Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-04-26
THE NOBLE BOY.
By MRS. E. F. ELLET.


in conjunction with Penne Vicmur, passed down
the Portuguese frontiers to the Lower Quad lana.
Intending to fall Seville soon Soult should
advance to the succor of Badaics. In the begin
ming of April. while the French were dishcartcn-
cd BY the sudden news of the fall of that city,
Pcnne Nlllemur and MoriIlo. issuing out of Portu-
gal. crossed the Lower Guadiana. and seized San
Lucar de Mayor. This place was ten miles from
Seville, which only gariscned by Spanish
Swiss battalion in Joscph's service; aided BY
..Escopeteros,' and by sick and convacscent
men. The Spanards soon occupied the hei gifts
in front of tho Triana bridge, and attacked the
French entertainments, hoping to raise popular
commotion. Ballasteros on the other side had
advanced with eleven thousand men, intending 10
fall on Seville from tho left of the Guadalquiyer.
But the hopes entertained by tho Spanlards, of
being speedily IN possession OF Seville, were cut
off by piece of deceit False information
drotly given by Spaniard in tho French inter-
est. led Baasteros to believe that Sout close
at hand. whcreupon he Immediately returned TO
the Ronda; while Pennc Nlllemur, also warned
that the French would return, retired to Glib
raleon
This disappointment and failure in the cXccu-
ton of a favorable project, cherished for many
months. irritated beyond control the naturally Sc
we're temper of Morillo. 1t was evening; and the
division of the army under HIM were encamped
some hours march on their retreat. frepara-
tons night have been seen for military oxccu-
last skirmish, were according to the cruel prac-
ticc of many chiefs in those times to be put to
death. The captves were guarded by tllo OF
soldiers. and the executoners, waiting the word
of command to draw up, were leaning on their
weapons, and talking over the events of the last
| two DAYS.
| Just then Que of tho inferior officers, returning
to his tent after giving order to the men, was
| interrupted by boy apparently ten years of age.
who. scizing his hand, and speaking in an accent
slightly foreign, besought HIM with pitcous en-
treaties to procure him Abundance to the general.
The officer found on inquiry, that he was the son
of one of the prisoners, soldier distinguished
for his eminent personal bravery, who had not
been taken even when overwhelmed by numbers,
without giving and receiving many severo
wounds.
This soldier, weary and wounded, but invIncI-
ofena nc ei Of his cdna,eror was now 10 suffor
death with his companion in misfortune. The
terrible order had been given, for Morillo would
not be impoded IN his march by prisoners; and he
so hated his countrys enemies, that the bravest
and most generous among them could have found
no mercy at his hands. The prisoners little boy
refusing to be separated from his father. had been
suffered by the Spaniards to follow him.
'.You shall see the general boy. since you wish
it,. said the officer in reply to the chtd's passion
ate cntrcaties; 'but he will not grant your faith
ers life. San Lucas! but these French dogs
have given us too much trouble already -
i They entered the generals tent. Morillo. by
the light of lamp burning on tho table. was read
ing despatch he had just received. Two OF his
. officers stood near him; there was no one else IN
the tent. The brow of the chief was contrac ted:
and his ewes flashed as if what he read dlspeas-
cd him; and he looked up with impatient eX
clamaton the officer entered with the boy
The child. as soon Morio pointed out to
him. rushed forward and knolt at his feet.
NV hat does this mean - demanded the gene
raj.
..Spare him spare my father y sobbed the
youthful supplicant.
The officer explained his relationship to one of
the prisoners about TO be executed.
..Ah that reminds me-, said the chief looking
at his watch: ..Pedro, nine is the hour Let
them be punctual, and have the business soon
over"
A gain. with moving cntreates, the child be-
sought his fathers life.
.sDid thy father send thee hither ?" asked tho
general, sternlv.
NO. senor, he did not.
A nd how darcst thou them?
MY father has done nothing to deserve death.
answered the lad "IIc Is prisoner of war.
..Ha who taught thee to question my justice,
answer me =
NO one. scnor but brave generals do not al
WAYS kill their prisoners
Il kill whom | choose Numbered MorilIo.
land hate the French. Boy, thy father shall
die have said it-begone.
The officer made silent sign to the petitioner,
to intimate that there was no hope. and that he
must begone. But the boys countenancc sudden
" changed. He walked up to the general, who
had turned away. and placed himself directly be-
before him. with look of calm resolution wor-
| thy of martyr.
.Iear mo- senor.' said he; ..mv father is gray
headed he is wounded; his strength Is failing even
now, though ne stands up to receive the fire OF
YOUR men. | am young. and strong. and WE'LL
Let them shoot me in his place, and let my father
90 free
It was impossible to doubt the sincerity OF tins
offer for the face of tho devoted child was kIndled
with holy enthusiasm. A dark flush rusfied 10
the brow of Morillo and for moment he looked
on the boy in silence.
Thou art willing to die at length nc SAID
..ea- Il, t,.Icr1 Then. to suffer pam tor mn