The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1870-10-21


civil and military dignitaries.
Such was tho birth of the King of
Rome. -Four years later, in 1915, all
was changed; Napoleon the peer of AL
exander and Hannibal, of Caesar, and
of Charlemagne, was pining ont his
life, prisoner on lone island in mid.
ocean his son was Duke de Reichstadt
and domesticated in the family of his
maternal grandfather, the Emperor of
Austria. Alas for the vanity of earth
ly expectations.
Between the Emperor and his little
grandson touching intimacy was soon
formed; they were inseparable, and a
playhouse, suitable to a child, was
erected in the private apartments Of the
Emperor. The child found his way,
and was made welcome even in the
Cabinet, where the monarch held audi
ence for the hunblest OF his subjects,
carefully examining or listening to
their petitions. Here the young Duke
would sit for long hours at the feet of
the Sovereign, who found relief amid
his labors in the cheerful talk of the
bright and patient boy.
He was not an extraordinary child,
but, living as he did so constantly
among persons older than himself, he
can be said to have no childhood. When
he grew older he exhibited great in
quisitiveness regarding his past life,and
his fathers wonderful history. His
questions often embarrassed his govern
or and teacher, but on an appeal to the
Emperor, he commanded; Truth is
to be the basis of the Princes education
and and you are to answer freely all his
questions"
When he attained proper age the
Prince de Metternich was charged by
the Emperor to give him an exact and
complete narrative of his fathers his
tory after which he became very re-
served upon the subject, and never ex-
pressed any regret as to his former sit
uation. He was ten years of age when
the death Of his father was communi-
Gated to him; he wept bitterly, and his
grief lasted several days.
He early in life comprehended his pc.
culiar position, and fully appreciated his
high rank and diguity. On one occu-
sion the Persian monarch sent special
envoy to Vienna: it was the celebrated
Aubul HasSan, man of great vivacity
and unbounded assurance. He one day
met the Duke de Reichstadt at the stu.
dio of the painter Lawren g, and hav.
ing been presented to him, began at
once conversation in English with
Count Dietrichstein, the Princes gov.
ernor. Struck by his strange and noisy
behavior, the young duke, then eight
years OF age, gravely said: "That is a
lively Persian; my presence does not
seem to impose the least restraint on
him."
He grew up to be very handsome in
person and carriage, and was remarka-
bic Tor his skill in hOrSemanship and
the use of arms. His education was
general, but his whole soul was en-
crossed in deep, unwearied study of
military tactics. In 1870 Marshal Mar
mont VISITED Vienna; the Prince de-
sired 10 see him, and meeting was ar
ranged at ball given by the English
ambassador. Curiosity was excited; all
wished to witness the meeting between
the son Of Napoleon and one of the old.
est and most distinguished of his Gen
erals. The Prince stood apart, and
Count Deitrichstein, approaching with
the old warrior, presented him. "Mar-
shal," exclaimed the Duke, ~ cannot
tell you what pleasure it gives me to
see one of the most illustrious soldiers
who fought under my fathers orders
you particularly who were his aid-de-
camp in his first campaigns. you were
with him in Italy; you followed him
to Egypt and Germany. / have studied
his history with deep attention, and
have many questions to ask you con-
cerning facts about which | wish TO
be enlightened" The Marshal was
much moved, and professed to be at the
orders of the Prince; but taking ad
/ vantage of Il movement in the room,
he left the Duke for an instant and
Joining the Prince de Metternich "a sked
him what was to be done, saying that
before he went on with the conversation
he wished to he sure that he complied
with the wishes Of the Emperor. "Mar-
shal," said the Prime Minister, "The
wishes of the Emperor are that the
Duke de Rcichstadt should know the
truth. to conceal it from him would be
impOliic, and think even criminal !"
After this the Marshal gave the prince
daily lectures on the military theory of
NapoleOn's campaigns, which were con.
tinucd with no interruption for three
months. Together they followed each
step Of that wonderful career, went over
in detail the plan of each battle, mark
ing here and there possible error, but
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 la.
bOr of love, and the deep unflagging
interest shown by the conqueror's only
son; nor is it strange the marshal said
| tH'l III the penetrating SIductS OI tne
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 eff.
feet 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 the other branches
of his education. According to the Gus
tom of the Austrian imperial family,