The Arkansas banner., 1843-11-11

lowing the regiment as a volunteer, and not wishing to form part until your Majesty con- sldered me worthy of that honor."
 :" How long have you been attached to the regiment D
 ~" Eight years"
 ssWhat has induced you to join the ser- vice ;''
 " Love of my country and of my husband. from whom 1 was desirous never to be sepa- rated0
 What you woman ?'
 < Yes, sire; and you have never had in your regiment an arm more devoted than mine7
 < What IS the name of your husband?"
 s sPoncet''
 < From what country do you come? D
 < Angouleme.o
 " our age D
 :. '.Ihirty-three years.''
 < Have you any children D
 V ' es, slre-one son."
 " How Is he employed p
 s'As trumpeter to the 1lth dragoons.''
 :. Very we'll do you understand the evo- lutions of the regiment2'' 2''
 < es, sire, and the sword e4ercise.o
 :. am very anxious to witness this,n said the Emperor, who listened to Breton Double with increased interest. ''Colonel, let a troop advance, and let this brave Breton join the ranks.''
 The Colonel directed the movements, which were executed by Breton Double with so much ardor and precision, that the Emperor was delighted and surprised at witnessing woman manage her horse with the vgor and courage of an old campaigner.
 s' am satisfied with your zeal and ability,'' said the Emperor, "and appoint you a regi- mental quartermaster; take this towards your dress," at the same time placing Napoleon in her hand, and ordering twenty-five add- tional to be given her. s'Go and rejoin your squadron; we shall meet you again.''
 Breton Double expressed her grateful thanks to the Emperor, and lost no time in taking the position to which, by her new rank, she became entitled, amidst the con- gratulations and cheers of the numerous witnesses of the scene. The 9th hussars shortly afterwards joined the corps of the ar my in Prussia, and the battle of Eylau af- forded Breton Double an opportunity of dis tinguishing herself The action had contin. ued more than two hours when Breton Dou- ble, who had been sent to the right wing with an order, rejoined her corps, and, per ceivjng that the troop was surrounded by large body of ofRussians, courageously dashed through the enemy, sword in hand, killed the commander, relieved her countrymen, and returned to the camp proudly displaying the sash of the vanquished officer.
 The Emperor having been informed of this gallant feat, directed golden medal to be presented 10 her, which was received by our heroine with grateful and religious respect Subsequently in Prussia, at the commence ment of an action, she had the misfortune to be wounded by a musket ball in the right hip; instead, however, of returning to the camp, she confined to assault the enemy with in- creased vigor, out of revenge for the pain she was enduring from the wound but she was again struck by bullet under the right arm Notwithstanding this she refused to quit the field, bound up the wound with her handker- chief to stop the bleeding, hung her arm in a sling, passed the rein of her bridle over her neck, and, changing her sabre from her right to her left hand, rushed like furious hyena into the enemy's ranks. After killing and disabling several men, she finally captured six Prussians, whom she immediately car ried in triumph to the Emperor. Napoleon, recognising Breton Double, was affected at such devotion and bravery; he took from his own breast the cross of honor, and placing it on hers, directed she should go forthwith and have her wounds examined, and every attention paid to her by the surgeons. From that period until 1874, Breton Double did not quit regiment; performing eminent ser vice Ill the campaign-sometimes as a cour- ageous soldier, and at other times entering into the enemy's lines in female attire, either as huckster orpeasant, in which latter capa- city she often obtained information that was highly important and advantageous to the French troops. At Waterloo she paid her last tribute to the glory of France, in the mli- tary service of which she had passed seven- teen years during that engagement her left leg was broken by musket ball and Pom set, her husband, then captain, died at her side, enthusiastically believing the eagle was still victorious Her leg was amputated on the scene of slaughter, and Breton Double, respected and admired by her late enemies, was conducted to Dublin, where she was obliged to undergo a second amputation above the knee. After passing six years in this country, everywhere honored and hospitably treated, she returned to France on the death of Louis XVIII, furnished with certificates