the head, leaving no clew to discover the motive of his villany. It was remarked that the villain used Count d'Entraigues' own pistols and dagger, which, apprehensive of danger as a political intriguer, he had always ready prepared in his apartment.--S. [326] Moniteur, No. 305, July 23. [327] "The Directory requested General Buonaparte to send one of his generals of brigade to Paris, to await their orders. He chose General Augereau, a man very decided in action, and not very capable of reasoning--two qualities which rendered him an excellent instrument of despotism, provided the despotism assumed the name of revolution."--MAD. DE STAËL, tom. ii., p. 180. [328] Montholon, tom. iv., p. 216.