HMS Bellerophon

Dawn in the Basque Roads, 15 July 1815

At dawn on 15 July 1815, the French brig Épervier came up to HMS Bellerophon in the Basque Roads off Rochefort under a flag of truce. Wind and tide stopped her about a mile short.

Captain Frederick Lewis Maitland sent the 74-gun ship's barge across for the last mile. It returned shortly after 6 a.m., carrying Napoleon.

"Under the protection of British law"

Napoleon came up the side in the uniform of the Imperial Guard's Chasseurs à Cheval, announced by his grand marshal Henri-Gatien Bertrand. He told Maitland that he was placing himself under the protection of the British prince and of British law.

Maitland had warned Napoleon's representatives repeatedly that he could promise no terms and no asylum; Emmanuel de Las Cases had acknowledged as much in talks the day before.

Maitland accepted him for transport to England and placed him at the disposal of the Prince Regent.

What was not settled that morning

Napoleon had meant to sail for the United States. British cruisers off Rochefort had closed that route, and Maitland would let no vessel carrying him pass, so he came aboard instead — with a principal suite of 33.

Napoleon was not told that morning that he would be sent to Saint Helena. Britain informed him of that decision on 31 July.

"Surrender" is the conventional British and museum description of the day; Napoleon presented himself as a voluntary guest seeking asylum, and Maitland took him aboard without granting any terms.