Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1849-12-27

in the midst of your prosperity, you will re-
greet the happy and peaceful life you led in
the colony. AT the moment you shall quit
it, (but not .forcver,) prodigy will appear
IN the air; this will be the first harbinger of
your astonishing destiny"
When Josephine left the island, strange
phenomenon was observed, and her mind
was deeply impressed for time with the
conviction that the words of the colored for
tune-teller would prove true; but as strange
scenes arose before her, she was diverted
from her reflections. In her marriare with
M. Beauharnais, she was unfortunate. He
was moved to jealousy by learning. through
the treachery of female friend, that her
affections had once been fixed upon young
Creole, who had grown up with her in her
native island. Her husband abandoned her
and her two children for some years; and
when, afterwards reconciliation was elfec-
ted, it was but to precede a severer trial.
Her husband was member of the fl-
nous assembly convoked at the commence
ment of the French Revolution His innu-
ence was vast, and lie was called to preside
over it. But in the days of Robespierre lie
was among the doomed. Josephine was
there too. In her prison she read of the
execution of her husband; and had the fall
OF Robespierre been delayed another day,
she would probably have persisted, Also
The death of the tyrant saved her life.
Attention to the education of her children
and the exciting circumstances of the nation
respecting which she was frequently consult
ed by those in power, gradually removed the
gloom which had gathered around her. She
mingled again in company, and was induced
to give her hand to the energetic and aspir-
ing Napoleon. The union was for him n
happy one. She counselled him in all his
plans, aud sympathised with him III his af1llc-
tons 1t was the influence of Josephine
that made him Consul of France, aud OPEN
cd the way to the empire. Against his as
sumption, however, of that dignity, she
earnestly demonstrated.
In the hour of his prosperity, Napoleon
sought an alliance with the reigning faml-
lies Of Europe. He wished to strengthen
his position, and to leave an heir for his
throne. Josephine was divorced, and Maria
Louisa of Austria was crowned Empress.
In her humiliation, she called to mind the
declaration made to her IN her youth, that
she should die miserable" But while
Napoleon lived in honor, she sustained eve
/ ny affection with philosophic Guinness
Often did he meet her at her residence, aud
counsel her as to his future plans. She al
ways received him with respect, aud her
counsels were marked with solcitude for
his welfare which he could fad no where
else
| Amidst the traits of character which dis
tinguished josephine, VIC can in this sketch
notice but two-her magnanlmty of soul,
and her interest in the education of her
children. The first she displayed on many
interesting occasions. When NJ Beauhar-
nais had abandoned her, and when severe
imputations had been made against her.
strong IN the consciousness of her own in
tegrlty, she betrayed no passion against her
husband. She was afflcted-she resisted
the application for a diyorce-but she utter
ell no recrlminaton. In after times, when
those who had been her enemies, came into
her power, she exhibited no resentment-no
retaliation. When Napoleon triumphed.
aud cities were subjected by his martial en-
ergy and skill, her lips ever pleaded the
cause of humanity, and urged to acts of
kindness to the vanquished. Around her.
sell she gathered, by courtesy and conde-
scension, the hearts of the captured and
friends everywhere were won to he brilliant
commander. She rejoced in his success
she was proud of his merits, and yet she
wished no crown to be on his head, though
she would be the sharer in all his glory
Earnestly did she plead with him to restore
the Bourbon family to France, instead of as
sumlng for himself the Imperial throne.
When, for the Austrian Princess, she was
set aside, she predicted to Napoleon his I'LL
innate ruin. With his advisers she was
thoroughly acquainted, and she knew that
no heart, as truly as her own, was devoted
to his interests. His ambition unrestrained
she perceived would lead him into irretriev-
able errors and for him it is said that she
greyed as much as for the disgrace inflicted
upon herself and her children. Unlike Me-
dea, OF classic song, she sought no VEN
geance against the young Empress. She
planned no i'll against her erring husband.
When tidlngs of approaching danger reach
ed her ears, messenger was sent to the
Emperor, aud in his gloomy hours Napoleon
came Tor counsel TO his most faithful advis-
er. At his overthrow and exile TO Elba she
was deeply panied. The restoration of the
Bourbons pleased her, but not the humlia-
ton of the Emperor. The allied powers of
Europe visited her mansion. The emperor
Alexander was exceedingly polite in his at
lentions She received them courteously,
and the casual observer might have suppos-
ed she was ilattered but she was sick at
heart. In the midst of their rejolcing,-
while the kings of Europe were in her man
sion, --dlsease approached. Aud when she
found herself sinking, and her two children,
Eugene and Hortense, bathed in tears, stood
beside her bed, she called Tor lhe portrait
OF Napoleon that hung in her chamber. Ga
that portrait fell her last tear, aud OH it her
eye rested as it closed IN death,
Not less distinguished was Josephine for
her deep interest IN the instruction of her
children. The splendors of the court, the
brilliant triumphs of the camp, the adula-
ton OF sycophants at home, aud the CRATE
full expression of thanks by persons relieved
by her bounty, failed to Withdraw her at
tentlon from the Improvement of her Eugene
aud Horense. Her mother was unusually
domestic, aud all the entreaties OF Napoleon
could not induce her to iorsake her planta-
ton for "A residence at court. Josephine,
though not SO much attached to the couutry.
still loved domestic life. She loved To cul-
tiyate the flowers in her garden and IA ioin