Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-04-06
A CUNNING SOLDIER.


The following snnecdote of the first Napo-
leon was related by an Englishman, who was
considerable time in the French military
service, aud who VOnches for its authenticity:
The evening before the battle of Ulm, when
Nogoleon the First. in company with Marshal
Berthier, was walking ineogniso through the
camp and listening to the talk Of his soldiers.
he saw In group not far of q grenadier of the
guard, who was roasting some potatoes in the
ashes.
81 should like a roast potato above all
thipgs," said the Emperor to the MarshHlt
task the owner of them il he will sell one."
In obedience to the order, Berthier adj
vauced to the group aud asked to whom the
potatoes belonged. a grenAdier stepped for
ward aud said. ''they are mine"
'WiH yon sell me oheP inquired Ber-
thier.
"Ihave only fve," said the greuadier, sand
that's hardly enough for my supper"
81 will give you two napoeons IL you will
sell me one," continued Berthier.
81 don't want your gold" said the erena>
dieri "lshall be killed, perhaps, tomorrow,
and don't want the enemy TO fiad me with
an empty stomach. j." ~ "a :,
Berthier reported the soldiers answer to
the Emperor, who was standing a little in she
background.
"Lets see If 1 shall be luCkiSr than you"
said the latter. and going up close to the gre,
nader, he asked him if he wOnld cell him
potato.
Mot by long shot," answered the grcua-
der; 81 haven't enough for myself"
"But you may set your own price" said
Napoleon. "Come, I am hungry, and
haven't eaten to>day."
Il toll you 1 haven't enough for myself"
repeated the grenadier; "beside all that, do
you think don't know you in spite OF your
disguisel"
"Bah ]" said tho grenadier. ''The little
corporal, as they all call you. Am rightW
"Well," said Napoleon, "sinee you know
me. will you sell me potato ?"
"No." said the grcnRdier ''but if you
would havo me como aud dine with you whom
We get back to Paris, you may sup with fns
tonight"
"DOue /" said Napolean "Ou the word of q
little oorporul-on the word of an emperor"
"Well Gud good" Baid the grenadier.-
"cur potatoes ought to be done by this time;
there are the two largest one, the rect I'll eRG
myself"
The emperor sat down and ate his potatoes,
aud then returned with Berthier to his tent.
merely remarkiug:
"The rogue is good soldier, Til wager"
Two mooths afterward Napoleon the Great
was in the midst OF brilliant court at the
palace of the Tuileries, and was just sitting
down to dino, when word was brought to him
that 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, aud
said to the emperor:
"Do you remember once having suPped
with tne off my roast potatoes?"
''Oh, is that you? Yes, yes, 1 remember"
said the emperor; ''and 30 you have come 70
dine with me, have you'll Russian, lay another
cover or your table for this bravo fellow"
Agln the grenadier presented arms. and
said
ga grcnadier of the guards does not eat
with lacqueys. Your mgjesty told me / should
dine with you-that was the bargain; and.
trusting to your word. ] have come hithcr."
True, true" said the emperor; "luy
cover here near me. Lay aside your arms.
mon ami and draw up 10 tho table"
Dinner over, the grenadier went at his
usual pace, took up his caTbino, and turning
to the emperor, presented arms.
"a mere private" said he, "ought not 10
dine at tho table of 6is emperor"
"Ah understand You, }" said Napoleon.
81 name you Chevalier of the Legion of
Honor, and lieutenant in my company Of
guards" ....
"Thank you heartily" returned the soldier.
"vive ! Empereur !" he shouted, and then
withdrew.