Chapter XIV

OUTLINE OF EVENTS FROM THE SIGNATURE OF THE PRELIMINARIES
TO THE RUPTURE OF THE PEACE OF AMIENS.

Unstable character of the settlement of 1801 76

Treaties with Turkey and Portugal contracted secretly by France 77

Impression produced in Great Britain by these and by the cession
of Louisiana 78

Expedition sent to Haïti by Bonaparte 78

Delays in negotiating the definitive treaty 79

Bonaparte accepts the presidency of the Cisalpine Republic 80

Effect produced in Great Britain by this step 80

Signature of the Peace of Amiens, March 25, 1802 81

Provisions concerning Malta 81

Illusive effects caused by Bonaparte's system of secret treaties 82

Annihilation of the Sea Power of France 83

Bonaparte proclaimed First Consul for life 83

Action of Bonaparte in the German indemnities 84

Injury to Austria and annoyance of Great Britain 85

Bonaparte's reclamations against the British press 85

Piedmont and Elba formally incorporated with France 85

The Valais wrested from Switzerland for military reasons 86

Bonaparte's armed intervention in Switzerland, 1802 87

Emotion of Europe and remonstrance of Great Britain 88

The British ministry countermands restitution of captured
colonies 89

Bonaparte's wrath at the British remonstrance 89

Strained relations between the two States 90

Bonaparte demands the evacuation of Egypt and Malta 91

Attitude of the British ministry concerning Malta 91

Causes of the delay in evacuating it 92

Importance of Malta 92

Broad ground now taken by the ministry 93

Publication of Sébastiani's report, January, 1803 93

Its effect in Great Britain 94

Disasters of the French in Haïti 94

Bonaparte's preponderant interest in Malta and the East 95

High tone now assumed by the British ministry 96

Additional provocation given by Bonaparte 96

Ominous proceedings of the ministry 97

The British ultimatum 98

Great Britain declares war, May 16, 1803 98

Universal character of the strife thus renewed 98

Unanimity of feeling in Great Britain 99

Pitt's forecast of the nature of the struggle 100