Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1859-09-15
family Gutlc.
Louis Napoleon and the English
Squire.


An alleged episode in the life of the
present Emperor of the French is turned
to good account in the Liverpool Journal
which vouches for its entire authenticity.
AS the story runs, many years ago. du.
ring his sojourn in England, Louis Napo
leon Jolned party of country gentlemen
OF Cheshire in hunt. The Prince en-.
tered into the sport with keen relish in
the early part of the chase, but ere the
days spoat had closed, was found by q
certain Squire tagging far behind the
hounds, absorbed in deep meditation. and
with sad expression of countenance.
| =" You are too young to be melancholy"
observed the Squire:
The Prince rejoined: "Short as nv
life has been, fortune has dealt strangely
with me, sir" and when his companion
advised him "never to heed the Jade, u
shook his head and said: Nay, sir, none
OF us escape our fate"
| The Squire expressed his surprise at
the Princes belief in fate (Which the lat,
ter reiterated,) and after a pause observed
that he had heard that fatalists have an
immense advantage over ordinary men,
by anticipating their future in this world.
Inc Prince declared that he was sure of
his future; when the Squire said that he
should be afraid to think that it was the
future which disquieted the Prince.
" 1t is even 500 rejoined Napoleon,
" though, to vulgar mind, it would seem
as brilliant as could be-"
The Squires curiosity was now fairly
aroused, and he inquired: What is that
future ?"
To which the Prince replied, with much
emphasis, " Nothing less, sir, than the
imperial purple of France"
The Squire was moved to laugh, but
the Princes seriousness checked him, and
the conversation continued in the course
of which it appeared that while he antic
ipated being called cruel, false, and a
tyrant" in the future-though undeserv.
edly-the immediate cause Of the sadness
of the embryo king with such brilliant
future was his poverty and the persecu,
ton OF creditors; in fact, he was pushed
for money. With true English generos-
lty, the Squire Immediately proffered his
check for G100. which the Prince CRATE,
fully accepted. Writing out receipt on
the fly leaf Of his pocket book, he handed
it to the Squire, saying. L have an alb
sent mind, good sir, and may forget this
transaction; let this be memorandum,
and when you come to Paris call at the
Tuileries, and the debt l owe you shall
be discharged; though before that | hope
the obligation may not exist. My graft
tude may not repay:you; yet if you think
the respect Of Napoleon III, of any value,
you have it, sir, from my heart"
lime passed on-grcat events took
pace-and the follower of the Cheshire
hounds became the Emperor of France.
During the long years that had elapsed
since the hunt, the Squire had not heard
from the Prince, and though he had no
idea that Napoleon remembered him, he
felt an Irresistible impulse to seek once
again the present occupant of the Tuile,
ries. He went to Paris, left his card at
the Palace, and returned to his hotel to
await the result. Presently an orderly
officer called at his room, presented the
Emperor's compliments, and requested
the Squire to return with him TO the Pal
ace in carriage that was awaiting at
the door. The Squire at once complied,
and was soon whirled to the Palace
Here he was ushered into a brilliant sa
loon, filled with numerous personages in
Guiding many military officers.
The Squire was abashcd by the novelty
Of his position, and gazed timidly around
the apartment, bat nowhere could he see
his old friend of the Cheshire hunt. AT
last the crowd gradually opened, and the
Emperor, advancing, walked directly to
the trembling Squire, whom he seized by
both hands, shaking them warmly. Gen
tlemen," said the Emperor, turning to his
suite, allow me to introduce to your no.
tice Monsieur -, very old friend Of
mine, when your Emperor stood in need
Of friends"
The Squire was then presented to a
number Of distinguished courticrs after
which the Emperor led him to a private
cabinet, where the memories of bygone
days were revived. After a pleasant
conversation, during which the poor
Squire's assurance returned the latter
rose to take his leave. when Napoleon
asked where he was stopping. On being
informed, the Emperor rang bell, which
was quickly answered by an imposing
specimen of the plush family, who was
ordered to send for Monsieur's things
and prepare room for him in the Pal
ace. The Squire looked aghast, and said
be could not think of such a thing; but
the Emperor declared that in no other
way could he return the many favors he
received while in England, and the Squire
was shown to his room.
For three weeks did he occupy the
same, and during the whole Of this time
the Squire has been heard to say it was
whirlwind of pleasure. What with the
banquets, balls, reviews, and all the 9th
or devices of luxurious courss, the Squire
was beginning to forget all his old friends
in England, and even the geographical
situation of that island.
But business must be attended to, and
one day the Squire signifed to the EN-
peror that he must turn his face home
ward. The Emperor expostulated and
besought longer visit, but the Squire
was inaexible. During the whole of the
three weeks, not word had been said of
the G100, but on the morning of his de
parture the comptroller Of the royal
household presented to the Squire check
for the amount, Gated from the memora.
II Il.