The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-11-28

stood upon the high balcony of the most holy place
ofthe holy city, surveying with fod,d arms and ca
ger eyes the mighty host whose pers and sacrifices
had made him a conqueror in almost all lands II
Alexander wept because he had no more worlds to
conquer, Napoleon, amidst his countless egions just
then, if Of the spirit might have shed teartoo.
that seemingly his work conqueror was so nearly
finished. The French flag waived above him and a.
round him. Ills splendid staff and veteran guard
were at his feet, and in tho distance he saw dcfling
before him upon the brow of the hills that skirt the
city, conding soldiers who shared alike in his honors
and in his reverses they came There was the
music Of war and triumph pealng in his ears in well
come tones. The sound Of revery was heard in eve
ny breath, sand if the not full enough 10
drown the henrt il were with Joy there were seen
all around waving banners and hard brows rendering
homage 10 the one great and mind who had been
the lord ofthe ascendant. Here stood Napoleon in
the full meridnn Of his glory, receiving the homage
Of his devoted worshippcrs. The invincble Emperor
the great deity Of the Kremlir. The Shrine
and Priest embodied in the person Of the war
rior, md ifthis holy place had become desecrated
in the presence of Napoleon in the eyes of the Rus
sian worshppers at the Shrines, it became saacied
with all who followed the fortunes of the master
mind Of the age. As the sun appears most beautiful
at its setting, the fame of Napoleon for Just ,he
one twilight OF days existence seemed to be at tho
very acme ofits granduer. lie stood where M nrm-
ed foe stood before, and from almost 'the highest
point Of all his greatness nc ''fell like bright ex-
halation Of the evening" Here wns tho beginning Of
the end, and new destiny awaits Napoleon. Mos
in flames, and the scar and yellow leaf Of an
tumn is upon the ground. This is Russia, cold, bnr
rem, desolnte Russia, and not the fine clad hills and
plains of beautiful France
Here is famine staring an army in the face, and
there scattered foe uniting to avenge burnt and
plundered city. lIerewns city TO be famished,
and there the merciless Cossass whose ances were
now drinking the blood Of the spoilers, barring every
distant avenue of relief and approach. Moscow is
burnt aud besiegcd city. There no conveys
for the French, and hunger like destroying worm
creeping into the Fench camp---Foraging parties
went forth TO remain forever, frequently, thnn to
return, for they had fallen victims 10 the fury Of the
CossacS foes. The history Of the ussian campaign
Is too familiar and too recent to be told again, but
here am, amidst the very of all these disas
ters, cannot but remember such things were. The
sympathy which most men have for misfortune and
the admiration which every has For the genius of
Napoleon prompts rather to leave Napoleon where
no Isl at the Kremln surrounded by his brave friends
and soldiers, rather than with him to Paris,
the fugitive Of his foes and enemy when hunted like
the deer of the forest. Would that veil could be
thrown that whole dsaster,-a disaster tp all
mankind when the earth Of whole city is made To
drink up the blood of part Of the human family
like water, and when those who escape the soldier
fate find worse in those piercing winds and
winry SHOWS that know money. II has been most
sckening read the disasters of the soldiers Of Napc
leon, but to hear upon the spot from those who we're
actors in the scene, or those who the march of
triumph of to-day and the hasty flight of TO morrow,
recital OF the yet untold realities of Sl2 in Mos
cow is enough make the blood cold and the heart
faint The burning of Moscow not Of those
simple facts that the Imagination of man sometimes
blazons forth into extravagant fiction The canvass has
but traced the reality though in those strong and vivid
coors which begets an impression which clmgs to yon
until you see the scene of the conhagraton Tho
impression Of picture then becomes deep and
abiding that time will hardly elace it from the Dry
The is described appalling beyond de-
scrption. The table of plenty and the couch of
was suddenly converted into the cold nutumna,
heath. The deep signing of the winds changed
for the choicest evening melody of hearts attuned to
glatness, and heard in voices vocal with social and
domestic love, gave placeto the sobs Of those who
uau become nOuSeleSS ana DOnelcsS j no Dr1gm
and burning flames served hut to light up the path
way of many 10 the grave. The shouts of a victo.
rous army borne upon the breeze, and the eyes
of the fugitives could see nothing before them but
dcsoation, and their city and their homes in flames
appeared behind. The hearts of the people tit
orally drunk with and despair, and tho more
so, when they not only their ancient capital in
the hands ola dreaded foe but their hottest shrines
converted into the camp Of the leader of the host
T. here some Who remain ed amidst the smoking
ruins Of their hahntions and their nltas choos-
ing rather To seek death in the bosom of their do
spoiled churches and homes, than escape It Mt the
sacrifice it COST The Kremlin remained protected
by its high walls and unscahed by the flames, and
willie here the deso!ate city there the victor,
not, believe the author OF the calamity, as many OF
the Russians would have you believe, but anenting
these sad fruits ola victory thus avenged Al this
late day there is grave discussion here the real
authors of the catastrophe. Some of the Russians