The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-07-05 00:00:00

their

solemn and Imposing as possible. According to the arrange-
ments made, all who desired to take part in the procession,
whether military or civilians, were directed to assemble, dis-
mounted, at the entrance to the city, in the great up-country
road. A minute gun was to be fired from Fort Napier, which
overlooks the city from the north-west, a signal agreed upon to
let all know of the arrival of the remains two miles from the
, town. Two o'clock was the hour fixed for the formation of
the procession. About a quarter-past one the gun was heard
baoming a solemn warning. Long ere the gun was fired
the whole city had assembled on the appointed spot. At
halt-past one the scene presented was such ak.-193
spectator will ever forget. The city of Maritzburg stands
on a gentle ridge sloping down from south-west to
north-east, falling gently away towards the north-west
and south-east. We were now on the north-west side,
in the centre of a narrow plain, perhaps half-a-mile
wide, beyond which green hills rose, curve above curve,
till gathering in a dark rocky peak some 1,500 feet
above the level of the city. Already were figures on horse-
back descending the road, while two or three wagons, with
long trains of oxen, seen in relief against the sky, identified
the position of the melancholy caravan, which presently dis-
appeared in the hollow. Here, it is whispered, the
remains are being transferred to the gun carriage, which,
with six horses belonging to the Army Service Corps,
had been sent out to meet it. A pause of expecta-
tion ensues, during which the procession is re-arranged.
Forming double line across the road, with faces towards
the hills, the Maritzburg Rifles, looking down the
line, formed double line; the men of the 21st, the only
regulars . stationed here, were within this line ; the
Adjutant-General was mounted; the other officers who
arrive at the spot mounted get off their horses and fellow the
remains on foot. The most noted among the group were
Veut.-Governor Sir Henry Bulwer, who, as also Colonel
Mitchell, the Colonial Secretary, appeared in full dress;
General Clifford, wearing plumed helmet; General Sir John
Bestett, wearing the scarlet full-dress uniform of a
general; the Bishop of Natal, looking considerably
aged, though not less erect than in former days;
also a company of Major Bengough's Regiment of
Natal Native Contingent in red jackets and regi-
mental trousers, under the command of Captain Digby
Willoughby. Every citizen of Maritzburg who had a black
coat to put on, or who could find crape for his bat, had
obeyed the invitation—the members of the Legislative
Council, Government officials, merchants, tradesmen, store
keepers—while a large compact body of mourners is formed
by members of the City Guard There is another pause, but
not for long. One mounted officer, half-way down the road,
is seen waving his plumed hat; another moment and the sad
cot tegs is seen emerging round the bend of the road, cross-
ing the bridge which marks the beginning of the ascent,
preceded by four men of the Natal Mounted Police, who
take up their station, two on each side. As the re-
mains approach, every head is uncovered, while
the Lieutenant - Governor, accompanied by General
Clifford, and the Mayor of Pietermaritzburg, step forward
amidst an intense silence; even the breeze seems to have
dropped, and the cloud-shadows to have ceased to traverse
the hill sides. Again a moment's pause, while the remains
are handed over to their new custodians. The voice of the
officer in command is heard giving orders; then the first
beat of the drum, and the solemn strains of the Dead March
in 'Saul,' announce that the procession has moved, while
each minute comes booming from Fort Napier the mournful
response. Surely never did funeral procession begin its
march under more solemn circumstances.

