Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-01-08

a shine days wonder"
am now quietly hanging up in a shatter-
ed condition, in a farmers kitchen, from
which ! have written this brief memoir.
| have seen much of the world, and learn
ed that mankind are unreasonable and un-
grateful, and that in world of great variety
of tastes and wishes, Nit is impossible to
please all.
correspondent of the Boston Atlas, writ
ing from Brussels, brings to recollection the
following incident in the life of Napoleon:
The .4tle Verfe is fine, long avenue, with
| a triple row of lime trees, which were spared
! by Marshal Sake, at the entreaty of the ladies'
OF Brussels, when he beseged the city; dis
playing more gallantrv than Wellington, who
cut down the Bois de Boulogne, regardless of
the Partisan ladies'. In 1910, that memora-
BILE year when Rome, Amsterdam, Dantzic.
Antwerp, and Paris, were cities of the same
proud Empire, Napoleon bro't his Young bride
to Brussels,a land was received with great entbu.
sasm and pomp. On the morning after his ar
rival, mounted on a white horse, he reviewed
the troops Of the garrison in the alice Verte.
and as the different regiments defled before
him, remarked grenad;er who bore the chez
rons OF sergean.-major, Tall ard erect, his
black eyes bazed, like stars, from face
bronZed by twenty campaigns, while an enor-
nous moustache rendered his appearance still
more formidable or bizarre When the line
was reformed, the Emperor rode up to the
regiment of granadiers, and called the sergeant
ts the front. The heart Of the old soldier
beat high, and his cheeks glowed.
81 have seen you BEFORE" said Napoleon
"your name 20
"Noel, sire" he answered, with a falterinp
voice.
"Were you not in the army of Italy 20
Eyes, sire, drummer at the Bridge OF Ar
cole"
Sand you became sergeant-maior 20
CAT Marengo, sire.'
"But since ?"
81 have taken my share Of all the great bat
ties"
The emperor waved his hand, the grena
der returned 10 the ranks, and Napoleon
spoke rapidly to the Colonel, for few mo-
menis-the quick chances of his eyes, towards
Noel, showing that he was talking of him. In
fact, he was one of those brave and vet calm
soldiers, slaves to duty and discipline, that
the Emperor loved. He had been distinguish
ed for his bravery, in several battles, but his
modesty had prevented his soliciting advance
ment, and he had been overlooked in his pro-
motions. The Emperor recalled him to his
side.
"You have merred the Cross of the Legion
OF HONOR" said he. giving him the one he wore
-s'Y on are brave man ~
The grenadier, who, at this moment, stood
between the Emperor and the Colonel, could
not speak, but his eyes said more than vol
umes. Napoleon made sign, the drums beat
a roll, there was dead silence, and the Co
lionel, turning towards the new knight, who,
with trembling hands, was placing his cross on
his breast, said, with loud voice
Gin the name of the Emperor, respect SER
jeant-major Noel as sub-lieutenant in your
ranks.''
"The regiment presented arms. N DEL SEEM
ed in dream, and only the stern, immovable
features of the Emperor prevented him from
falling on his knees.-Another sign was made,
the drums beat, and again the Colonel spoke
"In the name Of the Emperor, respect sub
lieutenant Noel as a Lieutenant i'm your
ranks.''
This new thunderstroke nearly overpoweI-
ed the grenadier-his knees trembIed, his eyes.
that had not been moist for twenty years,
were filled with tears, and he was yainly en-
deavoring to stammer his thanks, when he
heard third roll of the drums, and the loud
voice oil his Colonel:
Gin the name of the Emperor, respect lieu
tenant Noel as captain in your ranks"
After his promotion, the Emperor continu-
ed his review with that calm, majestic air,
which none who beheld ever forget--but
Noel, bursting into flood of tears, tainted in
the arms of his Colonel, while, from the regi-
ment, came loud, united shout Of Uiue Linn
pereur
Noel now resides in Brussels, an infrm old
man, for he has seen nearly ninety summers,
but still devoted admirer of Napoleon.
met him at Masonic Lodge, and learning that
was about TO visit the field Of Waterloo, he
kindly furnished me with much of the infor-
nation embodied in the following chapter.
INCIDENT