Napoleon and the Boulogne Flotilla.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 40, 8 March 1884, Page 5

Napoleon and the Boulogne Flotilla.

The following description of the incident when Napoleon nearly occasioned the destruction of the Boulogne flotilla has been forwarded to the lievue Politiqucct LitUrmre rom a private memoir. The writer, who was an eye-witness, says :—": — " One morning, when the Emperor was mounting his horse, he announced that he intended to hold a review of his naval forces, and gave the order that the vessels which lay in the harbour should alter their positions, as the review was to be held on the open sea. He started on his usual ride, giving orders that everything should be arranged on his return, the time of which ho indicated. His wisli was communicated to Admiral Bruix, who responded with imperturbable coolness that he was very sorry, but that the review could not take place that day. Consequently not a vessel was moved. On his return from his ride the Emperor asked whether all was ready. He was told what the Admiral had said. Ta\ ice the answer had to be repeated to him before he could realise its nature, and then violently stamping his foot on *the ground, he bent for the Admiral. The Emperor met him half-way. With eyes burning with rage, ho exclaimed in an excited voice, ' Why have my orders not been executed ?' With respectful firmness, Admiral Bruix replied, ' Sire , a terrible storm is brow ing. Your Majesty may convince yourself ot it; would you without need expose the lives of so many men ?' The heaviness of the atmosphere and the sound of thunder in the distance more than justified the fears of the Admiral. ' Sir,' said the Emperor, getting more and more irritated, 'I have given the orders once more ; why have they not been executed ? The consequences concern me alone. Obey !' ' Sire, I will not obey, 1 replied the Admiral, ' You are insolent !' And the Einpeior, who still held his riding whip in his hand, advanced toward the Admiral with a threatening gesture. Admiral Bi nix stepped back and put his hand on the sheath of his sword and said, growing very pale, ' Sire, take care !' The whole suite stood paralysed with fear. The Emperor remained motionless for some time, his hand lilted up, his e^ cs fixed on the Admiial, w ho still retained his menacing attitude. At last the Emperor threw his whip on the floor. M. Brui\ took his hand oft his sword, and, with unco^ creel head, awaited in silence the result of the painful scene. Rear- Admiral Magon was then ordered to see that the Emperor's orders were instantly executed. 'As for you, Sir,' said the Emperor, fixing his eyes on Admiral Bruix, 'you leave Boulogne within twenty-four hours and depart for Holland. Go!' M. Magon ordered the fatal movement of the fleet on which the Emperor had insisted. The first arrangements had scarcely been made when the sea became very high. The black sky w.s pierced by lightning, the thunder rolled, and every moment the line of vessels was broken by the wind, and shortly after that which the Admiral had foreseen came to pass, and the most frightful .storm dispersed the vessels in such a way that it seemed impossible to save them. With bent head, aims crossed, and a sorrowful look on his face, the Emperor walked up and down on the beach, when suddenly the most terrible cries were heard. More than twenty gunboats filled with soldiers and sailors were being driven tow ards the shore, and the unfortunate men were vainly fighting against the furious waves, calling for help w Inch nobody could give them. Deeply touched by the spectacle and the heartrending cries and lamentations of the multitude which had as&embled on the beach, the Emperor, seeing his geneials :ind officers tremble with horror, attempted :o set an example of devotion, and in spite )f all efiorts to keep him back, he threw limself into a boat, saying, ' Let me go ! let ne go ! they must be brought out of this.' [n a moment the boat was filled with water, rhe waves poured over it again and again, md the Emperor was drenched. One w ave arger than the others almost threw him jverboard and his hat was carried away, [nspired by so much courage, officers, ■oldiers, seamen, and citizens tried to succour :he di owning, some in boats, some swimning. But, alas ! only a small number sould be saved of the unfortunate men. Hie following day more than 200 bodies yere thrown ashoie, and with them the hat )f the conqueror of Marengo. The sad lay was one of desolation for Boulogne md for the camp. The Emperor groaned inder the burden of an accident w hich he md to attribute solely to his own obitinacy. Agents were despatched to all larts of the town to subdue with gold the nurmurs which were ready to break out nto a tumult."