Litchfield enquirer., 1837-07-06


 the Prussian dOminions in triumph. In a short time he left Berlin with his staff, of which l was member, to meet the Rus sian army, which was advancing on us.- Several attachments of the French were in fall march, so that the road from Berlin to konigsburg was crowded with soldiers, wagons, artillery and the baggage train.- The emperor, as was his custom, took the by roads, and travelled so fast that but few could keep up with him. The soldiers who saw him pass by, accompanied only by two or three officers, gave him the nick name of the 'petit corporal.' Being pret- ty well mounted, l generally managed to keep pace with him, and thus had an op- portunity of remarking that he sometimes looked behind him to know who was fol- lowing; and he could not help smiling when he remarked how few there were in his train. The heavy rains, however, im- peded our march, aud it was with some diff hculty that we went forward. All at once the emperor reined up his horse 10 look a, grenadier of noble figure, with black mus taches aud whiskers, sitting under a tree, his musket, knapsack aud large cap lay by his side, who was busily employed in roast ing potatoe on some ashes which were vet burning. He was so intent on his occupa- tion, that he neither saw the emperor or the troops marching by him. After watch- ing him for some moments the emperor said, ( Halloo, grenadier, wha. are you doing there 2 That's pretty question: answer ed the grenadier, with broad Gascon ac- cent a man must be blind not to see that am roasting potatoe on the point of my knife.' 'That's true,' replied Napoleon, here give it to me, am hungry 'Ah, ah /! that's good, give it to you not such a fool as that! am roasting it for myself, and not for others. I am hungry:' and he initiated the emperor's voice so well that he could not help laughing. Come, here's a gold piece, give me half of it, I don't want your gold can eat is2 will it satis- fy my hunger r
 Bonaparte was muc., astonished at this re- fusal ,!asked him authoritatively if he knew to whom he was addressing himself. He, still seated, and very busily occupied in turning his potatoe, looked up to him, and replied, Humph! do I know to whom, am speaking? To man, hope not G od or devil But, I inquire if you are a. ware to whom you are speaking7' 'Who yeu are yes no doubt know you well, you are our petit corporal,' and good fellow, but you shan't have my potatoe, for I am hungry So saying, he drew it de- lberately from the ashes, and added in the same quiet and easy manner, Egad, it soon will be done!' The Emperor could not help smiling, and said in miIder tone, Come, my good fellow, have a proposi- ton to make to you if you will give mo half your potatoe, you shall come and dine with me this evening" 'What! are you in earnest? dine with you for half my po- latoe !-ha, Ina, Ina !-agreed the proposal is good one, 1 accept it. But come, | hope you are not joking, and that you won't laugh at me after having eat half my pota- toe. Beware of that, for Bras de fer is in earnest.' No, mo- replied the emperor laughing, I pledge my word That's enough replied the grenader. quito de- lighted, at the same time giving him hali his potatoe, which he had fixed on the point of his bayonet, and thus handed it to the emperor, who took it and eat it, saying it was very good. We continued our march, and on the road Napoleon asked us if we knew who that queer fellow was or his name. None of US could give the desired information, so the matter dropped. nthe evening just before we were sitting down to table, a great noise was heard in ihe .ante- chamber, and many voices speaking togeth- CT in anger. The emperor. surprised at this, inquired what was the matter, when a servant came in, saying there was an lnso- lent soldier outside, all covered with mud and dirt, who having made his way as Tar as the ante chamber, was inquiring if his majesty was at home, and tha, he had come to dine with him on your invitation, and added the servant, when we laughed at thus and told him he could not come in. he abu- sed us, called US called US insolent footmen, robbers, scamps, and insisted in his deter imitation of seeing ils majesty. At this information, we most of us laughed, and reminded the emperor of his mornings ad- venture. He immediately ordered him in. Our hero entered in full marching costume, and presenting arms, marched straight to the emperor, who was seated at the centre of the table. halted, presented ms like an orderly giving or receiving report, and IOokinS tnc eHpeToT Iu' IH 'nO '"so' "' boldly Sire here am, Bras de ter,' grenadier in the 12th regiment of the line. shared my breakfast with you, on condition that should dine with you. It was your own proposal, and accepted il; after a forced and rapid march here ! am, and as every honest man keeps his word, supp pose you mean to- Certainly my brave man. you are right. Here Constant, take care of this brave fellow, and give him a