Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-08-18
MISCELLA A N Y.
THE WALLACE OF SWEDEN.

Some three or four nunoreu years ago,
the two small kingdoms of Denmark and
Sweden were in continual state of feud
with each other, in much the same manner
as England and Scotland used to be about
the same period, and from very nearly the
same causes. 1t was always great object
with the Danes to add Sweden to their
monarchy-an arrangement which the
Swedes by no means liked, but which they
more than once had to submit to. Christian
H., king of Denmark, usurped the Swedish
crown in the year 1920, and was no soon
er proclaimed king, than he set about de-
stroying the dearly-cherished institutions of
the country land putting many of the noblest
Swedes to death. One of his greatest afro
cities was the beheading of ninety-four
Swedish noblemen, in the course of few
days, in the market-place of Stockholm, be-
sides consigning may more to dungeons in
different parts OF Denmark.
This conduct on thepart of Christian was
not relished by the people on whom he had
imposed himself as king. They, very ma
turally, murmured at the loss of their liber-
ty, and resolved on seizing the first favor
able opportunity Of restoring their national
independence. 1t is to be remarked that
in almost all such cases of national disaster,
whether in ancient or modern times, some
daring spirit has arisen to combat with the
usurper, and strike patriotic blow for his
country. Wallace of Scotland was one of
these heroic men, and Sweden had such
another in the person of young noble
man named Gustavus Vasa. This intrepid
individual, who was a descendant of the
old royal family of ofSweden--a family which
had enjoyed the sovereign power prior to
the national misfortunes..was endowed with
many excellent qualities of mind, and his
handsome person and noble countenance
prepossessed all in his favor. His artless
eloquence was irresistible; and his prudence
was equalled by the courage and boldness
of his conceptions. Having made himself
conspicuous by his endeavors to avert the
thraldom of his country, he was seized by
order of Christian, and lodged in Danish
prison. Ir the solitude of his dungeon, he
resolved that he would deliver Sweden from
the usurper. He first directed his attention
to the gaining of his own personal liberty,
which he at length with some difficulty ef-
fected, and forthwith fled in the disguise
of peasant taking path which led him
back to his native country.
The adventures of Gustavus are now :ull
of interest. The narrow escapes which he
made from his enemies, who were every
where searching for him, resembled more
those of romance than the events of sober
history. 1t is mentioned that he wrought
for some time in the iron mines as COM
mon laborsr; but being very nearly discov.
cred while in this situation, he consulted
his safety by leaving the spot, and wander
ing towards the poor hllly region of Dale
caria, where he imagined he should find a
secure retreat. The place to which he
bent his steps was the residence of dis
banded military officer named Peterson,
whom he had formerly known and benefit
ed. "Peterson-we here quote the account
given by Sir Robert Ker Porter in his Irar-
els in Russia and S1ceden-Peterson receiv-
ed him with every mark of friendship, nay,
treated him with that respect and submis-
sion which noble minds are proud to pay
to the truly great, when robbed of their ex-
ternal honors. He seemed more afflicted
by the misfortunes OF Gustavus than that
prince was himself; and exclaimed with
such vehcmence against the Danes. that,
instead of waiting proposal to take up
arms, he offered, unasked, to try the spirit
of the mountaineers, and declared that him
self and his vassals would be the first to set
an example. and turn out under the COM
mand of his beloved general.
"Gustavus was rejoiced to find that ne
had at last found a man who was not afraid
to draw his sword in the defence OF his
country, and endeavored, by the most i'm.
pressive arguments, and the prospect OF
suitable recompense 70. the risks he ran, to
confirm him in so generous resolution
Peterson answered with repeated assuran-
ces oftidelity; he named the gentlemen and
the leading persons among the peasants
whom he hoped to engage in the enterprise.
Gustavus relied on his word, and, promis-
ing not to name himself to any while he
was absent, some days afterwards saw him
leave the house to put his design into exc
cution.
MI wa. indeed design, and black one.