The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1882-07-28
ORIGIN OF THE SLEEPING CAR.
How Napoleon Rode to Waterloo.
Scientific American.

Scientific american.
Mr.. w. Barnett LIE Van, NJ. E., of Phila-
delphia, says: .....
From all accounts, no doubt, Napoleon l
used, in 1915, the first "sleeplng, dining
room, and parlor car" that ever was built.
This car, or chariot, was taken at Waterloo,
and was presented TO the Prince Regent Of
England, by whom 1t was afterward sold to
Mr.. Bullock for s12,5OO. 1t eventually
found its way to Madame Tussaud's wax
work exhibition, London, where it may still
be seen. This very curious and convenient
chariot of the First Emperor was built by
Symons, of Brussels, for the Russian cam
paign, and is adapted for the various pur-
poses of pantry aud kitchen, for it has
places for holding and preparing refresh
ments, which, by the aid Of lamp, could be
heated In the carriage. 1t served also for a
bedroom, a dressing-room, all Office, etc.
The seat is divided into two by Partition
about six inches high. The exterior Of this
ingenious vehicle is in the form and dimen-
sions of our large coaches, except that 1t has
projection in front of about two feet, the
right. hand half of which is open to the in
side to receive the feet, thus forming bed,
while the left-band half contained store of
various useful things.
Beyond the projection in front, and nearer
to the horses, was the seat for the coachman,
| ingeniously contrived so as to prevent the
driver from viewing the interior Of the car
riage, and yet 50 placed as to afford these
within a clear sight of The horses and Of the
surrounding country. Beneath this seat is
receptacle for box, about two and half
feet IN length and four inches deep, contain
ing bedstead Of polished steel, which could
be fitted up in couple of minutes. Over
the front windows Is q roller blind Of strong
painted canvas, which, when pulled out, ex-
cluded rain, while 1t admitted air. (This
might be- an advantageous appendage to our
present car windows as well as carriages.
On the ceiling Of the carriage is network
for holding small travelling requisites. In
recess there was secretaire, ten by eighteen
inches, mhich contained nearly hundred ar
ticles presented to Napoleon l by Marie
Louise, under whose care 1t was fitted up
with every luxury and convenience that
could be imagined. II contained, beside the
usual requisites for dressing box, most oi
which were of solid gold, a magnificent
breakfast service, with plates, candlestcks
knives, forks, spoons, spirit lamp for max
ing breakfast in the carriage, gold case fol
Napoleons gold wash hand basin, number
of essence bottles, perfumes, and an almos,
infinite variety of minute articles, down to
pins, needles, thread, and silk. Each Of
these articles were fitted into recesses inos'
ingeniously contrived aud made in the solit
wood, in which they were packed close to
gether, and many within the other in sucl
q narrow space that, on seeing them ar
ranged, it appeared impossible for them evel
to be put into so small compass. AT th'
bottom of his toilet box, in divided recesses
were 1000 gold Napoleons s7,7OO); on thu
top of 1t were writing materials, looking
glass, combs, etc., liquor case which hat
two bottles, one Of Malaga wine, the othe
! Of rum; silver sandwich box, containing
plate, knives, spoons, pepper and salt boxes
mustard pot, decanter, glasses, etc.; ward
, robe, writing-desk, maps, telescopes, arms
ETC.; large silver chronometer, by whicl
/ the watches Of the army we're regul ated
: two merine mattresses, green velvet trav
cling cap, also diamond head dress (tiara)
| hat swn,d npifprm and An imDarial man
tie, etc.