Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-11-09
TArrll,nr Incident.

Thrilling Incident.
We copy the following from that excellent period
ical, the Democratic Review. 1t is from the pen OF
Henry Wikof Esq, ard written with his usual gra-
phic power, and portrays the estimation IN which
this country is held by the true republicans OF France
Two American Families, who were living In Paris
in February, 1848 becoming alarmed at the inereas
ing agitation of the capital determined only at the
last moment to leave for quieter neighborhood
and on the very day that the revolution broke out
they took their departure, and made all haste by
rail road to reach Hayre. They had not got more
than nine miles from Paris when the train stopped
and they were told by the conductor that the bridge
ahead of them was on fire, and proceeding further
was hopeless, and that it equally impossible Tor
them to run back for the rails behind them had been
already taken up. There nothing else to be done
than get out and return on foot at the eminent risk
of insult and outrage from infurated mob, that al
ready lined both sides of the road to the extent OF
thousands. This was situation alarming enough to
fill the stoutest heart with terror and its effect may be
imagined in the present, when there was only one
man to protect three or four ladies, with several
children to say nothing of enenes des chd6Tes and
small parcels. Their fright was excessive, but es-
cape was out of the question. Nothing could be
done but return to Paris and the gauntlet that
awaited them. They passed along in a drizzling
rain covered with mud, and borne down ny fatigue
Shouts and imprecations made the air resound around
them, for the very earth seemed teeming with armed
and savage men. With shrinking hearts they push
ed along dreading every moment to be wayaid, rob-
bed and perhaps slain, when to their infinite joy
they reached Paris and believing their trbulatlons
over. Hurrying through the Barrlere, they struck
down the first street that seemed to lead IN the drec-
ton of their residence, when OF sudden, to their
CONSERVATION they found themselves hemmed In be-
hind vast barricade, and in moment were sur
rounded and seized by hundreds of fierce and des-
perate insurgents disguised in masks, and armed to
the teeth who brandshed their weapons and threat
ed them with death.
"Ha han they shouted in furious tones, "you vile
aristocrats you have endeavored to escapc-but you
are not gone yet. And we'll take care of you now"
Their situation really fearful. Inhamed with
drink and passion these terrible men, further exas-
perated by the combat in which they were holly en-
gagged, were capable of any excess even to murder
The unhappy party seeing themselves cut off from
every resource threw themselves on their knees and
endeavored to their ruthless captors by suppl
cations and tears. They declared "they were no
aristocrats-but republicans like themselves-they
were of them in principle and sympathy-they were
not English but Americans. At which shouts of
bitter derision were returned accompanied by excla
nations and oaths, full of contumely and hate
You think you'll cheat that way, do you, by set
ting up republicans, and passing yourselves Oft as
Americans No, that won't do, as We'll soon con-
vince you" The danger increased every moment,
and cries of ga bas les Anglaise, - mort les reche
rose on all sides, amid frantic yells and demoniac
threats At this agonizing moment OF the ladies,
peril reused herself to one more heroic effort.
{" But what" she said, if we give you proof, my
friends that we belong to you-that we are fellow
republicans-that are not monarchlsts, but Amer
leans 2"
"The proof-the proof" they roared, in the
hoarse tones of the coming tempest.
Every eye was bent on her-every appraised arm
refrained breathless pause ensued. At this
lutionary period in France, family resident
there but had deemed it prudent to provide them
ISnJU ADoo Hap in
from Paris, by chance, the lady in question
stripped the banner from it's staff and rolled it up in
a package she carried with her. In the desperate
hope that it might now possibly stand her in stead
she unfolded and raised it alot. On of its white
stripes written, in large red letters Les Etats
Un1s d. An,erique-the United States of America
The display of the national ensign, proving beyond
question the origin of their prisoners, had perfect
" magical effect the powder begrimed mob around
them Off flew hats and caps, cheers rent the air
" Viue les Americans' VaUe lie drapedu de la t6erten
long live the Amerieans-long live the flag of lib
erty-was shouted from countless rude Threats. The
widest enthusiasm seized these tumultuous, but
gallant men They entreated thousand pardons
for their unthinkng violence, and in their frenzy fell
on their knees kissed the hands of the ladies' and
would, but for their earnest remonstrances have
ried them home in triumph. AS it was they detail
ed formidable guard and following the American
flag, which mounted on a lance, they escorted,
amid every token of respect and homage the CRATE
full objects of their democratic sympathies, back
again to their longed for residence
Nothing could more happily confirm all my spec
ulatons the reality of French affection for Amer
lea, which is found to be sure only among the
es since the upper classes naturally devoted to
aristocratic privileges, and seek alliance with any
| thing but democratic eommunitie.
To confirm in every particular the thrilling facts
have related, would be happy to give in full the
Of the parties in question, whose respectable
ty would be sufficient guarantee but as they con-
sisted chiefly of ladies, feel certain hesitation in
taking such liberty. I will merely state that
ceived these particulars from the 'heroine of the
flag herself, Mrs. ]. R. H, Of the Fifth Avenue,
New York
SOME ARTICLES LATELY SENT TO THE SMITHSONIAN
INsTITUTE.-The identical riuet which Senator Davis