St. Landry democrat., 1882-09-02
THE BRAVE GRENADIER.

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 thorough military
schooling, and entered the army when
quite young. Throughout a career of
nearly two score years he served with
fidelity and distinction, yet always re-
fused the promotion which was con-
stantly offered him, preferring, as he
said, the familiar duties of the Grena-
der to even the glories of a Marshal.
His wishes were, in a measure, re-
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 had
never been stricken from the roll, and
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 well.
Upon one OCCASION being on furlough,
he paid visit to an old friend in 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 a
spot where this purpose could be easily
accomplished. To reach this they must
pass through narrow detile, guarded
by an old stone tower, which was garri-
soned by perhaps half a 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 a
goodly supply of ammunition behind
them He knew that if the Austrlans
could be held in check long enough to
allow the completion of the French ma
neuver by that time tower and pass
would be of little use to either SIDE.
He determined, single-handed, to make
the fight against a regiment. There
were many conditions which favored
the successful carrying out Of this brave
resolve. The tower could be approached
only through narrow ravine, in which
but two orthree men could walk abreast
and as he was abundantly supplied Will
arms, the Grenadier did not despair o
at least partial success. He harrlcadet
the doors, carefully loaded all the mus
kets, which he placed IN conVenleh
positions for instant handling. made
good meal off the food he had brouSh
with him, and then sat down to avail
the enemy. He was unmolestea unii
near dawn, when unusual SOUNDS WIN
out announced the Austrlans' approach
They halted at the mouth OF the dehle
and almost Immediately an officer, bear
inc a flag of truce, appeared with de
mand for surrender.
D'Auvergne answered the cali, reply
inc that 1.-the garrison would defen
itself to the last and the messenger
little suspecting that the entire garrso
was comprised in the person of the sir
ole soldier who stood before him, Il
tired. A small cannon was shortly al
er brought to bear upon the tower; bt
our Grenadier made such good use