The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-08-18
THE RUsE DIX GUkRRR.
AN EPISODE IN THE LIFE OF MURAr.

While Italy was in possession Of the French,
a munity broke out in one of the regiments sta
toned at Livoume. Napoleon, when he heard
Of il, determined to make an example OF the Of
tenders, and commissioned Murat 10 punish the
nngleaders.
Murat soon arrived at Llvourne, and ordered
the sedtious regiment to parade to the place; he
then told the soldiers that he had been comman-
ded by the Emperor to punish them for their ms
conduct, and that he would have every tenth
man in the regiment shot. The force Of his ges-
lures and language, coupled with the authority
Of his name, caused the men to submit at once.
They became greatly alarmed, threw themselves
on their knees before him, and prayed for mercy;
but he was infiexible. He ordered the regiment
TO be confined in the citadel until the day sp-
pointed for the execution While there, the SOL
dleTs sent Populations continually to Murat, be-
seeching him to intercede for them with the En-
peror. They seemed so penitent, that at last
Murat sent them word that if they would select
three men 10 be shot, he would pardon the rest.
The victims were soon designated, and their ex-
ecution was appointed for the next morning. In
the mean time, the rest of the men remained
close prisoners. In the middle OF the night, the
three soldiers, who were to die the next morning,
were sent for by Murst. When they came, he
said to them
You will be shot tomorrow. hope you will
| endeavor, by dying bravely, to remove the stain
from your names. will promise to convey your
last wishes to your parents. Have you thought
| OF your mothersi Tell mel (Sobs choked their
| utterancel They would have been proud of you
If you had died on the battle field, but here-oh!
unhappy men!-gol viii send you priest to
offer you the consultations Of religion. Think Of
God and FTance-you are no longer of this
worldl' .r. ..-.-.s
The soldiers threw themselves at his feet not
to ask for their lives, but for his pardon before
| they died.
As they were going out. he called them back
'Llstenp said he; ST give you your hives, will
| you be honest menu
mo, we want to de- answered one of the sol.
diersI I'VE deserve death-let US be shot
But If / do not wish you to die, will you still
say soi have never shed blood but on the field
| OF battle. have never ordered my own soldiers
to be shot at, and do not wish to have you kill
| ed, for you are Frenchmen, and my brothers, al
though criminals
The soldiers could not restrain their tears.
Listen 10 me- continued MuIat; you have
committed great crime, but as you seem 50 pen
ltent, will spare your lives. You must, how
ever, be considered dead, especially by your own
regiment. Tomorrow, before day, you will be
conducted TO one Of the gates Of the town, there
you will be shot at by file of men; you must
".
As soon as the last file has turned into the cross
street, man whom have hribed will place you
IN cart and carry you to the country; there you
| will ind some sailors clothes and one thousa nd
| francs for each Of you. You must secrete YOUR
selves somewhere for three days; in that time an
Amencan vessel will be ready to sail for New
Orleans; you must 60 in her Col viii take
| care Of your families.'
The soldiers bathed his feet with their tears,
II Il 49, 4 4
them.
Every thing happened as Murat had foretold.
A severe example was given TO the regiment.
and Napoleon thanked Murat for having sacri.
| feed only three men. The Emperor was happi-
| ly deceived, and never became cognizant of the
ruse played off upon him. Murat's plan was
not revealed till after his death.
In the fall Of 81, young man, who was
hunting near New Orleans, was ovevertaken BY
thunder storm. He took refuge in a part of
the forest, and soon perceived q small cottage,
IN little clearing" at a short distance. He
approached It and knocked at the door. II was
opened by an old woman, who invited him to
enter, and led him into q small but neat hall,
the walls which were decorated with portraits Of
Napoleon, (surrounded by laurel branches,) and
numerous engravings of his principal battles.
aft seems" said the young hunter, ''that my
good star has conducted me 10 the house Of my
compatriot"
ayes. sir" replied the old lady, tive are French
people MY con IL in the garden; viii call
him." she continued.
| "Yoor son Is French alsof''
eyes, sir" replied the old lady hesitatingly;
che has been established here for long time,
| and thanks be to God he has not repented it,
That woman b his wife. We live respected
unhappy" w - 6. .
| "This gentleman said his mother, s'has
done ~ the honor to stop fbr little while under