It is true I see myself parted from my friends, separated from all I hold most dear on earth; I am alone, without stay or support; but the memory of my ancestors, the thought of my dear children, lead me on and rouse me to battle, and fighting under such banners how could I fail in courage or boldness? What greater proof of that boldness and courage could I give than my being here? I could have gone back to my adopted country, to the bosom of that tender mother, that gracious England to whom I owe an everlasting debt of love and gratitude.
From there I could have looked without terror upon the perils of the fight and seen the manœuvres of the enemy without fear of his darts. But I must always keep in the forefront of the battle, show myself in the breach, and guard against all blows.
Far from me be any shameful capitulation! May my hand perish rather than sign any degrading concession!
I have said it; I say it again, and shall constantly repeat it—
“To conquer, or die as I have lived. All or nothing!
“M. S. Newborough, Baronne de Sternberg,
née de Joinville.”
FOOTNOTES
[1] These documents, taken by M. Gaston Maugras from the papers of the Minister for Foreign Affairs (France, 319), have been published under the title of L’Idylle d’une “Gouverneur,” la Comtesse de Genlis et le Duc de Chartres. (Paris, Librairie Plon, 1904.)
[2] This was extremely amusing to my lively companions, who could not understand such an occupation.