“I have only abdicated in favour of my son by force of circumstances, when the clash of arms and the clamours of an insurrected garrison made me know what it was to choose between life and death, and my death would have been followed by that of the Queen. “I was forced to abdicate, but I was reassured by my complete confidence in the magnanimity and genius of the great man who has always shown himself my friend. I determined to conform to whatever the same great man may demand of us--myself, the Queen, and the Prince de la Paz. “I therefore address to Your Imperial Majesty a protest against the events of Aranjuez and against my abdication. I throw myself entirely upon the heart and friendship of Your Majesty, trusting that God will keep you in His safe and worthy keeping. “I am, Your Imperial Majesty’s “Most affectionate Brother and Friend, “CHARLES.” The Queen’s daughter also wrote to Murat: “SIR, MY BROTHER, “I have just seen your esteemed commander, who has given me your letter, by which I regret to find that my father and mother have not had the pleasure of seeing you, although they wish it so much, as all their hope is placed in you, who they trust will restore them tranquillity. “The poor Prince de la Paz is covered with wounds and contusions, and is cast into prison, where he constantly invokes the terrible moment of his death. He thinks of nobody but his friend the Grand Duke of Berg, and says he is the only person to whom he looks for his salvation. “My father, mother, and I have talked with your respected commander. He will tell you all. I trust in your friendship, and that by that you will save us all three and the poor prisoner. “I have not time to say more, but I trust in you. My father will add two lines to this letter. “I am, from my heart, “Your most affectionate Sister and Friend, “MARIA LUISA.” To this letter Carlos IV. added a postscript: “SIR AND VERY DEAR BROTHER, “Having talked to your worthy commander, and informed him of all that has happened, I beg you to tell the Emperor that I intreat him to set free the poor Prince de la Paz, who only suffers from having been a friend of France, and at the same time beg of him to let us go to a place which will suit us, and take with us the same Prince. We are going now to Badajoz. I beg your reply before then, in case we are absolutely left without means of seeing each other, for my life is only in you and in the Emperor. In the meanwhile I am, “Your very affectionate Brother and Friend, “CARLOS.” The General was also given a letter from the Queen to Murat, which ran thus: “SIR, MY DEAR BROTHER,