While Napoleon was making his formal entry into the Tuileries, Bourrienne was preparing the cabinet he was still to share with the Consul.

In this cabinet--our cabinet, as he is careful to call it--he worked with the First Consul till 1802.
During all this time the pair lead lived on terms of equality and friendship creditable to both.

The secretary neither asked for nor received any salary: when he required money, he simply dipped into the cash-box of the First Consul.

As the whole power of the State gradually passed into the hands of the Consul, the labours of the secretary became heavier.

His successor broke down under a lighter load, and had to receive assistance; but, perhaps borne up by the absorbing interest of the work and the great influence given by his post, Bourrienne stuck to his place, and to all appearance might, except for himself, have come down to us as the companion of Napoleon during his whole life.