The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1875-03-04
Napoleon and the erenadier.

The following anecdote of the first Ma
poleon was related by an Englishman,
who was a considerable time in the French
militsry service, and who vouches for its
authenticity
The evening before the battle of Ulm,
when Napoleon the First, in company
with Marshal Berthier, was walking t'scos-
Saito through the camp and listening to
the talk of his soldiers, he saw in group
not far off grenadier of the Guard, who
was roasting some potatoes in the ashes.
81 should like a roast potato above all
things,n said the Emperor TO the Marshal |;
TASK 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 grenadier step
ped forward and said, "They are mine"
"WiII you sell me one 90 inquired Ber-
thier.
IL have only five," said the grenadier,
''and that's hardly enough for my sup
per-"
81 will give you two napoleons if you
will sell me one" continued Berthier.
al don't want your gold," said the
grenadier; 81 shall be killed, perhaps, to-
morrow, and | don't want the enemy to
find me with an empty stomach"
Berthier reported the soldiers answer to
the Emperor, who was standing little in
the background.
"Let's see if l shall be luckier than
you," said the latter, and. going close to
the grenadier, he asked him if he would
sell him potato.
"Not by long shot," answered the
grenade 81 haven't enough for my
self"
''But you may set your own price" :"
said Napoleon. ''Come, l am hungry,
and haven't eaten to-day"
81 tell you | haven't enough for my
self" repeated the grenadier; ''beside all
that, do you think don't know you, in
spite of your disguise ~
a. Who am l, then ?" inquired Napoleon.
"Bah ~ said the grenadier; "Thc Lit
tie Corporal, as they all call you. Am L
right?"
q Well" said Napoleon, "since you
know me, will you sell me potato ?''
NO" said the grenadier; but 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 grenadier.
"Our potatoes ought to be done by this
time: there are the two largest ones; the
rest I'll eat myself"
The Emperor sat down and ate his po-
tatoes, and then returned with Berthier to
his tent, merely remarking:
1.-The rogue is good soldier, I'll
wager"
Two months afterward Napoleon the
Great was in the midst of brilliant court
at the palace of the Tuileries, and was just
sitting down to dine, when word was
brought to him that grenadier was with
out, trying to force the guard at the door,
saying he had been invited by the EN-
peror.
"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 ?"
"Oh! is that you? Yes, yes, l re-
member" said the Emperor and so you
have come to dine with me, have you!
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 cal
with lackeys. Your Majesty told me
should dine with you-that was the bar
gain; and, trusting to your word, | have
come hither."
True, true" said the Emperor; "lay
a cover here near me. Lay aside your
arms, mon ANA, and draw up to the
table,"
Dinner over, the grenadier went at hi
usual pace, took up his carbine, and, turn
ing to the Emperor, presented arms.
: a mere private" said he, Z" ought no
to dine at the table of his Emperor"
"Ah! | understand you," said Napol
con. "Inape you Chevalier of the Legiol
of Honor, and Lieutenant in my compan.
of Guards"
"Thank you, heartily" returned tn
soldier. " Vive rEnpereur!' he shouted
and then withdrew.