The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-12-25
Miscellaneous.
Prosecutions ofthe Waldenses.
BATTLE OF SALABERTRANN.
BY ]. T. HEADLY.

cured the battle represented in the plate. |
Like the children of Israel in their march to
Canaan, the Waldenses wore compelled to |
6qht their way back to their ancient affairs
and possessions. Their journey occupied
thirty one days, and was marked by trials,
suherings herosms, almost miraculous es-
capes, such as are seldom found in the histo- |
~ of any people.
Having been compelled to leave Germany,
the exiles, after while, found themselves
scattered amid the cantons of Switzerland,
close on the confines of their native land
They had made two attempts to return, but
had failed in both. Still, however, they bold
" resolved on third. The hostility existing
between England and France and the known
sentiments of the Prince of Orange, just as
ended the English throne; together with the
reports Of tspies, that the French king had
withdrawn his troops from the farther side
sotthe mountains, encouraged them to make
one more effort TO regain their land. AS sta
ted in the preceding article, NJ. Arnaud,
clergyman, headed the expedition. Having
assembled in the forest ofNyon, they wait
ed for the arrival of their brethren from the
Grisons and Wurtemberg. These latter, to
the number ola hundred and twenty two,
had agreed to join them; but soon after set
ting out, they were all taken prisoners, and
marched over the Al ps TO Turin, and thrown
into prison. Finding at length that it was
growing dangerous to wait longer, Arnaud,
at the head of his gallant band, resolved to
proceed without delay. 1t had been whisper
ed about that the eXiles were plotting some
new expedition, which caused many strang-
crs to seek the forest of Nyon, bordering on
Lake Geneva. Of the unexpected supply of
boats furnished by them, Arnaud immediate
ytOok advantage, and pressing them into
temporary service, commenced the passage
of tho ola all
who had assumed the name ofM. de la Tour,
stepped into the midst of his followers, and
uncoverng his head, knclt on the ground,
and offered up n feryent prayer that God
would smile on their endeavors. Having
thus committed their cause to Heaven, the
Waldcnscs showed their boats from the shore
1t was warm August night, and little be-
fore midnight that iral fleet might have been
seen gliding over the blue waters of Lake Ge-
neva. No sooner did they step ashore than
they formed in order OF battle-in one col
umn, composed of nineteen companies in all,
they started on their perilous march. OF
their difficulties by the way, danger from
treachery, deceit, and open hostility, we can
meution but a moiety. In solid phalanx,
with their scouts thrown out on every side,
and their arms in their hands, and shut sout
from all reinforcements, they boldly entered
the heart ola hostile country, determined to
occupants oftheT homes, take and maintain
possession of them. Every village rung
its alarm bells at their approach, and armed
bands of peasants prepared to dispute their
passage; but the firm order and presence of
The Wadenses awed them into respect and
forced them to supply provisions and guides.
Now and then skirnish took place, and
few were killed; but the bold Waldenses kept
on their way for a long time without any Sc
pihstn cI los yl,af Inc,
ted Through gloomy gorges, where TWEEN
" brave men could have withstood a hun
dred, and over snow covered heights, they
passed on until they at length reached the
base ofthe "Huute Luce"
The mountain was covered with snow and
enveloped in fog;yet up its steep sides press
ed the wanderers. The guides endeavorcd
to lead them astray into the ravines that in
terSact it, where they might wander around
until the Savoyards could arrive and cut their
threats. But Arnaud, detecting the foul play,
threatened to hang them if they did not con
duct his band safely, and thus frightened
them out oftheir treachery. UP steps cut in
the rocks, they mounted in single file, and. at
length, reached the summit. Thence, sliding
down, one after another, on their ba cks, guid-
ed only by the white snow they reached, late
at night a few shepherds huts, at the base,
which they unrooled to provide themselves
with fuel. A cold and drcnching rain,which
lasted till morning. chilled their frames, and
hey arose .benumbed, yet still resolutc, to
commence the fourth days march. In soft
snow, foot deep, and pelted by an Alpine
storm, they began the ascent of the Col de
Bonnie lIomme. Along this pass of75OO feel
high, forts had been erected by the enemy,
and the Waldenses expected every moment
sangunary conflict; but their prayers had
Deen heard, and silence and solitude reigned
over the entertainments. Now hanging above
an Alpine cliff, ut midnight-now kindling
their camp fires in some quiet meadow-noW
swallowed up in fearful gorge. and nov
threading quiet valley, they slowly but
steadily approached their former home. At
length they reached the foot of mount Gents,
where 1t was reported, troops were waiting
to receive them. Nothing daunted, and,
trusting i'll that God whose protection thew
mad invoked, they began the ascent. No
language can describe the horrors ofthis pas
sage. The exles lost their way, and STUN
Died about in frightfu gorges. Several men
We're lost and taken prisoners, and gloom be-
gan TO gather over the path of the exiles. At
The foot of the Touliers they sounded their
trunpets long time to call the fiigitives who
n tI lost their way, and then marched on.
Upon the summit they saw, through the
NICK t,, log that crowned the height, a band of
s"o hundred armed men, advancing with
oe"tlhg drums to the charge. The latter,
however, gave way, and the exiles kept on
nhlll they came within three miles of tho vii |
'aSe OF Salabertrann. This was the eighth dav
G Sl 'neir march, and, weary and hungry, they
inquired ola peasant if they could obtain
PROVISIONS mt the village. $50 on" he re-
Gned' "and they will give you all that you de-
sire, and are now preparing warm SINNER
for YOU" The Waldenses understood the
tilnt, but kept on until within n milo orJ =