"Meantime, another crowd had assembled near the little
Iron schoolroom belonging to the Roman Catholic Mission,
in which, according to previous arrangements, the beloved
and honoured remains were to be first deposited. Here suck
military honours as the scanty force in the city permitted
were also rendered. What a contrast presented the simply
and lowly building, only wont to hear girlish recitations of
pupils and the fond applause of parents, and to-day to be
associated, in receiving the descendant of the Napoleons,
with one of the most melancholy tragedies the world
has known. Nuns, who had been waiting, formed line
on each side of the entrance, while the officiating
priest, the venerated Father Barret, came forward in his
vestments, doubtful at first, owing to the narrowness of
the space, how the gun-carriage, with its six horses, could
approach the door. The care and skill of the drivers were,
however, equal to the occasion. Another moment and,
amid deep silence, the remains stood ready to be removed
within the little building. The mourners filing in, formed
double line on each side, the military on one side and the
civilians on the other, the doors were closed for a moment;
then, amid still deeper hush, the remains were borne in,
supported on either side as pall-bearers by six officers of the
British army. I will mention the names of those to whom
this honour fell : Colonel Reilly, R A.. ; Colonel East, 571 h;
Lieutenant-Colonel Russell, Equerry to the Prince of Wales ;
Colonel Steward, RE.; Captain Willoughby, 21st; and
Captain For, R. it. Borne aloft on willing shoulders, sur-
mounted by the sword and helmet of the deceased, the rude
coffin in which the remains were brought down from the
front came forward, covered with the tricolour and St.
George's ensign.
"Here a little incident occurred which served to show how
dark was the feeling which pervaded all present. Hanging
from the centre of the roof was a simple chandelier, neces-
sarily unnoticed by those bearing the coffin on their
shoulders. As the coffin passed the helmet was caught by
the chandelier, which seemed for a moment in danger of
being swept to the ground; a thrilling murmur went round
the room, and a dozen eager bands stretched forward to
warn the bearers or save the helmet from falling.
"A moment after the remains were deposited on the
floor in the centre of the room, and the quiet, grave voice
of Father Barret was heard reciting the 'De prolundis.'
Only a minute or two was consumed by the simple ceremony,
and then the doors were once more opened. It was under-
stood that all would quit the room except those who were
in some way officially connected in the work of identification
which was to follow. Here, strangely enough, occurred one
of those coincidences which, when they happen, make so
deep an impression. It was bright sunshine, with merely a
passing cloud, when the procession started on its march
through the city. Now, however, when the remains had
actually been deposited in their temporary resting-place,
the sky became overclouded, the wind sighed drearily, the
first sad drops of one of those showers which so often come
up from the hills in the afternoon splashed heavily on the
ground. It was but for a few moments, but the influence of
the incident was deeply felt, the gloom of the evening being
recognized as a fitting accompaniment of so mournful an oc-
casion. After the room had been cleared, the task, first of
identification, then of transferring the remains to a more
appropriate receptacle, was proceeded with. There was
not much to be done with respect to the discharge of the
first duty; a legal document intriplicate was signed by
General Cllfford, M. Deleage, if. Uhlmaen, the Prince's confi-
dential valet, whose uncontrollable grief in presence of his
young master's remains won him the sympathy of all pro-
sent; and Colonel Mitchell, Colonial Secretary, representing'
the Governor of Natal. One copy, sealed up, was deposited
In the coffin, the ether two being kept for the Secretary of
State for War and General Clifford. Nor did it take much
time to accomplish those arrangements which the medical
staff deemed necessary for the preservation o 'the remains.
Embalming, in the strict sense, there was none, nor did cir-
cumstances admit of it. Those interested in the preserva-
tion of the remains were fain to content themselves with such
process as could be carried out by the application of suit-
able antiseptics, such as carbolic and arsenical prepa-
reties's. All that could be done, under the constant,
thrughtful direction o Deputy-Surgeon-General Holloway
and his staff, was done; but, alter all, nothing very much
was added to the kind care of those into whose hands the
remains were first csmmitted at the front. It was owing to
this first kind care that the body, when the rough coffin was
opened at Pietermaritzburg, presented none of those appear-
ances of injury which might have been expected after so
terrible a death. The face wore a calm and peaceful expres-
sion; the wounds inflicted by the assegais were hardly to be
traced, while any fear that the body had been in any way
disfigured was completely and satisfactorily set at rest.
"Not much more than an hour was occupied in all that
passed in the little school-room. Within an hour and a
half after the procession had arrived the coffin had been
soldered down, a few brief prayers had been Said, the last
rites administered, and the remains had been escorted to the
little chapel close at hand where they are to lie in state:
Though no attempt at decoration had been made in the
school-room, the same cannot be said of the chapel. Here
the loving hands of the nuns of the neighbouring convent
had been at work, and the result was much surprise to
those used to the meagre appearance of the building under
ordinary circumstances. Tne altar-piece had been removed,
and the east end hung with tlack, with the significant
letters 'R. I. P.' in silver; while black hangings, relieved
with silver, reached from floor to ceiling along either side.
The catalfalque occupying the centre of the floor, guarded
by two sentries with fixed bayonets, presented a beau-
tiful and striking appearance. Lighted up on either
side were wax candles arranged in pyramidial-shaped
sconces. Prominent was the Napoleonic monogram,
surrounded by wi eaths of white camellias; while, on
either side, the remains were watched by a silent
row of nuns, who, with faces ever turned towards the altar,
seemed the very personification of tender sorrow and re-
ligious care. There was no crowd, possibly owing to the
fact that the remains would lie in state all night was not
sufficiently well known to draw a large crowd, but a con-
stant succession of silent and sympathetic visitors of all
ranks and creeds testified to the melancholy interest taken in
the sad event of the day, and to the sincere grief felt
throughout the whole community. .
"A thing worth noticing is that the heir to the Imperial
House of France should receive the last honours from a
community which is peculiarly French in associations, and
I doubt not that that little chapel will become sacred
ground to all who as Frenchmen honour the name of which
France, through whatever changes of politics or dynasties;
will ever be proud."

