Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-04-24
BY G. A. & J. P. CHAPMAN.


containing 1900 Napoleons dor. He was informed
that the money must be given up. This sum, togcth
er with some funds which Napoleon had lodged in Il
hands of Laitte, prior to his departure from Paris,
was all his fortune
Whilst the inspection was going on, Napoleon was
gently pacing up and down the quarterback with NJ.
Las Cases Casting furtive look around him, and
finding that he not observed, he drew from be-
meath his waistccat the slken cinture and gave to
his companion, saying
'IMy dear Las Gases, certain Greek philosopher
used say that he carried all his fortune about with
him, though certainly he had not shirt to his back
don't how lie managed but this know, that ever
since our departure from Paris have been carrying
all my treasure under my wastcoat. | now begin to
weary of my burden. Will you relieve me of it i''
He unfastened his ceiRture and Las Cases, without
making any reply, took it from him, and fastened it
round his waist.
1t was not until after his arrival at ST. Helena that
Napoleon informed H. de Las Cases that the slken
bond which he had confded to his care on board the
Bellerophon contained necklace worth SO0,Cc0
francs. Subsequently Las Gases expressed desire
to restore it to Napoleon. ''Does it not incommode
you!" inquired the Emperor, drily. ''No, sire"
'Then retain it, rejoiued Napoleon; "fancy it is
charm amulet, it will not trouble you"
Fifteen months afterwards, Las Cases was, by or
der of the English Government, unexpectedly separ
ated from Napoleon. He and his were removed
from LongwOod, and conveyed to Plantation House,
where they were kept under strict surveillance, until
they embarked for the Cape Of Good Hope.
Meanwhile, Las Cases still held possession of the
diamond necklace. Time ran on, and he was inform
ed that he had only few days longer to remain at
st. Helena. He distressed at the thought Of de-
parting without being able to return the treasure to
its owner. What could he do All communication
between him and Longwood peremptorily inter-
dIcted. A plan occurred to his thoughts, and he de-
ermined to the risk of attempting its execution
Among those persons who had recently arrived at ST.
IIelon IL -
countenance and cand.l manners encouraged Las
Cases to place confidence in him. The officer came
to Plantation House in the suite of the Governor He
spoke French perfectly and Las Cases seized OPP
portunity of whispering few words to him upper
ceived. al have reason to believe that you possess
noble and generous heart; and viii put it
90 the proof. You can render me a most important
act Of service and one that will compromise neither
your conscience Ior your duty 1t is an affair which
concerns my honor and that of my family. have in
my possession something of considerable value which
am anxious to return 10 the Emperor. If you will
undertake to deliver 1t to him, my will slip it
cretly into your pocket"
The officer replied merely by significant nod of
the head. Young Las Cases, who was with his ia
ther, had received his Instructions and Queen Hor-
tenses necklace dropped into the officers pocket
unperceived, though quite within sight of all the Gov
ernor's staff.
But the greatest difficulty yet remained to be ac-
comPlished-that of conveying the treasure to its
owner. Two whole years elapsed ere this could be
effected.
1t occurred to the Emperor Napoleon that he had
for time, been the object of more vigiant watch
fulness than before. He could not stir from Long
<soOd without observing English officer, who kept
his eye upon him, following him like shadow One
day Napoleon remarked, that the officer watching
him more closely than usual and turning round,
claimed angriy, 'What is the meaning of this 1t
is hard that l cannot take breath of air without
having spy On my footsteps" Then cutting short
his walk, he hurried back in the direction of Long
wood. The Englishman turned back also, and com
Ing close up to Napoleon-"Sre,' said he, in tone
of profound respect. 'Begone, sir y said Napoleon
sharply. "There can be no communication between
me and your employers. BECOME, / say -
'sSire, resumed the officer, with air of perfect
composure, ''your Majesty is under mistake" He
then hurriedly uttered the words-"Count Las Cases
~ have something of value"
'.Ah ~ exclaimed Napoleon. sTel me what you
have to say! ~
81 beg that your Majesty will continue your walks
without seeming to notice l have packet
which have carried about with me for two years,
seeking opportunity to deliver it. Will your Ma
esty conrive to let me throw it into your hat %
Napoleon uncovered, and passed his hand across
his forehead which was an ka5itual action with him
when endeavoring to recollect anything. BY move
ment as quick as thought, the necklace was thrown
into his hat
''Now,' said the officer under tone, 81 trust
your Majesty will pardon my Importantly. have
fulfilled my mission, and you will see no more of me.
May God bless aud preserve your Majesty !"
About the end of April, 1921, some days before his
death, Napoleon desired General Montholon to come
to his bedside ''My friend" said he 81 have under
my pillow necklace of considerable value belonging
to Hortense i had good reasons for not allowing
any one here to know that possessed an article OF
such value. When am gone, take it into your care,
and when you return to France, (should you be
so fortunate ss to return there give it to Hortense
Should sorrow have hurried her to early grave,
give 1t to her children-my nephews"
Moniholon promised to fulfil those commands
"Now,' said Napoleon, pressing his hand, 81 die
satisfied
The nialady continued to make rapid progress and
when General Montholon assured that Napoleon
had but few hours to live, he took his post, like
faithful sentinel, at the bedside Of the invalid. AT
length, Dr. Anlomarchl pronounced the fatal words,
ssA is over % and Monthoon, gently raising his
vereign's head, drew from beneath the pillow, the
treasure confded to his care.
/ After many adventurous journeys in America and
in various parts of Europe, Monholon returned to his
native France. Having performed what he felt to be
his first act of duty, that of embracing his aged mo-
ler lie set out for Arenemberg to restore to the ex
Queen Of Holland necklace, now doHby consecrated
as memorial of happiness and misfortune. For a
long time she preserved 1t with feelings OF sacred
venerati0n; but In the moment of severe pecunfary
distress she found herself compelled to part with It,
The King pf Bavaria offered to purchase it by settling
on the ex-Queen an annuity of 23,OOO francs. Ne
cessy ratified the bargain, and two years afterwards
Hortense was more.
Il OI5-Mr. Baker, young and talented sculptor OF
Cincinnati, has sent home superb statue OF Egena,