Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1851-11-29
MisreIIamru,t II 8
Joachim Murat.

FROM THE FRENCH OF merry, By MRS ST. TTMoN.
At the mansion of the Comtesse de Lipona
at Florence. as soon as the piano ceased to
accompany the airs of Bellni that is to say,
generally about midnight, the intimate friends
Of the family would draw together in a circle,
and relate tales and adventures until morning.
There is an inexpressible charm in these re-
unions. The saloon was still in disorder from
the ball or the concert but the dancers or the
artists had disappeared. The music was
scattered upon the desks; the card tables dis
played their fading lamps, with their four va
cant arm chairs: to SO much joyous hustle,
succeeded a quiet, familiar conversation; cof-
fee was served together with delicious waff1es,
stamped with the arms of the Queen, and
prepared by the former cook of Madame Du-
barry.
No one thought Of sleep during these de-
lightful morning soirees' The Courtesse de
Lipano used to say, Three hours of sleep are
enough for me; it is good habit that owe
to my brother the Emperor And the guests
took pride in conforming to habit which
came to them thus directly from Napoleon
On leaving the palace, we often saw the
CLEAN of the dawn upon the black colouade
of the offices, and upon the dome of San
spirito. s.
The Countesse frequently related to US
charming narratives, with that half French,
half Italian grace, which never forsook her
The illustrious dame had witnessed so many
dramas, so many festivals, so many misfor-
tunes that she was never at loss when she
designed to furnish her contingent to this traffic
in anecdotes.
One night the circle was closely grouped
about her arm chair; the noble dame had
| promised US something new, and her voice
faltered with emotion; her calm and beauti-
I ful face was agitated by some sad remem-
branee. Our silence seemed TO question her
respectfully; and she began: .- ..,,..-
4At the time when Italy was French, a Sc,
dition broke out in one of our regiments that
was in garrison at Leghorn. 1t was much
more serious affair than a common mutiny.-
The emperor appeared extremely irritated
when he heared the news; he resolved tc
make a severe. example, and Joachim wa,
charged with the duty of Furnishing the re-
fractory regiment The Emperor's order:
were precise and terrible; he wished for nc
court martials, but for the immediate execu
ton of the culprits.
Joachim arrived at Leghorn, assembled the
regiment upon the public square. and inform
ed the soldiers that be had received an ordel
from the Emperor to punish them, and tha
he intended to do SO. The Yehemence of hi!
words, his impetuous and menaclng gestures
above all, the authority of his name, had al
ready brought the rebellious troops to submis
sion. The soldiers cast themselves at his feet
they were humble and suppEant- Joachim
was moved he was always kind hearted; bu
he had received his orders; he repressed hi:
emotion, and with anger burning in his face
and in voice of thunder. he declared lis pur
pose to decimste the regiment.
The CONSERVATION of the troops was great
as you can imagine. The regiment confined
in the barracks, sent several deputations tc
Murat to implore his clemency. Officers anc
soldiers swore TO confront death in the frs
battle, beneath the eyes of the Emperor. Mu
rat was for long while infexible, in appear
anee at least; at last he seemed touched by
their submission. But the fault was SO great
his orders SO peremtory, that he demanded
that three soldiers, chosen from among the
most mutinous, should pay with their lives fol
the crime of the regiment. The three victims
were soon designated; they were put in irons
and their execution announced for the follow
ing day. The regiment still remained con6n
ed in the barracks. ..-.s.... .#
In the middle of the night, Joachim direct
ed the three soldiers to be brought before
him; seargeant, in whose prudence he coult
con6de, led them into his presence.
You will be shot tomorrow said Murat
The soldiers burst into tears. Prepare fol
death, and fall like brave men: it is the only
way to wipe out all memory of yonr crime. ]
charge myself with the duty of transmitting
your last farewells. your last regrets, to youl
fathers and mothers. Your families did moi
merit children such as you. Have you
thought of your mothers? Speak,! sob'