+ |
THE WEEKLY MESSENGER
Boston, Friday, July 1, 1814
BONAPARTE’S MAMELUKES
Paris, April 30 — The following letter has been sent by the commandant of Bonaparte’s Mamelukes (and the one immediately attendant on his person) to the editor of the Gazette de France.
"Sir — For a considerable time the most unfavorable reports have been spread respecting me; and it has even been asserted, that after having received a considerable sum from Bonaparte, my master, I quitted him at Fontainebleau.
I owe it to myself to avow the truth, and to exculpate myself from the imputation of an action which does not accord with a brave man, and of which I am incapable. During 16 years that I have served Napoleon, my conduct has always been irreproachable, and ought, alone, to have shielded me from all injurious aspersions.
The truth is, that after having acted as a man of honor at the battle of Arcis sur-Aube, and fought bravely in the presence of my master, I received from him a present, as the reward of my conduct; but I declare, that from the first moment of agitating the question of his dethronement, I have not received from him any remuneration, and I defy any one to disprove what I assert.
As to whatever may be said respecting me because I have not followed him to the island of Elba, I am not bound to enter into any explanations on that subject. Generals Bertrand and Drouet know the just motives which induce me to remain with my family."
ROUSTAM
+ |
-Napoleon Bonaparte
Internet Guide-
optimized for browsers 4+ (600x800)