The Shasta courier., 1863-01-31
me chnAhood " the B.a.p.rs...


l me Chllahood VI the Bsnapartss.
H. island Of Corsica. in the Mediterrsne.
So, sixty miles from the coast Of Tus-
Z kiasf :ss}ssge fsSlAe S:at~ q
Msssscd ms n me bar 1767 this island
was one Of the provinces of Italy There
was then residing in the smalltown Of Corte.
in Corsica, young lawyer nineteen years
ofage. He was the descendant Of an Illus
1trions race, which could be traced back
through succession of distinguished men
far into dark ages.
Charles Bonaparte, the young lawyer Of
whom we speak, was tall, handsome, and
possessed strong native powers of mind,
which he had highly cultivated. In the
same city was young lady, Letitia Ranio-
lini, remarkable for her beauty and accom-
plishments. She also was of an ancient
family. When but sixteen years Of age,
Letitia was married to Charles Bouaparte.
then but nineteen years old.
About year after their marriage, on the
7th Of January, l768, Joseph Napoleon
Bonaparte was born. In nineteen months
after the birth of Joseph, his world renowned
brother Napoleon was born. But in the
meantime the island had been transferred
to France. thus while Joseph was. by
birth, an Italian, his brother, Napoleon, was
Frenchman.
Charles Bonaparte occupied high positions
of trust and honor in the government of his
nntive island; and in social position took
rank with the most distinguished families
in Italy and France. Joseph passed the
first twelve years of his life upon his native
island. He was a boy Of studious habits
ard Of singular amiability Of character
When he was twelve years Of age his father
took him, with his younger brother Napo-
leon, then ten years old, and their sister
Eliza, who was but six, to France for their
education. The grand duke of Tuscany
gave Charles Bonaparte letters of iutroduc-
tion t9 Maria Antoinette, his sister, who
was tfen the young, beautiful and admired
queen bf France.
Lesving Joseph At the college of Autun
in Afgandy, the father continued his iour.
ney ID Paris, with Napoleon aud Eliza.-
Eliza sNs .plaeed in the celebrated school of
y an the metropolis, and Napoleon
to the military school 1t Brienne,
out Of the city. Charles Bona
PefA receixed - the guest ct royalty
l6ous palace of Versa rs. The
tNe II JoserL and Napoleon, wore
5ched to each other, and this at
sscnmept continued unabated through life.
nen he two lads parted at Autun, both
tefs On Joseph, in subsequent
9ypPeshsg Of il, says:
sail never forget the moment of oar
separation. Ny eyes were lnoded with
Tears NapoleSn shed but one tear, which
be, In vain, endeavored to conceal. The
able Simon, who witnessed our aiieus, said
to me, after Napoleon's departure, He
shed only one tear but that cas testified to
IS deep grief in parting from you as all
yolrs
Ihe TWO brothers Kept up very constant
informing each other min
utely Of their studies and tf the books in
which they were interested. Joseph became
one Of the most distinguished scholars in
the college Of Autun, exceliing in all the
branches. Of polite literature. His polished
mannefs and instructive kindness of heart
made him a general favorite, while the un.
blemished purity Of his character comman.
ded the respect Of all.
Autnn was in the province Of Burgundy,
sf which the prince of Conde, grandfather
4 the celebrated duke d'Enghein, was gov
srnor. The prince attended an exhibition
1t the college to assist in the distribution of
he prizes. Joseph acquitted himself with
20 much honor IS to attract the particular
attention of the prince, and he enquired of
him what profession he intended to pursue.
Che bishop of Autun, who had been
'olicitous to secure his promising young pu
oil for the ecclesiastical order, hastily re.
Dlied,
'sHs is intended for the church,
But Joseph. in promp contradiction,
aid:
:" have no such wish. 1t ia nv desire
o enter the army to serve the king.'
This frankness and enthusiasm pleased
he prince, and upon the spot it was decided
hat he should enter the artillery. Joseph
ras quite overoyed at his good fortune, and. |
n his journal, has thus recorded this event
III incident:
The solemn day Of examination arrived. !
performed my part to admiration, and
vhen we afterwards went to receive the |
rown, which the prince himself placed on
ur heads, | was the one whom he seemed |
most to have noticed. The bishop of Autun's !
for our family, and no doubt also
he curiosiey which little barbarian, recent
y introduced into the centre of civilization
inspired, contributed to attract the princes |
ttention. He caressed me, complimented
ne on my progress, and made particular in
Iuiries as to the intentions of my family with
especs to me. The bishop of Autun said
hat was destined for the church, and that
le had living in reserve which he would be-
tow upon me as soon as the time came.
And you, my lad, said the :nr;nce, |
have you your own projects, and nave you
made up your mind as to what you wish?' |
. wish,' said I, to serve my king.'-I
then seeing him disposed to listen favorably
o me; took courage to tell him that it was |
lot at al my desire, though it was that of my
amily, that should enter the church, but |
hat my dearest wish was to enter the army.
Z Tie bishop of Autun would rave objected |
0 my project but the prince, who was colo
'el- -geseral of the French infantry, saw with
'leasurs these warlike dispositions on INV
,srt, sd encouraged me to ask for what / |
ganted l then declared my desire to enter
he artillery, and it was determinedT should.
maEine my. joy. l was prouder Of the |
'rince's caresses, and rejoiced more in his en- |
than | have since il the two
rowns which l hare worn-
I imnediately wrote long letter to my
'rothss Napoleon, imparting my happiness