The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1861-08-01

| Next morning it was rumored that the
Emperor had received the portrait of his
son, and that it was placed outside Of his
tent. that all might see it. | proposed to
| Ploquet to accompany me to see that por-
trait. He very reluctantly consented, and
we proceeded to the tent. Many of the
| superior officers were there, and the name
of the Corporal was soon whispered around,
and the group gave way to him. The
| Emperor soon after made his appearance
at the door of his tent, and looking round
perceived the wounded Corporal, whom
he at once recognized by the bandage
around his head, tied with bloody hand
kerchief. He beckoned to Ploquet, who
| stepped forward without seeming to be the
least abashed.
Corporal Ploquet," said the Emperor,
81 am told that you were among the first
of those who entered the redoubt yester-
day"
True" he replied, "but that ought not
to afford yon much pleasure, for it was
dreadful hard work for those engaged"
\ look from the Emperor put an end to
his murmurs.
''Ah then tell US" continued the EN-
peror. .'would promotion please you
"Thanks, my Emperor, but that would
not suit me; | am content with the bars
Oh my arm already"
perhaps, then, the Legion Of Honor
would best please you-take it, and we
may remain friends" Then untying the
cross from his breast, amidst a general ac-
clamation, he presented it to the Corporal,
who received it with one hand, and with
the other gave military salute. He then
fastened it to button on his coat very
lei.urely, without any sign of emotion
fndeed of all those who were present, he
seemed the most uncoucerned. The En-
peror, on entering his tent, coolly observ-
ed, ''behold growler who never was sat
isfed y,
4 few days after this, there was read to
the soldiers a proclamation, beginning,
Soldiers, the battle you SO much desired,
&c, (Moscow) - Desired y said Ploquet
there need be no haste to beat the empty
wind"
Corporal" said I, "you are excused
from serving on this occasion, you had
better go to the rear"
"What could | do there ?'
"You would be under shelter of the
cannon"
II don't wish to be there What un-
der shelter-that would be amusing, in
deed, to hear, but to sec nothing. | am
rather curious" He was determined to
share in the fight which was about to take
place, happen what would.
During the night he suffered much pain
from his wound. In the morning the
Major declared that gangrene would be
sure to take place, If he should get him.
self overheated. In despite of his anxiety
he had to remain inactive during that
memorable day, CHE battle of Moscow
1t is well known that Bonaparte easily
recognized the countenance of those he
had once seen, and that he had the remar-
kabie faculty of remembering proper
names During the fatal retreat from
Moscow, little on the other side OF Smo-
lenski, as the Emperor rode past the regi-
ment, which marched In concert with the
guards, lie recognized the old corporal
My poor Ploquet," said he to him, ''you
now have some reason to be dissatisfied.
Eyes, my Emperor, l think you must be
a little more than we are.
We had now to pass the Berisino river,
and Ploquet and / had now passed over
about two-thirds of the bridge, when the
crowd precipitated themselves like an ava
lanche, in order to pass over, and we were
pushed into the river. The Corporal, who
was good swimmer, placed his left hand
under my chin, and with the other bore
us along, dashing away the ice which
thu eatened to cut into us. We succeeded
in reaching the opposite bank, where the
Russian cannon were playing on .he re-
treating soldiery. [ felt great inclina-
ton to sleep, but Ploquet declared this to
be dangerous-thati if we ceased marching
we should be frozen to death in half an
hour. He began to run, pushing me be-
fore him. We had advanced about hun
dred steps when he fell in the snow, ball
having fractured both his legs. turned
to assist him-"March on!' said he.
''But, Corporal you have saved my life
and | cannot leave you" "March OIL
am happier than many others. In five
minutes will feel no longer cold"
This was, perhaps, the first time in his
life he was content with his fate. He ex-
pired few moments after, pressing the
cross to his lips which the Emperor had
given him.
rea- Some Eastern paper having re-
! 4bor MofTa tbo 81