The Prefects reported on the 1st of December, that between three and four millions of citizens had subscribed their assent to the proposed measure, while not many more than three thousand voted in opposition to it.

This result indicated, as these functionaries chose to say, the unanimous approbation of the French people.

That nation, however, consisted at the time of more than thirty millions! But Napoleon did not wait for this authority, such as it proved to be.
On the 18th of May (more than six months ere the report reached him) he openly assumed the imperial title and dignity.

On the same day he nominated his late colleagues in the Consulate, Cambaceres and Le Brun, the former to be Arch-Chancellor, the latter Arch-Treasurer of the Empire.

The offices of High-Constable, Grand Admiral, &c., were revived and bestowed on his brothers, and others of his immediate connections.
Seventeen generals (viz.