The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-11-01
FROM NAPOLEON'S CRAVE.
! Weeping Willow In Hollywood Which
Has a History.
HOW IT VAS BROUGHT TO AMERICA.
Monsieur Ia Pont, n Nephew of Mr.. ~ BAR
gsmin, of Richmond, Brought the sprig
Over-A Strange Coincidence.

On the banks Of the little brook that for
years wound its way through Hollywood
there was planted a willow many years ago
that possesses a history. The recent building
OF culvert there has brought the facts to
mind and the following information was
cleaned Yesterday by TINES reporter.
II will be remembered by all who have read
the life Of Napoleon that during the reign Of
Louis Philippe the formers remains were
conveyed from St Helena, their first resting
place. TO Paris.
Among those who acted as escort when the
funeral trip TO the gay capital was made
Of them was Paul Ia POnt the son OF the
weil-remembered la Pont who rendered
such valuable services % Louis Philippe.
The grave OF the ambitious Corslcsn was
visited as soon as the young men reached the
island. and on that occasion the Prince de
.Joinyile remarked 10 Monsieur La ont that
he would consider II q compliment II La fOnt
would accompany him 70 America. This the
young man gladly consented 70 do. saying at
the time that he hal an uncle and aunt IN
Richmond whom he wished very much 10
visit.
THE sPRIG.
Prince de Joinvile next suggested that La
Pont select a sprig Of the weeping willow
that WAS growing over Napoleon's grave and
carry IL to America with him as curiosity.
This La Pont did. and. securing the services
of a botanist. that sprig was encased IN bot
tie, so that it could he planted on arrival
here.
The men left few days after for Paris. and
shortly after that time sailed for America on
the BellepoOl. When Monsieur La Pont
reached New York he inquired for Richmond,
but conld not tell which Richmond was cor
rect bis uncle even failing to put the State IN
his letters.
He half decided. however, TO come to this
city, and was treasured III his intentions by
quite a singular coincidence. While passing
along one of the business streets he happened
10 see shipment of tin being loaded on
truck The tin was addressed 10 Alr. A.
Bsrgamin Richmond. He Immediately in
CURED what State that Richmond WAS IN, and
was tod Nirg MIA. He then exclaimed That
is the Richmond have been looking for. Mr..
BaTgann Is my uncle.
Monsieur La Pont arrived in Richmond in
due time aud the twig was Immediately
given TO his uncle Mr.. a. EargamIn. who, 1t
will be remem bered, was the possessor of
lovely garden in the western part of the city
IN ante-bellum days.
The willow was planted. tenderly cared for
and fourishe1. Mr.. Bsrga min very much APP
preciated the gift. and took great pride in
showing it TO a chosen few OF his visitors.
Keeper O'KeeAe of Hollywood was soon made
the possesser Of two OF the twigs, and they
were planted by the brook in the beautiful
city OF the dead.
TWO OTHERS.
Like their mother twg they fourished and
grew from tiny sprigs To healthy trees Soon
after the war however, one of them was
damaged by an overnow of the stream. and
later in the building Of the culvert the same
"a " 90 Af "a Z
The sister willow is still in a healthy condi-
ton, and will be tenderly cared for by the
keeper Of Hollywood.
Monsieur La Pont is now in Paris chief
engineer to one of the largest railway sys-
tens in France. He is about seventy years
old. Mr.. A. Bargamin, who received the
twig. was the father OF the present Mr.. A.
Bargamin. and began tho business that has
been so ably conducted so many years by his
son.