Evansville weekly journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 184?-18??, 1848-04-20
NAPoLEoN'S DESIGN OF COMING TO
AMERICA


We believe it has never been known how
near Napoleon was to coming to America after
the battle of Waterloo, where in sequence ol
the fight, when defeat became certain, he in
vain presented his bosom to the fire of his en-
emies in the hope that he might be spared the
fatal end which seemed to hang around him
| Leaving the wreck of his once powerful army
| to Soult, and flying as upon the wings of the
wind, he was the first TO announce at Paris the
fatal defeat which had befallen him. From
Paris he went to Malmaison where he had In
vain iabored to reconcile and treat with the
enemy. Finding reconciliation in vain and
the overthrow of his power certain, the design
presented itself to him of escaping 10 America
and accordingly he went with few of his
chosen followers to Rochefort, with the view
of escaping on board some vessel which might
be in port. But Rochefort was bockaded by
an English fleet and the coast lined with Eng
fish cruisers.--All this is known, but what
we have not before seen, is the follow ing an
ecdote related to us by one of the Massachu-
sets members of Congress, during the funeral
ceremonies of John Quincy Adams at the CAPT
toll, upon the authority of "a New England Ca o.
tain, Captain Brewster, of Preston, Conn. J
whose services were solicited to bring Napo-
leon to the United States. When iuft upon
the eve OF his departure this man was accosted
In the streets of Havre, by one who informed
him that he had an important piece of intelli-
gence to communicate. A private interview
was had, under solemn assurance that no dis
honorable proposition was to be made.
''When do you sail for America?" was the
first question put. =
Tomorrow morning" was the reply.
'Wlll you for sum of money that shall
meke yon independent for life, and beyond the
value of your ship and cargo and all possible
profits, consent to take Napoleon Bonaparte to
America.-The money shall be paid to you in
any manner, deposited anywhere In Paris, aud
papers executed to that effect. l am here, .
continued the offer, 'sas agent of my sover-
eign, and directed to make any proposition and
to allow any sum of money, but | must receive
your answer upon the instant"
The Captain responded that the ship was
not his own,-that the coast was lined with
English ships, that escape he feared would be
impossible. He could not answer upon the
instant but would do so at the appointed time
and place in two hours. Visiting his ship
which was already loaded and ready for depart
ure, he concluded that he might conceal the
Emperor IN manner which prevent detection.
AT the time appointed he made known his
purpose, arranged as to the compensation he
should receive, had papers of satisfactory
engagements accordingly. His illustrious visi-
ter was to be on board at II o'clock at night
and everything was arranged to receive him
At II o'clock, at the very hour and moment
when every preparation was made to receive
the lilustrlous soldier, messenger arrived with
note from the officer, that Napoleon finding
his enemies SO many and escape so difficult
had concluded, and an ill-starred conclusion il
was for him, to repose noble confidence in
his great enemy, and surrender himself to the
British. asa1
As is known he presented himself with his
suite on board of the Bellerophon, he wrote tc
the Prince Regent of England, surrenderng
| himself d prisoner, and asking only resting
| place upon the soil of his enemy, for the re-
mainder of his life. The sequel is known
punishment to st. Helena, and living death
there on the 9th ofMay, 1921.
| The American vessel. which was to have
taken Napoleon TO America was boarded three
times, by as many vessels and TWICE by one
Suspicion appeared to have been excited againsl
her some time before her departure, and ever
before the captain had received any communi-
cation from Napoleon's agent His vessel wa,
pretty thoroughly searchedupon all these occa
slons, and once gun was fired for him tt
near to second time. He obeyed of course
/ but our informant assures us that in all thest
searches, the place where he had designed /,
i place Napoleon was never once searched o.
suspected, and that he should therefore have
safely brought him TO the United States.-
Here he might have died in peace of mind o
been living among US now. At st. Helena
| to use his own words, the cruelty of his keep
er. Sir Hudson Lowe. caused his death. Ma
+ poleon said of him that she was an execution
er sent to ssassinate him, man wholly with
outa heart and merely capable of dischargins
the offices and duties Of Jailor. "-PittsbWrg
American. -.se a E