The herald. (Smyrna, Del.) 1870-1871, 1870-09-17
sketch of the Empress Eusenie.

The Empress Eugenie, now so promi-
nent in the European world, was bor1
Countess Theba de Montjo, and is di
rect descendent of an Iriskman by the
name of Kirkpatrick, merchant of
wines and fruits at Malaga. kirkpatrick
had four daughters, of whom the young
est was distinguished already at an ear
ly age, not only by her great beauty, but
by her extraordinary talants and accom-
plishments. Accident made her ac-
quinted with former Spanish officer of
artillery, the Count de Montijo. He was
poor, but belonged to the oldest aristoc-
racy Of Spain, and Miss kirkpatrick re-
moved to Madrid and entered the high
est social circles a. Countess de Mon ljo.
Eugene, the present Empress of the
French, is one of her daughters. The
Countess Theba de Montijo, Eugenies
mother, by degrees became one of the
leaders of fashion in Madrid, and at her
entertainments were to be met the lead
ing men of the times-diplomats, anth-
ors, artists, politicians, all wei constant
ly TO be seen at her brilliant soirees, for
the Countess was not only beautiful,
but also a most talanted, witty, and ac-
complished lady. She had great infiu-
ence court, and her two daughters,
beautiful and accomplished like herself,
were early in life appointed ladies OF
honor to Isabella H., Queen of SPAIN
The elder daughter was married TO the
Duke Of Alba, nobleman of high de-
gree, and one of the oldest and proudest
names of the s. panish aristocracy.
It is said that he hesitated long upon
whom he should confer his hand, titles.
and great wealth, and it seems that
while he loved the oldest sister best and
finally married her, he was most beloved
by the younger, Eugenie, the present
Empress. On the evening on which the
betrothal was made public by her moth
er to brillient company Of guests as
sembled, she retired suddenly to her
own apartments, and, after search had
been instituted for her, she was found
senseless on her bed with an empty fla-
gon alongside of her. Medical assistance
%as At qnfe p sSn SnmeFrffdeba eF FIFE b tbsfF5 v @
day, in consequence of it, sho is subject
to nervous attacks, and often suecumbs
to kind of nervous depression which
gives her sad and listless look, al
though it only makes her great beauty
the more attractive and interesting. She
always had numberless admirers, and
many offers of marriage, amongst them
not only one Spanish and French noble
men of the highest degrees, but also
royal prince of the house of Orleans, but
she declined them all.
On n visit to Paris, in 1919, IN compa
ly of her mother, she participated IN a
hunt on horseback. At Compiegne,
where Napoleon first saw her, she at
traeted his attention at once by her glo-
rious beauty, royal bearing, and the ac"
complished and bold style of riding her
horse-a full-blooded Andalusian. Ma
poleon was captivated. 1t is well known
how admirably this highly gifted and
beautiful woman has filled thus far the
duties of her high position. Any one
who has seen Winterhalter's celebrated
picture of Eugenie and her Court will,
without hesitation, award her the prize
for beauty, although every one of her
companions is fairy in looks and form
Her lifo as a wifo and mother has been
singularly free from reproach, and moi
} the slightest stain could be cast on hel
reputation. She has stood by the side o
Napoleon not only as good wife, but az
} reliable friend, has been good moth
, er to his son, and her many great anc
good qualities VIII ever be undoubtedly
universally appreciated.