Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-09-08
URSDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 5, 1870
9 enlightened The Marshal wa


orders of the prince; but taking adyan-
tage of movement in the room, he left
the Duke for an instant, and joining the
Prince de Meternich, asked him what
was to be done, saying that before he
went on with the conversation he wished
to be sure that he complied with the
wishes of the Emperor. Marshal, "
said the prime minister, the wishes OF
the Emperor are that the Duke de Reich
stadt should know the truth; to conceal
it from him would be impolitic, and |
think even criminal"
After this the Marshal gave the Prince
daily lectures on the military theory of
Napoleon's campaigns, which we're con-
tinued with no interruption for three
months. Together they followed each
step Of that wonderful career, went over
in detail the plan of each battle, marking
here and there possible error, but more
often feeling themselves thrilled through
and through by recognizing repeated
and brilliant strokes Of genius. 1t is
easy to understand the ardor with which
the old Marshal threw himself into this
labor of love, and the deep unfagging
interest shown by the great conquerors
only son; nor is it strange tie Marshal
said that IN the penetrating glances Of
the young Duke he discovered the eyes
and soul of Napoleon. 1t was curious
scene, and one of uncommon interest,
this of the old man teaching the art of
war to the son OF his companion-in-arms;
what were his thoughts and his hopes,
and, above all, what was the effect Of his
burning words on the ardent soul of his
eager pupil?
The Duke had very early in life com
menced his military studies, and his zeal
in their prosecution was so great that he
was constantly checked, lest prejudice
be done to other branches of his educa-
ton. According to the custom Of the
Austrian imperial family, he passed
through every grade of the service,
learning each soldrerly detail BY per-
sonal experience. At length, in 1881,
he was advanced to the rank of lieuten-
ant-colonel, and, taking command of
battalion Of Hugarian infantry in garri- |
son at Vienna, entered with great ardor
upon his new duties. Courteous and
kind, behaving like companion rather
than prince, he soon won over the |
whole troop to personal devotion to him
self, and exhibited those winning quail
ties that had so characterized the great
Emperor, that had made his influence so
magical with all who came in contact
with him, and had ever caused every
private in the ranks to feel himself the
friend and comrade of the Little Corpo-
raj His whole life was now occupied in
military studies; when not occupied in
field maneuvering he was pouring over
volume after volume of instructions in
the art of war.
AT this time he exhibited no signs of
disease, though doubtless the germs of
his fatal malady had already taken root |
Soon they began to develop. but he stu
diously concealed all signs of distress or
suffering and peremptorily rejected all |
medical advice when his weakness was |
at last discovered. His physician says:
> In the spring of 1881 the prince entered |
on his military career. From that time |
he rejected all my advice; was only |
the spectator of an unmeasured zeal and |
unlimited eagerness for his new pursuits. |
From that time he thought he was only |
to listen to the passion which dragged |
on his feeble body through privations
and labors entirely beyond his strength.
He would have thought it disgraceful
and cowardly to complain when under
again the muriatic baths and m;naroI
waters that had hoen 90 nsof,i 70 b;u
the vear before He had NOT t;mo Nc he he
said Several t;ma1 7 found him IN b;s G
barracks overcome with fa,;nna % :" He I;
life was then wasting awax Ho sino,
scarcely fonr bonrs. be atc Lordlv auP' aup
thing. his whole ex;stence was cn1,arcd 2
in r;d;ng and military oyorc;sos " fo'uu H.
fused nj rest and 70 NV questions oI-
wavs answered It am nerfectIv wolI :"
Il is needless 70 saw more. IL daatb
now became only a 9uestion Of verv
short time On The 29d Of Tnlv 1899 bs