Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-11-16
An Old story.

The story of Madame Bonaparte is
doubtless not yet forgotten, and readers
may be interested in an aneedote re-
Gently revived by an old resident of
| Washington, with which that lady is
connected. While her uncle, Samuel
Harrison Smith, was in the Senate, Mad
anne Bonaparte passed a winter in fash
ionable clearinghouse in that city
Among the other boarders were Mr.
Richard Derby, and Frenchman, Count
Crilon. The former gentleman was
chiefly known as being the husband OF a
most beautiful woman, who had so at
tracted the attention Of Napoleon as
to arouse the Jealousy of Josephine, and
cause the Empress to notify her that her
presence at the French Court was no
longer desirable Going to st. Peters
burg, Mrs. Derby again created a sensa-
ton, and was greatly admired by the
Gar. For some reason, after his return
to America, Mr.. Derby had disagree
ment with Count Crilon, and the latter
determined at an assembly one evening
to insult his foe sufficiently to provoke
him into giving a challenge. The
Frenchman tried to accomplish his pur-
pose in various ways, but did not succeed in
his design, although he even went so far
as to tread on the pet corn Of Mr.. Derby
and shake his fist in his face. He then
complained to some gentlemen, Your
Mr.. Derby is one grand coward. ] try
to insult him, and it is not possible.
The gentlemen, by way Of a joke, went
TO the forbearing man and told him 1t
was the purpose Of Count Crilon to in
wade his bedroom that night to assassi-
nate him. Mr.. Derby was thoroughly
alarmed, and, his wife being absent, de-
termined TO protect himself by placing
sentinel outside his door. In this ca
pacity he employed a negro woman,
whom he armed with pair Of tongs,
directing her, on the approach Of the
assassin, TO warn him instantly by
striking the door with the tongs, when
be would rush to the rescue with pistol
with which he had provided himself.
But alas the best laid schemes of
mice and men, as saith the poet, are
apt to be marred, and this one was
entirely ruined by the carelessness Of
the female sentinel. Growing drowsy,
the woman presently nodded, aud as
she thus yielded to the WEAKNESS
of the flesh, bang went the tongs against
the door. Prompt TO defend himself
Mr.. Derby seized his pistol and fred a
ball at the door; but instead Of passing
through the heart Of bis supposed assail-
ant. il went through the opposite door
and entered the room in which Madame
Bonaparie and her young son were
sleeping. Thus suddenly aroused
Madame Bonaparte shrieked aloud, de-
claring the shot TO have been fred ~
her enemies, who were in league with
the French Emperor and designed 20
10 possess themselves Of her boy and
convey him 70 hrs father. The inmates
Of the house were all awakened and
came hastily, clad % Il might be, 10 the
spot, and thither also came Count Crilon /
IN scant attire, and, doubly perplexed in /
the midst Of the excitement, found him
self on the one hand charged with being
an assassin, and on the other with plot
ting e. 2 kdnapper. So ludicrous a
scene ensusd ihai the occurrence was I
humorously related in ycrge BY vii Of
the period. circulated freely through the /
city IN haEdbills. and became very natu I
rally the big joke Of The day.