Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-07-26
A CORSICAN BANDIT.

y commltted another dtauiui h'e ~, ~
mating two gendarmes in the vicinity Oh Coree'
He has, hitherto, escaped the most aco'e Pu,'
suits ofthe police. The history OF this man
life would afford ample means Tor reflection,
exhibit, in terrible manner, TO what extraor,
binary lengths the Corsican mountalneers VIII
carry their revenge, or as II is here termed rem
della. The character / am about TO describe,
is by no means an uncommon one among the
inhabitants Of this island. About two years a.
90, Theodore received summons 10 repair 10
Aiaccio, for the purpose OF having his name IN
scribed among the conscripts who were 10 oe
sent off TO the army, as recruits. lhls call OF
authority he would not obey, but fed TO the
mountains Previously to his departure, he re-
oues,ed the Br;gadier Of the Gendarmes, with
whom he was acquainted, and whom he con-
sidered as friend, TO let him know, IN case or
ders should come TO have him arrested. The
Brieadier promised to do so, and Theodore
placed implicit confidence in his word. few
DAYS passed on, when he received an invitation
TO SUP with the Brigadier, who said that no or
ders had VET reached him respecting the arrest.
The unsuspicious mountaneer repaired 10 the
appointed place, and par'ook OF hearty meal
with the Brigadier. Wine was supplied In a
bundance, and Theodore became in complete
state of intoxication. He was then bound hand
and foot, and conveyed 10 the prison OF AJacclo.
The offence for which he was confined not be-
ing ofa serious nature, the privilege OF walking
in an outer court Of the prison was allowed him,
and without much difficulty, he escaped and
fec to his cottage; he armed himself with car
bine. proceeded 10 the barracks OF the gendar-
merle, and rushing into the apartment OF the
5rigadier who was at dinner, surrounded oy
his family, he fred the fatal weapon, and stretch
ed the wretched victim al his feet, welterlng IN
hi, blood. He then returned TO his village, as
sembled the inhabitants, and told them what
he had done, he swore that his revenge was NOT
in any degree satisfied, but that he would muir
der every gendarme who might come IN MS
way. The dreadful oath has been cruelty iui-
filed. and although every research has been
made and heavy rewards offered for his appre-
bers;on I'll is in vain. The country people
will give no information respecting him; and,
when an opportunity offers they afford him every
assistance, he wars with none but gendarnes;
five had already met death by his hands iast
wear. and two others have been assasslnatea oy
him within this month. Although enduring
the most horrid privations, and suhsisting only
on the game and wild fruits, with which the Isle
aboupds. his bed composed OF leaves, his haoi'
ta,ion cavern; yet, extraordinary as this may
appear, this outcast, or bandit OF mover spe-
cies. has never been accused OF having perpe-
tra,ed a single robbery II is we'll authenu-
Gated fact, that he has been seen walking win
French soldiers, With travellers, and even wrh
officers, in the discharge of their duty, and not
one individual had ever reason TO complain OF
his conduct towards them. Theodore is tall oil
stature, well shaped, dark complexion, lea
tures that express the most determined bold
ness, piercing bright eyes, thick, black ana
frowninc eyebrows, and the form OF his
limbs indicating giants strength, win the
swiftness of deer. His sombre and enthusl
astic character, his harsh and bitter words,
which speak death with prophetic energy, the
ensemble Of this extraordinary being strike the
VILLAGERS who know him with horror border
ING on respect. Several young men, among
whom Brusco is the most remarkable, have re-
Gently ioined Theodore, and these daring BAN
dit, strike such terror into the gendarmes sta
toned in Corsica, that they dare not stir out I'M
less in company. A young man came short
time since to Theodore, and asked to be enroll
ed with the bandilti. "What motives bring
thee here?" said Theodore. 81 seducedayoung
eirl, and the parents wish to maxi marry
her," "Re,urn instantly to her, said theu1ore,
sand if in six days she is not ressQrsd g fno-
nor. thou shalt die!'' The officers belonging
10 French brig were informed by shepherd
that il was the intention Of Theodore and his
band 10 make an attack upon them whilst they
were out on shooting party, and rob them OF
their fowhng pieces. The officers, who were
acquainted with the character Of the bandit,
nowise daunted, repaired to the valley Of LA
none. They were accosted by Theodore and
Brusco, who inquired whether they had found
much game. One Of the officers immediately
said, that they were informed Of his intentions,
bu, hoped they were not such as had been stat
ed. and that he would not offer to take away
their guns. AT these words, Theodore flew IN
TO the most violent anger, entreated the ofheers
TO tell him the name Of the inventor OF this oase
calumny, and swore that he would murder the
man who supposed him guilty OF such criminal
intention. He then added, with much coolness'
that he had killed good many gendarmes, thar
his revenge was not stated, and that he did not
fear the euillotne, since he who had destroyed
SO many. would soon put an end to his own ex-
is,ence. when circumstances required 1t. Anoth-
er wonderful fact is, that the brisand has feel