The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-09-08
WHOLE NO. l46.

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moment and joined in the laugh that followed
On their arrival at La Rochelle, the General
was informed by a telegraphic despatch, OBJ
tanned the day before, that the promised frigate
had been appropriated to convey General En-
noufto Gaudaloupe, to suppress a sudden in
surrection. During the same night Berna-
dotte received courier from the Minister Of
Marine who informed him Of the decision Of
the First Consul, announcing that another
frigate, armed and equipped at Brest, would
proceed Immediately to La Rochelle to
conduct him to his place Of destination
The General, laughing, communicated this
despatch to his Aid-de-camp. !" Take note,'
said he, of the unexpected event predicted
by the sybil !; but it does not prevent our
spending some tedious days here"
In the mean time, the frigate prepared to
take Bernadotte to La Rochelle, on leaving
Brest, received signal to return. An officer
suddenly arrived at Havre, informed the First
Consul Of the distress Of Rochambeau, at ST.
Domingo, and of the urgent necessity of fur
nishing ample means to preserve this colony.
Thence the frigate was Immediately des-
patched TO Hayti, with two millions Of francs,
to relieve the pressing wants OF the army
The Minister Decres informed the Ambassa-
dor General Of this new delay, also stating that
vessel was rapidly preparing for sea at
Rocheiort, the interior arrangements Of which
would be completed to suit his taste and incli-
nation. Bernadotte repaired at once to Roche
fort to have an interview with this functionary,
and to ascertain by personal inspection, the
exact state Of the frigate designed for him.
The Project assured him that the vessel would
be anchored within four days between La
Rochelle and the island Of AK.
Returning to La Rochelle, Bernadotte ad-
dressed Gerard jocosely-" Behold another
unexpected event predicted by your fortune
teller; still we shall not the less visit America,
and you will never see La Grange"
How do you know this Z" replied the
Colonel; "two obstacles have intervened-
why may not the third 7" Gerard continued
speaking until the Comnandant of the place
anpounced the reception of letters and the
Moniteur from Paris. By these dispatches
Bernadoue was apprized that the negotiation
at Washington was terminated, and that
Louisiana had been definitely ceded to the
United States The Moniteur contained
the declaration Of war by England against
France.
"Here is the contamination Of prophecy"
cried Bernadotte, addressing his Abide Camp
I" ! will ascribe reason and power to your
sybil Prepare Immediately to take a letter
to the First Consul" He wrote the follow
ing:
"On my return from Rochefort to La Ro-
chelle, | perceive that the conditions which
concerned my missionto America have ceased,
and notice in the Moni,eur that England has
declared war against France. | offer my
services and my sword to the Government. l
shall depart tomorrow for Paris"
Within an hour Col. Gerard was on his
way to the capital; his General followed the
next day with his wife and son.
Bonaparte learned with anger that Berna-
dotte had left the coast so hastily, and had
returned to Paris without his authority. Jo-
seph, his wife and family endeavored to ap-
pease him. The General submitted to the
treatment OF the Commander-in-C Chief but
store for him.
Friends and relations interested themselves
very actively to restore Bernadotte to the ia
vorable opinion of the First Consul. This
seemed feasible, as Bonaparte was constituted
neither to hate nor fear but was most con-
trolled by wish TO concentrate an increase
of power in the union Of his family. When
Bernadotte appeared at the Tuilleries he gave
him kind reception, ,esteeming him man
suitable for great emergencies, but tormen,ed
by an ambition that would never allow him a
prominent station in the sphere of absolute
dominion.
The General and his Aid. DEF Camp had re-
tired to La Grange, where Bonaparte granted
them ample leisure to reflect upon the vicissi-
tudes of human affairs, and upon mysterious
predictions. During this period of inaction,
which Bernadotte bore most impatiently, he
one day addressed his friend" All how is
it with your old fortune-teller who prophesied
our return to this place :"
"In verify, General, do not know; yet
have also been assured that she has since
uttered predictions which have proved no less
exact. What say you, during these extra
ordinary times, Jan, 1904 shall we be Gu
rious to inquire what she has to speak Of you
nowr
"Pnbleu, mos, willingly" replied the Ge-
neral. Ascertain where she lives, and take
measures that we may see her without being
recognised"
AT the time designated by the pythoness,
Bernadote and Gerard were the inmates of a
miserable cottage. The Colonel presented
his friend us wealthy merchant, who had
entered into extensive neutrality-suspicious.
in different parts of Germany, and was anxi
Gus to know how they would terminate. The
old woman, surveying the general with an air
of incredulity, arranged her cards, and pre-
serving a long silence, seemed plunged into a
profound reverie. Raising her eyes slowly
toward Bernadotte "Sir," she exclaimed,
"you are not merchant but soldier, and
one of the highest rank"
Being assured to the contrary, she smiled,