Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1873-02-15
THE LITTLE DRUMMER. =.

1t was in Prussia, about the be-
! ginning of February, 1907, and the
season was extremely rigorous.
Napoleon at this time was awaiting
| (Which in fact took place upon the
| Sth of the mOnth) on the part of the
! Russian army, which had been as
semUled on an extensive plateau
near the VILLAGE of Preusch-Eylan.
/ On the night preceding the 9TH or
| February, just before the break of
| day, Napoleon awokc the aid-dc-
| camp on duty, who was sleeping on
| a bundle OF straw thrown across
\ the threshold OF the hut which
served him for shelter, and lightly
shaking his arm, said:
Come, come, Savary-eyerybO body
is stirring. We must be of on our
rouudsn -
The aid-de-camp sprung up, and
! by Napoleon's direction went 10 mo-
tify the officers OF the major-statf to
prepare their usual escort, while the
! Emperor sailed from the hut to
take a look at the morning.
The weather was still colder than
on the night before, but the moon
light was magnificent, and in its
beams Napoleon perceived grena-
dier on duty, a veritable old gro
| guard, who knew well that no mill
tary honors were due to any one be-
tween the hours of tattoo and morn
ing drum, was taking his ease at a
few PAGES distance, his musket be-
tween his knees, and in his hand a
stemless pipe which he was leisure
ly engaged in filling, preparatory to
matinal smoke.
what sayest thou?' demanded
Napoleon, ''dost thou believe it will
be cold to-day?"
"My Emperor, ii is sure and Cer-
tain that yesterday at this hour was
a little warmer returned the gren-
adler, with Il grim smile in alluding
by these words, TO murderOus en-
gagement that had taken place on
the previous night, between the
corps of Marshal Davoust and a
Russian division.
Bah. BAH" replied Napoleon
smiling in return, what an idea
; thou hast.'
lit Is rather yourself, my empe-
ror. who have had such a famous
, idea in coaxing the poor Russians
into the frozen hole out yonder, be.
low us, in order to warm them by
and-by with bath of g-r-r-r-r- and
, cannOn-shots.'
Thou believest, then, thatit vii
be finish for them"
"NIv emperor, | believe that sucl
flushing strike will give them ;
lesson in French pOlitenCss in thu
greatest perfection"
"Surer' said Savary, who haC
ioined Napoleon, during this colo
d Juv. although jestingly, this sol
dicr speaks the truth. Never wa
voHr majesty more happily inspired
never did your brave army eXhibi
greater ardor, or more confidence o
b. success"
Non cher they have demande,
e war" returned Napoleon, cOntinu
y inc his walk, with his hands claspe
behind him. Il have pressed theI
close. but the end must como I
brave men, and above all we mus
endeayor to spare the blood of on
!, own soldiers. Is it not so!' he ado
ed, addressing the grenadiCr.
NV emperor! that is not 10 b
= doubted - responded the soldier, {
.e. the same instant presenting arm
with great alacrity, for the sun ha
lust cast its first rays above the hol
lion. But to speak 4 privat
word" continued the old grognart
S lit is difficult TO make an OmeIC
- without breaking your eggs"
At this rejOinder, Napoleon, VIII
, had already put foot in the stirru
,, to mount his horse, smiled, but Wit
bitter expression; then slightly wa'
ing his hand to the old grenade
" who remained motiOnless as q sta
" ute, he sat out at galop to inspe,