The mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado County, Calif.) 1863-1943, 1865-04-08

EEAce OF TWO FOtaLOes In 16O6s
The following anecdote of the first Ma
poleon is related in letter from cores
pondent, who was considerable time in
the French military service, and who
vouches for its authenticity
The evening before the battle of Tim,
when Napoleon the First, in company
with Marshal Berther, was walking in.
cognito through camp and listening to
the talk Of his soldiers, he saw in a group
not far off grenndier of the guard, who
was roasting some potatoes in the ashes.
| should like roasted potato above
all things, said the Emperor to the Mar.
shal, ask the owner if he will sell one
/ In obedience to the order, Berthier ad.
vanced to the group and asked to whom
the potatoes belonged.
They Nre mine
win you sell Inc onc?' inquired Der.
thier.
Il have only ive,' said the grenadier,
and that is hardly enough for my sup.
per-
Il will give you two Nnpoleons if you
will sell me one, continued Berthier.
i don't want your gold, said the
grenadier | shall be killed, perhaps, to.
morrow, and do not want the enemy to
lind me with an empty stomach
Berther reported the soldiers answer
to the Emperor, who was standing in the
background.
Let's see il shall be luckier than you,
said the latter and, going up close to the
grenadier, he asked him if he would sell
a potato.
Not by h long shot answered the
grenadier; i have not enough for myself.
But you may set your own price,
said Napoleon. Come, am hungry and
have not eaten to. day.
| tell you | have not enough for my
self, repeated the grenadier; besides all
that, do you think don't know you in
spite of your disguise ?
Who ain them inquired Napoleon
Bah = said the grcnadier. The little
corporal, as they call you. Am right !:
We'll, said Napoleon, since you know
me, will you sell me potato!'
NO. said the grenader; but il you
would have me come and dine with you
when we get back to Paris, you may sup
with me tonight
Done, said Napoleon. 'on the word Of
little corporal !-on the word of an En-.
peror!'
well and good said the grenadier.
'Our potatoes ought to be done by this
time There are the two largest ones
the rest will eat myself
The Emperor sat down and ate his po.
tatoes, and then returned with Berthier
to his tent, merely icmarking, 'The rogue
is good soldier, III wager
Two months afterwards, Napoleon the
Great was in the midst Of brilliant court
at the Tuilicrics. and was just sitting
down to dine, when word was brought
him that a grenadipr was without, trying
to force the guard at the door, saying that
he had been invited by the Emperor.
Let him in, said his majesty.
The soldier entered. presented arms and
said to Napoleon: Do you remember
once having supped with me of my roast
ed potatoes
'Oh, is that YOU? Yes, yes, remem-
Der, said the Emperor; and so you have
come to dine with me, have you? Rustan
lay another cover on your table for that
brave fellow
Again the grenadier presented arms,
and said: a grenadier Of the guards
does not eat with lacktys. Your majesty
told me should eat with you, shat was
the bargain and, trusting to your word,
| have come tAther'
True, true, said the Emperor Lay
a cover here near me; lay aside your
arms, mon ami,and draw up to the table.
Dinner over, the grenadier went to his
usual place, took up his carbinc, and,
turning to the Emperor, presented arms
A mere private, he said, ought not to
dine at the table Of his Emperor
'Ah! understand you said Napoleon.
Il name you Chevalier Of the Legion Of
Honor, and Lieutenant in my company
of guards
Thank you, heartily returned the
soldier. 'Vive lEmpercur + he shouted,
and then withdrew.
>S SS-%-
The HUMAN Pulse. The human pulse
has in all ages been consulted as an index
of health and disease. 1t is kind ofdial
within US which gives both the measure