Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1853-10-20

rand, the lnexharsllbe source of anectlOte and
bon-mots, the scene of which is laid on the Bat
terry in New York =
TALLEYRAND FOREwARNED.
"One day, in presence of the old minister, the
conversation was directed to those instantaneous
warning which might be considered as commu-
nicaions from the invisible world with man :;
some one observed that it would be difficult to
find any celebrated man, who, either in his own
person or that of an intimate friend, could not
attest some supernatural event of his life. The
prince remarked: Il can never forget that was
once gifted, for moment, with an extraordinary
and expicable prescence, which was the means
of saving my life. Without that sudden and
mysterious inspiration, should not be here to
recount these curious details. was intimately
connected with one of my countrymen, M. B.
We had always lived on the best terms, and in
those stormy times, something more than friend
ship was needed to unite persons, when the ex-
preston of friendship required almost divine
courage. had no cause to doubt his affection.
On the contrary, he had, on several occasions,
given me the most devoted proofs of his attach
ment to my person and interests. We had to-
gether quilted France to take refuge in New
York and bad hitherto lived in perfect harmony.
Wishing to increase our little capital had
freighted ship, half shares with him, to try our
frtuDe in the Indies. We were ready for our
departure, but waited for favorable wind with
the greatest impotence. This state of uncer-
tanty appeared to sour poor B. to most extra
ordinary degree. Incapable of remaining quiet
which, for the present moment. excited my sur
prise, for he was always remarkable for his calm
ness and placidity. One day he entered the
room. evidently under great excitement although
he used great efforts to restrain himself. I was
writing letters to Europe. Leaning over my
shoulder, he said, with forced gaiety, Why do
yen lose time in writing these letters? They
will never reach their destination Come with
me, and let US make the round of the battery.
The wind may become favorable; perhaps we
are nearer'to our departure than wethlnk The
day was magnificent, although the wind was
high; allowed myself to be persuaded B., as
afterwards recoIlected, showed extraordinary
alacrity in closipgmy desk arranging Wy papers,
and Offering my hat and cane. which attributed
10 the need of incessnnt activity with which he
| had rad uho1n nj
departure. We threaded The well peopled streets,
and reached the battery. He had offered me his
arm, and hurried on as if he were in haste to
reach it. When we were on the grand espan-
ade, B. FASTENED still more, until he reached the
edge, He spoke loudly and rapidly, and admired
in energetic terms the beauties of the scene
Suddenly he stopped, in The midst of bis incohc-
rent talk. [ had disengaged nv arm from his,
and stood firmly before him. | fixed my eye on
him. He moved aside as il intimidated and
ashamed. B., cried I, your intention is to kill
me you mean to throw me from this height into
the se1 Deny it, monster, if you dare!' The
insane man locked at me intently with his hag-
gard eyes for moment but was careful not to
remove my looks from him, and his eyes fell. lie
mutered sorne incoherent words, and cndeavored
to pass me. but spread my arms and prevented
him. Casting a wild look around he threw him
self on my neck and burst into tears. 1t is
true, it is true, my friend the thought has haun.
ted me day and night like an Internal flame. 1t
was for that brought you here; see, you are not
foot from the precipice; another instant the
deed would have been done!' The demon had
abandoned him; his eyes we're void of express.
ion a white foam covered his parched lips the
crisis had passed. conducted him home. Some
days of rest, bleeding, and dieting entirely cured
him, and, what is the most singular circumstance
of all, we never referred TO the occurrence.'
"Tbe prince was persuaded that, on that day
his destiny would have been decided, and he
never spoke on the subject without the greatest
emotions.