The messenger who has just arrived states that Buonaparte was expected at Paris on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. His march has been a triumphal procession, he has nowhere experienced the slightest resistance, and the only bloodshed has been that of General Marchand at Grenoble, who was shot by his soldiers on account of his fidelity to Louis XVIII. His proclamation is said to be moderate in many of its terms, but he insists on France being reinstated in its dominions, and particularly Belgium, which will immediately involve us in a new war. Despatches have been sent to Vienna to bring the Duke of Wellington to Brussels, where he may be expected very soon. I am afraid his laurels will be somewhat tarnished, as he will probably be overpowered by numbers and be opposed by the population of the country. It seems as if we were on the eve of a long and terrible war, which may be highly injurious and perhaps fatal to our finances and Constitution. For many years everything in Europe must be entirely military; and there is an end during our time of all peace establishments.
The case is very deplorable; but you will surely consider yourselves fortunate that you were only preparing for your journey. I am very anxious about the Hollands and several other friends now in Italy, principally at Naples.
