Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1850-11-21
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NEW ANECDoTE OF NAPO.
LEON.

The following is from a new work now IN
course of publication in the New (English)
Monthly Magazine, entitled, "Anecdotes of
Napoleon and Josephine" The incident relat.
ed 10y an eye-witness,) is as interesting as it
is strikingly characteristic of that remarkable
man.-ED.
1.-The other morning, on mounting his horse,
the Emperor announced his intention of passing
the whole of the fleet in review he gave orders
for the position Of those vessels which fromed a
line of broadsides to be changed, as he proclaim
ed his desire to review them in open sea. He
then proceeded, accompanied as usual by Rus
tam, to take his daily ride, saying that he ex-
pected to find everything in readiness on his re-
turn. The order was instantly transmitted to
Admiral Bruix, who simply returned for answer,
"The review cannot take place to. day. Let no
vessel, therefore, leave its post"
Soon after this the Emperor reached the po,t
and, asking if all was ready, was informed of the
admirai's He desired that it shas.id
twice repeated to him, when stamping his foot,
with his eyes flashing fire with anger, he gent
off an immediate order that the admiral should
come to him without delay. His extreme i'm,
patience, however, did not allow him to wait till
his arrival, but he set out to meet him, which he
did halfway. His staff ranged themselves in
order behind him, in fearful silence, for the En-
peror was more than usually irrtated
Admiral" said he, in an agitated tone OF
voice, "why have not my orders been obeyed %'
"Sire," replied Admiral Bruix, with firmness
and respect, a frightfnl storm may every mo-
ment be expected. Can your majesty wish to
expose so many brave men to inevitable distruc-
ton ?"
"Sir " exclaimed the Emperor, more and more
irritated, 81 have given you my orders, and, a.
gain ask, why are they not obeyed? l take
the consequences on myself; your part is tc
obey"
"Sire," said the Admiral {" cannot obey ir
this instance"
Sir !" cried the Emperor, "you are inso
lent"
AT these words, Napoleon, who held his wbiI
in his hand, advanced towards the admiral, whc
drew back a step, put his hand to his sword, ant
said, turning very pale
Sire-beware"
All those who looked on shuddered. The En-
peror stood motionless, with his arm still raiset
and his eyes fixed on the admiral, who retaine,
> the menacing attitude he had assumed. A
length, as if with an effort over himself, the En-
peror dashed his whip on the ground, and at tn
same instant the admiral removed his hand fror
the pommel of his sword, and, bareheaded
waited in silence the result OF this conference.
"Second Admiral Magon," said Napoleon, @
give you orders to execute Immediately the ma
nevres have commanded. With respect t
you, sir" he added, sternly, addressing Admire
Bruix, "you will quit Boulogne in twenty-fou
hours, and retire to Holland"
The Emperor then rode away to observe th
, movement which Admiral Magon, the second i
command, was about to execute. But scarcel
had the first changes been made according to tn
Emperor's directions, when the sky became oh
scured with thick dark clouds, the thunde
, growled sullenly, and the wind came burstin
and bowling along with such force as to brea
all the lines in moment.
, Exactly what the admiral predicted had hap
. pened. A horrible storm overlook the fleet an
, threatened it with instant obstruction.
} The Emperor remained as if transfixed, wit
! his head bent down, bis countenance oversprea
, with gloom, and his arms crossed. Presently h
began to pace the shore with rapid strides, whel
on sudden, piercing cries of distress were hear
, on all sides. More than twenty gun-sloops ha
/, Just been stranded, the unfortunate mariner
0 werestruggling in the midst of the waves an
shrieking for help, but SO appalling was the dar
q ger that no one answered these heart-rendin
: appeals.
: Napoleon seemed almost distracted at thes
sounds and sights, and, breaking from among
: those who, seeing his intention, were striving
retain him, he e'thew himself into safety-boa
!. calling Out
@ Let me go, let me go--they must be rescue
n from such peril as this !"
!. In moment the boat he had entered was file
8 with water; one wave, larger than the res
d burst quite over his head, and dashed off his he
ST%TaS n%mateSS By i pKsreGsa s a. the same
men, and townsmen in crowds, leaped into boa
or dashed into the waves to endeavor to 50,