The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-01-21
NApoLEoN.s AMERICAN DREAM.
How Joseph Bonaparte Fled and His
Brother Stayed.

How Joseph Bonaparte Fled and His
Brother Stayed.
lWOodwsrd's "Bonaparte's Park" Just Published. |
The following deeply interesting account,
never before given TO the public, of the escape
of King Joseph from France, and his voyage
to America, was communicated to the author
by Adolph Maitland. of San Rafael, CAL,
the son of Louis Maitland, the devoted Sec
rotary and most confidential friend of the ex-
king:
"a few hours before embarking on the
French brig which was TO take him to the
United States, Joseph sent Maitland TO the
emperor, with letter urging again his
brother TO exchange places and make his es-
cape from France in Joseph's vessel But
Napoleon replied verbally to the messenger:
Tell my brother that have well considered
his offer, and that can not accept it. 1t
would seem like flying away from danger;
besides could not leave behind me so MANY
brave officers, who have sacrificed everything
for me. Tell my brother that 1 hope he will
escape the cruisers of England and arrive
safely
Joseph on receiving this last answer
sailed Immediately for America. Had Ma
poleon accepted, he would probably have
reached New York safely, AS every precau-
ton had been taken to avoid detection. The
vessel selected was small communicating
brig, the Commerce. of 200 tons, loaded
with cargo Of Bordeaux wines for market
She was fast ssiler and was strongly built
and was commanded by skillful captain
Messervey, Swede by birth Although
three times on the high seas the brig was
stopped and searched Dy English frigates
which were on the lookout for Napoleon, the
passports and papers of the passengers on
board had been so carefully prepared under
fictitious names that they were not discover
ed. The captain of the brig did not even
know who they were until few DAYS after
Joseph had landed IN New York.
The newspapers having published and
account of his successful escape, and given
the name of the vessel, the poor captain
could hardly contain himself and called at
once upon Louis Maitland who assured
him that 1t was true, and presented him in
all formality to King Joseph. But WHY
did You not tell me?' said he, Il never would
have betrayed him. Maillard had to ex-
plain to him that it was thought best To con-
ceal the real names and positions Of his
passengers for fear that he might have shown
some hesitation or less assurance when board
ed by the English officers. i think YOU
were right said the captain; Il would have
sunk my vessel rather than let them come on
board; you We're rightp Joseph was much
amused by his demonstration of Bonapartism
and sent him very handsome present to
show that he had appreciated his treatment
on board"
1t is well known that some years prior to
the final abdication of Napoleon the contin-
gency Of his being forced TO abandon France
and seek refuge in America sometimes pre-
scented itself in his mind. The late Esquire
Edward Robbins stated to the author that
Louis Maillisrd related TO him that once,
when the emperor was speaking upon this
subject in presence of Joseph and some of
his officers, he unrolled map of the United
States, and placing his finger upon spot in
New Jersy, said, in substance: "If am ever
forced to fly to America, / shall settle some
where between Philadelphia and New York,
where can receive the earliest intelligence
from France by ships arriving at either
port" This idea probably governed the
count in his location.