Prince Hatzfeld, the Prussian Governor of Berlin, at the time that city
was taken by the French, imprudently sent Prince Hohenloe, by letter,
certain information respecting the movements and condition of the French
army. This letter was intercepted; upon which Napoleon directed the
appointment of a military commission to try the Prince on the charge of
treason and espionage.
Previous to the sitting of the commission, however, the Princess
Hohenloe sought and gained admittance to the Emperor, by the aid of
Duroc. Napoleon appeared touched by her situation; and directed his
_aid-de-camp_ to write to Marshal Davoust, who was at the head of the
commission, to suspend judgment.
The Princess protested the innocence of her husband. Napoleon said with
kindness, “Your husband has placed himself in an awkward situation;
according to our laws he merits death.” Then taking the fatal letter he
requested her to read it. The Princess trembled with fear. Napoleon took
the letter again, and threw it into the fire; saying “Now, Madam, I have
no proof of your husband’s crime--he is pardoned!”
[Illustration: NAPOLEON’S CLEMENCY.]