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.] THE TURNPIKE OF CLICHY. Previous to Napoleon’s abdication the Allied army had approached and even entered Paris, and taking possession of the _Faubourg des Batignolles_, compelling the National Guard to repair to the Barrière de Clichy, where some slight skirmishing occurred, until it was announced that an armistice would forthwith be made. This armistice was the precursor of those treaties in which Napoleon gave in his unconditional abdication, and retired on a pension, to the Isle of Elba, whence shortly after he succeeded in making his escape, and once more, though fortunately for the last time, disturbed the peace of Europe. [Illustration: THE TURNPIKE OF CLICHY.] THE RETURN FROM ELBA. It was about five o’clock in the afternoon of the 1st of March, 1815, that Napoleon landed at Cannes, in the Gulf of Juan. From thence he proceeded toward Paris with his little army, then consisting only of 500 grenadiers, of the guard, 200 dragoons and one hundred Polish lancers; these last being without horses, were obliged to carry their saddles on their backs.