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.
[Illustration: FILIAL ANXIETY OF A CONSCRIPT.]