Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-12-09
FROM the N. Y. Tribune.
MARSHAL BERTRAND.

MARSHAL BERTRAND.
This distinguished stranger is how in our
city. and he we'll merits all the attention that
has been or will be shown him. We have al
ways had greater respect for his character,
than for Bonapar,e's. The unfaliering attach
ment he maintained for thai wonderful man,
through every vicissiIude of his strange for
tune, evinces a noble heart. We do not be-
lieve there ever was created being, for whom
Napoleon would have cherished the same af-
fiction IN the midst of such disgrace and de.
ser,ion. There is something really melancholy
in the utter blindness and abandonment with
which he cas-, his fortunes in with the fortunes
of that fated man. Aud there are few men
for whose calm reflections we would give
more for than his, as he stands amidst this free,
happy people. and looks back on the ,umultu-
Gus life through which he has passed. Others
have passed through as fierce battles and immi-
nent dangers as he; yet few through scenes
tina, read such earnest lessons on human am
bion. And when he contrasts Napoleon
with Washington patriotism OF the one
with the selfshness and ambition Of the 9TH
er he cannot but see that the ,nan for whom
no suffered so much. could have done better
for France than he did.
Bertrand has been soldier from his youth.
Before the star Of Napoleon rose over the
troubled nations of Europe. he was soldier
of France. Afterwards he became part OF
the Crrsican's destiny. He was with him on
the Danube. and made road over il for his
conquering army. He fought at the battle of
Lulzen. and followed Napoleon in his victo.
nous campaigns. uIl Marmonrs treason sent
him to Elba He shared his years exile, and
was at his RICH, hand when he again entered
Paris amid the shouts Of the people. He
went with him at las. to The fatal field Of Wa.
terloo. and saw there the mighty drama end.
We never hear the name OF Bertrand mention
ed without thinking Of his lest effort TO save
Bonaparie at the close Of that dreadful battle.
When victory had again and again been with.
in his grasp, and again and again snatched
from il, and Butcher had at length effected
junction with The allied forces. Napoleon. as
last desperate effort. led on his unconquered
Imperial Guard. When about half way to
The enemy's line he stopped and addressed
them. telling them Of the trust he committed TO
them. The cry Of 'Vivs lie Emperor that
replied was heard all over the field of battle:
and under Ney they defiled before him. and
watched the brave fellows ascend the emin-
ence. and move undaun,edly forward TO settle
the fate of Bonaparie. France and Europe.
This Guard Of 1900 had never been van.
pushed, and the allied forces saw with awe
the troops that had been the terror Of Europe
move steadily down upon their centre. The
fire suddenly abaed. Bu, the pause was only
momeniary. Every cannon seemed 10 open
at once. and the whole ranks were swept a.
way. But that unconquefable Guard knew
the eye of their chieftaB was upon them. and
with stern, mistaken front continued TO advance
They pressed on. through blood and slaughter,
carrying every thing before them ill they pen
eiraled the enemy's lines. Bertrand stood be-
side Napoleon. and watched this terrific strife.
on which such awful results rested, and the
approach of that fearless Guard. that nothing
seemed able TO check. until they had reached
within fifty yards Of where Wellington stood.
A volIey then opened on them that nothing
could resist. They reeled, staggered to the
shock. and turned and fled in confusion. Ma
poieon seeing his invincihie Guard routed and
cui to pieces. CRASHED his teeth with rage. and
Instantly resolved to rally the fugitives in per-
son. and led them on TO one more desperate ef-
fort; doubtless with the purpose Of retrieving
his loss. or dying on the field Of battle.
Ia this critical situation. Bertrand. with
Dronet. threw himself before him. and 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. Decosier
says that Napoleon then turned 10 Bertrand.
and said. Il is finished and gilloped off with
his suite. Through that long and terrible
nigh, Bertrand fled by his side. while the
thunder of artillery came at intervals on the
midnight air, telling them what bloody field
and ruined hopes lay behind. But Berrand's
affection never fsltered. Il remained The same
when, without a crown. helpless and poor
Bonapar,e passed to the rock tina. was TO De
his tomb. Bonapar,e should have been proud
er Of thai affection than Of bis hundred vlc'o-
RES Il was worth the loss OF a crown TO
know that he could bind so closely 10 him such
faithful and devoted HEARTS.
..d .xn,,ld neriah did Ihau