Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1857-09-04
"REMINISCENCES oFNApoLEoN. ;,

"REMINISCENCES OF
p In 1a1o4 that memorable year when
Rome, Amsterd dam, Dantzic., .Aftwerp,a ana
Paris we're cities ofthe same proud 2enipir+e?.
Napoleon had Brought hisiy young Bride to
Brussels and vas received with great eii!
thusiastn and pomp. On the morning af!
ter hisiarrival, he9feYie wed the troops Iof
the garrison in the AlIee, Perte, and as the
different regiments defIed before fiinE,orr}s!!
markell q granadier, who Bore the chez.
r0nS Of sergeant major TaEl and erect,
hissblack eyes blazed' like stars from 4
face bronzed by twenty cam pafgns, while
an enormous moustache rendered his aa1p5I
pearance' more formidable, Q or! Jissdd1;re.
When the lines were re form ed the EN-
perof rode up 10 the regiment Of grena-
diers, and called the sergeant to the front.
The heart of the old soldier beat high,
and his cheeks gloWed. i. Hs"'. 80
: &c / have seen you Before" said Napo>
Icon ''your name 2" FsHt' '-''
"Noel. sire," he answered with fa!ter-
ing voice. '6 9". ''@a9id "-~,E 17-
'tWerc: yon not in the army Of Italy ?''
'' Yes, sire; drummer at the Bridge of
Arcole." -.'.--. :. II
" And you became sergeant major 2"
" At Marengo, SIRE"
g But since ?'' "-.-
l have taken my share Of all the
great battles" ..'
The emperor waved his hand, the
grcnadier returned TO the ranks, and Na>
poleon spoke rapidly to the Colonel for
few momeets-lhe quick glances Of his
eyes towards Noel showing that he was
talking of him. He had been distinguishes
ed for his bravery in several battles, but
his modesty had prevented his soliciting
advancement, and he had been overlooked
in the promotions. The Emperor re- call
cd him to his side.
'' You have merited the Cross of the
Legion of Honor" said he, giving him
the one he wore. " You are a brave
man."
The grenadier, who at this moment stood
between the Emperor and the Colonel
could not speak but his eyes said more
than volumes. Napoleon made sign,
the drums beat a roll, there was a dead
silence, and the Colonel turning towards
the new knight, who, with trembling
hands, was placing his cross upon his
breast. said with loud voice:
"In the name Of the Empero respect
Sergeant Major Noel as sub b-lieutennnt in
your ranks"
The regiment presented arms. Noel
seemed in a dream and only the stern,
immovable features Of the Emperor pre-
vented him from falling on his knees.
Another sign was made, the drums beat,
and again the Colonel spoke:
-F'''lnFThe name ofthe Emparor. respect
Sub~Lieut. Noel as lieutenant in your
rGnks.''
This new thunder stroke nearly over
came the grenadier ;. his knees trembled;
his eyes that had not been moist for 90
years, were filled with tears, and he was
vainly endeavoring to stammcr his thanks
when he heard q third roll Of tie drum.
and the loud voice of his colonel:
"ln the name OF the Emperor, respect
Lieut.. Noel as captain in your ranks"
After this promotion the Emperor con-
tinued his review with that calm, males-
tic air, which none who beheld ever for
got; but Noel, bursting into flood of
tears tainted in the arms:o the Colonel
while from the regiment came a loud uni
ted shout of Vivet' Empcreur!