Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-04-22

pearance at the door of his tent, and looking
round, perceived the wounded Corporal, whom
he at once recognised by the bandage around
his head, tied with bloody handkerchief
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 yesterday"
"True," he replied; ''but that ought not to
afford you much pleasure, for II was dreadful
hard work for those engaged"
look from the Emperor put an end to his
murmurs.
"Ah! then tell u.s." continued the Empe-
ror; "wOuld promotion please you?''
Thanks, my Emperor, but that would not
suit me; l am content with the bars ON my
arm alreBdy."
Perhaps, then, the Legion of Honor would
best please you-take it, and we may remain
friends" Then untying 1.-THE cross from his
breast. amidst general aceiamation, he pre-
sented 1t to the Corporal, who received it with
one hand, and with the other he gave mill
tary salute. He then fastened it to button
OF his coat, very leisurely, without any sign of
emotion. Indeed, of all those who were pres
ent, he seemed the most unconcerned. The
Emperor, on entering his tent, coolly OBJ
served, Behold growler, WHO never was
satisfied"
A few days after this, there was read to the
=,
the battle you so much desired" &c., Mos
cow" Desired :" said Ploquet; there need
be no haste to beat the empty wind"
corporal, said |; 'tyOu are excused from
serving on this occasion, you had better 60 to
the rear"
"What could do there?"
"You would then be under shelter Of the
cannon"
g don't wish to be there What under
shelter-that would be amusing, indeed, to
hear, but see nothing 1 am rather curious ("
Tie was determined to share in the Fl ight 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 himself overheated. In
despite of his anxiety, he had to remain mac
tive during that memorable day, (the battle
of Moscow
1t Is well known that Bonaparte easily rec
Ognlsed the cOuntenances of those he had once
seen, and that he had the remarkable faculty
OF remembering proper names. During the
fatal retreat from Moscow, a little on the
other side Of Smebenski, as the Emperor rode
past the regiment, which marched in concert
with.the guards, he recognized the old Cor
porai-" My poor PlOquet," said he, to him.
you now have some reason to be dissatis-
fed
Yes, my Emperor, think you must be a
little more than we are"
We had now to pass tho Berisino river Plo-
quet and had passed over about two-thirds
OF the bridge, when the crowd precipitated
themselves like an avalanche, 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
threatened to cut us in two We succeeded
In reaching the opposite bank, where the Rus-
slan cannon were playing on the retreating
ssoldiery 1 felt great inclination to sleep,
but Ploquet declared this to be dangerous
that if we ceased marching, in half an hour
we should be frozen to death. He began to
run, pushing me before him. We had ad-
vanced about hundred steps when he fell in
the snow, ball having fractured both his
legs. l turned TO assist him" March on"
said ne. But Corporal, you have just saved
my life, and cannot leave you" March
on am happier than many others In FIVE
minutes L will feel no longer cold.''
This was perhaps the first time in his life he
was content with his fate. He expired few
moments after, pressing the cross to his lips
which the Emperor had given him.