Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-08-05
Napoleon's Attempt to Commit suicide.

In Montholon's history of the captivity Of Napo-
leon at st. Helena it is recorded that he twice at
tempted sef-destruction-on early in his career,
and again in 1915 On the first occasion his life
was saved by Demasis, former comrade in an ar
tillery regiment. Napoleon was then in Paris-de-
pressed and suffering from illness His mother hav-
ing fed from Corsica, was at Marsei1les, without
subsistence, had written to him for aid Napoleon
had nothing but an assignat of an hundred sous
Relating this adventure to Montholon, Napoleon
says:
In state of detection went out, as ifurged to
suicide by an animal instinct and walked along the
quays, feeling my weakness, but unable to conquer
it. In few more moments should have thrown
myself into the water when run against an ind-
vidual dressed like simple mechanic and who re-
cognized me- threw himself on my neck, and cried,
Is it you, Napoleon What.ioy to see you again!'
1t was Demass, former comrade of mine in the ar
tillery regiment. lie had emigrated and had re-
turned to France in disguise to his aged mother,
He was about to go, when stopping, he said, What
is the matter :? You do not listen to me- You do
not seem glad to see me- What misfortune threat
ems You look to me like mad man about to kill
HIMSELF
This direct appeal awoke Napoleon's feelings and
he told him everything. ais that all ?'' said he
Opening his coarse waistcoat, and detaching belt
he said, here thirty thousand francs in gold
take them and save your mother
81 cannot" said Napoleon, g to this day. expla n
to myself motives for doing, but seized the ed
as if by convulsve movement. and ran. like mad
out of my hands that thought of what l. d
done. | hastened back 10 the spot where ] had lett
Demasis but he no longer there For several
days went out in the morning, returned not until
evening, and searched every place where | hoped
to find him"
The end of the romance is eccentric the be-
ginning. For fifteen years Napoleon saw no more of
his creditor At the end of that time he discovered
him and asked why he had not applied to the EmPe-
ror The answer was, that he had necessity for
the money, and afraid of being compelled to
quit his retirement where he lived happily, praci-
sing horticulture.
Napoleon now paid his debts may be presumed
ms gnifcently made him accept three hundred
thousand francs a reimbursement from the En-
peror for the thirty thousand lent to the subaltern
of artillery and besides made him director general
of the gardens of the crown with salary of thirty
thousand francs. He also gave government place
to his brother.
In April 1915, when Napoleon was at the head of
his army, preparing attack the allies his Marshas
demanded an interview with him. They were oppos-
ed to his plan of operations, and looked upon at
tempt to re- enter Paris hopeless. They proposed
that he should abdicate in favor of his This
also the advice of the Emperor Alexander Napoleon
did was proposed but Marmont had surrendered
on that day. After this the allies rejected all negotial
ton. The propositions and offers of Napoleon 10 his
officers and soldiers unheeded by them, and he
at last signed unquvocal abdication for himself
and family. This led to the second attempt upon his
own life. He thus narrated it:
From the time of the retreat from Russia" said
he, had constantly carried round my neck, in a
little bag, portion of poisonous powder which Ivan
had prepared by my orders, when in fear of be-
ing carried off by the Cossacks. My life no longer
belonged to my country-the events of the last few,
days had again made me master of it. Why should
'dure so much suffering and who knows that my
.ah would not place the crown upon the heal of my
son? France was saved
e. hesitaed no longer, but leaped from my bed,
mixed the poison in little water, and drank it with
sort of happiness.
But time had taken away its strength fearful
pains drew forth some groans from me: they were
heard, and medical assistance arrived. 1t was not
Heavens will that should die so soon St. Helena
was my destiny %