Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-03-26
NapOIeon BOnuparte in IsIa-HR MA

.....J gnef ana Appearance. IH.I Dr.
Henry Brevoort, the friend of Washing
ton Irving, some years ago wrote this sketch
Of Napoleon Bonaparte. gr
The minutest circumstances connected with
the man whose deeds have eclipsed all past
fame, and rendered all future doubtful,h is
now become historical. The writer of this
sketch happened to be in Paris during the
Spring of 1872, when, although negotiations
were going on between Prince Kourakia
and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, every
one knew that war with Russia had been
decreed in the mind Of Napoleon. Day
after day large bodies Of troops, of every
arm, arrived and departed toward the North,
after having been reviewed by the Emperor
Nothing could exceed the splendid equip
ment, martial bearing and ENTHUSIASM of the
Imperial Guard, waving their glittering
eagles as they defied by thousands before
their invincible leader in the Champ de Mars.
Officers, who had just returned from the de-
tested warfare in Spain, spoke of the con-
quest of Russia as a frolic Of few months
from which they were sure to return
crowned with fresh laures of victory.
They INDUCED in the most absurd speeu-
lations concerning the incidents and peris
of the approaching campaign, and seemed
as ignorant, as they were regardless, of all
the horrors which awaited them in their
fatal retreat through the frozen plains of
Russia. On the morning of the 9th of May
the tri- colored banner of France no longer
foated above the palace of the Tuileries.
Napoleon had departed with the Empress
for Dresden, to play the part of the "King
Of Kings"
The evening preceding saw him at the
Grand Opera, which was then in the Rue
Richelieu. The Emperor and Empress oo-
cupied the front OF the box; behind them
stood rows of officers of the Imperial house
hold, in brilliant costumes, and the two adj
joining boxes were filed with danes d hon
near and distinguished courteTs. -
The Emperor entered the theater in the
midst of the performance. The whole audi
ence arose to salute him, which he acknowl-
edged by slight inclination Of his head be
fore he took his seat. He remained until
the ballet was nearly ended, and then took
leave with the same careless ceremony with
which he entered. He appeared to take no
interest in what was passing upon the stage,
except for few moments, when Gardelle
and Bigottinis danced a pas de deuT. His
glass was constantly in use, directed to all
parts Of the theater, as if he were intent
upon examining the face of every individual
present. ... .. r..
Occasionally he raised his hand, without
turning his head, to receive his snuff box
from the chamberlain, who stood up behind
him in watchful attendance. Not a word
was uttered by him to the Empress, nor to
any other person in the box. 1t was evident
from the restlessness of his manner, that his
mind was preoccupied with far. away scenes;
and If the dark curtain of futurity could
have been lifted for moment, what scenes
and events would he not have beheld
Being very near, / kept my. eyes riveted
upon HIM. He was in a plain uniform of
blue, with red cuffs and white facings, and
wore the grand cross and ribbon of the Legion
of Honor. His person was rather corpulent,
but seemed muscular and active. His blue
gray eye was deep set in his head and occa-
sieIally threw out vivid flashes of express
sion. His forehead was broad and smooth,
and his temples thinly covered with dark
brown hair.
His nose was firmly set and finely formed,
and his mouth and chin were the model of
classical beauty. His visage was square,
and his neck very short. His complexion
was healthy, but colorless; his beard of a
blush tinge. His face and expression were
calm and grave, more benignant than COM
manding, and bore the aspect of sculptured
Grecian marble.
Now and then his features relaxed from
their habitual expression of melancholy
into smile of exquisite sweetness and good
nature. His small triangular eocked-bat
lay beside him, and his hand, which was
small, white and plump, frequently rested
upon the cushion before him. Although |
had often seen him before, my mind always
recurs to his appearance on that memorable
evening.
saw before me the mysterious being
whose genius had exalted him to the sum
NIT of human power, and whose hand
sWayed the destinies of the civilized world.
l beheld him at the very apex of his glory,
at the moment of his departure upon his
immortal campaign, which shattered his
power and hastened his downfall
find it difficult to analyze the sensations
which passed through my mind while stand
ing in the presence of a man whose fame
filled the universe, and in whom alone seemed
embodied the power of moving the world.
1t excited emotions of sublimity akin to
those felt upon seeing Mount Blanc or the
Falls of Niagara; but more intense, more
active, more reflective.