Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1833-09-19

NAPOLEON
ND TIE PRINCESS OF HATFIELD.

NAfOLEON
AND TIE PRINCESS OF HATLFIELD.
In the year OF 500 q stro3g seosa.
ton was caused by the affair Of the
I1pecss Of Hatfield. In which il mus,
be allowed that Napoleon behaved
it'll the most creditable generosity.
], appears. that, after the Emperor had
effected his triumphs in Portugal. and
after the King aud Queen Of Prussia
Withdrew from Berlin, the Prince Of
Iiatz6eid remained in that city, and
acted in some respects, As a spy on the
French army. lie had the folly TO
put letter into the Berlin post for the
King Of Prussia. giving his majesty a
full account Of all that was passing in
that city, the movements Of the French,
their number, their sentiments, with
other particulars. The letter was in
tercepted; il was placed into the hands
Of Napoleon, who, on perusing il. few
into one of his "glorious fits" Of pas
sion, as Madame Junot calls them. and
directed a military commission forth.
with to sit and investigate the conduct
Of the Prince. The Princess, hearing
the news, and remembering Duroc.
who had great influence with Bona.
parte. sought him every where. When
at last che found him, he offered his
best advice. and he recommended her
Tn see the Emperor on the same day.
. You shall see the Emperor" said
Duroc. rely upon NE" We coutin-
ue the narrative from Mad. Janot's
Memoirs:--" The Emperor had been
to a grand review Of his guards; they
were out of humor because they had
no share In the victory Of Jena, and
the Emperor, unwilling To give them
the least pain, he had to visit them /;
this caused his absence from Berlin.
On his return he was surprised to find
Duroc waiting for him with an air of
great -impatieDee. Duroc had been
much interested by the despair Of the
Princess OF Hatfield since his inter
view with her, be had seen two Of her
husbands judges, and had learnt that
there was no hope for him. He re-
Guested an immediate audience Of the
Emperor, and followed him into his
closet. You are come to tell me that
the town Of Berlin 10 in revolt: il il
not sos j am not surprised, but they
will have terrible example tomorrow
10 cure them Of the mania Of revolving.
Duroc saw that the Prince Of Hatfield
was in the worst case possible. He
was convinced that the only success.
FOL advocate in his behalf would be the
princess herself; he obtained permis-
sion to introduce her, and went to
fetch her. The unfortunate wife. on
being brought into the presence Of the
man who could Kill or spare her hus-
band. had only power TO throw herself
at Napoleon feet. He raised her i'm
mediately, and spoke to her with the
utmost kindness. Madame de llatz-
field sobbed convulsively, and could
only repeat, ~ il were, mechanically,
All, sire, my husband 10 innocent!'-
The Emperor made no answer. but
went to his escruto;re, end. taking from
1t the princes letter, held il towards
bis wife IN silence. She looked at the
unfortunate paper and then burst into
tears, and striking her forehead with
her clasped hands, exclaimed in con.
sternation, '0h. yes, it is his writing!'
The Emperor was affected, it appears,
by the frankness which in the hour OF
peril acknowledged the whole truth to
him; thus leaving him all the merit Of
the affair. He would not refuse IT,.
bat. advancing 90 the princess, put
the fatal letter. into her hands, saving
with a graciousness which doubled the
value OF the favour, Make what use
you please of this paper, which 10 the
only evidence against your husband ;
when IL no longer exists, I shalt have
no power TO condemn HING and he
pointed TO the FIRE which was blazing
10 the chimney. The letter was burnt.
and It's flames was a bon.f fire Of the re.
joicIng 70. the deliveranee ofthe prince.
1 know not whether he continued
grateful, but I hope so for the sake Of
humanity. have since learnt from
DurOc how much the Emperor was Of.
fected by the candour of the Princess
Of Hatz6eld. Her profound grief en-.
trusting entirely to his mercy had pen
etrafed 20 his heart. lie had feelings
ct humanity and affection, whatever
may be said 10 the contrary, and stron.
Hef. ne rhaDa than mae b.. h.t.-l -