The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1839-04-13
From the Kniekerbocker.
SECRET POLICE OF NAPOLEON:
by THE AUTHOR OF 'TALLEYRANp.'

immense war Offices were then divided into two
vast distinct branches and occupied two different
large hotels. The one was called the war office
for the naateriel de la guerre, under whose orders
were the different contractors, the attendants,
commissarics, and all those employed in the adj
ministration Of the army. Oh this General De-
lean was for long time the head. The other
du personnel de la g,lerre-occupied itself with
the persons of the soldiers; up 10 the marshals
of empire, their advancement, pay, etc. Of this
department General Clarke, Duke de Feltre, was
a long time the chief. Among these persons
shameful to relate-were individuals base enough
TO acceptthe Office of espionage over their friends
and companions in arms. Both heads Of these
two offices established an alphabetical register,
in which the superior officers from the lieutenant
colonel up to the generals-in-chlet were marked:
and SO from adjoints aur conamissaires des guer-
res, up to the intendan,s OF an army.
In these reg listers were marked their names,
place of birth, families actions in which they had
been distinguished, their education, manner of
thinking, etc. This kind of dictionary was fire.
ouently used by Napoleon, and served him as
guide for the different promotions; and he gene
rally favored those officers who had served will,
him in Italy or in Egypt. Those who had served
under Moreau or Pickegru were either striker
out from any advancement, or at last promoted
after having waited long time, or distinguished
themselves by brilliant deeds.
Military spies were now spread every where,
in the stats, the camps, in the administrations,
and even in the military hospitals. These spies
received as rewards not only money, but rapid
promotion, and crosses Of the Legion Of Honor!
The evil became SO great that the superior Off
GERS and the generals were obliged to be very
cautious in their words and actions, that they
night not encounter the risk of being denounced,
suspended, or recalled. All those who have been
in the army, or who have resided at Paris, well
know, that from 1900 to 1905 there were many
generals and inferior officers out of all active
vice, from being suspected of opposition to Buo-
nnparte, or from having served under Moreau.
may here mention some facts which have
not hitherto transpired, and which may serve to
show in what consisted, at that time, the police
for those attached to the army, and for those who
were not military characters.
The day before General Moreau's trial, Gen.
T had invited me to dine with him, with
five other superior officers, at Tery's, one of the
most famous restaurateurs upon the Ierrassel les
FeuiAans, in the garden of the Tailleries. After
dinner, we went to take walk in the most retired
corners Of the garden. where nobody could hear
us; and we spoke of the pending trial of General
rous officers then assembled at Paris disapproved
of highly. Each Of us gave his opinion with
true military frankness-in stronger terms per-
haps than usual-as we were under some excite
ment from our recent convivlality. One Of our
number, colonel Of regiment of cavalry, then
in Paris, said: 'If this id Corsican dares to
condemn Moreau to death, will march at the
head of my whole regiment to liberate him, sword
in hand!'' '.Oh bahr' Observed '.the little Cor
sican is too cunning to give you that trouble. He
will never dare to do it, You are much mis-
taken, nv friend,'' SAID General r; II know
him better. He will dare much more than you
think Every one of US had something to say
against Buonapar,e We separated, however,
without thinking more of it,
went the same evening to the opera, which
continued until about twelve o'clock. Coming
home was surprised to hear that an ad-de-camp
Of General Junot, then governor of Paris, had
been at my hotel in search of me, and had left
word that must call to see him Immediately.
When arrived, the general said to me, half in
earnest, half in Jest: "Do you know, that the first
Consul is much dispeased with you, and has
formally deputed me to give you severe repr-
mand.'' s'What is the matter now?'' inquired,
not little surprised. "Whst kind Of conversa-
sion had you this afternoon in the Tueres! The
nrSt SOnSul Is shTPllseu thdt YOU lHe4ule III a.
business with whick you have no concern. Tell
him, Junot,' said he, Sin my name, to take care
not to talk too muchr Did you not know" con-
tnued Junot, ''that Generals J. and r,
the Adjutant- Generals B and H, Colo
nels S and D. had been arrested since
eight O'Clock! How could you then speak so
frankly with persons not well known to your
admitted that had spoken freely; and promised
10 go the next day and speak with General Buo-
naparte myself upon the subject.
Accordingly, the next day was despatched by
General Berthier. to whose staff belonged, to
the first Consul on business Having finished
reading the letter of which was the bearer, he
turned to me, and said: "Have you seen Junot?"
Eyes, general "What has he said to you!"
'''That he received an order from you to repri-
mand me. The truth is, general we were all
pretty hot; and our tongues ran away with our
heads" ''How!' said he: " and the others,
were they in the like stuation,'' tOh YES, in
much worse state!' "Well, WE'LL added Napo-
leon, ..let it pass-bm take carer said he, in
disnissng me.
The next day all were released from their ar
rests, after having received sharp reprimand
from General Junot, and the matter was settled.
Rut what was truly curious in this dark business