New-York tribune., 1880-01-11
N4POLEON'S AMERICAN DREAM.
HOW JOSEPH BONAPARTE FLED AND HIS
RPOIHER STAYED

nom Woodcards "BonGpartes Park" Just Pib,fshed
The following deeply interesting account never
before given 10 the public. of the escape OF King
Joseph from France, and hs voyage 10 America.
was commune Gated to the author by Adolph Mall
lard of San Rafael, Cal, the son OF Louis Mail;
lard the devoted secretary and most c0nhdentla
friend of the eX-klng:
"A few hours before embaking on the French
brr which was to take him to the United States
Joseph sent Maliard to the Emperor, with letter
urging again ms brother to exchange places and
make his escape from France IN Joseph's vessel
But Napoleon replied verbally to the messenger
Tell my brother that | have well considered bis
offer, and that | cannot accept lt. lt would seem
like flying away from danger; besides could not
leave behind me so many brave officers who have
sacrificed everything TOR me. Tell my brother that
hope he will escape the cruisers OF England ana
arrive safely
mediately for America Had Napoleon accepted, he
would probably have reached New-fOrk safely, as
every precautiOn had been taken to avoid deiecIon
The vessel selected was small, communicating
brig, the Commerce. Of 200 tons, loaded with q
cargo of Bordeaux wines for market. She was q
fast saer and was strongly built and was COM
manded by skilful captain MesSeryey, Swede
by birth. Although three times on the high seas
the brig was stopped and searched by Engish frig-
ates which were on the lookout for Napoleon; the
passports aud papers of the passengers on board had
been so carefully prepared under fcntions names
that they were not discovered; The captain of the
brig did not even know who they were until lew
DAYS after Joseph had landed in New-iork.
'1he newspapers having published an account OF
his successful escape and given the name OF the
vessel tllc poor captain COHtdlh
and called at once upon Louis Mailliard who as,
sured him that it true and presented hlm III az
formaity to King Joseph But why did'you not teii
me ~ said he never would have betrayed hul'
Maiiard had to explain to HIM that II WAS thonght
best to conceal the real names and positions OF MS
passengers for fear that he might have shown some
hesitation or less assurance when boarded ny tho
English officers. = | think you were right SAID the
captain; i would have sunk my vessel rather than
let them come on board; you were right! Joseph
was much amused by his demonstration of Bona
partisan and sent him a very handsome present 10
show that he had appreciated his treatment on
board" . ~
Ii is well known that some years prior to the
final abdlcation of Napoleon the contingency OF ms
being forced to abandon France and seek refuge u
America sometimes presented itself TO his mlnd.
The late Esquire Edward Robbins stated TO tne
author that Louis Mailard related to him toae toa
once when tho Emperor was speaking upon ths
subject in presence of joseph and some OF hls
officers. he unroed map of the United States, ana
placing his finger upon spot in New-Jersey, salo'
ia substance" If am ever forced TO iy to America;
shall settle somewhere between Philadelphia anu
New-York where can receive the earliest intolii, !,
Qence from France by ships arriving at either port
This idea probably governed the Count IN bis ioca'
ton.