The Second Funeral of Napoleon
Page: 12

Poule' and the 'Dolphin;' the echoes being repeated a thousand times
by the rocks above James Town. After two hours' march the cortege
stopped at the end of the quay, where the Prince de Joinville had
stationed himself at the head of the officers of the three French
ships of war. The greatest official honors had been rendered by the
English authorities to the memory of the Emperor--the most striking
testimonials of respect had marked the adieu given by St. Helena to
his coffin; and from this moment the mortal remains of the Emperor
were about to belong to France. When the funeral-car stopped, the
Prince de Joinville advanced alone, and in presence of all around,
who stood with their heads uncovered, received, in a solemn manner,
the imperial coffin from the hands of General Middlemore. His Royal
Highness then thanked the Governor, in the name of France, for all
the testimonials of sympathy and respect with which the authorities
and inhabitants of St. Helena had surrounded the memorable
ceremonial. A cutter had been expressly prepared to receive the
coffin. During the embarkation, which the Prince directed himself,
the bands played funeral airs, and all the boats were stationed
round with their oars shipped. The moment the sarcophagus touched
the cutter, a magnificent royal flag, which the ladies of James Town
had embroidered for the occasion, was unfurled, and the 'Belle
Poule' immediately squared her masts and unfurled her colors. All
the manoeuvers of the frigate were immediately followed by the other
vessels. Our mourning had ceased with the exile of Napoleon, and
the French naval division dressed itself out in all its festal
ornaments to receive the imperial coffin under the French flag. The
sarcophagus was covered in the cutter with the imperial mantle. The
Prince de Joinville placed himself at the rudder, Commandant Guyet
at the head of the boat; Generals Bertrand and Gourgaud, Baron Las
Cases, M. Marchand, and the Abbe Coquereau occupied the same places
as during the march. Count Chabot and Commandant Hernoux were
astern, a little in advance of the Prince. As soon as the cutter