Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1852-09-16
THE WALLACE OF SWEDEN.

Sweden were in continual state of feut
with each other, in much the same man
liner as England and Scotland used 10 be
about the same period, and from very
tDearly the same causes. II was alway.
a great object with the Danes TO ado
Sweden TO their monarchy-an arrange
ment which the Swedes by no means
liked, but which they more than once
had 10 submit to. Christian II. king o
Denmark. usurped the Swedish crown in
the year 1920. and was no sooner pro.
claimed king than be set about destroy.
ing the dearly cherished institutions oI
the country, and putting many of the
noblest Swedes TO death. One OF his
greatest atrocities was the beheadiDg oi
ninety four Swedish noblemen, in the
course Of few days, in the market
place OF Stockholm, besides coDsigning
many more TO dungeons in different parts
of Denmark.
This conduct on the part of Christian
was notrelished BY the people on whom
he had imposed himselfas king. They,
very naturally, murmured at the loss of
their liberty. and resolved on seizing the
first favorable 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 unhappy
country. Wallace of Scotland was one
of these heroic men, and Sweden had
such another. in the person of young
nobleman named Gustavus Yasa. This
intre i'd individual, who was descend
ant of The old royal family of sweden
family which had enjoyed the sove-
reign power prior 10 the national misfor
tunes-was endowed with many excel
lent qualities of mind, and his hand
some person and noble couBteHance pre-
possessed all in his favor His prudence
was equalled bt the courage and bold,
ness of his conceptions Having made
himself conspicuous by his endeavers
to avert the thraldom of his country. he
was seized BY order OF Christian, and
lodged IN Danish prison. In the soii-
tude OF hi. 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 ler 9Th with some difficulty
effected, and forthwith fled in the dis
guise of peasant, taking a path which
led him back TO his native country.
The adventures of Gustavus are now
full Of interest. The narrow escapes
which he made from bis enemies, who.
were everywhere searching for him, re-
semble more those of romance than the
events sober history. tits mentioned
that he wrought for sometime in the iron
miRes as common laborer; but being
very nearly discovered while in this sit
uation, he consulted his safety by Ieav-
ing the spot, and wandering towards the
poor. hilly region of Dalecarlia, where
he imagined he should find a secure re-
treat. The place to which he bent his
steps was the residence of disbanded
military officer named Peterson. whom
he had formerly known and benefited.
"Peterson-we here quote the account
given by Sir Robert Ker Porter in his
Trarels in Russia and SDeden- Peter
son received him with every mark and
friendship, nay, treated him with hat re-
spect and submission which noble minds
are proud to pay to the truly great, when
robbed of their external honors. He
seemed more afflicted by the misforiunes
of tiusiavus than that prince was him
self; and exc aimed with such vehe. I
mence against the Danes, that, instead
OF waiting proposal to take up arms,
he offered unasked, TO try the spirit of
the mountaineers. aad declared that
himself and his vassals would be the
frs; to set an example, and turn out un.
der the command of his beloved gene
raj.
"Gustavus was reioiced that he had at
last found a man who was not afraid 10
draw his sword in the defence of his I
country. and endeayored, by the most
impressive arguments, and the prospect
OF a suitable recompense for the person
al risks he ran. to confirm him in so
generous resolution. Peterson an
swered with repeated assurances of f.
deity; ne named the gentlemen and The
leading persons among the peasants
whom he hoped TO engage in the enter
prise, Gustayus relied on his word. |
and, promising not 10 rame himself 10 /
any while he was absent. some days &C /
terwards saw him leave tbe house to nut
his design in execution.
'-ltwas indeed design. and a black |
one. Under the specious cloak Of zeal
Gus affection for tiustavus. the traitor 1
was contriviDg his ruin. The hone of
making his court with the Danish ,yrant.
and the expectation OF large reward.
made this second Judas resolve to sacri-
nee his honor 10 his ambition, and, for
the sake of few lducats, violate the !
most sacred laws of hospitality, by be.
traying his guest. In pursuance Of that
base resolution, he went straight 10 one
Of. Christians officers commanding in |
the province, and informed him that
Gustavus was his prisoner. Having
committed this treacherv, he had moi
courage 10 face his victim; and telling
the Dane how. 10 sorprise the prince,
who, hesaid. believed himself 10 be nm I
der the protection of a friend--sbsme ~
nh<r. = :