The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-09-08
Eromtle Nep Yorker.
BERNAD oTTE. AND THE FORTUNE
-------- TELLER. ..--.-

@~ ~ ETom,fle Nep YORKER.
BERNA DOTTE, AND THE FORTUNE
TELLER.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.
The rebellion of the Departments Of the
West had been entirely quelled, without the
least prospect Of its recurrence; and Berna-
dotte took final farewell, bearing the pro-
found esteem Of the different parties he had
so successfully reconciled.
We have found an interesting narrative,
that establishes paralelism, in many parti-
culars between Bonaparte and Bernadotte,
among the documents which record the events
that characterized the interval between the
pacication Of the West and the war Of sos
and here the skeptical must render judgment
that the last, like the first, had confidence in
presentiment and peculiar beliefin predesti-
nation. ..-"
The first Consul was harrassed by spe-
cies of instinct, which constantly point to
Bernadotte as the great obstacle to his pro-
jects, and therefore determined him to disem-
barrass his feelings by removing him honor
ably from the sphere ofhis own operations
Louisiana having been lately ceded to France
by the treaty signed at St. Idephonse on the
first Of May, 1901, Napoleon conceived it an
admirable stroke of policy to offer the govern
ment Of this Colony to his rival. Bernadotte
Immediately accepted the proffer, and persist
ed in the acceptance, despite Of the remon-
strances Of his friends, who regretted the pros
pect Of his removal from France. CHANGING
at all the relations Of this Government, he
fancied he perceived the means Of restraining
the domination of Bonaparte-a desire he had
very frequently expressed-and also beheld
an open avenue TO an advancement he had
dreamed of from early childhood. Bernadotte
possessed the most accurate and extensive
knowledge of the population and resources OF
this vast country, and, in Imagination, convert
ed its fertile soul, then lost to culture and CT
vization, and despoiled by savage hordes, in
to fourishing paradise, through the agency
of the navigable channels of the right branch
of the Mississippi, and the noble ports which
command the Gulf Of Mexico. Louisiana in
deed, appeared TO Bernadotte in the distant fu-
tnre as an increasing and empty empire. He
demanded six thousand fully equipped sol.
diers, volunteering to sustain them at his own
expense, after the expiration of two years.
Bonapare readily acceded to his proposition,
but finding himself embroled in his affairs with
England, abandoned the project, and con-
cluded to sell Louisiana to the United States.
This proved very great disappointment to
General Bernadotte, whom the first Consul
attempted to console, without neglecting his
essential policy-the destruction Of this Off
GERS influence. He proposed to him to as
sumo the rank of French Ambassador to the
United States, and, by his prudence at Wash
ington, to conclude the negotiations already
entered into with Jefferson. A second time
every arrangement seemed completed for a
voyage across the Atlantic, and his departure
was daily expected.
The frgate which was to transport Berna-
dotte to the New World, was ready to receive
him, and his effects were being conveyed on
board, while he babe adieu to Paris to remove
his wife and son from his residence at La
Grange, fully persuaded that his destiny had
settled him in America for the residue Of his
life.
Colonel Gerard, his first Abide Camp and
intimate friend, concluded to unite his fortune
with that of his General. The four occupied
the same vehicle, and as they passed through
the gate of the town, the General, casting a
parting look upon his dwelling, exclaimed,
F" Without doubt behold this charming coun-
try for the last time"
81 do not believe it, my dear General re-
sponded Colonel Gerard and these words
were uttered in a tone that indicated that they
were prompted by some secret impulse.
"How, you do not believe T." replied the
General, with vivacity; "what motive have
you for your doubtl :"
Madame Bernadotte, also, who was not
especially fattered at the idea of her husbands
- ~
certain from the Colonel the foundation Of
this fancy. ....
"Some days SINCE" said Gerard, Z" l was
at the house Of my mother, who in conse-
quence Of her strong affection for me, was dis
tressed at my prospective long voyage, and
exaggerated the dangers of the sea to which
was to be exposed. She alluded to an old
woman whose predictions were very remarka-
ble-the more so, according to popular re-
port, as they were generally realized. My
parent desired me TO consult this pythoness,
and in compliance with her request, accom-
panied her. After having vaguely spoken Of
my intended visit to a country beyond the sea,
she wished to know if should ever return to
France. The sybil answered, Console
yourself, for neither your son nor his General
will take their departure; unexpected events
will interpose obstacles, and you will see him
much sooner than you anticipate. My mo-
Their placed so much confidence in this predic-
ton, that she inspired me with her own cre-
dulity, and now cannot divest myself Of the
presentiment that we shall again see La
Grange,
"Ah is tpossiblef' exclaimed the General
al shall await more substantial reason"