The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-11-09
.ANECDoTE OF NAPOLEON.

"Among the chiefs of division there often
appeared distinguished men, whose genius
and studies had qualified them for success IN
any career. Thrown by circumstances into
the government Offices, where frequent op-
portunities occurred for the display Of solid
judgment, and other valuable qualities, they
seldom failed of being noticed by Napoleon.
They were made to attend when he transact
ed business with the Minister. Whent the chief
of division answered readily, and without
hesitation, the rapid interrogatories of Ma
poeon he usually returned from the Thullc-
ries with the riband Of dignity of Legion
of Honour, or the dignity of a Counsellor Of
State. 1t was one of the evils of that iron
reign. When man had talent, be he chief,
SUBJ chief, or under clerk, in whatever OBJ
scure rank fortune had placed him, Napole-
on, with his herculean arm seized him by
the, hair, set him upon pedestal. and said.
"Behold my work." This disposition Of
Napoleon to elevate the merit which lan-
guished in the public Offices, had one day
nearly led to curious blunder, M. X. was
chief of division, Under the administration Of
Duke de F. This NJ. K. man about fifty
years of age, was honest and laborious; but
his labnurs were limited to the receiving
from all parts of France and of Europe.
statements OF the stations and condition Of
the troops, with view to ascertain how
many were under arms; how many absent
on leave how many in the hospitals, 6ec.
This constant occupation had made NJ. K.
sort OF reckoning automaton. He reckoned
no his battallions at bis Office, in the street,
at table, and in bed. He mingled his fig
ures and columns with the simplest cores
pondence of friendship or politeness; and
would willingly have incorporated you in .
regiment which wanted one man of its full
compliment. The developement of one of
those vast projects which shook the world,
leading Napoleon to lay:the foundations of
new military organization, he labored sew
eral days with the Dnke de F. man of
straight forward good sense, and clear judg-
ment, but who was, in that respect. a sort of
Lemazurier. The sittings began to be vee
try tresome to the Duke, while Napoleon,
necessarily questioned him as to the depot Of
the 45th and 54th, the 158th, and so on, and
the poor Duke was obliged to turn over, and
over again at every question, the enormous
dictionary of which M. x. had the charge.
II think" said he with embarrassment,
"that M. X. chief of the division of the
movement of the troops might here be use-
full to your Majesty Bring him here said
Napoleon. An officer sets off; arrives at the
Ministerial office, sezes M. X. takes him to
the Thuilleries, ,.and thrust him'into the clos
ct of Napoleon. Any other memory would
have been somewhat discomposed at this
movement and this presentation, nothing
could rufflc his. Good morning sir, where
are the three first battallions of the 48th?'
'At Ratsibon.' THE fourthH-'At Ancona.
Army to Italy, The fifthe'- At Vittora,e
4th corpse of the Army OF SPAIN And its
depot.'-'Ostend.' Present under arms'
Three thousand four hundred and fifty
five.' sIn the hospitals? hundred and
twenty three Upon furlough? Forty four.
.DetachedP-'Twoc companies OF the Fifth
AT the Waters?'-'Three.' At this dia-
logue which extended to several other corps
with the same rapidity of question, and
promptitude of reply, Napoleon was aston
ished. He took the Duke aside; You may
retire; you shall hear from me.'-'Mons. lie
Due said Napoleon, you will Tomorrow
nropose M. X. for Counsellor of State !
bep YOUR Majesty's pardon, but that is i'm
possible. Howl M. x. has nothing but
figures in his head. He cannot prepare even
the simplest Report. Now to be Counsel
lor of State is that the casel Well,
will makei it up to him. The good M. X
had 1900 francs per annum. as chief of di-
vision; this audience procured him $4,000
Indian Cusfom.-It was a few years since,
and probably now is, a custom of the Mo