The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-01-22
Miscellaneous.
The FOrget.Me.NOt.
THE FLOWER FOR A MOTHERS GRAVE.

the name Of Morvan.
Pierre brave man, according to his own ac-
ceptation of the word; and, as it usually said ia
the regiment, he was rough as leather He was
always the first and the last in skirmish; he was
said to love only two thngs-the smell of powder
and the kissing of balls Those who had seen him
on the field of bnttIe-his eye flashing his mousache
brstling and his nostriIs dilaed, and throwing him
SELF into the thickest Of the fght-were wont to say
that carnage n fancy ball for Pierre.
Now, fine day our friend Pierre took it into his
head address letter to his Colonel, asking leave
Of absence, to go and take Of his old mother,
who dangerously sick; he added that his father,
who about rs years old, and paraytc, could af-
ford assistance to the old lady. lie promised to
return as soon as the health of his mother should be
restored.
The Colonel replied TO Pierre Pitois, that the reg-
ment expected every moment to receive orders to
join the army, and consequently that there was no
hope Of dismissal or leave Of absence.
Pierre Ptois made no complaint
a fortnight; passc! away and the Colonel received
another letter.
Pierre announced to his Colonel that his mother
had died, without the satisfaction of having her
to bestow upon him her parting blessing. Pierre
this time solicited leave of absence for month lie
proessed himself unable explain the motive of his
solicitude to obtain his leave of absence''t
was family secret" But he most earnestly suppl
Gated the Colonel not to refuse this favor.
The second letter orPerre was as unsuccessful as
the first. The Captain Of the poor soldier remarked
to him, "The Colonel has received your letter; he s
sorry for the death Of your old mother, but he
grant you the favor that you SEEK tomorrow the
regiment will quit Strasburg.
"Ah! the regiment quits Strasburgh! And where
is it going, If you please?''
''To Austria We are going to visit Vienna, my
brave Pitois. We are going to fight with the Aus
trims. There's comfort in that, isn't there /?
That's where we are going, my brave fellow.
Pierre Pitois made no answer. lie seemed to be
plunged into deep rcveric The Captain took him
by the hand, and shook him soundy -"What's the
matter , Are you deafto-dny' l tell you that with
in a week. you are to have the pleasure of fighting
the Austrans, and you do not thank me for my good
news. Surely you did not hear me-"
"Yes did, Captain understood you perfectly
thank you heartily for your intelligence, which is
ally good news"
elbow now ~
"Reay, Captain; then there is no means of OBJ
tanning this leave of absence?'
care you mad, Pierre A leave of absence on
the eve ormarching!''
'sI didn't think of that. We then going to join
the army. AT such moment they do not grant
leave of absence!''
"They don't ash leave of absence at such a
time
"That's right They do not ask it It would be
cowardy. Very well, wont ask again. give it
all up
"That's right, my fine fellow"
The next day the 9th regiment of tho line enter
ed Germany The next day Pierre Pitois DEsER-
TED. Three months after that, while the 18th reg
ment Of the line after having gathered ample har-
vest of glory, making a'Ftriumphant entry into
Strasburg. Pierre Piois was ANONYMOUSLY dragged
to his corps by brigade of gems d'armes. Soon az
ter council of war was assembled, and Pierre Pitois
was accused of having deserted, at the moment
when his regiment to meet the enemy, face to
face.
| The council of war presented a singular spectacle.
On one side there prosecutor, who read fol-
lows
ssPerre Ptois you, one Of the bravest soldiers Of
the army; you, upon whose breast shines be star Of
the legion of HONOR you, who have never received
either punishment or reproach from your superiors;
you have deserted your regment-deserted it almost
on the eve of battle-and that without the induce
mcnt of any considerable motive. Whatever motive
you may have had, however, the council demands
to know it; for they would be happy to be able
not acquit you-Qor they neither ought, nor wish
to do Mat)-at least to recommend yout the kind
consideration Of the Emperor"
IN the other side the accused REPLIED: 81 deser-
ted without any cause-without any motive-and
do not regret it. If it to do again, l would do
it again. have deserved death. Let me be con-
demned."
Some witnesses came forward, who said, s'Pierre
Pitos did desert. We know it, but we do not know
how to believe it, Others said, 'Pierre Pitos is de
ranged. The council will not condemn an insane
man. It is not to death, but to the hospital, that he
oughttO be sent"