The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-06-22
SKINNED ALIVE.
Translated from the French.
BY EARNEST SOLE.

4 very rich stranger, named Sunderland was
naturalized in Russia, and banker TO Her Ma
Ie5ty, Catherine. whose esteem and confidence
he enjoyed. One morning he was informed
that his residence was surrounded by guards,
and that the Master of Police desired to have
an interview with hIm. The officer whose
maine was RelIew, presently entered with an
air OF cLnsteInatIon.
Monsieur Sunderland, said he, 81 find my
self, with deep sorrow, entrusted by my graci-
Gus sovereign, with the execution of an oroer,
the severity OF which astounds and frghleDs
inc. | am ignorant too, by what crime, or by
what dereliclion, you have excited her Ma
Iesty's resentment TO such an alarming de-
gree"
Il sir" cried the banker, 81 am equally
unadyised, and my surprise for exceeds your
own. But what is the order? ?'
Indeed, sir, have not the courage to CON-
nunicate It,"
'What ~ exclaimed Sunderland, shave |
forfeited my Majesty's confidence 2"
'lf that were all, you would not see me 80
much distressed. Confidence lost, may be re-
established"
"Very we'll; does she think of sending me
back TO my own country"
THAT would indeed be unfortunate, but
your wealth could purchase happiness any
where T.
"My God!" cried the victim. twill she
banish me 10 the inhospitable wilds of Sibe-
rial"
"Alas one might return from banishment?'
'Will she imprison me ~
''lou might escape ~
Heavens! will she condemn me to the
dreaded laceration of the .knout 2"
That punishment is awful, but it spares
life."
What - screamed the terrified bunker.
choaking with fright, sis my life imperilled
The Empress-so good, so clement-who ad-
dressed Inc so kindly, so condescending, not
tw0 days since-wUuld she--l But l
cannot believe it. For pit,y's sake go on
death would be less cruel than this unendura-
ble suspense"
well, my dear sir" said the officer with
lugubnous voice, 'my gracious sovereign has
ordered me 10 skin y0u."
TO skin mel" slowly CALCULATED Sunderland,
regarding the police officer with fixed in
credulous stare. MAN, you are mad, or the
Empress has lost her reason, You would not
have received such an unheard OF order, with
out seeing lis diabolical barbarity."
''Alas! sir, did what dared 10 do under the
circumstances. | expressed my surprIse--iny
grief. hazarded humble remonstrances. But
my yaugust sovereign, reproducing me for my
hasiancy, ordered me in an irritated, impetu-
Gus tone, 10 comply with her commands, ad-
ding these words, which tingle in my year.
'Go aud remember il is your duty TO execute,
unmurmuringly, whatever commission may
condescend 10 entrust you with"
itwould be iinpossi~le lie TO paint the astonish-
ment, anger and despair of the poor banker
After permitting him 10 indulge freely his rage,
the officer told him he would allow 4 respite OF
fifteen minutes to prepare for his terrible fate.
Sunderland imprecated, raved, begged, i'm
pored-pressed him 10 allow him TO write a
note TO the Empress. The officer, overcome
6y his perseyering entreaties, carried note
from the unhappy man to an influential noble
man, not daring TO appear IN the presence OF
the despOtic Catherine, without executing her
order. The noblenan thought the Magistrate
crazy, bade him follow, aud instantly repaired
70 the palace. Being introduced, he explained
MS mission. Catherine listened TO the strange
recital.
'Jusi. Heavens" she cried, show horrible
Truly, Reilew is a fool Count, rum and order
tne insane wretch to deliver my poor banker
from bis foolish terrors, and 10 sci him al
liberty"
The nobleman soon returned, and found the
Empress consulsed with laughter. 81 see
plainly said she .'the cause of this incon-
ceisably iudicrous scene. | have had for some
years past beautiful dog, of which | WINS
very fond, and | had called il Sunderland, be-
cause II was present from my English friend.
he dog Is Just dead. ! ordered Reiiew TO
have him skinned; aud as he hesitaled,
eyinced some temper. thinking that foolish
vanity made him feel the commission degfa.
ding service. That is the cause OF this redicu-
ious farce"
The U. s. Ship Cyaae, Commander Payne,
sailed from Pensacola on the 7th inst for Phiia-