The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1880-01-22
NAPOLEON'S AMERICAN DREAM.

The following deeply interesting &C
count, 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
| Maillard, of San Rafael, Cal. the son of
| Louis AIailiiard, the devoted secretary
and most confidential friend of the ex-
King:
ga few hours before embarking on the
French brig which was to take him TO
the United States. Joseph sent Mail
lard to the Emperor, with letter urging
again his 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
L have well considered his offer, and that
[ cannot accept it. 1t would seem like
flying away from danger; besides [ could
not leave behind me SO many brave Off
GERS, who have sacrificed everything for
me. Tell my brother that hope he will
escape the cruisers of England and arrive |
safely"
''Joseph on receiving this last answer
sailed Immediately for America. Fad
Napoleon accepted, he would probably
have reached New York safely, as every
precaution had been taken to avoid de-
lection. The vessel selected was a small |
communicating brig, the Commerce.
OF 200 tons, loaded with cargo of Bor-
Geaux wines for a market. She was !
fast sailer and was strongly built and was
commended by skilful captain Messer-
vey. Swede by birth. Although three
times on the high seas the brig was
stopped and searched by English frig-
ates which were on the lookout for Ma
poleon, the passports and papers of the
passengers on board had been so careful
y prepared under fictitious names that
they were not discovered. 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 an
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 MailIiard WHO
assured him that it was true and present.
ed him IN all formality to King Joseph.
But why did you not tell me?' said he,
1 never would have betrayed him.
Alailliard had to explain to him that it
was thought best to conceal the real
names and positions Of his passengers.
i'ar fear chat he might have shown, COMO
hesitation or less assurance when board
ed by The English officers. 4 think you
were right, said the captain; I would
have sunk my vessel rather than let them
come on board; you We're right! Joseph
was much amused by his demonstration
Of Bonapartism and sent him a very
handsome present to show that he had
appreciated his treatment Oh board
1t is well known that some years prior
to the final abdjcation of Napoleon the
contingency OF his being forced to aban-
don France and seek refuge in America
sometimes presented itself to his mind.
The late Esquire Edward Robbins stated
to the author that Louis Mailliard related
to him that once, when the Emperor was
speaking upon this subject in presence
of Joseph and some Of his officers, he
unrolled a map CT the United States, and
placing his finger upon spot in New
Jersey, said, in substance: ''If I am
ever forced to fly to America, I shall set
tie somewhere between Philadelphia and
New York, where I can receive the earl
lest Intelligence from France by ships
arriving at either port" This idea pro-
baby governed the Count in his location.