Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1816-04-03


his look, his manner, spoke it a.place more
damnable than he bargained for. Anxious
as he was to get on shore, he did not quit
US FOR couple of days; and when he did,
positively saw regret pictured in his face.
The last word he uttered happened from
my being near him) To be addressed to me !:
the admiral and captain were at the gang
way--barge in waiting Bonaparte hurried
along the quarterback from the cabin,
1wrappedup in white great coat. As he
passed he. bowed. NV eve, do think,
spoke pity, FOR it met his, aud he hastily
asked if continued on board /? 1t was
night before he reached his house in the
village. Still there were many Spectators
whom he was particularly anxious to avoid.
AT dawn the following day lie rode out
with Sir George Cockburn to examine the
situation Of his future residence. Long
wood IS distant i've miles from the village
and elevated above 5000 feet, exactly ten
uegrees adherence oftcmperature from that
at the surface Of the ocean. The interior
OF the island is certainly less offensive to
the eye than what its exterior would pro-
mise. Perhaps if one would draw com
parison between what the Island promises
on approaching from the sea, and what is
found on taking ride through the coun-
try, one would be tempted to say many
spots were beautiful. 1t has been in this
way that the people who hav.: written of
st. Helena have judged of it. Napoleon,
on ms first days ride, (for he has not taken
second,) spoke in very unfayorable terms
OF the place and said, every description we
had given him to read Of this Island was ex.
aggerated. On descending the mountain,
on hls return 10 the village, he stopped at
small house called the Briars, situated on
projecting rock, midway from the sum-
nit. Here he requested permission to stop.
and from which he has not strayed 100
yards since the hour he took possession.-
Nature and art have done something for
inns spot. The lava has become soil, and
the eye Is relieved by a spot of verdure ex-
ceeding two acres. There is there ear
den with fruit trees--a riIl of water eurs-
ling by; and Bonaparte, with his friend
Las Cassas, here contrive to pass their soil
tary time. He is perfectly excluded from
the gaze OF the public, which vas perhaps
aprincipal reason for his selecting this SPOT
until the repairs of Longwood were finish
ed.
must now introduce YOU to the inhabitants
of this same Brars-this half serial habitation of
the fallen Napoleon. Mr.. Balloon, a native of
England. long resident in the island of ST Hele
IA. merchant of the place, and contractor for
the navy, is the proprietor of the Briars. He has
resided there for many yesFs tn his family.
consisting of his Wife, an intelligent woman, and
TWO daughters, both extremely well educated.
and under the age OF seventeen Balcom's house
Is so extremely SHALL, that there are scarcely a
FaE.Fnents cgPAble of accommodating ms f.if,iiy
lie has an outucuse, fsncifuliy constructed on
little eminence, overlooking the valley This
bcnaparte chose for breakfast room, dining room.
and parlor. His camp bed has been conveyed
there from the Northumberland, and there is he
contented TO Illuminate. the lvelong day, on the
awful occurrences of his unexampied career -
rms apartment of the mighty Napoleon termi.
mates IN its top in little Gothic garnet (where
declare TO you cannot turn rouud.) There re.
SIDES the Counsellor of State, Compile Las Casas,
accompanied by his son, 4 page of the ex.Rmpe
rors, aged about sixteen, sharing The lone couch
OF his fsthere have repeatedly .ho't il nv duty
topay my respects TO the falle, Emperor since he
took up his residence at the Brars. more esnec,.
ally as the visits of strangers are dsapproyed of
by him, and dem-officially forbidden by mis- Ex.
eetlency SIR George. From the facility with
%hich gain admttance TO the presence, I am
disposed TO think the attention not unaccenta
Die. From the variety of papers see scattered
ABOUT on his toilet, and the hours which he Is clio.
setted with Las Cassas "a man of uncommon
taient) am inclined to think he is busted either
IN craving up remembrance 10 the British COY
srnnent, or writing history of his own Life
ms hours ofrecreatoT are generally from twelve
I'LL two O'clock. He prrambulstes the little Gar.
aen and rs invariably joined by the young ladies'
daughters OF the proprietor, Both speak French
ana am satisfied they afford him very great con-
soiatlon. When last saw him he was reclining
on SOFA and thought him more than usually
sloyehly. However, he had lust LEFT The 1 s'rI:
when learnt he had been very spruce and
when entered his apartment, he was. without
ceremony, clad in his morning gown. without
shirt, neekcloth, or brooches.
= W 9rslial Bertrand, the countess General
Montnoion, and Conysr, inhabt house in The
town, where daily visit. They are fun of tro,,
bic. From the habits of life they have been ,c.
custoined 70, all are inclined to launch o,t into
ehtraVagance however the admirsl is a r;g;J
economist and thls system of rctrenchnent Avn.
pears to give great disssi isfaction E,,oi.dru
takes every thing as he finds IL However III ~,
plants ofhis followers have met his ears. aud he
mas solicited permission to provide for them
nimseh. lie y unwilling that either the one mr. |
l1e o'her should IN any shape be burtJ1en IN lie
brlisl government, and he is equally hurt tL.+
Their comforts should in any wav be abridged
he best Thing that Napoleon can do is In yet
wlfe. Unless influenced BIZ some fair dsnseI
OF the Island, fear, he will become careless n
mrs person Tie asked me ono day whether did
notthn9 awlie necessary for mans health -
presume ne means TO say, the society Of lady
lie has little abrasion on the left arm Inc, noS
X Is attended with considerable inflammation
Ihink OF his applcatiOn-al little salt dissolveJ I,
water, with which he contipues 10 bo,t,a a.