The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-09-25
MY FRIEND, EMPEROR
THE STORY OF 4 L,FE.

The glorious career Of Napoleon inspired
degree of enthusiasm in the breasts Of the
people of France which had never been
known to exist before under any--the most
fortunate of circumstances. From the peer
TO the peasant, all idoized their hero, and
Napoleon never discouraged the manifesta-
tions of affection with which he was greeted
wheresoever he went; indeed, he. gave such
license to his people, even after he had be-
come Emperor, that their familiarities often
became unpleasant and inconvenient Among
the most enthusiastic Of his admirers was the
patriotic postmaster of small place in Bur
gundy, bearing the name of Rouyray, who,
upon two or three occasions, had the honor
personally Of driving the Emperor s carriage,
and had been spoken TO by him iamilarly. His
first meeting with Napoleon was under circum-
stances calculated TO awaken lively feeling in
the breast Of the Emperor for the positions
who were driving his carriage TO Rouvray had
fallen asleep and the horses, instead Of go
ing direct to the posthouse, had wheeled
round, and, the night being very dark, they
had nearly precipitated the carriage, Empe-
ror and all, from bridge. As 1t was, the
carriage was nearly overturned, and the post
master happening at the moment to be return
ing, with two Of his men, from the next town,
perceiving the danger, rushed towards the
Emperor's carriage, and prevented the acct
dent from occurring. The Emperor express
ed himself grateful for the assistance render
ed by NJ Bizouard, and minated that he
would not forget the circumstance.
Bizouard never imporuned the Emperor
he was indeed delighted if he got but nol
Of recognition; as nothing pleased Napoleon
so much as frantic devotedness, he was al
ways glad to see the postmaster, and hear
him give vent to his enthusiasm. M. Bizou-
ard had access To the Tuileries whenever he
wished, and he never visited Paris without
paving a visit to " his friend, the Emperor"
which he did with less ceremony than when
he had to wait upon the director Of the post
Office department. One day, on ailghting
from the diligence, in his usual travelling
dress, he proceeded to the palace to visit his
Imperial friend. His sang troid as he in
CURED whether the Emperor was at home.
astonished the guards and officers OF the
court Some laughed, others desired him to
go away and when-he became importunate
they swore and threatened to send him to the
guard house. This reused all that was lion
like in the disposition OF M. Bizouard, and he
cried
'Ah, We coxcombs! if you dare to threaten
the postmaster Of Rouyray"-
And who's the postmaster OF Rouvray! :"
asked one Of the officers on duty.
Let me have pen and ink, and you shall
see p exclaimed M. Bizouard, in voice of
thunder, let me have pen and ink, and LII
write to the Emperor All, you may stare!
] say to the Emperor"
Pen, ink and paper were brought, and M.
Bizouard wrote as follows:
"SIRE The postmaster of Rouvray, (your
best friend and most devoted subject,) is about
to be sent to prison, just as If ! were rioter
in your palace. | don't like to waste my
time any longer, and besides | wish to see
you forthwith. Please to make haste"
BIzoUARp.
The Emperor had no sooner read this
strange note than he laughed heartily, and, TO
reconcile his enthusiastic adherent to the in
suit that had been offered him, he despatched
one of his chamberlains to have him releas-
ed and to the astonishment of the officers,
nj. Bizouard was conducted into the presence
Of "his friend, the Emperor"
His business with Napoleon was of some
consequence. lie had daughter, young
and delicate girl, who had given her heart TO
one who was far above her, but who returned
her love, and would have married her. but that
his parents opposed his union with one SO
humble. Julie, who, encouraged by the
hopes OF her lover, had believed that his pa
rents would at length be induced to consent
to their union, was nearly broken-hearted
when she learned that they had desired
Francois to pay his addresses to the only
daughter Of wealthy merchant. The post
master had for some time observed that his
daughters health was declining, and he did
III 4 ..I.:I =. Ia. 1900 a. ,,,aLo her hanOv