River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1875-05-28
The Price of Two Potatoes.

The Price of Two Potatoes.
The following aaecdote Of the first Ma
poleon was related by an Engiishman
who was q considerable time in the
French military service, and who youch
es for its authenticity:
The evening before the battle of Ulm
when Napoleon the First, in company
with Marshal Berthier, was walking in.
cognito through the camp, and listening
to the talk Of his soldiers, he saw in a
group not far off grenadier Of the guard
who was roasting some potatoes in the
ashes.
Il should like roast potato above all
things" said the emperor to the mar.
shall; "ask the owner Of them If he will
sell one.'
In obedience to the order, Berthier ad'
vanced to the group and asked TO whom
the potatoes belonged. A grenadieT
stepped forward and said, They arc
mine."
"Will you sell me one ?" inquired Ber'
thier.
"I've only fve.' said the grenadier,
"and that is hardly enough for my sup
per"
81 will give you two napoleons If you
will sell me one" continued Berthier.
81 don't want your gold" said the
grenadier; 81 shall DC killed, perhaps, TO.
morrow, and don't want the enemy TO
lind me with an empty stomach"
Bcrrhier reported the soldiers answer
to the emperor, who was standing little
in the background.
"Let me see if shall be luekier than
you, said The latter, and, going up close
to the grtnadier. be asked him If he
would sell him potato.
mot by long shot, answered the
grenadier; Il haven't enough for myself. "
"But you may set your own price"
said Napoleon. "Come, / am hungry,
and | haven't eaten to-day"
81 tell you haven't enough for my.
sell" replied the grenadier; 'besides all
that, do you think don't know you in
spite of your DISCUSSES Z"
"Who am 7, then :" inquired Napol-
con.
bah" said the grenadier; "The little
corporal, as they all cali you. Am /
right 7"
"Wel," said Napoleon, "since you
know me. viii you sell me potato ?"
"No," said the grenadier shut if you
would have me come and dine with you
when we get back to Paris, you may sup
with me tonight"
"Done!" said Napoleon; ION the word
Of Little Corporal-on the word Of an
emperor"
"Well and good" said the Crensdier,
''0urs are the two largest ones; the rest
I'll eat myself"
The emperor sat down and ate his po-
tatoes, aud then returned with Berthier
to his tent, merely remarking,
"Tne rogue is a good soldier, I'll wa
GER
Two months afterward, Napoleon the
Great was in the midst Of brilliant court
at the palace Of the Tuilleries, and was
just sitting down to dine, when word was
brought TO him that a grenadier was
without, trying to force the guard at the
door, saying that he had been invited by
the emperor.
'Let him come in, said his majesty.
The soldier entered, presented arms,
and said to the emperor:
DO you remember once having supped
with me Off my roast potatoes /"
"0h is that youl Yes | remember"
said the emperor; "and so you have come
to dine with me, have youl Russian, lay
another cover on your table for this brave
fellow"
Again the grenadier presented arms and
said:
"A grenadier Of the guards does not
eat with lackeys. Your majesty told me
should dine with you-that was the
bargain and trusting to your word, |
have coma hither."
"True, true" said the emperor, clay a
cover here near me. Lay aside your
arms, mon ami and draw up TO the
table"
Dinner over, the grenadier went at his
usual pace, took up his carbine, and turn.
ing 10 the emperor presented arms.
"A mere private" said he, sought not
TO dine at the table Of the emperor"
"Ahl understand you," said Ma.
poleon. 81 name you Chevalier OF the
Legion Of Honor, and Lieutenant in my
company Of guards"
"rhank you, heartily" returned the
soldier, "T'vs & Emperor - he shouted,
and then withdrew.