The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1881-03-17
"REMINISCENCES OF NAPOL-
EON AT ST. HELENA.

but so far from this, it is related Of
him that on one occasion, because
Napoleon had not been seen for
thirty-six hours by any English
officer, he ordered his aid in the
middle of the night to ride over to
Longwood, a distance of nearly five
miles, and ascertain if he were
there. When the aid returned,
reporting to Sir Hudson Lowe that
he had been unable to see Napol-
con, he was Immediately ordered
to return to Longwood, with or
ders to- remain there until he had
seen him. The poor aid informed
Count Bertrand of the nature of his
instructions, who posted him be-
hind tree fronting the window of
the chamber in which Napoleon
happened to be, and after remain
ing there several hours he caught a
glimpse of him through the window
much to the relief of the aid and
| delight Of Sir Hudson Lowe.
Ialso heard another story equally
| as ridiculous Of this Governor. 1t
appears that during his time there
twas a number of Chinese coolies
employed as gardeners, and he
noticed among them one who re-
sembled Napoleon SO much that he
actually had him sent off the island,
thinking that he might be used to
facilitate the escape of his captive,
Mr.. Carol now in his seventy
sixth year, who was born on the
island, and had at one period occu-
pied the position of United States
Consul, informed me that Napoleon
was much averse to the visits of
strangers when prompted by curl
osity, but when impelled by other
motives, an interview was rarely
refused, unless prevented by indis-
position. He had to a great degree
the happy faculty Of making a good
impression upon all who called to
see him, his manners being of the
most charming character. Mr..
Carol, who had frequently seen
Napoleon, described him as being
rather short, with well-proportion-
ed head and fnely-cut features; his
eyes were gray and of the most
expressive character, his hands and
feet small and delicately formed, of
which he seemed to be rather vain;
in fact, he always paid great atten-
ton to his PERSONAL appearance.
| Among the other anecdotes re.
lated by Mr.. Carol of Napoleon,
he mentioned that Sir George Cock
burn, who was then in favor with
him, brought two ladies to Long
wood to introduce to him, and so
certain was he Of having this honor
granted that he had omitted send
ing word to Count Bertrand, which
had always been customary. On
the arrival of the company they
were informed by Count Bertrand
that Napoleon was not well enough
to see visitors, which was great
disappointment, not only to Sir
George, but to the ladies. Ber-
trand, however, managed to draw
Sir George out Of the house and
enraged him in conversation, when
| Napoleon entered the room where
the ladies were, to whom he intro
duced himself, and by his winning
manners and charming eonversa-
ton soon gained their esteem and
admiration. He also had refresh
ments brought in, of which they
partook. Napoleon then retired,
and shortly afterward Sir George
rejoined his party, and had not
been aware that they had thus been
honored during his absence, until
one of the ladies happened TO men
ton that Napoleon had Gated them
in the most courteous manner,
which annoyed Sir George no little.
The object of Napoleon in resort
ing to this sacrifice was to show
that, Notwithstanding he was cap
tive, he was just as exacting in
points of etiquette as when he was
Emperor of France.
To children he was always par
tial, speaking pleasantly to them,
and frequently he would take a sol
der by the ear in playful man
ner, addressing him kindly. Mr..
Carol also relates that on one oc-
casion Napoleon with his suite gall
Hoped through the British camp on
Deadwood, when the soldiers in
voluntarily, and without orders, fell
in the ranks and saluted him.
These traits of character | take
pleasure in mentioning, as they
give one better insight into his