Captain Jerome Bonaparte

The principal figure in the accompanying spirited sketch is Captain Jerome Bonaparte, of the Chasseurs d' Afrique, the most dashing body of cavalry in the French service. They are mounted on Arab horses, are composed of picked men, and have done good service in Africa, in the Crimea, and in Italy. Captain Bonaparte (he has since been breveted major) distinguished himself greatly at Solferino, where he commanded a squadron, and by his skillful maneuvers and gallantry, held the enemy's cavalry, far superior in numbers, in check. This young man an American, and is the grandson of Jerome, the youngest brother of Napoleon I. Jerome commenced his career in the French army. On a cruise in 1803 he visited New York, and proceeding to Baltimore, became enamored of Miss Elizabeth Patterson and married her. Napoleon, however, who coveted princely alliances for his house, disapproved of this marriage, and declared it null and void.

The young wife, who sailed for Europe to rejoin her husband, was not permitted to set foot on French soil. She remained for a time in England, and while there her son was born. Her marriage with Jerome having been dissolved, she returned to the United States, where she has since continued to reside, and where her son married. His son, the Captain Bonaparte of our sketch, was educated at West Point, and served for a time in our army with the rank of lieutenant. Some time before the breaking out of the Crimean war he went to Paris, and met with a warm reception from his cousin, the emperor. Inducements were held out to him to enter the French service, and he accordingly did so. Immediate employment was given him in the East, where he displayed the gallantry and military genius of his race, and was rewarded with the cross of the Legion of Honor. The Italian war gave him other opportunities of distinguishing himself, which he eagerly embraced. He has by no means forgotten the land of his birth, and old American friends who meet him in France have no occasion to complain of coolness and hauteur on his part. He may be destined to play conspicuous part in French history hereafter.