The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1848-06-15


to see you, wish nothing better than your
water, which is excellent. On this condition
| will revisit you. After all, am but an old
soldier, as your poor father was f.; and the old
soldier who is not satisfied with figs and wa
ter, is no soldier at all'
From this day Napoleon did not visit the
valley without calling at the cottage of Hen
rletta. On these occasions she presented
him with magnificent bouquet, especiaIlv
prepared for him, and after a friendly chat
with her, he would continue his ride, familiar
y discoursing with those who accompanied
him, on the great and excellent qualities
which this young English girl possessed.
In the following year Napoleon began to
suffer from the attacks of the malady which
afterwards proved fatal to him. Henrietta,
not receiving the visits of her benefactor,
went to enquire after his health and after
having left the customary bouquet with one of
his attendants, returned home very disconso-
late. One fine day shortly afterwards, as
she was sitting in her garden, she heard the
sound of an approaching carriage; and run
ming quickly to the gate found herself in the
presence OF Napoleon. As soon as she be-
held him, her face assumed an expression of
great sadness.
" You find me much changed, do you not
my child ?" said he in faint voice.
Yes, sire, do indeed but l hope that
you will soon be restored to health"
" | much doubt it, he said, Struggling his
shoulders with an air OF incredulity. Never
theless, much wished to pay you a visit to-
day, to see you and your flowers again"
He then slowly descended from the car
riage, and leaning on the arm of Bertrand,
reached the cottage. When he was seated he
observed,
Give me a cup of water from the spring,
my dear Henrietta, that will perhaps cool the
fever which consumes me here" (laying his
hand on his side.)
The young girl fastened to fetch some
When Napoleon had partaken of it, his
countenance, till then contracted, became
serene.
"Thanks thanks my dear child" said
he, " this water has cased my suf1erings
little. If had taken it sooner, perhaps ~
X" added he, raising his eyes to heaven
" but now it is too late"
Ali" replied Henrietta, affecting gale
ty of manner, :" | am SO happy that this wa
ter does you good. will bring you some
every day, it will perhaps cure you
No my dear child, it will be useless now
all is over. ! fear this will be the last visit
shall make. There is settled grief here,
which is consuming me, (the Emperor touch
ed his sideO and as may never see you again,
wish to leave you a souvenir of me. What
shall l give you?"
At these words the youn9 sgeTll Gi9RpYJdh &G0H
felt tears, fell at the feet of the emperor cry
ing
@ Your blessing, sire"
Napoleon arose and blessed her. with be-
coming gravity for he always had respect
for the creed of others.
From that day Henrietta did not fail to
visit Longwood regularly. She carried wa
ter from the spring and her customary boquet,
but always returned home disconsolate for
each day she received the most alarming &C.
counts Of the health of the emperor
At the commencement of May, 1921, when
the sun shonc more brightly than usual, Hen
rietta was informed that the Emperor was
much better, that his reason had returned
She arrived at Longwood, but, alas the
reality was the reverse of her hopes. She
found every one there in CONSERVATION. This
time, fearing that he was dying, and wishing
to see him once again, she desired to be adj
mitted to his presence. She was told that he
was too i'll, and that it was impossible. Her
supplications were at first in vain but at
length her tears and entreatles prevailed, and
she was admitted to his chamber.
1t was at the moment Napoleon surround
cd by his faithful friends, and lying on his
death-bed, had requested them to place the
bust of his son before him. lie then babe
affecting tarewells to his friends, and to the
French people, whom he had loved so we'll
His arms then contracted with commissions,
his eye became fixed, while he gasped--
" France My SOM Then all was
silent. Napoleon had ceased to live.
AT these words the flowers which the young
girl had brought, dropped from her trembling
hands; she fell on her knees by the bed side;
then making an effort, she seized and tried
to press the hand of Napoleon to her lips
but Immediately her head fell back, her
mouth was discolored, her eyes fixed, and she
sunk on the floor, buried in that sleep which
knows no waking Henrietta was dead