The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1897-05-14
THE WAY OF THE FRENCH.
Emperor Napoleon Gave Decoration for
Two Roasted Potatoes.

An interesting anecdote of the first
Napoleon is given by contemporary
in letter from correspondent who
was for a considerable time in the
French military service, and who
vouches for its authenticity. The
evening before the battle of Ulm,
when Napoleon, in company with
Marshal Berthier, was walking in
cognito through the camp and listen
ing to the talk of the soldiers, he saw
in group not far off a grenadier of
the guard who was roasting some po-
totoes.
II should like a roast potato above
all things" said the emperor to the
marshal; task the owner of them If he
will sell one"
In obedience to the order Berthicr
advanced to the group and asked to
whom the potatoes belonged. A
grenadier stepped forward and said, -
''They are mine"
"Will you sell me one?"
81 have only five, and that's hardly
enough for my supper"
II will give you two napoeons if
you will sell me one"
i don't want your gold; shall be
killed tomorrow. perhaps and l don't
want the enemy to find me with an
empty stomach"
Berthier reported the soldiers an
swer to Napoleon, who was standing
little in the background.
LETS see if shall be luckier than
you," said the latter and going close
to the grenader he asked him if he
would sell him potato.
mot by a long shot," said the
latter; 81 haven't enough for my
self"
"But you may set your own price.
Come, I'm hungry, and haven't eaten
to-day"
II tell you I haven't enough for
myself. Besides all that, do you
think l don't know you in spite OF
your disguise?"
"Who am /, them"
"Bah-the little corporal, as they
call you Am | right?"
"Well, since you know me, will you
sell me potato?"
mo, but if you will have me come
and dine with you when you get back
to Paris, you may sup with me TO-
night"
"Done!" said Napoleon. ''on the
word of little corporal, on the
word of an emperor.
"Well, and good. Our potatoes
must be done 10y this time: there are
the two largest ones-the rest I'll
eat myself.
The emperor sat down and ate his
potatoes, and then returned with
Berthier to his tent, remarking,
1.-The rogue is a coed soldier, I'll
wager"
Two months afterwad Napoleon
the Great was in the midst of a bril-
liant court in the palace of the Tuil-
cries, and was just sitting down to
dine when word was brought him
that a grenadier was without trying
to force the guard at the door, say
ing that he had been invited by the
emperor.
Let him in," said his majesty.
The soldier entered, presented
arms, and said to the emperor
"Do you remember once having
supped with me off my roasted pota-
tOeS?"
ooh, is that you? Yes, / remem-
ber," said the emperor. "And so you
have come to dine with me, have YOU
Russian, lay another cover on your
table for this brave fellow"
Again the grenadier presented arms
and said proudly
"a grenadier of the guard does not
eat with lackeys Your majesty told
me l should dine with you-that was
the bargain, and trusting to your
word / have come hither."
True" said the emperor; ''place
cover near me. Lay aside your arms,
mon ami, and draw up to the table. "
Dinner over, the grenadier stood
up, took up his carbne, ana, turning
to the emperor presented arms and
said,-
"a mere private ought not to dine
1T the table of his emperor
"Ah, L understand you," said Ma
pOleon. II name you chevalier of |
jhe Legion of Honor and lieutenant !
Of my company of guards"
Il thank you heartily! Wye lEm-
)ereur!" answered the soldier and
Omitted Duty.