The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1864-1911, 1865-11-22
POSTMASTER AND EMPEROR.

THE career of Napoleon inspired degree
of enthusiasm in the breasts of the people of
France which had never been known to ex-
list before under any-the most fortunate
circumstances. From the peer to the peas
ant all idolized their hero, and Napoleon
never discouraged the manifestations of af-
fection with which he was greeted where
soever he went; indeed he gave such IL
come Emperor, that their familiarities often
became unpleasant and inconvenicnt.
Among the most enthusiastic of his a d.
mlrers was the postmaster OF a small place
in Burgundy, bearing the name of Rouvray,
who, upon two or three occasions, had the
honor, personally, Of driving the Empcror's S
carriage, and had been spoken to- by him
iamliarly. His first meeting with Napo-
leon was under circumstances calculated to
awaken lively feeling in the breast of the
Emperor, for the postilions who were driv-
ing his carriage to Rouvray had fallen asleep,
and his horses, instead Of going direct to
the post house, had wheeled round, and the
night being daik, they had nearly precipi-
tated the carriage, Emperor and ALL from a
bridge. AS it was, the carriage was nearly
overturned, and the postmaster, happening
at the moment to be returning, with two of
hls men, from the next town. perceived the
danger rushing toward the Emperors car
riage, and pre- ented the accident from oc-
curing; The Emperor expressed himself
grateful for the assistance rendered by NJ.
Bizouard, and imtimated that he would not
forget the circumstance.
Blzouard never importuned the Emperor.
lbe was, indeed, delighted if he got but a
nod of recognition; and as nothing pleased
Napoleon so much as fanatic devotedness
he was always glad to see the postmaster
and hear him give vent to his enthusiasm
NJ. Bzouard had access to the Tuileries,
and he never visited Paris without paving a
visit to his friend the Emperor" VIII CHI he
did with less ceremony than when he had to
wait upon the director of the post-vffice de-
partmcnt.
One day, on a'ighting from the diligence,
in his usual travelling dress, he proceeded
to the palace to visit his imperial friend. -
His sangJroid, as he inquired whether the
Emperor was at home, astonished the guard
and officers of the court. Some laughed,
others desired him to go away; and when he
became importunate, they swore at him and
threatened to send him to the guard house.
This aroused all that was lionlike in the dis
position Of NJ. Bizouard, and he cried:
''' All, you coxcombsl ifyou dare to threat
en- the postmaster Of Rouvray--"
And who's the postmaster of Rouvray?"
| asked one Of the officers on duty.
Let me have pen and ink, and YOU shall
see!" exclaimed NJ. Bizouard, in a voice of
thunder; let me have pen and ink, and I'll
write to the Emperor All, you may stare!
/ say to the Emperor!"
/ Pen ink and aper were brought and NJ.
Il zouard wrote as follows:
''S,RE-The postmaster of Rouvray (vour
best friend and most devoted subicct) is
about to be sent to prison, just as if were a
rioter in your palace, don't like to waste
nay time any longer, and besides wish to
see you forthwith. Please to make haste.
BIzoUARD."
The Emperor had no sooner read this
strange note than he laughed heartily, and,
to reconcile his enthusiastic adherent to the
insult that had been offered him, he des-
patched one of his chamberlins to have him
released; and, to the astonishment of the
officers, II. Bizouard was conducted into the
presence of "nis friend, the Emperor
Ills business with Napoleon was of some
consequence. He had a daughter, young
and delicate girl, who had given her heart
to one who was far above her, but who re-
turned her love, and would have married
her, but that his parents opposed his union
with one so humble julie, who, encour-
aged by the hopes of her lover, had believ-
ed that his parents would at length be in
duced to consent to their union, was nearly
heart broken when she learned that they
had desired Francois to pay his addresses
to the only daughter Of wealthy merchant.
The, postmaster had for some time observ-
ed that his daughters health was declining,
and he did all that lay in his power to make
her happy. Never lived kinder parent
than NJ. Bizouard. Rough as he was in his
manner, yet he possessed such warmth of
feeling that in the contemplation ofhis good
qualities everything else was forgotten. =
He behold the suffering ofhis daughter with
dismay. The color had fersaken her cheek,
her eyes had become lustreless, and he
thought sho was dying.
Moved by his constant kindness, and the
tears which fell from his old eyes upon her
pale cheeks, az she reclined upon his bosom.
julie disclosed to him the secret of her
2 The old man was few minutes speech