"In the summer of year IX, Mehee [editor of the Journal des Hommes Libres] told a story of Talleyrand's ridiculous humouring of the First Consul, under the form of an eastern apologue. It was to the following effect. Bonaparte wanted to shoot in a place where there was no game, and Talleyrand, having bought several dozens of rabbits, had them turned loose on the ground the day before. The rabbbits proved to be so tame that they could be killed only by kicks."
Now, my recollection is that this story is generally placed in the Empire period, with Berthier in the leading role, I think. It seems unlikely that it happened twice (or even once, given the author) . Can anyone remember who wrote it up ? Was it Thiebault? I have a feeling there are two versions of the story.
Susan
PS "This, and some other articles, led to the suppression of the journal and shortly afterwards to Mehee's banishment to Dijon."