Varieties - General Marceau
The Gazette of Cologne published the following story, sent by its correspondent in Koblenz, which
nowadays is a compulsory subject of all conversations. The fact was also reported by the Patrie of
November 10th, 1858.
“It is a known fact that below Emperor Francis’ fortress, just off the road to Cologne, there is the
monument to the French general Marceau, fallen in Altenkirchen, and buried in Koblenz, at Mount
St. Peter, where the main part of the fortress is located. The monument to the general, a truncated
pyramid, was later removed when the fortification of Koblenz started. However, by expressed order
of the late King Frederic III, it was reconstructed in the place where it stands today.”
“Mr. de Stramberg, who in his Reinischen Antiquarius, provides a very detailed biography of
Marceau, saying that many people have allegedly seen the general riding his horse at night and for
several times, wearing the white mantle of the French hunters.”
“Since some time now the word around in Koblenz was that Marceau would leave his burial and
many people have attested to have seen him. A few days ago a soldier guarding the Petersberg
(Mount St. Peter) saw a white knight, riding a white horse. He shouted: “Who is that?” As he did
not get any answer back, after three enchanges he shot the apparition and then passed out. “Hearing
the shooting a patrol hurried to help and found the sentinel unconscious. He was taken to the
hospital, gravely ill, where he was nevertheless able to report what he had seen. Another version
says that the soldier died as a consequence of the adventure. This is the story that can be confirmed
by everyone in Koblenz.”
ALLAN KARDEC
