THE BATTLE OF HAINAU.
NAPOLEON AT ARCIS-SUR-AUBE.
During the night between the 16th and 17th of February, 1814, Napoleon, accompanied by a small escort of Polish lancers, reconnoitred the enemy’s line, when, on leaving Arcis, he was attacked by a corps of Russian cuirassiers and Cossacks. The Poles, commanded by Skrzinecki, their captain, rapidly formed in a square about the Emperor; and though the enemy in their front were supposed to be six times their number, they succeeded in repulsing them, and rescued Napoleon from his imminent danger.
NAPOLEON AT ARCIS-SUR-AUBE.
FILIAL ANXIETY OF A CONSCRIPT.
During the campaign of 1814, the services of every French soldier were required for the defence of that empire, then invaded from all quarters. On one occasion, as Napoleon was passing along the line on horseback, a soldier stepped out of the ranks, and presented his arms; “Sire,” said he, in offering a petition to the Emperor’s notice, “my mother is old and infirm, and is dependent solely on my labors for subsistence.” Napoleon was forcibly struck with these words, uttered with timidity, and took the petition and rode on. On arriving at head-quarters, his first care was to read the petition, which stated that the soldier’s poor mother was in great necessity; that her only son, who supported her was called upon to fight for his country; and that he now sought permission to return and perform his first and most important duty. On this, Napoleon issued an order to the sub-perfect of the arrondissement where the old woman resided, to seek her out, and to tell her that the Emperor would take her under his protection, and give her 1200 francs with a pension. At the same time the poor fellow’s colonel was directed to tell him to be at ease on his mother’s account, as the Emperor would provide for her, but his services could not be dispensed with, as soldiers were required to oppose the enemies of his country.
