The first meeting between Jerome Bonaparte and Alexander II ended in a most unpleasant manner.
Escorted by the dutiful Jerome Patterson to the vicinity of Bakhchisaray (a region occupied by the Russian Empire), Alexander II bid farewell to Jerome Patterson and praised him, saying, "Mr. Patterson, you are an excellent soldier!"
In response to Alexander II's praise, Jerome Patterson replied courteously, "Your Highness, you overrate me!"
After saying this, Jerome Patterson bowed once again to Alexander II, then turned with his Dragoons behind him and left.
Watching Jerome Patterson's departing figure, Alexander II sighed regretfully, muttering to himself, "What a pity! That someone as upright as he would be born into a family known for its scheming and sly ways."
Subsequently, Alexander II and his entourage arrived at the gates of the ancient city of Bakhchisaray.
