I 230 THE MOTHER OF VICTOR HUGO. represent you and to give to the child a name that you have not belied and that you have so well illustrated : Victor or Yictorine will be the name of the child that we expect. . . Have the goodness to receive, citizen General, the assurance of our sincere attachment. Femme Hugo." On the 26th of February, 1802, the child was born — a poor, weak, ugly little creature, " no longer than a knife," his mother said. The doctor declared that he would not live, but Madame Hugo was determined that he should, and her devoted care saved him. He was christened at Besan^on, receiving the name of Victor- Marie, in honor of his godfather and godmother. In six weeks he was able to bear the journey thence to Marseilles. The family remained unbroken until the year 1802, although moving continually from place to place. But in that year Colonel Hugo was ordered to join the army in Italy, and as it was manifestly impossible for his wife to follow him at such time with three young children, he sent them to Paris. In Italy, however, Colonel Hugo so distinguished himself by the capture of Fra Diavolo and other exploits that he was appointed by Joseph Bonaparte, then King of Naples, Governor of Avellino. No sooner was he established in this province, the war ended and the country quiet, than he sent for his wife and children to rejoin him. This was in 1807, Victor being five years old. He remembers well many incidents of the route, especially his fear that the stage- coach would upset upon the steep mountain roads, and an extraordinary luncheon which they enjoyed in the Apen- nines, when, having become hungry before reaching a tavern, they entered a goatherd's hut in search of food. There was nothing in the hut but an eagle that the herds- man had just killed, and the drumsticks of this majestic bird, roasted over an open fire, served to appease the appetites of the three little Hugos. To their mother,
