POPULARITY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9755, 3 September 1917, Page 3

POPULARITY

To tho Editor “N.Z. Times." Sir,—l noticed the other day that Colonel Sir James Allen, in making his defence of General Sir Alexander Godley, is reported to have remarked that generals were often unpopular with their 'troops, and instanced Napoleon as a case in .point. Permit me to make two quotations from Lockhart’s "History of Napoleon Buonaparte”:—"The General himself appeared in the midst of the fire, pointing with his own hand two guns in such a manner as to cut off the Austrians from the only path by whiqh tney could have advanced to undermine tho bridge; and it was on this occasion, that the soldiery, 1 delighted with i his dauntless exposure of his person, conferred on him his honorary nickname of tho Little Corporal." (Chapter V.). "The French General himself passed the night in walking about tho outposts, so great was his anxiety. At one of these lie found a grenadier asleep by 'the root of a- tree; and taking his gun, without wakening him, performed a sentinel's du/j- in his place for about half lan hour; when the man, starting from his slumbers, perceived with terror and despair the countenance and occupation of his general. He fell on his knees Ibefore him. 'My friend,’ said Napoleon, ‘here is your musket. You had fought 'hard, and marched long, and your sleep is excusable; but a moment’s inattention might at present ruin the army. I happened to be awake, • and have held your post for you. You will be more careful another time.’ It is heedless to say bow the devotion of bis men was nourished, by such anecdotes as these flying over and anon from column to column.” (Chapter VII.) -Comment is ■ needless, except to say that if Sir James A-lleji cannot procure a copy of Lockhart’s book on Napoleon, I shall be pleased to lend him my copy, and should bo agreeable to his passing jit on to General Godleyi when he has (done wifc it. I think they should both read the book.—l am, etc., GEGiEAPHA.