_Birthplace of Josephine_ (Vol. v., p. 220.).--MR. BREEN'S able and
interesting Note seems to establish beyond dispute that Josephine was born
in St. Lucia, and not, as is commonly supposed, in Martinique.
But can MR. BREEN, or any other of your correspondents, speak to this still
more curious Query, whether or no she had African blood in her veins? I
heard it confidently asserted lately by a gentleman of high standing on
this island, who has business relations with Martinique, that such was the
case, and that either the grandmother or great-grandmother of the Empress
was a negress slave. He had the fact, he said, on good local authority, and
appeared satisfied in his own mind of the truth of the statement. The
sudden and surprising elevation of her grandson gives some interest to the
inquiry.