The following is a copy of a telegram from Major-General
Hon. El. Clifford to the Secretary of State for War, dated
Pietermaritzburg (Madeira, 28th Jane), received 28th June,
1879:

"9th June.—Mortal remains of lamented Prince arrived
here at 2 p in. yesterday. We met at entrance of town by
Lieutenant-Governor, myself, and military and civil authori-
ties. Inhabitants followed in great numbers, showing great
respect and sorrow. Body placed in the Roman CatholiB
chapel, after being transferred in my presence from rough
case, In which it was deposited in camp, to wood and lead coffin
made here. Body was legally identified by me, confidential valet
of Prince, and correspondent of Figaro, who accompanied it
from camp. One legal document was placed in coffin, with pho-
tograph of his mother and late Emperor. Medical arrange-
ments for preserving body admirably carried out. Funeral
service at 8 a.m, this morning. Lieutenant-Governor and
all military and civil authorities present. Coffin removed
from church to gun-carriage on shoulders ot officers, fol-
lowed by Lieutenant-Governor', myself, and many officers
and inhabitants on the road to Durban, under esaort of
officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of 'hist
Fusiliers and Natal Mounted Police, Colonial Secretary,
representing Lieutenant-Governor, and Colonel Reilly,
RA., accompanied to Darban. Colonel Pemberton,
eoth Rifles, accompanies in man-of-war to England. My
dirty here obliges rue to remain, instead of going to
Durban to pay up to last moment tribute of heartfelt sorrow
and deep sympathy.

Lord Chelmsford states on 4th Jane Court of Inquiry as-
sembled to investigate the circumstances of the Prince's
death. I have heard. but not officially, Major-General
Marshall president: Colonel Malthus, 94th, and Major Le
Gee', R A., members. No other information up to this
date, June 9th, 8 p.m., received from Lord Chelmsford.
Cannot, therefore, pass any opinion on awful event. Uhl-
mann, Prince's valet, goes home with Prince's remains lOth
June. c‘o
"Lord Chelmsford telegraphs June fith Skirmish
•yesterday between tribal force and our cavalry, mounted
' Irregulars. Lieutenant Frith, adjutant 17th Lancers, killed,
two irregulars wounJed. Wood returns to border to-
morrow, with large train of empty waggons and strong
escort. I advance one march, and halt for the present."
"Received by me, 7th June no date, from Lord Chelms-
ford :--1 To•morrow flying column return with convoy to
bring stores from Conference hill and Landsman's Drift.
Second Division will encamp on Selefe River to cut suppiy
of firewood. Fortified post will be established on Nondani
, River. Neither river marked on map. They run parallel
to the ByJiyozi. Distant from It, latter about four, former
ten miles ' _ .

" I received 9th June, following from Assistant Quarter-
master-Gemral, Head-quarters, Lovina River, dated Bth
June :—' Second Division arrived. Camp half-mile north of
Lozni. Black, 24tb, with troops King's Dragoon Guards and
natives from Rorke 's Drift, effected a junction with Second.
Division in afternoon. Returned to-day. Tribal force as-
sembled in tonsil Bash_ Sheik(' by 9.pounders. Scattered.
Farther action on our part today. Convoy under Wood
returning."
'Pietermaritzburg, 12 noon.—' I much regret duty obliges
me to remain here. Colonel Reilly, HA, represents at
reception of and embarking of lamented Prince's body at
Durban, Major Butler having been intrusted by me with all
necessary arrangements at Durban.'"

The Paris Correspondent of the Daily News Nays :—" The!
Figaro', Correspondent in Zululand, M. Paul Deleage, tele-
graphs, under date June 2, same particulars of the recovery
of the body of Prince Lonis Napoleon. He says he was one
of the first to find the body finite naked, in the ravine where
the party had been surprised and attacked by the Zulus. The
breast of the Prince was pierced by assegais, the right eye
was cut out, aud the stomach cut open. The face expressed
little Buffering. Death must have been Instantaneous. All
the Wounds were in front, not one behind. 'The Prince, died
with his face to the enemy. 'I vainly tried,' JAW% NOW,
Correspondent, to close his remaining eye, which ytt re-
flected gentleness and goodness.' The correspondent pro-
ceeds to give accounts of the embelmine of the body, the
funeral service, and other details. He mentions that the
Princo'e sword which the Zulus took belonged to Napoleon
I."

