The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-04-22
Miscellaneous,
Napoleon's Design of Coming to
America.


America.
| We believe'it has never been known how
near Napoleon was TO coming to America af-
ter the terrible battle Of Waterloo, where in
the sequel of the fight, when defeat became
certain, he in vain presented his bosom to the
fire oil his enemies, in hope that he might be
spared the fatal end which seemed to hing
around him. Leaving the wreck of his once
powerful army 10 Soult, and flying as upon
The wings Of the wind, lie was the first TO nn-
nonnce at Paris the fatal defeat which had be-
fallen him. From Paris he went TO Malmai-
son where he had in vain labored to recon-
Gle and treat with the enemy. Finding rec
onciliaton in vain and the overthrow of his
power certain, the design presented itself TO
him ofescaping TO America.S accordingly he
went with a few of his chosen followers TO
Rocheiort, with n view ofescaping on board
some vessel which might be in port. Roche
fort was blocknded by an English fleet and
the coast lined with English cruisers. All this
il known, bur what we hive not before seen,
is the following anecdote related to us 10y one
ofthe Massachusetts members Of Congress,
on the authority of n New England Captain
Captain Brewster of Preston, Conn., whose
services were solicited to bring Napoleon to
the United States When Just 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 ofintcligence
TO communicate. A private interview was
had, under solemn pledge of secresy, and
after solemn assurance that no dishonora-
BILE proposition was 10 he made.
"When do you sail for American" was the
first question.
"To-rnorrow morning." WINS the reply
"Will you, for SUN of money that shall
make you independent for life, and beyond
the value of your ship and cargo and all pos
sible profits, consent TO take Napoleon Bona
purte to America. The money shall he paid
to you in any manner, deposited anywhere
in Paris,and papers executed TO that effect
lam here" continued the officer, ''as an u
gent Of my sovereign, and directed TO make
any proposition and TO allow any sum of
money, but must receive your answer upon
the instant" -...t ..
The Captain responded that the ship was
not his own-that the coast was lined with
English Slips that escape he feared would
be impossible. lie could not answer upon
the instant, but would do so al the appointed
time and place in two hours. Visiting his
ship which was loaded and ready for depart
ure, he concluded that he might conceal the
Emperor in n manner which would prevent
detection. AT the time appointed, he made
known his purpose, arranged as TO the COM
pensation he should receive, had papers ola
satisfactory character executed TO that. effect
and made his arrangements accordingly.
His illustrious visitor was to be on board at
IL o'clock ut night, and everything was ar
ranged to receive him. At II o'cloch-at the
very hour and moment when every prepara-
ton was made 10 receive the illustrious sold
Ter, n messenger arrived with n note from the
officer, That Napoleon finding his enemies so
many and escape so difficult had concluded
M cfn rnn ! fnrb m
TO repose noble confidence in his great
enemy, and surrender himselfto the British.
As is known, he presented himself with
his suite on board of the Bellerophon, and
wrote 10 the Prince Regent of England, sur
rendering himselfa prisoner, asking only a
resting place upon the soil ofhis enemy, for
the remainder of his life. The sequel is
punishment to St. Helena,and death
there OH the 18Th of May, 1915.
The American vessel which was TO have
brought Napoleon 10 America, was boarded
three times, by as many armed vessels, and
twice by one. Suspicion seemed to have
been excited against her some time before
her departure, and even before the Captain
had received any communication from Napo-
leon's agent. His vessel was pretty thorough
ly searched on all these occasions, and once
u gun was fired to him to heave to second
time. He obeyed ofcourse, but our inform
ant assures us that in all these searches,
the place where he had designed to place
Napoleon was never once searched or sus-
pected, and that he should therefore have
safely brought him to the United States-
Here he might have died in peace ofmind,or
been living among us now. At St. Helena,
TO use his own words, the cruelty of his keep
err. Sir Hudson Lowe, caused his death. Ma
poleon said of owe that ''he was an execu-
toner sent 10 assassinate him, man wholly
without heart, and merely capable of dis
charging the duties and offices Of a jailor."-
NJ y Express.