Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1882-08-31
THE "FIRST. GRENADIER o
FRANCE"

How many of the young peple have
ever heard the story of that simple
hearted, brave soldier of Napoleon's
Empire. SO long known as the First
Grenadier of France?"
Born in the provinces, La Tour d Au-
vergne received a thorough military
schooling, and entered the army when
quite young. Throughout career of
fidelity and distinction, yet always re-
stantly offered him, preferring, as he
said, the familiar duties of the Grena-
der to even the glories of a Marshal.
spected. He held always the rank of
Captain. though eventually his COM
mand equaled in numbers almost ten
regiments.
After his death, which occurred in ac-
ton, there was instituted in the regi-
ment with which he had been connected,
and by the express directions of Bona
parte himself, a most touching tribute
to his faithful service. His name lsad
never been stricken from the roll, AID
at its call. upon the daily parade, the
oldest veteran present would step for
ward, and saluting. answer: "Died on
the field of battle"
The details of his history show that
his life was well worthy the honors thus
paid to his memory, and many Incl
dents are told of him which illustrate
his unselfish devotion to the profession
he loved so wen. .
Upon one occasion, being on furlough,
he paid a visit to an old friend in a sec
ton of the country as yet remote from
actual war. While there. he learned
that detachment of several hundred
Austrians, having in view the preven-
ton of a certain important movement
of the French, was on the march to
spot where this purpose could be easily
accomplished To reach this they must
pass through narrow defile, guarded
by an old stone tower, which was garri-
soned by perhaps half company of
French soldiers. To warn these of
their danger in time to prepare for de-
tense was the aim of our hero, and put
ting up slender store of provisions, he
started off.
To his dismay he found on arriving at
the tower that his comrades had been
only too well warned already, and had
fled, even leaving their muskets and
goodly supply Of ammunition behind
them. He knew that if the Austrians
could be held in check long enough to
allow the completion of the French ma
n9uver, by that time tower and pass
would be of little use to either side.
He determined, single-handed, to make
the fight against regiment. There
were many conditions which favored
the successful carrying out of this brave
resolve. The tower could be approached
only through a narrow ravine, in which
but two or three men could walk abreast,
and as he was abundantly supplied with
arms, the Grenadier did not despair of
at least partial success. He barricaded
the doors. carefully loaded all the mus
kets, which he placed in convenient
positions for instant handling, made
good meal off the food he had brought
with him, and then sat down to await
the enemy. He was unmolested until
near dawn, when unusual sounds with
out announced the Austrians' approach.
They halted at the mouth of the defile,
and almost Immediately an officer, bear
ing flag of truce, appeared. with a de-
mand for surrender.
D'Auvergne answered the cali, reply
ing that 1.-THE garrison would defend
itself to the last and the messenger,
little suspecting that the entire garrison
was comprised in the person of the sim
gle soldier who stood before him, re-
tired. A small cannon was shortly aft
er brought to bear upon the tower; but
our Grenadier made such good use of
his weapons that half a dozen of the
Austrians lay wounded upon the ground
before they could fire q single shot. 1
Finding this mode of attack intellectual.
an assault was ordered; but, as the head
of the column came within range Of the
tower, SO deadly fire was poured upon
it that it was ordered back amid great
confusion
Two further attacks were made, with
like results, and when night fell the sol
itary Grenadier was still IN possession of
his stronghold. and unhurt, while near