Beadle's Dime Library No. 187

# The Death's Head Cuirassiers; or, Brave of All Braves

This Beadle & Adams weekly dime novel (May 29, 1882) presents "The Death's Head Cuirassiers: A Legend of the Old Guard" by Captain Frederick Whittaker, author of multiple serials including Nemo, King of the Tramps and Red Rudiger.

The story opens in August 1805 with Gabriel Lenoir, a fair-haired recruit joining an elite French cavalry regiment known for its dark-complexioned Gascon soldiers. Despite the regiment's prejudice against fair recruits, Gabriel claims he will become colonel. Sergeant Crocasse and trooper Hercule Forton ("Casse Tete") challenge him, leading to combat. While on sentry duty at the Pavilion of Diana, Gabriel overhears Napoleon negotiate war with an Austrian diplomat, then recognizes Gabriel as the trumpeter who captured a flag at Marengo. Napoleon promises advancement, giving Gabriel a silver snuffbox and instructions to report to his cabinet—establishing Gabriel's path toward officer status.