The Court of Berlin had fled from Potsdam so precipitately that all the treasures which it contained were left for Napoleon and his army, who took possession on the 26th of October 1809. Buonaparte visited Frederick’s tomb; where he found his sword, sash, and the badges of several orders of knighthood. These he took, saying that he preferred them to all the treasures of the King of Prussia; that he would send them to the old soldiers who had served in the Hanoverian campaign, and direct that they should be placed in the _Hotel des Invalides_, as memorials of the victories achieved by the grand army, and as evidence of the vengeance it had taken for the disasters of Rosbach. [Illustration: NAPOLEON AT THE TOMB OF FREDERICK THE GREAT.] THE PEASANT OF THE RHINE. Some time after his alliance with the house of Austria, Napoleon, with the view perhaps of making the new Empress known and popular accompanied her on several journeys. One day while walking on the banks of the Rhine, he took a fancy to dine on one of its islands. They sat down at a table which overlooked a little farm. Napoleon desired to see the farmer, and despatched a messenger to summon him. Full of surprise, and doubt, the poor peasant hesitated to approach the Emperor; he advanced awkwardly, and his countenance fully expressed the embarrassment he suffered, and was unable to overcome. Napoleon questioned him respecting his farm, his family, and his necessities. The poor fellow could scarce find words to reply. The Emperor kindly encouraged him, and offered him something to drink, when the farmer, abashed at so much honor, hardly dared carry the glass to his lips; he attempted several times, and as often failed. At length he overcame his fear, and not only did he give all the information that was required of him, but ventured to point out changes which he would be glad to see.--1810. [Illustration: THE PEASANT OF THE RHINE.] THE REDOUBT OF KABRUNN. The brave Captain Chambure commanded a select troop called the _Compagnie Franche_. On the attack of the redoubt of Kabrunn, Chambure at the head of these troops threw himself into the redoubt, and cut the Russians to pieces--not one escaped,--for those who avoided the bayonet fell under the fire of the battalions of Clamon and Dubowski. A lieutenant, Connard, showed extraordinary coolness on this occasion; a ball having shattered his shoulder he continued to fight, throwing himself into the hottest of the battle. Chambure observing this, said, “You are wounded, your place is not here; go, and tell the General we are in the redoubt.” “Captain,” answered the lieutenant, “I still have my right arm; you have only the left!” And with this he reentered the battle. Chambure pursued the enemy as far as Kabrunn. At this place he wrote as follows to the Prince of Wurtemberg:--