The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-07-15


We are indebted to Messrs. A.. c. McClwg
4 Co.. for q translation by MARY BERzNIcE
PATTERSON OF a volume published at Paris
In 1928, and entitled Historical Memoirs OF the
Emperor Alexander I. and the Couyt OF Russio
by the Countess OF CHoIsEUI-GoUFrTER. The
present version Includes the first three chap
tiers which were omitted from the second French
edition issued in 1852, probably because the
information they contain was not first hand.
The authors personal "reminiscences begin
with Chapter ~. and throw considerable light
upon the character Of the Gear Alexander I.
and upon the state OF things in Poland during
Napoleon's invasion OF the Russian Empire
In 1912. The author Of these "reminiscences
was born at wilma In Russian Poland In the
closing decade Of the eighteenth century. Her
father The Count Of Tisenhaus. had been kindly
treated by Alexander l.. but shared the hope
entertained by many Of his countrymen that
the French Emperor would restore indepen-
dence to Poland. He was one Of the delegation
Of Polish mobiles that waited on Napoleon toward
the close OF June. 1912. and he subsequently
owed his life and the preservation Of his property
to the Czar's friendship for his daughter.
When the author Of these memoirs first saw
Alexander l.. she was a young woman. staying at
a country house near wilma. which was the Rus
sian headquarters during the spring Of 1912. We
are told that at this time the Emperor Alexander
was IS years old. but looked much younger.
nis outward aspect and his demeanor are thus
described. Notwithstanding the regularity
and dellcacy Of his features. the brightness
and freshness Of his complexion, his beauty
was less striking. at first sight. than that air
OF benevolence and kindness which captivated
all hearts and instantly inspired confidence.
His tall. noble and majestic form. which often
stopped a little with grace. like the pose Of an
antique statue. already threatened 70 become
stout, but he was perfectly formed. His eyes
were blue. bright and expressive; he was a
little short-sighted. His nose was STRAIGHT
and well-shaped, his mouth small and agree
able. The rounded contour Of his face, As
well as his profile. resembled that Of his august
mother. His forehead was somewhat bald,
but this gave to his whole countenanoe an
open and serene expression. and his hair, Of
a golden blonde. carefully arranged az In the
heads on antique canoes or m~edallions. seemed
made to receive the triple crown Of laurel,
myrtle and olive. He had an infnity Of shades
OF tone and manner. When he addressed men
Of distinguished rank. 1t was with dignity
and afrability at the same time; to persons OF
his r%etinuc. with an air Of kindness almost
familiar; TO women Of n certain age. with defer
cnce. and to young people. with an infinite grace.
a refined and attractive manner. and a coun-
tenance full Of expression"
On June is and 10, 1912. the Russian troops
evacuated wilma. and the entry Of the French
Immediately followed. The defects Of Ma
poleon's commlssariat were already discern.
able. for the French army had not had broad
for three days. The author Of these memoirs
was speedily presented to tho French En-
peror. and was bold enough TO wear the decor
alton which she had received from the Gar.