What more can I tell you?
The passage of the Beresina, the opposition at Wilna--Oh, ye gods of Thunder!--- But I feel that grief overcomes me, and that my language is becoming tinged with the bitterness of these recollections.
"Nature and Love were holding in reserve for me brief but precious consolations.

Released from my fatigues, I passed a few happy days in my native land among the peaceful vales of Nancy.

While our phalanxes were preparing themselves for fresh combats, while I was gathering around my flag three thousand young but valorous warriors, all resolved to open to posterity the path of honor, a new emotion, to which I had before been a stranger, furtively glided into my soul.
"Beautified by all Nature's gifts, enriched by the fruits of an excellent education, the young and interesting Clementine had scarcely passed from the uncertain shadows of childhood into the sweet illusions of youth.

Eighteen springs composed her life.

Her parents extended to some of the army officers a hospitality which, though it was not gratuitous, was far from lacking in cordiality.