Litchfield enquirer., 1869-03-18
.t" E F@11a T. . 'F Tt A87 " 7Ns 2 2
 NAPOLEON IN ELIZA i
PUBLICATION OF SIR NEIL CsMPBELLs COM :. 7Hef1'>l PLETE JOURNAL s4 'i$1i}-*ai

l FUBAlCAIION OF SIR NEIL CAMPBELL 5 CON l 71~fa'@ PLETE JOURNAL. 'i'42'i-t@i ] f# saa 31! l-- e'yt!ea 4ftsig-: 5ae~
 The English papers announce the publ cation of Major General Sir. Neil Campbell jonrnal under the title of Napoleon a Fon tainebleau and Elba: Journal Of s oc currences in 1814-1815, with notes of Con yersations." The Times says of this book The late Sir Mel Campbell, as most per sons know, was the commissioner lof tn British government during the residenc of Napoleon l. at Elba, and he, fortunatel kept regular journal of his conversatio 1 with that extraordinary man, and of tA ordinary round of Efe1n the Island, an he added to it short narrative of the oc currences attending the efamous escape, a l far as they came within his knowledge The manuscript' having fallen into tn hands of his,nephew, thei ReF.saArchibaI l Maclachan, appears now completely for tn first time; parts of it, however, we suspect have furnished materials to different vii ters, especially to Sir Archibald Allson, ,wh has evidently borrowed some passages iron it. Like everything that throws genuin light on the acts and character of the grea emperor, this record of Sir Neil Campbell' experiences and observation is extremel, interesting, and his volume will we'll repa7 Q perusal. It contains graphic and exac account of Napoleon's journey from Franc, to Elba, and of his sojourn upon that is land. 1t abounds in anecdotes and refec tlons by him, some not without significance and value, and 1t brings out clearly one side of his nature, often hidden from tn mind in the glare of his fame-his attitud, in the hour of adversity. It illustrates, too the curious want of foresight of the Allies and especially the Bourbons. in their poll cy towards Napoleon at this time; and il does credit to the good sense and patriot lsm of the author In his delicate relations with the Imperial exile in his state O. doubtful soverignity.' .3 If l- | .
 Having been chosen to accompany the Emperor to his retreat in Elba, Sir Me reached the Palace of Fontainebleau il April, 1S41. The following in his descrip tion of the impression Napoleon left upor his mind: s-... .. ...4,..
 ''It was strange feeling that came oyer me when the aide-de, camp, after announc ing my name, retired, shutting the door and found myself closeted with that ex traordinary man, whose name had been fol so many years the touchstone of my pro fessional and national feelings, and whose
 
 agination in every form that exaggeratior and carricature could render impressive General Roller (the Austrian commisfionel had described him as appearing in the mos perturbed and distressed state of mind sometimes rubbing his forehead with hi, hands, then stufing part of his fingers in to his mouth, and gnawing the ends 0 them in the most, agitated and excited manner. I saw before me a stout, activ looking man, who was rapidly pacing tn length of his apartme ents like some wild an imal in his cell. He was dressed in an, ol, green uniform, with gold epauiets, blu pantaloons, and red-top boots, unshaven nncombed, with the falling particles 6 snuff scattered profusely upon his ,uppe lip and breasts g. Upon his becoming awar of my presence he turned quickly towart me and saluted me with courteous smile evidently endeavoring to conceal hls anx iety and agitation by an assumed lplacidi ty of manner" k4......l.,A .5o ts ..l On the 20th of April the Commissioner. fset off with the Emperor on their journe, to Elba. Then, as afterwards in 1915; ht was swayed alternately by irresolutioa and pride. He fingered at Fontainebleau hoping against hops that some turn of for tune would change his destiny. Sir Nei describes scene just before his departure
 During; the conversation knock wa heard at the door. .'.'t 'e"'
 Napoleon. .-sWho is there?' a B. 3Hs.. 7. "A. D. C.--'The aide-de- camp is wait ing a;e,t. n..s ,.;.. ....,+..-..,....,
 Napoleon. Come in. What do yot want?' ""t @n"iiAr F-re.- g4at 70
 "A. D. C.-'Sire the Grand Marshal Ina. desired me to inform your Majesty that i is already eleven o'clock
 'Napoleon-'Bah! This is something new! Since when have become the mum. ble servant of the Grand Marshai's watch Perhaps shall not go at all.'
 ''He felt himself Emperor and Military Chiet to the last with all those about hin and he also appeared more ane more averse to depart as tho time ap. preached"
 On the arrival of the Emperor at Elba, the other commissioners took their depart ure; but Sir Neil Campbell, at Napoleon'I request, remained to secure him the pro tection of England, and the observance O their treaty by the Bourbons Strange play of fortune-the great foe of Englant invoking her aid against the rulers of tho people but yesterday swayed at his will and relying almost for existence on tht faith of the nation whose perfdy he hat proclaimed to the world! During the frs few months Napoleon was popular with the inhabitants of Elba, and he treated her wis itors with the most friendly courtesy. Witl his wonted activity, he set on foot works and improvements of many kinds, employ ing his little army in those tasks, and he received Sir Neil, as he said Sen soldat. , On these occasions he would often debate on his marvellous career and contemporary events, taking care, however, usually to say that he looked !" at these subjects as though he were dead, as "a player who had quilted the stage forever" He repeatedly ]; dwelt on his military triumphs, on the hu- initiation of France and the supremacy oi of England; he spoke with bitter contempt of the Bourbons,' and of the treachery which caused his fall when, as he insisted, he was on the eve of success; he glanced keenly at the affairs of the Continent, and he debated war and politics eagerly. Not withstanding his professions, Sir Nei Campbell feared from the first that he might yet undertake in his ambitious mood some hazardous enterprise, and he adds
 'I have never seen man in any situa. tion of life with so much Epersonal activity and restless perseverance. He appears to take so much pleasure in perpetual move: ment and in seeing those who accompany him sink under fatigue, as has been the case on several occasions when have ac. commanded him. II do not think if nossi