I had, it is true, resolved not to intermeddle in your affairs--but I cannot remain insensible to the distress of which I see you the prey--I recall my resolution of neutrality--I _consent_ to be the mediator in your differences." Rapp, adjutant-general, was the bearer of this insolent manifesto.

To cut short all discussion, Ney entered Switzerland at the head of 40,000 troops.

Resistance was hopeless.

Aloys Reding dismissed his brave followers, was arrested, and imprisoned in the castle of Aarburg.

The government was arranged according to the good pleasure of Napoleon, who henceforth added to his other titles that of "Grand Mediator of the Helvetic Republic." Switzerland was, in effect, degraded into a province of France; and became bound to maintain an army of 16,000 men, who were to be at the disposal, whenever it should please him to require their aid, of the Grand Mediator.