The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-08-19
AUGUST 19, 1864.
Price of Potatoes in 1903.

3liUO VI 4OtotO0o III 4OOOs
The evening before the battle Of Ulm, when
Napoleon the First, in company with Marshal
Berthier, was walking ineogniio through the
camp and listening to the talk OF tho soldiers,
he saw in group not far off agrenadier ofthc
guard, who was roasting some potatoes In the
ashes. al M tHt tr
81 should like roasted potato above oil
things" said the Emperor to the Marshal task
the owner Of them II he will sell me one"
In obedience to the order. Derthicr advanced
to the group and asked to whom the potatoes
belonged. A grenadier stepped forward and
said, "They are mine."
evil you sell mo onei" inquired Berthier.
al have only fve," said the grenadier, "and
that's hardly enough for my supper"
81 will give you two Napoleons II you will
sell me one" continued Berthier. sass
al don't want your gold. said the grenadier;
'T shall be killed. perhaps, tomorrow, and
don't want the enemy to fnd mo with an empty
stomach"
Bcrthicr reported the soldiers answer to the
Emperor, who was standing little in the back.
ground.
"Let's see II shall DO luckier than you,"
said the latter (; and going up close to the gre.
nader, he asked him IL he would sell him po-
tato.
"Not by long shot," answered the grcna-
dier; ~ haven't enough for myself"
"But you may set your own price," said Ma
poleon. Come am hungry, and haven't
eaten to-day" H UH
81 tell you haven't enough for myself, re-
peatcd the grenadier; "bcsides all that. do
you think don't know you in spite of your
disguisc!"
"Who am I, then!" inquired Napoleon.
"Bah!" said the grcnadier- "Tho littlocor-
poral, as they call you. Am righti"
SWELL" said Napoleon, "since you know me,
will you sell me q potatoi'
"No," said grenadler "but II you would
have me come and dine with you when We get
to Paris, you may sup with me tonight"
"Done !" said Napoleon. "On the word Of
alttlc corporal-on the word Of an Emperor !"
swell and good" said the grenader. sour
potatoes ought to be done by this time. There
are the two largest ones I; tho rest I'll eat my
self"
The Emperor sat down and ate his potatoes,
and then returned with Berther to his tent,
merely remarking, "The rogue is good SOL
der, I'll wager
Two months afterwards, Napoleon the Great
was in the midst of brilliant court at the pal
ace of the Tuilleries. aud was just sitting down
to dine, when word was brought him that
grenader was without, trying to force the guard
at the door, saying that he had been invited by
the Emperor.
"Let him come in" said his Majesty.
The soldier entered, presented arms, and
said to Napoleon :-"Do you remember once
having suppcd with me of my roasted pota-
toes!'
ooh. is that youl Yes. yes, remember"
said the Emperor ''and so YOU have come to
dine with me, have your" Russian, lay anotli-
er cover on your table, for that brave fellow"
Again the grenalicr presented arms. and
said, "a grenader of the guards docs not eat
with lackeys. Your majesty told me should
eat with you (; that was the bargain and.
trusting to your word, have come hithcr."
"Truc, true" said the Emperor. "Lay
cover here near me lay aside your arms, mon
ami, and draw up to the table,"
Dinner over, the grenadler went at his usual
pace. took up his carbine. and turning to the
Emperor. presented arms. "A mere private"
said he, fought not to dine at the table of his
Emperor" ..-,.t .
"Ah understand you," said Napoleon.
al name you Chevalero Of the Legion of Honor,
and Lieutenant in my company Of guards"
"Thank you, heartily" returned the soldier.
"Vire rEmpereur!" ho shouted, and then
withdrew. .. 0