The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1843-11-07
GENERAL BERTRAND.

GENERAL BERTRAND.
The following brief sketch Of some of the
leading incidents in the life of this gentleman,
we find in the New York Tribune. The char.
acterstc which, after all, calls forth the admira-
ton bestowed upon General Bertrand, is the
disinterested attachment he displayed towards
Napoleon in the period Of his fallen fortunes:
General Bertrand.-Bertrand has been SOL
der from his youth. Before the star of Napo.
leon rose over the troubled nations of Europe
he was soldier Of France. Afterwards he be-
came part OF the Corsican's destiny. He was
with him on the Danube, and made road over
II for his conquering army. He fought at the
battle of Lutzen, and followed Napoleon in his
victorious campaigns, till Marmont's treason sent
him to Elba. He shared his years exile, and
was at his right hand when he again entered
Paris amid the shouts of the people. He went
with him at last to the fatal field of Waterloo,
and saw there the mighty drama end. Wen
hear the name Of Bertrand mentioned without
thinking of his last effort to save Bonaparte at
the close of that dreadful battle. When victory
had again and again been within his grasp, and
again and again snatched from it; and Butcher
had at last effected junction with the allied
forces, Napoleon, as last desperate effort led on
his unconquered Imperial Guard. When about
half way to the enemys line he stopped, and
addressed them telling them OF the trust he COM
mitted 10 them. The cry Of Vive PEmpe-
reur," that replied, was heard all over the field
Of battle and under Ney they detiled before
him, and marched with firm and steady STEP
and in dead silence, on the foe. Bertrand re-
manned behind with him, and watched the
brave fellows ascend the eminence, and move
undauntedly forward to settle the fate OF Bona
parte, France, and Europe. This guard Of 1900
bol - "A he .n1
saw with awe the troops that had been the ter
ror of Europe, move steadily down upon their
centre. The fire suddenly abated. But the
pause was only momenary. Every cannon seem
ed to open al once, and whole ranks were swept
away. But that unconquerable guard knew the
eye OF their chiettain was upon them, and with
stern, mistaken front, continued to advance.
They pressed on, through blood and slaughter,
carrying every thing before them, till they pene-
trated within the enemy's lines. Bertrand stood
beside Napoleon, and watched this terrific strife,
on which such awful results rested; and on the
approach Of that fearless guard that nothing
seemed able TO check, until they had reached
within fifty yards Of where Wellington stood,
yolley then opened on them that nothing could
resist. They reeled and staggered to the shock,
and turned and fled in confusion. Napoleon see
ing his invincible guard routed and cut 10 pieces
CRASHED his teeth with rage, and Instantly re-
solved 10 rally the fngitives in person, and lead
them on to one more desperate effort; doubtless
with the purpose Of retrieving his loss, or dying
on the field of battle.
In this critical situation, Bertrand with Drouet,
threw himself before him, and besought him
with an importantly that would not be denied,
TO forbear. They told him how much the safety
Of France and the army depended on his life !;
and at last persuaded him to desist. Decoster
says that Napoleon then turned to Bertrand, and
said : II is finished ~ and galloped off with
his suite. Through that long and terrible night,
Bertrand fed by his side, while the thunder of
artillery came at intervals in the midnight air,
telling them what bloody field aud ruined hopes
lay behind But Bertrand's affection never fall
tered 1t remained the same when without
crown, helpless and poor, Bonaparte passed to
the rock that was to be his tomb. Bonaparle
should have been prouder Of that affection, than
of his hundred victories. 1t was worth the loss
Of a crown to know that he could bind SO closely
to him, such faithful and devoted hearts.
A BARRIsTER PosED.-At the late Limerick
assizes a witness of the clover classes" was
cross-examined by Mr.. Bennett, Queens Council,