Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-10-30
The First Grenadier of France.

La Tour d'Auvergne was educated for
the army, which he entered in 1857.
tie served with distinction, but refused
offers of promotion, saying that he was
only fit for the command of a. comnanv
OF grenadiers. While on visit to
friend, about the year 100, he learned
that regiment of Austrians was push
Ing on to occupy narrow pass, the
possession of which would be great
Embarrassment to the French. This
pass was defended by strong tower
and garrison of thirty men.
DAuvergne Immediately SGT off to
warn the garrison of its danger. On ar
irving there he found that the men had
taken alarm and fed, leaving in their
haste part of their guns and ammuni-
ton behind.
For moment the grenadier was in
despair; then he resolved to attempt
the defense of the pass alone. He made
his preparations, loaded the guns, and
watched for the enemy. The pass was
steep and narrow, and the Austrians
ing which they would be fully exposed
to the fire from the tower.
1t was midnight when d'Auvergne
heard the tramp of feet entering the
defile. He Immediately discharged two
muskets in the darkness, as a warning
that the garrison was prepared to re-
sist.
The Austrian commander, finding
that his plan of surprise had failed,
postponed his attack, and at sunrise
called on the garrison to surrender.
"Say to your commander" the brave
grenadler replied, "that the garri on
will defend this pass to the last extrem-
ity."
The officer with his flag of truce car
ried back this message; and shortly af-
terWard, a piece Of artillery was
brought into the pass. The grenadier
opened such destructive fire upon the
gunners that it was soon abandoned
with the loss of five men.
The Austrian colonel ordered an as
sault. AS the troops entered the defle,
they were received with SO accurate
and rapid fire, that by the time they
had passed over half the distance thew
had lost fifteen men. They returned to
assaults were repulsed in like manner.
At sunset the Austrians sent second
sum mons to surrender.
A favorable answer was this time re-
turned. The garrison would surrender
on the next morning, if allowed 10
march out with their arms, and return
to the army unmolested. After some
hesitation the terms were accepted.
D'Auvergne had accomplished his
object. The twenty-four hours which
he had gained had relieved the French
OF all embarrassment and the CARRYING
of the pass was now of little moment to
the enemy.
The next day at e1nrise the Austrian
troops lined the pass in two files, and
through them the garrison was to pass.
The heavy door OF the tower opened,
and brOnzed grenadier loaded down
with muskets, came out and walked
down past the troops. In establishment
the Austrian colonel rode up to him,
and asked why the garrison did not fol-
low.
81 am the garrison, Colonel" the SOL
der proudly answered.
"What % exclaimed the Colo, ell, edo
you mean that you alone have held the
tower against mc?"
81 have the honor, Colonel" was the
reply, 1.-The honor of France was at
stake"
The Colonel gazed at him moment
with admiration; then said warmly,
"Grenadier, / salute you! | can au-
mire bravery If it is in an enemy"
When the circumstance came to the
knowledge of Napoleon he offered to
promote the brave Frenchman; but
d Auvergne said no. The various gren-
adler companies were aIterward united.
and he found himself in command of
5000 men, while retaining only the
rank OF captain. Hence he was known
as 1.-The First Grenadier OF France"