Writing under date Ilyotozi River (Right Bank),
June 4, the correspondent of The Times says :
" There was a sham alarm at 4 am, this morning to cur

else the men in striking tents. They worked fairly. The
tents were re-erected. We started at twelve o'clock. Scouts
saw three Zulus. A Court of Inquiry as to the Prince's death
has been opened, General Marshall, Colonel Malthus, 94th,
and Major Le ()rice, N. C. Battery, sitting. The inquiry
has been adjourned. Brigadier-General Wood has
moved three miles on the south-east. This afternoon great
excitement was created in the camp by the news of an impi
being near Brigadier-General Wood. Lord Chelmsford had
already gone there. He says that while he was there
messengers came in from Cetewayo with a flag of truce and
,a pass from Colonel Clarke 7th Lower Column who had
already seen them recognise '
d as King's indanas by Wood's
any messengers. They palavered—' Why you come here?
Way war,' dm Lord Chelmsford said—'l come to carry
out the Queen's orders, not to discuss them. If you
dread fighting, say so. Give proof of good faith.'
While they were talking a messenger came to Brigadier-
General Wood, saying, 'lmpi advancing.' Brigadier-
General Wood intrenched the camp, and sent out
cavalry. Lord Chelmsford questioned indunas. They said,
'No impi ; only tribal force,' and would not attack Lord
Chelmsford. 'Are you willinu to be shot if they do?' 'Yes,
perfectly.' The indunas remain with General Wood until
to-morrow. Lord Chelmsforcl'goes off again before daybreak
with the column to see them."
Writing again under date four miles South-east of
Ityotysi River, June '5, The Times' Correspondent also

says :

At half-past four this morning one squadron of Dragoon
Guards, Shepatone's Biuutos, and Bettington's Horse left the
camp under General Marshall for General Wood's camp,
three miles off. They joined Buller on a reoonnoissance to
feel the impl reported yesterday. I followed later, passing
Wood's column on march in good order. General
Newdigate's column pushed on and caught the Cavalry, halt-
ing at nine o'clock three miles ahead of the column.
Colonel Buffer is still four miles ahead with our
men, and was burning a large kraaL The Zulus
withdrew into the bush. Three men of the Mounted
Lancers crossed the donga, and went up to drive Zulus out
of a mealie patch on the right, but found none. They then
rode to the edge, but received orders not to go further.
Lieutenant Frith, of the Lamers, was shot while taking
orders from his Colonel, and died almost immediately.
News arrived of an inapt on the left bank. We could
do nothing with the Zulus in the bush, and so retired
in echelon, recrossed the donga, and waited behind
the brow of the hill to try and draw them out. It was of
no use; the Zulus' main body only came out to the kraal.
A few crept down dongas to right and left, and exchanged
shots with Shepstone's and Buller's men as we retired.
Some days ago news arrived from Major-General Crea-
lock that messengers had come in to treat, representing
themselves as King's Indunas. Major-General Crea-
lock sent for the chief Ginlakwali to recognize them. He
found they only came from some of the King's Indunal.
Ginlakwall, although refusing to surrender with his tribe,
then undertook to go to Ulundi. Cetewayo was in great
anger when he heard of the messengers sent, and called a
council together. They told him the people were tired of
war' ' and unable to raise an impi. Messengers were then
sent here to temporize. Lord Chelmsford again saw them,
but said he could not treat with them. Cetewayo must send
properly accredited men of some position. He told them
the terms he would agree to, and before treating the two
guns and some hostages must be given up. They asked
Lord Chelmsford to stay for answer; he said, "Oh, no; I
continue to advance."

The result of the Court of Inquiry as to the Prince's
death had not been made public.
. _

THE WILL OF THE LATE PRINCE
LOUIS NAPOLEON.

Tte following is a translation of the will of the late Prince
Louis Napoleon, made at Camden-place, Chislehurst, on the
29th February, 1879

"This is my testament.
`ll. I die in the Catholic, apostolic, and Roman
religion, in which I was born.
"2. I desire that my body may be laid near that of
my father, until the time comes when both may be
transferred to the spot where the founder of our house
reposes among the French people, whom we, like him,
dearly loved.
"3. My latest thought will be for my country,
for which I would wish to die.

