Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-08-31
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE.
NAPOLEON AT THE ADVANCE POSTS
OF BAUTZEN, May slst, 1918.

was at the advance posts with thirty lancers,
behind small hill, within pistol shot Of piquet
q Cossacks. At three o'clock. the aid.de.camp
Of Gen. Bruyere sent me the following order:
" Napoleon will visit the posts; the soldiers
must not make the least movement that might
betray the presence Of the emperor. They are
not to notice him, and to remain at their employ.
ment." At half past three. two squadrons of Ian
GERS Of the guard appeared, and were drawn up
half werst from my post. and four individuals
issuing FROM the ranks slowly approached the
place where we were. The Cossacks, it ap-
pears. did not observe these movements, and con.
iuued quietly to look after their horses, wander
ing with them to the middle Of field Of grain.
Soon afterwards, saw Bonaparte, dressed in
gray greatcoat and little three. cornered hat,
and without any military distinction, approach
the hill where was. He had with him
marshas Berthier and Ney, aud our general Of
division, La Bruyere, relative OF the for
mer. They dismounted at the foot Of the hill,
and as they had neither footman nor soldier in
attendance, my sub officer took charge OF their
horses. Agreeably to orders, my soldiers did
not appear to notice the new corners; some re.
NAMED with their horses, others were seated
round fire dressing their victuals, or quietly
drinking their wine, and was promenading the
hill. with my pipe in my hand, saluted the
Emperor by raising my hand to my schako, and
continued nv walk.
The four personages sat down on a pile Of
stones. Berthier unrolled q map and presented
a spyglass to Napoleon. After having convers-
ed together for some time, whilst examining
the map, Gen. La Btuyere put his knee to the
ground, and Napoleon, placing the glass on his
right shoulder, and STOPPING down, renamed a
quarter Of an hour observing the position Of the
Russians, the city of Bautzen situated in right
line opposite to the hill, and the heights, on
which were seen cannon and Russian Infantry:
after which Napoleon called me. 4" Have you
been long in the service?" said he. "lt IS my
business, sire; was only Is years old when |
became acquainted with bullets and balls."-
s'What do you think Of the Cossacksa" "They
are good soldiers, but they are more useful Tor
camp service than in general battle" "That
infantrya" Eyes. sire: good infantry, and wor-
thy of contending with your majesty's infanlry"
"He is right" said Napoleon, turning towards
Ney-" You other Poles, you speak almost the
same language as the Russians7" continued Ma
poleon. eyes, sire, we easily understand each
other, as the Swedes and the Danes, the Ger
man and the Dutch" AproPos, do you speak
German?" Asked Napoleon. Eyes, sire. -
swell! mount your horse, and bring ME from
that village do wn there, hundred PAGES of, the
| first peasant you meet. will command the post
| in your absence.
NV horse ~as all ready; elspped spurs to
him, and flew to the village arrived, and per.
ceived at the end o. il Russian chasseurs prepar.
ing their hacha, whilst at the other some French
tirailleurs were quietly strolling from house TO
house. BY good luck German came out Of a
house half naked. g My good friend, do you
wish to make some money!" said l, stopping him.
Money! very much; but what is to be done!"
- Come and converse few minutes with our
general" " Perhaps he wishes to take me for a
guide?" " Fear nothing, on my word OF honor !!
he only wishes to speak to you; he will let you
return Immediately. Now foil ow me, or I will
break your head;'' land presented my pistol
to him: only wished to brighten him) "Pardon !!
pardon! will follow you.' said the poor coun.
tryman. trembling all over. ''Get up behind
me-" approached the wall; the eountryman
placed himself en- crope, and set of like light
n,ng. Bravo, Mr.. Officer" said Napoleon,
"l thank you"
The peasant saIuted him, and awaited his fate
with trembling Napoleon turned his back to
him, and Ney repeated the questions! "Is
there much water in that ravine, on the right ION
the left flank Of the Russians?''; Not higher
you sometimes crossed it in a cartl'' Always,
except in the spring and autumn when there is
great deal Of water"
..Is the ford every where goods" Nc: 10
many places there are too many stones. but from
that little bridge on the right, to the distance of
four miles, the bottom is good" Napoleon was
very well satisfied with the answers; it was evil
dent that he was in good humor. He asked
Berther for some money, took handful of Ma
poIeons, and said to the peasant" take this,
and drink the health Of the Emperor Of the
French" The peasant wished to throw himself
at bis feet; Napoleon prevented him. DO you
know the Emperor" {" No; ! would like very
much TO see him % "Well, there he is," said
he, pointing to Ney, who at that moment per-
mitted his embroidered unifotm to be seen under
his great coat. The peasant threw himself at
his feet. Nsy began to laugh. -.' That gentle,
man is deceiving you; that is the Emperor"
added he, pointing to Berthier; and the peasant
fell at the feet Of Ber,hier. 1T is labor lost"
said the latter to him in very bad German; "that