Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1851-01-02
Alislellaurous.
A THRILLING STORY.
INCIDENTS IN RUSSIA.

OK the 22d day Of May. 1871, battalion
Of the Military Colony, established at Noyo-
gorod, WAS drawn up Oh the parade ground
adjoining tue extensive barracks, construct
ed in the most ancient and solitary portion
of It's oi'y, wear tho Church af ST Sophia /
IN IfOut oil The ranks stood Genera L..
tall nan of fifty, remarkable for his cor
rect carriage, medgreness, salow complex
ion, and large, grey, restless eyes. He was
known throughout the camp for his brave
~, of which he had given many brilliant
proofs ia his campaigns IN Turkey aud
Persia; 1t was clear that domestic lnfelcl-
ties had soured his temper, or that his heart
had become hardened by The frequent APP
plic.dions of discipline, degrading IN It's
nature, aud often horrible ia It's effects
General l.. had become terror to the SOL
diers and scarcely day passed in which
his command was not slgnalized by acts Of
suci severity as well deserved TO be called
lerocious.
Il is known that this man cherished
profound attachment for u young girl, tie
daughter of an old Companion IN arms, XII
led in battle. He adopted The orphan child,
br,hght her up with care, aud never allow
ed her to be separated from ann. Aud she,
though grateful Tor the kindness OF her fa-
thsr, by adoption, was not the less govern
ed by an irresistible feeling of constraiDt
when IN his presence, the result of his
stern breyity of speech inperlous manner,
add cold severity Of his aspect. She was
known among his troops by the expressive
name Of SoLowioyA, Nightingale given
70 her IN recognition OF the grace with
rhlch she sang The wlld pathetic ballads of
ibe Selavonlans.
- Solowioya, To please the General, appear
ed at tbs reviews. One day she was sitting
nj a window of the Generals quarters, IN a
room on the ground floor, whence her eye
ranged along the extended ranks-and "a
bright flush overspread her features as her
glance rested for a moment on the handsome
Z features OF young Surgeon-M MAJOR Ivan
Poovoi, whose manly form was set off to a
tare advantage by the simple uniform of his
IaIliiary grade.
General l.. passed aud re-passed along the
fDnt lIue of the battalion without a single
word, but with irownIng brow and aagry
Expression on has features, Tor he perceived
hal some of the men were absent. Sud-
denly was heard che slow aud mullled beat
Of drum, aud from the extremity of the
plain was seen advancing a band of sol
dlers, each carrying IN his hand one of those
long rods which are still used ia the Rus
SIAN service as the tool of hateful punish
nent. Al this sight the General turned II
amazement TO has aids, and IN voice Of
thunder demanded who had given the order
and who was 10 be the victim.
A sergeant, conspicuous by his SCARED
and liyld conntenauce, dared before III,
General, sna,ched from him his sword
struck him on the face, aud coolly answer
ed, foa."
Al these words an electric shock seemed
10 pass siohg the ranks, aud CLEAN of hate
lighted up The habtually passIonless iea
ueut the officers advanced from the liue Il
sae rescue OF their commander; but in
noineR they were siezed, thrown to tn,
ground, aud menaced by half score o
bsyonets.
Ivan Was alone exempted, for his human
ny had won for him rie objections of The
hoops. A grenadler who stood near hun
whispered ia ms ear, ~ Whether the night
ale sings or remains silent, do not move
AIword, single step, aud you are dead"
discovering from his upor, General l.
gasped wnh each baud ose OF The bayone,'
Pdpi,ed at his brea3. tufded them aside
wifi powerful etioy, and cried out, witt
Rrccious glance along the line, "ro your
knes, vie brales. aud beg for mercy. OF
tiies viii not be shln enough on your back:
10 SPia.e your crimes"