Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1846-12-10
The Death of Duroc.
BY J. T. HEADLEY

wounded him deepest, was the death of hi
friend Duroc. As he made last effort to breal
the enemy's ranks, and rode again TO the ad
vanced posts 10 direct the movements of his ar
my, one oil his escort was suddenly struck deat
by his side. Turning 10 Duroc, he said "Du
roc, tate is determined 10 have one of us TO-
day" Soon after, as he was riding with his
suite in rapid tro, along the road, cannon
ball smo'e tree beside him. and glanclns
struck Gen. klrgener dead, and tore on, the en-.
trails OF Duroc. Napoleon was ahead al the
time, and his suite, four abreast, behind him
The cloud of dust their rapid movements raised
around them, prevented him from knowing al
first who was struck. But when i. was told
him that Kirgener was killed and Duroc wound
ed, be dismounred and gazed long and s,ernIy
on the battery from which The shot had been
fred; ; then turned TO the cottage into which the
wounded marshal had been carried
Duroc was grand marshal of the palace and
bosom friend Of the Emperor OF noble
| and generous character of unshaken integrity
and patriotism, and firm as steel in the hour of
danger, he was beloved by all who knew him
There was gentleness about him and purity
| OF feeling the life of camp could never destroy
Napoleon loved him--for through all the chan
ges of his Iumuliuous life, he had ever found
his affection and truth the same-and it was
with an anxious hear, and sad countenance he
entered The lowly cottage where he lay. His
eyes were filled with tears as he asked if there
was hope. When told that there was none, he
advanced TO the bedside without saving a word.
The dying marshal seized HIN by the hand and
SAID, My whole life has been consecrated to
your service, and now my only regret is, ,ha, |
can no longer be useful 10 you" "Duroc -
replied Napoleon, with voice choked with
grief, "there is another Ae-there you ,ciN a,cait
me, and ,oe shall meet again Yes, sir" re.
piled the falnng sufferer. bus thirty years
shall first pass away. when you will have III
umphed over your enemies, and realized all the
hopes Of our country. have endeavored 10
be an honest man; have nothing with which
to reproach myself" He then added, with fal.
'ering voice, 81 haze daughter-your Majesty
uiH be father to her." Napoleon grasped his
right hand and siuing down by The bedside, and
leaning his head on his left hand, remained
with closed eyes quarter of an hour in pro-
found silence. Duroc first spoke Seeing how
deeply Bonaparie was moved, he exclaimed,
q" All sire, bdUe me; ttiS spectacle pains you"
The stricken Emperor rose, and leaning on The
arms of his equery and Marshal SouI, he lefl
The apartment, saying, in heart breaking tones,
as he went, " FareusH, then my friend"
The hot pursuit he had directed moment
before was forgotten-yiclories trophies, pris-
oners and all, sunk into urier worhlessness.
and as at the battle Of Aspern wben Lannes was
brought TO him morally wounded, he forgo,
even his army, and The great interests at stake.
He ordered his tent 10 be pitched near The cot
tage In which his friend was dying, and enter
ing II, passed the night all alone in inconsola-
BILE grief. The Imperial Guard formed their
protecting squares, as usual, around him, and
the fierce ;umuIt of battle gave way To one of
the most touching scenes in history Twilight
was deepening over The field, and the heavy
tread OF he ranks going 10 their byouacs, the
low rumbling of artillery wagons in the dis
lance, and all the subdued, yet confused sounds
of mighty host about sinking TO repose, rose
on The evening air, imparting still greater So
lemny 10 the hour Napoleon, with his great
coat wrapped abou, him, his elbows on his
knees, and his forehead resting on his hands.
sat apart from ALL buried in the proloundest
melancholy. His most intimate friends dare
not approach him; and his favore officers stood
in groups at distance, gazing anxiously on
that silent tent. But immense consequences
were hanging on the movements of the next
morning. powerful enemy was near, with
their array yet unbroken and they a, length
ventured TO approach and ask for orders. But
the broken-heaued chiefiain only shook his |
head, exclaiming, "Every thing to morrow ?