Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1848-12-08
THE VILLAGE GARRISON.

Tt happened in the course OF the Thirty
Years War, that Gonsalvo de Cordoya, who
commanded the Spanish troops, then over
running the Palatinate, found it necessary to
possess himself Of little walled village, called
Ogersheim that lay in his way. On the FIRST
intelligence of his approach all the lnhab-
tants lied to Mannheim, and when Gonsalvo at
length drew near, and summoned the place to
surrender, there remained within the walls
only poor shepherd aud his wife, the latter
OF whom, having that morning brought lit
tie infant into this world of misery, was unable
to leave her bed and her husband, Of course,
staid with her.
The anxiety and distress Of the poor man
may be more easily conceived than described.
Fortunately, however. he possessed both
courage and shrewdness and, on the spur Of
the moment, bethought himself Of scheme
10 give his wife and child a chance Of escape,
which after embracing them both, he hastencd
to put into execution.
The inhabitants, having run OF In a ire
inendous hurry, had left almost al their
property at his disposal; so he bad no diff
Guilty in finding what was requisite for his
purpose-namely. a complete change Of dress
Having first ACQUIRED his lower man ii mi
litary guise, lie tossed away Lis shepherds
hat, which hereplaced with a huge helmet
"a world too wide :" he buckled long sword
TO his side, threw goodly cloak over his
shoulders, stuck two enormous pistols in his
belt, and putting on boots so Thick il the soles
aAd high in the heels that they lifted him
about half yard from the ground, he Casten-
ed to them pair of those prodigioUs gingliug
spurs which were the fashion Of the time
Thus accoutred he forthwith betook himself
to the walls, and leaning with pompous air
on his sword, he listened cody TO the herald,
who advanced to Summon the village to sur-
render.
Friend" said our hero. as soon as the
herald had concluded his speech, atel your
commander that though have not yet made
mp my mind TO surrender at all, I may posi-
bly, be induced to DO SO, provided he agrees
TO the three following conditions, in which
shall make no abatement whatever First
The garrison must be allowed to march out
with military honors; secondly, The lives
and property of the inhabitants must be re-
sPecte6; thirdly, They must be left to enjoy
the free exercise of the Protestant religion. =
The herald Immediately replied that such
preposterous conditions could not for a mo
ment be listened to; adding, that the garrison
was known to be weak, aud concluded bv
again demanding the instant surrender of the
place.
my good FRIEND" answered the shepherd.
do not be too rash. l advise you to Inform
your general from me, tat nothing but de-:
sire TO avoid bloodshed could make me thinl5
of surrendering on any terms whatever; and
please to add, that if lie does not choose rs
agree 20 those / have already stated, he viii
gain possession OF the town only at the point
of the sword; for l swear unto you, by the
faith of an honest man and achristian, as ve3I
rs by the honor OF a gentleman, that the car.
rison has lately received reinforcement lis
little dreams Of"
So saying, the shepherd lighted his pipe.
and pulled away with an air of the most cor
summate nonchaance. COMPOUNDED bv This
appearance of bolduess and security, the hef.
aid thought it prudent to return, and state b
Gonsalvo the demands which bad been n7ad>.
The Spanish general, deceived By this sho!y
Of resistance, ard Leiug unwilling to waste
either time or men in reducing this paltrv
town, resolved TO agree TO the conditions r
tered; and, followed by his troops, approach il
the gates. This lenient determination was
announced by the herald 80 the shepher.i,
who only vouehsafcd to say in reply, II f:d
your commander is a man Of some sense. ~
He then left the walls, let down the draw
bridge, deliberately opened he gates, and 81
lowed the Spanish troops to pour into tie
town. Surprised At seeing no one in tie
streets but strange looking fellow, whole
caricatuTe of military costume hung am !,
him ike pateh-work, Gonsalvo suspcc,. Ii
treachery, and Selling the shepherd, demand:
ed to know where the garrison vast
II your higbness viii follow me. I WIN
show you" answered tie rusuek.
keep by my stirruP, then exclaina:d
Gonsalvo. land on the least symptom that y55u
mean to betray me, | shall send bullet thrs3'
your heart
Agreed said our friend. Follow ns:,. !
> aniard, for | swear By tie word Of h