"4. I hope my mother, when I shall be no more,
will maintain for me that affectionate rememberance
which I shall cherish for her to the last moment.

"6. Let my private friends my servants, and th
partisans of the cause which I represent, be assured
that my gratitude to them will only cease with my
life.

"6. I shall die with a sentiment of profound grati-
tude towards the Queen of England, the entire Roy al
family, and the country in which during eight years
I have received such cordial hospitality,
"I constitute my mother my universal legatee, sub.
ject to the payment of the following legacies
"I bequeath 20,000 f. to my cousin, Prince J. N.
Murat.

"1 bequeath 100,000 f. to M. F. Pietri in recognition
of hie good services.
"I bequeath 100,000 f. to M. le Baron Corvisart in
recognition of his devotion.
"1 bequeath 100,000 f. to Mdlle. de Larminat, who
has always shown herself so attached to my mother.
'1 bequeath 100,000 f. to M. A. Filou, my former
tutor.

"I bequeath 100,0001. to M. L. N. Conneau ;
"I bequeath 100,000 f. to M. N. Espinasse ;
"I bequeath 100,000 f. to Captain A. Bizot—three of
my oldest friends.
" I desire that iry dear mother should constitute an
annuity of 10,000 f. for Prince L. L. Bonaparte.
"An annuity of 5,000 f. for Mr. Bachon, my former
4cuyer.
"An annuity of 2,5001. each to Madame Thierry and
to Uhlmann.
"I desire that all my other servants should never be
deprived of their salaries.
I desire to leave to Prince N. Charles Bonaparte,
the Duke of Bassano, and to M. Rouher three of the
most beautiful souvenirs that my testamentary
executors may select.
"I desire also to leave to General Simmons, to M.
Strode, and to Mgr. Goddard, three souvenirs which
my testamentary executors may select from the valu-
ables which belong to-me.
"I bequeath to M. F. Pietri my pin surmounted by
a stone (cat's eye); to M. Corvisart, my pin (rose
pearl )
"To Mdlle. de Larminat, a medallion containing the
portraits of my father and my mother.

"To Madame Lebreton, my watch in enamel orna-
mented with my monogram in diamonds.
"To MM. Conneau, Espinasse, Bizot, J. N. Murat,
A. Fleury, P. de Bourgoing, S. Corvisart, my arms
and uniforms, except those I may have last worn,
which I leave to my mother.
"I leave to M. d'Eutraigues a pin surmounted by a
fine pearl, round in shape, which was given me by the
Empress.
"1 beg my mother to be good enough to distribute to
the persons who during my life have shown attach-
ment to me the trinkets or less valuable Objects which
may recall me to their recollection.
" I bequeath to the Comtesee Clary my pin sur-
mounted by a beautiful fine pearl (A).
"To the Duke of Iluescar, my cousin, my Spanish
swords. " Nkrol..EON.
"All witten by my own hand.
"I need not recommend my mother to neglect
nothing to defend the memory of my great uncle and ,
father. I beg her to remember that as long as a Bona-
parte lives the imperial cause will be represented. The
duties of our house towards the. country will not be
extinct with my life. When I die the task of
continuing the work of Napoleon 111. will fall to the
eldest son of Prince Napoleon, and I hope my beloved
mother, by supporting him with all her power, will
give to us who shall be no more this last and crowning
proof of affection.
" NAPOLEON.
"At Chislehurst, 26th Feb., 1879."
"I appoint MM. Rouher and F. Pietri my testa-
mentary executors. (I MOM by F. Pietri, Franoes-'
chini Pieta)
The envelope containing the will Was opened and the will
read at Camdenplace on Friday, the 27th of June, and the
following signatures were among those appended to the
proc4-nerbal which was drawn up on that occasion L. L. Bonaparte, Napoleon Charles Bonaparte, J. N.
Murat, Noailles Duo de Alouchy, Duo de Huescar, Duc
de Bassauo, E. Ronher, Joseph Primoll, Napoleon de
Roccagiovane, Duc de Feltre, Comte Davillier Regnaud de
St. Jean d'Angely, Vicomte Aguado, Baron Corvisart,
Franoeschini Pietri, Colonel Brady, Charles Stewart,
Wilmer M. Harris, notary Public, London.

THE WILL or NAPOLEON 111.
"We reproduce as under (says Wednesday's Daily
New) the text of the Will of the late Napoleon 111.,
which will be read with interest at the present
moment "

‘ais